Painting by Number

I don't know where to begin... the boys were painting little ceramic birdhouses that they received during Advent. Next thing I know, they want to give themselves beards like Uncle Bob. One thing led to another and they ended up like this. What they didn't realize was how fast and hard the paint would dry. All of a sudden, they all started going, "Ouch, my face hurts!"

Merry Christmas to Us!

Well, Evan and Ashley were looking for a jeep so Chad said he would help "look" around here since they would be coming home soon. Chad found one that wasn't really what they wanted but decided to check it out. He said that he should, "just in case it would work for them, it is a sharp looking jeep"(he reasoned in his head). It was at a dealer, and suprisingly there was alot of interest and possible offers were coming in. Ummm after test driving it and a couple long conversations with Hank(thanks Hank), we are the proud owners of an '04 Jeep wrangler. The one in the picture above is not ours, but you get the idea. Chad weighed the pros and cons and came up with more pros, plus they traded for the red one. I am still a little sad to see the red one go. I am now looking so forward to a ride in the jeep. I prefer sun, sand, and a bikini top, but snow will do. If you see weird people waving from a silver jeep, it is us.

Happy Birthday Luke Jyles!!!!

Here are some pictures from over the years of Luke. It took me a long time to pick them out. So many good ones to choose from. I can't believe it, but he is two years old today. We are having a big party for him tonight. I aksed this morning who was two and he said, "me". He's so smart. More pictures below as I couldn't figure out how to post more that four at a time.

Luke Jyles - more pics

Cole

Here are some pictures of Cole. Our little boy just turned nine. I can't believe how fast he is growing up. He had some friends over for a sleepover and then we celebrated with a party on his birthday with our family. You know in only seven years, he will be driving. He is closer to getting his driver's license than the day of his birth. Where did the time go? And, when did he start drinking Bud Light?

Funny Cats

My boys love this video. We couldn't stop laughing! My favorite part is the cat on the ceiling fan.

Halloween Pictures

Here are some pictures of the boys.

Cole went as Commander Cody. Ross was Aniken Skywalker and Luke was Yoda.

Obviously, we are big Star Wars fans.

The Black Eyed Peas on Oprah's Show in Chicago

Whatever happened to the Titantic?

A) It was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia?
B) It sank off the coast of Atlanta?
C) Nothing. It was a government conspiracy.

Nobody really knows for sure. What do you think?

Trunk or Treat

We went as Eagle fans to the Cub Scouts this year. The boys had a great time. I think they really liked the hair color. They did the same thing the next day for Orange and Blue Day at school. You should see the sheets on their beds!

Smelly Kid? Add Baby Powder!

More old pictures...

For some reason, Ross is always eating in these pictures. The one of Cole is at Mom and Dad's old house. Note my old truck in the picture?

Oldies, but Goodies

As you may have noticed, we have been down for awhile. I keep all of our pictures and video on an external hard drive. Well, it crashed and I have slowly been recovering and moving pictures. So, I look like Chevy Chase while I sit here looking at all these old pictures and crying. Anyway, till I get up to date, here are a couple pictures of the older boys. There really are some good ones. Too bad I don't have time to post them all.

First Day of Soccer

Here are some pictures from the first day of soccer. Both boys got to play goalie and downfield. And, they both played really well. Ross scored four goals and Cole scored eight! I must say that I was really impressed with Cole. I guess I didn't realize how good he was at soccer. Hopefully, they will have it in the schools by the time he gets there!

Luke's New Wheels

Check out Luke's new wheels! Since the poor boys gets absolutely nothing new for himself with having two older brothers, we decided he should get a new bike since he loves riding. This one fits him perfectly and makes all kinds of noises.

opossum!

While we were gone, a opossum snuck into our garage. And, he ate all the kitty cat food. Whiskers should have fought him, but she didn't. We waited for him to play dead, so we could throw him out. Since it was pretty late, we gave up and chased him with the broom. Guess that's better than a skunk. We took some pictures while he was hiding.

Story by Cole & Ross Farley

First Day of School

Well, Friday was the first official day of school in Jasper County. The boys all wore their tie-dyed shirts that they made with MiMi. Cole is now in the third grade and Ross is in the first. It will be nice to have them in one location this year. Now, I only have two stops in the morning... school and Susie's. Hope all you kids and teacher have a great year!

Back to School

I went back to work last week. And I must say that it is just not as fun as hanging out with the boys all day, getting up when we want and going to bed late. Oh well, I do enjoy my job and the students, and today the nursing students come either for the first time or for their second year. I always look forward to meeting them and getting to know them(say a little prayer for them, they need it). I really don't know what it is but I love the start of a new year. Maybe it is the newness of the semester, the eager yet puzzled faces, the smell of fresh notebooks and backpacks, newly sharpened number 2 pencils ready to fill in their first scantron card........I have just always loved school and the possibilities it brings. I am sure it will be a great year.

I also know a lot of other students going back and continuing their education. I wish them a fast semester filled with understanding instructors and straight A's. And NO group work!

The boys go back to school tomorrow along with all of their friends that they are so excited to see. And honestly parents go back to doing homework every night too:) Have a fun year everyone!

Great Book!

This is an excellent book. Chad would classify this book as a "Real page turner." I rented it from the new books at the library. I read it, then Chad read it. We both finished the book in a couple of days. I just could not put it down.

It is about a girl who grew up in the witness protection program. Besides a good story line, there is a lot of info about the witness protection program that I found interesting. This is the first book for this author, hopefully he will choose to write another.

Who's up for round 2?

Well, we are headed back to the river this weekend. We went about two weeks ago with the Zumbahlen's. The kids had a blast. I bet they ran in and out of that river for three hours. Then, we came back to our house and they swam for another two. Needless to say, they finally slept in the next morning.

Just a cute picture.

Something different. This was just a cute picture of the boys cuddling on the couch. Took me five shots to get this picture.

License Plate (you wish you had)

I know that I tried to get this plate about five years ago when Holly and I bought a Chevy Tahoe and I am pretty sure that Hank Baltzell tried when they bought their Tahoe a few years back I also figure that Cliff Kinkade tried to get it last year. Of course, we can all agree that this would suit Terry Smithenry.

Well, here is the reason that we couldn't get it. Somebody else already had our same bright idea! We saw this plate in St. Louis on a Chevy Tahoe when we were leaving the Cardinal game. Apparently, this guy shares our same taste in sports, vehicles and women!

Cardinal Pictures

Here are some of the pictures from the other night. We all had a blast. Pujols hit two homers and one was right above our heads. Carpenter threw a great game and we won 6 to 1. Needless to say, Holly & I missed some of the game while we were getting stuff to eat, drink or taking the kids to the bathroom. Thanks to Papaw for the dollars, so the boys could get a souvenir.