Team Tubbs

Oh, My Little Soldier Boy!

2011-08-12T10:28:00.001-07:00

Porter all dressed up like a soldier. He put on his army hat, his army socks (just tan ones like daddy has) and tan boots like daddy's (they are really his sister's). And of course he's gotta have his gun!

Pictures of Ellie

2011-08-12T10:27:00.004-07:00

Baking Bread

2011-08-12T10:27:00.003-07:00

Kalin helping me bake my very fist loaf of wheat bread! It really didn't turn out all that great, but that's okay we just have some learning to do!

"Our Beach" - Lake Acworth

2011-08-12T10:27:00.001-07:00

This is Lake Acworth. The kids call it "Our Beach". It really felt like a slimy fishtank! It had this gross film in the water and when we got out there were marks on our arms where the water was.

Summer Tours

2011-08-08T12:01:00.001-07:00

Over the summer the kids and I have been on a couple little tours. First place was the Fire Station and Police Station.

Porter got to pull the siren and push the petal for the horn (not that I asked or anthing!). It was so loud that everyone had to plug their ears who were standing around! He felt so cool after being able to do that, it made his day and mine! Kalin had drawn a picture of a fire truck to give them but she was so nervous to tell them, it was cute!

We also went on a tour of Publix. They got to taste some deli meat, watch a baker decorate a cake (he was super fast, like 2 minutes!) and get some free cookies from the bakery, and tour the freezer and back rooms. They walked in the freezer (below) to see how freezing it was. We watched how they cut up the pineapple and each got a sample, and then the kids did a little rain dance to turn on the water for the veggies. It was cute and they all seemed to have a good time.

Then it was on to Lori Belles. They are a frozen custard shop just up the street from us.

Alan's Promotion

2011-08-08T11:38:00.001-07:00

July 10th, Alan was promoted from an E6 to an E7 in the Army National Guard. He has been waiting for this promotion for a long time and I think it was pretty big for him! Above: Me taking off Alan's old rank and tossing it over my shoulder below. This is a tradition I guess!

Soldiers that were an E7 or above can give Alan what is called a "blood rank" by punching him hard in the shoulder. They way it used to be done would leave you bleeding and thats why it is called "blood rank".

Best Friends

2011-08-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

Ever since we have lived here in Georgia Kalin has had mostly boys to play with. All of my friends had boys her age. There has been one girl in her primary class, Kimberly Johnson, who Kalin absolutely loves, but she has been in school and we haven't been able to see her much outside of church. So when the Buffington's moved in we were so happy to know that they had a daughter, Savannah, that is Kalins age. They've been able to hang out together a few times and they get along so well. Kalin loves having a girl-friend that will dress up with her and play barbies and ponies!

Kids Workshop

2011-08-08T11:19:00.000-07:00

Home Depot does the funnest thing for kids. On Saturdays they have a kids workshop where they get to make something with tools and take home a cool orange apron! Kalin was so proud of her little tool box and the time she got to spend with Dad. Porter made a little wall hanging with a football a month before. It's kind of fun they switch it up so the kids can go back and make something else with dad!

Puddle Jumping

2011-08-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

In June we got quite a bit of rain. And oh, how the kids like to play in the rain puddles. Getting wet and dirty seems to be the funnest thing one could ever do! First they started with jumping in them to get wet, then they thought it would be even better if they slid on the grass into the puddles, and finally they sat and laid flat on their backs and bellies to get soaked!

Memorial Day Fun

2011-06-25T05:53:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Memorial Day, Alan invited his soldiers over for a BBQ. We had close to 30 people (including kids). It was pretty hot outside, but it was fun. I loved having that many people over! It's just one big party and I love that! We need to do it more often. The kids had bubbles, sand, water guns, and other activities to do. Next time we need to have a croquette set so the adults can have that to do (even volleyball would be cool). We did end in a bit of a water fight, so I was happy with that! Oh, and I made the pinata with Kalin and Porter the day before. They were so excited to help me with it!

Porter didn't want to hit the pinata, so that is why I don't have his picture. One of the guys, Tim Boland I think, brought a few different flavors of Mountain Dew soda. Most of the night Porter spent his time opening all the different cans so he could try them all and mix them together. One of the guys made the comment that he was mixing his own margaritas (or something like that)! He also took them all out of the boxes and would line them up along the table. He sure does some funny things!

Easter 2011

2011-04-27T14:12:00.002-07:00

Easter was pretty simple this year. Saturday we had a small easter egg hunt outside with Kalin and Porter. It was fun to have our backyard to be able to do that. Then we colored eggs - Porter didn't feel well, that's why he looks so grumpy in the picture! That night Porter complained of a stomach ache and later threw up all over my bed...he and Alan stayed home from church. Sunday night was Kalins turn, throwing up a few times during the night. Morning came, early morning (2 am) and Alan started (every hour almost all the next day). He couldn't eat or even keep any water down, didn't get out of bed because his body hurt, it was awful - I wanted to help but couldn't do anything. Tuesday he started to feel better when I started to feel sick that night. My back hurt so much I slept with the heating pad and the next day I just felt awful. No throwing up for me, thank you, but I still felt terrible and nausious. Well, enough of that, I probably could have just said that we were all sick for Easter! :) At least the kids did enjoy some candy and a few things from the Easter bunny. Chris and Alan also gave them Easter baskets (those pre-packaged ones in the picture). They were both so tickled!!

Atlanta Temple Open House

2011-04-27T14:12:00.001-07:00

Friday, April 22, we took our neighbors to the newly remodeled Atlanta, GA Temple open house. The temple has been closed for almost two years. In that time we had to travel to Alabama, 3 hours away, if we wanted to visit the temple. All I will say, is that we now have a renewed desire to attend the temple more frequently. It has been missed! What a blessing to be able take our friends and share with them our beliefs.

Christine Gower and Cecily Smith at Mellow Mushroom (the yummiest pizza place ever!) for lunch after the temple.

Cecily is a sweet, talented, and wonderful lady. She has been the best neighbor. Cecily moved here the spring after we moved in and lives alone, so it has been fun for us all to be neighborly and become close to her. The kids love going over to paint and explore her home. She is from Jamaica, but moved here from New Jersey.

Below is Chris with her husband Alan. Chris and Alan are from England (Canvey Island) and they have a 2nd home next door to us. Chris has a sister that lives here with her family so she has been visiting Georgia for years. We love having them as neighbors and really enjoy their friendship. Chris is like another mom and I think the world of her!

Porter became pretty attached to Alan and just loved being his little buddy. Of course he was quite the trouble maker!
After we ate pizza we went over to Cecily's home to have "hot cross buns" with cheese (a Jamaican tradition). It was Good Friday and we learned all sorts of things that others do as tradition on this day. What a fun day!

What are KIDS for, right?

2011-04-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

I'm trainging them early! I even pay Kalin if she puts lotion on my feet and gives me a massage! Is that terrible? They seem to like doing it, so why not! :)

I liked being THIRTY

2011-04-23T11:21:00.001-07:00

Turning 30 wasn't a big deal. I enjoy getting older, probably because I know I get to experience life and things are always changing. Even so, I have struggled a little more being 31. Don't know why!? Maybe I'm feeling old, or 31 just sounds old!

Alan and Kalin baked me a cake and then Porter joined in to help decorate it! Can you see the "31" in there? It's beautiful and it totally made my day! Alan stayed home from work, we went to lunch together at Panera Bread and then went shopping for me! Yay!

Kalin and Porter helping me blow out the candles! You know, since I'm so old!

Some of my friends went to dinner with me that week at Panera. It was sweet of them to support me and hang out. Those who made it were Lisa Parberry, Stephanie Saponas, and Heather Harmon.

Yipee!! A NEW Backyard!

2011-04-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

We have the most wonderful backyard! Its nice to let the kids and dog out to play and be able to go inside to get a few things done. It was quite the chunk of money, but well worth it!

Oh, Ellie!

2011-04-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

Our dog is now 6 months! It seems to have gone by really fast and the worst of it is over. Thank you, thank you, thank you Ellie for growing up and for going potty OUTSIDE (at least most of the time anyway)! Ellie is a lot of fun. She has given us something to look forward to when we wake up in the morning and when we come home from being out. Yes, it may feel like a burden at times, but she is worth it. She is part of the family now - no getting rid of her! Ellie will sit when told (if she isn't too distracted), stay at least a short while, shake, and "leave it". She isn't perfect at any one of these, but she (WE) are trying!

Ellie, letting me know she needs a drink of water.

It's pretty cute how Ellie will jump up on Porters back, until you realize what she is doing... What?! I thought only males did that! Alan told me she does it because she wants to dominate or be in charge of Porter. This makes it a bit difficult because Ellie has a hard time responding to the kids when they want to train her. To her they are other puppies and she just wants to bite and play.

And I thought my kids were messy! I don't think Ellies face ever leaves the ground! She loves to dig her face in the dirt, grass, mud, anything she can get her little nose into. What a JOY she is!!!

This is a clean Ellie! She gets so fluffy and soft, I almost want to give her a bath every day!

It all started with a picture of Alan and I....Next, the kids wanted to join and then Ellie...But being a part of the picture wasn't enough, Ellie just couldn't resist walking on top of everyone to give kisses, even in my mouth! Ellie and me posing for Kalin to take a picture.

Ellie

2011-02-18T17:35:00.000-08:00

4 weeks ago we bought us a puppy. A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Her official AKC registered name is Eleanore Golden Bell -- we call her Ellie. When we bought her she was just over 3 months. She got sick with a stomach bacteria as well as a sinus infection and it had us a little worried, but all is well and she is doing great. Potty training stinks and it really makes me question my decision to buy her. It was my decision and I only have myself to blame. Setting all that wonderful work and mess aside, Ellie is a fun and sweet dog. We do need to get going on her socialization and training. She is getting crazy!! We love her and she really feels like part of our family.
My sleepy girls during movie night. Yes, we let her on the couch! She was just too cute and cuddly! She doesn't shed, but she still smells like a dog (hard to get used to by-the-way) and so we are stopping that habit before she gets too comfortable with that idea. I thought it was real sweet how she was laying on Kalin like that!
Who's this, and what did you do with my dog? That was my initial thought when I first saw Ellie out the window after her grooming. It's different, but her hair is so soft I can't stop touching her!

It's a "REAL" spider

2011-02-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

This morning while I was getting ready for church Kalin found a little plastic spider and thought it would be funny to trick dad. She set it just outside the bathroom door and then we continued to get ready. I didn't really think much of it until I heard Porter say "mom, what is that by the door?" Kalin said, "its a "real" spider Porter". Well, I guess he went and got his dad, because the next thing I hear is Alan on the phone and all of a sudden he tells Porter to stay back and then tells Kalin and I not to come out of the bathroom. (This all being very serious like). He finishes his phone conversation and then I hear this loud "whack, whack, whack". So, I didn't think it would ever go this far. Porter was real freaked! Obviously his dad was as well! He must of really hammered that poor plastic mold of a spider to break him like that! I was laughing so hard I couldn't keep the tears back! I opened the door just after he mutilated the innocent thing - nobody really quite knew what to say. I felt bad for a split second that Porter was frightened, but boy that was a fun morning!

SNOW DAY! I mean week!

2011-01-13T13:37:00.003-08:00

Last Monday we woke up to about 4 or 5 inches of snow. That's a big deal for Georgia! With that snow came no work for Alan until Thursday and no school for Kalin until Thursday. What a life! The roads were really iced over because of freezing temps and unlike Utah, Georgia just doesn't have equipment or the manpower to clear the roads or make them safe. Public school and many businesses (like the doctors office) were closed all week!

Kalin, done with making a snow Angel! You had to pack the ice on top of the snow first or you couldn't move your arms or legs. Oh, and I'm a little embarrased about the taped gloves. I just knew their little cotton gloves would get soaked as soon as they touched the snow and this was the only thing I could think of to keep their hands from freezing! I guess we should go buy some real snow gloves so we're a little more prepared next time!

We sled down our driveway with the bottom of our baby saucer. People were using cardboard boxes, baskets, and I even heard of someone using a canoe! And downtown Atlanta there was someone skating on the road, doing spins and all. What a fun snow week!

There is no place like HOME

2011-01-13T13:37:00.001-08:00

Especially when you are sick at Christmastime. Although we would have love to be with family this past Christmas, it was nice to be home. I had the flu and bad cold, Kalin had the cold, and Porter had a cold and strep throat. It was nice to be home and just rest! A little bit of a bummer, but at least we didn't have obligations. Here are some Christmas photos:

My First Christmas wreath! I made it too! It was fun to learn how, and I get to make another one next year.
It even snowed Christmas day! Can you see out the window?

A couple of the pictures Kalin drew for our neighbor, Cicely. Kalin is quite the artist!

Some of my Favorites from 2010

2011-01-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

Can't help but love that Porter face! This was the circus at Cobb County Fairgrounds. The first time either of them had been on a carnival ride.

This is one of those bitter-sweet moments. So happy that she can write her own name, but really? Permanent marker on the bedroom door!?

I think Alan was feeling a little too hot! Maybe it was just that he didn't want his picture taken!

Am I a bad mother for posting this one? I promise she is not naked! Can you get a better facial expression than this?

All the cousins minus Logan on our October visit to Utah.

Porter riding his first pony!

Lucas, Eliza, Porter, Logan, Kalin and Braden. Halloween fun at Thanksgiving Point. It was fun to see them interact with each other.

Sweet Aunt Kari on a hay ride at Wheeler Farm.

These two really do love each other. It's fun they are so close in age. Even though they can really put up a good fight they are best friends!

Porter is THREE!

2010-07-31T15:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Porter! He's three and he's potty trained. Yay! I just can't be any happier about it! For quite a few months now Porter has been obsessed with "WORKERS". While driving in the car it is almost all he can talk about. When he grows up he is going to be a "big, strong worker". We have to roll down the windows to wave and say hi as we pass. We have to walk over and watch while the "workers" are doing there construction work. And then we have to watch a little longer, and then a little longer, until I can't stand there looking stupified anymore! He just loves everything and anything about "workers", especially the big trucks and tractors! So there really wasn't anything else I could choose for a birthday theme. "Construction" just fit perfect! Here is our front door, greeting our party guests!Everyone got their very own hard hat and got to play in the sand! This was a big hit, and an even bigger mess! But overall it was worth it!Porters dump truck birthday cake. This was so easy and fun! I just cut the cake to fit and then layered it a bit, covered it with frosting and crushed up oreos to give it the look of dirt. FUN!!Porter, and everyone else, opening his birthday presents! The kids were so excited they just couldn't keep from helping! It was so cute! Porter really didn't mind much at all. What a good sport. He got lots of fun things, from tractors, puzzles, lightening mcqueen, a vacuum, and so much more. We are grateful to all of our friends for coming! It was a full house (maybe a little too full depending on how you look at it), but I just wanted everyone we care about to be there.The "workers" way of opening that pinata! I bought it and later realized that I really had no place to hang it, so I improvised. It worked just fine, as long as the kids got their candy!

Kalin

2010-07-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to get a few things in here about Kalin. In primary this Sunday, Kalin had the "me in a bag". The idea is to take this bag home and fill it with things that describe you and what you like. Well, I was a bit nervous that she would be too shy to say a thing, so we had rehearsed a couple of times before chuch. I know, silly! But I just wanted to help her be confident and ready. During preparation she would say a sentence, sometimes two, about each object in the bag. Like, "I like horses and want my very own someday. I like to ride them" or "I like to go to the beach and collect seashells". On Sunday she shorened it to, "I like horses" or "I like seashells". Okay, I might have been dissapointed, but just for a sec, because I was so pleased and happy that my little shy Kalin smiled and spoke into the microphone. She even looked out at everyone and told about every single thing in her bag. I didn't have to say a word! Wow, high five for Kalin! I think we may have both been beaming behind that little podium!

I haven't been very good at writing down the cute things the kids say, which is sad because now I can't remember them. So, here is one that Kalin says all the time! When she wants us to watch her do something or she wants to tell us about something, she'll say, "mom look, you'll never know!" or sometimes even, "you'll never guess!, you'll never believe!" She gets this look, that Ohhh, Myyy, Goshhh look! Her excitment and attitude over such a small thing (obviously they aren't small things to her!) just blows me away and I can't help but giggle!

How about an update...

2010-07-20T16:02:00.000-07:00

Still a happy mom here! Porter is doing great with the no-diaper-deal! He just jumped right in, would go all by himself without me having to remind him. This is very good, until you forget about it and its been a couple hours when you walk into the kitchen finding him wiping up his own poop with poopy undies! Oh, isn't that just the funnest thing! But what a little helper, right?! I love my son and I'm thankful (insert a little sarcastic laugh) for how often he reminds me that being a mom takes so much work! At least he likes to help clean up after himself. I don't know if it really is to help or to hide what he did! Guess it doesn't matter either way. We were at a friends (Heather Harmon) house today and Porter had an accident in the bathroom. He had taken her hand towel and wiped it up all by himself before coming to find me. I'm just glad there was no poop involved this time! Thanks Heather for being so sweet about it!

"I'm a Big Boy now!"

2010-07-13T01:07:00.000-07:00

Remember that little ditty? I think it's from some diaper/pull-ups commercial, not really sure. The origin isn't that important anyway! It's what I think of Porter when I realize how easy-breazy it's been to potty-train him this past week. He really has been a breath-of-fresh-air to me! He began it all with just two accidents the first day (wasn't really sure if this was simply luck because he wanted to sit on the potty all the time, or if he was understanding the sensation of needing to go). Actually, I'm pretty sure it was luck for the first couple of days! And don't get me wrong, I definitely had my moments of impatience and frustration and did even throw away one pair of undies (I wasn't gonna even touch that one!). One of the toughest parts of the whole thing, was not calling them panties! Because I have Kalin who is potty trained I kept catching myself saying, "now pull up your panties" or "go get some clean panties"! Poor kid wasn't quite sure what to call them! I think I even heard Alan tell Kalin to put her undies back on! Oh, the confusion! It really has been a blessing to me and I am so pleased with how grown up Porter has been with this. On the other hand, I miss my baby boy (just a bit). I feel like the whole thing gives me a calm feeling that parenting is going to be okay. As hard as it is for me, and in spite of my weakness, it is going to be okay. (Deep breath)...

Fun with Friends!

2010-06-11T17:14:00.001-07:00

Kalin and Alyssa

Alan has been out of town for work and my cute friend Jenny invited us to the park with her family.

Eli, Alyssa, Emmy (our rockin' babysitter), Megan, Kalin and Porter. The kids, Emmy excluded, built this fire - how creative!

BEACH

Our first trip to Lake Acworth this summer. We love this beach, it is only 10 minutes away and just perfect for the kids to play.

Kalin, Boston, Porter, Grace, Gabe, and Porter

I helped them build this cool castle and mote, they were all so excited! Or maybe

that was just me! ha ha

Some of my friends...

Stephanie with Bradley

Cami and Brittney

Ali and me

Heather and I

Lisa, myself, and Jenny

Thanks for such a fun time everyone!

Fun Visit!

2010-06-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

My sister Kari came to visit a couple weeks ago for a few days. It was nice to spend some time with her, especially so the kids could get to know Aunt Kari a bit more. I was happy she wanted to come and that she took time to come see us! Kari's "Abstract Poppies" painting. Mine is very similar. We did this at a place called 'Sips n Strokes'. They instruct you step by step how to paint and then you get to take yours home! We had so much fun and felt so pleased with our work!

Kari and Nickolas

Daddy with Porter and Kalin. I had to get a picture with Dad because he isn't with us very often!

Chattanooga, TN. We visited Tennesee for a day with a trip to the zoo - it was small, but we only paid $8 for all 5 of us. We also went to a little park with some water fountains for the kids to play in and walked the 2nd longest pedestrian bridge in the nation. FUN and HOT!!

Great picture of the "Monster", looks even better when it is turned the right way! Cant figure out why it flipped like this.

Cute Kar! And cute Nick!

We found this awesome park downtown Kennesaw that just has an open field-like area. It was peaceful and quiet - perfect for our little picnic!

Simple Pleasures

2010-06-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

I just love my children! Tonight we had a late night and stopped by Walmart to return a redbox flick. As we turned the corner onto the main road Kalin ooh'd and aah'd and with such sweetness exclaimed, "it's beautiful". She was talking about all the night lights from buildings and such. Wow, does this girl ever get out?! Really, I guess it is kinda beautiful when you think about it. It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside when she can find beauty in just about everything.

And to make things even better...as we were walking into walmart (me carrying porter because he didn't have any shoes and Kalin holding onto my pocket because Porter is just too darn heavy to carry with one hand anymore, sad) they saw a motorcycle and began waving excitedly at him from one end of the parking lot until he drove right past. He waved back and I heard at the same time from both of them, "he waved at me"! Oh, those sweet moments of innocence and pleasure. I am so very blessed and so happy! And if that's what it takes to feel happiness, then I should be set for life!

Fun with Grandma and Grandpa Tubbs

2010-05-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

Alans mom and dad decided to come visit this month, kinda last minute. The entire week they were here was great! They left Tuesday and I miss them already, and so do the kids! Kalin keeps telling me that she didn't want them to stay "only" 7 days. It was nice to have the company and actually get a vacation away from home.

Savannah, GA
Kalin and Porter trying to be entertained on the 4 hour drive. It wasn't all that bad, but just seemed to last forever!

That afternoon (late afternoon) we played at the beach. It was wonderful....the sand was soft, there were so many little seashells, the water wasn't too cold, we found sea creatures, built sand castles, jumped waves, and got knocked under a few times! There really isn't anything better than swollowing sea water and it stinging your nose and mouth! So much fun!!

The next morning we visited the Roundhouse Railroad Museum. I think I can say we all had a good time. The grounds as well as the old architecture behind the roundhouse really were beautiful.

Porter may have just been fine with having something to climb on!

Riding the train on the Roundhouse and then a couple short trips on the track. After the museum we walked for miles (literally) to the Pirates House for lunch. It was pretty yummy compared to lunch the day before which was at the Whistle Stop Cafe. Our anticipation was high because we got to sit on an old passenger train car to eat. Oh well, it was fun to eat somewhere unique anyway. We probably were just so happy to have stopped walking it wouldn't matter what we ate!

Aargh! Kalin was a little bit scared and wasn't sure what to think of the pirate and his sword. He didn't even ask or warm up to her first, he just put that huge blade around her neck and expected us to know what he was doing!

Porter didn't really want anything to do with him! But I guess it does make for a fun picture! After eating we walked along the River Walk and then visited a Maritime museum. The drive home didn't last near as long as the one there! I think the kids falling asleep after 10 minutes of driving helped!

Atlanta Braves

The next night we took mom and dad to a Braves game. They played the Diamond Backs and were losing 0-5 until the 8th or 9th inning when the Braves got a home run to win it! We were actually on row 4 from the field, it was a great feeling and a little scary when those balls went right above you and you had no idea if it would land on your head or not!

The next day, while Alan and his dad went to watch the Nascar drag racing, the rest of us made bird feeders, blew bubbles, made cake and went shopping for dad's birthday.

Nice shot of you mom!

Kalin trying to pop bubble with her tongue!

GA Aquarium

It felt so good to have family come visit and know that you are missed and loved! Heavenly Father really has blessed me with the greatest in-laws (parents and siblings) as well as my own side of the family. Being away from home isn't easy and it hurts knowing the things you're missing out on. But with the growth and the experiences that come with it, I wouldn't want it any other way! I love Georgia and I love everyone I know here!

Friends

2010-05-21T11:52:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago my ward put on the most wonderful Relief-Society Enrichment night. It was about womanhood and sharing our heritage and legacy. We were invited to bring the women in our life whom we love. I took Kalin, but she ended up in the nursery anyway. For some reason that seemed more fun to her! My neighbor, Cecily, would have come but she was out of town. My friends had a great idea to have a picture taken with all of us in it. I'm so blessed to have each of these girls in my life and sometimes I may not realize that. I love each of them and I'm grateful for what they give to me and who they are. My friend Lisa, farthest left, wrote the following about each of my friends. I'd like to share what she wrote (I really hope you don't mind too much Lisa) because it is so heartfelt and true, and I can't in anyway portray each of them as she has.

First I'd like to say something about Lisa:

Lisa
Lisa has a sweet heart. She wants to include all those around her, making them feel loved and cared for. Lisa is beautiful inside and out. She glows with the kind of beauty that never fades. She might say that I'm a good mom, but she outdoes me by a mile or a dozen! Her two boys are her joy and I see that every time I'm around her. You are a great mom Lisa.

From left to right we have: (in the words of Lisa, but I feel it is true with each person as well). Thank you Lisa for your sweet spirit and your ability to understand others.

Karla
Karla is one of those people who talks to everyone. She is like the sunshine and almost always has that same big smile on her face. She's one of those people that makes everyone feel like they are her best friend. Her love for people is genuine and quality I would like to be able to offer everyone I come in contact with. (Too bad I just don't like everyone I meet! lol)

Beth
Beth is quiet, at least compared to me. Don't get me wrong she doesn't not say anything. It's just that I am a jabber box and Beth says things that actually matter, she is sincere. I love Beth because when someone is talking Beth is listening and actually interested. Another quality I could use. Please rub some of that off on me Beth!

Julie

Julie is awesome! She's one of those people who is always there. She will serve with out complaining. When Jerret was having a hard time last year trying to get members to clean the building her husband was the only one who signed up to help. And her with out knowing that told me to call her anytime they were needed. She's always willing to give a ride or watch your kid when you are in a pickle. She is a beautiful example of serving with cheer.

Stephanie
Stephanie is another one of my quiet friends. I've "known" Steph for the shortest amount of time. When we first became a part of the ward Stephanie was pregnant and she serves in with the Young Women so I didn't really get to know her until after she had her baby and started coming to play dates. Over the past few months though I have learned that Stephanie is a lot of fun. She is easy to talk to. She is beautiful yet simple. I think the girls in our ward are so lucky to get to watch such a great woman and learn from her. It's hard for me to put into words Stephanie. She is just one of those woman who radiates the Spirit of the gospel. Like I said before it's simple beauty with out being fussy. It's the appearance of being comfortable in her own skin. Maybe that's it. Stephanie radiates self worth. Yes another quality I could use.

Kyli
Kyli is such a great mom. She may get worn out and frustrated but Kyli doesn't just accept mediocrity from herself. She is a spiritual giant as we used to say in seminary. Kyli is smart enough to have figured out that sometimes you are highest when you are on your knees. I really admire her dedication to the gospel and her never ceasing work at growth and being better and more. Kyli know that I admire you. You are a great woman and friend!

"Fixin' Bike"

2010-04-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we were playing outside and Kalin and I were digging in the dirt around the corner. A few minutes later I peeked around to see what Porter was up to and he had pulled out Alans car jack and had his bike already propped on it, just like below. I asked him what he was doing and he said, "fixin bike". Oh, wow! This sure made his daddy (and Grandpa, I'm sure) proud! This last weekend, Porter did the same thing again and then Alan gave him a wrench and Porter went to work! We just love this kid!

I caught a fish with my BARE HANDS!

2010-04-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

Well, ok, I think the fish was really dying so maybe it's not quite the same! Ha, ha! Anyway, I just reached in the water and picked it up with both hands and it just kinda laid there. I thought to myself that perhaps this was a new defense mechanism...play dead?

This creek is behind our home and the kids and I fought the forces of the jungle to get there. We had to climb over fallen trees and break branches in our way. We jumped over big puddles of green muddy gooey stuff! Kalin even lost her shoe in it! Through it all, the kids love the walking in the water, jumping from rock to rock, looking for fish, and throwing rocks in.

Catching Up...

2010-01-22T11:59:00.001-08:00

Our Christmas trip to Utah was fun. Thanks mom and dad for your hospitality! Here is our updated picture with Alans side of the family. It was good to spend time with everyone and to see all the little cousins play together.

My moms grave site. Alan was so sweet and shoveled approximately a 12 x 12 foot area of 8 inch ice and snow just to find it! Oh, I love him! It's been hard to be so far that I can't visit more often, but is was great to stop by and remember her.

Kalin and I rode the front runner down to SLC. What a smooth ride! We spent the night at my sister Kari's house and met up with my sister Kim at the Gateway. I love my sisters and miss them already! I regret not getting pictures of my side of the family, I don't know how that happened. I was just too busy chatting and doing other things I guess! Sorry guys!

It didn't take long for BreeAnne and Kalin to become buddies! They even had to wear the same skirt to the treehouse museum.

Grandma with her grandkids (minus Porter and Anderson), singing Christmas hymns.

Eliza, Kalin, and BreeAnne.

Porter, Braden, Lucas, and Logan. This sight of all the cousins made me start to tear up. It was sweet to see them all together, yet hard knowing that this is what we miss out on. Same with all 6 cousins on my side of the family.

Making rolls with Grandma. Kalin looks like she just adores her Grandma! She might have just been laughing because they were being silly and dancing to Christmas music.

The kids first experience in the snow. Grandpa pulled them in a sled behind his truck and we also took them to great Grandma's to slide down her hill. It may be super tiny, but I don't think that mattered at all to them or the big kids either! :) We didn't get to build a snowman because the snow wouldn't stick, but we did try to build an ice-block snowman until Porter kept knocking them over!

Family Portraits

2009-12-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

Posting...

2009-10-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

So, it's been really busy lately and I really haven't had time to post. I want to try and keep it up because it's a good way to get these memories written down before I forget, which seems to happen really quickly!
I had a nice chat with my brother Taylor the other day. Honestly, this hasn't happened in a long time! He mentioned how he wants to be closer to his family and that he misses me. Really, it's nice to hear that, especially from a brother, right?! I want to do the same thing. Family is the most important thing. We've all been through tough times, even still, but love needs to be there. My children and my husband are my life! I don't know what I would do if I lost any one of them. My brothers and sisters and my dad need to be a bigger part of my life as well. I have a connection with my siblings that I just can't seem to explain. I think part of my mom is in each of us, so we all need each other to keep my mom around. That probably doesn't really make much sense, but I do want my family to know that I love them, without having to say it. So, I'm getting to work!
I have posted a few posts to catch up, so you'll have to check them out! Please let me know what you think, it's really nice to hear from others. If I don't have your blog on here let me know what it is and I'll add you! Thanks!

And Here Comes Fall!!

2009-10-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

The leaves have started, well a few weeks ago now, falling off the trees. Kalin will see them and exclaim, "oh, I'm so excited for fall", in such a grown up way! I just love her enthusiasm for life and I pray that she will keep it. We went to Cagle's Dairy Farm in Canton to get pumpkins this year. We were a little dissapointed with the selection but ended up with some nice pumpkins and a little drive! It was raining and really cold actually, so we got our pumpkins and turned right back around to go home but stopped at a place called Shane's Rib Shack to eat lunch.Eeeww, pumpkin guts!
It's fun as the kids get older and we can do more as a family together. Like carving pumpkins and Porter throwing the guts all over the kitchen!

A week later these sweet pumpkins were shriveled and moldy! I think in utah they lasted at least a month!

Grandma and Grandpa Survived!

2009-10-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

We all enjoyed having Grandma and Grandpa visit. Kalin and Porter really had a good time and warmed up to them right away. The first day we had a little party for Grandma, Kalin's idea was to have a surprise for Grandma with balloons and cake. We all went to dinner that night, and I think they got an idea of what they were in for with Porter!

This is our flooding we had while in Charleston. In one area the water was 8 inches deep. We were very blessed not to have any flooding in our home. It really was like a river flowing down our yard across the driveway and around the house. The kids sure loved playing in it! Because of the rain we really didn't get to do too much while Grandma and Grandpa were here, but we did visit the new science museum "Tell Us" in Cartersville. There were big trucks, dinosaurs, cars and trains, outdoors and weather stuff, rocks, and digging for real dinosaur bones and actual gems. Granted they were very tiny, but the idea was new and exciting. For all of us big and small!

Charleston SC without the kiddos!

2009-10-29T10:30:00.001-07:00

In September Alans parents (mom and dad) came for a visit. They stayed with the kids while Alan and I went to Charleston for 2 whole nights! Yipee!!! It was beautiful there and we lucked out with sunshine while our sweeet GA home was being flooded with rain!

We took a ferry to an the island of Fort Sumter National Monument. This is where the first fire began the civil war. (Just some cool info!) We took another "water taxi", as they call them, over to the aircraft carrier . We also toured a 1970's submarine. I cannot believe how tight the submarine was. I dont think I could last a month being stuck on one of those things! We really enjoyed touring the museums, especially the one on the aircraft carrier, the Medal of Honor Museum. It was really touching to read what soldiers and other men serving have done for our country and their fellow men. We saw some different wild life while on our trip. I was lucky to be able to watch a couple pelicans waking up from a nap, stretch, clean themselves and then fly away. They are beautiful birds and a bit sentimental to me because my mom really loved to watch the pelicans in the water by the Great Salt Lake. So really they just remind me of her and her love for nature and wildlife. We saw many dolphin, and I was a little snap happy when I saw a whole bunch of crabs in the marsh by our hotel. Alan of course had to poke fun at the joy it was bringing me! We just don't see these where we are or in Utah, there were so many different kind, they moved with such speed and grace that I was a little mystified I guess!

Some Catching Up...

2009-10-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Back in August...Picture of me that Kalin took while we were shopping at Home Depot. Pretty good for an ameteur huh? Alan is actually quite proud that Kalin loves to shop at Home Depot and knows what one looks like when we drive by. Alan with Porter - we were so surprised that he fell asleep on the couch with daddy! That never happens...what a sweet moment!

Even though we are no longer taking dance I had to show Kalin ready for her first dance class. She enjoyed a few classes and then she absolutely refused to go in and I couldn't convince her to go back. We'll try again another time! Above Kalin is making a silly face for the camera. We actually have quite the collection! She gives me such good laughs when she starts laughing hysteraclly because she thinks that she is the funniest thing!

I decided to have a little photoshoot with the kids and I while Alan was out of town one weekend. I usually take the pictures and so I don't end up in very many and just wanted to be in some with Kalin and Porter. Porter actually started screaming and crying because I was trying to make him sit still and pose for the camera! He looks much too happy while choking me! He really did, I had to pry his arms off of me!

Somebody was SPOILED!

2009-08-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we helped our friends Stephanie and Brian watch their dog Portland. She was with us Tuesday through Friday until dinner time and then she stayed over night Friday. One might think, "Wow! What are they thinking, that will be crazy!" It was quite the oppostite. Portland is a great dog. She is very obedient and very good with the kids. They loved playing with her. Kalin was especially preoccupied with her by throwing her toys and the frisbee - most of all by telling her to sit. Every time Kalin turned around she be saying "sit" and "good girl"! All in all Portland was spoiled with so much attention. We had fun, but it was time for her to go home and now mom and dad know that they don't want a dog. We just want Portland to come and play every now and then! Thanks Stephanie and Brian for letting us play with her!

Some fun IN and OUT of the sun!

2009-08-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

We just love it when daddy gets some time off work and we can all go play as a family! The beginning of August we ventured out for a drive to the beach. Good thing the drive was only 10 minutes from home! This is lake Acworth beach and we love it. It's always fun to be in the sun at the beach...we just have to be careful of porter stripping down then walking around for all to see!

We also had some fun out of the sun with a longer drive up to Chattanooga, TN. They have one pretty swell aquarium that we visited when we first moved to Georgia. This day we went to the Childrens Discovery Museum. What a cool place! And I don't just mean the air conditioning. The kids got to play in water, color, build things, play all sorts of fun instruments, get their faces painted, dig for dinasaur bones, and much more. After the museum we walked to a pizza joint about a block away. We almost melted it was so hot!

Enjoying herself just a little!

2009-08-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Kalin went shopping with me at the mall and started accessorizing. I am so glad I had my camera with me to catch this precious moment of her dancing in front of the mirror all glammed up!

Can You Believe He's Two?

2009-08-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

My baby isn't a baby anymore! I love watching Porter grow and change, but it just happens too fast. Slow down time!!! My kids will be in school before I know it and then...lets not even think about anything past that!

Porters party was a little difficult for me to plan. I wanted family to come and celebrate with us more than anything - nothing else really mattered to me. Maybe that thought about distance making the heart grow fonder really is true. Being away has given me the opportunity to contemplate what family means to me.

We invited some friends from Alans work to celebrate with us. I made an extra sheet cake (top) just so we would have enough for everyone. The cars were really fun to make - but I am definitely an amateur cake maker! Porter may not have been quite sure what was going on when we were all singing to him, but he proudly blew out his candles very well. One little puff and the first candle was out, then another and the second was out!!

For his birthday we bought a wagon (more for mom and dad), and some tools just for porter. He was completely content! It was a nice laid back celebration. I'm just happy we have so many friends here in Georgia to help support us!

Too Cute to Not Post!

2009-07-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Fun Never Ends...

2009-07-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

Kalin wearing mommys glasses.

We have been having lots of fun going to the beach at Lake Acworth (Alatoona). I keep forgetting to take the camera, so I'll get pics next time. Its only 10 minutes away! Can't get any better than that! Well, I thought I was great at putting sunscreen on my children and not letting them burn. I was proven wrong! I guess when your child is in the water up to her shoulders for 2 hours it might be a good idea to RE-apply. So, this is her first actual sunburn and at least it went away in a couple of days.

Kalin playing dress up. Dont you think they really look like brother and sister here?

Porters little photo shoot for his birthday invitation! It turned out real cute.

And of course Kalin was feeling a bit left out so we took her picture too! So sweet!

Our FOURTH of July!

2009-07-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

On the 3rd of July the kids and I visited downtown Marietta Square (a city just south of us) with some of our friends. We went to the fire house museum, which has old trucks, pictures, gear etc. Then we went to a park afterward to have lunch and play. What a fun, free activity!

Alan and I like to eat out for breakfast on some holidays, but it's just not as easy with the kids right now, so I made pancakes instead. This is real silly but Kalin got her arm stuck on some syrup and we just had a great laugh over this. We kept sticking her arm back into the syrup to do it again!
The evening of the fourth we went over to Julie and Tim Norwoods house for a BBQ. They are friends from our ward. The kids ran around squirting each other with squirt guns, by the end of the night they were all practically soaked!

Some of my friends from church! (Stephanie, Karla, Katie and Julie in the background - sorry Julie!)

The kids watching fireworks and the Depews farm.

Sparklers a couple of days later... Porter was actually a bit afraid of them! Funny for a kid who is quite the dare-devil!

A Wonderful Visit

2009-07-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my Aunt Dorothy for coming to visit and bringing Chanel, my cousin, with! We had a nice time getting to know them a little bit more. Of course, we wish we had more time but so grateful to have just seen them. They traveled straight here from South Africa (stayed a couple nights) then went on to California, Utah, and New York.

Aunt Dorothy and Chanel at the Georgia Aquarium

The Tunnel in the Aquarium

The big viewing tank - this was fun! It was just so peaceful and mesmerizing to watch all the fish.

Oops, not a fish!

Centennial Olympic Park

2009-05-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

I have some wonderful friends here in Georgia! We all went down to the Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta to play in the water fountains (it's like newgate in SLC). Kalin, Porter and I spent our time standing in the middle of a circle of fountains around us, clinging and crying. Beth was able to get some cute pictures of the kids.

Just before leaving. Kalin with a Jonas and Thomas.

Porter trying not to get wet with mommy pushing him to get out!

Kalin, afraid to get wet as well, biting her finger

Trying to convince the kids to get wet...no success!

Eating lunch on the grass with all our beach towels

I'm going to steal Beths descriptions of Porter...

Porter working on his juicebox [that he stole from someone else]

Aahhh....success!
The funnest slide ever!

At least I thought so!Kalin and Jerem chasing birds, the kids had a lot of fun feeding and chasing them

Keeping Busy At Home

2009-05-19T05:06:00.000-07:00

Porter, Porter, Porter...
He really is ALL boy! He is super busy and gets into everything. This first picture he is eating pudding, I think most of it ended up on him instead of in him! He looks like this after almost every meal! We took the picture to catch him flexing his muscles. We love it when he does that, his whole body shakes.
Porter loves to play with the broom, he seems to be able to find one wherever we go and its a nightmare to get them away from him. One day I thought I saw him go into the laundry room to get the broom and I went to look for him. He wasn't in there. Kalin came out of the laundry room so I asked her where Porter was and she said he was in there. I looked and he wasn't there. Okay, what are you smokin Kalin? I asked again and she said in there pointing to the dryer, so I opened it and there he was just sitting inside the dryer! That was a first!

A couple weeks ago we bought Kalin and Porter a little T-ball set. They (we) were so excited to play. It was fun showing them how to hold the bat and to watch the ball. After Alan swung he said "oh, I missed!" Yup, he did and I got it on camera! Love you Alan!

Atlanta Zoo

2009-05-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

When Kim was here we all went to the zoo. Kalin seemed to have a great time seeing all of the animals. She said that her favorite was the giraffe.

Doesn't she make a cute Lion?
Playing "see if you can catch me" at the zoo with Porter! We only let him out of the stroller a couple times because he just takes off running like a wild child!

The petting zoo was great! The animals just laid there and didn't even move when you touched them. So tame! Maybe drugged? Kalin loved brushing the hair.
Cheers to the PANDA!

I thought I'd grown out of the panda stage, but when I turned the corner and the pandas were in sight my heart jumped out of my chest and I felt perhaps a little giddy! :) Oh, I still love the panda bear! It is a beautiful creature with gentle playfulness which to me creates a childlike charm.

Just a little panda humor by Donna Word Chapell:

A big old pudgy panda bear walked into McDonald's one day.
Ordered a Big Mac, fries and a Coke, and ate it all right away.
He paid his bill at the counter, then with a great big grin
He pulled out a big water pistol and shot the cashier in the chin.
He sauntered out to the sidewalk; the cashier followed him there.
Drying his face he said, "Why'd you do that? It wasn't really fair."
"In the encyclopedia, friend, the answer can be found."
The panda said, and then he left, saying, "Well, I'll see ya around."
The cashier looked it up that night. What he saw he couldn't believe.
The encyclopedia said, "Panda -- eats shoots and leaves."

Carnival and Circus

2009-05-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

In April we got to spend a couple weeks with Aunt Kim. She is so fun and makes us laugh! Cousin Taryn stayed a couple nights when Kim was here. She was going home to South Africa after being a nanny in Atlanta for almost two years. I am so very very happy that we were able to spend time with Taryn and get to know her while she was here. It was hard taking her to the airport not knowing when we'll see her again. Same with Kim! I miss them both!! They are just gorgeous and ridiculously fun!

Sorry girls - these were the only pictures I took of you. I'm terrible and should have taken more. Gotta love the face kim!

While they were with us we decided last minute to go to the circus one night. We were quite surprised how fun it was.

Suckers, Cotton candy, funnel cake - just some of the yummy stuff Kalin and Jonas got to eat. We also tried some boiled peanuts for the first time. Its a southern thing and Ive heard that they are so scrumptious! Beth bought them for us and unfortunately I did not like them. Beth with Jonas below

Kalin and Mommy!

After we left the circus we decided to let the kids try a ride. They had to go by themselves and Beth and I were freakin out! Well, not quite to that extent, I exaggerate just a little. We were real nervous and thought they for sure would be screaming to get out. To our surprise and delight they were thrilled and laughing! Oh, how fun it was to watch my child just so content and happy. I could have stayed there all night long!!!

Snow Day!!! Or is it Ice Day?

2009-03-30T12:15:00.001-07:00

Here is Kalin and Porter freezing! This was our one and only real snow day in Georgia so we had to take the kids out. We don't even have that much snow gear, so we only stayed out for a few minutes! I know you really can't say it's much of a snow day compared to Utah!

Kalin was excited to be able to play in the snow. Even though it stuck on the ground, it was more like ice or slush so we couldn't really play with it. I tried, but my hands were so cold I had to do the freezing dance!

Food Storage

2009-03-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

A couple months ago Alan and I decided that we needed to start our food storage. It was the perfect goal for the new year. First of all we had to make the space and decided it would be perfect under our stairs. Alan wired and put in two lights and a switch, then built the shelves. I was just in awe as he progressed and he would just say it was nothing. Well the finished product was amazing, but he still didn't think it was as great as I thought! As we started to fill it with a little food at a time, Alan asked why I hadn't taken pictures and put them on the blog. So I think that proved that he was at least a little proud of his work! I surprised him with a roll of carpet that I found for $15, I was happy about that deal!! We have both really enjoyed it and feel happy to be doing something right.

This door is inside our coat closet downstairs. I wanted to make this into a little hideout/fort for the kids because they abosolutely love it, but whats more important right? Following the prophet or the kids entertainment? It's a pretty darn close line if you ask me!

We do have quite a bit of storage and just can't wait to fill it up! Too bad we can only spend so much each month on food storage. It makes us happy and we love this little space!

Kalin and Porter photoshoot

2009-03-02T14:05:00.001-08:00

Just some random pics!

2009-01-21T12:01:00.000-08:00

Kalin showing her pillow that mommy made! Yes, I made the pillow and it was actually quite fun. I just used old clothes for the fabric and then hand stitched the flower on.

Kalin's two stitches (well, one actually - the other one broke before we got a picture). She fell in the bathroom and split her chin open. It was tiny, but I was worried that my little girl would get a scar! This was at the same time, Porter was feeling left out and wanted his picture taken too!

New Year's Eve! Or new Year's day! I can't remember which one, but anyway Kalin just loves sparklers and Porter just wanted to run free outside! That was our extent for our New Years celebrations this year. maybe next year we'll have a little more exciting one!

Finally Christmas is here!!!

2009-01-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, finally I'm blogging again! Sorry Lisa! Anyway, we had a nice Christmas at home in Georgia. Christmas Eve we went to our Bishop's house for dinner. Valerie, his wife, is a wonderful, sweet woman. We had a great time and even better food! Christmas day was very nice and slow and quiet (well, as quiet as you can get with a 3 year old and an 18 month old)! We just took it easy and enjoyed being together. I did miss Utah and family though.
Some of the things Kalin got from SANTA were a bunch of dress up clothes and dance outfits. She loved them and wore them all day. We even go to the store in them!! Below is a video of her dancing, well spinning. She really loves to dance!

Kalin also got a doll house, which of course now gets spread throughout the house. It's all those little pieces that we love so much in the Tubbs home! Porter is still putting things in his mouth and chewing on everything. Paul and Lisa, maybe when Porter is Bradens age he'll be out of the chewing stage and we could get a puppy too! Two chewers just doesn't sound fun!
Porters big present was a tool table from SANTA. It was a great deal, I hear, but he loves it - so does Kalin! That was her favorite present out of everything she said! Funny how that works isn't it?

Here's us takin it easy!

Alan and I bought us a new digital camera for Christmas. I haven't spent time getting to know all the settings yet and below you can get a little look at me not knowing what I'm doing! I was trying to take a picture and just couldn't figure out why it wouldn't work! The kids were actually holding still - this doesn't usually happen!

Kalin really wants to make snow angels so she started doing them on the floor and we caught her doing a snow angel with the blocks. We had to get that on video, here it is:

Birthday Fun!!!

2008-12-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

Kalin is 3!! When I asked Kalin what she wanted to do for her birthday, she said she wanted to have a pirate ship and wanted everything to be pink. This invitation is what I came up with as far as a girl pirate theme goes. Her birthday fell on Thanksgiving day this year so we celebrated the Friday before and just invited a few playgroup friends.

Kalin and Porter enjoying the balloons before the party!
We had the kids go on a little treasure hunt and those who wanted could wear pirate eye patches that I made out of paper and string. In the picture kalin was saying "Argh"!

Thanks so much to the moms and Valerie for getting such cute girly gifts. Kalin absolutely loved everything she got! She had a tough time sharing and would yell and get mad if the kids tried to play with her stuff, so we had to put everything away for her! Oh, the fun things we do for our children. Below is the tiara and earings that cousin Taryn got for her. She came to watch Kalin and Porter for the weekend so we could go to Nashville for our anniversary.

Happy Birthday to Kalin!!!

2008-12-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

We had to light the candles twice for Kalin because she blew them out before we could sing happy birthday! Then on the second time around she had a little help from some friends! As you can see, Kalin has a lot of little boy friends. Alan and I were talking afterwards that we need to find her some girls to play with, especially after she gets all of her dress up clothes for Christmas! (shh) They have fun together and thats really all that matters. In the picture above are Kalins friends; Brother Porter, Porter, Boston, Thomas, the Birthday girl!, and Jonas. Gabe was also there but not in the pictures!

Fall and Halloween!

2008-11-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

Here's my two munchkins dressed up for Halloween!

Porter practicing his Rooooaaaar!!

Sitting pretty!

As a family we drove up North to Bert's pumpkin patch. We just couldn't believe these big pumpkins! And how many there were!! There were all different kinds of pumpkins, all different shapes and sizes.

WE LOVE SCHOOL/PLAY!!!

2008-10-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago four other gals and myself started a little play school. We meet every Thursday for a couple hours and take turns each week teaching at our homes. It has been so fun to have something scheduled each week and spend time with friends and other "big girls"! This week was at our house and we learned about elephants.

Ethan and Kalin

Jonas

Mary and Emma

We have six kids altogether that come to school. Mary was just visiting with us today. And Elijah, Ethans big brother, did not want to wear elephant ears with us or he would have been in the picture as well.

CAN DIRT BE A CHILDS FAVORITE INVENTION?

2008-10-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

My friend Katie gave us this turtle sandbox. Kalin was very persistent in asking to play in the sandbox. So, one day...we went to Walmart and picked up two bags of sand. Kalin REALLY wanted pink sand (which really seems to be her most favorite color). I wasn't sure about the colored sand thing so we compromised and got one regular sand and one pink.

Kalin and Porter just sat in the same spot inside the sandbox for over an hour! I couldn't believe they were sitting in once place that long!

Porter loves his shovels and Kalin loves making her cakes with candles (sticks) on top! Just watch out Kalin, Porter wants ALL of the shovels!

OUR FALL KICKOFF

2008-10-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

Mr Pumpkin Head! This was an idea I found online and it sounded fun, at least something different for Kalin to do. She was so excited to do this and we had fun making funny faces on our pumpkins!

THE BLOGGING WORLD!!!

2008-10-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

So, I don't know how many of you have spent some time surfing blogs for ideas, but I'm blown away with the "blogging world" out there. Wow!!! I really can't believe the things I can learn from other peeps blogs and the ideas they give for FREE!!! Who need's books or classes anymore?!!! One of my favorite sites to visit for ideas is SugarDoodle.net (I think it's net). There are so many helps on there for church stuff. And under the POPULAR tab there are links to other websites. One I like is THE CHILDRENS NEST. From there you can go to other blogs for more ideas. Its endless and I love it and I don't love it! It sucks me in and I realize that I've spent all my time just looking but never doing. So, did I waste my time? Maybe, but it's sure cool!!!

Here is one idea from THE CHILDRENS NEST I'm going to do just for fun! Check it out!

Porter is ONE!!!

2008-08-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to Porter!

Porters birthday is July 26th and the day before we were flying back home to Georgia, so we decided to celebrate it with family and friends before we left. It was quite laid back as you can see by the pics. Alan won our little birthday cake discussion. I really wanted to make a cool cake just for porter and Alan was all about something simple like icecream sandwiches and popcicles. Who uses icecream sandwiches for a birthday cake, especially for your first birthday. Well, apparently we do! I gave in!! Sorry Porter!! Hope you don't think we are too lame when you grow up!

It was funny/sad/embarrassing because Porter wanted to just stuff it all in his mouth, but it was so cold that he started crying!

As for opening presents porter was happy playing with a package of course so it was Kalin and I who got to open the presents. Aren't birthdays fun?!

Utah vacation

2008-08-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

We spent three weeks in July visiting family and friends in Utah. I really love Utah and miss it there. The kids and I stayed with Grandma and Grandpa Tubbs while Alan lived it up in his executive suite at the Marriott with no kids!! I think g-ma and g-pa are still recovering, right?!! It was fun and I really appreciate all that you guys did for us. Thanks ya'll (family and friends) for spending time with us and wanting to hang out. We had a great time because of you!

Utah Trip and the Childrens Treehouse in Ogden

2008-08-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

This was probably the best place I could ever take Kalin. Great idea Grandma and Grandpa! There was so much to do at the treehouse it was amazing! We climbed the big tree which has a slide at the top (Kalin was just too nervous to try it out), we saw how indians lived in teepee's, we made necklaces with feathers, we made tissue paper flowers, then played in a music room and made cards with scissors and a glue stick. There was so much to do. We stayed for two hours and still didn't get to do everything! I never even got bored!!! I can't say for sure about Grandma and Grandpa, but at least they do love their grandkids! Thanks for taking us Grandma and Grandpa!

Utah Trip and the Dinosaur Museum

2008-08-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

For the 24th of July holiday we went with daddy to the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point.

Kalin was a little scared at times but loved that they were "sooo big". She enjoyed playing in the sand with the water, trees and dinosaurs, but especially thought it was neat to wear that big apron! At the end she was able to dig for her very own dinosaur bones. What a cool place!!

Kalin and Porter

2008-06-18T08:45:00.001-07:00

Trip to Savannah Georgia and the beach at Tybee Island

2008-06-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

For so long Kalin has bugged Alan and I to go to the beach so a few weeks ago we decided to take a little road trip to Savannah. The picture at the very top is a bridge on the Savannah river, we just thought it looked neat! The next is of the main street in downtown Savannah just off the river walk. The trees were beautiful with all this moss hanging off them. We walked along the river walk stopping at a few shops. Kalin liked seeing the huge river boats in the water.
We weren't too prepared for the beach experience, so we lasted just over an hour. Kalin went in the water once with daddy then she didn't want anything to do with it! She just wanted to collect seashells and build sand castles! She had a lot of fun playing in the sand. And porter had fun eating it! We did see a pretty big jelly fish that Kalin almost stepped on. That would have been bad seeing as it was much bigger than her feet!

Lizards

2008-05-03T06:21:00.001-07:00

Here's the lizard we keep seeing on the deck.

Our home in Georgia

2008-04-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

This is our home along with a picture across the street and our back yard. Georgia is a beautiful state. I've mentioned before that there are a lot of trees here. It's rare to see a home that isn't surrounded by trees or forest. That is a fun change we get to experience. Our house is a new home in an older neighborhood, so some are unhappy that their forest was torn down for our home! We see many little creatures such as: Rabbits (who like to use our yard as their liter box), lizards, squirrels, birds (crows (they are like seagulls in Utah), cardinals, blue jays, and many more), and we have carpenter bees (these look like bumble bees, but they are pests who like to intimidate you by hovering right in front of your face!). There are many others I'm sure we have yet to see.

Formula Disaster

2008-04-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

Kalin is a master at finding anything and everything to get into. We've locked up the fridge, pantry, and all lower cabinets in the kitchen. But to no avail, she started pulling a chair over to the counter and getting into the upper cabinets. Yes, that is where we keep the formula. Kalin has dumped the can of formula out twice now and this time Porter decided to join in the fun! When I walked in the room he was eating it out of his hands! Have I learned my lesson? Not yet actually, I still have yet to move the formula!

Kalin and Porter Studio Shots

2008-04-12T17:01:00.001-07:00

Our Little Entertainer

2008-04-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

Kalin makes us laugh and giggle constantly! Who needs to spend money for fun when you have her? She really brings a lot of joy to our lives and we love her busy personality.

One day I walked into my bathroom and there was Kalin lying in the sink. I just had to get some pictures of that!

The picture with the scrunched nose was taken through the glass door to our deck. It actually turned out to be pretty funny.

Do you think Kalin will fit in your backpack? Well she did!