Ben at Jackson Christian Basketball Camp

Ben had his first introduction to basketball this week at Jackson Christian's Basketball Camp with my Dad (aka Papa or Coach Thornton). Here are a few pics that Papa took of Ben in action.

Take a good look at the bleachers in this picture...You can see Jake playing in the bleachers!! Papa invited Jake to hang out one day at camp. He really enjoyed being Papa's shadow!

Jake's End of Season Party

We had Jake's End of Season party for his t-ball team last week. Cory was the coach and really enjoyed it. I feel like Cory has really found his niche as a tball coach. He's so patient with him and has so much to offer kids who are just learning how to play. Either way - he found something nice to say about each kid and asked each one of them what was their favorite moment of the year. Jake's answer was "being in outfield" -- go figure ;)

Ben's MONSTER Cabbage

Here's a picture of the MONSTER cabbage that Ben planted and is STILL growing for a contest at school. He came home with it in a paper "Bonnie Plants" cup with a note that there would be a photo contest in the fall when they return to school. The winner receives a savings bond - but I don't think he cares. He's so thrilled at how big it's gotten!! He's watered it himself and makes sure to show it to anyone who comes into our backyard. We decided to capture the moment before the bugs turn it into a buffet. Coleslaw, anyone???

Wacky Wednesday

School's almost over and I don't know who is more thrilled...the kids or ME! I'll be so glad to sit back & enjoy my children without having to cart them around everywhere!! Here are a few pics from Ben's Field Day at school yesterday.

We are so proud of Ben!

We was nominated by his classroom teacher as a "Terrific Kid" by the Kiwanis Club. His teacher says he's a model student and he's good to his friends. We couldn't be prouder of our Ben!

Becoming Neil Armstrong

Ben got to choose who he wanted to read about & dress as for his Biography Book Report. He chose Neil Armstrong. Well, after searching online for ideas for HOME-MADE costumes, this is the best we could come up with...a white shirt & his baseball pants for the "jumpsuit" and a paper mache' helmet, spray painted silver. I think it was hard for him to envision the end result, but - as you can see - he was thilled and had no problem acting the part.

WORK IN PROGRESS...

HEY! IT'S NEIL ARMSTRONG!!!

Jake & Ally's MDO program & preschool graduation

CANNOT believe we have ANOTHER Preschool Grad on his way to Kindergarten. Way to go, Jake! He was SUPER-proud for all of us to be there. Nannie & Papa (my parents) and Grammy & Pop (Cory's parents) were there too! Ally also sang "5 Little Monkeys" & "Pat the Bible" with her class. She, of course, was the star of the show ;) SUMMER'S ALMOST HERE!!!

35 and JOYfully Blessed!

Ok - so my birthday was 2 days ago...but here ya go...

I'd say nothing wakes you up more than hearing your parents sing "Happy Birthday" to you on your 35th Birthday like you're still their little girl. I guess I'm just lucky :) Anyway, since it's my Birthday, thought I'd share these 25 random things about myself that I posted a while ago on Facebook...enJOY!

1. I grew up in "the country" - always had cows, pigs, a garden and dogs/cats everywhere.
2. My grandmother's maiden name was "Hartselle" - The town I grew up in
3. We had a telephone pole in our driveway that MANY people hit w/their cars.
4. Some say I have the talent to BURP well :o
5. I went to MidSouth Youth Camp in Henderson for 7 summers and count those memories as the fondest of my life.
6. I began participating in Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes when I was in the 4th grade. I think it bro't me out of my shell :)
7. My first job was sweeping hair in a small hair salon...that's all I did!!
8. I kept a diary for 3 years when I was in middle school into high school.
9. I worked as a counselor at Space Camp (during college).
10. I started out pursuing a degree in Broadcasting and did the play-by-play on our campus radio for the basketball games for one year.
11. I twisted my ankle in an intramural basketball game DURING HALFTIME in college.
12. After only one date, Cory took me to the hospital when I sprained my ankle. Yeah, he's a keeper.
13. I sing "Jesus, There's Something About That Name" to each of my kids - every night. They can't bat an eye w/out it.
14. My oldest child was born 2 months premature - but you wouldn't know it now!
15. I was almost named "Crystal Gayle Thornton" until my dad had a student named "Joy"
16. I just started sewing 3 years ago and I love it!!
17. I have a recurring dream of an entire city that I've never visited and people I've never met!
18. When adjusting the thermostat, I CANNOT leave it on an odd number - yeah, I'm weird.
19. Even though I was a teacher, I hate using glitter...on anything.
20. I only wash my hair every other day - I got too much hair y'all!!
21. I have a problem holding my bladder - some of y'all know this all too well! So..don't make me laugh!
22. I know all the words to "Baby Got Back" (old FHU days)
23. I'm HUGELY addicted to sunflower seeds, even though my mother thinks it's gross.
24. I love the smell of anything my Mama's cooking.
25.I never tho't I could come up w/25 things..but I guess I did :)