Raised in a Barn

Life Lessons

2011-12-04T10:48:00.001-05:00

Wow....it has been almost one year since I last posted. I have so many things on my mind. The past two years have been hard for me in so many different ways.....but God's grace is always, always sufficient! He carries me through. Today has been a very reflective day for me and I am remembering a time long ago when I was a single mom with 2 small children....so hard and yet such a blessing. Exhausting, but blessed. It was so hard to be so young and have two small children when your husband tells you that he just cannot handle the responsibility of a wife and two children.....sometimes I think "gee, could you have told me that a little sooner"......then I know that without those two small children in my life...well, it would not have been my life. For as long as I can remember all I truly ever wanted was to have a house full of children. I did the best I could with little income but lots of energy. Did I make mistakes? You bet I did....but I have raised some very "wise beyond their years" children. Even my 8 year old has been described as an "old soul". I kind of like the term. When I look back at my mistakes, I see the worst one that I made was trying so hard to be a mother and a father to my two small children. You cannot replace what is missing in their lives no matter how hard you try. When they were small, I overheard one of them talking and saying "I wonder what Daddy is getting me for my birthday?" I knew the answer....so I wrapped a gift and put "love, Daddy" on that gift. It was the best gift they received....because their Daddy loved them and cared.... Their Dad did love them, but did not know how to show them that love.....even in something as small as a token gift for their birthday...the gift that says "I remember the day you were born and you are so very special to me." I let them get away with things that I should not have because I felt sorry for them having an absent parent. If there is one thing I can tell you today is when Dad is absent (whether Job or Divorce or for any reason)....stay strong and discipline your children. Yes, you have to be the tough one. You are the one there. Yes, you get tired, but when they have behavior issues at school, at home, and at church.....discipline them. You have no choice and they will eventually respect you for your decisions. Tough love is a tough term, but when dad is absent for whatever reason, Dad doesn't want to discipline them...he doesn't want to be the bad guy, and truth be known he probably feels guilty for "not being there" so the last thing he wants to do is discipline them. Be strong Mom, keep them busy, love them, hug them, but keep them in line. Do bible studies with your children, do daily bible verses with them, pray over them and with them daily. The Lord will provide not only strength for you, but a God fearing child who will one day appreciate his/her Mom on a higher level than you can imagine. Love the Lord God with all you strength, your might, your heart, and your soul....

Have a truly blessed day

So....it's been a long time

2010-12-26T14:50:00.008-05:00

So, It has been a terribly long time since I posted to this blog....let's see.
Larkin turned 7 this year, Clara and Jonathan turned 2, and Taylor and John turned 5. We have traveled more this year than any other year that I can remember of late.
We not only went to the beach and Disney again this year, but to NY, Philly, Hershey, Asheville, Memphis (for a CE, yuk! but we still had fun)! We have been to many Civil War Battlefields, learned some very interesting life lessons and spent more time on the road than I care to remember!
Our trip to NY was fascinating, we went with Carl, Laura, Caley, and Cavan! We did have a lot of fun and saw many sites that Larkin wanted to see...like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, M&M World, Hersheys, saw the Lion King on Broadway, The King Tut Exhibition, The American Museum of Natural History (Gum Gum Dum Dum), The Empire State Building, and The Top of the Rock.....rode the subway, took a few cabs, but mostly walked and walked and walked! Then we went to Hershey where we got to make our own candy bars! Yum! Then to Philly to see the Liberty Bell, US Mint, Constitution Hall, and finally Carley in the Thanksgiving Day Parade!
I had a tough year with some unbelievable junk from someone who had always needed my help but tried to drag me down when the path they laid for themselves went under....I may never understand fully why, but I know the truth and that's all I need to know! I think people have a general lack of respect and a huge reserve of selfishness....its not like it used to be and when respect is missing and selfishness kicks in.....enough said.....
I am so grateful for this amazing child that I have and his sweet Daddy...
My baby is so good to his Mommy and Daddy.....so good to everyone.....so Santa was good to him.... He tried to call his sisters and brother Christmas morning...he was so excited and just wanted to share with them....no one answered....but finally Brother called back and spent Christmas Day and night with him! Maybe Seth was right.....brothers do have a special bond...sister do too though....I know how close I am to my sister. I missed being at home with my folks this year for Christmas.....wish we had stayed through the holidays with them! On Christmas Day, my family goes to each granchild's home to see them on Christmas Day, get some hugs, play some games...The kids eyes light up....that is hard to replace....
If we were at home with my family, Christmas would be less stressful and so much fun! Granddaddy called and said how much he missed seeing Larkin on Christmas morning.....
I know just how he feels......maybe it is just something that we realize with time....the most important thing on Christmas Day is Jesus, family, and lots and lots of love!
Hugs, Laura

Brooklyn and Brandon Turn 7

2010-03-05T21:11:00.002-05:00

It has been so long since I blogged...I don't know where to start! Life has been very busy, very...
Brooklyn and Brandon turned 7 on March 2. It is so hard to believe how fast they grow up and just how beautiful they are!
Larkin is being baptized Sunday, March 7th on Mama's birthday....so, of course, Grandmama will be here to see her youngest grandchild's baptism. Mama and Daddy will be here, Seth and Katie, Brandy, Jason, Brooklyn, Brandon, Taylor, Jonathan, MiMi and John, Heather and Doug, Jordyn and Jadyn. My heart is so joyful! Larkin has talked about God and Jesus for as long as I can remember. He is really excited about his new life! I will post pictures later.
I have been working on Larkin's yearbook at City Park...fun! I have so many projects going on right now, I don't know how any of them are getting completed!

Our first UT Football game Sept 5, 2009...it was a blowout!

2009-09-08T20:53:00.006-04:00

Our first UT game of the 2009 Season. Of course it was a blow out...we won like 63 to 7....
It was really hot but we had a good time tailgating and hitting the Vol Village. Aunt Sissy went with us and it was a very good day! We were really tired though at the end of the day.....

My baby on game day with his Game Face....he

loves this and plans it long before we get to the game!

One of Larkin's favorite parts of the Vol Village!

My boys! Larkin has decided to wait until he is 27

to get married like Brother....fine with me! It is just

that the older he is the greater the chance that I will

look like the mother of the groom and not his sister! Bahaha!

Larkin and Maddie just hanging out in in tree on Game Day!

They had such a great time!

My baby boy!

Big UT fans.....like Father, like Son...

too bad Larkin looks so much like ME! LOL!

Aunt Sissy and Dad......we tried to get her in a UT shirt!

Larkin just did not understand....Grandmama wore one!

Maddie May (ok, so it was April!)....what a cutie!

And she Likes my baby boy....He likes her too!

Jonathan is turning one year old! Wow!

2009-09-04T11:29:00.008-04:00

My youngest grandchild, Jonathan, turned one on September 7, 2009 and Aunt Katie turned, well a year older on the same day! I took these pictures of Jonathan at our house a few days before his 1st birthday.....He is too cute!

Look! (one of his 1st and favorite sayings!)

My little UT man! WooHoo!

Yeah! Jonathan!

Brothers....Brandon and Jonathan

Love that smile!

John, Clara, and SIssy Lori spend the weekend!

2009-09-04T11:13:00.004-04:00

John and Clara and Lori spent the weekend with us. It was so much fun. Brandon and Taye came over and spent the night as well. Brandon was so good with Clara. He made me get my camera and take pictures of her...she was so cute!

I actually got Brandon in a picture as it was his

suggestion to take pictures...so he posed with Clara.

Of course Papaw had to get the tractor out!

John loves John Deere tractors.

Clara got up there, but did not like it at all when

Papaw cranked the tractor up!

Uncle Larkin with Clara Bell!

He loves his nieces and nephews!

Just a minute boys...let me get my helmet!

Larkin's 1st day of 1st grade! My how time flies!

2009-09-04T11:02:00.002-04:00

Larkin's first day of 1st grade! My how time flies. He said next year he wants a much longer summer. School is boring, boring, boring! He would much rather just stay at home with Mommy and Daddy and enjoy his life. This kid has it made! He does like his teacher (he said she was fantastic!) and his friends and I think he will like 1st grade. Keep your fingers crossed!

Destin 09 Family Trip

2009-07-15T10:49:00.010-04:00

Our family vacation: We left the day after Seth and Katie's wedding and had a great time in Destin! Some photos of our trip...Larkin had the best time ever!

My parents, sister, brother, and me

Lora, Jordan, Daddy, Mama, and Olivia

My twinlets....

My baby boy....and his Mommy

My baby's feet...he is getting so big!

Carley, Laura, Caley, Carl, and CavaRoo!

The Cayster!

Cousins! The two youngest...CavaRoo and LarkiePooh!
The only Fulp and The only Casteel....
These two will have to carry on our Family names!
I am hoping they each have 2 boys and 1 girl!

Seth and Katie's Wedding July 11, 2009

2009-07-15T10:48:00.011-04:00

Seth and Katie's wedding was beautiful and we all had so much fun! It was great! The kids had a blast, especially our two very outgoing Larkin and Brooklyn! What a perfect night!

The happy couple.

Yes, we look more like sister and brother than Mother and Son!
Maybe when Larkin gets married....THEN I will look like the Mother of the groom!

About to leave for the honeymoon...all smiles....

My precious daughter and I...

My little man admiring the view....

Larkin made Aunt Sissy take this picture...
Look closely and you will see Larkin's reflection
on the left side of this picture...pretty cool Aunt Sissy!

Caley, Brooklyn, and Carley...great shot (whoever took it!)
Thanks! My beautiful nieces and beautiful granddaughter!

Taye Bug and Carley Sue!

Jason, Jonathan, Brandy, Katie, and Seth

Yes, we still got it!

Getting rid of the "monkey suit"

And I was afraid he would dance like his daddy! LOL!
Ha, this boy got his moves from his Mama! Just like
brother and sister! YAY!

Elvis didn't have anything on this little man!

The original....sister and brother!

Jordan and Granddaddy "bustin' a move"!

Good genes run in the family...yes we look like
sisters too! Mama and me!

The best sister and the best identical twins
(and most beautiful) in the whole wide world!

Laura and my favorite brother, Carl
(and yes we do look alike and yes she has my name!) LOL!

Cavan taking care of Taye bug! How sweet!

See I told you! I'm not so sure Laura is
liking this too much since she is now older than me! LOL!

My angels....my almost triplets....
Uncle Larkin with his 1st niece and nephew...my
twinlets....Brooklyn and Brandon!

You go girl!

Brookie and Aunt Katie! She was so excited!

Aunt Betty, Aunt Nancy, and Uncle Raymond.
Aunt Betty, we wouldn't have made it without you!
Thank you for everything and for being here!

Baby Jonathan goes swimming on Father's Day

2009-06-22T07:27:00.007-04:00

Not to brag, but: This is one of the cutest babies I've ever seen splashing in the pool....of course all of Brandy's babies are gorgeous....all my grandbabies are beautiful....Just take a look:
Isn't he cute and cuddly!

Brookie, where did you go?

A sad Father's Day for Sissy

2009-06-21T08:11:00.005-04:00

We always like to post Happy Days and most of the time we do...but this morning, my sister called to tell me that Jim (her father-in-law) had passed. She was so broken-hearted...it broke my heart too. Jim was a wonderful man with a good..no a great heart! He will be missed. He was one of the funniest people I have ever met, always laughing, always happy, always fun to be around. A man who raised another man's children as his own...not many people can do that. I think that says a lot about a man. Heaven is a little brighter (and funnier) this morning.

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-20T23:21:00.003-04:00

Well Larkin could not wait so he gave Jeff his gift late Saturday night....a DVD and a card that plays music (of course). It plays "I've been watching you, Dad, ain't that cool, I'm your buck-a-roo, I wanna be like you and eat all my food (hmmm) and grow as tall as you are" and then he recorded his personal message of "Dad, you're the greatest in the whole wide world!" Which reminds me! Am I supposed to cook tomorrow? Oh wow! Ok, I'll figure something out! I love you honey, you are the best dad and husband in the world! Let's see if I can do what you do justice....here goes..... "Jeff, I love you, love you, love you, love you, love you!"

The Discovery Museum with John and Clara

2009-06-20T23:16:00.003-04:00

We had such a great time with John and Clara (Burt and Lori too) today at the Discovery Museum in Chattanooga. The kids had such a great time. Uncle Larkin and John....excuse me...Brother Larkin and John play so well together and Clara Ruth loves her Papaw! John wants a brother and Larkin wants a little sister. Larkin said he is tired of being the little brother and wants to be a big brother for a change...boy does that take some talking! Whew! No worries, he has plenty of nieces and nephews! Don't worry Lori, I am saving the dinosaur picture (I will keep it in a safe place until such time as it may be needed to hit Facebook! Remember none of me equals none of you!!! LOL!) It really was a cute picture though and a great day!

Grandmama and Granddaddy come to visit

2009-06-20T23:09:00.006-04:00

The weekend of June 6th is the weekend that Grandmama and Granddaddy came for a visit. That is the same weekend that John got to spend the night with his "brother" Larkin. We all had such a great time. Katie and Seth had another wedding shower that weekend as well. Grandmama and Granddaddy got to spend some time with Clara and Jonathan and Brookie and Brandon and Taylor and John and Larkin and Brandy and Jason and Lori and Seth and Katie....

VBS at Eastanallee

2009-06-18T22:44:00.009-04:00

The week of June 8th, Jeff and I had the pleasure of teaching at VBS this year and Larkin had a blast. He sang and did the sign language so well for all the songs! What a week! What a great week! Especially the closing ceremony when the Preacher got the pie in the face by none other than his PreSHUS Bride (the girls won!)!

John gets "Brother Larkin" time

2009-06-18T22:44:00.006-04:00

These two really know how to "ham" it up! They had such a great time and John really enjoyed his "brother" time with Larkin. It was the 1st time that John spent the night at Nana and Papaw's without Mommy. He said he needed "brother" time and since he has decided that Larkin is HIS brother and not Mommy's brother...well (this could be a ploy to get a brother of his own!). The boys played so well together...they went swimming, rode the John Deere tractor....which everyone knows is Johns favorite thing to do! John went to church with "brother" Larkin and we all had such a great time! Can't wait to do it again! The weekend of June 6th...

Seth and Katie's Showers

2009-06-18T22:43:00.003-04:00

Brookie and Brandon's Graduation

2009-06-18T22:41:00.003-04:00

Brookie and Brandon graduated from Kindergarten at Meigs North. Larkin did not have a Kindergarten graduation. Way to go Brookie and Brandon!

Art Camp

2009-06-01T21:08:00.008-04:00

Today Larkin started Art Camp. Initially, he wasn't too thrilled about going, but once he arrived, he was excited to see some old friends there and some teachers were dressed up in Mickey Mouse hats. They call Mr. Tony, Mr. Rat. He said he had a great day and he got to make a "damnation". He was so serious when he said it, that I had to keep a very serious look on my face while he explained. He tore off scraps and glued on eyes. He made a smile and tomorrow he gets to make the black spots on the body. You know the 101 "damnations." I could have laughed until I cried, but he was so serious. He got to sing and dance and act and do art. Of course, I had to call Grandmama and Granddaddy!

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-28T01:24:00.003-04:00

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!

Clara's 1st Birthday Party

2009-05-17T19:21:00.003-04:00

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

2009-05-17T04:50:00.023-04:00

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

2009-05-17T04:28:00.006-04:00

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!

2009-05-17T04:16:00.004-04:00

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?

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T20:10:00.005-04:00

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

2009-05-10T15:39:00.006-04:00

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

2009-05-10T15:38:00.011-04:00

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...

My Little Sparring Man........ He won a Medal for competition in Gatlinburg this past Winter in Sparring Competition!

Easter 2009

2009-05-10T15:38:00.009-04:00

Hunting Easter Eggs

Finding Easter Eggs

Posing in trees...pretty as a pictures...

Climbing trees

having fun...just a swingin'

Family pictures

Sweet, silly grins

More Family pictures

Group pictures with Grandmama and Granddaddy

Larkin and Caley Bug

JOJO

2009-05-10T15:38:00.007-04:00

Fishing 2009

2009-05-10T15:37:00.001-04:00

The boys fishing at the park....I think John is the only one who caught anything, of course they grew tired after just a little while and home we went. We sure enjoyed Clara going with us!

Mr. Sr. Green Belt.....

2009-02-13T08:53:00.003-05:00

Larkin earned his Sr. Green belt in TaekWonDo on February 4th! Way to go Larkin! He hasn't missed a testing yet....he almost missed this one as we were away on the skiing trip with the church, but he was allowed a late testing after we returned (at our expense of course) and he did it! This is his 4th belt in a row! When he gets his blue belt we will have to change classes and practices days and times which may actually work a little better for us. When Larkin returned for his 1st class after receiving his Sr. Green belt, he was leading the class and teaching the children that were not Sr. green's yet..... Larkin loves his TaekWonDo classes....Mom just wishes she had time to go.....if I could go to the same class that Larkin goes to, I could do it!

Almost Heaven, West Virginia

2009-02-02T21:10:00.002-05:00

So, Jeff, Larkin, and I went on a weekend retreat with EBC to West Virginia. We had a great time! Just look at this picture....it was Almost Heaven. The weather was perfect and the trip was very peaceful and lots of fun! This is one of my favorite pictures.....Awesome!Mommy and Larkin making Snow Angels....this was fun and so much easier than skiing!

Dad and Larkin sliding down the slopes on snow tubes...now this was totally awesome and really, really fast. Larkin says "you have to put your feet down near the end as you start back up the hill or you Will hit the fence! I'm serious. I mean it!"

My liitle man about to hit the slopes! Can you say "no fear!"

And he is off.....

Indi or was it Junior(?) at the Lost Sea

2009-01-12T20:52:00.003-05:00

INDIana Jones one minute, Jr. the next.....goodness how I love this little man! Larkin, Henry, and Harrison's back at the Lost Sea Sunday, January 12,2009

Christmas in Georgia

2009-01-12T20:50:00.004-05:00

We were in Georgia for Christmas this year and had a blast! Granddaddy and Grandmama were so happy to get to see Larkin's Santa Claus presents on Christmas morning....a treat that they don't always get to see. We had our usual family Christmas Eve at Granddaddy and Grandmama's and then Santa came to see Larkin at Granddaddy and Grandmama's house. Santa even left Larkin a gift in Tennessee at our house even though we were not at home. It was a basketball goal so it probably just fell out of his sleigh over Tennessee...it was so big and heavy! Larkin was so ecstatic and so happy to get what he asked for from Santa for Christmas....a Batman BatCave....that is it....Santa brought him a few more things, but that is all he asked for....a Batman Batcave.

Hoot finds a home in Kobbly Knob

2009-01-12T20:50:00.003-05:00

Hoot is the beginning of our farm family. I have been wanting cows, horses (fun but too much expense and time), chickens (yes, I said chickens), and a garden for quite some time now....you know getting back to the "good old days" (even though my Granny said there wasn't anything good about them!). The way our country is going now I think this is a very good idea and I feel more and more convicted of this daily. So, last year for Christmas Jeff got me Pecan Trees and this year he got me a cow...a Holstein...Hoot...Larkin named him...a "good Casteel family name" after Papaw Hoot and him (I called Larkin "Little Hoot" because he looked so much like JM when he was born!). I wanted to name him Hamburger but Larkin wouldn't let me, but for a short while we got away with calling him Hoot Veal Casteel.....Larkin caught on and shortened his name back to a good family name just plain old Hoot Casteel. I need to take a good picture of Hoot, he is quite the cutie and will eat right out of your hand, of course when you run out of food, he will start licking your pants!

Christmas at the Casteel's

2008-12-21T14:55:00.006-05:00

We had Christmas dinner at home last night and had such a good time! Lora, Chris, Olivia, and Jordan were here as well and Brandy and family and Seth and Katie.... Fifteen family members all at the same dinner table! Larkin was so excited to have his cousins and his niece and nephews with him for the weekend! Larkin and I also picked out Aunt Sissy's birthday present and gave it to her last night (not sure if we will see her again before her birthday....Larkin did a great job...Aunt Sissy really liked here new flat wallet....at first he wanted to get one with an S on it, but settled with one with the letter L on it for Lora!) Definitely a Christmas to remember.....one where a Mother has all her children together in the same room!

Here are a few pictures:

Our newest addition Baby DON THAN with the tradtional Christmas bow on his head!

Our Christmas Weekend

2008-12-19T14:23:00.005-05:00

No sushi for the little guy....just Mommy

Last weekend we took Larkin to the Opryland Hotel and went to see the Rockettes and How the Grinch Stole Christmas Ice. We had such a great time and Larkin had his picture made with the REAL Santa Claus! Larkin said he didn't want to see girls dancing and singing, but I told him there were characters there also....well, YeeHa, he had a great time and loved the Rockettes! Sunday morning we went to see ICE and I cannot even begin to tell you how many times he slid down the slides in that 9 degree room. If you go, they give you a large parka (clean - they put the parkas in the washing machine after you take them off) to wear. I will tell you that we layered our clothes, but before we got out of there I was wishing for a second layer of socks, gloves, and a NOSE sock (my nose was sooo cold!). It was so much fun and I would have loved to have taken all the kids with me! Maybe next year it would be fun to just spend the weekend together and maybe not do so many gifts!

Larkin sliding down the slide at ICE! Mommy and Daddy went too! It was fun!

The Gingerbread House 08

2008-12-07T15:24:00.003-05:00

The GingerBread House Gang! We had so much fun building the Gingerbread House and even more fun putting the candy on it! Taye Bug helped a little, but soon found other things to do! I could not believe how much fun we had....each child just settled into a certain job of decorating and it went really smooth! Isn't this a great group of children!

The Tater Tot...a million smiles a minute!

The Chubby baby brother (and everyone knows why!).

This child loves to eat!

He is growing so fast and is about 14 pounds at 10 weeks.

What a team (when they are not teasing each other!)

Brooke and Taye even ate part of the roof and they loved it, especially the candy!

Larkin's 5 year old pictures

2008-11-30T18:10:00.001-05:00

Today we put up our Christmas tree

2008-11-30T16:21:00.003-05:00

Today we put up our Christmas tree and started decorating a little bit. Then it dawned on me that I have not posted Larkin's 5 year pictures. I am going to get busy on that, that will be my next project. As we were decorating the tree, Larkin said this is the best Christmas ever! He is so excited and I am excited for him! This morning when he woke up, he said "Mom and Dad, you are the best Mom and Dad ever and I don't know what I would ever do without you. I would be so sad without you." He is so sweet and precious. He stops in the middle of conversations just to say, "Mom and Dad, I love you" He says it with such meaning and he truly does mean every word of it....I hear it also when he hugs and kisses his grandparents, his brother and sisters, his aunts and uncles. He truly does love everyone. Well, I need to stop for now and get busy wrapping gifts!

Larkin earned his green belt!

2008-11-29T09:39:00.004-05:00

Way to go Little Man! Larkin earned his green belt and Mom got to buy his Sparring Gear! Yeah me! It is so much fun and his instructor said he cannot believe how focused and intelligent this little 5 year old is....I said "well, we think so" and he said "no, really...I have never seen a 5 year old like him, you noticed I could not put him in the cubs with the children his own age..he would be too bored and he is doing very well, very well indeed"....(he never met his brother).....

Okay....there is where I have to say it....here goes....there is a scientific study out that shows that boys get their brains from their Mother's....it is true! Ok, I said it....there it is......

Larkin has fun telling people that he has his green belt and Mom just has a white belt. It costs so much to test...I'm thinking of testing at some point when he is not testing....and now that he has sparring gear....I may have to stop with a green belt....not sure I can afford for both of us to get into sparring! Good luck Laura with Cay and Cav!

Thanksgiving 2009

2008-11-27T21:38:00.002-05:00

Wow, we have so much to be thankful for this year....We had two new additions to our family, Clara in May and Jonathan in September. Seth and Katie came by and Brandy, Jason, Brooklyn, Brandon, Taylor, and Jonathan were with us for an early lunch. When the kids said the blessing, we paused for a moment and Brookie and I had another prayer....we even prayed that baby Jonathan's nostrils would get a little bigger so that he could breathe better! It was cute, sweet, and funny! Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor! I have no idea, but He created us and gave the most amazing humor to little children.....and I know He has a good sense of humor because we laugh daily with our children and grandchildren! These little ones really crack me up and I love it....every single minute of it! Besides, He gave me a baby at 40! Most people laugh at that....I say it is the biggest blessing ever! What an Awesome God we serve!

A Revelation...through the eyes of my Child

2008-11-22T14:28:00.004-05:00

Yesterday morning, I did not have to go to work and Larkin and I took our time getting to school. We went over a few bible verses and the next thing I know this wonderful little conversation occurred....it went like this:

Larkin said Mom, when I was in heaven, before God gave me to you, Brookie was my sister. We used to just fly around and play tag. She always tried to tag me on my side (on his ribs). We would fly right by God. I was so fast, but sometimes Brookie would tag me on my nose...one time she tagged me on the back of the head and knocked me down right on the clouds. God would hold us, He is my father and we were great friends. He played with us and He would laugh. Brandon would fly around too fast and God had trouble catching him, but then he went right, then left, and God caught him right in the face (like this)... Jesus was our big brother and He was a great big brother---almost like a father. God was too nice to me. When He found you, Mom, He wanted to give me to you. It is very important to have good Mommy's and Daddy's...so he said I could come live with you and I did. I miss Him, Mama, and I can't wait to see Him again.

When Larkin had finished his story....I said Little Man do you have any idea just how PRECIOUS you are? he said, "yes mam, I shore do"....... Do you see and hear what I do? He has this most wonderful insight and gift from God to discern this truth at his young age. God is his father and Jesus was a great big brother...almost like a father! Pray for us that we can nurture this gift in the path that he should go.... Aunt Betty always says that Larkin is so so special and that we do not yet fully realize how special he is....I can only imagine.....

Lordy, Lordy Carl is 40!

2008-11-09T21:01:00.003-05:00

We had a lot of fun at Carl's 40th birthday party! Some family and friends attended (a lot actually)...and we all wore our team colors. Thank God no one was there with FL on....I'm sure they would've gotten the boot! It is kind of cool having a 40 year old brother....I am hanging on to 29! So this is really cool!

Seth and Katie finally get engaged! And Seth gets treed

2008-11-09T21:00:00.005-05:00

Seth and Katie have a website with all their wedding info on it as well as some pictures.....
It is csethandkbeth.com
Check out their website and stay updated as this event unfolds....
Katie, I still need a picture for my blog....email it if you can!

Bo calls me on Sundays

2008-11-09T21:00:00.004-05:00

I get phone calls from Bo on Sunday's. I used to get an occasional letter, but now we get to email. It is so much easier to keep in touch this way. He also calls Brandy. Tonight Brookie asked me who I was talking to on the phone and I said oh, that was Bo...she said oh, "uncle Bo" and I said yes Brookie, it was Uncle Bo. How do you like the sound of that Bocephus!?!
Staying in touch with Bo has been very important to me because I love and care about him so much....as any mother would. I could no more walk out of his life than I could any child's life. It has been a good experience for me to continue to be part of his life and watch him grow and mature and learn from his mistakes. Some things are hard to understand, but I will always be here for you Bo.......always. I love you.

The Photo Shoot (as Lori called it!)

2008-11-09T20:56:00.006-05:00

AND THIS IS WHY!

Try getting 7 children together all ages 5 and under for pictures!

Well at least we tried!

Brothers!

Uncle Larkin holding Clara

The Princesses!

Brandy's babies....with new baby brother

Clara's Christening

2008-11-09T20:56:00.004-05:00

We were fortunate enough to be in Clarksville for Clara's christening and John's birthday party. We had so much fun and so enjoyed spending time with Lori, Burt, John, and Clara. Clara's christening was a wonderful day for us and the princess did so well during the service. She is beautiful and so very precious to us. God Bless you, Clara.

Burt, Lori, and Clara

Papaw and Princess Clara

Papaw's hand and Clara's feet.

Call me crazy but I love pictures of the kids whether it is their face, feet, hands, it is part of them and since time passes as fast as it does....I love these pictures that are uniquely theirs....

Uncle Larkin and John inspecting the big package and trying to decide where the best place to begin opening this would be? Ok, so one of John's other Uncle's (it is very hard to tell which one this is, since they are twins too!) is helping with this big present. John said he liked the John Deere tractor that Granddaddy and Grandmama sent the best!

Seth and Katie set the date

2008-09-26T16:06:00.003-04:00

Seth and Katie have set the date! July 11, 2009 will be the day that Seth and Katie get married! WooHoo! We are happy and excited for them and cannot wait until the wedding....it's about time Seth (after all 30 is fast approaching!) and you are behind on the baby schedule.....we are looking forward to grandchild #7 from you and Katie....all in good time! After all a woman of 29 with 6 grandchildren is doing pretty good! Yeah me! Did I mention that I love big families and babies like no other woman in this world!?!

Larkin earned his Yellow Belt and talked Mom into taking TaekWondo

2008-09-26T15:58:00.002-04:00

Larkin earned his yellow belt in TaekWondo at KUMC Thursday night. He is doing very well in TaekWondo. His favorite part is that when I started taking TaekWondo with him (I've been to 4 classes now and have 2 stripes ---that I earned in my 2nd class)....well, he outranks me and I have to call him SIR!
He also loves telling everyone my true age (since I tell everyone that I am 29 with 6 grandchildren).... He sings this song.....Momma's 44, and he sings it over and over and over again! Well, not anymore as Thursday was also my birthday. Brandon Luke said it couldn't be my birthday because I didn't have a cake! How true.....so I just decided to skip this one!
Larkin is getting better about going to school and received his first "grade card".....it was just as we expected.....it was excellent with a little comment about "him talking too much!" Imagine that!

Jonathan Duran Wade

2008-09-14T09:38:00.004-04:00

Jonathan Duran Wade was born September 7, 2008 at 2:09 pm. He weighed 6 lbs, 13 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long at birth. He is doing great and he is so handsome! Dark hair and Dark blue eyes. I prayed for months that Brandy's eyes would turn brown and at 18 months, they finally turned brown (from blue to hazel to brown!) Brooklyn has blue eyes, Brandon has hazel eyes, Taylor has brown eyes, and Jonathan.....we'll see. How awesome to have children with all different colors of eyes! It is just way cool! Jonathan will have to be the tie breaker! I'm thinking brown like Mommy. Anyway he is just so darn cute! Mommy is on the road the recovery and thank goodness Christy is here...she has been a life saver!

Baby Jonathan sucking his fingers,.....here's your sign....."hurry up and take me to my Mommy!"

Brandon, Brooklyn, Taylor, and Larkin looking in to see Baby Jonathan.....

Taye Bug is just happy to see Mommy!

Does she look like a woman who just gave birth?

Daddy looks a little overwhelmed and ready to go home!!!!....

Baby boy looks happy and satisfied!

Sissy looks tickled to be holding another baby brother!

Brandon Luke looks like he will be a great big brother!

Our Family

2008-08-17T18:35:00.001-04:00

The Karate Kid

2008-08-17T11:33:00.003-04:00

Ok, so it is really TaeKwonDo, but to him it is Karate and that is fine with me. He said he really loves it and doesn't ever want me to sign him off (since we signed him up)! His instructor was surprised to find how disciplined and focused he was, so he moved him up the 1st day to the next class. On his second day, the instructor had him calling the shots and teaching three older children the stances! Lookout world! Here comes Larkin!

The 1st Day of School

2008-08-17T11:25:00.002-04:00

Look at my baby boy opening the big old school door! This was hard, very hard. I am so grateful that he is so smart and able to go to school, but so sad that this time has already come. It happens all too fast, one day they are dependent on you for absolutely everything and the next off to school. He is so precious. I try sometimes to squeeze him and keep him small, but it never works. He says "Mom you have to squeeze from my head and my feet at the same time!" I try, but he is getting so tall, it is hard to reach his head and his feet at the same time....my baby boy is growing up....I might actually age a little with this one!

Larkin in the library. He loves reading books (I hope he always does!)
It seems that we are color-coordinated with our backpack and the Library!

PreSchool Graduation 2008

2008-08-17T11:16:00.003-04:00

The Granduation Boy! He was so glad to graduate from pre-school and move on to Big School!

Here he is admiring his medal for most Creative Imagination! His teacher said that one day she expects him to write sequels to every Super Hero movie ever!

A wink for MOM! Thank you baby!

Saying a prayer at graduation before moving on to BIG School where this isn't allowed.
How sweet and precious my baby boy is!

The Last Shower Together

2008-08-17T11:07:00.002-04:00

This is the last shower these guys got to take together! It has been so much fun watching these babies grow up...it's hard to believe that the time has come for separate showers. They had so much fun with Daddy/Papaw's shaving cream! I hope they always look this happy! Always!

For those of you who know Taye so well, just look at the "look" on his precious little face!

Thank you God for shower water to wash away the shaving cream! We have too much fun at Nana and Papaw's....no wonder they always want to stay!

Jeff's Birthday

2008-07-27T22:13:00.007-04:00

For Jeff's Birthday, we had a low country boil. It was great! It was also Mimi's birthday. So Mimi and John were here as well as Brandy, Jason, Brooklyn, Brandon, and Taye Taye. Seth and Katie were here and Lora, Chris, Olivia and Jordan. We had a great time. Larkin insisted that Dad have a race car birthday cake (sorry MiMi). It was a fun night and I got so hot, I jumped in the pool with my clothes on...you should've seen the look on the kids faces! They really do have a very cool Nana!!! Anyway, Seth made a "Volunteer" Corn Hole game for Jeff for his birthday...it was cool....even though he told us he was making it for himself...now he wants one..we had fun with it all weekened. Brandy and family got Jeff shorts and a pirate shirt that Brandon picked out (too cool, Lucas!) and I had the quilt that his Grandmother had made him quilted. It was such a neat gift. It was the only thing left in the house when we moved in (May 1999)....thank goodness. He wants to hang it on the wall...it was his "whirly bird" quilt. It means a lot to him. All in all it was a very good weekend. We also went over to Uncle Kenneth's house for a cookout Saturday night and got to see Uncle Robert, Aunt Curly, Aunt Tinker, Aunt Marie, Aunt Ally-O, Uncle Sherman, and lots of other family and friends. Everyone commented on Larkin and how handsome he is and dark and what a great disposition he has! He is a wonderful child and so much fun.
Update: Lori waited until Jonathan was born (since it was only a few weeks away) and made Jeff a coffee cup with all of his grandchildren on it (trimmed in orange, of course!).....he drinks out of it everyday! Taye Bug said "hey Papaw, dats me papaw, dats me, on the tup, Papaw!"

In case you are wondering or haven't guessed yet, No he did not eat the watermelon, he just licked the salt off.....but he had fun doing it!

2008-07-22T19:31:00.001-04:00

The Beach 2008 and a few memories

2008-07-22T19:27:00.004-04:00

I want to tell you all about our summer, but we have just been so busy.
We had such a good time with Henry, Harrison, Deidra, and Brian. Holly and Walker, TIffany and Sydney, Sharon, Mike, Wyatt, and Lauren (so now we know even more fraternal twins!). We can't forget Seth and Katie who came down and played with us for awhile. I have tried so hard to get them into my slideshow, but for some reason some of the pictures keep kicking out. Give me a little time and I will fix it!

Cindy, Marty, Pat, and Lyndsey entertained us while we were in Destin. When we got home, we brought Olivia and Jordan with us and we watched Lora and Chris' wedding video. How much fun it was to see big hair! Also, Little Pat was on there dancing his heart out like Seth and Brandy! How fun that was, we laughed and then Katie realized that Seth was almost 9 in the video and that I was holding him.....Larkin is 5 and I can barely pick him up anymore.....Is Larkin that much bigger than Seth or is Mommy just a little older now!?! Don't answer that!

JOJO and EE

2008-07-22T19:24:00.003-04:00

We had such a good time with the twins this past week...we wanted to go play tennis, but it was terribly hot....so we went bowling, to the movies, out to dinner, swimming, and some nights we were so tired....we just rested! You know you are all worn out when the kids say "let's just stay home and rest!" Brandy, Brooklyn, Brandon, and Taylor came and spent time with us as well as Katie! Thanks to Brandy and Katie the week went very well! I miss my "dollies" so much and can't believe how fast they are growing up!

Kung Fu Larkin

My baby boy is growing so fast and is now trying to order things for me from infomercials on my cell phone.....He is soo Good to his Mom!!!!

2008-07-19T13:33:00.003-04:00

Larkin has decided that I need those pretty bulbs that you fill up with water and place in the pot with your plants (my poor plants!); and a pocket book that holds everything including 2 bottles of water and and umbrella; oh yeah, and don't forget the green bags that keep your food fresher longer!

Well, to make a long story short, the 1st couple of times he grabbed my cell phone to call...well, he didn't get the whole phone number punched in.....as it turns out, he has now located the pause button on the remote (boy they really do learn about the remote far too young these days!!!)! So, now he pauses the tv, locates my cell, backs the TV up a little, and starts punching numbers. He really wants me to have these things and he says that I need them! I tell him "all I need is you!"

JoJo and EE went with us to buy Larkin's 1st school supplies!

2008-07-19T13:31:00.004-04:00

Can you say heartbreak!?! Thank the Lord that Jordan and Olivia were with us or I would have broken down in the store buying my baby boy's school supplies for Kindergarten. I am having such a hard time with this (thank God I work in a mental health facility.....I may need their services). You see, I KNOW just how fast it all goes from here. One day they are starting to Kindergarten, the next day they are driving, the next day it's off to college (and then I do melt down). I'm not a woman of many tears...no crybaby here....but there are some things that bring me to my knees....they are my children. I love them all so much and the grandchildren....whew.....You just have to experience it to comprehend the depth of it all....the love, the growing pains, the compassion, and the strength that is FAMILY. I love my BABIES.....every last one of them beyond measure!!!!!!!!!

Destin 2008

2008-07-19T13:31:00.001-04:00

All the kids were here

2008-07-01T03:45:00.002-04:00

Now, ask me if I even thought about getting my camera out?!?
Ok, Seth and Katie were here Sunday. Lori, Burt, John, and Clara were here Monday afternoon/evening as well as Brandy, Brooklyn, Brandon, and Taye Taye (they usually are here on Monday/Tuesday). After they had all left for the evening. I went to put my cell phone on the charger, noticed my camera on the charger and I said "Jeff Casteel, do you realize that all 5 grandchildren were here tonight and we could have taken a few pictures....and" and I guess I was a little excited about seeing everyone....I just forgot. Clara is growing and filling out and yes, she looks just like her Mommy. John weighs almost as much as Brookie and Brandon who are 2 1/2 years older than him. John has a very good appetite and eats well! He is solid as a rock and heavy to pick up. Brookie feels like a feather in my arms compared to John. He is not fat, just solid. Maybe he can teach Uncle Larkin to eat a few things. We had a good evening. Next time, someone please remind Nana or Naye Naye to get the camera out!!! Please!

Father's Day 2008

2008-06-17T21:42:00.005-04:00

Since we were all together in Winston-Salem, we had a little Father's Day bash complete with breakfast (Carl paid-haha) and presents. I think Daddy was a bit overwhelmed. He had wanted all of us to go to the reunion for years...we finally "got it all together" and went.....PLUS it was Father's Day! I made a hardback book of my UT family complete in a BIG ORANGE cover. I had comments and pictures from the past few years and wrote a note to Daddy in his and a note to Jeff in his....see, I can be sweet!!!

Fulp Reunion in Stokesdale, NC

2008-06-17T21:37:00.007-04:00

Jeff, Larkin, Seth, Katie, and I went to Winston-Salem for the weekend for the 26th Fulp Reunion held in Stokesdale, NC. Mama and Daddy were there along with Carl, Laura, Carley, Caley, and Cavan. Lora and Chris came up with EE and JoJo and they brought Aunt Betty with them. Aunt Barbara and Uncle John came up with Sherry and Everett. Brenda and Bobby King were there as they go every year. This year Jillian and Joanna came with them. I promised Daddy that I would put together a hard back book for us all to enjoy. I need to get busy.
Just hanging out in Old Salem (home to one of the original US Moravian communities)

Boys will be boys....one Fulp, one Casteel

Daddy and Aunt Betty with a couple of cousins from around Stokesdale, NC

Our family at the Fulp Moravian Church

Daddy and Carl in front of the house that was built by his great-grandfather, John Walker Fulp who married Ida James Fulp. In an era when power did not run and phones were scarce, it is said that he had the 1st phone in this area and he generated his own power from a generator in his shed out behind the house.

Lori's computer went KaPut

2008-06-06T21:05:00.002-04:00

If you are all wondering what has happened on the Newman home front, it is definitely a computer issue. Thank goodness she was able to save some files, pictures, etc. Say lots of prayers for them, they have many things going on right now with the move, house, etc.
We have had an update though and John is wearing UT boxers and sleeping in the big bed. He even brushed his own teeth! We are tickled that he is becoming so independent but would love to keep them little for as long as possible. Clara is beautiful and we get a shot here and there on the phones. As soon as Lori gets a new computer, I'm sure we will get caught up. Hopefully, they will be in Tennessee soon! We can't wait to see them again!
Love, Laura

Laura and Stephen's Wedding May 31.2008

2008-05-31T22:26:00.005-04:00

Larkin and Brandon were the ring-bearers and Brooklyn was the flower girl in Laura and Stephens' wedding (friends of the family). We all had such a great time and the children did an excellent job in the wedding.....not to mention how totally adorable they all were. People went on and on about how precious they were.....something that we enjoyed hearing over and over. The wedding was very, very nice and beautiful. See our doll and little men (dressed in their tuxes).

The three muskateers! AKA our "triplets"!

These guys are the best of friends!

Papaw with the Princess Brooklyn and our handsome Brandon Luke

Nana with the Princess. Is she beautiful or what!?!

I just love this look! I just love this child! Does every Nana feel this way!?!

Is he handsome or what!?! He is an angel, a true angel....

Mommy (aka Sissy Brandy) with Princess Brooklyn. Aren't they just beautiful!?!
I would just love to know what Brookie had come up with in this conversation.

Memorial Day with Henry and Harrison

2008-05-30T23:48:00.005-04:00

We had such a good time at Henry and Harrison's on Memorial Day. The boys play so well together. I had forgotten what it was like..... We can't wait until our upcoming beach trip with them. We enjoyed all the great cooking Memorial Day - thanks Brian and Dee! The boys enjoyed playing on the Slip and Slide, stomping through the woods, riding the jeeps, and just being friends.

Hey guys, watch this!

Harrison "Cutie Pie"

Henry the Innovator

Our 1st Visit with Clara Ruth Newman

2008-05-26T09:35:00.004-04:00

We enjoyed our visit with Clara, Lori, Burt, and John so much this past Memorial Day weekend. What an awesome sight to see our new granddaughter! The boys played and played. I took the boys to WalMart shopping of course...and we came home with lots of food and....yep, TOYS! John and I made a birthday cake for Mommy (her favorite). John wanted a piece of cake for breakfast....kind of sounds like his Uncle Larkin on that one. They rode the John Deere tractor, we had a water gun fight, we got to enjoy the "Three Man Band" (I'll have to snag those picts from Sissy Lori) and got to spend some quality time holding our precious new granddaughter. Sleeping Beauty!

Umm, I'm thinking I'll go to UT to college!

Larkin said "my brother-in-law can't wait to see me!"

Mommy holding the princess

Just don't back up Uncle! When you do I get dumped out!

The water gun fight was really fun as it was 97 degrees in Columbus on May 24, 2008
Columbus has changed so much since I lived there 15 years ago. I was simply amazed at the change.

Larkin's 5th Birthday Party

2008-05-18T14:02:00.006-04:00

We had Larkin 5th Birthday party on May 17th. Larkin had a SpiderMan Birthday party. Larkin and Mommy made the Spiderman cake. We had such a good time. Larkin had lots of friends and family at his birthday party. He greeted every guest as they arrived and took them straight to "Toy Central" (aka Larkin's Room). After Larkin's party, we went skating. This was our 1st time skating and we had a super time! Now, if we could just get to the driving range or golf course.....

Cool gifts! Thanks Everyone!

Taye Taye and Nay Nay

Swing batter batter batter....

The scramble for the candy

Brother and Katie

Jason and Taye Bug

And then, we went skating (for the 1st time ever)

Then, we went.....swimming! What a day! What a fun, fun day!

Happy Birthday Little Man!

Clara Ruth

2008-05-16T21:03:00.006-04:00

Well, Miss Clara Ruth finally made her arrival and only 1 day late.....Larkin said, "hey, she was supposed to be born on my birthday!" (I'll defer this one to Lori!...you got some splaining to do, Lori!) We are so happy she is here and it is just fine that she has her own birthday. Uncle Larkin was 5 on May 14th and Clara was born May 15th (our 5th grandchild). We are so happy and excited! Uncle Larkin is especially tickled.

Clara Ruth Newman was born May 15th at 12:42 p.m. and weighed 6 lbs 15 1/2 oz. She is 19 inches long. Mom and Clara are both doing well.

Isn't she beautiful!

2008-05-16T20:25:00.001-04:00

Larkin is starting to enjoy using my camera. He took this picture in B'ham last weekend. He's a really neat kid and awfully intelligent! Go Larkin Go!

2008-05-16T20:09:00.003-04:00

Larkin had fun last weekend in Gulf Shores. He played and played in the sand. Of course, we had to eat at the Original Oyster House, Lulu's, and Lambert's (Home of the Throwed Rolls). You won't believe this but Larkin ate a crab claw at Lulu's! He also ate an almond in Birmingham when we went to eat with Josh and Alicia and baby Caroline. My how my baby is growing up!

See my baby eating a crab claw for the very 1st time!

Sweet Baby Caroline "getting" Larkin. Larkin is great with babies, oh who am I kidding, everyone loves Larkin and Larkin loves everyone!

2008-05-16T19:59:00.002-04:00

We spent the last weekend in April at American Girl in Atlanta, well the girls went to American Girl and the men went to the Car Show. It was a fun weekend. We met Grandmama and Granddaddy there along with Uncle Chris, Aunt Sissy, Olivia, and Jordan. We were blessed to have Seth and Katie and Jason and Brandy, Brookie, Brandon, and Taylor join us. Larkin loves everyone so much and loves for us all to be together. What an awesome weekend!

Larkin's 5th Birthday

2008-05-14T23:01:00.003-04:00

Today is May 14th, 2008 and my baby boy is now 5 years old! My how fast he is growing up!

I have been thinking about how much my baby boy has grown this past year and all I can say is WOW. Four must be the best age in the whole wide world!

Today Larkin is 43 inches tall and weighs 43 pounds! I don't know how much longer I will be able to pick him up, but I love picking him up and holding him and kissing and squeezing him!
I love the way he hugs me and holds me and the way he "snuggles me up" at night. I love his sweet kisses and the way he says "Mommy, I love you so so much!" I mostly love how much he truly means it.

I love the way he still says "t-ball Cractice" (practice) and how he says "reg lee ar" (regular) milk. As you all know, Chocolate Milk is his favorite! I miss all the "baby" words he used to say like Movie Ater....now it is Movie Theater. I love how protective he is over his nieces and nephews. I love how he told everyone he was getting another Niece for his Birthday! He knew Clara was a girl long before we found out that Sissy Lori was going to have a baby girl. Larkin also said Sissy Brandy was going to have a boy and another boy it is!

I love how Larkin plays games and has such a vivid imagination. I love how he writes his name and how he notices every little detail in this world....and how he never forgets anything!

Larkin says "Mom, Dad, you can't believe what's coming on at 7:30, 6:30 central.....it's Batman the Animated Series!" (as he dun dun duns and holds him arm in the air like he is going to fly!)

Larkin is not a morning person and Daddy just some how does not understand that! (I had experience in this with Seth....so Mommy has it down pat!). SO, our mornings go something like this.....
Larkin: "Mom, Daddy is hurting my feelings, I just want to stay in bed in sleep. I don't wanna go to school."
Mommy to the rescue! I do silly things like say ok, Larkin, help me get your shirt on your legs...and Larkin says, "no Mom, my shirt goes on my arms and over my head." Well, let's put your pants on your head.... He laughs and I laugh and Daddy laughs and we sing silly songs and I get to carry Larkin in to breakfast while Daddy fixes it. Larkin wants Mommy to take him to school everyday, and I just love this....it's always just one more hug and one more kiss.... I love the "Mommy, I just miss you so much!" and I miss you too little man.

Larkin is just so personable and he cracks me up all the time. Like the other day when I said something about being pale. he said "Mom, are you a pale face? Why did you take my land?" My sweet little Cherokee baby!

He has the most wonderful and contagious laugh in the whole wide world (kind of like his Daddy's). He makes everyone happy and most importantly, he makes every one feel truly loved!

He finally spent some time away from Mommy and Daddy and spent a whole week in Georgia with Granddaddy and Grandmama and Aunt Sissy and Uncle Chris, Olivia and Jordan. He had fun. Cavan got to spend the night with Larkin at Grandmama and Granddaddy's house. Larkin also got to see Cavan's baby chicks. He thought that was so awesome. As a matter of fact, he was on the phone with me crying about how much he missed me and wanted me to come get him....he saw the chicks and said bye Mom. He missed his Mommy and Daddy, but did really well I think. Mommy, on the other hand, whew....well......let's just say it will be a very long time before he does that again!

The Orange and White Game

2008-05-02T05:43:00.005-04:00

These guys really know how to have fun and make our lives so enjoyable just being with them and watching them grow!

A NEW CAR TAG FOR SETH AND KATIE!!

BROOKIE AND KINKIN (AKA LARKIN)

BRANDY AND BROOKIE

JASON AND THE BOYS!

We took our crew to the orange and white game Saturday. The kids had a blast "tailgating", watching the game, and just being together.....

Our Caribbean Vacation

2008-04-20T01:48:00.004-04:00

Larkin at the airport in Fort Lauderdale....Is he cute or what? He
had his Superman Backpack and his Batman Duffle Bag....the Superman Backpack was full of toys for the trip! He is just too cute! I could just reach out and squeeze him right now just looking at this picutre! On the Ship, the Imagination, he had a blast. He made many new friends, young and old alike. The Imagination was a good name for the ship my little man cruised on....he loved it and was busy here "karate chopping" the water.....being the SuperHero that he is.....
Here he is on the Pirate Ship with his new girlfriend, Riley in Grand Cayman. She is from Alabama (but don't hold that against her). She is cute as a button and has an adorable older sister, Walker. Walker and Riley not only walked the plank like Larkin, but they jumped from the top of the ship into the ocean as well. Larkin said they are "fearless!" They "swabbed" the deck and were just so cute!

Saturday (the barn cleaning) and Sunday Church

2008-04-06T17:15:00.005-04:00

So, this Saturday, we cleaned out the barn after 2 and 1/2 years of sheer procrastination! Seth and Katie came, Jason and Brandy (and the spoils go to this couple -- who seemed to load up the most to go home with!). We were all there (kids too) in our "it doesn't matter if this ever comes clean again" clothes! (Lori, Burt, and John were house hunting -- I wish John had been there though as the kids seemed to have a great time "treasure hunting!"). So, the barn is pretty clean and Jeff's blood pressure seems to be more normal today.....I found many things that I had simply forgotten about and many things that I have needed (but had no idea where to look to find it!)....Now, I have about 10 boxes to bring inside and find a home for those particular items...

Boy, how I wish I had pictures of this day! It was actually fun!

Then we took the babies bowling....they had a blast (I have a few picts of this, but need to get them off my camera). Brookie jumped up and down everytime she bowled....and you won't believe this but Brooklyn, Brandon, and Larkin all got a spare.....

Sunday morning we found ourselves at Sunday School talking about David (and how you can pass down junk or you can pass down blessings to your children and their children and their children's children....). Then when we went in to church what song were they singing except...an Everlasting God....the same song we sang over and over and the Living Proof Conference in Jacksonville. It is an awesome song full of power and grace!

Living Proof Ministries

2008-04-04T22:56:00.003-04:00

Beth Moore Conference in Jacksonville (sorry Lori, I had to borrow the pictures from you).

Travis Cottrell and the Praise Team from Nashville, TN

I was fortunate enough to head south two weekends in a row. Mama, Lora, and I went to see Beth Moore in Jacksonville, Fl. We had a great time! I am afraid that I am truly guilty of loving the praise and worship songs.....Music moves me and praise and worship songs move me in a way that nothing else does. I'm sure it is the Praise and Worship that gets to me everytime. Thanks to Lori and her friends, we had a room on the same floor as her group (and got to hear Sara laugh until 2 am -- it was her birthday!). We also had seats on the front row....Mama's knees thank you! Isn't God AWESOME! That is the FAVOR of GOD which is of itself an awesome experience! See how it came together? It was purposefully and divinely planned...and they were blessed! Grace, blessings, favor, and there's more.......so much more......

EASTER SUNDAY

2008-04-03T21:38:00.018-04:00

Granddaddy and Grandmama

Daddy and Mommy with the children

Tater Tot!

Daddy, Mommy, and KinKin

Jas, Bran, BB&T

What an awesome pict of BB&T

My Crew Plus Two!

Ok, so I'm a little behind on picts....

Here are some pictures of my wonderful family from Easter. Larkin actually spent Easter with his cousins in Georgia. This was his 1st Easter with everyone. The last Easter we went home was 2003 right after the twins were born and I was VERY pregnant with Larkin.. He had such a great time this year (I think we all did)! Thanks Aunt Laura for the Easter Sunday Dinner at your house! We all had such a good time! Larkin doesn't get to play with his cousins as much as he would like....what a great day we all had! Thank you God for this wonderful family!

BFF

2008-03-09T16:34:00.006-04:00

Nana and Brookie, BFF (Best Friends Forever), Brooklyn wanted to create this page because her Mommy told her that my Granny was my best friend. Her Mommy told her that if she talked to me about Granny that it would make me cry because I still miss and love my Granny very much. She did and I did. Brookie said that she and I would be Best Friends Forever just like I was with my Granny. What a brilliant little girl! She loves her Nana and her Nana loves her!!!!!

P.S. Brookie typed the BFF all by herself!

Nana sure loves her princess!

2008-03-09T16:03:00.010-04:00

Lightning McQueen!

A you're Adorable, B you're so beautiful,

C I can't believe you're really 5!

My how time flies by, my twinlets were 5 last week! It is not everyday that a woman becomes a grandmother and as such it is quite extraordinary when your 1st grandchild is TWINS!

One Girl, One Boy.....and they are ever so amazing. Thank the Lord that we had previous experience with twins in that my sister had the most beautiful identical twin girls just a few years earlier. Being blessed with twin nieces and being able to be big part of their lives has been such a blessing to me and they have been especially helpful with our youngest set of twins......there is such a kindrend spirit and we are all very much connected to each other.

The latest addition to our family

2008-02-24T21:40:00.006-05:00

OK, So this is Buster, Woof, Rascal, Jack, Rastas, or Buster
Woofie John Loon.....and Itchy.....not sure which one
will stick...right now he answers to them all!

WOW Brandon, I can't see you or the puppy......I love little boys in camo!
Ok, so by now you've guessed it.....we all got new sunglasses on our trip to pick up the puppy!

This is our fashion statement angel......Princess Brooklyn!

Yes, Baby Boy, I see those big beautiful brown eyes! You are sooo cool!

Larkin asked us the other day "how did I get such a wonderful Mommy and Daddy?" When I was able to breath again, I said "and how did I get such a wonderful little boy? Larkin said, "I don't know, God gave me to you!" Yes He did Little Man, yes He did!

"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath...."

author unknown.

Larkin's Imagination....

2008-02-16T14:02:00.007-05:00

Who could ever forget the Red Ranger!?!

Yes, It is Anakin Skywalker and we all know who he later became....of course, I always get to be the leading lady, when he is Anakin, I am Padama Amidala.... When he is in Star Wars Mode, he will also be Luke Skywalker or Obiwan Kenobi or just plain old Ben Kenobi......

This is the coolest Capt Jack.....oops, excuse me, that is Captain Jack Sparrow.....Arrrgh, Matey.

I love the dreadlocks!

When he is Batman (Bruce Wayne) I get to be Barbara Gordon (aka BatGirl!) Awesome! Daddy gets to be Alfred! Hehe!

When Larkin was 2 he could tell you (and he still can) that Batman is Bruce Wayne, Spiderman is Peter Parker, and Superman is Clark Kent! Now, just how many people know that!?!

Every Moment of Every Day, Larkin uses his imagination to the fullest....When he was just a liitle boy, I would say "Larkin" to which his response would be "Mom, I'm not Larkin, I'm ???? (whoever he chose to be at the moment). He used to say to me I'm Deananern...That was a hard one, but thank goodness, Daddy finally figured it out. He was the Green Lantern! These are some highlights of the past few "characters" that we live with on a daily basis. As O and J always say, Larkin is the only 4 year old with his own "Theme Song".....we always here him humming and then he appears.....he's (whoever????) today!

Uncle Chris's Dad

2008-02-16T13:42:00.004-05:00

Update: Jim is doing much better...

Larkin's Valentine's Party 2008

2008-02-16T13:29:00.005-05:00

Larkin and I made Valentines and cupcakes. We also made goody bags for his class. We had a fun week.
Larkin and Avery....they both like to have their pcitures taken. His class made Valentine hats and Valentine Mailboxes. The mailboxes were really "AWESOME" mailboxes!

Brandy and Jason Wade

2008-02-03T20:48:00.001-05:00

Brandy and Jason were married August 25, 2007 in Gatlinburg, TN. We are so happy for them and wish them only the best! The kids love their Daddy and Mommy AND Daddy and Mommy love the babies!

I am leaving this spot for my brother-in-laws

2008-01-22T21:04:00.002-05:00

We don't get to see them much, but they think it is neat to have such a young brother-in-law. Larkin is really a neat little guy and when he talks to people about his nieces or nephews, people usually say "you mean your cousins" and Larkin says "no, I mean my nieces and nephews." I have a niece, Brookie, and a nephew Brandon, and Taylor, and John..." well, you get the picture.

It took us a long time to get these pictures as Burt has been very busy at work and on assignments. When we arrived at their house, Larkin said "my brother-in-law can't wait to see me!"

Boys will be boys and always have fun doing so. Burt and Larkin May 2008.

Larkin and his cousins and as many family members as we can find

2008-01-22T20:24:00.005-05:00

Grandaddy and Uncle Chris going to the Father/Daughter Dance 2008. How much fun could that be!?! I am sure Granddaddy was tickled to get to go with his beautiful twin granddaughters!
We had to find a good picture of Uncle Chris to put in here because Larkin is going to name one of his children "Uncle Chris"....of course he is also going to name his daughter, Laura and his son, Jeff. He is also going to name his children, Aunt Sissy, Olivia, Jordan, Brookie, Brandon....well, you get the picture.....Just how many children are you planning on having Larkin? Well, he can't leave anyone out.....sweet baby has so many "favorite" people in his life!

Uncle Carl, Aunt Laura, Carley, Caley, and Cavan

Larkin really enjoys going to their house and playing....or to football games!!! We miss you and wish we could play more. Larkin loves his cousins and he "never gets to see them and play with them enough!"

Brother and Katie
Larkin takes good care of Brother when Mom and Dad are out of town! He says, "Don't worry Mom and Dad, I'll take good care of Brother while you are gone."

Larkin with Aunt Sissy, Olivia (aka EE) and Jordan (aka JoJo). These are Larkin's twin cousins. Larkin has a niece and nephew that are twins also (B&B). Actually, we have several twins in our families....

What can we say about Olivia and Jordan except we sure do love you and miss you!

Don't forget the only 4 year old with his own "THEME SONG!"

Baby Larkin with Daddy and Papaw

2008-01-22T19:22:00.000-05:00

This story would not be complete without Papaw. Papaw was so excited when he found out we were having a baby. He always said "children keep you young." He said he would give anything to have had more grandchildren, and more he had. JM said he thought he would hang around and see what we were having...when we told him it was a boy, he was so excited. Then we told him that we were going to name him Larkin. He said, "oh, that was MY Daddy's name." He thought the sun rose and set in Larkin. When Larkin was born, Papaw said, "I think I'll hang around a couple more years." AND, hang around he did, until Larkin was 20 months old.
Our 1st stop when we left the hospital was to see Papaw. Larkin had "Casteel" written all over him, and as such, I began calling him "Little Hoot" as his Papaw was known as "Hoot." Larkin still talks about his Papaw......and misses him too.

Larkin and his Grandparents

2008-01-22T19:17:00.001-05:00

So, Grandmama and Granddaddy, what do you think of our
young "Captain Jack Sparrow!?!"

Let me guess, you think he is definitely worth keeping!!!!

Grandaddy and Grandmama just love him, love him, love him!

UT vs GA.....A little "friendly" cousin Rivalry

2008-01-22T18:49:00.001-05:00

Ok, so by now you can tell that we eat, breath, and bleed orange! Go VOLS!

I really love this picture!

Larkin and Cavan.....can you tell how much these boys love football!?!

Grandaddy really appreciates this one! Thanks Aunt Laura for the picture!

Uncle Larkin with his niece and nephews

2008-01-21T21:50:00.000-05:00

I love the pictures with all the kids! We do have such a good time. I love hearing them talk and play. Like when Brookie says "I am the oldest, so I am in charge." To which Larkin responds, "no, I am the Uncle, so I am in charge." Then Brooklyn says "well, I was born first." To which Larkin says "they (Mom and Dad) make the rules for me, and I make the rules for you guys. Got it!?!"

I see you Taye bug

Carving pumpkins Fall 2006, Uncle Larkin and Brookie

I just love this one, the minute he saw the picture he
burst into laughter! Thanks Miss "Ice Lashes" for all your help!

Say uncle!!! Uncle Larkin and Brandon. Larkin said
they were not fighting, he was just giving him a hug!
Sure looks that way!?!

Uncle Larkin and John Christmas 2007. Here John,
let me show you!

My favorite picture of Sissy Brandy and Larkin

2008-01-21T21:46:00.000-05:00

Brandy loves her "big" brother!

Boo at the Zoo OCT 2007

2008-01-20T20:29:00.004-05:00

Nay Nay and Taye Taye
What an awesome little guy!

Seth (26), Mom (29),

Brandy (24), and Larkin (4)

Pocahontas makes a fasion statement!

UT games 2007

2008-01-16T20:24:00.000-05:00

TN beats GA again as usual (so why does GA rank so high?)
Will someone please explain the BCS rankings???
Everytime Larkin see this scoreboard, he says "oh yeah,
Now that's what I'm talking about!"

A few GA fans who wanted to see a REAL Football Game
(not you Steve, we know you are a true Volunteer!)
Mama was cut out of Brother's Will after showing
her TRUE Colors

Larkin and Sissy Lori (I think Daddy is really happy)
Larkin and Seth (Brother and Brother)

We had so much fun this year at the UT games. We enjoy tailgating with Brother. Sissy Lori came up and went to a game with us. Sissy Brandy, Brookie, Brandon, and Taylor went to a game with us. Grandmama, Granddaddy, Donnie, and Steve were all at the UT/GA game. What a great year! Of course we beat GA AGAIN!

The Outback Bowl

2008-01-16T20:17:00.000-05:00

Go Vols! LARKIN had the best time ever. We were on the same floor as the players and across the hall from Eric Ainge #10, UT quarterback for the Vols. We rode the "al a vator" with several players, Crompton, Foster, Ainge. We got to visit with cousin Phillip for a little while. It was quite a little trip and the Vols winning made it even better!

2008-01-13T22:14:00.001-05:00

Larkin and Smoky on the Vol Walk at Peyton Manning Pass. Peyton is Larkin's all-time favorite Football Player.

Our 5th grandchild is due on our youngest son's 5th Birthday.

2008-01-13T21:09:00.000-05:00

We sold our house and moved in our (you guessed it) barn...

WELCOME TO OUR BARN. We love our family and are very blessed to have such wonderful children. Since most of our money and two oldest children went to UTK...WE ARE VOLUNTEERS. GO VOLS.
Our children are Lori (UT '99) who is married to Burt they have John with Clara on the way. She will be our 5th grandchild and she is due on Larkin's (our youngest son's) 5th birthday. Seth (UT '05) is dating Katie (very seriously) and has returned to UT for his Master's. Brandy is married to Jason and they have twins, Brooklyn and Brandon, and Taylor. The twins were born 10 weeks before our youngest son, Larkin, was born. Taylor was born 6 days before John. We are anxiously awaiting the birth of Clara. Larkin, our youngest son, is planning on playing football for UT when he gets there! He started attending football games when he was 3 months old. He has been to the Cotton Bowl and the Outback Bowl. Our most recent trip to the Outback Bowl landed us on the same floor as the players. He was ecstatic.