A Day of Art with Ross

Yesterday I went to the Mobile Museum of Art with Ross and his Pace class. We had so much fun!

First the kids went to an Art Laboratory to learn about Abstract Art and Georgia OKeefe. Then they got to make a little art of their own.

Not bad if I do say so myself...

Ross wanted to be Link from Zelda the video game for Halloween.

The only Link costume I found was $150 on eBay (whatever!) so I decided I could make one.

After some research on the Internet, this is what I came up with.




I don't sew much so I hand stitched the hat and hot glued the rest. Not too shabby I think. The foam sword was $2 at Walmart, the shield a gift from Aunt Herkerma and the pants are part of the Obi Wan costume from last year. Best of all, I used what I had around the house too, so the costume cost me less than $6. Yeah me, Mom would be proud!

America's Next Top Model

I thought Owen looked too cute in his velvety sweatsuit, so I wanted pictures for my blog. He must have agreed because he was more then willing to pose while we waited for Ross to come home.




Everyday Owen and I walk up and down the sidewalk waiting for the bus. We usually see 3 or 4 other buses first. Each time Owen points and "chatters" until I tell him that isn't Ross' bus.

When Ross finally gets home, Owen runs to him, jumps in his arms and gives him a big hug, it is the sweetest thing ever! I am so glad my boys love each other!

Eagle Scout Corey Douglas Singleton

On Sunday Ross was able to participate in an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for one of the young men at church, the afore mentioned Corey.

It was the first time I have ever been to a Court of Honor. It made me want Ross and Owen to get their Eagles even more. Corey's Mom was able to present him with his award and she recieved a special pin too.


Corey's project was making hygene kits for kids in foster care. He is such a sweet young man. I hope Ross watches and follow's Corey' example. Congratulations Corey!


Two bonus pictures, Mike and Jason and of course Owen with Ross' Cub cap.

Sweet Memories

I was looking through some old photos today when I found these.
They were taken just weeks before my Mom died. She was so happy to be with Ross. I really miss her. I think I am going to post some more old pictures.





P.S. In the second picture you can really see how much Ross looks like his Uncle Chris.

Boot Camp

Last weekend was Stake Conference. Basically that is a big meeting for all the members of our church in South Alabama and South West Mississippi. The adults have training and meetings on Saturday night and then we all get together on Sunday morning for a 2 hour church meeting. The meetings are run by the Stake Leaders and a General Authority usually attends. This time we had Elder Jenson of the Seventy, the Birmingham Temple President and his wife and the Mission President with this wife. It was a great meeting, the Spirit was very strong on Sunday and Elder Jenson with funny and inspiring. The youth speakers were amazing too. Sorry if y'all missed it!

This year I did not have to attend any Saturday training (heeheehee) so I decided to stay home with the kids and let Jason go. We invited the Constantine and Odom kids to join us so their parents could go and so we could have some company.

We had so much fun,all 10 of us! Owen loved being with all the kids, especially Ariel.
(Tori came up with the name "Boot Camp" while I was reviewing the rules, no kool-aid on the furniture and stuff like that...)

We ate Pizza and Brownies with Ice Cream picnic style in the Den.






We played outside on the big swing set. We played on the Wii. The kids had several very exciting rounds of TV Show King (of course I am still the King).

Ross and Christian


Tori and KayKay

Ariel and Tori who got along like Peas and Carrots.



The kids played McDonald's and got out all of Ross' costumes and hats.



We had a huge pillow fight free for all, no pictures cause I was in the middle of the fight. (I haven't forgotten that I owe Ariel one for a totally cheap shot to the head, a good shot but a cheap shot! :) ) When they were finally worn out, we watched a movie spread out all over the chairs and couches.

Frankly, I enjoyed myself so much, I may do this every year instead of going to Saturday night meetings. Thanks Mike and Andrea and Mark and Spuffy for sharing your family with us!

The Greater Gulf State Fair

Last Friday we took Owen and Ross to the fair with our friends Carolyn and Lee. Carolyn had never been to the fair before.
Ross was all pumped! He wanted to ride something not too scary.


Owen, not so much, he hates the stroller! (Sorry for some reason the picture won't flip right.)


First we let Owen go fishing for a stuffed animal. He loved it.





After much debate, Owen finally went with the Orange Fish. I was rooting for the Green Lizard.




Then we went down the midway to find a "somewhat scary ride" for Ross, Jason and Carolyn.



After some study, they picked the Freak Out. Owen and I used our time to get funnel cake and lemonade, finally something that made Owen happy. (Honestly, Owen did not enjoy being in the stroller, we are seriously considering whether or not he is going to Disney with us any time soon.)


Carolyn did not love the Freak Out so we just let Ross pick out some rides he liked. Then we did what I like, we toured the domestic and farm exhibits. We were too early for the pigs and cattle, but we got to see the chickens. I got some great pamphlets from the Alabama Ag. Extention.

Owen got happy when we found somethings he could do. He got to run around the trailers and we talked his way onto the Hall of Mirrors Funhouse. It had a big slide that he loved! Here is Jason taking Owen through for the second time.








Then Ross got to take Owen on the "Plane Ride". Owen loved, loved, loved it! Ross is such a great big brother!








We all had fun at the Fair. Can't wait for next year!