The Four Bears in the Woods

BROTHER BEAR'S WEDDING!

2007-02-15T15:37:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the pictures of the wedding I had so many that I liked I had to select some and I thought I would put them in a collage.

I had one of the most happiest days of my life Sunday Feb 11, 2007. This was the day that my oldest son got married to a very wonderful girl. I never expected it because Brother Bear always said he would never marry and it kind of took me by surprise. I can't tell you how happy we are for them!

They met at Wendy's and fell head over heels in love. Tabitha was one of Brother Bear's boss' (sp ?). They are not working at Wendy's now though. Tabitha has two very sweet children and we just love them so much. The wedding went great exept for a few glitches. One is where Brother Bear took off to the church with the keys to Tabitha's mom's car and we had to all pile up in other cars to get to the wedding. Brother Bear left earlier so that he wouldn't see Tabitha in her dress. :) Also as we were going out of the drive way I remembered I had forgotten the bouqet for Tabitha, so... someone had to turn around and go back and get that! But that is what makes things so unforgetable is the funny stuff like that. Tabitha was so worried she would mess up her lines or trip going down the isle but she did fine and so did Brother Bear. I was so proud of him and so happy for him. So.. this was a day to mark down as one of the happiest times in my life. We pray God will give this little family many blessings throughout the years. We also want to tell them how proud and happy we are for them. We couldn't ask for a better daughter-in-law. And to top it off we already have grandkids and it is wonderful! Also Baby Bear is an uncle!

Congradulations Brother Bear and Tabitha we love you all

WELCOME

2007-01-02T10:03:00.000-05:00

Below I told you about the engagement of my son and Tabitha. Here is another picture I wanted to share that I liked of Tabitha and Makayla. We are so happy and you both have a special place in our hearts.

New Members to our family!

2007-01-02T09:43:00.000-05:00

We want to welcome Baby Makayla and Tabitha to our family. Our Brother Bear has proposed to her on Christmas Day and she accepted! We are so happy for them both and wish them all the best in the coming years. They are thinking about a Valentine wedding. Above is a picture of Tabitha's baby girl Makayla Paige who is so sweet and already has captured our hearts. And below is a picture of Tabitha and Brother Bear. I never thought I would see this day! Thank the Lord!

A Penny

2006-12-10T12:29:00.000-05:00

I got this email from a friend yesterday and wanted to share it with you. I found a penny the other day at my son's house and picked it up. I always heard "find a penny pick it up then all day you'll have good luck". I really liked this email and will think of this when I pick up a penny from now on.

This was a new story to me hope you enjoy and think of it when you see a
coin on the sidewalk. You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc.This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about.

Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house. The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live.The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so she was enjoying herself immensely!
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure! How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer! She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this? "Look at it." He said. "Read what it says." She read the words "United States of America." "No, not that; read further." "One cent?" "No, keep reading." "In God we Trust?" "Yes!" "And?" "And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS still in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust! ," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message. It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful!

And, God is patient...

Have a blessed day!!

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given. That's the whole gospel message simply stated.

Papa Bear's Bowls

2006-11-30T09:44:00.000-05:00

Sorry it has been a while since I have posted. Just been busy and not feeling up to blogging. Papa Bear has pretty busy here lately and I wanted to post these pictures that Sandy took of Papa Bear's new hobby. He has started making bowls with a wood lathe that I had bought him for Christmas years and years ago. He decided to put it to use and decided to try his skill at bowl making. He just amazes me! It didn't take him long at all to catch on and they are beautiful bowls. Now he is trying to make some for Christmas gifts and try sell some to help us with money for Christmas. I have more pictures that I will post later. The first picture is of Papa Bear starting the bowl on the wood lathe. Second is a group of bowls that he has made, third is one bowl, and the last picture is of some of the bowls on Sandy's coffee table. He has some others made that he has not finished yet. Can't wait to see how they turn out. There are some he has made out of Walnut and Cherry. We made a trip to Cynthiana and visited our old church and the preacher there cuts trees for a living so he gave him some Cherry wood and Walnut. Papa Bear was just thrilled with it. He also used in the other bowls spalted (sp?) Maple, Ash, Hickory (my favorite), and I am not sure what else all I know they are beautiful. There are different sizes and designs on each one. They are just unique and one of a kind, each one is special.

He also made a lighthouse for me which I am sure he will be making more of. (I will post a picture later of mine). Thanks everyone for stopping by.

Cooking 101

2006-09-17T12:19:00.000-04:00

Baby Bear is preparing breakfast with the supervision of Mama Bear. He has to cook his own breakfast next weekend when we all go on a camping trip with the scouts. Here are pictures of Baby Bear preparing the food and the next picture is the results afterwards. He did an amazing job! I think he is ready for his camp cooking next weekend. :)

Also he will really please his future wife by learning how to cook. :) :)

September Birthdays

2006-09-11T21:36:00.000-04:00

There are so many Birthdays in September. There is Brandon's (Baby Bear), Doug's (Brother Bear), Sandy's (AIP), and my mother's.
Since there are so many.... and I was going to post a separate tribute to each one and wish them each a Happy Birthday ON their Birthday, which didn't happen because two of them have already came and went this week. So...I decided to do a Birthday greeting to all of them. I want them to know how much they mean to me and Papa Bear and how much joy they bring to our lives and we don't know what we would do without them and hope we never have to find out. They are very unique individuals and very special in their own way. Papa Bear and I love them very very much and hope they have a great Birthday because they all deserve the best.

I will probably do a separate Birthday or something soon but for now I just wanted to wish them all a Happy Birthday.

Pictured above is my mom, Sandy, Baby Bear, and Brother Bear with his girlfriend Jessica.

We love you all so much!

"Happy Birthday to you"

The Month of August

2006-08-29T08:42:00.000-04:00

August is a busy month for us with my birthday the 5th and then Baby Bear started school on the 9th and our anniversary was the 12th among other things that have been going on. These two first pictures are of my birthday cookout. Our friends Randy and Donna came over and their kids and Sandy and Jimmy also. Below is a picture of Sandy and Jimmy breaking green beans that Donna and Randy had brought us from their garden. Nothing do them but to do this for us I told them they didn't have to but they did anyway so I was greatful for that. WE had a good time with fishing in the pond, and the kids swam and then we cooked out steaks and baked potatoes along with a salad. After than we all came inside and enjoyed ice cream and cake and sat and talked. I have to say it is one of my birthdays that I will always remember.

Our anniversary was the 12th, we have been married 24 years! I can't beleive that time has passed that fast! I still love Papa Bear as much or even more than I did the day I married him. We didn't do much but later than night we went with our friends to the county fair, the kids had a blast.

Baby Bear started school the 9th and seems to be doing good. The last picture below is of his first day of Middle school which is all new to us. I have been dreading it but it has went very well so far. He is already making A's on all of his tests! He likes his teachers too. He started off in football but decided it was too much for him this year with a new school and all so he decided to hold off on that this year.

Brother Bear also has moved back home and we are glad to have him back. He started work at Wendy's last week as you can see from Sandy's blog. VBS She can get away with taking pictures of him especially at work. I.... on the other hand, couldn't have gotten away with this so I want to thank her taking the pictures. They were great!
This past weekend we had a boy scout get together at our place where the kids all fished and the adults and Sandy and Jimmy also came over to enjoy the cookout we had later. Brother Bear even got off work early and got to enjoy the cookout. We had a lot of great food and conversation. They also caught lots of fish which they put in Baby Bear's swimming pool since he will not be using it anymore this year so Papa Bear could clean them later. Baby Bear wasn't too thrilled with this ideal but Papa Bear was not up to cleaning them at the time.

I just wanted to get caught up on the happenings that have been going on at our place so I can look back and be reminded of what I did this year in August.

We have really been busy this month and having a good time.
Hope you all enjoy the pictures.

My very dear friends

2006-08-23T08:29:00.000-04:00

I have been pretty busy this month and have not had the chance to post pictures of this busy time for me and my family. So I thought I would start with some birthday pictures I had taken of my friends.
These pictures were taken on my birthday at Boone Tavern where my friends took me for my birthday for dinner. I used to work with these two ladies in a small room together for many years and we all did medical transcription for a large doctor's office. Working in such small quarters which we finally upgraded to a large room which we got to decorate ourselves we became pretty close and after all these years we still keep in touch. They are very dear to me. It is so nice to have such nice friends. We enjoyed an evening at Boone Tavern and then sat out on the front porch in rocking chairs catching up.

Thanks friends for such a lovely evening.

Two Peas in a Pod

2006-08-15T13:55:00.000-04:00

Although I try to keep them out of my flowers they just can't help themselves. I found these two little ones very content to sleep in this flower pot.

Isn't it sweet?!

Five things

2006-07-30T12:45:00.000-04:00

I got tagged by my MIL Sandy (Abandoned in Pasadena) for a meme. So here it is.......

Five things in my freezer:
Chicken breasts
Steak
Popsicles
Waffles
Ice

Five things in my closet:
Dresses
Shirts
Shoes
Pictures
Model airplanes

Five things in my car:
Map
Toys
Insurance for car.
Registration for car.
Umbrella

Five things in my purse:
Ibuprofen
Candy
Pen
Paper
Bills

Five things in my wallet:
Dollar bill
Bank card
Pictures
Insurance cards
Library card

If they read this I will tag the following five people:
Motherkitty
Kittenyarn
Jellyhead
Cracked nuts
Tomas Muse

Pets like fishing too!

2006-07-24T23:46:00.000-04:00

As I said in my last post I wanted to post some more pictures that I had taken of our fishing days. Here is Papa Bear, Baby Bear and our dog Rusty. Rusty loves when we fish he gets so excited everytime you reel in your line whether you caught one or not. He loves it when you do.

Here is a picture of little Oreo he loves when we fish too. :) The fish was about as big as he was but he didn't mind he was still curious.
And the last picture is of a picture of a dragonfly. I tried so many times to get a picture of them. There were so many that day around the pond. I finally got one perched on this weed. They were so colorful and pretty.

Quite the fisherman!

2006-07-24T23:26:00.000-04:00

The past couple of days Baby Bear has decided he wanted to get his fishing merit badge for boy scouts. So..... he decided to fish Saturday. The last time he fished he didn't like it too well I think because he didn't catch anything. Saturday and Sunday were a different story. He is starting to like it! The first day he caught 7 and Papa Bear caught 4. Then Papa Bear taught him how to clean a fish and gut it. Baby Bear wasn't too kean on gutting the fish at first but then it didn't seem to bother him much. Papa Bear made him a filleting knife out of bamboo and is learning how to fillet fish. So they both are learning new things. Saturday as you can see in the picture above Baby Bear caught 15 fish! He was so excited. I caught 2 that day. :) After a couple of hours Baby Bear was done fishing and then came back out later to do some fishing and he caught all of these fish in about 3 hours total. Then they cleaned them and I guess I will cooking them before long.
We had a great couple of days just hanging out here and fishing and Papa Bear has been whittling on a walking stick for me. I can't see what he has written on it yet because it is a surprise. :) Papa Bear has taken up whittling since our boy scout adventure camping. He is getting pretty good at it. He wants to ask his mom to come out sometime and give him some tips though because he says she is great at it and he would like a few pointers from her. So I guess he will be calling on her pretty soon. AIP I know you are probably reading this so be expecting a call. :)
As you can see in the pictures of all the fish catching and Papa Bear helping Baby Bear learn how to take a fish off a hook. I have a few more pictures also I wanted to post of our days fishing. And that is what we have been doing the past couple of days. Relaxing and enjoying the summer. In order to get the fishing merit badge Baby Bear has to catch 2 fish, identify them, take it off the hook, clean it, and cook and eat the fish. So far he has accomplished all of this except for the cooking and eating which he will get that done soon I am sure. Of course now he doesn't mind fishing at all! :)

July 4th 2006

2006-07-20T21:17:00.000-04:00

Although July 4th has long since past I never got a chance to post my pictures that I had taken for that day and night. As you can see, Papa Bear, Baby Bear and I all had a hand in trying to capture the best fireworks. We had fun trying anyway. The day began with going to a park in Berea where a church group had provided a 4th of July celebration with FREE food, drinks, cotton candy, snow cones, singing, games, etc... I was amazed at how much this church had done. It was great and we enjoyed it. We ended the time at the park having the last bite of cotton candy.

We then went to Sandy and Jimmy's house for a visit and then out to eat at Sonics, and then to watch the fireworks. We were glad they decided to join us and enjoy the fireworks display. We all had a great time and as always enjoy the fireworks.
Last year Brother Bear got to join us and they had a carnival there at the fireworks and him and Baby Bear rode a few rides. But this year Brother Bear couldnt be with us. We sure did miss his company. Maybe next year Brother Bear!

Camp McKee Boy Scout Camp

2006-07-16T23:04:00.000-04:00

After a long week of boy scouts it is great to be home. Everyone was excited to go home because it seemed to be a long week. We all had a good time though. It started out with 6 boys and our leader and Papa Bear and I. We left on Sunday and came home Friday night. Tuesday we had two boys go home. They were not happy with the bugs and other things of camping I think, and missed home. You can check out some great pictures and post about this trip from Sandy (Abandoned in Pasadena)'s blog site. She tells it very good with some details that I would have probably forgotten. Thank you Sandy for posting this and the great pictures. I only have 3 since I didn't take my digital camera until later and then never got the chance to use it. I took pictures on a disposable camera because I was afraid I would damage my digital since I would be gone for a whole week camping. We had some rain but wasn't bad at all. It kept it fairly cool enough to tolerate. I can't imagine if we had to go this week! It is so so hot here this week.... so I am glad it rained. It mostly drizzled. Baby and his friend Matthew were two of the boy scouts who went on this camp. Papa Bear and I went as volunteers.... and Papa Bear is an assistant scoutmaster. Baby Bear accomplished alot in this week and earned a lot of merit badges in archery, rifle, first aide, Baden Powel Program, leatherwork, and Art. He made some moccasins and a coin purse and did some drawing for his art project. As Sandy said in her post he hit 5 bulleyes for his archery to pass.. and also in rifle he got some bullseyes. He also made an arrow and had to describe the parts of an arrow and his bow.

They did a skit for their last night there which everyone enjoyed, we had a campfire one night and a boy there caught a fish and for his merit badge he had to clean it and cook it and eat it so he did. They were so amazed with the cooked fish that they all wanted to try it. You would think they had never seen cooked fish before. LOL

Matthew was petrified of the bugs so we had to tie up his and Baby Bear's tent to satisfy him and he also sprayed Off but repellent on him and around his cot. That seemed to satisfy him. We were fed every meal except for Wednesday night which we ordered out pizza. I felt like I was in school being served on trays. LOL

Besides the boys being scared of the bugs and getting blisters on their feet and being worn to a frazzle, they are all excited and had a good time and can't wait to go next year!

The pictures are of Baby Bear and Papa Bear working on his moccasins and then another one of them working on his project and Matthew observing.

New Address Change for us

2006-07-08T15:17:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that we have a new number, today in the mail we got a new address.. which is good because we have had to share a number with our neighbors and end up getting their mail all the time. It seems that they changed it for the 911 thing. So it will be nice to have our own number. THE NEW NUMBER IS 694 for those of you out there who need it.
The only thing I hate is I will have to call all the bill places, friends, etc.. and let them know and do an address change at the post office. But oh well, we got our OWN number now.

Gifts from my husband

2006-07-04T06:34:00.000-04:00

What a talented husband I have. I took these pictures a while ago of some things my husband has made me recently over the years. The lighthouse being the latest. I love lighthouses and seen these at the store one day but they were way too expensive. For Christmas one year this is what I got from Papa Bear. Below is windchimes which was a present I received for a birthday. They sound so nice too when the wind blows.
Papa Bear is very talented in all kinds of things. I honestly can say that I haven't seen much that he can't do. He is the jack of all trades. I remember when we were first married we couldnt afford a mechanic so he went to the library and checked out a Chilton's manual on our car and fixed it himself. Since then if there is anything that needs to be done he will figure it out or study up on it and just does it. He amazes me with all of his talent. One thing I wish I hda taken a picture of is a todem pole he made me one year for my birthday. We had been to Pigeon Forge in Tennessee and I liked the Todem Poles. Well.. when we came home that year for my birthday I received a todem pole, and much nicer than the ones I had seen in Pigeon Forge. He is great at landscaping and all kinds of things. If he gets an ideal you can bet he is going to do his best to do it. So thank you Papa Bear for all of your nice gifts and for saving us so much money in what you do. I love you very much.
Mama Bear

Update on Oreo

2006-07-03T19:45:00.000-04:00

Oreo is doing much better. He is now eating and drinking on his own. He still sleeps a lot more than he usually does and is still a little weak but doing SO MUCH Better.

As for the other little kitties.... Little Smokey is feeling under the weather with a fever and just laying around and the long-haired calico kitty is feeling a little under the weather. The other calico is just fine. They all seem to be eating now and drinking so that is good.

Thank you for sincere concern and for those of you who helped or tried to help me I want you to know that I really appreciate it. It means so much to know someone cares and is willing to go that extra mile to help you when you need it. It is nice to know that there are some cat lovers out there too.

So.... so far the kitties seem to be doing better every day.

A BIG Thank you to everyone.

I NEED HELP WITH MY SICK KITTEN

2006-07-01T20:32:00.000-04:00

I am desperate and have already gone to AIP's blog site to see if anyone can help me because I really don't get that many readers. I have a very sick little bitty kitten. My Oreo is very sick with a fever and chilling. He won't get up to eat or drink. He is very tired. I read on the internet to give them Pedialyte 2 tsp every 2 hours but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. I would greatly appreciate it. He feels very hot and his heart is beating so fast.

I really don't want to lose another cat so if anyone can help me, maybe you have been in the same situation and the vet suggested something or you know of something, PLEASE LET ME KNOW... We all would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you

Mama Bear

Cool Spring Water!

2006-07-01T16:18:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of Baby Bear enjoying the cool spring water coming from the hose. This is what he likes to do when we stop for spring water on a hot summer day.
Here are some pictures of someone's pond that we always ride past on our favorite ride. I tried to take some decent pictures of it. It has so many features. We really enjoy looking at this and all the things that they have. It is amazing. They used to have goats grazing the hill in the back but now they don't have them. This is so beautiful to see in person, the pictures don't really do it justice.

Summer Pleasures

2006-07-01T16:04:00.000-04:00

Here is the picture of Baby Bear shooting hoops at the church I posted in my last post. I guess I thought it posted and it didn't.

Here is the spring where we get our spring water. When we take this drive we always stop here. We love the spring water it is so refreshing and cool. You can see the spring if you look closely coming out of the mountain stream and then they pipe it to there where you can get the water out with a hose for FREE. If you want to have it already bottled they sell in it in the stores bottled. It is called Climax.

Ride all your troubles away

2006-06-30T14:51:00.000-04:00

I always enjoy taking a ride especially when I have something on my mind that is bothering me, I can get on the back of the motorcycle and it all seems to disappear. All the worries go out the window so to speak. To me this is therapy, when you are on a motorcycle there is nothing but you, the wind, the road, nature, and who you are with.

The other day was one of those days that we just needed to get on the motorcycle and take a ride. We took one of our favorite rides around where we live in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. It is so beautiful where we live and we are so lucky to have such nice places to ride. We start our trip through some winding roads with a lot of mountains and cool breezes through the trees. In the pictures you can see that there are many trees that is almost like going through a tunnel of trees. You appreciate so much more on the motorcycle than in a car. You see a lot more than in a car.... like wild flowers, flowing streams, the cool breeze, the freedom. That is what I feel like on the bike, FREE. Free of all troubles and free to enjoy life and nature. Next Picture is of Baby Bear in the side car enjoying the ride. We always say he has the best seat. *VBS*

On this particular ride we always stop at this little Church which I really like. I wonder how old it is and how many people have been saved in this small church. I think about how nice and down-to-earth these people probably are. Just good ole country folks singing old hyms and good old preaching.

We always stop here and relax at the picnic shelter they have, as you can see here Papa Bear and Baby Bear relaxing there. While we were visiting there a little mama cat came to visit us. We enjoyed some doughnuts and just sit and talked and then Baby Bear found a ball and shot some hoops as you can see in the picture.

There are more favorite things we do on this ride that I will post too. I couldn't get all the pictures on this one post.

So..... this is just the beginning of our journey on our little country ride.

Adopted Baby

2006-06-27T10:45:00.000-04:00

Sugar has taken on another baby to add to her other 4 babies. This kitten is one of the kittens that we found in our building. This kitty was ill and needed some special attention so Sugar took over and is nursing her now. She seems to be doing better now since Sugar took it upon herself to let this little one nurse. Sugar's other kitties are doing good, they are growing and getting fatter everyday. She is such a good mother, she is so content and just purrs when she nurses her babies. All of our kitties are fine, the wild one's are now tame. We are entertained everyday now, they are so funny.

Football practice

2006-06-26T12:36:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, or maybe less than a week ago, we had the pleasure of a visit from Brother Bear. Here are pictures of Brother Bear and Baby Bear and coach and other players at football practice and the bottom one is of Brother Bear, Grandma, Papa Bear and Grandpa Jimmy. Grandma and Grandpa Jimmy came by to visit with us since we never see Brother Bear too often. Much to our suprise, Brother Bear had called us a couple of nights before and asked us to take him to school to register for classes. Since we have went to the technical college before, he wanted us to go along for some advise. Imagine that, ADVISE! *VBS*

We were so proud to do this for Brother Bear and he is now enrolled in Technical College for cosmetology. He must get that from me because that was my first choice, cosmetology,.... when I met Papa Bear. But I chose to get married and have a family and then later went to school to be a medical transcriptionist, which I loved. Unfortunately, due to medical reasons, including carpal tunnel, I am not able to do that anymore, or much of anything... which makes it very hard since I was used to working and doing yard work and such. It is hard to get used to not being able to do these things now.

Anyway, back to Brother Bear.... We just wanted to say that Brother Bear we are proud of you and we love you very much. Brother Bear has been through some very hard trials in his teen life and has decided, I HOPE, that he needs to get started with his life. This has been my prayer for so long. I just hope he goes through with it! This has been one of his dreams, to be a cosmetologist and do tattoos on the side. He wants to work while he goes to school but I am not sure if he will be able to handle both. If he goes to school I will be happy and we will be there for moral support all we can.

Friday night we went to our friend's house for Baby Bear's friend's birthday party, Matthew turned 11. So we had a really nice time visiting with them.

Sunday was nice also. We went to church and heard some good preaching from our brother-in-law Glenn and was greeted by so many nice people there. This is a small church and everyone is so down-to-earth and I liked that about this church. Glenn and Sandie are very very nice people and we feel fortunate to have them in our family. Something that I really was happy about is when we came out Baby Bear said that he was glad we came to church and he felt better about himself. I always have a good feeling when I go to church also. I don't go as much as I should because I am not that comfortable around a group of people, nothing against the people, it is just me.... I wish I would go more though.

After church we came home and got ready for a motorcycle ride with Grandma and Grandpa Jimmy and had a nice visit with them. Grandma even drove her bike! She did a great job and Papa Bear said she was showing off because she went 55 mph. *VBS* She took Papa Bear for a short ride in the parking lot too. So we had a very good day yesterday also.

Thank you to all who stops by and leaves such nice comments, it is appreciated.

Welcome Oreo!!!

2006-06-20T20:30:00.000-04:00

As I posted in mylast post we had some new additions over the weekend of 3 stray kitties. We think God sent them to us because of our loss of our other 2 cats.

This kitty here is Oreo. He was brought to us by Brother Bear the other night because he knew how upset we were over the loss of our 2 cats. Shady Baby was also his cat that he named. So he was pretty upset too that someone would do such a thing.

Anyway, we got Oreo and he is a sweet little thing. We are really enjoying him a lot. He is very curious and into everything. He is so playful and will follow you everywhere. He fell asleep in my purse the other day. It was so cute.

This is just what we needed after the loss of our 2 cats and we are so thankful for Oreo and the other little kitties. Before you know we will have a whole slew of cats around here including the litter of Sugar and then our other female Wolfe is expecting. Not sure if we will keep them all or what but Oreo is definitely a keeper!!!!

As you can see we love cats. *VBS*

God works in so many ways!

2006-06-20T20:15:00.000-04:00

Much to our delight we have been greeted with three little strays that someone must haved dropped off at our home. So now we have some more little kitties! We are thrilled since the loss of our other two cats. Not very good pictures because they are so scared of us. They are getting a little used to us by coming out to eat and drink and they are so fun to watch play.
what is so funny is the gray and white one looks identical to Smokey Bear, the cat that is missing!!! So, of course, he is going to be named Smokey Jr. And then the calico as you can see in the picture. There is also another long haired calico one who is very timid I tried to get a picture but it is sort of funny. I tried to post it but I think I deleted it.

10 Simple Pleasures

2006-06-19T23:40:00.000-04:00

Well, I tried to post earlier tonight but I am not sure it took. Anyway, I did a meme that I was tagged for by Alipurr. The 7 meme's.

I have also been tagged by Paige at cracked nuts http://rrma.blogspot.com ( I am not sure if I did this right) s0 now I am doing another meme of the 10 simple pleasures, not in any particular order.

10 SIMPLE PLEASURES:

Seing my kids happy.
Seeing my husband happy and being able to get around.
Doing family vacations, going to new places.
Having cook-outs with family and friends.
Motorcycle riding.
Talking with my husband.
Enjoying nature and seeing what beautiful things God has created.
A good song.
Friends.
My sweet little kitties and my dog Rusty.

I could go on and on with this.....

Mama Bear's 7 meme's

2006-06-19T16:20:00.000-04:00

I have never been tagged before to do a meme but I have been tagged by Alipurr to do the 7 meme's.

Seven things to do before I die:
1. Let my family know how much I love them.
2. Watch my boys grow up and be successful at what they do and have families of their own.
3. Grow old with my husband and let him know each day how much I appreciate him and love him.
4. Lose some weight! *VBS*
5. Go on a long long trip around the world.
6. Fly in an airplane.
7. Get in touch with friends I haven't seen in years.

Seven things I cannot do:
1. Go on a trip to everywhere I would like to travel.
2. Buy anything I want.
3. Try to tell Brother Bear what he should do *VBS*.
4. Quit worrying about everything.
5. Lose weight!
6. Be with my kids 24/7.
7. Be mad at my husband for very long.

Seven things that attract me to my husband:
1. His smile and handsome looks.
2. His touch.
3. The way he pampers me when I am hurting or sick or does things for me when I need help.
4. How he calls me "sweet thing"
5. How caring and thoughtful he can be.
6. For not being fake just being who he is and not putting on a show.
7. For being there through all the heartaches and trials in our lives.

I could list more about my husband but will stop at 7.

Seven books I love:
1. Love stories.
2. Little House in the Big Woods.
I am not a big reader so I will stop at that.

Seven movies I'd watch over and over again:
1. Dances with Wolves.
2. Dirty Dancing.
3. City by the Sea.
4. Fried Green Tomatoes.
5. Driving Ms Daisy.
6. Forest Gump.
7. Coal Miner's Daughter.

Thank you to all

2006-06-16T00:40:00.000-04:00

I would like to say a sincere thank you to all who expressed their sympathy towards our Shady Baby. It was much appreciated. Papa Bear made Shady a nice tombstone yesterday and we planted a flower beside his little grave.

Our other cat Smokie hasn't came back either. We are devastated that we will no longer get to enjoy them. They always brought joy to us. I sure do miss Shady's talking everytime I walked out the door and when I visited the other side of the pond I could always count of Shady to be right there beside me wanting to be petted and rubbed down while he talked to me. I miss little sweet Smokie's sweet little meow that he gave every morning from top of the roof which was his favorite place to sit.

I agree with you guys that a cat will not attempt to go near a body of water and that it was intentionally done. I fear now what will happen next to our other cats. If these people could do that what else are they capable of? Only a sick low-down person would do such a thing. These pets of ours didn't deserve this they were sweet innocent cats.

My question to the one's of you who left a comment is : What do you do about a neighbor who does such terrible things? I really would like some advice.

Thank you very much

In Loving Memory of Our Shady Baby

2006-06-13T22:51:00.000-04:00

Today started out a joyous occassion and ended on a very sad note. We came home from Baby Bear's football practice and were going to go to the garden to check on our tomato plants when we found our dear Shady Baby floating in the middle of our pond dead. He was such a precious cat. We called him Shady Baby because he was literally a baby. He was so sweet and loved to take in any kitten that came in and even though he was a male cat would let the kittens nurse him. All the other cats loved him and I know they will miss him. They were all crying tonight, that is what is left of our cats. Another cat, Smokie, seems to be missing also. We have already had another one of our cats leave (we are quite certain dead or taken away) about 8 months ago and now poor little Shady is gone. We can't for the life of us figure out what is happening to our cats but kind of have an ideal. They are male cats but never seem to roam very far from us and it seems that someone must have it out for us or our sweet cats because they seem to keep disappearing on us whenever we are gone. This time it was pretty certain that something bad happened to Shady because he was in the middle of the pond. I can't understand if someone is doing this why they would want to harm an innocent pet of someone's.
After we discovered the body, Papa Bear got him out of the pond and brought him up to clean him off and see if there were any marks on him but there were none that he could find. Then Papa Bear tried to dig a grave but with his back problems and the fact that he was so upset was unable to do it so Brother Bear dug the grave for us. We will be making a tombstone for his grave this week. I am sure Papa Bear will do this tomorrow.

We are so upset about this and hopefully the other one missing, Smokie, will come back to us tonight. We haven't seen him today and he never showed up to eat when I fed them tonight. We will surely miss Shady Baby because he was such a talker and would always follow us everywhere we went outside. When we would go to the other side of the garden he would follow and roll over wanting to be petted and talked to, and he in turn would talk to us. He was one of the three that we raised inside one winter and what kept us sane during that winter. We really had grown attached to these three kitties. Their mommy left us and we raised them ourselves. They were like our babies. Now we are not certain if we have any of the three left since Smokie is not around. The other cats were so upset tonight. So this post is a tribute to our Dear Shady Baby we will miss him terribly.

True Friends

2006-06-11T15:43:00.000-04:00

AIP did a post of our day we spent together yesterday and I have to say, a very good post. I think she just about said it all but I wanted to add some pictures I took just before my camera batteries went dead. I really need to make sure I keep my batteries up so I don't miss out on any pictures or get me an extra set. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of Sandy and Jimmy because my batteries went dead before they got there! Thank goodness AIP is always there to take some pictures for me! And very good pictures too. I cannot say enough how much we appreciated everyone's help yesterday with the rock pile since we are not able to do much physical work anymore. We are very very fortunate for such good friends like Donna and Randy and good family like Sandy and Jimmy. They are always willing to lend a helping hand when we are in need. Not many people these days would take the time to lend a helping hand when someone needs it and we are so greatful for them. I don't know how we can ever repay them for their help. The only way I know is to be there when they need us. We had such a good time with the good food and swimming for the kids and fishing. I know Baby Bear was glad they came to help so he wouldn't have to do the rocks by himself! And we love the rock wall!

So THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED US!

The first picture is Donna, Randy, Baby Bear and his best friend Matthew picking up rocks.
The second picture is Emmy Matthew and Baby Bear swimming in the pool.
The third is Papa Bear, he seems to have found a pretty rock. And last picture is Randy building rock wall.

Thanks you guys for your help, We love you!

Proud Mama

2006-06-11T15:34:00.000-04:00

Sugar had 4 sweet little babies. She is such a good mama too! Aren't they sweet? This was her first litter.

Also I wanted to thank you all for you nice comments.

New Mama

2006-06-09T23:38:00.000-04:00

We didn't have to wait long to find out about how long it takes for a cat to be a mama. Sugar just had her first kitten 15 minutes ago! She has been running around here tonight talking to everyone. She finally went to Papa Bear and her water broke and she started having contractions. So she is with Papa Bear now having her little babies. The first one was black and white.

So, looks like Papa Bear will be up for a while tonight delivering babies.

Thank you AIP for the information on the duration of cat's pregnancies.

Wildlife Happenings at our place

2006-06-09T21:09:00.000-04:00

We have been spending a lot of time outdoors lately and here is some of the things we have encountered this week. First is one of our hummingbird feeders we put up and we love watching these sweet little birds it is a past time we really enjoy.

Below is a picture of our pond I took today that has fish nests. If you look closely you can see the holes they have made to lay their eggs. I have never seen this before and it was very interesting to me. Papa Bear said the blue gill lay their eggs in these nests that they build and the males come and fertilize the eggs.
This is sugar our little pregnant cat. She is so miserable. I am not sure when she will deliver, I thought it was after 6 weeks but it seems as if she has been pregnant longer than that. I know she will be glad to deliver. *VBS*
This is another thing we encountered today while Papa Bear was cleaning out a fire pit. A mother mouse and her babies. We moved them and let them go and hopefully they won't escape into the house! *VBS*

Also, the other day I heard this odd noise and looked everywhere and finally noticed this squirel up in a tree chattering excitedly. He jumped from tree to tree chattering. Papa Bear said he was upset and letting the cats know he could see them. I had never heard them chatter like this.

So needless to say, we have encountered a lot of different things out side this week. Probably more to come.

I finally got a call from Brother Bear too which I haven't heard from in a while. He seemed to be doing okay. I miss him so much and it was sure nice to hear his voice.

We have been doing the usual routines of going to football on Tuesday nights and By ScoutsThursday nights so we stay pretty busy with those. We are looking forward to our camp out next month with Boy Scouts. We are also very excited for AIP and her new Trike. Can't wait to go along on a ride with her and Jimmy!

DQ Visit

2006-05-30T19:51:00.000-04:00

For some reason the picture here of AIP and Jimmy didn't post for the last blog I did so I thought I would post it by itself.

Summer Days

2006-05-30T19:35:00.000-04:00

We had a fairly good Memorial Day weekend. We started with the bake sale Saturday. Aand then Sunday a trip to Lowes and then a DQ visit for lunch, AIP showed some pictures of our visit with them, but I am showing one of AIP and Jimmy enjoying an ice cream at the Dairy Queen because it seems AIP never gets to get her picture taken. Wish I was that lucky. *VBS*
Also we got to see Brother Bear and his girlfriend Jessica which was a treat for us since we hardly ever see him anymore.

Monday was a day of Baby Bear and I washing the car and then Baby Bear picked up rocks. While we were washing the car Papa Bear was mowing on the other side of the pond, picture above. After telling the story of the Lawnmower racer I couldn't believe that he had gotten himself into another mess. He came over and asked us if we heard him and we said no. Well, it turns out the brakes went out again on the riding mower and down the hill he headed but lucky for him that little bitty tree shown in the picture just below the picnic table caught him! You will probably have to enlarge the picture just to see the tree that saved him!!!! I think the mower is posessed or something! We all three went across the pond and had to help Papa Bear rescue the mower from falling down the hill which was a task. Needless to say I try to watch him closer now!!!!
We had a cookout last night with homemade potato salad, baked beans and hamburgers. I bought some ice cream and cones for dessert. Today after supper I made Papa Bear this banana split for dessert. Doesn't it look yummy? He sure did enjoy it. I hope he doesn't expect this very often. *VBS* I just had the ice cream, cool whip and fruit so he asked me to make him one. Baby Bear opted for a ice cream cone.

THE LAWNMOWER RACER

2006-05-27T22:17:00.000-04:00

After I wrote the last post today it reminded me of this poem AIP had written for Papa Bear last year. I wanted to tell you the story about it. Last year Papa Bear had an eventful day while mowing the grass along side the road. I wish he would tell it because he tells it so well. I knew he was outside mowing and didn't think much about it until I couldn't hear the mower anymore. So.. I went out to check it out thinking maybe it broke down or something, which usually happens to poor Papa Bear a lot. It seems there is always something he has to fix. And I thought maybe he could have tipped it over since we live down in a hollar and it is steep just about everywhere here with hills and all. Well ... I couldn't find him no where. I hollered for him but no answer so I began to worry. I was about ready to go out to search for him when I could hear him at the road talking to the neighbor and heard her laughing. He came walking down the drive and I waited for him at the house. When he came to the house he was so excited and out of breath he could hardly tell me the story.

It seems that he was at the top of a hill (BIG, BIG hill!) mowing the grass by the road, which is quite a ways from the house, when all of a sudden the brakes went out and he lost control of the lawnmower. He tried to coast it into our drive but it kept on going past our house and him yelling for me to help him the whole time. He said he didn't know that a riding mower could go that fast and that it scared him to death. He said he was going so fast his hair was blowing back by the wind. Which made me laugh so hard I could hardly stand it! He took a very long ride coasting all the way down the BIG hill and around a corner which he said the riding mower went up on two wheels as he went around the curve and down the road until the mower could go no more. He said when it slowed down enough he ran it into a ditch to stop it completely.

In the meantime, AIP had called before that and told me she was coming down, I can't remember what for, and she would be there shortly. That was before all of this happened. So... when she got there he told her the story and we all began to laugh at the thought of him on this mower going out of control down the hill. We really got a laugh when we got in the truck to go pick up the mower and found it about a mile down the road thinking it took that long before it came to a halt. He said the whole time he was yelling so loud and first he was yelling for me to help and then I don't know what he was yelling. I laugh everytime I think of this and just the thought of him going down the hill with his hair blown back yelling at the top of his lungs. It reminds me of a cartoon or something you would see.

So... Here is a poem that AIP wrote for Papa Bear when she got home that day and we all still get a laugh out of this. The poem goes like this......

The Lawnmower Racer

Will you be riding

Your lawnmower today?

Or is it in

Much disarray?

Did your brakes fail you

And eventually,

Land you

In a muck?

A speedy ride

You did not plan,

When you ran out of gas

You got in a jam.

You tried to coast it

All the way home

And when Reva looked out

You were gone.

You were like a kid

With a new go-cart,

The farther it went

The faster it got.

If you could not have planned it

If you had tried,

The scariest ride

Of your life.

Of course you know

What you have done,

You have found the hill

For the perfect run.

Poem written by AIP (Sandy)

We had a good laugh out of this and I still laugh to this day when I think about this. I am greatful however he wasn't hurt.

Get Your Cookies, Cakes, and Candy Bars Here!

2006-05-27T21:44:00.000-04:00

Today we had a bake sale for the Boy Scouts. Here is Papa Bear and Baby Bear at our booth trying to sell all the goodies. Yesterday I made over 80 cookies to take. It was hard to keep Papa Bear and Baby Bear out of them. I had to get firm about it. *VBS*

We went early this mornig and helped set up and stayed until lunch time and then another parent and boy came in and took our place. It got very hot setting there and I was very glad to see someone come in and releive us.

We didn't get much customers while we were there because it had just started and there wasn't many people... but I am anxious to find out Thursday at our meeting how we did the rest of the day. Hopefully they made some money, and it will be used for camp this summer.

After that we came home and Papa Bear worked on the riding mower, which reminds me of a little poem AIP wrote for him because of an incident that happened last year. I need to find the poem and tell the story because it is so funny! I will look for that and post later.

So, all in all we had a fairly decent day. Hope all of you had a good day too.

Boy Scouts Spring Camporee

2006-05-24T23:21:00.000-04:00

I just love to use these collages... the reason I like them so much is I can never decide which pictures to post that I have taken. This past weekend we went on a camping trip with Baby Bear's Boy Scout Troop. I have pictures here which I will tell you about from top left is boys gathered around campsite, Leader instructing Baby Bear and friend on hiking, Baby Bear waiting to shoot 22 rifle which he did excellent on, Baby Bear shooting rifle, Baby Bear canoeing, another of him canoeing, Baby Bear being silly, isn't that a sweet face!, Baby Bear instructed on how to make a foil wrap for his hamburger, playing corn hole with friends, campfire, troop singing their song, Baby Bear and Matthew at campfire, and the bottom ones are the same as the top I believe. So there you have it, some of my pictures of our trip.
Like I said we all went camping. We went to a big Lake in Kentucky not far from us and camped at a Sportsman's Club there. They were kind enough to let all of us Boy Scout troops use their facilities and let us set up camp on the property. They had all sorts of things to do.

There were 7 boys in our troop that went on this trip and then there were us parents. Our friend's Randy and Donna went also since their son, Brandon's best friend, Matthew is in Scouts too. Papa Bear, Baby Bear and I were the first one's to get there so we got pick of the field to set up our tents. So we set up camp with our tents close together and enjoyed a weekend with our kids and families. We had late night campfires and stayed up and talked and laughed and got up early in the morning and Papa Bear cooked breakfast. He is a great cook and this is one of his favorite things to do when we camp and one of my favorites! *VBS* I don't have to cook for a change, so I love it! Papa Bear cooks things like sausage and buscuits with gravy, scrambled eggs, and they had pancakes. Also one night the boys made their own meals and made foil packets with hamburgers and vegetables in them. They got to choose what they wanted to put in their foil packets that they made. We also had roasted marshmallows, hot dogs, smoked sausages, baked beans, potato salad, and one thing I had never heard of hibernating bananas. They were actually good too.

One day in the future the boys will have to set up camp and cook and every thing and we get to sit back and watch, it should be interesting. We laugh about it now when we talk about it. Papa Bear said he is bringing back up food until the boy's have learned how to cook. Tee Hee!

One thing I like about these camping events is on one night all of the troops get together with a big campfire and put on skits and sing songs. It is great fun and entertaining. Our boys sang a song and it was a hit. The skits are so funny too. It is great fun.

We spent the first night setting up camp and then woke early that morning and they ate breakfast, had a flag ceremony, then went hiking, shot rifles, canoeing, tomahawk throwing, fishing and more. By the time the day ended they were exhausted but had so much fun.

We really enjoy the boy scouts and have plans to stay in it for a long time. Our only regret is that we didn't do this with Brother Bear because he would have loved it. The thing is that we had never heard of Boy Scouts when Brother Bear was growing up. But we used to take him camping every weekend ourselves along with a friend or cousin. I beleive we have been to every state park in Kentucky camping. Even though Brother Bear wasn't in Boy Scouts we still hve a lot of good memories with him too, it just would have been nice to have been involved in Boy Scouts with him because he loved the outdoors so much. He did get to go on a 4-H camping trip for a week one time. I will never forget when I went to pick him up how excited he was that I had come to pick him up and he just hugged and hugged me. His friend on the other hand was at the age where he didn't want mom around it was embarrasing, you know how they get, but Brother Bear didn't care and I will never forget that he made me feel so good.

Well, I love the fact that I got to spend this time with Baby Bear and the fact that I have good memories with Brother Bear and I hope that they will always remember these times too. We love them so much and enjoy these times so much because they grow up so fast. So we will be keeping busy this year in Boy Scouts and enjoying camping and all the other things Boy Scouts do.

Baby Bear's last days at his elementary school in the 5th grade

2006-05-24T15:13:00.000-04:00

The past few weeks have been busy for us and Friday was Baby Bear's last day of school. And last day at elementary school. There was a lot going on for us during those last few weeks of school with DARE graduation, Movin to the Middle Night, 5th Grade Night among other things. Here isa picture collage of some of the pictures that were taken during those nights. Moving to the Middle Night, which I already told about before in another post was a releif to know what is expected of them as they move to another school. I was much more at ease with this. Bottom Right picture is a picture of Brandon exploring his new school.

DARE Graduation was a special time and very important to me for Baby Bear to be involved in and learn about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. I hope he got a lot of use out of this class and will follow it in his future. It was a very touching day for me to listen to the speakers and watch the kids walk across the floor to get their certificate. Bottom left photo is Baby Bear and his friend holding up their DARE certificates and stuff.

Then there was 5th Grade Night which was a memorable night. It was kind of sad to see them go and they all displayed their boards with all their school memories. We had fun looking at all the pictures of Baby Bear through the years and it is hard to beleive he is already at this stage! He has grown so much, I wish he could stay little forever! I forgot to charge my batteries for my camera so thanks to Sandy we got some great pictures. My friend also took some for me. Sandy also wrote a very nice post on her blog about Brandon's 5th Grade Night, I told her she said about all of it and I wasn't sure I could top that. That was hard to hold back the tears that night and I am sure it is not over for me yet because I am not looking forward to the first day of Middle School. I just hate to see him grow up, and so fast! We are so proud of Baby Bear and his accomplishments over the school years and are sure he will make us more proud as the years go by. Top left and top right were some of the 5th Grade Night photos that Sandy took for us. Thank You Grandma for sharing your pictures and for sharing this night with us.

MADE IN THE SHADE

2006-05-23T23:37:00.000-04:00

As you can see we have been pretty busy. Baby Bear is learning how to weed eat so it makes it easier for Papa Bear to rest his back. We are so proud of Baby Bear because he has really been helping us out this week. He actually likes weed eating and we are VERY GLAD. Here is a picture of Papa Bear and our dog Rusty relaxing while Baby Bear weed eats. And below is a picture of Baby Bear weed eating.

We have been pretty busy over the past month or so and that is why I haven't had time to blog. I have lots of pictures and memories to write as soon as I get the chance. I just wanted to share these photos of what we did the past few days. We also had some visitors yesterday who were a BIG HELP and very much APPRECIATED! Abandoned in Pasadena and Jimmy stopped by to get some tomato plants we had for them and stayed long enough to help us get our bamboo wall back up. We were so glad they helped us get that done. It looks so much nicer now that it is up.

Today we worked in the garden in between long breaks to get our tomato plants out. Baby Bear was weed eating when the neighbors asked him to go hiking.. so off he went with them to hike and then returned to go to football practice. We finally got our tomato plants out and hopefully they will do good. We had great success growing these in our little greenhouse and gave Jimmy and Sandy several plants as well as our friends Randy and Donna... and we had plenty left over for our garden. I can't wait to taste them!!! This is probably all we will have growing in our garden this year. With mine and Papa Bear's health that is about all we can do for now. But we will enjoy them very much.

So.. that is what we have been doing the past couple of days.

I must add we saw a pretty butterfly while Sandy and Jimmy was here but Sandy couldn't capture a picture it wouldn't stay still long enough. Oh well, maybe next time.

Movin to the Middle Night

2006-05-12T09:04:00.000-04:00

Before I start my post I wanted to tell you about this picture at the top. This is a picture of Baby Bear and his VERY BEST FRIEND. They are almost inseperable. They are at the Middle School waiting anxiously to see what group (the 6th grade kids are divided into two seperate groups the Enterprisers and the Voyagers) they will be in and what is expected of them.

Now, moving on to my post. Baby Bear is getting ready to make one of those big steps in his life he is getting ready to move out of Elementary School into Middle School. Wednesday night was "Movin to the Middle Night" where the parents and kids got to go to the Middle School to tour the school and meet the teachers and see what is expected of us and to find out more about the school and what the kids will be doing. I and my friend have been dreading this time for a long time and we stayed on the phone for 2 hours that morning worrying about this change in our child's life. Baby Bear had already went on a field trip to the Middle School and he really liked it and thought it was cool. Well, I was so glad of that but wanted the opportunity to ease my fears as a mother. I was pleased with the results so far. *VBS* The staff were all nice, so far, and I liked their way of thinking. I also liked the fact that the kids would be separated from the older kids in the school, what was one of my biggest fears because to me they are still just babies and aren't old enough to be learning certain things from the "big kids". They had some very positive things to say and I liked the school overall, so far. *VBS* It is going to be so hard to let him take this step but it is something I will have to deal with. I sometimes think this is harder for me than the first day of kindergarden, I don't know though all of them are very tough!

This last picture is a VERY proud Baby Bear showing off his prize ribbon for coming in second in the 50 yard dash at his school field day. He was so proud and happy because he thinks he is not that good at physical things and I was so so proud of him which I am anyway.

So, I have been busy getting Baby Bear ready for the Middle School and trying to prepare myself for it.

ONE WEEK ANNIVERSARY

2006-05-02T22:42:00.000-04:00

Well, it has been one week since I smoked my last cigarette. I will admit it has been touch at times. I want to thank you all for the encouragement it really helps. I wish you guys were here all the time to get me going and motivated. Motivation is something I lack. But so far so good as far as quitting cigarettes. Papa Bear is going to TRY to quit tomorrow. I hope he can do it this time. He doesn't last too long quitting, a week was the most he has quit. But I am just thankful he is trying. A couple of years ago you couldn't even get him to think about it. So this is a big step for him.

Well, school is coming to a close this month at Baby Bear's school. I am so sad because he will be moving on from Elementary to Middle School. I know there will be and has already been tears shed. I am sure many more will come before he is out and then this fall when he goes to the dreaded Middle School. He went today with his class to tour the Middle School. Actually I was glad that he came back with positive attitude. He said it was cool and he said it was HUGE and he expected to get lost for awhile. Tee Hee. He is so cute. I am hoping that next week which is called "Movin to the Middle" that the parents get to go tour the school and find out more about it. I wanted to go today but didn't get to. Then he is having a "5th Grade Night" I guess that is sort of like graduation from the 5th grade. This week he will be busy, they toured the school today then tomorrow they are taking a field trip to our state capital. Picnic day is Friday and then next week is a big week also with Movin to the Middle night, 5th Grade night, and the list goes on and on. He has a lot going on before school lets out on May 19th. Then that same weekend we are going camping again with Boy Scouts. My baby is growing up so fast. My older baby boy is 22 and it seems just yesterday that he was going to the Middle School for the first time. To me this time is sadder than the first day of kindergarden. So I will be shedding some tears these next few weeks. I intend to take some pictures to share also.

Thanks again for all the well wishing and encouragement on me kicking the habit.. it was much appreciated.

Mama Bear

Busy Week!

2006-05-01T08:57:00.000-04:00

First of all I want to thank everyone who sent well wishes on my test and come to visit me. As far as my heart cath it showed some blockage but not bad enough that I needed a stint or anything.... just a change in cholesterol medication, adding another medication and to quit smoking. I am so proud of myself..... and I hope I continue..... but I KICKED THE HABIT, I HAVE QUIT SMOKING... on the insistance of Baby Bear and Papa Bear. I think what really done it was Baby Bear crying that night before my test because he was worried about me. That broke my heart and I decided I would do it so I could be around here for him and Brother Bear and all the other special people in my life. I have been wanting to quit for a long time and I have finally done it. I have quit several times before.. even for a year and then went back so I hope to have quit for good now. I am going to take it one day at a time. I am hoping Papa Bear will join me soon. He says when he runs out he will.. which will probably be today.. I HOPE. It is a very expensive and hard habit to break.

I haven't written because I have been sick since my heart cath. I am not sure what it was I spiked a fever of 103 the day I came home and couldn't get up I was so achy and chilling and nauseated. I was told by the cardiologist to take Tylenol and Benadryl and see my regular doctor the next day which when my husband called they were not in that day... so I just toughed it out. I got to feeling better and hadn't planned on it but Baby Bear had a camping trip for Cub Scouts that was originally planned for him and Papa Bear to go but Papa Bear begged me to go along with him. So... I went. Baby Bear had a ceremony where he and some other Cub Scouts crossed over to Boy Scouts. It was a very touching time for me because I realize he is growing up.. needless to say I had tears in my eyes as I walked him over the bridge to join his new Boy Scout leader. All in all we had a good time. Weather was nice and we are meeting a lot of nice people. Baby Bear just loves it and didn't want to come home. He has made a lot of nice friends and he scored well in the BB shooting and will receive a patch for that. They had archery, BB's, crafts, fishing, fishing pole making, and planting trees so they were pretty busy. Baby Bear was exhausted when we got home yesterday as were we all.

Well, I am going for now just wanted to say I haven't forgotten anyone although I haven't been posting or checking blogs.. I intend to catch up as soon as I can on everyone's blogs. And I wanted to thank you all for your kindness. It looks like a busy week for us this week as Baby Bear has several activities at school. Will get into detail later.

I plan on posting some pictures if they turned out good on our camping trip. I have to get them developed first.

Mama Bear

Testing tomorrow

2006-04-24T21:55:00.000-04:00

I am writing this I guess to maybe get rid of some of my anxiety or something like that,.... and to let everyone know that I will be out of commission again for a couple of days. I am a bit nervous because tomorrow I am going to have a heart cath done. I have had many things done medically including surgeries, tests, etc... but this has me worried. Just the thought of them messing with my heart and the fact that there could be something wrong just gets me nervous!

Baby Bear has a prayer box and has put a prayer in it for me. He is so so sweet.. I am so blessed to have him. As a matter of fact, I am blessed to have a lot of people that are special to me in my life.

I have been preparing all day for the test by trying to get my laundry caught up and also I did some cooking for Papa Bear and Baby Bear. And it also gets my mind off of the test tomorrow.

Well, I just wanted to let everyone know why I wouldn't be posting for a few days and to ask everyone to say a prayer for me... I need as many as I can get.

Mama Bear

EASTER

2006-04-24T08:45:00.000-04:00

I know Easter has come and gone but since I didn't get to post my pictures for Easter I wanted to do that. The pictures are of Baby Bear and some of his Easter goodies. My brother, mom and Baby Bear hunting eggs. My dad and niece helping her little boy Dylan find eggs. And my neice's baby Marlee.

We went to Mom and Dad's this year for Easter. I have a fairly large family but there wasn't many there for Easter. Since Baby Bear didn't have anyone to hunt eggs with my Mom, Dad, and Brother hunted eggs with him. Papa Bear and hid the eggs. They had a good time and this was the first year I have seen my parents hunt eggs so that was fun. Baby Bear and my brother had a little wrestling match over one egg. Some contained money and then there was the prize which Baby Bear found. Later after we had just finished my neice and her family came over and we put the eggs together and hid them for her little boy Dylan and Baby Bear and hunted again. Mom and I prepared a big meal of ham, turkey and a bunch of sides and deserts. So we ate good and then worked it off hunting eggs. The rest of the family dropped in later during the day and some had to work and couldn't make it.

We had a good time and wished we could have been with all of our family. I hope everyone had a nice Easter.

Mama Bear

Did you miss us?

2006-04-23T17:41:00.000-04:00

Well, we are back! If you are wondering where I have been... well, it wasn't because I didn't want to be blogging it is because our computer crashed! It was terrible being without it. You never really appreciate something that much until you are without it! We now have another one. So I am thrilled and I'm back. I did hate the fact that I lost all my information including pictures, etc... on our other one on the hard drive. Hubby is going to try to figure out how to get that information back. Thank you to everyone who visited while I was away and missed me. Well, I have had a long weekend so I am going to close for now and be back later.

Glad to be back!
Mama Bear

Just a Swingin

2006-04-07T22:46:00.000-04:00

Baby Bear enjoying swinging, it was a pretty day the day I took this photo. Today was very nice for a while and then came the dreaded storms and flooding water. It is raining now. I hope tomorrow turns out to be a pretty day like it was earlier today. It is supposed to turn colder though.

Baby Bear got a good report as usual in school today and also got his spring pictures which were great and it came with a class picture. He couldn't wait to show me that. He sure loves school and doesn't want it to end. They get out of school for summer break May 19 which is pretty early. He isn't looking forward to it he likes being at school with his friends. I am glad he loves school so much and he does so well in school. We are fortunate. We will have to keep him busy this summer I guess to get his mind off of it. Hopefully we will be doing a lot of things with boy scouts.

Better go for now because it is storming.

Playing around

2006-04-06T08:04:00.000-04:00

This is a picture I took the other day after we planted tomato seeds of Baby Bear playing with a big bamboo stick. He loves sticks. He sometimes pretends they are soards. I really haven't been doing much since then, well.. I take that back. We went to a cub scout meeting Tuesday night and Papa Bear agreed to be the Cubscout Master Assistant. He was so excited about this and what the boys could do next year. They will be graduating to Boy Scouts . I hope they will get to do a lot more next year. They are planning several camping trips this spring and maybe one in the summer. Baby Bear sold flashlights to help pay for his costs. Now we just have to come up with Papa Bear's costs.

Brother Bear had moved in last Saturday but yesterday decided to go back to my mom and dad's to stay. That is his hometown and that is where he wants to stay so he left again. The main reason is his girlfriend lives there and they missed each other terribly. Young love, what can you do? We tried to persuade him to stay and go to college and get a part time job while he went to school.. but he said he could do that down there. He just seems so lost at times. I hope and pray that he does and it works out for him. I know he needs a lot of prayers right now and I worry so much about him. I will just leave it in God's hands.

We had some bad storms in Kentucky the other night, mostly in my mom and dad's area, we didn't get much. Mom called and they were at my neice's for dinner and said they had to run to her cellar because it got so bad and the sirens went off in town.... now that brings back bad memories. And that same night my MIL sent me an email to a blog that told about the tornado that I was in on April 3, 1974. I was about 10 years old. My parents had just bought a farm and we were there to meet a man that was going to haul cows for my dad to sell, I guess. It started storming real bad and we all were in the barn. We had a very beautiful two story older farm house that we just loved, we were excited about moving into. It had a sprial staircase and huge rooms, and a balcony that went all the way across the front of the house and a porch that surrounded most of the house. It had all kinds of beautiful things. Well.. back to the storm... it stormed so bad and then all of a sudden it got quiet, no birds, nothing. The next thing I knew mom was dragging me to the cellar and I was asking what was going on and "where is it?" "where is it?" I wanted to see a tornado in action I guess. Well... let me tell you I never ever want to see one or be around one again. That was horrible and it brings chills to me when I think about it. I always like to be near a cellar or basement or something when there is a storm now. My dad even got scared. Mom hit her head going into the cellar and it almost knocked her out. The cellar door came back and hit her. I won't go into detail about it but let me tell you it is something you wouldn't like. We were fortunate that on one in our family was hurt. We lost our house, barn everything in that tornado and dad and mom had to start from scratch. The place where we lived while waiting to move to the farm had been damaged too so we had to live with relatives for a while. It took forever to get out of there that night because of all the debris and trees. I remember going to the neighbors way down the road and for some reason we stayed there a while, I think because there was a big huge tree down in the road. I think we lost our vehicles too, I know we lost our car, it was turned over on a power line. The neighbor fed us ice cream and cookies . When we finally made it to my grandparents apartment in town.. later that night they had more threats of tornadoes. I will go into detail some other time about the damage and all.... but I always remember that date and what happened that stormy night. A night I will never forget.

Sister & Family

2006-04-04T00:11:00.000-04:00

While at my dad and mom's we went for a visit to my neice's house to visit with her and her mom (my sister). It was my sister's birthday. My neice just had a baby in December and the baby was so sweet and cuddly. She cried every time I put her down. It had been so long since I had held a baby and it felt good! I can't hold babies like I used to because of my hands, neck and shoulder problems but I just had to try. It was nice what little bit of time I could hold her. Above is my sister on the left, my neice and her baby. The next picture is of my mom, my neice's boy, dad and my neice's baby. And below precious baby sleeping.... I couldn't resist this, isn't she adorable? They come out with the best things now for babies. This seat she is in has a massager on it! Can you believe it? Wish they would have had that when I had babies. LOL Her little boy is autistic and he is so sweet. He has a little computer that he talks with to let her know what he wants he also does sign language and he is very smart. He was pushing the button on the computer for Chicken Nuggets and French Fries... so she went and fixed him some Chicken Nuggets but didn't make French Fries.... when she brought him back his Chicken Nuggets he just kept pushing the button for French Fries, it was so cute... but he was eventually satisfied with only the Chicken Nuggets. He is a sweetheart.
So I say hats off to my neice and her husband they sure are a sweet couple and are great parents. And it was good to see them all.

Woody where are you?

2006-04-03T08:48:00.000-04:00

While outside yesterday in our back yard we saw a BIG woodpecker. I tried to run and get the camera and take his picture but I am afraid I was too late. I took this picture hoping that I would find him in it but no Woody. Oh well...I will try to capture that picture another time I guess.
Also since it was a beautiful day we managed to get our tomato seeds planted. Picture below is Baby Bear preparing the trays for the seeds.

Spring Break Pictures

2006-04-02T22:23:00.000-04:00

Once again I am going to try to post this without losing it. I have lost this post 3 times! I don't know what is wrong with blogger!! Well.. here are some pictures I took while were at mom and dad's and I wanted to tell a little of what we did for years later so Baby Bear and Brother Bear can read back and have some memories.
Baby Bear helped his Pa do some chores including feeding his cattle and helping out around the house and cleaning the car. He had a ball there and wanted to stay longer so we left and came home for a few days and then went back to get him Saturday. It was hard to pry him away then! He has already beat his Kingdom Hearts II game that he just purchased Tuesday. He has been waiting a year for this video game! We did a lot of visiting with my family and laughing and talking and catching up. We got to see Brother Bear also which was great. Above is a picture of Baby Bear getting instructions from Pa and Papa Bear observing. The middle picture is of Papa Bear giving advice on Brother Bear's car. And the last one is of Granny with Brother Bear. I do have a close bond with my mom and so do our boys. We lived by them since I have been married (right downthe road) and mom has helped me watch our boys for me while I worked, especially Baby Bear until we moved away. We still have that special bond and it is very hard to stay away and to leave when we go. We enjoy our visits very much. Just wanted to share some pictures of our spring break. I plan on posting more pictures of my visit with my neice and her babies and her mom (my sister) if blogger will let me!

Spring is in the air at mom and dad's

2006-04-01T22:28:00.000-05:00

Baby Bear has been on spring break this week so we took a trip up in Northern Kentucky (my hometown) to visit my parents. We had a great time. While there we got to watch the deer come up and eat in their backyard. There were about 4 but I only got a picture of one of them. It is so nice there. I really do miss it and sometimes find myself wishing I were back home, well.. most of the time wishing this. I sure do miss it there. We have lived there until about 3 years ago and it was very hard for me to leave. We have always lived just down the road from my mom and dad. I sure do miss being with them and wish I was there to help them.It was quite an adjustment for me and my whole family. Here are pictures I took of the deer, my mom and dad's house, and of her weeping cherry tree that was in bloom. We all had a great time down there. Papa Bear was happy because they gave him an old sewing machine to fix up. He has always wanted one so now he has a project to keep him busy trying to fix it. We found a manual on it on the internet too. Baby Bear stayed there all week and we had to go back today to pick him up. He misses his Granny and Pa.
We made some more memories this week that I will treasure. I even took some short videos of mom and dad.

Family at the Derby

2006-03-26T13:34:00.000-05:00

Here is another picture that I thought I had posted with the other one below but somehow blogger didn't post it. I liked it and wanted to post it so... here it is. This is Papa Bear, Baby Bear and Grandma Bear at the Pinewood Derby Race.

Pinewood Derby Race

2006-03-26T13:17:00.000-05:00

Here are Baby Bear's cars that he has entered in races: Left is this year, Last year and when he was in Tiger Cubs. Yesterday we met at the school and the pack headed to Derby Race. Among some that went were Papa Bear, Myself, Baby Bear, Grandma Bear, Baby Bear's BEST friend and his family which we are very good friends with too. We had a great time. Baby Bear entered his car and Papa Bear entered Baby Bear's car from last year in the Outlaw race. Although no one won any awards we had a good time anyway. Afterwards we all went out to eat. Baby Bear spent the night at his friend's. Here are a few pictures we took. Most of ours were short movies which I don't know if I can post or not.

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!

2006-03-24T21:55:00.000-05:00

I had some pictures from the trip and couldn't decide which ones to post so I made a collage of some. So... Here they are. Some are quite small but I hope you can view them anyway. Some are of us leaving, family get togethers, party, etc....

A trip we will never forget.

Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby Race Preparation

2006-03-24T17:39:00.000-05:00

Baby Bear is in Boy Scouts and is a Webelo. Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby for Baby Bear's Pack was last night and Saturday is the District Pinewood Derby where all the Packs come to race. I picked out two pictures of Baby Bear and Papa Bear preparing Baby Bear's car for the derby. They are given a kit with a block of wood and have to build a car out of it. They put weights on it.. but it can only weigh a certain amount. When they go to the race they race down a track. They have a lot of rules and regulations and it is really fun to watch. Everyone really gets into this. Last night at his Pack race he came in 2nd place. He received a knife for this. His friend came in 1rst place.

Tomorrow is the final race with all packs coming together to race. I plan on taking lots of pictures. Congratulations Baby Bear on coming in 2nd place at your Pack Race!

Cucoo leads the way!

2006-03-22T18:45:00.000-05:00

We had the privelage of traveling with Cucoo on our weekend trip and snapped this photo of him giving directions to Grandma Bear.
Below is Cucoo relaxing in the pool with Papa Bear.
I just wonder where he could be since he became missing from his three-hour tour? Poor Cucoo hope you are found soon.

Little One's Birthday Party

2006-03-21T08:34:00.000-05:00

The party was a success. Here is Baby Bear playing in the balloons at the Birthday Party and Grandma Bear in the background snapping a shot of Baby Bear also.

Here is Little One enjoying the balloons.

Another picture is of Dancer Girl playing with a streamer.

What a fun Birthday Party. Allipur had such great ideals. It was really nice to watch the kids enjoy themselves.

Thanks Allipur for inviting us! Baby Bear enjoyed it and really enjoyed the grab bag.

The Four Bears

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2006-03-17T08:34:00.000-05:00

Hope you all have a safe and fun weekend. We are heading out with Abandoned in Pasadena for a weekend of fun. We are going to see family.

Don't forget to wear your green! I made sure Baby Bear wore green to school today so he wouldn't come in black and blue. *VBS* I can still remember those days in school.

Gotta go pack!

Mama Bear

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2006-03-16T21:43:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to say Happy St. Patrick's Day to all who reads this. Hope you have a good one.... that is, if you celebrate this Holiday.

I am a day early because tomorrow we are going on a trip with some family members! I can't wait.... we are loading up in 2 cars and heading out for a weekend of fun. I have been cooped up in this cabin for so long I am so thankful to be going. Papa Bear and I both really need it, and Baby Bear too. He plans on doing a lot of swimming at the motel pool.

Better go and lay out Baby Bear's clothes for school tomorrow.... and it has to be GREEN...... I don't want him coming home black and blue from being pinched. *VBS* I remember the days when we wore green to school on St. Patrick's Day...... if you didn't you better watch out because you were going to get pinched.

Don't forget to wear your green tomorrow. *VBS*
I hope you have a good weekend as I plan on doing.

Mama Bear

Dr. Seuss Week

2006-03-15T22:22:00.000-05:00

Baby Bear brought home this a couple of weeks ago. His school was celebrating Dr. Seuss week. February 27-March3.
His birthday was on the same day as Papa Bear's.

They had a fun week at school celebrating. They had a hat day, silly sock day, inside out day, and pajama day. The p.j. day was Baby Bear's favorite. He said he wished he could wear p.j.s to school everyday. He wore his flannel p.j.s and big soccer shoes (slippers). I wanted a picture to put with this post with him in his p.j.'s but have yet got him to let me take the picture. I didn't have my camera when he did actually wear them. I will get it eventually and post the picture. *VBS*
I have been wanting to write about this for a couple of weeks.... so I decided to go ahead with it.. Oh, I forgot one thing, they had green eggs and ham for lunch one day. Baby Bear really liked that. I think it is nice that the school actually let them do that. They do a lot of things like that which I think is great.

I have always enjoyed Dr. Seuss books growing up and so have my children. I can't decide on Green Eggs and Ham or the Cat in the Hat of the books that are my favorite... but I like them all.

Mama Bear

New Camera

2006-03-14T08:38:00.000-05:00

Since starting my blog I got this new camera. My old camera I had for several years quit working so we just got another one. It came last week in the mail. It is a nice little camera and does lots of different things. We have been playing around with it and still trying to figure out all the gadgets on it and what all it can do. It is amazing what all it can do. I sure do have a lot of learning to do! I told Papa Bear to just put it on automatic for now until I learn more. But to be honest, it will probably stay there on automatic. That will be fine with me. I love the zoom in lens it has to get up close pictures. We also took some movies with it. We went to Wal-Mart yesterday because we had to have a case to store all the accessories for long trips on the motorcycle. We plan on taking lots of pictures on our trips and of our family. So... this is my new camera. I can't wait for things to come to life this spring so I can practice on my new camera.

Mama Bear

The Great Bamboo Wall

2006-03-12T23:20:00.000-05:00

This past summer my hubby set out on a journey to build our great privacy fence. His dad had showed him a bamboo field about 1/2 mile away from the cabin in a field one day while were visiting. Now that we live here in the cabin (his dad has passed away) Papa Bear has always wanted to do something with some of the bamboo. So.. Since we were wanting a privacy from the neighbors, Papa Bear decided he could use the bamboo to build a privacy wall. So, with his hatchet in hand he set out on foot to cut some bamboo. He would cut some, trim it, then pile it in a pile and bundle it up. Then he would drag it all the way home.

After many long days of this he decided there must be an easier way to get the bamboo bundles back to the house so he tied them onto his riding lawnmower and brought them back. As you can see in this picture our cat Shady is checking out the wall.

After some long and grueling days of doing t this he thought he may have enough bamboo to start his wall..... and decided to start building on his wall. He started with placing the biggest, longest pieces across to connect to the trees... then he put a long upright and tied each bamboo peice to the long bamboo going across with a wire. As you can see he had to use a ladder to reach the top. He nailed a board across so he could get on the ladder. Which scared me to death, I thought it would give way and down he would go. He built three walls with this and it was really nice. He had to make several more trips to get more bamboo to finish the project. It took several weeks for him to complete his project. As you can also see he placed a table there and chairs with an umbrella and this year we were going to build a little garden there. He also planted hostas down the side of the wall and put garden lights on the wall so we could set out at night and enjoy nature. The cat's love it too. Sid used to set on the table with him every morning. But now Sid is gone. Well.... after some hard winds this past fall some of his wall came down. He has been down in his back for quite some time so we have not been able to put it back up.... but we are hoping we can get it back up with a little help. He put a lot of hard work into this project and we enjoy it a lot. It also lets us have some privacy.... not quite like we would like... but we do have some. Great job Papa Bear and thank you for our little hideaway spot to enjoy. He is always doing something like this.. this is one of the reasons I love him so much *VBS*... He is so creative, don't you think?

2006-03-12T18:00:00.000-05:00

This is my oldest son, Brother Bear. He is 22 now.
This is when he was a baby. His first birthday. How sweet. Still as cute as ever!

I have had him on my mind a lot this weekend. I got to talk to him for a breif minute this morning after talking to my mother. He had just gotten up so I didn't talk for long. I just wanted to tell a little bit about Brother Bear. He is sort of a loner. He is very quiet and right now a bit of a rebel. He is out doing his own thing and we hardly ever see him anymore.... which breaks my heart.... I wish he lived close and I could see him more. But I know I have to let him go and do for himself and learn from his mistakes on his own.
Brother Bear is very talented. He can draw very well among other things. I have some pictures that he drew for me over the years hanging on my walls and other things that he has made for me. He was such a sweet boy growing up. We used to take long walks together every day down the railroad tracks and talk... that is when he loved to talk the most, besides when we were riding in the car. He still talks a lot when it is just the two of us in the car. He was very active growing up and I had him at a young age of 19 so I guess you could say we grew up together.

He loves doing tattoos these days. We got him a tattoo gun for Christmas a couple of years ago and he does that a lot. He really enjoys it. He draws them himself. He even gave Papa Bear one for Christmas, this was his first one. Papa Bear says that it is a gift he will never forget from his son. He says he wants to go to barber school and be a barber and do tattoos on the side. I am not very crazy about tattoos but I have to say if this is what he wants... then I say go for it. At least he is thinking of doing something with his life.

Someday soon we are hoping he will settle down with a family and we will get to see him more. Right now we just take what we can. I find myself everyday throughout the day saying little prayers for him and at night. I worry about him so much and wonder what he is doing.

Well, I just want to say to him.. I love you very much and miss you.

The BIG TEST

2006-03-10T10:23:00.000-05:00

This has been a busy week for me because Baby Bear has been studying the Constitution... or should I say, WE have been studying the Constitution. * VBS * (Mother Bear and Cucoo even helped out last week one night when Baby Bear stayed over for a couple of hours after school).

Baby Bear has brought home a packet full of reading material on the Constitution and questions to answers after you read, a packet for each week. He got one last week that he had to finish by the end of that week, and another this week that had to be finished today. He also had a book of the Constitution. He had his first test over last week's packet yesterday and was one of the top ones out of the whole class that passed the test!! There were only 4 that passed the test out of the whole class. I have to say I am very proud of him. Of course I have to brag when my Baby Bear does so well in school. This made Papa Bear and I very HAPPY AND PROUD parents.

It really surprised us that he passed the test because of the little time he had to study. (Which is a long story). You see, the teacher handed out a study guide the day before with questions that would be on the test. She gave them the answers to the questions on the study guide in class. But...... Baby Bear had jammed his finger the day before playing on the neighbor's trampoline, and it was swollen so big that I had to write for him that night and then when he went to school the next day he could hardly write. It was hurting him and swollen so he went to the nurse's station. While he was out of class at the nurse's station getting treatment for his finger, the teacher gave out the answers on the study guide so he missed the answers. (Papa Bear wonders why someone didn't take the answers down for him while he was out of class). But anyway, he could have brought home the packet that he had finished the week before to answer the questions, but he left it at school. So..... We were on the computer trying to find the answers and then franickly called his friend and got the answers from him.... panicking all the while because he had to study after he got the answers. Whew! (wiping the sweat off our brows!) we pulled it off! HE PASSED.

Anyway everything worked out. Except Baby Bear said that whoever didn't pass the test had to stay in at recess until next Tuesday and take the test again and if they pass they can go to recess, if not, they have to stay in again until Thursday and take the test again. And it goes on and on until everyone passes. Baby Bear is upset because he is the only boy out of the 4 that passed and he said it is BORING at recess. He said his friends had better pass this Tuesday. *VBS*

I didn't realize how much I had forgotten from being out of school. (I didn't like Social Studies that much anyway though). I guess as the old saying goes if you don't use it you lose it. So, I learned a lot about the Constitution this past week, but with my memory, I couldn't tell you if I will remember it next week. *VBS* It worries me because THERE PROBABLY WILL BE A TEST OVER THE SECOND PACKET THAT HE JUST FINISHED THIS WEEK!!!!!! LOL... Mama Bear

Where are you kitty?

2006-03-09T21:41:00.000-05:00

This was our kitty named Sid. It was Papa Bear's kitty. He went missing this past fall while we were away on a trip for the weekend. We were outside today and thinking about him and Papa Bear asked me to write a story about our sweet kitty, Sid. I asked Papa Bear to write but he just doesn't want to write right now. I can't seem to get Papa Bear to the computer just yet, so everyone is stuck with Mama Bear right now. Papa Bear is too involved in helicopters right now. Papa Bear says he will write one day. I know, it is supposed to be a family blog, but what can I say? I can't persuade him to write right now.

Sid was very special and as you can see he loved to eat with Papa Bear but only certain things he would eat. He loved his cat food but not much table food. He loved yogurt and each night he expected it when Papa Bear would eat some... it was a ritual between the two. We all loved him dearly. We raised three of kittens from one of our cats the following year as tweeny weeny babies, Sid was one of them. (Papa Bear named him Sid because his grandmother loved that name for animals and we always had to name our animals Sid whenever we got a new one.. she would ask us to name it Sid, so we stuck with tradition) Sid became attached to Papa Bear and Papa Bear to Sid. So it was devastating when we came home and he wasn't here. We have posted pictures and looked everywhere for him. I still find myself looking for him. I even have dreams about him still, him coming home. We can't figure out what happened to him... he was always dedicated to staying put on the porch waiting to be fed... that is all he cared about sleeping and eating. He loved to hang around Papa Bear and watch him at whatever he was doing. And when Papa Bear laid down at night Sid was right there on him in his special place with Papa Bear holding him with one arm. He made sure Papa Bear had that arm positioned just right too.

We realize tom cats take little trips for a couple of weeks but this has been over 6 months and we don't feel like he would leave like that for so long. He was too lazy to go very far. The other two cats have stayed also. We have a bad feeling about him being missing. It breaks our hearts to know he probably will never come back. Some people may think it is silly to get so attached to a cat but we love our animals, especially these three kittys.

We were just thinking about him today and I thought I would write about him because he was so precious. Maybe one day he will come back to us, at least we hope.

Mom and Dad at New Orleans

2006-03-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

This is my mom and dad. In February they took a trip with my dad's brother and his wife to visit my uncle and aunt's son and his wife and kids. My uncle's son (my cousin) lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While on the trip they decided to tour New Orleans. This is a picture of them at New Orleans on the famous Bourbon Street. This is just one of many trips that they have taken. They went to Florida to just say they had been in it also and plan on going back to see the ocean, which they have never seen before. Oh would I love to be there to see their faces. They was amased by the Missippi river and all the sites.

I was so happy that my parents got to go on this trip because they surely do deserve this. They have worked hard, my dad as a farmer along with my mom who helped in the tobacco feilds also. They worked very hard and raised 5 kids on top of raising acres and acres of tobacco, corn, cattle, pigs etc... Mom even had to take care of the house along with working in the feilds. They were hard workers and never did go on a trip anywhere unless it was maybe every 5 years to Ohio or Indiana to visit relatives. In fact, we hardly ever went to town! We were happy though and very close. That is another story though, (my childhood) I will write more about that another time.
About their trips... Like I said, they never did travel much until maybe just last year. They took a trip with my aunt and uncle to look at the beautiful fall colors in the mountains of Virginia, West Virginia and traveled up into Pennsylvania, Maryland, etc.... They were so excited and so was I. I couldn't beleive after all these years they had finally decided to do something for themselves and enjoy life and our beautiful country we live in. Although Kentucky is a beautiful state there are lots of others too. I think they are beginning to enjoy this and look forward to trips again in the future. They are already planning more trips! Isn't that great?!!! I worry about them when they are gone (like a parent) *VBS* just as they do me and my family when we areout traveling but I am so glad they are enjoying life and each other. They have so many stories to tell about their trips and lots are very funny. So, here's to you Mom and Dad enjoy your life!!!!! I love you two very much.Hopefully someday we can travel with you guys, that would be great.

Buzz Lightyear!

2006-03-07T22:21:00.000-05:00

How about this picture? This was taken at Walt Disney World also. We had a blast on this ride, the Buzz Lightyear ride. As you can see Baby Bear and Brother Bear had a blast shooting at the enemies and targets throughout the ride. You got points for hitting your targets and enemies. I can't count how many times we rode this ride because we loved it so much. We had passes where we could go in a different line and go ahead of everyone so we didn't have to wait so that was why we could ride so many times.

I have this picture in my living room where I can see it all the time because I love it so much it makes me happy.

A Magical Place

2006-03-07T22:07:00.000-05:00

A magical place indeed! We were sitting here today and Papa Bear and I were talking about trips we have taken. We began to remember our trip to Walt Disney World In Florida. A happy memory indeed... and a smile came to my face and I decided I would write about this trip. It has always been a life long dream of mine to go to Walt Disney World along with dreaming with my kids and hubby. Papa Bear had already been as a child but has always dreamed of taking us one day.
So, 2 years ago we took our dream trip. We stayed a week in Orlando Florida and had tickets to go to Walt Disney World for a day and Universal Studios for a day. We were so excited. The other days we planned on traveling along the coast and enjoying the beaches of the Florida coast, which we did. We found one festival at the beach where they had built a castle out of sand, how neat! Not only did the kids have fun but Papa Bear and I felt like kids again too. It sure does bring out the kid in you. We liked it so much we want to go back again some day. Above are pictures of Brother Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear . The next picture is Brother Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear standing in front of It's a small world, which was my dream to see but it was closed for repairs. Next time, if there is a next time, I will see this. Baby Bear and myself even waited in line for at least 30 minutes to see Mickey Mouse and get a picture with him. This will be a memory we will always cherish.

Meet The Family

2006-03-04T22:23:00.000-05:00

Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Baby Bear, and Brother Bear

Birthday humor

2006-03-03T09:45:00.000-05:00

I had made Papa Bear a card, front shown here, it was not intended to be funny but ended up being hillarious. I had laid it out on Papa Bear's table for him to read. In the meantime, I went to pick Baby Bear up from school and when we came back home we went in and I showed the card to Baby Bear that I had made from my card program. Well.... Baby Bear read the following paragraph and said "Huh?" I then realized that I had left part of the saying out. We had a good chuckle out of this. The saying read:
I love you more today but not as much as tomorrow.

It should have read: I love your more today than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow. (When Papa Bear and I started dating I had gotten him a necklace that had this inscribed in it). Baby Bear kidded Papa Bear that he better get all the love he could today on his birthday because he wasn't going to be loved as much tomorrow. We all got a laugh out of this last night at dinner. And I am sure I won't live it down by Papa Bear and Baby Bear. It will be a memory we will never forget and we can laugh about it each time.

Birthday fun

2006-03-03T09:31:00.000-05:00

Baby Bear is anxiously awaiting a peice of Papa Bear's birthday cake. And below is Grandma and Grandpa Bear at Outback Steakhouse enjoying their meal. Grandma and Grandpa Bear I hope you don't mind me posting this picture but you two take such nice photographs and I just had to show this one. VBS

Birthday Celebration

2006-03-03T09:23:00.000-05:00

Doesn't it looks like Papa Bear is happy to have his birthday cake?

We had a great time last night. Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Baby Bear, Grandma and Grandpa Bear all went out to eat at Outback Steakhouse and had good food and some laughs... we then came back to Grandma and Grandpa's house for cake while Grandma Bear showed us some pointers for our blog site. I want to thank Grandma Bear for the pointers they were very helpful.
Papa Bear received a lot of nice cards, money, gifts, and of course as you can see a birthday cake. He wanted to thank everyone for their Birthday greetings. And the 3 bears want to thank Grandma and Granpa Bear for a nice evening out. Will post more pictures of the Birthday Celebration. coming up.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA BEAR!

2006-03-02T09:17:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful day to have a Birthday. Today is Papa Bear's Birthday and as I was coming home this morning from taking Baby Bear to school I noticed some daffodils or "Easter flowers" as I call them, in bloom. They were beautiful. It was so warm here yesterday Papa Bear wore shorts outside! I just love spring it is one of my favorite times of the year. Everything just seems to come alive, even me.

I just want to tell Papa Bear how much we love him and Happy Birthday Baby! We are going to have many more years together and I can't wait to spend them with you! So, Papa Bear I hope you have a very good Birthday. We will celebrate YOU together today! Love you very much. From Mama Bear

Hello, Just A Note To Get Started

2006-03-02T02:35:00.000-05:00

Well, we did it. By the insisting of abandoned in pasadena (mom) we decided to give the blogging a try. First I will tell you a little bit about ourselves. I am Mama Bear. Sometimes Papa Bear may want to write and Baby Bear also, so we decided to do a family blog. I have been reading sevearal blog sites faithfully everyday. I really enjoy reading them but when it comes to writing my own I am a bit nervous about it. Not sure of what to say or how it will come out or if it sounds silly or what. It is very hard to write when you know lots of people are going to read it. And then again, maybe no one will. Oh well, I just wanted to write about my family and everday happenings. That way when my children get older they can look back and read these. I know I enjoy reading my mother-in-laws a lot and have found a few things about her that I didn't know. It is very late so I am going to go for now but will be back to write some more. I got this started late. By the way, it is almost March the 2nd so I want to wish Papa Bear a Happy Birthday. We love you very much Papa Bear. And Hello to all that is reading this.