This Graves Family

Hello? Hello?

2011-11-16T08:01:00.000-06:00

I am so ashamed! It has been 11 months since I blogged here. How is that possible? Oh wait...4 kids and Jeremey. Never mind I am busy! I see all these great blogs and want to have mine be just as awesome, but I realize that other women do that as there "job" since they may have 4 kids, no one certainly has Jeremey who keeps me more than busy. The Trucking Blog keeps me really busy and somehow I end up posting on HIS blog more than mine. Oh and then there is this little thing called PINTEREST If you have not signed up for this...email me and I will send you an invitation. It's free and ADDICTIVE. Even more so that Facebook!!!! And then there is that little project we started on the house...Lots of decisions that I feel rushed to make. But come March (I hope) it will all be done!
And as of this morning I finally had found a quick way to add picts from iPhoto to my blog. I know that Apple was smart enough to do it...I just had to find the right way! So hopefully now there will be more picts of the family here! I have missed being here!
Love and Prayers to you all,

Jessica
' PS I have gone Mac and never going BACK!

Jeremey busy as always is so busy we are investing in child labor! Z is helping him by driving a semi!

Emalie is driving in the pasture checking cows!

And Abbey, Natalie and Zachery are making sure that cattle eat the hay!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-07T22:45:00.000-06:00

We are back from vacation in Mexico. It was a good time and I will post some pictures soon!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T00:56:00.000-06:00

Our dear friends and family, we are so blessed from the Lord to have yet another blessed year, filled with love and health. We have had such a great year. Busy as always! Jeremey is still working at Farmer's Oil and the farm and flying not near enough for him! He put the Roadhammer in the Guitly By Association Truck Show in Joplin this year and took home a trophy. The kids were in a tractor pull there too and all took home trophies! It was a good day for the Graves Gang! Abbey is a 4th grader and starting her barrel racing career and having a blast. Her new horse is Jessica, she sounds like a winner doesn't she? Natalie is in 1st grade and is a "rock star" on the playground as Jeremey puts it! She gets to sing at St. Mary's Assumption in Wakita on the first Sunday of the month. She loves the spotlight and holds her own! We are so proud of her! Zachery is almost 5 and in preschool. He has a great buddy Tyce and they are inseparateable! He is still the protector of the girls and loves all things boy!!!! Our baby Miss Emalie is also in preschool and turned 3 in August. She is a mamma's girl and I love it!! It is amazing just watching her grow! Abbey and Natalie are in Girl Scouts (cookies anyone in January?) and Natalie and Emalie are in dance and gymnastics. Zachery tags along sometimes willing and also hangs out with Jeremey for some male bonding! We have such jewels in our crown!! We truly are lucky parents!!! I am busy just trying to keep up with everyone and the places they need to be! What did we do before kids?

Our Christmas Tree 2010

The 4 best present under our tree! Natalie, Zachery, Abbey and Emalie

This Graves Family wishes you all the best for this blessed Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Lord! Merrry Christmas and a Happy 2011!!!!

October part I

2010-11-15T21:05:00.000-06:00

The kids have such a great dad. He does so many great fun things with them. Each year he is in charge of the pumpkin decorating. If it was up to me, I would give them markers and let them go to town. BUT Daddy on the other hand makes elaborate pictures in the pumpkin!

Emalie with her Daddy and the Kitty Cat Pumpkin

Abbey is getting big enough to carve her own. Wouldn't you know she carved a HORSE!

Zachery, Daddy and Frankenstein

Natalie (notice the pose) with her Daddy and their ghost pumpkin.

BIG SMILES

We have found a Showdeo to go to with Abbey near Attica. She has a great time. It's very low key and fun! She took Jetta Dawn to this one because Jessica had a small cut on her back leg.

Horse girl no.2. Thank goodness Jetta is so calm. Emalie just loved all over her and she didn't seem to mind at all!


This boy LOVES to cook.

He loves it when I go shopping and bring home strawberries. We have this awesome chopper and he does almost everything himself! It builds his self confidence and I just love that! This time I didn't even get all the bags unloaded before he started chopping.

August and September rolls on through

2010-10-25T21:34:00.000-05:00

I love our gk (Graves Kids) t-shirts again from www.emtannerdesigns.com This was a cute pict that they hadn't taken before. After all with 4 kids there are only so many in studio shots a one hour place can pose you in!

Abbey, Natalie, Zachery and Emalie

I love it when I ask what the kids want on their birthday cake and the answer is simple...like balloons!!!! So happy that The Perfect Touch cake store is in Anthony! What a treasure it is!
Can you believe that my baby has turned 3??? And is now in preschool 2 morns a week?? ME EITHER!
Where exactly did that time go and can I please have my memory of that lost time back please?

Here are the big girls starting school. Abbey is in 4th grade and Nat is in 1st grade.

Miss Natalie turned 7 and got to go to BOSTON with Nana to the American Girl doll store! She LOVED IT!!!!!!!! She wanted a beach birthday cake...again simple and I had fun making it with the other 3 kids while she was gone. They returned home on her birthday! It was quite a treat!!!!

Speaking of Miss Nat...in September we went to a truck show and the kids stayed with Nana and Papa. They got to miss a day of school and were excited. On that Sunday night she was getting ready for bed and the conversation went like this:

Nat: Mom, have you ever loved someone so much you can hear their laugh in your head? (holding her head low and fingers to her temple) Then looks at me.

Me: Well I love your daddy like that. Do you think you love someone like that?

Nat: (Head bent down, low voice almost at a tremble)... The principal's son.

Me: Well, lets just get out of 1st grade and see where this progresses? Okay?

Nat: Okay, but the whole time I was gone I could just hear his laugh in my head, all day long and I just missed him.

Me: Okay, baby, go to bed, Good night, I love you!!

Nat: Love you too Mom.

I ask myself is it to early to build the convent next to the house??????????????? There will NEVER be a dull moment in our house!!!!!

And it continues...

2010-10-20T22:45:00.000-05:00

And the blog continues...The kids got mom flowers for Mother's day and they helped her plant them out front.

I can still not get over how quickly the school year flies by. This is Abbey on her last day as a 3rd grader and Natalie as a kindergartner
.

We celebrated the end of school with a trip down to OK for a few days of just doing nothing. Z was quite a sight getting ready to swim.

Emalie got used to being pampered by Lisa.

Mom and Dad with their kids and grandkids to celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

We also threw in a quick trip to Disneyworld in May. It was a much needed time with Daddy!

The coolest thing for Jeremey and I was that we got to watch the last launch of the space shuttle Atlantis. The kids weren't as impressed as were we. But maybe someday they can tell their kids that they got to see it happen!

Natalie continues to sing her heart out at church on Children's Mass Sunday. FYI they are the first Sunday of each month in Wakita if you would like to hear her sing!

The kids love it when Daddy's mows the yard because he lets them ride. Here Emalie gets a turn. And believe me EVERYONE gets to ride. I'm surprised they haven't started timing each other yet.

We had a pretty good rain this summer and part of our yard filled up with water. This kept them busy for an entire DAY!! It made for lots of laundry and clean up for me...But it was worth it!

Daddy's annual harvest picture with the kids on the combine.

For the girls' 6th bday Mimi gives them the gift of an ears piercing. We tried Natalie last September, but it took until June to get it done. SHE DIDN"T EVEN WINCE. I was so proud and she was too.

If I was a calf and Zachery was chasing me, I would run too!

Keeping with the farm theme: Zachery is giving the girls a ride on Jetta Dawn. So lucky to have such a gentle horse.

Meet Midnight the calf. His mama wasn't taking care of him and so he came to live with us for a while. Emalie fell in love! Midnight is back on the farm and she still asks about him!

We had a GREAT family 4th of July at Grand Lake. LOVED it and really loved the shirts that my family will wear for me! They are such troopers. I got them made at www.emtannerdesigns.com

My very blessed family!

This was Abbey's 1st official Rodeo! She had such great time! She is definitely a horse girls!

This is one of the funniest things I have ever done in my life. And by far the best group of women to do it with! The I'll Pray For You tour traveled to CO for hiking rafting and fellowship! THANKS GIRLS!!!!!!!

Abbey getting ready for her first Showdeo. I was way more nervous than she was. She is looking forward to more this season!!!!!!

So now you are caught up thru July! And look you only have August and September and Most of October to see and you are up to date! Hopefully later this week!
Until then,
Love and Prayers,
This Graves Family

Let's Dig In

2010-10-18T15:55:00.000-05:00


Abbey the birthday girl in 3rd grade.

Forgive me for the jumble of pictures just thrown in here willy-nilly!!! I forget that I need to upload them backwards!

Celebrating her birthday at Nana's house.

Mother's day with Momma and her crew! I LOVE THEM!!!

Zachery is my name and soccer is MY GAME!

Natalie's ballet outfit.

Natalie in her dance outfit

Abbey and Natalie on the last day of school

Abbey and her music project. Jeremey and her made it together.

This will be such a whirlwind to get you caught up in as little posts as possible. And for as a Type A these posts are going to be all over the place chronologically. But for now I will be happy that you will be up to date! Celebrating Easter in Wakita

Daddy worked so the kids and mom went to the zoo on one of our spring break days.


Mom and Dad celebrated 40 years of marriage in February and we had the party in April!

Believe it or not this gets you caught up on March, April and most of May. There is more still to come. Stay tuned........

Oh Where Begin...

2010-10-18T14:10:00.003-05:00

It has been a long 8 months since my last post. So much has happened of course. Mostly I took some time off of the blog to regroup myself and spend some time the the kids. That of course is happening and it kept getting easier not to get on the computer and post pictures. Well that is coming to an end. Especially since I see Kara Christy's awesome blog and how she updates it so well. AND I am ordering Christmas cards soon and put my blog on it again!!! Well for now I am going to go find some awesome picts to upload to you all to get you very quickly caught up from 8 months of an empty blog!

Natalie's Singing Debut

2010-02-07T14:57:00.003-06:00

You know when big stars like Jessica Simpson and Beyonce became really big and they say they got their start singing in church? Then they show the video of them singing? Well....we would like to be the first to introduce to you, live from St. Mary's Assumption, Wakita, OK....
Miss Natalie Rose Graves!!!

She always sings so good in church and gets many compliments. This Sunday was the Kids Mass. Natalie got to be the Cantor along with Mary. She was so excited and we practiced all week. She didn't seem nervous at all and just got right up there and sang her heart out! We are so proud and can't wait to see her do it again next month!

Happy Birthday Z-Man

2010-01-20T22:22:00.003-06:00

Our little pirate at Disney Land!

Fishing at the Ponderosa

LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture of Z at Cowboy Camp this fall!

Its hard for us to believe that Zachery has already turned 4! WOW! Time has just flown by!

What???

2009-12-14T09:07:00.002-06:00

I could spend HOURS on my computer getting inspired by other beautiful blogs. Adding to my own. Tweeking it. Putting up THOUSANDS of picture up...13,000 are on my computer right now! Sharing our family with you, and I want to, but...(there always is one isn't there?) I don't have time. I choose to play with kids, be a taxi driver, cook healthy dinners, and see my husband. Trust me, I miss you more than you miss me. I got on here today and thought, o gosh, it has been November since my last post. That means you haven't got to see so MANY cute picts. Someday (night) I will stay up late (early) and give you another update. Until then click on the (in)courage button on the side. You will be glad you did! Merry Merry Christmas! Got my Christmas cards ordered today so maybe sometime before (after) Christmas I will get them mailed out.
And now for the bald eagle. Driving to town last month I looked out into the field and this guy was just waiting for his picture to be taken. So I pulled over and got a snap shot. Fuzzy because I had to zoom in. JG said that their is a place in Salt Plains that has lots of bald eagles, maybe this one just got lost!!!
I DO hope to be back on here soon!

Dillons Commercial

2009-11-24T13:48:00.002-06:00

For those have not caught it or it isn't playing in your area, here is the Dillon's Commercial filmed in Portland. I have gotten such positive feedback from everyone! It means so much to me THANKS! And to those who can't turn on the radio or TV without seeing me...Thanksgiving is Thursday and it should stop playing then! I videoed it off my TV so the quality isn't great but it will do for now until I get the dvd from Kroger. And again I had such a blast filming it and meeting my new Women of Kroger friends!!!!

He is thinking of me!

2009-11-18T16:34:00.003-06:00

I got a wonderful surprise today. A knock at my door and J-Mac delivered these beautiful flowers and box of candles and bath goodies!!!! Hand picked by my fabulous HUSBAND!!! I am so happy that he is mine. Jeremey and I talk often about how God made us for each other! I am so blessed to have him. God did good! Thanks for the flowers and gift box honey and thanks for thinking of me!

Update Overload

2009-11-07T10:57:00.010-06:00

Our annual tradition is to end up at Dick and Shirley's house, but they bent to peer pressure from Nana and Papa and went to the lake instead! SO we stopped by their house just to say "What? we can't believe you let us and the whole lot of trick or treaters down by not being there!"
The witty witch!

2 pumpkins, 2 witches, 1 supergirl on a party bus! Yes we took the harvest meals bus trick or treating and it was a blast!

We went to the pumpkin patch for our annual visit. We decided that it is our 5th year! We have so much fun going with Nana, Aunt B, and Aunt Jannette and their families!

He is Natalie on the great new swings. I can't wait for next year!

They added this great big carousel swing at the Pumpkin Patch this year. Zachery loved riding the horse. I did it and fell on my arse!

Abbey just wondering what to do next after just having played on the haybales.

Our baby! How is it possible that she is already 2?

He loves this girl!!! She loves this guy!!!

I got a "call back" from Kroger to do another commercial. They flew me and 8 of my new girlfriends out to Portland to shoot it. WHAT A BLAST!!!! Put us up in a swanky hotel, took us out to dinner and treated us great. I had such a great time and can't wait to do it again! (Any Kroger agents reading this???)(hint hint)! I forgot to take picts of the hotel lobby but Laurie did, click on here name to see them! I was so happy to find a fellow blogger!!

The Nines...and believe me everything was to the Nines! Loved my room what a sanctuary!! I got so spoiled getting to sleep through the night 3 weekends in a row. I told someone that I won't get to go anywhere by myself for the next 2 years!!

Natalie, Riley, Cade, Zachery, Emalie and Abbey! All of Nana and Papa's grandkids!

Jeremey and I got to take 2 weekends in October to take the Bucket List to truck shows. We first went to Joplin to the Guilty by Association truck show hosted by 4 States.
I like to say that from the kids standpoint "Our parents left us for a weekend and all they brought back were these trophies" So happy we got one for each of them. Best Paint Combo, Best Stereo Combo, People Choice Combo, Competitors Choice Combo 2nd. Not to bad!

The blanket was made by Linda Stout, one of our driver's wife. She did an amazing job!

I was mostly excited to get to go hang out with my friend Lisa! We also went to Denton, TX the next weekend for Peterbuilt days. Can you believe we got to go out 2 weekends in a row without the kids? Then Saturday night we drove down to Ft. Worth and went out on the town with Lisa and Bryan, Bonnie and Galland. We had such a great time!!! We can't wait to do it again!!! A BIG THANK YOU to Sue and Donna for taking such great care of the kids while we were gone!

Natalie's class outside the trailer for COW day (Carers On Wheels). She is on the front row with dark glasses. It's where students from school get to learn about different jobs people can have with COW. This was the first year Farmer's Oil was there. Also there was ambulance, firetruck, police car, crop sprayer, medical airplane, city crew, horse trailer and welder. It was so much fun!!

Abbey's class came in the afternoon. She is on the steps of the truck in purple. She was so happy that she didn't have to go back to school with her class, but got to stay and help Mike close up the trailer.

Abbey walking through.

Natalie going through the trailer! They all loved it that it was from their Daddy's workplace!

For B week, Zachery got to bring a Big truck to preschool. He loved it! He is in the red shirt in the front row.

So this now gets you caught up on August (though I think I missed putting up E's bday), September and October! And I hope to never be gone so long from my blog again!!!

Update Overload

2009-11-07T10:18:00.007-06:00

What a good looking family!! So happy that we made the trip down to Dallas for Daddy!

Bucket List went to Dallas in August and brought home People Choice, Best in Class Combo, and Best Paint Combo. We are so proud Daddy!

We celebrated Natalie's 6th birthday. So happy she wanted a K-State party!
We have raised her well!

Just hanging out at home!

We spent some time at Grand Lake. Big sister Abbey is playing with Emalie.

Julie, Eli and Trinity, Emalie, Abbey, Natalie, Me and Zachery

While Julie was getting supplies for Eli's bday party we played with Trinity at the park.

Big Boy Eli is 1!

Me and My Shadow! (Move closer to home)

Where o Where??

2009-10-23T18:01:00.001-05:00

I know that it has been (gasp) 2 months since my last post. I PROMISE that I will get some new picts up soon. But until then let me share my new motto: Give more than you will Get!!!

First Day of School

2009-08-19T08:55:00.003-05:00

I don't think I could have asked for a sweeter pose from the girls!
Abbey, 3rd grader, Natalie, Kindergardner

Today was the first day of school!
Natalie was super excited...Abbey was excited to see her friends, but was going to miss the horses and the dogs!! I had to beg Natalie to take her to school today. She is ready to ride the bus! We are heading out to Dallas after school tomorrow! And yes I teared up, but it didn't fall. Only Zachery, Emalie and I...oh what is a mom to do with only 1/2 her kids at home?

Weekends are always funner with Dad!

2009-08-12T10:22:00.008-05:00

All summer long the kids have asked me for a little pool for the back yard. And everytime they do my answer is the same...NO...NO...NO...NO...NO...NO..etc...
So they ask Daddy a couple weeks ago if they can have a pool.."we wil just go LOOK"....

LOOK....what they found...a pool for the backyard. If you don't succeed, try, try, try again.

We have been busy keeping the kids busy on weekends that Jeremey is free...
Here we took the kids down to the Ponderosa to fish. Someone asked how many fish did you catch. I told them we took 4 kids and 2 dogs...NO FISH!

There is no better view of the world than atop Daddy's shoulders!

My very own "Little House on the Prairie" Moment. Natalie, Max and Abbey

Daddy giving Little E fishing lessons!

That's okay daddy, we will just wade in a LITTLE BIT...

You know what's coming next don't you?

Clothes on the dock...

Kids in the water!

Daddy you forgot about me!

Wranglers and Cowgirl boots!

Fabulous PURPLE boots...I wonder who they belong to?

Then one Sunday we took the kids to play golf at the Anthony Golf Course.

Emalie keeping a good eye on the ball.

Nice follow through Abbey!

Natalie's favorite job was holding the flag! And she does it so well!

Look out Tiger ..Z man is coming!

Daddy and the Little ones in our tribe. They were very excited to learn that if they were on the golf course they HAD TO PLAY GOLF!!!! I don't think Jeremey will ever get to play golf by himself again. They all had a great time!

The same day we went to the Ponderosa we also went down to Bluff Creek just behind our house. It was such a fun time and very relaxing!

Zachery playing on the banks of the Sand Creek.

The girls playing in the water.

Emalie and her (dead) fish...we didn't tell her it was dead. She was just happy that it didn't jump out of her hand so that she could pet it.

Just chillin'

Daddy Taking the kids exploring. We had a great time at the creek behind our house.

Jeremey is NOT a homebody to say the least. He likes to GO GO GO!! And the kids just LOVE it, because he makes sure that "the weekends are always funner with Dad"

Befort Family Reunion

2009-07-30T16:47:00.006-05:00

Here is the Befort/Brouillette clan, missing some kids from each family! What a good looking bunch! We took the picture outside of John's house...it is just so funny to see such tall corn right outside your window...I'm used to wheat!

We went to the county fair while we were up in Hastings, NE. Here is the only ride Emalie was tall enough to get into. She was a very ANGRY girl when the others got to ride and she didn't!

Natalie and Zachery in a flying saucer.

Abbey throwing darts, she did a great job!

Saw a wind farm just outside of Concordia..They are so cool!

Me and MY Dave...I just love him!

Me and My Michelle, I just love her! Why can't they live closer to us?

Mama and 1/2 of her children in the corn.

2009-07-22T20:19:00.007-05:00

A family that plays together stays together along with other things that bind our family!

Jeremey out in the water. What form..What white legs!

Abbey watching Daddy...

Emalie watching Daddy.

Zachery watching himself. This is one of the many self portraits of him I find on my camera.

Jeremey trying to get Abbey up on skis for the 1st time. It lasted this long, 1..2..3 He asked if she wanted to get back on to try again, her reply was a very quick NOOOOOO!

Natalie and Emalie enjoying the boat ride.

Zachery wasn't much for the water so he mostly just stayed on the dock, threw ropes out to us to drag us back in and save us.

Natalie loved jumping into the water with this tube.

We could hardly keep Emalie out of the water. She just couldn't get enough.

Abbey and Stacey out rafting.

Just hanging out in the water OR Seriously, this is all I can get in? OR Will you let go already?

Abbey our resident water bug. She would have slept in her swimsuit if I let her.

Emalie knowing she is pretty big stuff getting to drink POP.

The last day we went out one more time. Natalie Zachery and Emalie all fell asleep.

Meanwhile Abbey was tubing, and tubing and tubing. Did I mention she and Ally went tubing?

And last but not least. This is my very dear friend Stephanie. We meet at K-State and became fast friends. We have always keep in touch with Christmas cards and such, then found each other with our blogs, and then on Facebook (see Jeremey it's good for something) Well on her facebook she said she was packing heading for Grand Lake. Me too I said, where are you going to be? She gave me the address and said just Google it to get directions b/c she couldn't tell me and I didn't know where it was at. Well guess what? We were 1.2 miles from each other, 4 coves!!!! What a miracle!!! So she came over to Nana and Papa's house and we got to see each other for the 1st time in LOTS of years. She brought her fab hubby Skip and her adorable 3 kiddos, Emerald, Calvin and Zachary!!! (Cute name huh?) Go check out their family blog!
I was so pumped to see her again and can't wait to we meet again!

Tractors and Daddy

2009-07-22T20:04:00.002-05:00

The kids love spending time with Daddy, it doesn't really matter what they do, just as long as they get to do it with him. After harvest he has been doing LOTS of tractor work.

And for the dismismount...I know the picts are backwards today!

How was the ride E "grrrrrr" I think it means noisy, but fun.

Daddy and Emalie ready to road the tractor to the red shed.

Zachery and Daddy test driving a red one. Jeremey's big requirement is the buddy seat. That just makes me smile!

I Love Watermelon!

2009-07-13T15:33:00.003-05:00

We had some fresh watermelon last month with supper, Emalie hardly ate anything but watermelon and she wanted MORE!!! She definitely got her fruit intake for a week in 1 night!

If you had any questions about it, the next few pictures should clear everything up for you!

Getting ready to dig in!

Grrr....this is mine!

Watermelons are so portable!

I think it almost all gone...

No wait...I can get ONE MORE BITE!

Park Play

2009-07-10T11:11:00.004-05:00

The little ones in our tribe

Can you hear me now?

Natalie always ready to have her picture taken.

Abbey teaching Emalie..she is so good doing that with the little ones.

Really I have to stop playing to get my picture taken? Really?

Making mud pies!

Can she get any cuter?

Our Z man always on the go!

Cookies for sale!

Well, maybe she can get cuter! Little E having fun in the tunnel!

July 8th

2009-07-08T16:06:00.002-05:00

When I left town this morning, everything was fine...now it is not. My town is sad...part of Main St is burning and has been for 3 hours...And the Kansas winds don't help any. Please pray for the winds to die down, the gas to be shut off, and no more injuries.
Our town's trash truck hit a gas meter today and it exploded. Please keep our town in your thoughts as they battle this blaze and the aftermath to come.

Harvest

2009-07-07T16:47:00.007-05:00

Abbey and Nat 2 days before harvest finished. (Nat's dress)

Zachery and HIS combine!

Our machines....

Our grain cart...I think I am really liking silhouette picts...

Took 3/4 of the kids out to the wheat field to get picts...last years were better, what can I say! But the subjects are always adorable!

Natalie and her wheat picture. It was storming off East so the color is very cool.

And here Mom, let me pose...like this!

Feeding the harvest crew inside my new ride....

And here is my new ride...you are all impressed and very jealous I know....Don't hate b/c she is beautiful!

Before I got my new ride, they ate picnic style...no matter what I feed the kids for supper, they would eat again with Daddy, so I just gave up and they ate sandwiches or a hot meal with them.

Love this picture...After dinner the kids would ride combines or tractors, once Jeremey had all 4 in there with him. I think its cute that Z-man is on the same step and looking the same way as his Daddy! I love the men in my life!!

Had to throw in this picture from Harvest 2008...I think it will have to be a yearly shot, but I bet next year E will be walking too.

I think this may be my favorite picture of harvest. Before he started cutting again Jeremey had to wipe the dust off his window.

Daddy and his tribe. Emalie has really become a Daddy's girl and rode with him every night, and would come off the combine with such a BIG GRIN! It was adorable. Notice Miss Natalie, legs crossed and all...she wore a dress and heels to the wheat field one night to ride. What a diva!!! Jeremey tries to tell me that he will have Abbey out in the field next year, honey we have lots of talking to do before then...she will ONLY be 9!!!! And then look at Zachery, can you tell how much he just HATES being out in the field??? Yeah, I thought you could!

Here is the littllest victim of harvest. I started making meals about 5 to get them to the field about 7. And most days that just would not do for Miss Em...she was hungry and tired and just wanted held by her momma. Moms, you can relate to this. Well I couldn't cook and hold her too, so on this evening she CRIED FOR 15 MINS straight until she just gave it up and fell asleep at my feet in front of the sink. And yes, I let her sleep there for about 45 minutes until I finished!!!

Bucket List to Fanfare

2009-07-07T16:22:00.003-05:00

Jeremey and I got a chance to go to Nashville in early June so that the Bucket List could be in Aaron Tippins fan booth. We really enjoyed ourselves, missed the kiddos, and could have wished to stay longer. Thank you to Bryan and Lisa at 4 States for setting everything up!
We got to got to LOTS of concerts, did lots of people watching, slept in late, stayed out late! But didn't get to see my friend from college Andi, next time I promise!

Aaron Tippin signing the sleeper door of the Bucket List!

Sara Evans...what a voice!!

Taylor Swift..she gave out 200 tickets for autographs and her fans CAMPED OUT overnight to get them!
Aaron and I..yes he is really that muscular!

The Bucket got in LOTS of pictures because Aaron stood in front of it to sign autographs!

Wynonna...she sang with her mom on Saturday night...very cool.

Swimming Pool

2009-06-25T15:28:00.004-05:00

Natalie practicing for later movie rolls...every 5 yr old wear sunglasses to the local pool right?

Emalie doing her part to make sure pool is full of water.

Abbey at rest break.

Zachery taking a break too.
We love the Harper pool because it has a zero entry AND two slides and one board!
I keep these picts on my camera so that I could look at the kids while we were in Nashville.

Happenings in June

2009-06-25T14:58:00.005-05:00

Look at what cute kids waiting patiently while Daddy turns the semi around at the airport.

Emalie watching the picture session.

Emalie got to drive a semi this month. She isn't even 2 yet. I on the other hand had to wait 30+ years before I got to drive one. It is harder than I thought it was.

These are some of the flowers I have this year. They might not look like much but for me, IT IS HUGE!!!
It's almost July and they are still blooming, alive, watered!

Jeremey's favorite flower are marigolds, NOT so much mine, but I plant them every year because I DO LOVE MY HUSBAND. They are in the back yard so he can see them every night (in the dark) when he gets home!

When the kids play in the sprinkler we ALL put on sunscreen, the kids in their suits. And THIS is where Emalie sits, very happily in the shade watching them play.

Cool Shades!
Twinkling eyes.

Cool shades...E loves wearing my sunglasses...one day she will grow into them!

Here, no over here, wait..Where did she go?

2009-06-25T01:03:00.003-05:00

If I thought I was bad posting in May, whoa, look out for June! I know it's ALMOST July...I tried to post tonight, I really did...but my pictures wouldn't upload. I will try tomorrow. Here is what is going on so far:
Harvest is underway, meals to the field daily and it's HOT! With that I bid you a good night! Pictures soon!

I didn't know there were so many things to do in MAY-LAST ONE

2009-06-15T21:06:00.006-05:00

I know that especially today you have been bombarded with pictures but guess what? I am done posting for picts in May, and June is only 1/2 over!!!

On May 31st the girls had their first dance recital. They both did so good we were all so proud of them!!! Way to go girls!
Natalie and Abbey before the finale.

Natalie at the end of her tumbling routine.

The girls had lots of people come see them...Mimi and Papa...

Nana and Papa...

Aunt Jannette and Uncle Bill...Aunt B and Uncle Dick...Thanks for coming!!!

Look at that hair move!
That is an itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini!

I didn't know there were so many things to do in MAY

2009-06-15T19:16:00.005-05:00

In May we have gotten to really enjoy the outdoors, Jeremey isn't cutting wheat yet, and school is out so the kids can stay up "while the sun is still up". I am really loving summer!

Abbey roasting her marshmellow. She tried it blackened like Daddy's and then decided that just wasn't for her.

Natalie getting hers "just right"

Emalie just LOVED eating the chocolate!

Zachery was happy to just let Daddy cook his.

We got to go to Newton to pick up the Bucket List so we found a park to play in for the kids. It was great time! On our way through Wichita we stopped and ate at the Olive Garden. The kids are good enough that we enjoy a family meal at a restaurant.You would think the driver of such a classy truck would NEVER stick out his tongue at his wife.

Zachery and Daddy, I love the smile on Jeremey's face!

Our latest couple picture...taken by Abbey

Natalie, the future model, she has many poses she likes to try!

Emalie loved this little walk through.

Zachery was pretty good at not getting his picture taken, so I had to catch him while he was really concentrating...walking down the slide was a good time to snap a picture.

Abbey had such a good time mastering these spinning monkey bars!

I didn't know there were so many things to do in MAY

2009-06-15T19:02:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Abbey!!
Abbey had her 1st sleepover for her birthday. We had five 8 year olds!
The girls sunbathing.

In May it finally got warm enough for the sprinkler. I am too much of a chicken to take all the kids to the pool by myself...so I make them play in the sprinkler...they seem to like it anyway.

This is about as close to the water as Emalie gets...it took her 2 days to just get THIS close.

Zachery loves the water. This is just about ready to jump with excitement.

Abbey decided to dance in the water.

Natalie loves the water! Not to mention the mud that it makes!

So much to do in May

2009-06-15T16:19:00.002-05:00

Zachery helping Nana make beans for Abbey's bday.
Abbey's last day of 2nd grade!

Natalie and her graduation gift from Mimi and Papa..she loved it, can you tell?

Abbey and Jetta Dawn!

Natalie's last day of preschool

2009-06-15T16:15:00.002-05:00

Natalie her last time by her box.
Walking the stage

All this just for me????

A YUMMY cookie cake!

I didn't know there were so many things to do in MAY

2009-06-05T14:44:00.004-05:00

Jeremey gave me 11 Circus roses for our 11th Anniversary.
Mommy and her Little Man!!
What form!! Abbey at the ring toss!
Emalie was so tired she ate lunch and then crawled up into Papa's lap and fell asleep!

Here is the best Mother's Day picture we could get!
Mama and her BABY!! She's not so little anymore!

Bucket List website

2009-05-29T12:55:00.003-05:00

Bucket List officially has a website! Don't know how often it will get updated, but at least it has links to Farmer's Oil homepage and a cute picture of the hubby!

http://farmersoilbucket.blogspot.com

You can also subscribe to this post to get emails on updates. Jeremey and Uncle Dean...you are already subscribed!

Odds and Ends in May

2009-05-28T12:32:00.007-05:00

Dad was here for lunch, Emalie was fussy and walked over to him. He picked her up and within 3 minutes she was asleep!

The Girls had their first dance competition in Wichita..they both did great!

Zachery got to see the basket of the hot air balloon during Balloon Fest, Pam (from CM) and the POW balloons showed him what the balloons looked like on her shirt.

Sometimes a girl can't have enough babies!

The Bucket List rolled back into Anthony to get cleaned up for it 2nd truck show. It got first place! The kids LOVE to go see the truck whenever it is in town!!

Natalie ready to take driving lessons.

Abbey and Emalie making themselves at home in the sleeper.

They all love this cargo door!

A MAN among MEN!!!! Uncle Aaron, Zachery, Jeremey and John Logan.

I am famous! Made the Dillons flyer. (and radio spot and commercial)!

I didn't know there were so many things to do in MAY

2009-05-28T11:37:00.004-05:00

Jeremey had the 1st weekend off in May and for ONCE since last NOVEMBER!!! we didn't have anything to do, no place to be sooo....we left!!! Jeremey is NOT a homebody and likes to be on the MOVE!!!! On Saturday we loaded up the kids and drove to the Alabaster Caverns then on Sunday we went to the Salt Plains after church. We really liked Oklahoma that weekend!Jeremey and his little diggers! We came home with LOTS of salt crystals. It had rained quite a bit so it was easy to get to them.
Emalie and her bucket full. It was really windy there suprisingly so.

Love this picture of Jeremey and the kids!

On the way back from the Caverns we stopped at the free water well and each kid got to drink!

It was a super weekend full of travel and spontaneity! Which we all know is NOT one of my strong suits but I did survive, had fun and got to take lots of pictures!

Modeling

2009-05-28T11:09:00.003-05:00

The girls and I had a fashion show right after Easter. Zman was supposed to be in it too, but the a couple does before the flu went around our house. He got it that afternoon so he slept right through his modeling debate with Daddy in the car!!!

Abbey, Natalie and Emalie~what a poseAbbey and Natalie

Mamma and her girls. Emalie doesn't have a matching dress in this picture but thankfully we found one soon after to buy!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2009-05-12T19:52:00.002-05:00

We made a trip to Alco today in search of flip flops for the kids. We got them bought, out the door and in the car. I asked the girls to buckle. They were looking a a spider and squealing. I told them, get buckled. After finishing buckling the little kids I looked back and they were still not buckled. I then waited for them to finally get buckled and really calmly I just said that since they cannot listen to me they can't get their shoes until they get home. Well Miss Diva/Drama Queen Natalie piped up and then they didn't to get their shoes until AFTER Daddy got home. And she had to tell her Daddy what she said.

When Jeremey came home she ran out to him and said, "Don't spank me when I tell you this but,
I meant to tell mom that I love her, but it came out as "I am going to call Dad and tell him to spank your ass."

It happened tonight and was just to funny not to share right away.

Ice Cream

2009-05-10T21:07:00.005-05:00

Grandpa and Grandma Brown had an ice cream truck once upon a time. And I found it very fitting that as we gathered at Donna's house after his funeral we heard the familiar tune of...you guessed it an ice cream truck! The kids just loved it. Marsha and Blay and Joslyn tracked it down and after what seemed like an hour, the ice cream truck arrived!

You scream, I scream, we all scram for ICE CREAM!!!

Riley, Uncle Aaron and Ally
Jona and Cole
Emalie reaching for hers
Abbey and a spoonful
Zachery wants to know what Riley's tastes like, and Natalie is there to supervise.
The "old guys" on the porch passed up ice cream. Uncle Bill, Larry with Cade and Aunt Nae
The little kids got to go first....
Then the big kids got a turn.
Emalie really enjoyed her ice cream sandwich until she rolled off the porch and banged her head and lost her sandwich.

Grandpa Brown

2009-05-10T20:32:00.002-05:00

Shortly after Easter on April 17th, Grandpa Brown left this world to be in a much better place with Grandma Brown. We are so sad that he is no longer with us, but celebrate and are happy that Grandpa and Grandma are finally reunited. We will miss him SO MUCH!!!

Grandpa Brown on his day of retirement from Farmer's Oil!

Grandpa and the kiddos at Christmas time.

My little Boy Scout...Jeremey with Grandma and Grandpa

Abbey and Grandpa...I really love this picture. Grandpa just loved us SO MUCH!!! He was always so happy to see us and we loved his company. My favorite memory of him is just this last winter the kids and I were going to Subway to eat lunch. I just called him up, asked him if he had his shoes on, he said yes, and I asked if he had eaten any supper, he said no, and I told him we would be by in just a few minutes to pick him up! He was such a good sport about it, and I loved just watching him interact with the kids that night. I did call the girls to let them know we took him to supper, because a few weeks before that we went for a pop and a drive and Grandpa and I didn't let anyone know, and they were looking for him!!!

Two days after his funeral I went up to Abbey's room and found this taped to her bed. It is a letter that she wrote to Grandpa. What a heart that kid has! Fair warning Brown family~get a kleenex!

It reads:
Bill Brown was a great guy. He was there for me. I love you Bill Brown you are in my heart Bill Brown. I know you can see Jesus. I know you can have a new home. You can be happy too. I will miss you Bill Brown.

I don't thin an adult could have said it better!

Out with the OLD in with the NEW!!

2009-05-08T18:13:00.003-05:00

Meet the Magic Chef stove. We had it when we moved in 11 years ago. You could cook on high on the burners, and then turn it way down low afterwards. Not much in between. One year ago the knob that turns off the oven broke off so I turned it off by sticking a pen into the hole. Two weeks ago the knob that set the oven temp broke off. I decided that I had enough!

Open hole...insert...
a new stove!!! Oven works, burners work (even in between like Med-heat), it has no knobs to break and a lock out feature. I love it. Just need a new kitchen to go around the great new stove!

Easter 2009 #2

2009-05-08T17:57:00.004-05:00

Uncle Justy and Zachery were accidentally twins! How adorable will he be with a son of his own? (HINT HINT)((GET BUSY))!!

Audrey taking her turn at the egg pinata!

Pinata Pandemonium!

Karson Kay and Emalie
Rylan with a basket full of eggs!

Our annual Easter picture with the kids before the hunt. Not sure if I can use it for the invite card next year!

Our Easter egg hunt got rained out so we hunted eggs in the roundtop like any good redneck family should do!!!

Easter 2009

2009-05-06T18:28:00.003-05:00

I know how late this post is. But I am posting in order. We have LOTS to cover!
We celebrated Easter early at Nana's house with LOTS of goodies and a money egg hunt. The kids went to Alco the next week and spent their findings!!
Zachery our candy man LOVED his cotton candy. I don't think he could get a big enough bite!

Modeling the 2009 swimsuit is Abbey. Isn't she adorable!! And so big. I just can't get over it.

Then Daddy and the kids hopped into the hot tub. What a way to break in the swimsuits!

Here is Miss Natalie in her aqua blue two piece! I wish I looked that cute in a 2 piece!

4 Sacraments in 1 day!

2009-04-28T16:31:00.003-05:00

This Easter was so special to our family! We were looking forward to the rise of Christ, our annaul family Easter dinner and egg hunt, mostly we were looking forward to the big day at church. You see our family participated in 4 sacraments. Jeremey was baptized, confirmed into the Church and made his First Holy Communion. Abbey also made her First Communion.
I think that with our wedding day and the baptism of our children this day ranks right up there with them. I don't think that I can fully express the joy, grace, pride and love that I felt for Jeremey and Abbey that day. And for the GUSTO OF LOVE that I have for our Church and the Catholic Faith. It took everything that I had not to just jump out of my seat and say "Are you seeing this? Do you know how important this day is? HALLELUJAH!" I just about BURST!

Abbey receiving the body of Christ for the first time. I am so unbelieveable proud of this little girl! She is growing up so fast. I pray that it was as big of moment for her that it was for me, when I was a girl and now as a mother! (thanks mom and dad)

Jeremey and Abbey. One of my favorite all time pics!

Jeremey and the kids

Our theme this year was black and white! Z man is in a 5 pc suit. (Ebay $35)

Sometimes the horse girl does'nt mind being in a dress!

On the way home from church E and Z fell asleep!

So that I can ramble some more....When Jeremey and I first started talking about getting married I made it clear to him that he did not have to join the Church. It was something that I had desired for him and myself, but never pushed him to do it. I told him that joining the Catholic faith was a call from God that he needed to answer for himself. Although we discussed that he would need to attend church with me when we had children and he did. Abbey was born and he was there in church with us because together we would raise our children in the Catholic faith. If he wasn't working he came to church with us. I'm sure it was weird in a way for a non Catholic to attend Mass and really get much out of it. He didn't really ask a lot of questions early on and really I didn't try to educate him on the faith that much. I always wanted him to join and become the "faith leader of our household" but it was a prayer I kept to myself. On Sunday that prayer was answered. Almost 11 years after we were married and almost 8 years after the birth of our child he has joined the Church. I am so proud of this man that God has chosen for me. And our entire family blessed everyday to be loved and protected by God. My parents gifted with me with such a special gift of the Catholic faith. I am so overwhelmed and overjoyed that Jeremey and I get to pass that gift onto our children. Its like a circle of giving! I am so thankful for my faith, my God and my Church! Love and Prayers to you all!

Random Picture Challenge

2009-04-23T00:28:00.003-05:00

APRIL 2008
or
13th folder
42nd picture or 4th if you don't have that many

I found this post challenge from a blog I stumbled upon called 4 little men and girly twins.
I hope that I am doing this right. But who knows.
Anyway this picture was taken at mom and dad's house. The wheat was growing taller everyday. And Z-man looked so darn cute!!

A mom takes her kids to the zoo

2009-04-22T14:35:00.005-05:00

I took the kids to the zoo on St. Patty's day...along with most of the rest of Wichita. It was very spur of the moment for me. I didn't pack snacks, lunch or drinks or even a stroller. But we survived and I vowed to do it again by myself!

Abbey, Emalie and Natalie in the playground at the zoo. I think this was their favorite part.

I even chased after Emalie up there. It is really made for 5-12 yr olds, not so much moms.

Natalie and Abbey took some time to pose with the resident gorilla.

This is about the only picture I got of Z-man. He RAN everywhere that he could!

Emalie got up close and personal with a giraffe, just as the zoo keeper says, please stay away from the fence.

Aldridges visit Danville

2009-04-22T13:39:00.005-05:00

For spring Break the 3/4ths of the Aldridge family came to Danville for a visit. We enjoyed them tremendously before they made the trek back home.

Aunt Julie came in for a pose with Miss Natalie Rose.

I just love the Forsythia bushes that bloom 1st thing in spring! Look how long Nat's hair is: we cut it soon after this was taken. She would buzz it if I let her. She wants short hair...like Mimi's. Sorry mom, but it is not going to happen.

Our resident actress and her brother (posing and stomping) on the cow tank. Ready for summer.

Abbey playing in the dirt. Aren't you surprised?

Zachery is surveying his farm acres below.

Mimi and Emalie cooking.

Miss Trinity and her blanket.

Mr. Eli..just love those big blue eyes!

2009-04-11T08:01:00.001-05:00

Nana brought suckers out the the kids. They were so funny! Enjoy!

Emalie's was so big she could hardly keep it in her mouth.

Odds and Ends

2009-04-01T15:27:00.003-05:00

Emalie is learning to do things all by herself. The other day she climbed on the slipper slide. Thankfully is was the small one!

Zachery is teaching his little sister all about tractors! Maybe he is training a future farm hand!

This is NOT pudding, NOT chocolate. My daughter ate MUD!

Best Theme and Best Engine for Bucket List

2009-03-22T09:23:00.005-05:00

More pictures when Jeremey gets home!

For the night show

New paint scheme

Lots of chrome!

More chrome

How do you live life? Eyes shut, hearts open.

Congratulations honey on a job well done.

Cows

2009-03-19T14:49:00.003-05:00

Jeremey on the pens counting his cows.

Jeremey and Zachery moved cows on Friday to the salebarn. Zachery enjoyed the day with Daddy and the guys...even eating lunch at the bar! Oh, you have a baby...in a bar?! Channeling Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alababma. Zachery also said to Jeremey.."Dad you have shit on your jeans." Jeremey just said "yes I do" He thought it was best left alone.

Preview of what's to come

2009-03-10T14:57:00.006-05:00

It was so nice out last week. A beautiful preview of spring. We spent a few days outside. But today its back to being cold! Surprise! Zachery is standing on top of the car! Of course he is, HE IS A BOY!! And I'm so happy to have him! What we would do without the extra testosterone?!

Abbey has such red lips because she just got done eating a popsicle!

Emalie and Natalie ventured over to the car to enjoy their treats.

Help! I'm being held prisoner because I'm just so cute!

A boy and dirt...they are like magnets!

Natalie wanted to go out into the wheat field and lay down and take a picture "like this"

What an adorable smile. There isn't a day that go by that I don't get amazed about what comes out of her mouth!

I think this may be one of my favorite pictures of Abbey. I can't believe she is in 2nd grade!

This of course was the first attempt at the picture. She was showing me her rear...I think she has a little naughty streak in her...just like her daddy did!

Upcoming Events for our Family

2009-03-10T14:55:00.000-05:00

Spring Break-March 13-22
Mid America Truck Show-March 20-22
Abbey's First Communion-Easter
Jeremey joins the Church-Easter
Easter at our house-April 12
Dance in Wichita-May 9 & 10
Natalie's Graduation May 20
Abbey's Birthday-May 22
Last day of school -May 22
Dance Recital-May 31

Zachery and Emalie picts

2009-03-03T09:41:00.002-06:00

Zachery and his ever present John Deere shirt and smile! 3 years

Here's our Emalie-18 months already

We had to coax him into every smile! and most of them when he smiles he closes his eyes!

I'm so cute. Yes mom, i see her eyes.

Eyes closed, smile is big!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2009-02-25T09:54:00.004-06:00

Zachery: "Where's my damn milk?"
Mom: Excuse me what did you say?
Zachery: "Where's my damn milk? "

Jeremey and I were discussing the future for are kids. I said Zachery could be a farmer and single and live with us. He said if Zachery isn't going to have kids he expects him to be a priest!
Natalie chimes in, as always with an attitude and hands on hips: "You know I'm not going to be a nun."
Mom: Oh really?
Natalie: "hello? Jonathon expects me to marry him!!!!"

Potty training is going very good with Zachery. Sometimes it's a little to easy for him. For instance. He will just open the door and pee on the porch. OR in the corner of the garage just before loading up! And least it wasn't at the kitchen table again an empty milk bottle from McDonalds. Progress!

Happy Birthday Sue

2009-02-23T10:24:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Sue!

Have You???

2009-02-21T23:04:00.002-06:00

Thanked You Mom today?

Become addicted to blogging? Yes, Yes I have!

Thought about what technology is doing to the future?

I saw these three cartoons in last weeks Wichita Eagle while I was doing the crosswords. (its one of my relaxing moment when I can find it) This week I happened to have the chance to work on it while rescuing cats from under the deck, two days in a row. Two boards, two days. If I was going to get to weld a hammer I wish I could have at have at least built something! Okay back to the cartoons. I saw these and it made me laugh out and I immediately wanted to share them!

Odds and Ends

2009-02-19T11:16:00.003-06:00

Look what I got for Valentine's Day. It's my first piece of chrome!!!! Jeremey crafted the vase by attaching two pieces of chrome tire covers and attaching Peterbuilt logos to it. He then took it to the flower shop and gave it to them. "What are we supposed to do with this?" Jeremey told them to fill it with flowers! Did they ever. I was so shocked to see it when I walked in my front door. HE DID GOOD! AND I got a card with a handwritten note!

The girls had Valentine's Day parties at their schools. In the morning I had put treat bags in Abbey's bag and told her to pass them out at party time
(insert very whiny voice from Abbey) "You aren't coming to my party today? oh please I want you there"
Mom dumbfounded "No honey I wasn't planning on coming"
whiny voice from Natalie with a bit more volume "You aren't coming to my Valentine's day party??? But I want to come to my party!!!!"
Mom (how could I ever dream of missing a class party) "Yes I will be at both of your parties"

Miss Abbey at her Valentine's day party.

Miss Natalie and Miss Connie at Valentine's party.

They were both very happy to see me at their parties. That night all 4 were on a sugar high. Who am I kidding? They snuck candy until they had it all eaten by Sunday night!

Miss Emalie and Abbey enjoying a treat.

Happy Birthday Jeremey

2009-02-10T15:43:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was Jeremey's Birthday! Sorry I didn't get it posted. We Love You Daddy!

The Bucket List

2009-02-05T22:18:00.005-06:00

Introducing...Bucket List
Jeremey has a list: I haven't seen all of the list, but he watched the movie "The Bucket List" and decided that he too should have a list. No he does not have an illiness just thought he should start his list. The first thing he got from his list is a 379 Legacy Peterbuilt. He named her "Bucket List" and let me tell you she is a beauty. It was very hard for ME to leave her in KY. But she has to be there there to get ready for the Louisville Truck Show in March.

My Trucker

This is the picture from my phone. Double click and it should go bigger.
It's amazing all the bells and whistle on her. 3 TV screens, the big fender in the front lifts up when you drive so it doesn't hit things. The tool box and hood are on lifts. The stacks are ginormous. It has an awesome stereo system. Two shifters. Custom seats, painted floor boards. IT'S AWESOME!!! I too fell in love!

The Trucker and His Woman

The Chrome Shop Mafia customized the truck for the man we bought the truck from.

I thought that this was so nice of Jeremey to put on the truck. I heard him tell somebody what it meant and that he put it there because "all this is for them"

Inside of the truck~Its SWEET!

Digger, Byran from Chrome Shop Mafia, Jeremey and Zachery

Digger and Jeremey and Digger's truck and trailer that he pulls now.

Digger will be driving "Bucket List" after the truck show.

Miking Digger up for his interview for Modern Marvels. It should air in 4-5 months. They talked to Digger for about 2 hours and even rode with him.

Flurry of Activity

2009-02-05T22:00:00.002-06:00

Monday Jeremey and Zachery drove the new truck to Joplin. Drove to Grand Lake with Papa and spent the night. Tuesday morning got up early and went back to Joplin to watch a show called Modern Marvels film the "Bucket List" and Diggers truck he drives now. I fly to Joplin Tuesday afternoon. Talked to Zachery in the airport and loved on him a little bit. Then Papa and Zachery flew back home. Jeremey and I went back to 4 State trucks a.k.a. The Chrome Shop Mafia and watched more filming. When they were done Jeremey and I ate supper and I officially began trucking at 7:15. I crawled back in the cab about midnight. When I woke up at 3:15 we were in Evansville, IN. We slept in the truck til about 9 then headed to Owensboro, KY. Had the paint guys look at the truck and we talked about paint schemes. Found out our ride home was screwed up and then proceeded to find a way back home. Ate lunch, drove the truck to Lewisport, KY. More truck discussion. Went to Tell City to eat supper, Clay arrived in Owensboro about 10:30 Wednesday night. Went to get a hotel room THEY WERE SOLD OUT IN 3 DIFFERENT CITIES!!!!! Because of the bad ice storm they had last week. So we started to fly home. At 1:45 this morning we landed in Springfield, MO. Got to our rooms and were asleep by 3 AM!!! Checked out of our hotel by noon, lunch plane ride home. Arrived in Anthony about 3:15. So happy to be home. I told Jeremey that it is pretty sad that most of our one-on-one time, nobody but us time, can talk about anything we want to without interuption time, quiet time to bond~was spent asleep!

You know what they say if you want to see God laugh, just tell him YOUR plans. I was reminded once again that HE is in charge. And I went with it and survived. But not without 1 or 2 little meltdowns! We are both happy to be home. Missed the kids. Thanks to Nana, Papa and Sue for taking such good care of them, especially when 1/2 of them were sick!

New hats

2009-02-05T21:47:00.001-06:00

Our house has been a whirlwind of activity lately. Last Wednesday Jeremey bought a new semi. Thursday Abbey and Natalie went with Papa Larry, Uncle Dick and Daddy down to Little Rock to pick it up. Before they left Uncle Dick gave all the kids new hats! Zachery and Emalie stayed home with me and we went and got pictures taken Friday. Then we met Daddy and the girls half way home from Wichita and swaped out kids so Zachery could ride in the truck. Saturday was busy getting lettering done on the truck and washed and polished so that it could go to Joplin on Monday. More on that later!

Our Bucket List

2009-02-04T19:03:00.000-06:00

We are trucking! Made it to KY! The truck is getting ready to be painted. Picts when we get home.

Future Pilots

2009-01-26T14:35:00.002-06:00

We just want to let the FAA that we are doing our part to raise future pilots. I'm pretty sure that Zachery is already hooked! Zachery in the "Left Seat"

And we are working on getting Emalie there...(yes its in the air) ((I'm used to this by now)) (((you know, the kids flying while I'm onboard)))

Okay, I think Emalie is hooked too!

Daddy is so proud!

Happy Birthday Zachery

2009-01-19T11:25:00.002-06:00

Our boy turned 3 yesterday. Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Boy! We love you.Zachery's hospital picture. It was amazing how fast he filled out this little sleeper.

His first party got postponed b.c of snow. Nana brought out a cake just for him!

This airplane was on his birthday announcements. What a difference a year makes.

This year's cake was about John Deere. He loves tractors and cake and candy and presents. So yesterday was GREAT day for him! We have managed to put his two favorite things airplanes and tractors on two cakes. I'm just wondering what will be next year!

Daddy come play tractors with me!

And of course Jeremey was more than happy to oblige!

More Christmas

2009-01-12T10:07:00.003-06:00

My Christmas tree is still up. I keep it up until the Epiphany (which was last Sunday). So I'm running a little behind. I downloaded picts last week from my camera as we finished up our last Christmas at the lake. We had such a great time. Wouldn't it be nice if no one had to work for a living, money was free flowing and we could just spend time doing fun things like being with family, shopping, and relaxing? I know its a pipe dream, but you have to have dreams! Mama and her last baby girl...17 months old already!

Natalie the rock star.

Natalie as Dasher the Reindeer. Love that smile!

Our Graves Family

Jeremey and Jessica, Julie and Aaron

Donna, Riley, Baby Cade, Larry, Emalie, Abbey

Natalie and Zachery

Fish lips and her new stroller.

Abbey can't wait for Mimi to teach her how to sew!

"First I will teach my baby how to stick her tongue out...like this"

Zachery and a present bigger than him. He was so happy this one was his and couldn't wait to get his hands on it. The basketball goal is a hit let me tell you. This morning he said "mom I made 2 points"

Natalie Rose..."I do take requests."

Christmas pictures

2009-01-08T10:52:00.003-06:00

Brown Christmas at the lake. Our kids with Grandpa Brown.

Zachery and Mom at the Befort Christmas.

Christmas morning at our house. Abbey and her I-Dance Dog.

Natalie and her swimming dog from Santa.

Zachery and his John Deere tractor.

Our Christmas Eve

2009-01-08T10:01:00.003-06:00

Well Christmas is over...sad, because it is my favorite holiday season...happy the kids are back in school and I have a routine back!!!!! You all know how I love a routine! There are so many pictures to post b/c so much has gone on between Christmas Eve when I lasted posted and today, January 8. How could I have been away so long? I have missed getting on line and blogging. Emalie is 17 months old today and Zachery is 10 days shy of being 3. Wow our kids are growing up so fast. The kids were in a Christmas play at Church for the Gospel reading. Zachery is on the far right as a horse, Natalie just to the left of him as a sheep and Abbey is the shepard behind him.

Natalie

Abbey

Zachery

I have just decided now that if I can get 2 of the 4 kids smiling or looking at the camera the picture is good! The entire family dressed in purple for Christmas Eve Mass. Somehow I managed to miss a family picture at church. Emalie doesn't have an individual picture by the tree b/c I couldn't get her to stand by herself.

Cade William Curtis Martin

2008-12-24T14:02:00.002-06:00

Introducing the newest member of our family. Cade William Curtis was born about 2 am this morning. He weighed 7 pounds 3 oz and was 19 1/2 inches. Born at 36 weeks. After a very long labor and very intense!!! Julie, Aaron, Riley and Cade are all doing good. What a great Christmas present!

Santa comes for Jesus' birthday

2008-12-16T09:15:00.005-06:00

We are trying so hard to instil in the kids that Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season. We have told them that Santa comes on Jesus' birthday. It's so cute to have Zachery ask if it's His birthday yet. This is our annual Christmas visit.
Santa also came to church. Here he is with Natalie.

Zachery and Santa.

Santa, Daddy and Emalie.

Abbey and Santa.

And yet some more randomness

2008-12-16T09:02:00.004-06:00

So I do have the coolest most hop kid on the block!
Our first real snow fall and Natalie climbed up the swingset. Her faithful companion Max is at the bottom.

Abbey couldn't wait to get outside.

Zachery all bundled up. It's so hard to keep gloves on this kid.

I love this picture of the kids. Abbey and Natalie are really playing Wii and Zachery and Emalie think they are. It's so cute! And just the freak that I am....reverse birth order! Oh I love to live in a square box!

At the Dino eating joint in KC.

Riley in the sand.

Randomness

2008-12-16T08:51:00.004-06:00

I was trying to clear out my blog picture file and cam across some odds and ends. Hope you enjoy. Why yes Zachery, its perfectly normal to ride the pet cow!

And yes mom, I am perfectly safe standing atop of the saddle!

See...I'm just fine!

Emalie and Zachery when she was 2 weeks old.

Emalie and Zachery in October. They love to watch videos like this.

I tell you that these two are peas in a pod. It's just amazing to see how fast the kids grow.

And here is my boy and me! I just love his smile!

Decorating our tree

2008-12-15T10:09:00.004-06:00

We got our tree put soon after Thanksgiving. It was a late night project-we started at 8:00 after the kids' bath. They were so excited to stay up so late! There was a height requirement for all breakable ornaments to stay out of reach of Emalie. The girls made sure everyone adhered to the rule! I just love that they are in their pjs. Natalie showing Emalie that ornament "Way up there"

Abbey hanging her ornaments.

Now who wouldn't want to get this present under the tree?

Happy Birthday Riley

2008-12-12T09:55:00.003-06:00

On Thursday December 11th my niece Riley turned 3! She celebrated with a candyland birthday party. We love you and hope you had a good day! Jeremey, Julie and Baby Riley
Julie and Riley last fall

Zachery and Riley

Riley this summer.

Happy Birthday Trinity

2008-12-09T15:33:00.003-06:00

On Sunday, December 7, my niece Trinity turned 2. Happy Birthday big girl! Trinity at 1 day old.

Trinity and Emalie this summer.

Trinity exploring butterflies at home.

Trinity and her mommy!

Jeremey's Rite of Acceptance and November Catch up

2008-12-05T09:16:00.003-06:00

On Sunday November 30 Jeremey made his Rite of Acceptance to officially begin the process of joining the Church. It was such a special day for him and a gift from God for the both of us. I am so proud of him and thankful to God that he has led Jeremey on this path. He will join the Church at Easter! Jeremey, Jessica and Father Mike.

Natalie the Scarecrow at her Thanksgiving feast.

I do cook! Even breakfast pancakes! Zachery loves them, especially since he has a book about Curious George and how he makes pancakes!

I forgot to post this picture of the girls before their dance recital. And they are even holding hands!

Here they are before going to watch Joslyn in her Christmas Musical.

Girls Christmas Dance

2008-11-29T10:13:00.002-06:00

Girls Christmas Dance

2008-11-29T09:22:00.005-06:00

Courthouse turns 100

2008-11-19T15:58:00.002-06:00

Last Saturday we celebrated our courthouse's 100th birthday. The Girl Scouts got to be part of the celebration as they lined the walkway for the Color Guard. Then they got to release balloons. Abbey got a special ribbon for participating.

Abbey, Mom and Natalie
Abbey with her Girl Scout sash.

This is our beatiful courthouse.

Waiting for the balloon release.

Farm Day

2008-11-19T15:43:00.002-06:00

Last Friday was Natalie's field trip to the Farm. It was fun, but cold. Zachery, Emalie and I only stayed for the story and to get a picture of Natalie on the horse. The first 3 pictures are of the kids listening to the story.

Natalie and her horse ride!

Hello....Is anybody there?

2008-11-19T15:27:00.003-06:00

No don't go...come back...really I'm here. I've been here all along...just really busy....doing....well...nothing in particular...feeding, bathing, cooking, cleaning up after, taxiing, reading to, care for, and loving the kids...but really I'm here! I can't believe I have been away for so long, 17 days of no posting, What has gotten into me? Oh yeah, parenting! And just to think that November is National Blog Month, you can sign up and post everyday in Nov. Well I have truly missed that boat!
Trying to think of things we have done this month:
Wakita Turkey Dinner and 8 pies and 1 cranberry salad
Julie came home with her family
The girls went with Aunt B, Uncle Dick, Nana and Papa to watch our cousin Joslyn in the Christmas Story.
There have been Girl Scout meetings, Dr. appts for check ups, music practice for Abbey's Christmas program on the 2nd, dance and gymnastic practice and a kidnapping involving the kids and I and Grandpa Brown!
The Danville Turkey Dinner is this Sunday and 5 more pies and 2 craft items.

Also autumn crafts. The big kids got to paint with real paint and Emalie got to paint with pudding.

Feels good on my teeth...by the way I now have 4 on top and 2 on the bottom with 2 more trying to break through down there.

Look, I can do the silly spoon on your nose trick too!

And I am using a spoon! Talented I know!

Thank goodness mom remembered to take off my shirt!

Halloween costumes

2008-11-01T23:03:00.003-05:00

Abbey is a witch, Natalie is Sharpa from HS Musical, Zachery is a pumpking and Emalie is a skeleton.

Our first stop was Papa and the girls at the Courthouse.

Then off to see Grandpa Brown and get his HUGE sack of goodies!

Then we went to help Uncle Dick pass out candy to trick or treaters. The Graves Kids has such fun doing it! Then Daddy came by and took them to houses nearby. It was FUN night, and such perfect weather!

Emalie taking off with the loot!

We hope you had a fun Halloween.

We are working the Wakita Turkey Dinner tomorrow. Please join us if you can!

Another bites the dust

2008-11-01T22:36:00.003-05:00

Early this summer I found out that my much beloved and much discontinued Kodak camera can't swim. So Jeremey said that I could have his Cannon Powershot. It wasn't my Kodak but it was a camera and I tried not to complain to often.
On Halloween it took its last pictures. The Powershot lost its life due to a drop on the front porch. OUCH!! That's okay I said (okay after I yelled a little) I still have the digital camera on my cell phone.

So the story continues. I got out of the car today opened the door to get out Zachery and here this big bang...as my cell phone hits the ground with a big crash! I have no cell phone, no camera, no nothing. So you can't call me on my phone til at least Monday!

Coming home from the Pupmkin Patch

2008-11-01T22:16:00.002-05:00

Sleeping kids=a quiet car! Amen!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-01T22:00:00.006-05:00

We traveled to the Pumpkin Patch last Saturday for our annual visit. We missed everyone who couldn't be with us!

I took lots of picts so just sit back and enjoy.

Zachery and his picture smile...and those lips on Emalie...how funny.

A new addition this year was more tire swings.

Mommy and Emalie.

Daddy and his herd.

Emalie sat so nice after our family picture that I just kept taking more of her.

Abbey, Zachery and Daddy.

Mommy and the herd.

I loved this picture b/c we have one of Zachery on haybales with pumpkins from his first visit.

I just feel in love with this picture of Natalie.

Surprise....Abbey is feeding a horse.

Emalie and Zachery taking some laps on the tractor track.

My four kids hogging the water pumps!

Emalie Ann.

Zachery Wray.

Natalie Rose.

Abbey Renae.

Our Family...Pumpkin Patch 2008.

No bones about it

2008-11-01T21:58:00.003-05:00

Wanted to get this on to wish you all a Happy Halloween! Yes, I know its actually All Saints Day today, but hope you had a good candy day!

Eggs

2008-10-28T23:12:00.002-05:00

A big event always takes place at Mimi and Papa's house. Gathering eggs. If they know the kids are coming Mimi and Papa always wait so the kids can help them collect! They are getting at least a dozen eggs a day! Abbey brought an assistant with her to gather eggs. Her baby doll just had to experience it too.

And Zachery was so proud of each and every one he pulled out of the nest!

Just Hangin Out

2008-10-28T23:01:00.005-05:00

Before it started freezing we took advantage of the crisp fall air. It is just lovely, and as a bonus of the wet summer my grass is still green in October!

Emalie could not wait until she could be in the Barbie car by herself to push buttons.

Abbey demonstrating how to do a wheelie!

...and you end like this!

Mommy and Emalie.

Isn't he such a cute little man?

Even though it was only 65 out, Ms. Natalie was insistent that it was warm enough for swimwear!

Abbey and her new baby.

Crosswords

2008-10-28T22:23:00.002-05:00

Mom, I always see you doing one of these things. Why don't you let me give it a whirl.

Okay, so you just look at the clues and make little letters.

Cutest 14 month old around? E M A L I E

Hey Mom...I AM IN THE CROSSWORDS!

More Smores

2008-10-21T21:22:00.001-05:00

It was a bit cool last Tuesday night so the kids asked Daddy if they could make Smores. And of course he said yes! They have such a fun dad!

The Ingredients

The Fire

The Cheerleader

The 1st

The 2nd

The 3rd-He is so excited to eat it!

At Last

What I should be doing

2008-10-17T15:35:00.002-05:00

What I should be doing while Emalie is sleeping and the kids are playing outside. It's 70 out! Love the beautiful weather. The girls and I played outside after lunch while Daddy and Zachery bonded at Farmer's Oil. Daddy and the big girls bonded this morning and then ate lunch together. I must say that Jeremey is a pretty cool Dad! Not too mention pretty cute! AUUGGH my children will say when they read this post in the years to come! But I regress....
What I should be doing: making 8 piecrusts for Wakita's Turkey Dinner on the 2nd of November, taking CM inventory, bringing my CM quickbooks up to date. Doing bank paperwork, cleaning the house, folding clothes, picking up toys.
BUt instead I am taking a moment to blog. I had one picture that I was waiting to post when I just had a minute so here it is. I got this necklace a couple months ago from a company called Birth Designs. I have created a name for Jeremy and the kids: janze. Went all out with tshirts, license plates and now jewelry. janze stands for: Jeremey Abbey Natalie Zachery Emalie. I just think that is so clever!!
Okay, now I have to go fold laundry. Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Julie

2008-10-10T10:07:00.002-05:00

In my slow but steady life October 1st passed me by without a post. Why is this day important you ask? Well it is the day that Julie Renae came into this world...in a car! So 10 days late I post for your birthday. Aunt Nae we hope you had a great day. We Love You! Jeremey's little sister Julie and Abbey

Aunt Nae and Natalie at Disney World in 04

Julie and Riley...This is one of my favorite pics!

See Riley...you quack like a duck...just like this!

Aunt Nae and Baby Emalie

These Graves Kids

2008-10-09T14:03:00.003-05:00

I just can't get enough of these shirts. I just love them. Last Saturday was Anthony's Octoberfest and we went into town to watch Karson's piano recital. She did a great job! Then we strolled around town, admittedly to show off the kids in their awesome shirts. Then ate lunch at McD's with Aunt Karen and Audrey. My kids were thrilled b/c that is such a treat to actually eat INSIDE the restaraunt. Back to our house to show off Max and play some more with Audrey. It was a great day! What a pretty bow! It matches your shirt so well!

Mom your accidental tomato plant is HUGE!

Natalie, Max, Abbey, Zachery and Emalie

Zachery's newest pose if you can call it that is to put his hands on his hips. He does it so often and it is just so cute. He does it when he's upset, or proud of himself...he will do something for Emalie and stand like this in front of me so that I can see what he did. It's so CUTE.

Abbey and Max. We know that Max is Natalie's dog...but Abbey IS our animal lover!

Hopefully it won't take as long to blog next time. I even have a picture just waiting to be put ont he blog when I just have 3 minutes to spare...but I haven't even done that. Heck I haven't even been on the computer at night to IM with Sue. That means I really don't have spare time!!! BTW Sue, hurry back! Nana we miss you like crazy. We drove down LL and G and Zachery said, Nana's road, go to Nana's house! Hurry back! And stay a while!!!!

Recent pictures

2008-10-09T13:36:00.003-05:00

It has been a calm but steadily busy 3 weeks at our house. Both girls are enrolled in dance and Natalie is in gymnastics. That takes up our Mondays after school. Abbey does eye improvement lessons MWF after school so my calendar (and role of taxi drive) is full.
Jeremey started planting wheat on the 1st, but was rained out on the 6th. They got back in the field yesterday and barring any more rain they should be done by the 19th. Our weekends are filling up so quickly as the holidays approach. We are even starting to make Christmas plans!
Zachery diggin inside the house outside. We have had this pop up house since Abbey was little and they all love it. Even Max!

Emalie has just BARELY enough hair for a pot knot on the top of her head. It didn't stay in very long. She worked on it until she pulled it out. And she is a full time walker now.

Here I come mom!
October is Fire Safety month. The fire dept. came to preschool yesterday to talk to the kids. Any questions about fire, just ask Natalie she will tell you. She even has book to show you what she knows! The kids get asked questions at preshcool and this week they asked what to do in a fire. Our Natalie said, "stop, drop and roll and then call Farmer's Oil" I guess she wants to make sure Daddy knows too! Zachery, Natalie and I rode the fire trucks around town too.

Emalie was not afraid of the firemen. She was more afraid of the preschoolers trying to mother her. I guess she thought the firemen would give her some space!

Meet Max

2008-10-09T13:26:00.002-05:00

Jeremey bought a corgie puppy for Natalie's birthday. She named him Max. He fits into our family very well.
Pet count at This Graves Family

4 dogs: Hank, Molly, Blackjack and Max

6 cats: Katrina, Cars, Elizabeth, Samantha, Grey, Sofie

3 horses: Stormy, Rojo, Jetta Dawn

Eli Ray Aldridge

2008-09-24T12:27:00.001-05:00

Here he is.

My Little Sister is Bigger than ME!

2008-09-24T09:18:00.003-05:00

I have had all 4 kids with an Epidural~always wanted to try it w/o drugs....but who am I kidding? Having a baby HURTS!!!!!!!!!! Just ask my little sister Julie!!!!
I HAVE A NEW NEPHEW!!!!
Elijah (Eli) Ray Aldridge was born this morning at 2:49. He was 6lbs 9oz and 20 inches long!
They were on there way to the hospital at 12:45, so he came quick!!
I will post pictures when I can.
I asked the new mom if she is still in pain, and she said "oh no, as soon as he came out I didn't hurt anymore" She is a Bigger Woman than ME!!
I love you Julie and can't wait to meet him!!!