Anniversary

Today would have been my grandparents' 51st wedding anniversary. Earl and Shelvery Howard were married on June 22, 1959 and had a happy life. Not many marriages last as long as theirs did and they were very much in love. They had a beautiful marriage full of laughter, some tears, three children, three grandchildren, and now three great-grand children. I know my Mama misses my Papa deeply and she has had a rough week. He would be so proud of her for staying strong and continuing to live, even though he can't be here with her. Happy Anniversary Mama and Papa! We miss you lots Papa, but are taking care of Shelby just for you!

Mama, Papa, and Riley at his 70th birthday party, his last one.

Growing up...

Tonight we attended Riley's pre-school "graduation" ceremony. It was really very cute. There were only 7 children who are at the ripe-ole-age of 5 who will be beginning Kindergarten this fall, so the ceremony was very intimate and personal for these kids. Riley, my big man, looked so very handsome in his little shirt and tie and, of course, his yellow cap and gown. We have been talking for months now about going to "big school" and graduation at pre-school. He has been very excited and promised that he would sing loud and strut his stuff when the time came. However, when the big moment arrived, my bubbly little boy became very shy. He doesn't like the attention to be on him all at once, he would rather show you in his time and on his terms what he can and will do. He complied like the good boy that he is, but he did not "perform" in the least little bit. He sang the songs, quietly, where I think only I could hear him because I was listening specifically for his beautiful little voice, he sort of smiled, and he did say thank you when he received his "Bachelor of Rhymes" diploma. Overall it was a fun day and one I am glad to have in my memory bank. I can't believe it has been 5 years since this precious boy came into our lives. So much as happened since then and we are looking forward to many more memories with him as he begins his journey in school!

Summer has Begun!!!!

So, I have a long list of blogs to come that I have not had time so far this year to do . For now, this will suffice. Summer has officially started here for me. The kids are out of school and my kid is finishing pre-school and getting ready for kindergarten at the start of next school year. We have been a very busy family in 2010. Both boys played baseball, Makenna turned 1, Riley turned 5, and Conner turned 4. Michael is in his last semester of college and will graduate, God willing, in August. Our home is in a constant state of movement. The kids are never still and therefore, we do not have time to be still either. The boys are so energetic and are going from the time their feet hit the floor right up until their heads his the pillow. Riley broke his elbow a couple of weeks ago, right at the beginning of swimming season and my car broke down for about a week. I am excited about starting this next stage with the kids. Everybody and walk, talk, and 2/3 can potty on their own. More entries to come! For now, couple of photos from the last few months

Valentines Day goodies:)

The playset the boys got for their birthdays!

Riley's broken elbow

My big boys

The three kiddos....this is the only recent picture I have because Makenna won't be still:)