Trying this again...

Well, I guess as you can see, I have not kept my end of the bargain of blogging more this year.  I am giving it another try.  I need an outlet, so this is going to be it.  I apologize in advance for that.  A lot of things are going on right now.  It will take time to catch up.  We are getting back in the routine of things with school starting back.  It seems like just yesterday we were getting out for summer.  I enjoyed every minute with my girls.  Wish it were a longer time....but, every mama wishes that when school starts back I guess.  That's all for now.  Hopefully, I can keep this up..  Wish me luck!

New Years Resolution

Merry Christmas.....LATE!!!! We had a very successful Christmas this year. I can't say enough how much we love it here in WV. It really feels like home. As I was looking back at the blog today, I realize that I have not done a good job (at all) of blogging our adventures since we moved. I have gotten way too dependent on Facebook I think. One of my New Years resolutions is to do a better job keeping our family & friends updated with our many shenanigans. I hope all of our friends and family had an awesome 2012! We are looking forward to see what 2013 will bring... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!



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Location:Birch Tree Ln,Charleston,United States

Happy 17 Weeks Dalton!!!

Happy 17 weeks Dalton! 

I have not updated as much as I should be doing since we have moved.  Life with crazy preteen girls and a traveling husband makes me lose track of time.  I wanted to share one of the loves of our whole family's life...Dalton.  He is the most precious little thing in the world.  He was born premature at 27 weeks on Thanksgiving day weighing 1lb 13ozs.  Dalton has overcome so much already in his little life.  I look at him for inspiration every day.  He has had a tough week to say the least.  After a terrifying scare on Tuesday, the most powerful prayer chain was activated for this little guy.  24 hours later, that smile and pink cheeks were back!  A MIRACLE!!!  We love this little guy and his family so much!  I  know God has great things in store for this little fella.  Truth is that most days, this little 17 week old baby boy, has more strength that I do.  He fights harder than anything I have ever seen before.  You can look at his sweet face and just see his personality.  When you see those beautiful eyes open, you can see the his strong soul, and a bright light behind his eyes.  This little guy can make me smile, cry, and my heart stop all at the same time.  We LOVE Dalton, Hannah (Dalton's big sis), Heather (the most fabulous Mommy on the planet), and Danny (mr superhero's daddy). They are family to us!  Could not be more proud to be called Aunt Chely by this awesome family.   

Happy 17 Week Bday DALTON, we LOVE you so much!!!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

I have to say that Buddy and the girls out did theirselves this year.
Buddy had flowers delivered! They also got a Dairy Queen ice cream cake (MY FAV), a beautiful cross pendant, & a gorgeous pair of earrings! We finished the day with dinner at Outback. It was the best birthday ever! Thank you Buddy, Mae, & Maddie for an awesome day!!! I love y'all!!!



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Just "trucking along"...

No breaking news around here lately. Just making it day by day. The girls are getting ready for competition season. They are really excited about it!!! Mae will be competing a solo in addition to their group numbers. She's really excited. M&M will soon start working on a tap duet for the recital. So, we are just "trucking along" here in Charleston.

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Kisses from Katie...

A friend recommended a book to me to read.  I thought, sure, whatever.  Little did I know how this book would make me smile, cry, pray, and change a piece of me forever.  If you are looking for a good book, story, and inspiration, please take the time to read this one.  One young girl is making a difference in our world, and oh the respect, admiration, and love I feel for her~and I have never even met her!  Makes you stop....think....and re-evaluate what is really important. 

Katie's blog site is:

http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

Visit Amazima Ministries:

http://amazima.org/

There are links on our page for both of these sites.

First Snow in WV....2012

Our first snow started falling here in WV yesterday.  It's so pretty, and we are all like little kids watching it fall.  The schools are out today!  The high is only 21, and it has snowed off and on all day.  It's been so much fun making memories in our new home.  Wish Buddy didn't have to work, and could be here with us.  Even the dogs ran around like they were enjoying it.  None of us have ever seen this much fluffy snow.  This would have shut down the entire state of AL!!!

Our Home

 This could end bad....



Sliding down the hill

 Here we go again...

Fun in the snow!

Wheeeeee!

Lily Grace & Bella running around the deck

Look!

Lily Grace

Bella

They LOVE it!!!

Happy 2012!!!

Happy New Year!!!  Well, we have been through a few adventures in the last several months.  5 months ago today, we arrived in Charleston, WV ready for the journey of a lifetime.  Wow...it's been amazing!  We couldn't be more happy here.  We are so blessed to have found such a wonderful home, and absolutely incredible friends.  Buddy likes his new job...so far, so good!  The girls have found a great dance studio, and dance family.  RMProductions has welcomed us with open arms.  They have helped so much with the transition for the girls.  Everything seems to be falling into place!  Now that we are more settled, and over this 600 mile move....we can update everyone with all of our adventures!  This should be interesting.  Hope everyone has a fabulous 2012!!!

Our "moving crew"!  Truck unloaded!!!  That's when the real fun began...

8/2/2011



A few pics....

Moving Day!

Last night in Bama...

First day of school...John Adams Middle

Maddie's 11th B'day

Celebrating M&M's bday in WV

Merry Christmas!!!

Our house...

Front door...new wreath and tree!!!

Moving day getting closer!!!

Well, moving day is getting closer!  We visited Charleston, WV this past week.  I have to say, I LOVE IT!!!  I have fallen in love with this town.  Which is good considering we have to go whether I like it or not, LOL.  We met the wonderful family we are leasing the townhouse from.  They are sent from God!  I have no doubt.  It would not have been possible to get this far without them.  We have our representative from the moving company coming tomorrow to take inventory, and schedule a moving date.  Hoping it is the first of next week, but next week none the less.  We really love the townhouse.  It has more square footage than my home.  The girls really like it.  And of course the pool is about two driveways down....so, that is one of their favorite parts.  The area is beautiful.  So many mountains!  It's a very charming neighborhood, and close to everything.  That will definitely be a change for us.  We rode by the school.  No one there, but it's really cute.  It has many awards and is recognized all over the US for it's academics.  A lot of the anxiety has gone away after seeing everything.  I have no doubt this is where we are supposed to be.  We will miss AL, but will visit often.  And with the Internet, it's like everybody is still just down the street.  This will be an adventure for sure!!!  But, we are ready for it!  Now, the craziness begins.  Getting this house ready for the market.  Crunch time!

Called Home

It is with a heavy heart that I post today. Garrett Jones has been called home, and reunited with his wife, Jennifer, and his brother Brandon. Such a bittersweet day. Garrett is now healed and whole again! My prayers are for Frank, Janell, Kevin, Marlo, the entire family, & all of the friends grieving for Garrett this morning. The Jones family is such a precious family. I pray God lifts them up, gives them strength, peace, & comfort in the days ahead. We LOVE you Jones family! We will always be praying for you!



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PRAY!!! PRAY!!! PRAY!!!

Here is the noon update from "Prayers for Garrett Jones".  Please keep this family in your prayers!  This is a trying time for them.

Stephanie here. According to the doctors, Garrett's oxygen levels are so low, that if they continue this way for a few more hours, he will suffer organ damage, probably heart problems, and most certainly brain damage. The ARDS has now totally involved the left lung, not just the right, and they have nothing more to offer him. Barring a miracle, this condition will result in death within a few hours to a maximum of 2-3 days. Frank is not giving up until Garrett's heart stops. Miracles can still happen.



Please Pray!!!

Garrett's condition this morning is not good. His O2 levels are very low. Please pray for his lungs...pray for his family.


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A few pics from '11 Recital....M.A.D.

before recital...

getting into character

Steciny, Maddie, and Meagan

Steciny, Maddie, and Meagan

Memorial Day 2011

Silly pic

Sweet kids.....

Stephanie's Graduation 2011

She did it!  I love you, Teppy!

The McClendons

Maddie's 5th Grade Graduation

My Maddie

It's all in the accessories!

In line waiting to get her award

Maddie with her teacher and principal

My graduate....

She has her diploma!  So proud!

Maddie and her daddy, she did it!

Easter Pics 2011

Miss Layne

Meagan, Layne, and Maddie

Layne and Daddy

My sweet Paw Paw

Busy little bee...

Jumping like a pro

M&M

Peek-a-boo

I think this is my favorite...

Precious

Layne started singing, "Go Layne, Go Layne, it's your birthday, Go Layne"

Love it!

The Easter bunny came to see M&M

Happy Easter

Dying eggs....Maddie

Dying eggs....Meagan