Even Though

I am done birthing my southern babies when "sweetness" is every where it makes me want to have another. Ashton is my saving grace. He makes me so happy and just when I think I can't do this or that any more (the day care) a sweet little hand reaches up to me with smiles and twinkling in his eyes and Flowers.

I can't imagine life with out him.

Ashton is ALWAYS bringing me flowers, or rocks, or dead bugs, sand and little treasures. I am so lucky!

(Looking just like his Grandma Carolyn)

Ghetto hair do wit Pens

Ashton opened up the pens and put them in a plastic bag. I look up from reading and heard giggling. Every one in the day care was laughing at Ashton. He is quite the character.
He loves to be the center of attention and has a great sense of humor. He reminds me so much of my GrandDad Steadwell.

With his whacky and different sense of humor.

Ruby Grace

Ruby is a mess. This is how she sleeps most of the time. We can't help but laugh.

Homeschool Changes

Jax and I have discovered a great new reading series called Explode the Code! We love it. It is so much fun and Jax is really doing great with reading and even writing.. Yes! Writing, which he hates. We are busy creating our garden, charting what birds are in the yard and keeping picture only journals of our days experiences.

There are 6 books to the series and each lesson is just the right enough pages to do one, take a break, and do another. Each book costs $8.00ish and you have to order them. I only found the first one at Barnes and Nobles.

Another great book, given to us by our BFF Anglea, is the BIG Second Grade Workbook. You can get it at Walmart. All the pages are fun, interactive and a great review to see what you know and what you need to work on. Jax is half way thru it. He loves it.

He was tested this week and is working on a third grade level on most areas and I am very happy he is doing so well. He would NEVER do this well in public school.

We know longer have TV during the work week! I know!!Imagine that. We do, however, have TV on the weekend. We spend most of our time reading books and playing and being creative. My prayer for Jax to love books is coming true.
Jax loves to look at books and spend lots of time looking and reading. I am also getting more day time to read.


So, we are enjoying school right now. So happy about that!

Two more books joined our book friends on the shelf this week:

(WE LOVE STEVE JENKINS!)



We are becoming FAST lovers of Steve Jenkins. These books are so much fun. It's fun to guess whose tail and then learn true facts about each animal. We almost have the books memorized, after only having the books a few days, as we can't get enough of Steve Jenkins!

Please check them out! You'll love it!

Bob Died at 107

Bob died. He was my old landlord and I rented from him when I lived next door to Red and Marie aka, Grandma and Poppie.

I don't do funerals. I miss seeing him every day though. I helped out with changing his bandages, taking him on walks, listening to a dirty joke of his, making sure he got his mail, ate, took pills, etc... He was amazing man. His girlfriend Nita is doing well. Very lonely.

I was always very sacred to go and find him dead. I don't do well with death and every day, waking up, you never knew if he were still here.

M. W. Woodard
July 8, 1903 - March 10, 2011
Raleigh
Macon "Bob" Woodard passed away peacefully at his home in Raleigh on Thursday March 10, 2011. Bob was 107 years old and enjoyed a remarkable life. His positive demeanor, great generosity, and community service were a shining example to everyone he touched during his exceptional life. Bob is survived by his two daughters, Dianne Bostrom and Joyce Byrd of Cary NC; grandchildren King Bostrom and Tommy Byrd; great grandchildren K.O. Bostrom, Caitlin Byrd, Parker Byrd and Andrew Cummins. His wife Mary Ford Woodard preceded his passing in 1978.
Bob was a lifetime resident of Wake County and has seen much during his 107 year lifetime. The Wright brothers made their first flight during the year Bob was born and President Theodore Roosevelt was in office. One of his first cars was a 1924 Model T Ford.
At the young age of 15, Bob was operating the family's farm until the late 1920's when he entered the service station business. He successfully owned and operated a Gulf Service Station on the corner of South and Saunders Street in Raleigh for 40 years. After retiring he entered into real estate investing, which he enjoyed very much.
Bob's life was always very active. He was an avid baseball fan. His contribution to local baseball through volunteering and financial support has been unmatched. He was a dedicated supporter of the West Raleigh Exchange Club, which he helped found in 1946, holding almost every office and faithfully serving the community. One of his greatest passions was establishing and supporting the Exchange Club's Little League baseball program. Up until recent years he would throw out the first little league pitch at Woodard field opening the season. He was a long time Mason, joining in 1936, and achieved the 18th degree through the Scottish Rite Way. Socially, Bob kept a daily dinner date with his very dear friend Nita Barbour of Raleigh, NC. Nita and Bob have shared many great experiences over the past 20+ years.
His positive attitude, jovial laughter and dedication to family, friends, church and the community will be greatly missed. His active life and selfless contribution to helping all around him are attributes that we all should strive to achieve.
The family will receive friends on Sunday at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary between 5 and 7 PM. Funeral ceremonies will be held Monday 2:00 PM at Westover Methodist Church in Raleigh at 300 Powell Drive. Burial services will immediately follow at the Mausoleum at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford located at 600 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina 27565.
Condolences and fond memories may be offered at www.brownwynnecary.com

Read more: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsobserver/obituary.aspx?n=macon-woodard&pid=149202516&fhid=10726#ixzz1HpCGiEgE

Where have I been?

Noneyadamnbusiness! Just teasing. I got way behind with posting since the boil. Oh yeah! Let me post a picture of it so you can see the agony and pain I had to endure. I finally had it lanced and it was worse then my 2 c-sections. Never again! I tell ya! I am taking 250mg of turmeric powder and eating raisins daily to hopefully never get another one.
And to think people suffer from multiple ones on a daily forever basis.
I can't imagine.
The only thing I learned from this experience was how strong I was to "endure" and how I questioned God thru this process. I felt very alone going thru the intense pain and managing of it. Silly, I know. But there are no words to describe the emotional process for me. And then the crater left in my leg. But I am completely healed and grateful for my health and strong body.
God and I are straight now and I feel silly feeling like I did... It could and can always be worse.