Family Week

It is the week for family.  Since Tyson's baptism is this Sunday, all our family is coming into town.  We couldn't be happier.  Grandma and Papa Jackson came into town Monday night.  We had tons going on Tuesday and Wednesday so on Thursday, I checked Tyson out of school a bit early and we took the grandparents to the Oak Ridge Beach.

Taryn found her special rock, as she does, right at the beginning and so therefore she was happy.  Whatever makes her happy.  Love her!

Papa was trying to teach the kids how to catch the minnos in the water, but my kids couldn't hold still and they never made a catch.

We kept seeing these long tracks in the sand by the shore and found shells at the end of each track.  They were snails.  The kids were so interested that they made it into a game to hunt for the shells.  Taryn found a bunch.  She wanted to take them home, but mom has a rule; animals need to stay in their natural habitat.

A second attempt to catch the little minnos.  

Now everyone was in on the fish catching.  We came up short on the fish, but had a blast at the beach.  I was glad we could go there.

On Friday morning, my mom, sister and my nephew Tritt came into town.  My sister and nephew have never been to Tennessee.  I love the fact that they were in my home.

Taryn loved having Tritt to follow around and play with.  He had so much energy.

We had him dancing to Taryn's music and cracking us up.

We went outside to play with the milk cartons and bean bags, but Tritt wanted to wear it on his head instead of playing the game.  Silly kid!

Tyson was entertaining Tritt.

Cute cousins.  

I love this kid.  It breaks my heart that I am not closer to be with him more.  I can't wait till I have the means to go home more and spend time with him.  

We played, ate and laughed till the late hours, then it was a little bit of sleep and up for Tyson's birthday party.

Tyson's 8th Birthday

8 years ago today, at 1:47 pm, I was blessed with this handsome little boy who has forever changed my life.  Today is his eighth birthday, marking a new point in his life where he will be baptized a member of the LDS church next Sunday.  I cannot believe that my son is that old.  Wow!  Where did the time go?

It was church today, and Vaughn had to work, so Tyson had to wait to open his presents.  He was pretty good about being patient.  Here he is with his sweet sister.

After church it was a quick trip home and change of clothes, and it was on to the opening of the presents.  Tyson got money, a new bed spread, 3DS game, clothes, scripture bag and more.  The kid was elated!

Look at his loot!

He was all smiles today.  He loves the fact that he is eight, and is older than seven.  Ha ha ha

The birthday cake.  

We sang to him and he blew out the candles.  Then we went to the Boomsday firework show and watched them light up the sky.  Tyson thought it was cool they had fireworks on his birthday. 

About the cake....

This is how the cake started out.  Just a green slab, and then I tried to image on the bronco head.  That didn't work out so well because my frosting wasn't set up enough.  So I had to free hand it.  Now take into account that I don't draw, at all, so I felt half way decient about this.

Then I had to fill in the bronco image, which was no easy task.

Finally, I took 45 minutes, using the grass Wilton tip to make the grass on the football stadium.  (The things we do for our kids). Then it was numbers, hash marks and the writing.  All finished!  I thought it turned out about as good as one of my mom's cakes.  She is the artist in the family.  It was the best day and Tyson loved every minute of it.  Dollywood tomorrow and family comes in for a week and then a baptism.  We will be busy but loving every minute of it.

The Masked Princess

Taryn had this fabulous idea to make her own princess mask today.  So I drew her a mask on white paper and then she painted it and added the jewels.  What a creative kid!

3rd Grade...Holy Cow!

 The first day of 3rd grade and he slept through the night before.  He wasn't nervous or scared at all.  I guess that means he is growing up.  Sniff Sniff.  Sad!  I want him to stay my little boy forever.

 He couldn't wait to wear his "silky" shorts and shirt, as he calls them.  He was pumped.  I am just proud of him and then sad as well.  I hate to see him grow up. Taryn was glad to see him go.  Ha Ha Ha  She said that she couldn't wait to have mom to herself.  Funny girl.  Love her too!

The kid isn't a kid anymore.  He is a little man.  Love you Tyson.
BTW...he had a great first day at school, loved it!   And after school I took him and Taryn out to the movies to see Despicable Me 2 because I wanted to!  So I did!

DIY Baptism Gift

For once I am on top of things. (I say that now, but watch me fall off this wagon)

My niece's baptism is Sept. 1st and I wanted to make her something from us since we won't be able to go.  I love Pinterest, and found this idea there.  Simple white towel, some Heat n' Bond, fabric and time. 

It also has a poem that goes with it.  The poem talks about how being baptized is like the white towel, and when it gets dirty we can wash it just like how the Savior atoned for our sins.  It is an awesome little poem.  I hope my niece likes it.   Yeah!  One project down, 50 to go.

Personal Progress Night "P"

It was Young Women's personal progress night at the Pellissippi Ward meeting house.  We asked the girls to wear everything that started with the letter "P".  We also ate things that began with "P".  We had pizza, punch and popcorn.

It was a great night. I love these girls.  They are such fun to be around and I love each of their personalities.  I love this calling.

Oak Ridge Beach Day

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We took a day last week and decided to have one last hurrah before school starts.  So we emailed all our friends to come and join us and the response was amazing.  There was probably about 30 of us at one point, hanging out at the beach.  I loved it and so did my kids!  

Tyson and Taryn love playing in the sand and then the water, then back to the sand.  It is the best of both worlds.

Elliott and Taryn making sand creations.

My good buddy Stormi and Sienna playing in the sand.

Tyson made this massive sand castle/mote/lake thing.  He then added water to the mix. It was a cool creation.  I love to see him use his imagination and build something.

James made a castle thing too.

Taryn learned how to load up her starfish mold and make sand starfish.  She must have made a tons of them all over the beach. The day was so much fun!  The kids and I didn't want to leave but 4 1/2 hours of sun is a little much.  

At the end, Tyson poured the water into his castle area and it split his dam.  Lol. Oh well.  He had fun building it anyway.