Boys will be Boys!

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A day of fun at the flats in Caryville,TN! The fearless mudsters included:Lawson, Nathan, & Trace Bates, Riley Dempster, and Andrew Patton (nickname “Hubert”).

Night on the Town

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    Chad couldn’t make it to Tennessee to see Erin for Valentine’s Day, so he sent 3 dozen roses and a poem that he wrote, “101 Reasons I Love Erin!”     But better late than never, he was able to join us for a belated “I Love You” / Valentine’s Day date night in March. Dad, Mom, Alyssa, and John …

“I Love You” Day, 2013

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      Our last year’s “I Love You” Day  celebration was a formal dress up occasion (obviously voted on by the girls in the family!)      This year, the boys got to pick, and of course, it was a jean affair with hamburgers on the grill!      We kept the names that were drawn for the gift exchange anonymous… well, …

Hot Fudge Cake

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  Usually several children at birthday time request Aunt Kay’s hot fudge cake. My sister Kay has spoiled us through the years with her professional cake baking skills, but she lives in Chattanooga (about 1 1/2 hrs. away), so she can’t make it to every birthday!   Now if Kay had been here, these photos would look a lot fancier, …

Washington DC

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  Several of our children loaded up the van with some extra friends and headed to Washington DC for Congressman Daniel Webster’s inauguration. They were grateful for the Webster’s invitation to participate in such an incredible weekend!   While there, they were able to attend a special tour of the Capitol given by our favorite historian, David Barton (http://www.wallbuilders.com/). They …

Hawaii: Part 2

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Beautiful Waimea Canyon (“The Grand Canyon of Hawaii”) on the island of Kauai The Unforgettable Napali Coast on the island of Kauai (One of my favorite tourist places!)   A romantic dinner served to us by the Kaneshiro family on the island of Molokai (The goblets contain juice, in case you’re wondering)    With no major stores, just 4 mom …

A Dream Come True!

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  December is a special month for us for many reasons: holiday fun, friends & family, the celebration of Christ’s birth… and our anniversary!! This anniversary was an extra special occasion – 25 years!   The children were constantly whispering, so I knew something was up! I watched the kids giggle as they urged their dad to plan something really …

National March for Life Day

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  We were greatly touched by a message presented by Pastor Sam Polson. He showed 5 pictures, explaining each. The first two were photos of Chief Justice Roger Taney and Dred Scott. Dred Scott was a slave whose master moved into free territory where they resided several years. Dred Scott pleaded for freedom, since he had lived in free territory. …

A Duggar Day

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While in Oklahoma for Christmas, we drove with the Paine family 2 hours to see the Duggars! What a special reunion with treasured friends! We are so thankful for the impact others have made on our lives!