Starring Tripp, Phillip, and Selah

2010-05-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

Trippy graduated from eight grade with flying colors. On to high school!

Sunday Afternoon

2010-03-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Jim and the kids are riding the limo around to charge the dead battery. Dead batteries are pretty good indicators of sllloow business.
I am "cleaning house" while I add awesomeness to my pandora station.
Last night we came home from a friend's house to find an entire gallon of paint had puked itself out of its container and onto the kitchen floor. Remember when I was talking about those messes that you don't know how to clean up? It was one of those. I eventually found the dust pan to be the most effective tool at scooping up excess paint.

Mom Lessons - Lesson 1

2010-03-06T08:13:00.001-08:00

Sometimes there will be messes that you cannot fathom how to begin cleaning up.
Cases in point:
A very hot, very pregnant, very July in Georgia day teaching children's services at campmeeting. I arrive late, reach in to unstrap my almost 8 month old and lift him out of his seat. A loud, resounding splat greets my ears. There is poop all the way up to his neck. There is poop all the way to his knees. There is so much poop in the seat I cannot set him back down. There is a great pile of poop on the ground. I literally stand there, holding my son a foot out in front of me, mouth agape, totally flummoxed as how to even begin to decontaminate my baby and his surroundings.

Baby powder. Everywhere. Frequently. And one time it was calamine lotion. Everywhere. Oh, and neither comes up well with a carpet cleaner. But you should still invest in a carpet cleaner because they do a great job with juices, poop, and other bodily fluids.

Train of thought

2010-02-20T17:13:00.000-08:00

Jimmy is a MUCH better house keeper than me. I'm not sure how that makes me feel as a wife/mother.
Even though he's better at it - I MISS MISS MISS the control and experience of doing it and having a hand in everything.
As long as we have toilet paper and food (including some junk) I can handle anything.
Phillip has a serious connection between his blood sugar and his mood. He MELTS into a whiny mess when he gets hungry - well before he even gets hungry really. I have to consciously feed him every few hours.
Selah is still happy go lucky most of the time. A few more tantrums have cropped up since the big 3, but most of the time she just says, "okay Mommy" and moves on.
My dog has been the subject of an animal control complaint. The only thing I can think of is she makes other people's dogs bark. She probably poops somewhere since she won't poop in our yard. She used to steal dog toys, but hasn't in a long time. She lives on her chain now. I hate it as much as she does.
I am ready to feel spring in my bones. I feel ninety years old with the cold weather. I hate to be cold. I cannot wait to get out of the shower and leisurely dry off without my teeth chattering.

Dough

2010-02-11T11:01:00.002-08:00

I am craving cookie dough. SO I am going to melt some butter and mix it with sugar and flour. Sad yes? ;)

A mother of preschoolers.

2010-01-19T12:30:00.001-08:00

I am no longer a mother of babies. Or toddlers. I officially have two potty-trained, self-dressing, self-feeding, preschoolers.
Selah turned 3 at the beginning of this month. Just a year ago I grieved over weaning her. Now I am dreading the fall when I send her off to school all by herself!
Happy Birthday Selah Audrie Anniston!

Merry Christmas to All!

2009-12-21T16:47:00.000-08:00

2009-11-16T19:07:00.000-08:00

Darth Vader and the Kitty Cat

2009-11-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

2009-10-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

What a year means.

2009-09-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

SOoooo I haven't blogged in FOREVER. Sorry folks. I know our fans are out there falling over themselves to here the latest. #sarcasm Anywho. I just haven't gotten the camera out lately. Too busy I guess. I will make a point to this week. In the mean time. This picture is almost a year ago to date. Trippy was still at Eagle Ranch. Selah was pretty much still bald. And Phillip was even skinnier than he is now. Selah, of course, has made the most advancements in the last year. Hair being her most notable achievement. That and weaning. She nursed right through her second birthday (for which she was SUPER sick) and I cut her off the next week. She hasn't missed it since. Both Phillip and Selah have completely potty trained since this picture. Well, during the day at least. And Selah still has accidents once or twice a week. Phillip is the potty champion and he was the one I was worried about. He so loves school and anything Ms. Karen says is gold. He washes his hands and eats broccoli because she says to. Rocks my world.

From Whence I Came

2009-08-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

Update

2009-08-10T14:44:00.001-07:00

Let us be brief for there are monsters afoot in the kitchen.
We spent a few days at the beach again. What fun! We had two major bodily fluid/solid incidents with Selah we thought were related to her persistant constipation. We were wrong. A tummy bug followed us home. So far Little Phillip is the only one to have escaped it and I'm still a little nervous every time he hollers my name at night.
Phillip did start school this morning without incident of any kind. He had a great day, had a great time. And was still asleep from nap time when I came to pick him up. He did say the oatmeal they gave him for breakfast made him gag. He did not, of course, say this with words, but gave a vivid demonstration. He is VERY sensitive to food textures. I'm just proud the kid tried it!
Trippy is having a rough go of things this week. Keep him in your prayers. Nothing really new, I think he's just between a rock and a hard place and is frustrated with the slowness of his progress.
Sojourn Tours is picking up some. Praise God! We slowly filling in our financial gaps, and doing our best to trust along the way!
There you go. I hear the water running out of the refridgerator. Got to go.

my biggun

2009-08-01T23:03:00.001-07:00

2009-07-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

Mom Definitions Contest

2009-07-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

Five of my best "momfinitions" I've acquired in the last few years. To participate in the contest go Here first and read this article.

Butt Covers: Anything that keeps a butt from being naked. i.e. diapers, swimsuit, underwear

My husband has an aversion to naked butt of any age, so it is frequently heard shouted across the room at a young streaker, "Go get some butt covers on!" A swimsuit is usually the butt cover of choice.

Napkin: Evidently, my current job description. i.e. "Phillip, I am not a napkin. Please do not wipe your (face, nose, hands) on me!"

Barnacles, Tarter Sauce, Barnacle Head: the only explicatives currently accepted in our home. Courtesy of Sponge Bob i.e. "Selah you may not have ice cream." "Tartar Sauce!"

Og ot peels won: Go to sleep now. In Jimmyease. "OG OT PEELS WON TRIPP!"

Dogdown: Ketchup. Catsup. Get it? Again in Jimmyease. "Jim, would you please get Selah some dogdown?"

A Day of History and Trains

2009-07-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

We got to spend a great day in Kennesaw with Trippy. There is a great museum there filled with LOTS of Civil War relics and lots of TRAIN info. They have a fantastic kids' wing too, but I was really excited by how interested the little guys were in all the exhibits and not just the kid stuff.

The Fourth

2009-07-06T15:40:00.001-07:00

We always have a great time in the mountains on the Fourth of July and this year was no exception. We had a late start Friday night because poor Jim worked a 13.5 hour day! He got home and we shoved some food in his mouth and ran on to Blue Ridge. We got there about 10:30, set up the kids' pallet, had a snack and hit the sack. Our guys were up unusually early on Saturday and we were on the river by 11:30. This was Selah's inaugural river ride and she had ZERO apprehension. Phillip enjoyed himself too, although he took longer to relax and enjoy himself. We got home, rinsed off, ate a HUGE meal, took a nap and then headed to the marina for fireworks. Some nice strangers gave us watermelon to eat and someone else gave the kids glow bracelets. Phillip passed the time by searching for the fireworks on Google maps. Funny kid. The show started suddenly, and the noise startled us all. We were VERY close. I was surprised because the kids did not freak out right away. But about two minutes in they'd had enough and the tears began. So I took them to seek shelter under the porch of a little cafe that was a little farther away from the BOOM BOOM. That seemed to ease their concerns enough that we made it through the remainder of the show without having to walk all the way back to the car. I considered that a minor victory. Mom always had to sit in the car with me when I was little, so this was a little better.
We slept in on Sunday and lazed about. (well, the kids lazed about. I packed the car). We went over to Mema's and Pepa's for some barbeque and to pick up our sweet Noel. Thanks Mema and Pepa for doggy sitting!

Grumpy

2009-07-02T20:33:00.001-07:00

We are all a little frazzled here at the Hunt household. Jim's enjoying the new job, but it comes with the added stress of training to learn something new in a short period of time. We are glad to be back on day shift, but the schedule swap has proved somewhat more taxing than I had hoped. We are better than we were. My kiddos were sleeping from 2 a.m. to almost 2 p.m. We have shifted to more of a 12 to 10 or 11 schedule with an afternoon nap. I can live with this, but would like to get them moved up to a 10 pm bedtime for the rest of the summer. I have an appointment to try and get Phillip into poor kid preschool next week. I think he will really enjoy it and I think the forced schedule will be good for all of us.
Phillip gave up his pacifier on his own. But that's probably adding to his crankiness.
So, in case I say something ugly or shout or act like a less than graceful lady - please forgive me. I am sleepy. And my ears are tired of hearing my name. Just pass me some chocolate and try again afterwards.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-23T21:26:00.001-07:00

summer fun

2009-06-09T20:08:00.003-07:00

summer fun
Originally uploaded by carrieanne229

makin some spray

2009-06-09T20:08:00.001-07:00

makin some spray
Originally uploaded by carrieanne229

selah audrie anniston mess

2009-06-09T20:07:00.001-07:00

selah audrie anniston mess
Originally uploaded by carrieanne229

phillip - mid moment

2009-06-09T07:24:00.001-07:00

phillip - mid moment
Originally uploaded by carrieanne229

VBS Finale

2009-06-05T23:07:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun this week at Concord Baptist's VBS. The theme was "Boomerang Express". So you know that was a hit with our train junkies. You can probably tell from the pictures which of the two Hunt kids was more "in" to the signing and singing. :)

Restaurant Review - Subway in the Kangaroo gas station

2009-06-02T22:54:00.001-07:00

I get random cravings for Subway. But I eat it mostly when I am desperate not to cook. However, the other day I was having a bell pepper craving, so I rationalized a stop into the gas station to swing by the Subway inside. I LOVE that they have pizza now. For 3.50, both kids got half of a good size personal pizza with TONS o'cheese. I opted for a veggie one and they loaded that sucker up! I got Jim the deal of the day, which was a six inch sandwich with a drink and chips for 3.99. I got a giant diet coke and we got out of there for just over 15 bucks. A great deal for four people!

Boomerang Express - VBS Day 1

2009-05-31T21:22:00.001-07:00

We registered last minute for a night time Bible school at a nearby church. I figured it was a good start to the summer that didn't require my night owls to get up early. Phillip and Selah were both SUPER excited. They wore there little backpacks and went bravely to their classes. Selah's class stays in the classroom, but Phillip moves around to different centers. Evidently he missed the "train" to a center and got left behind in the sanctuary. He said, "Mom you and my teacher left me in the Jesus music place. But then this boy came and talked to me and he took me to my teacher." Oops. He's never been to preschool, so I don't think he got the whole walking in a line thing. :)
Selah went potty for her teacher. Phillip just held his the whole time. He wouldn't even go when I came to pick him up. He said he wanted to wait until he got home so he could go in the frog potty. He made it, but I was nervous!

Chuck E Cheese and A Visit With Bubba.

2009-05-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

We went down to see Trippy today. We didn't go to Chuck E Cheese last time around because it was a weekend and was crazy crowded. Today was PERFECT. It was another rainy day, so it was really our only entertainment option other than the mall. We had coupons that got us enough pizza (barely though) for everyone and TONS of tokens. We played games for over two hours and were still cramming tokens in at the last minute to use them up.
Tripp looks great and sounds great. We are so excited for his dramatic improvement. No new meds involved. He says he just thinks it's going outside more and being respected by the staff. His last placement was pretty disrespectful to him and to us, so we are quite pleased that he's somewhere he can be his self and get the help he needs. He seems to have matured a lot. I am still nervous when I think about him coming home full time, but I am very excited to think about having him back with us too. I was proud of us both today. There were two incidents, one over cotton candy and one over a trip to Toys R Us that didn't happen. In the past, either or both of the incidents could have easily turned ugly. But Tripp did a great job handling his dissapointment and my frustrated fussing. He got upset, but didn't say anything ugly, or do anything ugly. By the time we were back to drop him off, everyone was in good spirits again.
We almost got through the day accident free in regards to potty training. Both little kids did great going potty every time we stopped. When we stopped on the way home to grab a burger, I went first and should have let Phillip go first. He didn't quite make it. But I give him points for at least getting to the bathroom! But none to shabby for two kids who were full time diaper wearers just a few weeks ago. I won't even try night training for awhile. They still drink water at bedtime and I can only handle one transition at a time. One diaper a night per kid won't break the budget for awhile. Next to go is the pacifier! But not til we are TRULY pottty trained. I am interested to see if I can get the kids in a VBS and see how they do with potty training with other adults.
Phillip conquered a major fear of his tonight. As much as the kid loves trains, he is terrified of the horn. Awhile back I got some ear warmers on clearance at wal mart. He calls them his "earrings". Tonight he donned his new gear and bravely exited the van to watch trains up close and personal with Daddy. He did put his hands over the ear muffs, but let go to wave to the engineer. He was VERY proud of himself!

Did you know there's a train in the mall?

2009-05-22T00:22:00.001-07:00

KFC Coupon

2009-05-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

So we went to cash in our coupons for free KFC grilled chicken. They wouldn't honor them. They said I had to fill our a form and mail it in for a rain check. Bummer man. We ate at Ryan's instead. Very average food, plus our neighbor was with us. She just turned 13, so instead of 1.99 she was 8.00+. I think there should be a student rate or something!

Update

2009-05-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

We are busy as usual. Potty training has been the focus of our energy the last week or so. Everyone is wearing underwear during the day. Accidents vary in frequency, depending largely on how busy they get playing. Sunday was our first day out and about in underwear. Phillip did great. Selah had one little accident. Today has been a struggle with Phillip. He's just "not that into it" sometimes. Selah got enough reward marbles to redeem for her "potty prize". She choose a stuffed elephant at Kroger.

Tripp's 13th birthday is Wednesday. Hard to believe. We'll go and visit with him Wednesday and probably again on Thursday if Jim can't get off work to go Wednesday.

Restaurant Review McDonalds

2009-04-24T20:57:00.001-07:00

Duh right? I mean everyone with kids eats at Mickey D's! But, we normally eat at Chick Fil A when the weather is less than cooperative, as it has been as of late, because of its indoor playground. But tonight was a delightful warm evening and I needed to balance my checkbook. My pediatrician is actually a fan of McDonald's over Chick Fil A. All of Chick Fil A's menu items have MSG or autolyzed yeast. She feels this warrants significant concern when it comes to kiddos. My guys eat grilled cheese and fruit there, not sure of their MSG content. I guess I should look it up.
Anyways. Back to tonight. I took my neighboor, Sarah, with me to help with kiddie corraling. While there are two economical meals, the double cheese meal and the mc chicken mean, the rest cost 5 bucks plus for a combo meal. Phillip and Selah were both huuuuungrry tonight, so they got mighty kid meals instead of happy meals. Selah double cheese and Phillip six nuggets. They always get apples. Kudos to McDonald's for peeling their apples. A lot of places don't.
I wish there were more options for sides with the combo meals. Don't get me wrong, I like me some fries. But sometimes I wish I could get a burger with something a little healthier. I do eat their salads sometimes, and the bacon ranch salad is awesome!!!!
The service tonight at our Dawsonville location was impeccable and very polite. Five stars!

A Blustery Day or Let's Go Fly a Kite

2009-04-21T22:46:00.001-07:00

We decided today was the perfect day to try out the kites that the kids' Sunday school teacher had given them in anticipation of spring. Thanks Ms. Donna! We had a great time, but Selah soon tired of the kite flying and instead chose to dig in her favorite dirt pile. Frankie and Phillip had a grand ole time, both flying kites for the first time and loving it. Phillip does not have pants on. I was going to make him go back in the house and get dressed, and he was so excited to fly his kite he willingly complied, but when he was so sweet about it, I caved and let the diaper do.

A Blustery Day or Let's Go Fly a Kite

2009-04-21T22:22:00.001-07:00

Train Pics

2009-04-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some train pics we took at Tripp's school. He's right off the right of way! Too bad though - Jim doesn't like CSX.

Long Time No Post

2009-04-16T17:47:00.000-07:00

I know, it's been forever. We've just been really busy. Plus we've been eating at the same "family friendly" staples so we haven't had much to review. Also been trying to eat at home a little bit more. Our current staples are homemade pizza and grilled cheese with hotdog in the middle made in the waffle iron. I know. Staggeringly healthy.
Trippy is at a new school. We got him moved and settled in this week. The weather has been a little less crazy and little warmer so we are less stir crazy. Today we planted some cypress trees in the back yard.
We spend a lot of our time focused on trains. Jim and Phillip are serious train junkies. Selah and I just act enthusiastic. We are looking forward to trying to plan a trip to the Folkston Funnel in south Georgia. They have a covered pavillion with bathrooms, ceiling fans, grills, and picnic tables next to the track where all trains funnel in and out of Georgia and Florida. Traffic and be as much as 40 - 60 trains a day! It's halfway to Cocoa too, so one day we'll get some vacation time together and that will be our stop halfway point.

2009-04-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

Restaurant Review - Ryan's

2009-03-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

When Jim and I were dating and first married I referred buffet restaurants as "troughs" i.e. we were the cattle eating from the trough. I was not a fan. Two toddlers in tow can do a lot to change one's perspective. Ironically, this was my birthday dinner. I would not have chosen Ryan's had it been just Jim and me, but the kids all agreed on this one restaurant. This rare event prodded me to accept their choice.

Here are the pluses for eating at Ryan's. You don't have to wait for your food. You can almost always find enough kid food to please even the pickiest eater. It is fairly economical considering the amount of food you get to eat, and considering dessert is included.

The first hurdle to cross is getting plates made for the kids. Fortunately this night we had our amazing neighbor with us, Frankie. She's 13 and great with the little guys. I left them at the table with her while I juggled two plates for the monkeys.

The food on this night was not the best ever. Phillip demanded grilled cheese, but none was to be found. He settled for dipping his yeast roll in nacho cheese dip. So gross, yes? They did have hamburger patties with cheese. No buns, but I improvised with a roll and Selah was a happy camper. Phillip ate the cheese off his. A little mac and cheese makes everyone happy, and the best part is the salad bar. My kids love ranch and will dip almost anything in it. They both greedily ate a salad of greens, shredded carrots and croutons with ranch. This is a huge success in my book.

I always enjoy the desserts. While most are pretty institutional and warrant little more than a passing glance, the kids love to make ice cream sundaes. I almost always go for the cookies. We order decaf coffee and dip our cookies in it.

Eating here is not cheap. But it's not a bad deal either. Especially if your kids are under 13. Ours ate for free. Our total bill, including drinks and tax was 27.00. That's pretty hard to beat for two adults, a teenager, and two toddlers. Now Frankie should've been charged more since she's 13, but they gave us a break. Good for us and we'll be back.

Service here is always polite.

If you are a culinary snob, this is not the place for you. If you want decent food at a decent price this is the place for you. Everybody gets what they want. Everybody can stuff themselves silly. I give it four out of five stars.

Restaurant Review - Applebee's

2009-02-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

Tonight my parents came to take me out for my birthday. Since Jim was working, it gave me the opportunity to get out with some extra hands. I picked Applebee's because it isn't somewhere we venture often with the kiddos. I was a little nervous. Phillip had a brief less-than-an-hour nap, and Selah was a napless wonder.

Saturday night at 6 p.m. made me a little nervous too. We did have to wait, but only for a few minutes. The waiting area wasn't crowded and we were able to sit while we waited.

They sat us in their biggest booth. Big points! We were able to sandwich the kiddos in between us big folks so they couldn't escape, but they had room to wiggle and move around.

The kid's menu was decent. They have cheap kid drinks. This is important for me because my kids refuse to drink water. I absolutely hate paying two bucks a head for sodas. Our waiter came around to get our drink order and brought it out right away. Selah ordered mini-cheeseburgers. A bonus to their kid's menu: you can order one or two of the mini-burgers. Perfect if you have a smaller toddler and don't want to pay for two. Selah, of course, ate two. Phillip insisted on grilled cheese. They did not have one on the menu, but the waiter assured us they could make one. Phillip ordered apple sauce instead of fries. Veggies were also a side option. Yay for them.

Our food took awhile. But we had no major meltdowns while waiting. It was very busy and bustling so I didn't worry about my kids making too much noise. All the adults had great food. Selah downed her meal with her usual finesse. Phillip's grilled cheese came out on marble bread and was made with cheddar. Now, this did not pose a problem tonight, but I'll admit I was a little nervous when I first saw his sandwich. Keep this in mind if you have picky eaters. Phillip downed the applesauce and picked at the sandwich. I'll take the applesauce as a win. It's a step up over the simple starches and cheese he normally lives on.

So overall, I'd give this one close to five stars for eating out with kids. It isn't the cheapest place in the world, but you can count on getting your money's worth, good service and a minimal wait.

Celebrating Caregivers - MY MOM!

2009-02-27T09:15:00.000-08:00

CVS is promoting a contest to celebrate caregivers. View the details here:

http://www.forallthewaysyoucare.com/submit/

When I think of caregiver, I immediately think of my mother. I will never forget the day I answered the door to see her holding homemade vegetable soup through my post partum delirium. Tears came to my eyes when I thought about someone loving me enough to cut up and cook vegetables just so I could have enough good food to eat while nursing my baby.

I may not be post partum anymore, but my mom often brings tears to my eyes with her selfless care of not only me and my children, but our entire family. Just last night we were over at her house. She and Dad fixed us dinner. It's sad, but we are often motivated to visit by free food. A leftover from my college days I suppose. Mom and Dad left at the same time we did. They had to drive over to my grandparents house. Mom goes once a week and organizes all my grandmother's myriad medications in a massive pill box so she doesn't forget to take her meds. Before my mom did this, there were many missed doses, and even some double doses. Scary!

My kids get hurt and/or sick. A lot. For some reason their rambunctious nature and my relaxed parenting ends up in countless bumps and bruises. Throw in a few ear infections, fevers, the flu, a tonsillectomy and you can imagine the trips to the pediatrician, the E.R., to Scottish Rite, etc. Mom always does whatever is in her power to help me. She'll come to the house and stay with the unhurt kid while I take the sickie to the doctor, hospital, etc. A lot of time she'll come ride with me to doctor appointments. This saves me the torture of having two toddlers in an exam room during the inevitable hour long wait for the doctor. Mom keeps one kid occupied in the waiting room or in the car. Most of the time I can actually read a magazine when I only have one kid to occupy in the waiting room. Bliss!

Mom also has amazing decorating sense. This has proved invaluable in the last four years of my married life. You see, we can't afford diddly squat. But mom has accumulated much in her married years. Enough to decorate most of my house! She has the knack and the stuff! She painted my nursery so I wouldn't smell the paint, and surprised me with a painted bedroom and bathroom when I came home from being out of town. I am in the process of changing Phillip and Selah's room over from nursery to big kid room. Guess who has their knick knacks at their house to paint??? You guessed it! What would we do without Mema!?

Restaurant Review - Chick Fil A

2009-02-27T07:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I know this is an easy one. But we did just eat there the other day.
Chick Fil A is my go to restaurant. Especially when I want to have a conversation, read a book, or get some work done. 99% of them have indoor play grounds. I find this to be the greatest invention on earth. But to be specific I'll stick to reviewing the Dawsonville restaurant. Mom's - keep this in mind when you're headed to North Georgia Premium Outlets. It's across the street, but worth it for happy monkeys!

My kids love "Chickilway". The funny thing is they won't eat the chicken there. Go figure. But our lovely Chick Fil A will make grilled cheese sandwiches. I found this out one day standing in line and I heard another mom order one. Glory hallelujah. So, I always order my guys kid's meals with grilled cheese and fruit. Phillip eats only the mandarin oranges and Selah eats the strawberries. They both chew up the apples and spit them out. I don't know why. Maybe because they still have peel on them. This particular restaurant makes their grilled cheese using two bottom bun pieces turned inside out. It works really well. Some restaurants use the wheat berry bread. Most places will let you request either. But if your kids doesn't eat wheat bread, ask first!

Jim has a county employee discount card, so he orders a value size combo and gets a free chicken sandwich. I just order an extra drink for me and I eat the free sandwich. I have never EVER been to Chick Fil A and not enjoyed the food. There are things on the menu that I like better than others, but no matter what's ordered, it's done well.

Some other fast food places in town charge you for packets of sauce. Not here. Super friendly. Super clean. Most weekdays at lunch they have a hostess who helps busy moms get seated, brings a high chair, offers table toppers, and fetches refills. Diaper deck in the bathroom. Hands free bathroom too! Lots of hand sanitizer available. This is especially convenient post-playground.

FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS!

Restaurant Review - Rooster's Cafe in Dahlonega

2009-02-24T10:22:00.000-08:00

I have decided that to help justify our seemingly insatiable appetite for eating out, I would throw out reviews of restaurants where we go. I plan to do this in a kid-centric way, hopefully steering parents in the right direction when eating out with kiddos in tow. This review won't include pics, but I plan on the future ones having appropriate photos.

Roosters Cafe
(706) 867-024489
Long Branch Rd
Dahlonega, GA 30533

We've been meaning to eat here for awhile. We don't get to that end of 400 often, so we decided to drop in when we hit up the Home Depot the other day. This was last Sunday night, early into the dinner hours. Our kids, Selah (2) and Phillip (3) were in decent moods. Selah had had a brief nap just prior to eating. Phillip was a napless wonder.

There were a fair number of people eating, but we didn't have to wait and were seated right away. There isn't a lot of waiting room available, so that might be something to keep in mind during peak hours.

We asked for and got a booth. My guys refuse to sit in high chairs at this point, so the easiest way to eat with them is to put them in on the inside of a booth and pin them in with our bodies.

I asked about kids drinks. They are the same price as an adult drink. I declined and said they could sip out of ours. The waiter slipped us a Sprite for Phillip. Selah is perfectly happy drinking out of whatever drink is closest to her.

Phillip is post-tonsillectomy and still eating weird stuff. He was mad they didn't have pizza. Jim promised him they would. But he was happy to order garlic bread and ranch dressing. I asked the waiter to put his order in and to bring it ASAP. He did so, which forestalled a no-pizza meltdown. We did experience a brief embarrassing moment when I was explaining the menu to Phillip - he yelled at the top of his lungs, "PIZZA!!!" A testament to the kid-friendly nature of the restaurant, hardly anyone blinked. Those who did notice didn't miss a beat going back to their food, conversation, or NASCAR viewing.

Selah ordered a cheeseburger at the same time Jim ordered his burger and I ordered a salad. The food came out in a decent amount of time. Phillip shared a piece of bread with Sis and that kept her happy til her food came.

I'd give her burger 3 out of 5 stars in kid world. Selah is not picky and ate her burger heartily. But I know if it had been me as a kid eating that burger I would have turned my nose up at the overly grilled outside. I would have called it "burnt" as a kid. The fries were great to me and Jim, but Selah wouldn't touch them. They were fresh cut "homemade" looking and heavily seasoned. They did not resemble McD's fries at all. I think restaurants that serve tasty homemade fries on grownup plates should keep a food service bag of plain white potatoes sticks to fry for the little guys - and hold off the seasoning too. My kids are not big fry eaters, so I am always appreciative for an alternative side like applesauce or oranges.

Jim enjoyed his burger and fries. I had a chicken finger salad, and it was decent. I was disappointed in what I got for my eight and a quarter bucks though. Three strips, iceberg lettuce and two tomato quarters. Even McD's five dollar chicken bacon ranch salad has several kinds of lettuce and veggies!

So there you have it. I'd give it 4 out 5 stars. For what it might lack in inspired cuisine, the loudish environment and accommodating staff make this a good place to take your little guys for a night out.

No More Giant Tonsills!

2009-02-13T16:45:00.000-08:00

Phillip handled his minor surgery like a pro. We talked at length about them putting on the mask, him going to sleep, waking up with an i.v., etc. He handled it all exceptionally well. We spent one night in observation as a precaution because we lived

so far away. He slept some. Rested some. We enjoyed the room service and the toy room at the hospital. We were ready to come home when it was time. He's been struggling a little more with his pain and not eating as well, but is still drinking plenty of fluids so we're good for now. We've had lots of thoughts, prayers, and FOOD from church friends and family. Thanks!

Thank goodness for some spring.

2009-02-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

Erin MC Heimler's Baby Shower

2009-01-30T08:02:00.001-08:00

All babies need butt covers. We are laughing because, while there was no card, I was quite proud of myself for having found the time to wrap the gift. So what if Mom got me the bag.... and the tissue. It was wrapped!

Laura Leigh never ceases to learn and grow and she's added knitting adorable baby hats to her repertoire!

Laura Leigh is demonstrating the proper way to hide your hooters.

I just like this L2 pic!

Kimmie is giving Erin a little maternal sugar. We are all her "girls". Pretty soon she'll have grandkids of her own..... Ah! Who can believe Katie and Meggie are old enough for that kind of talk!

Here's wishing Erin and baby Heimler and a happy and safe delivery!

Selah's Bday

2009-01-25T20:09:00.000-08:00

She was sick on her actual birthday - complete with a visit to urgent care. But fortunately we had Selah's party early on New Years. I am posting our meager pics to simply document the event because the poor child didn't even have a party or pictures taken on her first birthday. Second child syndrome.

5-5-5

2009-01-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

post (with description) the 5th photo found in the 5th folder (etc.) in your My Pictures folder, then tag 5 friends to do the same

This pic was out at Eagle Ranch, while we were still in the admissions process. We tried to get all three kids to smile at once.

I tag
Laura Leigh
Lindsey
Erin
Stephanie
Justin

Evidently we are not the poster family for hand washing.

2009-01-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

Because we've caught it all this year. Little Phillip came down with Dawsonville's first official case of the flu before Christmas. He also had a freaky complication called myositis. His leg muscles were inflamed and he limped around for a few days.
I just put poor Selah to bed after a visit to the urgent care. I called our pediatrician after day two of a high fever and she recommended we go in. Turns out it was not at all what we were hypothosizing, but yucky none the less. One lovely ear infection and pneumonia to go with it. Poor pumpkin. She's been her usual sweet self though, she just cries, "I want to hold you!" Which is how Selah says she wants to be held. Needless to say we've spent the last two days rocking in the big brown chair. For those of you who don't know, there is a big, ugly brown chair in our living room. When Jim and I got married I absolutely refused to have any of his furniture in our new house. I thought it was all horrid. He complied, but insisted on keeping his chair. I threw fit after fit, but, alas, the brown chair came in the house. In fact, it was the only piece of furniture we had for a long time. But God knows all - even when it comes to furniture. I have nursed two newborns in that chair. It was a lifesaver because I could prop up my feet, put on my boppy and nurse and sleep without worrying I would drop them or roll on them. It is also where I still rock my babies and read to them. So I still think it is ugly. But it's not going anywhere soon.

Ellijay Christmas

2008-12-29T07:19:00.000-08:00

The little kids and I went to Meme's and Grandmother's while Jim went to sleep. He had to work again Christmas night. We were able to pick Tripp up from school and have a belated Christmas celebration with him and Jutt's family over at Mema's house on Saturday. We really had a good time!

Christmas Morning

2008-12-29T06:53:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas morning. Jim had to work Christmas Eve, so he came home and woke us up to see what Santa had brought!!!
Phillip and Selah were very slow and thoughtful about the presents. They opened, examined and studied each gift one at a time. As a result it was a long process! We really missed having Tripp home, and halfway through the morning Phillip looked up and asked where Tripp's presents were. Melt my heart. Santa, of course, had left Tripp's stocking full and gifts stacked so little Phillip was not to worry.

I've learned that Selah has unfortunatly inherited my chocolate issue. She ate EVERY piece of chocolate she could get her hands on - many without us even knowing about it. And she kept asking for more!

We made sure to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and talked again about what Christmas morning meant. We've been reading a book almost every night about the real meaning of Christmas. We also decided to have a birthday cake on Christmas morning from now on.

2008-11-25T11:16:00.000-08:00

Lately

2008-11-20T19:32:00.000-08:00

A lot has been going on around the Hunt house lately - not that we aren't accustomed to such. Of course, little Phillip's bday was the big event for awhile. He has given up milk in a bottle completely. I know, I know, he was supposed to be off the bottle two years ago. I was just too chicken to take his milk away though. His appetite has jumped through the roof, only to highlight a new problem. Ridiculously large tonsils. We had a consulation with the ENT and really liked the practice. As frustrating as it is, they are super cautious and will only take tonsils out for well documented sleep apnea or other problems. So we will be doing a sleep study with Phillip in the future. I can't even imagine how they do a sleep study with a three year old, but they say they do them all the time at Scottish Rite.
Phillip also had his first dental check up with rave reviews. They said it was cool to give his bobby (pacifier) another year before we go cold turkey without it. Enter sigh of mommy relief. I would not want to do tonsilectemy without a bobby! Potty training is a no go. We are shooting to train both Phillip and Selah together this spring.
Speaking of Selah and speaking of speaking! She is a chatterbox. She learns are repeats and converses more and more every day. She simply blows me away. Even with shots last week, a nagging winter cold, and a bully of a brother her shiny little smile still permeates the day. We are still waiting for her hair to catch up with the rest of her accomplishments. It is still so baby fine that she wakes up every morning looking like she stuck her finger in a light socket. Her hair makes a perfect puffy blond sphere. :)
Tripp has had a rough few weeks. But on a high note, he got to spend some quality time with his mom, Yasemin. He's going to be attending Lighthouse in Augusta,Ga., for the next few months. Their program is designed to help him deal with his "stuff" and get him home and back in Dawson Middle School ASAP. Please be praying for him, especially as this means he will probably be alone for the holidays.
Jim and I have been doing our best to get Sojourn Tours' limousine up and running. It has taken a tremendous amount of paperwork, phone work, and just plain red tape. But it looks as though all the i's are dotted and t's are crossed and we should be legal and on the road next month!
By the way, we have Christmas lights on our house. We probably won't even get a tree up, but we decided that lights were a necessity. And they are early. We didn't know how our schedules would work the next few weeks so we just went ahead and did it last weekend. They put a smile on my face whenever I turn down our street and see our little gingerbread house!

The Birthday Party

2008-11-03T16:37:00.000-08:00

Time Flies

2008-10-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

Just three short years ago I was anxiously pounding the pavement in an attempt to shake a stubborn 8lb resident from my body. Several whole pineapples, some castor oil, raspberry leaf tea and few other oddities later little Phillip Parks Hunt showed up on November 2nd. I can't believe my baby will be THREE this Sunday.

Please join us at our house on Sunday afternoon to celebrate his birthday. (exact time TBA) Bring your bikes to ride in our cul de sac.

Face Paint

2008-10-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

Our sweet neighbor painted Selah's face yesterday. Selah liked it so much that she tried to duplicate Melissa's handiwork today with some diaper cream. Do you think she got close???

Tripp Update

2008-10-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

We are no longer at Eagle Ranch... they had pretty much run out of options. So Tripp is at home until another placement can be found. Hopefully before the end of the year.
In other news - Sojourn Tours is expanding. We are entering the limousine business, so be praying and call us if you need us!

Cousin Time

2008-10-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

Selah's big girl bed is up. No more babies. :( But she has yet to spend a whole night in it. She is still nursing at night, so until she's completely weaned.... I don't see it happening. But it is nice to lay in bed with her at night and talk to both her and Phillip.

Silly Rabbits

2008-10-07T07:15:00.000-07:00

Still Treading Water

2008-09-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

We are here - despite the blogging drought. Good news though - Tripp has been at Eagle Ranch all week! Despite some homesickness, he is "doing life" pretty well right now!

We had a sickly one the last few days, but everyone is on the mend. We all got some much needed sleep last night. Yay!

Livin La Vida Loca

2008-08-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

Upside Inside Out Livin La Vida Loca
That's been our life the last few weeks - and the cause of the blogging drought. So to fill you in:
I am officially a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. I actually made my big inventory purchase last night, so I am really in it for the long haul. If nothing else I need to break even! :)
Then there's Tripp. What to say what to say. Bless his heart. I have never know someone so young carry so much luggage around inside. Long story short - he's rocking the boat out at Eagle Ranch. They were calling us to come and get him to bring him home to cool off and as a "consequence". But coming home didn't have too much bite as a consequence. This last time he was home 3 whole weeks, going back and forth to a theraputic day program in Gainesville. The ranch wouldn't let him back unitl we all got together with a plan. So now when he refuses to comply at the ranch he goes to a temporary DJJ placement. We took him back to the ranch last Sunday night and he lasted until Tuesday night. He's at a group home placement now until Monday, at which point he can go back to the ranch. We're trying to help him realize that coming home to live with us or going to live with his mother are not options for him. Eagle Ranch is BY FAR the most pleasant, clean, helpful, Christ-centered alternative to Tripp living at home. But he doesn't seem to see it that way. Unfortunately, if he doesn't hurry up and see it that way he's going to find himself in juvenile detention. So please keep him in your prayers. At this point, God is the only one that can really heal his wounds.
Jim is continuing to work at the jail. He's grown his baldness out by a few days and I like it much better.
In other news - Wally the girl puppy has been lovingly adopted by Mema and Pepa. A blinding moment of sanity hit me as I was taking her out to pee at 3 a.m. that we had zero business with a new puppy. We tried it out - but when the folks offered we accepted. It is the best of both worlds. The kids still get to see and love her. And I do not have to clean up anymore bodily fluids than I am already in charge of.

Some random pics:This is why I love SpongeBob.
Rocking at the Ranch.

Your guess is as good as mine.

The bathtub crayons we got last Christmas. I just got brave enough to bring them out. They don't really come off the wall that well... but I haven't really had time to scrub.....

jail fix??

2008-08-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

I've heard of a jail break, but I'm not sure what to call this....

Sam Walton - the girl puppy

2008-07-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

So today we were at Wal Mart and someone was giving away free puppies. They were gorgeous half lab half german shorthair 8 week old puppies. There was a chocolate brown female. We took her home. We can't afford her, but it was love at first sight. My first dog was a chocolate lab and she looks a lot like her. Phillip and Selah are elated. We named her Sam Walton - but are calling her Wally most of the time. :)

Uncle Ted

2008-07-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

We lost Jimmy's Uncle Ted unexpectedly this week. We went to the funeral yesterday and really enjoyed a wonderful celebration. Everyone enjoyed retelling is stories and sharing fond memories. We have a large extended family, and even in the saddest of circumstances, we are glad to come together and be with one another. Here are some scrap pages I made on scrapblog and wanted to print out for Aunt Carolyn, but I had multiple printing issues.

what is it with selah and boo boos

2008-07-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

so i'm not sure what the propensity for injury selah has is all about. maybe because she has two older brothers. jim spent the night in the er last night with selah getting her laceration glued up. she is an expert ramp jumper with her big wheel - but her expertise failed her and one wheel didn't line up and she rolled off the ramp. she got a lovely gash in the back of her head. but minus the bald spot where they shaved her - there's no lasting damage. will post pics soon....

My Girls Rock!

2008-07-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

You know who you are!

*Now that I have time - let me splain.
Last Friday Steph Flage, Melanie and Lisa took Erin and me on as their personal cause. They volunteered to be our child care solution. We met at Steph's dropped off FOUR very hyper children (three of whom are NOT potty trained). They swam and played and bathed and when Erin and I returned we found four jammied kiddos quietly watching a movie. As soon as we got home they went wild again. What is it about kids being crazy for their moms and great for other people? Mine fell asleep on the way home. Yay!
Thanks guys. We got to eat in peace, talk in peace, shop in peace. Whoo hoo.

What they're doing now.

2008-07-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

Selah

knows the last word in each line of twinkle twinkle little star with a strange guttural sound standing in for the work twinkle
aggravates phillip
says thank you without fail for anything nice you do for her
loves shoes
is getting some hair
can scoot forward on a ridey toy
will not sleep without mommy (we are working on this)
shows no interest in weaning....(will give her till her second bday)
sings HOSANNA HOSANNA

Phillip

tells everyone he can that when he grows up he will be a spaceman in a spaceship and will push buttons
has a crazy high and tight hair cut like his daddy
talks like crazy and repeats EVERYTHING he hears
colors on anything that will sit still
shows little interest in potty training except to pee in the grass (he says "like our dog noel")
never eats
still drinks milk out of a bottle and will tell you that is how big boys drink it
would spend a whole day throwing rocks in the river
LEARNED TO PEDAL his trike
sings HOSANNA HOSANNA

Tripp

is way too teenagery for me
likes the "urban" look
can skateboard/ripstick like crazy
finally got a PSP
is learning a lot
WALKED AWAY FROM A FIGHT
has a girlfriend
had a really good visit home last time

Jim

likes the new job
has lost almost 30 pounds
has to get up way too early
works without complaining
makes coffee and sets out a cup for his wife every morning

not much to report :)
*added* evidently i learned the Heimlich maneuver well enough to extract a penny from phillip's esophagus

2008-07-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

summer fun

2008-07-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

The Boyz at the Ranch

2008-06-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

Selah and Kit

2008-06-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to get les Petites Ya-Yas together. There's something especially fun about Selah and Kit - I'm sure it's their closeness in age. I just have a feeling they're going to be buddies for many years to come!

Tagged

2008-05-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, I’ve been tagged again. Here’s the deal:

1. Write the title to your memoir using 6 words
2. Post it on your blog
3. Link to the person that tagged you
4. Tag five more blogs

1. Chronicles of a crazy good life.
2. DONE!
3. Rachel
4. I’m tagging Erin, Lindsay, Lindsey

16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

2008-05-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

It is so easy to thank God when we are rejoicing. We found out this morning that Tripp has been accepted into Eagle Ranch. As early as June 8th, he will begin his journey there. We are bubbling with glee. Tripp has been staying at a place where he is extremely unhappy, and even though he would rather be coming home to live, he is excited that Eagle Ranch is the alternative. Our houseparents are expecting their first baby this week or so, so be praying for them that they will have a healthy delivery and quick recovery for their and for Tripp's sake.

On the other hand, one of my best friends in the whole world is dealing with heartbreak in her life right now. I am amazed at the faith she demonstrates. I wonder at my ability to be thankful in such a trying time. I know I am thankful for her and her children. Be praying for her and for all involved. I know prayer is something we can all be thankful for in all times.

My Herd Rules.

2008-05-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

Visit with Tripp

2008-05-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

Snapshots

2008-05-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

This was Phillip's first time down a big slide completely on his own!

Tripp Update

2008-05-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

So we've had some encouraging news today.
Today was SO exhausting. My beautiful parents showed up at 9 this morning to pick up the rug rats (who had been up since FOUR FORTY FIVE). Then Jim and I drove to Stone Mountain to pick up Tripp from the group home. We went early enough to take him out for lunch for his birthday that we missed last Tuesday. Then on to Eagle Ranch where we met with the head counselor and the counselor from the home in which Tripp would be placed should he be accepted. We learned at the end of the session that we are officially a "candidate family" for one of two slots available in June. There are four such families, so we have a fifty fifty shot. Our next step is an interview with the house parents, at which time they evaluate the compatibility of Tripp with them, the other students and the overall feel of their particular home. They will prayerfully choose the two "best fits".
Please be in prayer for this process. We really feel that we have been so drawn to Eagle Ranch for a reason. We feel that this long drawn out process has been very much about God and his perfect timing.
We love you all.

I can't sleep.

2008-05-05T21:03:00.001-07:00

Does anyone else have this problem? I have been so sleep deprived, and then last night I had a rockin night of great sleep. And now here I am at midnight unable to close my eyes! It's so frustrating!

Sweet Abigail turned 4!

2008-05-05T07:31:00.001-07:00

You probably can't tell by looking at it - but this is the tantrum Selah threw when I refused to take her in the next room and nurse her while Abigail was opening her gifts.

Austin hand crafted Abigail's birthday crown - and her mommy made her beautiful cake!

The icing was tasty.

Austin and the boys practiced baseball in the backyard. They practiced so hard that they broke a window on the back of the house!

Sweet cousins!

Abigail (notice pink cowboy boots) consented to riding around with little Phillip. He's actually a good driver... considering his age and training...

Hey Granddaddy. I love you.

Humbled.

2008-04-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

So things have been really hectic at the Hunt household. Jim, Phillip and Selah all had a tummy virus last week. That equaled a lot of laundry for Mommy. It also subtracted a lot of sleep. Jim started his new job at the Lumpkin county jail. What a blessing to have a job! Funny thing is, he started it one day after the judge handed down the decision we'd been waiting on regarding Tripp these last few months. It's a long story that I'll go into with anyone who wants to hear it, but the short version is today I took Tripp to spend the next month or so in a group home. This is to give both him and us a break to cool down and await the decisions of Eagle Ranch and Eckerd Youth Alternatives regarding his admission. This is a blessing, but it is a bittersweet one. Leaving a child somewhere they don't necessarily feel comfortable is not something I'd wish on any parent. But this was a long time coming, and I think Tripp knows that.
During the long period of Jim's unemployment we have received a tremendous amount of support from our church family. God has been so gracious to us. We have been unemployed since December, but praise the Lord we still have a home over our head, two cars with gas in the tanks and food in the fridge.
Just in the last few days our Pastor and his wife have gone above and beyond the call of duty, helping me get Tripp settled in his new location and dealing with the little Hunts here on the home front. Ms. Delores also came to lend a willing hand with Phillip and Selah. I can't even begin to express how thankful I am that I didn't have to worry about the little guys and could focus on Tripp completely.
On a side note. I want to tell Melissa and Sarah that we are really sorry they got our tummy bug. We are so glad they are such super neighbors!
Please keep Tripp in your prayers. We are praying that God might open the door at Eagle Ranch. But that is what we want, and He might have other plans. Most of all pray for Tripp's heart and healing.
We love you all.

Minnie Pearl in the making

2008-04-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

Today at Wal Mart ....

I've been tagged

2008-04-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

So here you go:

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. RUMC Children's Minister
2. Really bad waitress.
3. Dahlonega Information Specialist
4. Hotel Front Desk Clerk

Four movies I've watched more than once:
1. Legends of the Fall
2. Toy Story
3. Monsters, Inc. (probably my fave disney)
4. Lord of the Rings triology

Four Places I have lived:
1. Alpharetta
2. Dahlonega
3. Mountain Park
4. Dawsonville

Four T.V. Shows that I watch:
1. my latest craze is Jon and Kate plus 8 on TLC
2. all the CSIs
3. NCIS
4. Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmerman

Four places I have been:
1. Canadian Rockies
2. Belize
3. St. Thomas
4. Montana

Four People who e-mail me (regularly):
1. L2
2. Erin
3. Jennifer
4. Various Family

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Lime Tostitoes (SP?)
2. M&Ms
3. Cookie Dough Blizzard
4. Diet Coke (It really goes with the others, yes?)

Four Places I would like to visit: (without dragging the kids)
1. Europe
2. Banff/Jasper National Parks
3. Skiing anywhere
4. Pacific Northwest

I am looking forward to in the coming year:
1. Summer and the pool
2. Potty training
3. Baby Miley
4. Home repairs.

Friends I'm tagging:
1. Alicia
2. Lindsay
3. Erin

Park Outing

2008-04-16T06:43:00.001-07:00

I see a cat and I want him. No fence is going to stop me.

General Update

2008-04-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

We are still here. I haven't posted in awhile because we've been so busy. The kids are growing and the little ones are learning new words and tasks everyday. It's such a blessing to watch.
Things are still iffy on the job front. God is good and we've been well provided for. We are ready to have life back to normal though, and are hopeful of a few leads that have come up.
Tripp continues to be Tripp - which makes every day a very interesting one. We've had to come up with some short term coping solutions until we can come up with a longer term one. Visits to OTP and Eagle Ranch have both been fruitful. We are still waiting on acceptance and then on room. Keep us all in your prayers.

Paw Paw's House

2008-04-13T13:51:00.001-07:00

There is no denying the genetic link here.

It sure was cold.

Rocks galore.

Throw 'em in.

Find another.

Scary.

Sweet Paw Paw time.

Trouble.

Double Trouble.

Selah and the green bean casserole.

2008-04-13T13:37:00.001-07:00

Easter at Mema and Pepa's House

2008-03-26T08:26:00.001-07:00

Egg Dye

2008-03-26T07:58:00.001-07:00

Ta Da!

Look Daddy!

Noel didn't seem to mind being "colored".

Selah must've been confused about the egg dye. She though it was Kool Aid......

Phillip was really getting into dropping the eggs into the cups.

A day at Eagle Ranch

2008-03-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

We spent some time out in the gorgeous sun after our fantastic family session out at Eagle Ranch. The kids weren't really in the mood to follow orders after having been in session for an hour and a half - but some of the pictures aren't bad. :)

The Piece de Resistance

This is what happens when Daddy is left without Supervision.....

2008-03-17T18:25:00.001-07:00

So Jimmy took the little kids to WalMart so I could get some Sojourn Tours stuff done. I get a call that they've had a "mishap". Apparently, Jim felt that traffic was having to wait on him too long, so in order to expedite his parking lot crossing he set about to "ride" the buggy. One push off. Great. Second push. Disaster. Jim falls and rolls. Phillip is unrestrained in the basket and rolls safely out. Poor Sissy is strapped in the seat of the buggy and literally nosedives into the asphalt. She didn't even have her hands out in front of her! A quick check by the doc found her to be none the worse for the wear, but won't she look pretty for Easter pictures??!!

Birthday Party

2008-03-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

an end to the drought

2008-03-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

Literally. It rained and tornadoed and rained some more. My kids hadn't seen the outdoors in days, so when the storm broke - we took advantage of the leftover puddles. Notice how closely Phillip follows Tripp - anything Bubba does Phillip repeats.

Big Boy Bed

2008-03-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

It's official. After numerous attempts ending in either our bed, or in the crib, Phillip spent a successful night in his new big boy bed. Granted, it felt rather early when those little feet padded into our room at 7 a.m., but I'd say it definitely counted as "all night" in his bed. He is also snoring on the floor beside me. Evidently 7 a.m. was a little too early for him to make it all morning without a power nap. :)
NOTE: Phillip came to us and asked for his "big gun" to get the "spooky man". Go figure.

Florida Trip and Goodbye Aunt Pete.

2008-03-05T05:37:00.000-08:00

THIS IS MY FAVORITE PIC OF ALL TIME!^ Jim likes this one below

Our first trip out on PawPaw Jim's boat! I promise they're safer than they look! (Mom, Daddy Page look away - look away!)

Notice I am still holding onto Sissy.
My summertime crew!

Selah was a water lover from the get go!

That water was cold too!

Out at PawPaw's river house at sunset.

Ditto.

Those crazy Hunts.

Daddy and the kids on PawPaw's boat.

Our trip to Florida was a great success. Our scheduled departure was delayed by the passing of our Beloved Aunt Pete. Margaret Oleeta Bramlett Raiford died at age 82. We celebrated her life and her reunion with the Lord Jesus Christ. The funeral in Ellijay was Friday. Jimmy sang with his cousin Jennifer.

Following Aunt Pete's celebration we literally jumped in the car and started driving. Jimmy's sister Alicia is moving to Utah and her going away party was Saturday night. We knew in order to make it in time, we'd have to really push ourselves. God was with us, and even though we were a little ragged and weary, we made it to our hotel in Cocoa by 3 in the morning. Unfortunately our kids thought that this was morning. Much to the chagrin of our complaining neighbors they enjoyed playtime until 6 a.m. when we all finally caught an early morning nap.

Alicia, Lars, and Kaleb's going away party was a good time for all. PawPaw has lots to do out at the river house. Golf carts, alligators, dogs, cousins, airboats, and even a jumpy castle. It was a long, fun night.

The next few days we spent time with family, rode on PawPaw's boat, spotted dolphins, and even squeezed in an hour at the beach. We woke up at 4 a.m. and made it home in record time. Glad to be home!

Tripp's First Dance

2008-02-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Last night we took Tripp and some buddies to the Valentine's Dance at the middle school. Everyone behaved and had a great time.

Morning has Broken

2008-02-21T06:56:00.000-08:00

One of the many blessings that has come out of Jim being unemployed is having Daddy around in the mornings! But I wasn't expecting him to take pictures!

For the Love of Trains

2008-02-21T06:54:00.000-08:00

I guess it's something that is handed down from generation to generation, but Phillip loves trains. We spent an hour last night in Gainesville watching the yard engines and waiting for a train to pass. It came and we stood right up next to the track waving to the engineer. He waved back and tooot toooted. Phillip smiled and waved and then FREAKED OUT! He jumped out of my arms back into the van and insisted on watching the rest of the train pass from the comfort and safety of his car seat.

2008-02-06T04:44:00.001-08:00

Selah went with us on a bus trip to Pigeon Forge. She insisted on sitting in the sink to brush her teeth. She loved watching herself in the mirror.

Genetics never ceases to amaze me. They are two peas in a pod.

Selah got this "sofa" for her first birthday. I was very discouraged that she wasn't a big tv lover like her brother, but thanks to Baby Einstein, she is officially hooked. :) She LOVES the sofa.

I just love the way he fell asleep with his heiny in the air.

we are indeed still here

2008-02-06T04:34:00.000-08:00

Wow. Three sick kids is enough to weary even the strongest of caregivers. We are going on week two here, and everyone is "better", but I hesitate to use the term "well". Let's just say the last two weeks have involved several 105 degree temps, a carpet cleaning situation, and even a sick dog thrown in the mix. But yesterday was 75 and sunny and really helped us with our sanity! Thank you Lord for such a glorious day to be outside!
We are still looking for a job. We are still trusting in God's provision. Be praying for us, not just to get a job, but to trust in God's plan, and pray that our eyes will be able to see His plan as He reveals it.
Selah has a new top tooth. Tripp has some new Nike Shox his mother that he's exceptionally proud of. Phillip has learned something new about discipline. Last night our conversation at bedtime went something like this, "Phillip did you know God made Nemo (our beta) and that He made you. He loves you and Nemo. God wants you to be sweet to Sissy (he had just bitten her). God wants you to listen to Mommy and Daddy. What happens to you when you don't listen to Mommy and Daddy?" To which he replied, in two year old fashion, through his pacifier, "I et a spankin. Or go in 'orner" Never in a million years did I expect him to be able to answer that question. But he knows. It doesn't seem to phase him when he's running around throwing qtips all over the house, but at least he gets the whole cause and effect of consequences.

More Photos

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pictures

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Proud of her first steps. And yes that is a bobbie in her mouth. I haven't completely succeeded in winning her over yet though. Those are my jammies from when I was a little one.

Selah LOVES holiday snowglobes and knows how to press the button.... over... and over... and over.....

Phillip and PawPaw discussing life out on the porch.
Poor sick baby fell asleep under the tree.