A Georgia Snow in March?

You just never know what the weather is going to like in middle Georgia in the winter. They predict snow flurries a couple of times a year but we typically just get rain and maybe a bit of hail. I don't ever remember even a hint of snow in March. Well, today is one of the few times it REALLY SN*WED! I'm sure our friends up north think are a looney but for us it is a big deal!

Having fun in the snow!

I took this picture (thanks for teaching me, Jessica). I love this picture with it snowing in the background.

My little angel looks so cold!

Our little birdies are so cold!

The neighbor kids built this little snowman on the mailbox.

It's really coming down!

Looking from our porch. This was when it first started to accumulate. This is such a pretty picture but he looks so cold!

We finally got enough snow for the kids to build a BIG snowman!

CRAZY Wayne in a short-sleeve shirt. He said, hurry & take the picture, it's COLD!

Duh, it's snowing!

Hope everyone else is keeping warm!

Brrr - Big Hugs ~ Kim

Happy Birthday to my Baby Girl, Ashley!!

Happy Birthday, Baby-Girl!!!

This blonde-haired-blue-eyed beauty just turned 21 years old!!!

(These collages were a labor of love that I completed for each of our children several years ago. It was really difficult to find all of the right pictures but I am so glad I did!)

Ashley surprised me and came home late Thursday night to spend some Ashley-Mommy pre-birthday time together. We went to lunch on Friday and came home and she opened some gifts. Unfortunately, Wayne was in Florida for work and didn't make it home before she had to leave.

She got several "Twilight" gifts including the movie & an exclusive Amazon Twilight Music Box which both had to be preordered and won't be in until late next month.

I made a little Christmas album for each of the kids of our Christmas 2008 pictures. This is Ashley's album.

She may be 21 but she still LOVES Fun Dip! She was so excited!

She had a party at her house Saturday night which included her siblings and many friends. Without going into the details it wasn't the best night for her. So, after everyone left for home on Sunday (her birthday) she was sad. She called me and said in her sweet voice, "Mommy, would you please meet me at our half-way point so I can spend some time with you on my birthday?" Of course I couldn't say no. So, off we (Jasmine) went to Eatonton. This picture was of Ashley and Jasmine in the Wal-Mart parking lot!

~

Ashley is the baby of the family and does have some of the stereotypical traits of the baby, but she is an amazing young woman who is very driven to reach her goals.

~

We are so proud of you, Sweetheart! We all love and miss you very much!

Merry Christmas!

Luke 2 TNIV (Today's New International Version)

The Birth of Jesus 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. The Shepherds and the Angels 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Steph's birthday & sibling night.

**UPDATE: I FORGOT THE MOST EXCITING NEWS...

STEPHIE GOT A JOB AND STARTS AT THE CREDIT UNION ON FRIDAY, 12/12!

THANK YOU, LORD, FOR THIS ANSWERED PRAYER!**

My Stephie turned 24 years old on the 13th of November! Where has the time gone? Stephanie Dawn With all of our crazy schedules we couldn't seem to all get together at one time so she celebrated with each of us at a different time. Here are a couple of my favorite pictures that I have scanned in. The first one was taken after I caught her playing in the powder for the hundredth or so time. She saw me and said, "I not playin' in the powder, Mommy!"

This is one of the few pictures I have of my stepdad, Joe. Stephie was pretending to blow dry his hair and he was being a very good sport.

It's hard to believe he's been gone 12 years in February.

Ashley and Rob took her to the Olive Garden on Wednesday before Thanksgiving for a belated b-day celebration. Here are some pictures from that night.

Rob & Steph

Ashley & Steph Rob & Ashley

Steph took this great shot of Rob

Steph was struck by the "blue-dot-pool-cue bandit!"

I guess Ashley won this game!

It was just the 5 of us for Thanksgiving. I can't tell you the last time it was just the 5 of us. I love to have LOTS of people for holidays but it just didn't work out this year. Steph and I are going to do a show on the 6th of November (less than a week!) so we've been painting a lot. I will probably post on my new blog soon. If I don't get a chance to work on it I may post a few here.

~

Our friends from Tennessee, Paul, Tracy & Katie, visited her Mom during Thanksgiving. Since mine and Paul's birthday are about 7 weeks apart, we got to hang out a bit on Friday night to celebrate Paul & I turning 50 since we weren't able to get together before now.

~

Wayne and Rob attended their last "home" game in Tallahassee on Saturday. When they left it was raining...they traveled in the rain...it rained the whole game...they traveled back in the rain...and it was still raining when they got home! On top of that, FSU lost also, but they pretty much expected as much so it wasn't too disappointing. ~

We lost a dear friend this month, Henry Burroughs. He and his wife, Alice, were like parents to me and grandparents to our children. "Mrs. Alice" was our children's babysitter from the time Stephanie was 9 months old. Mr. Henry was a sport and one of the happiest people I ever met. He will be missed so much. His funeral was followed by 2 more within a week. They were both fathers of friends. One was very unexpected and is still a shock.

~

Rob got a new dog, Zoe. She is part boxer and as sweet as she can be. They believe she is 1-2 years old and was found and rescued in downtown Macon. She has an ulcer on her right eye and though it has improved with the vet and Rob's care, she may be blind in that eye.

She and Rob adore each other as you can see.

I'm sure there is more that I forgot to add, but this will have to do for now.

Hugs ~ Kim

Happy Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I am truly thankful for all of you!

Every time I think of you, I thank God for you. - Philippians 1:3

With a thankful heart, Kim

Is Your Marriage Fireproof?

If you liked "Facing the Giants" you'll love FIREPROOF!

Some of you may have noticed my banner a few weeks ago which was a Fireproof widget. I wish I could have posted right after my husband and I saw the movie. I was so full of emotion and passion for what the movie stands for. I won't go so far as to say it changed my life or anything quite so profound, but it certainly has the ability to do so. If you haven't seen the movie, go to http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/ and read about it. Then, GO SEE IT! It is still in many movie theaters and as a matter of fact, I went to see it a second time with a friend last week. It is very well done and thought-provoking. My husband really liked it and we've told many about our experience. There are a lot of resources on the website that you can purchase and study to improve your marriage. A friend from church purchased the "Love Dare" and she and her husband read a "day" each night and discuss it before they go to bed. What an awesome idea.

If you've seen the movie, please leave a comment and share your experience.

I'll update more later. I have a lot more to say about the movie that I'll do on my new blog that I'm working on but it'll be closer to Christmas...lots to tell.

Big hugs and God's Blessings to you all! Kim

Finally Updating Installment 2 - July, August, September & October 2008

This is going to be another long one since I'm ready to get back on track and get my other two blogs going as well. So, to recap the last 4 months...

July

Independence Day - We celebrated with our children coming over for a swim in our newly rennovated pool. Steph invited some friends over and we grilled and celebrated our country's independence.

Steph was blowing up this pool toy and I looked over and Ashley had stuck her head through the opening. I just had to take a picture! I love these spontaneous pics.

Here are Steph's friends, Lisa and Lizzy, with Steph and Jasmine.

Just relaxing in the pool and enjoying the day.

Ashley and Sabrina just chillin' by the pool.

July is a big month for Birthdays - On the 26th Rob turned 29 & my Mom was 69 (yes, he was born on her 40th birthday!) & Wayne turned 51 on the 31st.

One of the funniest things on Wayne's birthday was a card that Rob got Wayne from "Sandy", our cat. Wayne takes the cat on "field trips" to Lowes. Neither of them really like it, but that doesn't stop Wayne from putting her in his truck and going. He gets the biggest kick out of the stares and the kids pointing at the crazy guy with the cat in his truck!

July

Memomer's Memorial/Family Reunion - My grandmother passed away May 8th of this year but it was not possible to have the memorial at that time. So, the first weekend of August we had all of our family come up to 0ur home for the memorial. We have a family cemetery in Concord, GA and on Sunday, August 3rd, all 26 of us went to Concord to take her ashes to the cemetery. It was a private service were we sang, prayed, shared what she meant to each of us and how she impacted our lives and what we need to do to carry on her legacy. Oh and of course, took lots of pictures.

The children of Ed & Helen Maynard - Judy, Nancy & Ed (Skeeter)

The Grandchildren of Ed & Helen Maynard - Kim (Judy), Rick (Nancy), Amy & Rob (Ed). I was the only grandchild for 12 years then came my 3 wonderful cousins. I love them all so much!

The Great-grandchildren of Ed & Helen Maynard - Rob, Steph, Ashley (Kim), Sean & Samantha (Rick), Maddy (Rob), Lexi (Amy) & Campbell (Rob)

The loving family of Ed & Helen Maynard

This is a picture of my grandparents

This is a beautiful statue that my wonderful friends from work gave to me in memory of my grandmother.

This little cemetery is so incredible. I just had to show this headstone of my great-grandmother's sister, Pearle. My great-grandmother didn't pass away until I was 17 and she took care of me when I was a young child. I remember her talking about her sister dying during childbirth. We had this beautiful picture of her and had to put it on her headstone to take a picture.

During the family time together we had so much fun sharing stories, eating, swimming, etc. I don't know what we would have done without Wayne. He was the self-designated life guard and BBQ Grill King. He couldn't wait for all of the kids to get there so he could play! Here are some pics of those good times.

Bryant & Campbell

Everyone got out their laptops and it was so funny I had to take a picture! Two days before Ashley moved to Athens, she was rear-ended in her new car. It has been a nightmare getting the car fixed and dealing with her neck pain & stress from all of this. However, 3 monhts later, things are finally improving!

Shawn Sullivans wedding - 8-8-08 - One of Rob's closest friends from high school got married the night before Ashley moved. Rob was one of the groomsmen. It was a beautiful wedding and it was a joy to see Shawn so happy.

Rob & Sabby

Doug (Rob's good friend and roommate) and his sweet Mama, "Toots", who was visiting from Washington state. I had talked to her and e-mailed with her a few times but was so excited to finally meet her. She gave me the sweetedst gift. it was a beautiful Willow Tree Angel.

Ashley's UGA moving Day - 8/9/08

The siblings...Steph, Ashley & Rob. It was an exhausting day but it was awesome to see them together and so excited for their baby sister.

Okay, now tha tthe first week of August is over...Whew! I started a weight loss program on August 23rd. We had a lot going on in August but as my 50th birthday was approaching I decided to set my goal on eating healthy and losing some weight. I have a place on my side bar that I'll keep updated on

September

My 50th birthday was Thursday, September 4th. However, on Saturday August 30th, my family gave me a surprise birthday party at our church. It was great. There was great food, stories, card, presents & lots of pictures.

Several people had already left by the time we thought to take a group picture but got one of those who were still there.

Me and my party planner & daughter, Steph. Me & Wayne. Probably the biggest surprise was having my Mom and Cousins, Amy & Lexi there. Some friends from Atlanta also came down which was so special.

The weekend after my birthday Steph and I drove to Athens to see Ashley and to give Steph's BFF, Heather her bridal shower. We made these cute little favors for each guest. They were adorable!

Steph and I embellished some wine glasses with clay grape leaves. They were a big hit!

Heather & Steph (Matron of Honor) have been best friends for 10 years. Here is Heather with her bridesmaids.

FSU Game - September 13th

Wayne and Rob have had FSU season tickets for many, many years. They go to most of the home games but occasionally we'll get an extra ticket or Rob will have guard duty so some other family member goes. Well, as it worked out, we ended up with 4 tickets so Wayne, Steph, her friend Lizzy & I went to the game. We had a great time!

We actually had a B2 fly over at pregame. It was awesome. FSU got a new scoreboard.

No pictures for this one but I have to tell you that on September 19th Stephanie was let go from her job. She had no idea this was coming and they waited until 10 minutes 'til 5:00 p.m. on Friday to tell her. She was devastated. She still doesn't have a job but is looking. It's not a great time to be looking for a job but I know God has a plan!

Trip to Monticello Genealogy Research & Tallahassee Memories - September 18-20. Steph, Jody (one of our dogs) and I met my Mom in Monticello, FL to do some geneaology research on my maternal great-grandfather's side of the family - Partridge. We found a lot of information on his ancestors and even found the old house where they lived.

This is a picture my Mom found of the house after it was turned into a hotel. The other picture is what it looks like now.

This is a picture of the back of the house then and the other is now. They added a big staircase and made this old house into some really nice apartments. Be sure to notice the old tree then and now.

These stairs are a beautiful addition. I just loved this chimney. It was so unusual looking.

Here are pics of us as we were leaving the hotel after our awesome trip.

We weren't too far (20 minutes) from Tallahassee so I asked Steph if she minded if we tried to find the student housing Wayne, Rob and I lived in while Wayne was attending FSU. Of course, she didn't so I took several pictures of where we lived. This old tree was the background for many pictures while we lived there. The other picture was the actual apartment we occupied from Nov 1981 - April 1984.

Then, we called my wonderful friend, Lynna who lives near Tallahassee and we met for lunch. We may go a couple of years without seeing each other but we just pick right back up where we left off again. It is awesome to have such a great friendship. Lynna, Kim & Steph

October

Wedding in Hilton Head Island, SC - Heather & Chris - October 4th, 2008

First of all, Steph and I enhanced this bric-a-vin with clay to go with the wine glasses we gave her at her shower. It was so pretty!

The weather was beautiful for the wedding. However, the ring slipped off of the best man's finger into the sand and wasn't found until after the wedding. It will be a special memory for them and something to talk about for years to come.

This is Abby, the sweet little flower girl. She was so photogenic. My camera followed her around for hours! I was afraid they thought I was the Paparatzzi! I love this picture of Steph and I.

I just had to take a picture of the groom's cake!

Wicked - On October 11th, Rob, Sabby, Steph and I went to the Fabulous Fox Theater in Atlanta to see the musical, Wicket!. It was an early birthday present to Stephanie. Sabby had wanted to see it and Rob agreed to go. Stephanie is a HUGE Wizard of Oz fan so we knew she'd love Wicked, which is a kind of prequel to the WoO. It's the story of the two wiches. Very well done!

Trips to Athens - October was a crazy month because we had so much going on and several trips but we also had to make some unexpected trips to Athens to be with Ashley. She has had a really hard time with homesickness since going to UGA. Though she loves it up there, home wasn't so bad and she misses everyone so much. She and her boyfriend of 2 years broke up and kind of pushed her over the edge with the stress from school and her car accident issues. Steph and I tag-teamed for a couple of weeks, which she couldn't have done if she would have been working. I painted some while there and took some pictures of their apartment.

I also have to share this picture of what it looked like while Steph and I were there painting and scrapbooking. Sorry roommate Ashley! (Our Ashley's roommate's name is Ashley also!) I hope we cleaned it up okay!?!?

So, here is another example of how God is in control. I met a girl, Beth, at the wedding in Hilton Head who lives in the same apartment complex (which is huge) as Ashley and her building right across the street from Ash. Turns out she is the flower-girl's Aunt. When Ashley was feeling so sad, I contacted Abby's Mom and got Beth's information and we met for dinner. They have since gone out together and talked several times. Ashley really likes her and loves having a new friend so close to her.

Beth & Ashley

These pictures were taken right before I headed home.

Surprise Trip to Destin, FL...

A friend of ours gave us a few days at his time-share. We left on Wednesday night Oct 29th then drove to Tallahassee on Saturday so Wayne could go to the FSU game. We had a wonderful time and just relaxed and enjoyed the down-time. The weather was rainy the whole time except for the day we left, but it was still a great get-away!

I took this cool picture going home on I-75 @ 80 miles an hour.

Bryant's oral surgery - Bryant had to have some oral surgery while we were in Destin to remove some baby teeth that he has had some problems with. He was a real trooper and said he liked the shot! CRAZY kid!

Halloween - Papa & Bryant being goofy!

I thought this would be an appropriate place to add these http://www.yearbookyourself.com/ pictures I did of myself.

The first one is from the 1960s and the second one is from the 1990s. It's pretty fun! (Thanks, Terry!)

Thanks for visiting and please leave me a comment so I know you stopped by. I'll try to keep up with my updating. Hugs to all, Kim