Isbell Pursuit

Mom favs

2012-01-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

These are just random pics from the past few days that I like! It is fun to go by those coin rides with the boys these days because they don't ask for money to ride them anymore. They don't go as high or as fast as they like to go so now they just ask me to take a goofy picture of them in the ride. The boys took me to breakfast the Saturday before mine and Dax's birthday and gave up "guy" breakfast with David to celebrate me. David and Korwyn stayed home. I borrowed the shirt in the bottom picture of Korwyn from a friend just because it describes her perfectly. It says, "Yes, I've always been this happy"

Dax turns 8!!!!

2012-01-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

We had planned on taking 3 friends along with Dax to SkyZone Sunday afternoon to celebrate the BIG 8, but they were sold out so we ventured to Discover Mills instead for a little blacklit putt-putt, some slot car action, and some cookie cake. So thankful for flexible friends: Mooneys, Chases, and Robinsons! Dax chose Papa Johns for supper that night so he could let me choose one meal Monday :) sweet boy! Monday we had McDonalds for breakfast, he opened his SpyNet watch and we went to Toys R Us for the fellas to spend birthday/ Christmas money, then to Target to spend gift cards and ended at GameStop for the finale. We met Papa for lunch at Taco Bell where the boys were mesmerized by the t.v. Supper that evening was at Olive Garden and then we cut into the Pokeball cake to find Picachu inside!

Legoland III (nighttime)

2012-01-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! (from Lego Capital and Lego Times Square) The park rung in the new year at "Midnight K.C.T (Kid Central Time)" also known as 7 p.m. with a fireworks display. They gave us special glasses earlier that made Lego bricks appear at the tips of each explosion of color. The details and robotics were amazing with Lego hot dog trucks and taxis moving up and down the streets and the "Sound of Plastic" on Broadway as well as a band marching out in front of the Capital, boats in the water running below the Golden Gate Bridge and around Ellis Island just to mention a few and yes, it was all made out of Lego bricks!

Legoland II (daytime)

2012-01-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

Wow! There were so many great things for Legoland! The boys rode their first roller coaster, The Dragon, and rode no more after that:) Daddy and I have to wait a couple more years but think it will happen. We saw Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco, Legowood, Washington, Pirate's Cove, Cape Canaveral, Washington, and so much more! They built race cars, went to driving school, drove boats, jousted, shot targets on a moving adventure ride and played in playgrounds. They made Lego characters and pressed pennies as well as watch a 4D Clutch Powers adventure. Dax won a stuffed bull with a water gun race and chose Sensei Woo and Cole won a stuffed lizard from a fishing game and chose a Pirates of the Caribbean Fountain of Youth Lego set from the Lego store. We visited the Cypress gardens that were amazing with cypress knots and root systems. Korwyn was an amazing baby who played with an empty water bottle for 10 straight hours because her mom left her toys with never a tear or fuss! It was an awesome day!

Legoland I

2012-01-02T13:26:00.002-08:00

We opened up the park and shut it down. I took the first picture that morning before the crowd arrived and the other two around 5 when I went to get our sweatshirts out of the car for the New Year's celebration. I could have taken at least 4 more frames of nothing but cars. It was so cool to get there early! Thanks to the Mom tip we got from someone in our hotel the night before.

Silver Springs

2012-01-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

We journeyed through Silver Springs on our way to Legoland in Florida in late December. The boys really liked the glass bottom boat and Korwyn was mesmerized. She kept looking over the edge and just trusting Daddy to hold her. One picture is of a Native American canoe 55 feet down into the river! It is so clear and pictures can't do it justice. David and I both remembered this from our childhood and wanted to pass it on. Korwyn had her first experience on a carousel and David took a picture of the kids and me with the "Lucky" Palm tree. It is looped down and around itself. We of course visited the alligators both in the springs and in the Gator Walk. We saw the lights that night in the park and took in the boat parade. Those pictures to be added.

Christmas morning

2012-01-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

We set an alarm this year for them to await to come out so we could be there before them. David led me into their room before and he talked with them about the anticipation they were feeling. (see www.blossomlife.blogspot.com) Then, there was much surprise with light sabers, air hockey, a bebe gun, Angry Birds, and tickets to Legoland in the stockings! It was a fun morning and day full of playing together! They were so grateful and expressed it in surprising ways.

Train wrecks and Sugarplums

2012-01-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve was awesome this year! We baked many traditional goodies, made a train but it wrecked later in the evening, and opened the traditional books that remind us of each child or tell them some message. This year Dax received Skippyjon Jones, Colton received Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You, and Korwyn received Sometimes I LIke to Curl Up In a Ball. David read them their books and I read a few Christmas stories. They opened one present a piece from a sibling. Even though Dax had a slight fever, we snapped a few pajama pics before they went off to bed (or the floor - boys wanted to "camp" under their beds) to have their visions of sugarplums. Thank goodness the fever had disappeared the next morning!!!

Dax's Holiday Centers

2012-01-02T12:38:00.000-08:00

Korwyn and I attended Dax's Holiday Centers and enjoyed watching his class sing a few songs. Korwyn clapped for them after each song. Dax really seemed to enjoy showing off his sister! It was pajama day so she participated as well. Colton got to wear his p.j.s also to "ride" the Polar Express (box train through the halls).

Cole's Holiday Program and Centers

2012-01-02T12:33:00.001-08:00

Warbington Farms with Chases

2012-01-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

The Chase family invited us to join them at Warbington farms to feed some animals, enjoy some inflatables, be towed to the field by a tractor to feed cows, and have some hot chocolate. It was a wonderful day and we had so much fu topped off by lunch at Five Guys together.

Miscellaneous Holiday pics

2012-01-02T12:15:00.000-08:00

Cole is really enjoying artsy stuff lately- loves to draw pics and made this one for the Iron Bowl. Korwyn loves drawstrings. We got new outside decorations for the house. The flower pot was part of a teacher gift with different bugs made of the thumbprints of the entire class. She had shared that she collected gardening items. I added an am bulb kit under a poinsettia with gardening gripper gloves, a golden butterfly tree topper and 4 or 5 garden related ornaments (Christmas shovel, watering can, etc.)

2012-01-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

Decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving this year was so fun. The boys were really into choosing and cutting the tree and Colton was especially into ALL of it. We called him our Christmas Elf. We couldn't keep up! He had his and Dax's tree decorated on Thanksgiving Day and I was too slow with the tree when he was ready to move on to the mantle and stockings so he went to "wrap" some presents to go under the tree in their room. Those consisted of toys they already own in boxes that are used to pack up the ornaments. Korwyn enjoyed riding the trailer out into the field and back. She also got her own pink tree this year and the gang is all represented by Precious Moments on the tree. We bought the Lego guys and tree a few days prior and put them together on Thanksgiving night - just couldn't wait!!

2012-01-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving kicked off with Cole's Kindergarten Feast at school. Jack and Reniery were in the picture with him. He was "Chief Lightening Bolt". The boys got to help David cut the turkey with the new electric knife. I awoke before everyone else and the sunrise was a perfect and peaceful start to the day!

Colton's Birthday Party - 6 years old

2012-01-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

Attempting to catch up the blog

We celebrated Colton's birthday after the Cubmobile Race the Saturday following his birthday at The Dojo. He had a Ninja Warrior theme complete with a ninja obstacle course, cut his Lego Ninjago cake with a Samurai sword, wore a black belt, and kicked a board to break it! Chase Seek, Eric Seek, Zeke Robinson, Asher Robinson, Henry Torchia, Nicholas Torchia, Conner McClellan, Colin, Clayton, Reniery Cruz, and his cousin Bryson Irvine (with Memaw and Pepaw) were all in attendance. They all seemed to have a wonderful time! It was so cool to watch.

Mars and Venus meet once again at my house

2011-12-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

This morning I returned two Nerf guns the boys lost due to not abiding by the gun rules of the house: 1)Always point them away from anyone's face. 2) Do not look down the barrel of the gun. We were going over why they had lost them and how to keep them- reviewing "respecting" but not "trusting" any gun be it water/ rubber band guns or "missile guns" (Dax). Cole was listening and participating although you could almost see his fingers twitching to get a hold on the guns he had missed so much. After a few minutes his remark illustrated how his eagerness was about to erupt if I didn't wrap it up. "My ear itches because of all this talking..." It was a perfect "inside voice" with capped emotion almost monotone much like the annoyed husband with the overly chatty wife:) He is such a guy and though he loves his mother and is learning to respect her more and more, she does make it a challenge sometimes!

I Believe

2011-12-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

So behind on blogging but had to record this:

Today, I went next door to Shan's to borrow something and by the time Korwyn and I returned "Mr. Creator" (Cole) was hard at work painting some sticks from the yard with blue paint poured in my best Tupperware lid. He was preparing to glue them into a wooden airplane after the paint dried. I quickly changed out his palette and saved the lid was permanently blue and then joined him to work on a teacher gift.

As we painted together he quietly stated, "Mom, I would make a great elf." And I said, "You already are a great elf, buddy." (We have been talking about how much giving and wrapping and decorating he has been doing this year.) He replied, "Mom, I am serious. I mean when I grow up...an elf at the North Pole." There was nothing left for me to say but, "O.K." I wanted to ask how often parents of elves were allowed to visit but I restrained my mouth and kept focused on my own task. There we were in the breezeway side by side "elfing" away.

Now this would be cute from any child who stated it but his matter-of-factness and "maturity" about the whole thing was priceless. You see, they have both asked us and they know the truth about St. Nicholas but they seem to have hearts to give (especially Cole right now) and I have to say I believe him. I know that Cole will never be an "elf" at the North Pole but I believe in the probability of him "elfing"in life and serving people in a very profound way.

Cubmobile 2011

2011-11-16T09:42:00.001-08:00

We had our first experience as a Den at a cubmobile race on November 12, 2011. It was a brisk Fall morning and turned into a beautiful day! With hot chocolate in hand, Cole, Bryson, Memaw, Pepaw, and I watched as our 12 wolves took Den 5's cubmobile down the track and as my precious husband along with several other dads ran down the hill catching the car and up the hill towing it back to set on the starting block. Each boy raced twice (24 times for Den 5) and they averaged their times for a competing number. The Fire Blazer won third place for Best in Show. Dax came in second place at least once on his runs ( maybe both; I couldn't see all the others for video taping him). Cole hung out with his cousin, Bryson, Asher Robinson, and Eric Seek. Korwyn caught a morning nap but awoke in time for a quick pic. We celebrated the win with lunch at Steak and Shake!

Six!!!!!- REALLY?!?!?!?!

2011-11-10T18:41:00.001-08:00

I can't believe Andrew Colton Isbell has been in my life for six years! Dax climbed up in Cole's loft bed to awake him with a "Happy Birthday" tune and then they both came to get us this morning. The Ninja Theme Cole has chosen for this year's celebrations only moderately displays the entertainment, amusement and intensity he has brought to our world! We began the morning with the "traditional" birthday breakfast (a.k.a "camping foooood") of doughnuts and chocolate milk on a table of Ninja guys. Korwyn was so funny wondering what we must be doing having fire on food that early in the morning (candles)! David and I took pizza and a a cookie cake to lunch at school with the fellas (their lunches overlap only by 5 minutes)! Cole's teacher made him a crown to wear for the day and he shared, "because it was his birthday his friends picked on him" (what he really meant was they "chose him" when playing games :) When we arrived home from school he opened his presents. Upon noticing Dax's failed attempt to cover his difficulty watching Cole open his "mountain" (only 5) presents, my youngest son allowed his softer side to be glimpsed. He had opened two, reached to the three remaining, chose the medium sized one and offering it to his older brother said, "You can have this one." Dax asked, "Why are you giving me your present?" Cole replied, "I care for you..." Dax thanked him but with as much selflessness as he could muster stated, "It's your birthday, dude..." and gently moved the wrapped gift back to Cole. God, today is about thanking You for making them, for growing them, and for continually teaching me through them.

Korwyn Sitting Up

2011-11-10T18:39:00.001-08:00

Cubmobile Car Trial Run

2011-11-10T18:33:00.001-08:00

Dax and Lucky

2011-10-31T19:28:00.000-07:00

It is Dax's week to be the "Star Student" next week at school so it was his weekend to bring home Lucky, the "class pet" and journal about all their adventures together. Friday night, Lucky experienced Isbell Family Movie Night showing Winnie the Pooh (and Annie for mom and Korwyn) complete with pizza and popcorn. Saturday morning they got in a game of Chutes and Ladders before the rest of the family awoke and they each "won one game!" :) Dax and I put a Picachu costume together for Lucky to wear with Dax's Ash costume on Monday. Then we went to The Mix ( new self serve frozen yogurt place in D'ville), hit the playground for some family playtime, and headed to Uncle B and Aunt K's for some Zaxby's dinner and AU football! Sunday, Lucky experienced a down day for the Isbells' with some relaxation and some grilled burgers. Monday we hit a few Halloween stops and Lucky had tired little legs so he decided he would take a ride in the stroller until we were finished valuing "Experience."

2011-10-31T19:17:00.000-07:00

Halloween is far from my favorite time of the year, but it can bring about some awesome conversations and teachable moments! Plus it gets harder to avoid it as children get older- especially when they want to be a Ninja and Ash from Pokemon. I had a blast this weekend preparing for this day with the boys. Dax and I made Lucky's costume Saturday morning (will explain Lucky in next post). Colton and Dad cleaned out the pumpkin he got on his field trip to the Pettit Farms earlier this month and I helped add the face. First off today, we made footprint ghost painting to use as decoration as our feet get bigger (saw on Pinterest but couldn't find it again when went back). I threw together a "Snow-woman" costume for Korwyn about 20 minutes before we left because I was afraid she would be too cold as the planned "AU cheerleader" but I couldn't find her hat and her black nose never was applied. The boys were in a "costume contest and parade" at Lollipop Toy Store and Colton won the "Scariest"for which he received glow in the dark stars and moon for the wall and some slime. ( I always wanted these a child so I was excited - remember the little things amaze me!) He was beyond thrilled! Dax was beyond disappointed because he was Ash from Pokemon this year and that is "the most awesome thing ever" so he could not understand why the judges picked another Best Overall and didn't even recognize Ash. We proceeded from there to the Outlet Mall to trick-or-treat, then to Chick-Fil-A for dinner, and rounded off the evening with a trip to Uncle Bryan and Aunt Karen's neighborhood where we saw many of Dax's friends from school. At the outlet mall and the neighborhood, Ash was met with more familiarity and even a bit of starstruck eyes here and there which raised Dax's respect for these obviously more "cultured" crowds. If you didn't hear "Dax!" you heard "Ash and Picachu!" from some child and even the occasional adult. I would have loved to be able to take a picture of the most likely smug face under that mask when this happened!
As for the awesome conversations...they included: 1)Light and darkness and how they are sometimes used as synonyms for good and evil 2) gratefulness and what we deserve (as my friend Buck Webb says, "we deserve only death and hell"). We do not DESERVE candy; these people are handing it out because of the generosity in their hearts so the best heart choice is to say thank you and not complain. 3) discussions about those "lame people" that try to scare little kids (which my boys are definitely NOT just in case anyone was confused!) and how costumes are fun so keeping the fun in it for everybody is a better way to value people (and we will remember that as we get older - RIGHT?!?!?!) I do confess that even some of the costumes sported at 4:45 in the afternoon at the Outlet Mall in broad daylight got to me. Let's just say this is why it is not "Mama Bear's" favorite day and they were definitely on "Mama Bear's" bad side! All in all it was a good day ending with way too much candy and even the moon and stars

Fall Days 2011

2011-10-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like some time at the playground! Especially since we have not been together for the past two weekends! Weekend before last David and the fellas went tent camping with Scouts while K and I stayed home (she said she wasn't quite ready for the tent). Then last weekend the kids and I took a marathon trip to Alabama to see my Uncle Buddy who's Parkinsons has progressed pretty quickly of late. We did get to see Memaw, Pepaw, Uncle Denver, Aunt Shea, and Bryson Friday night with lunch with Papa on Saturday and a quick overnight visit with Nana and Pops in Auburn before pulling in the driveway Sunday afternoon 5 minutes before the rest of Den 5 for a Scout meeting! Of course with all this my camera died and I forgot the battery (the last time I went to Uncle Buddy's and Aunt Anne's I forgot the whole thing:) Oh well!
Back to the playground: Korwyn spent the majority of the time shielded from the chilly wind in her stroller and carrier while the boys climbed on David as much as the playground equipment! She did however catch a quick slide down the toddler slide.

Amusement in the House

2011-10-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been a struggle to keep the house as orderly as I prefer it to be. At times I have even left and just gone walking around the outlet mall just so I don't have to look at it and because I am not sure where to start (for those of you who know me well--shopping is not my favorite thing to do). Most of the time if I do get a notch knocked in it while the fellas are at school it returns to the chaos within minutes of us walking in the door at 3:30pm. It is not just them; it is the mail and the supper dishes etc. This particular night I put them to bed (D was working late) and I turned around from loading the dishwasher and smiled. I began to attack it and halted in my tracks, went in search of the camera, and recorded it for history. Because you see I know that my family room will not always be a mini amusement park with a pack-n-play full of fun, a superhero cape out of a flag, "lava walkers' (a.k.a. Daddy's shoes) and the "Path of Doom" running down the middle.

Fall Centers with the Fellas

2011-10-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

I love Fall! Aunt Karen and Korwyn hung out Friday while I attended the boys Fall Centers at school. In Colton's class I found the cutest ceramic pumpkins at Oriental Trading and at one center they used their thumbprints to make a Kindergarten keepsake for their parent. "I used my little Thumb-kin on this little pumpkin to add some eyes for this surprise," is what the tag they attached to it said. At one center they played candy corn letter bingo, at another the made scarecrow picture frames, and at mine we made wise old winking owls out of shapes (oval turkey, triangle cheese, circle crackers, and pretzel glasses). We reviewed their shapes and sang "Wise old owl, in the tree, whooooo are you winking at? Is it me?"
In Dax's class I volunteered at the Where's My Mummy? table at which I read the book and asked comprehension/writing questions and then we made a paper plate mummy. At the other centers they played word bingo, BooWho math where they added up math problems they drew out of a box on pumpkins but if they drew a ghost out of the box they had to put back all their pumpkins "Boowho!!!!" and the one with the most pumpkins at the end got candy. Finally they frosted Fall cookies.

"Q" and "u" Wedding

2011-10-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

The letter "Q" and the letter "u" got married today complete with cake and punch! They will be a team from now and forever to make the /kwa/ sound together. Colton was asked to be a "u" groom along with a boy from each kindergarten class. He was so excited to wear a coat and tie "like Daddy" and loved walking through the bubbles to the 'reception'. Korwyn and I went to help with setting up the refreshments and she REALLY liked listening to them practice their "Here comes the Q; here comes the u"song in the class before we went to the cafeteria for the wedding.

Cub Scouts

2011-10-18T18:51:00.000-07:00

This year with Scouts has brought many experiences with it which goes well with our values. D and the fellas went on a weekend camping trip with the Pack and District and they were exposed to many activities and safety rules that go along with those. Volleyball, cooking doughtnuts and eclaires over an open fire, archery, a b.b.range, hiking, etc. were just parts of their time. Korwyn and I went up and had lunch in our pack's little tent "village" on Saturday-she loved seeing Daddy and the boys and so did I. I loved seeing them do guy stuff together too! The den has also been working on our first cubmobile and the Fire Blazer has just had its finishing touches from Mr. Matt Cheek and will make its racing debut in early November.

Miscellaneous Fall Pics

2011-10-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Have a little preciousness in this one! T came to visit on Fall Break; Korwyn is constantly my dress up doll and I know those days will end so I am living it up right now; Cole has gotten back into the role play bin these last couple weeks. The lower pic is his candy corn "scarecrow" creation (head to the right) that he asked me to post.

Dax photo competition

2011-10-18T18:01:00.000-07:00

Dax submitted a photography project in a competition through Horizons for PTA. The given theme was "Diversity Is..." and he utilized different toys to set up a scene then he took pictures of with his DS from different angles to practice. After he took the angles he liked best with the camera, he changed the color and enhancements on the computer and we sent them to Wal-mart to have a collage developed. It was a mandatory project that he was not THRILLED to do but watching his face when they called out that he won second place at the gallery revealed that he may have enjoyed himself! He is so proud and excited that it is moving on to a county competition.

Pumpkin patch

2011-10-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

We visited the pumpkin patch with our Robinson friends on our second early release day of the year. We went on a hayride, fed some goats, and of course picked out some pumpkins which were named "Pokemon" ones (they were $1 instead of $.50 regular ones). Talicia said she was going to have a patch with some Dior and some Chanel pumpkins :) Dax noted that the goats pupils were rectangular so we had to get an up close shot of the eye.

Ninja Warrior Obstacle Clubhouse

2011-10-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

Working on our Ninja Warrior obstacle clubhouse in the backyard.

Grandparents' Breakfast

2011-10-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

Colton had a breakfast this morning at school for Grandparents' Day. Nana came back through town from Auburn to Edgefield,S.C. where she is currently doing travel speech therapy. They ran out of food before his class made it through the line (they were the last class) so it was a little disappointing but he handled it very well--only a few tears and no "mad angries". His teacher allowed the parents some extra time to grab some vending machine stuff for those who didn't get anything. We still had fun!

Auburn vs. Mississippi State

2011-09-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

Memaw, Pepaw , Bryan & Karen joined us to watch Auburn win over Mississippi State by inches in the last seconds today! Korwyn enjoyed her nap in Pepaw's arms and dancing with Memaw to commercials but we all scared her very badly when we yelled and cheered over the amazing victory. David was holding her in that moment and she got this horrified look on her face and then proceeded to "warm up her diaper" as the tears welled up in her eyes. She was calmed quickly by her daddy's reassuring words that everything was great and continued the afternoon imitating us with her own versions of cheers for the remaining SEC teams! Warrrrr Eagle!

Fall Picture Day

2011-09-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

It was picture day but I got some snapshots in the morning prior to heading to school and Korwyn wanted to model her new bow later in the day! The fellas picked out these shirts during the summer and were excited that I finally let them wear them. We attempted a silly pic but they just didn't have it in them that early on a Friday morning- they are still not completely accustomed to school routine and are worn out by Thursdays.

FundRun Day!!

2011-09-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

Thursday was Dax's 3rd annual FundRun and Cole's first. They had so much fun and as always the tunnel was the big draw. They had it set up this year where they could run through it on every lap and get misted a little bit. The kindergarten and first grade classes were in the morning session at 8:50am so it was a little chilly but it had warmed up very well by Dax's second grade and fifth grade session at 10:15am. Korwyn really enjoyed watching the brothers and since she has gotten a little more verbal, she cheered for them as well. They loved giving her a "high five" as we stood in the audience "safety zone" in the middle of the track but left us during the family walking lap and took off running halfway through it with friends. Colton's tunnel picture also has Mrs. Brown (his teacher) to his left. She likes Circus Peanuts and Donky Kong and to him that ROCKS!!!

From a 3rd Generation Auburn Girl to (hopefully) a 4th

2011-09-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

Game Day Do's:

Rise and shine!

Make memories and record them with photos!

Get your gear on!

Cheer your team on! Learn that you stand up on kickoff and you say "Touchdoooowwwn Auburn!" at the appropriate times!

Auburn Football can exhaust you! They can do much in 3 minutes (only it is usually 3 minutes in the 4th quarter not necessarily the 1st)!

You can celebrate a great deal after you recover from the game! (Brothers like to celebrate by letting you wear their stuff!) If you are close enough to the trees, roll them first; then go recover!

Finally, you sleep victoriously (win or lose) knowing you have loved hard- the people, the place, the game and even the opponents. For without them, there would be no game and no excitement!

Praying Mantis

2011-09-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

Colton went to ride his bike before school last Wednesday morning and noticed (non-obliv) this friend on his bike handle. We guided the bike to the front flower bed and pushed the handle near the Star-Gazer leaves and he climbed on to safety thanks to Sir Colton. (That picture was supposed to be rotated but didn't transfer:()

Lynchburg fun!

2011-09-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

It is not an Isbell vacation without a little putt-putt and some go-cart action! Korwyn got in some "driving" as well and Colton was showed his parkour skills everywhere we went! (Ninja Warrior has had a major impact on our fam!)

Camping in Virginia

2011-09-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

The KOA at Natural Bridge was having Renaissance Days! We also played our first game of Mexican Train as a family! Dax purchased a Nerf bow at the camp store which provided much fun. The quarter game in the camp store kept David (and then Farah) intrigued. We got stuck in the game room for an hour or so longer than expected due a thunderstorm and the fellas made friends with Megan, a third grade girl in the campsite next door. Along with the playground, she had their attention for our entire stay.

Virginia Visits

2011-09-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

We learned a lot on our trip. 1)Butterflies taste with their feet. 2)They will land on you if walk slowly. 3) It is 54 degrees year round in the Natural Bridge Caverns 34 stories into the earth. 4)David and Farah are old enough for their toys to be in museums:) 5) George Washington was an intern for Thomas Jefferson's father. 6) What a Monacan village looked like, how they made tools, how they braided rope from bark and leaves, and what it was like for them to grind corn.

Natural Bridge, Virginia

2011-09-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

After we dropped T off in Lynchburg, we visited Natural Bridge for a few days. They had beautiful scenery along the drive, on the trail, in caverns, etc. We also visited the Monacan Village exhibit and the Butterfly Exhibit along with some historical recreations in the wax museum. We walked down memory lane in a Toy Museum and were so happy to see many Star Wars toys from early 80s, Cabbage Patch Dolls, Masters of the Universe toys, and much more! They also had a doll like Nana's Jonathan on display.

Liberty Bound!

2011-09-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

We dropped Talicia off to start classes on August 22nd! We went up a few days prior with David and fellas taking RV and me, T, and K following in Talicia's new-to-her Explorer. It was a great drive through beautiful country and a thrilling walk down memory lane as she reminisced about Orting times almost the whole way. I am so thankful that God allowed us to sit and watch what He has been doing in her through all this and listen to her process all He is teaching her. Yes I did make her these cheesy little people out of extra toilet paper (which she hates buying for herself:), Lysol wipes, alcohol gel, trash bags, Kleenex, and pencils. They were supposed to be me and T sledding at Liberty but the boys informed me as I was finishing them up that they were the two of them--so we went with that story instead! It has been several weeks now and I still can't believe she lives in VA. I see her old car -Remi- parked in my neighbors driveway as I pull into mine (she kept their baby boy and we are all working on getting it sold) and still think, "Oh yay, T's next door!" Then I catch myself and remind mom-brain, "Dude-she is in class in VIRGINIA!"

School Days Fall 2011

2011-08-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

These are a bit out of order. Top is Colton at Kindergarten Open House playing DS while I filled out the paperwork. We have brother and sister love before leaving to head to school. David took the day off to drop us off in carline and celebrate the afternoon. Colton instructed me to walk Dax to his class that he didn't need my help, but I convinced him to let me walk behind him down the hall and snap some pics. Dax sat at his desk for me when I got to his room. Carline was easy for Colton because he had brother. We celebrated the first day with a trip to Menchie's yogurt, some playground time, and Zaxby's for supper. When asked in the car if they had seen each other during the day, they excitedly responded with "on the playground!!!!" Colton followed with a quieter, subtle, "My teacher lost me...she was worried." When I asked when he answered, "Sometime around World II" They were evidently pretending to be a SuperMario video game with some of Dax's friends when she had to come and get him. He wasn't worried though.

More Firsts

2011-08-04T15:28:00.000-07:00

Summer Reading

2011-08-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

The fellas set goals this summer with the library for reading both alone and listening and they completed their goal so they received certificates and a free book each. They were so excited to go pick their books. Dax got a Magic Tree House and Colton of course got Aliens Love Underpants! They also reminded me of Bryan and Matthew when on our way out of the library they asked me to take their pic with the statue in the foyer.:)

Korwyn Firsts

2011-08-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

So she is about 4 1/2 months and over last couple weeks she has begun grabbing feet, books/toys, and yes, Nana, her bows. She reached up and took it down around her neck on Sunday. She also experienced her first babysitter, Miss Mariel, on Saturday, her first Sunday in the nursery this weekend and her first swim yesterday at the Bagley house. The first two times she saw the pool this summer (at Griffin home and hotel) she did this odd squeal/ scream that she hadn't done before or since. We weren't sure if she was happy or scared. Yesterday she went in slowly and calmly and quietly giggled as I moved her around in the water. The boys have been so excited about her new experiences including getting her sticker for the nursery on her back

Trip to the Planetarium

2011-08-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

Parenting has brought up some get-to-know-you-better times for David and me. One such discovery was that we both really enjoyed the planetarium as children--we even both had stories about the gift shop:) So we took the fam down for some star gazing and some planet watching. They enjoyed looking at honey bees that were in a comb built into an outer wall, looking at a fiberglass model of a T-Rex head and some other dinosaur and animal exhibits. There were also some NASA space shuttle exhibits as well.

Brother Camp and Rudders

2011-07-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

We had a couple cooler days a week ago and enjoyed riding bikes down on our lane. The boys are getting so big and going so FAST now! We also have really been talking about controlling our tongues and using them to build up rather than tear down. After reading out of James and discussing how our tongue affects our attitudes and actions on Monday, I asked Mr. Ian Smith if we could come and see the rudder on his boat. We went over Thursday evening and examined the rudder while taking pics with the DSi for them to have access and a reminder all the time. I had shown it to them on a toy boat on Monday but the size on the real thing made more of an impact.

LEGOS have invaded

2011-07-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

This is the airforce fleet built by the fellas they hope send to the LEGO magazine.

Summer Rain

2011-07-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

I have fond memories of playing in the rain (no thunder/lightening mind you) while my grandmother sat at the front door in her wheelchair making sure I was safe. Even though there was no one to play with me, I can remember the way the water made small rivers as it traveled over the irregularities in the sidewalk and driveway and the way it smelled so fresh. As Colton looked up at me and pointed out each "river" he had discovered my heart jumped with him in joy. They of course added imitating Sonic the Hedgehog to their experience and threw in some Pokemon 'flava' but I loved watching them. We must invest in some kid umbrellas ( and not let them know about them until the actual rainy day- because they just broke an old golf umbrella they found in the garage on a sunny day:)

First Brother Camp Obstacle

2011-07-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

It began with carrying a bucket of golf balls together hanging from a golf club. They were to pass it to one another through each obstacle and use teamwork to balance as they traveled between obstacles. The crawled under the camping table; walked along stepping stones while balancing the bucket on club; went over a Rubbermaid box (the passing off of the bucket proved tricky here on the steepness of the driveway and balls went rolling- had to catch them for each other as the other one finished the obstacle); walked on a beam; had to shoot twice in the B'ball goal; go through the sawhorse; then had to work together to balance the club and bucket as they moved through series of three chairs, and finished up with tennis "groundies".

Loving "Thunderstorm" and "Poison Ivy"

2011-07-16T10:40:00.001-07:00

The fellas have been interesting of late. They are morphing more and more into boys minute by minute and I am realizing that I may be a little more girly than I would have thought a mere few weeks ago. They are growing their "Mars" tentacles (Men are from Mars Women are From Venus) and my "Venus" glow is definitely shining the spotlight on the "strangeness" of their behavior. Not only are they becoming more male; their personalities are also in interesting phases. Needless to say, all of this has caused some clashing this summer:) To top all of this their energy levels are so very present from sun-up to sun-down and having an infant (as easy as she is) has me completely unable to keep up.

At first I was frustrated by our inability to get on the same page. Now as I have processed I am amused at all of us and wanted to document thoughts and occurrences. In previous years, summers have been so wonderful with "Brother Camp" and fun activities, but we have been struggling both in communicating and enjoying one another's company. This year almost everything I have attempted has been "dumb" or "lame" or just not quite up to expectation. Our first Brother Camp obstacle course (which was delayed until last week due to Dax' nose having to heal for 6 weeks) had been anticipated and fell far short of the "Ninja Warrior" dream. It did do what Brother Camp has done in past years to draw them closer (for at least the 20 minutes it took to complete) but did not carry over past the activity like in former years.

Colton is in a phase where his primary goal is to annoy and destroy and Dax is just melodramatically annoyed with most everyone and everything. And they both are having a time with choosing words that don't get disciplinary action (i.e. stupid, dumb, stinking, shoosh you, hate, etc.) Besides just Colton's little antics to send his brother into meltdown and Dax's Grammy level responses (complete with fake crying) I have to remember the following. The past two days we have gone to get some lunch out of the house just to change up the scenery. On our way I have intentionally declared we would leave all electronic gaming at home and interact with each other in the car. This has been pleasant for all of us once they complete "withdrawals". We played "If You Could Be..." both days. When asked about what weather condition they would be, Colton responded with " Tornado" (which wraps up his current condition quite well:) Dax responded with a "Thunderstorm" (which also describes him to a T) When I replied "A misty rain that doesn't get you wet just lets you know it is there (like on a gray day in Seattle)," Dax promptly stated somewhat under his breath but loud enough to be sure I heard how "annnooyyying" mist is. Today when one of the questions was what type of plant would you be, Dax responded with a tree because they clean the air of CO2 and give us oxygen. Colton's was a riot: "poison ivy"! Enough said! There were many other topics and answers but these were my favorites. As I answered I realized I was just as confusing to them as they were to me.

I have been reading a book involving responding in wisdom, being slow to anger, etc. that had encouraged me to count to ten before giving answers or the like. Today, I am picking to take a moment to thank God for these two amazing individuals whom I have the privilege to hear fighting in the back seat, that I have the blessing of waiting on to decide what they want in their Happy Meal, and that slam doors on fingers before I react. It usually takes a little longer than counting to ten but it curves up the corner of my mouth and softens the gaze of my eyes better than those "stupid!" numbers:)

Fourth of July 2011

2011-07-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

We celebrated again at the Cumming Fairgrounds fireworks and invited North Lanier students and families to join us. It was a lot of fun and Korwyn experienced her first time in the RV. Having the air conditioning made the 4th much more pleasant for "Baby Girl" (that is her cooling off on the table). She did great with the fireworks. I kept her ears covered with the blanket and she "talked" to them while they sparkled in the night. The boys went up on the roof of the RV with David as usual and enjoyed them from there.

Miscellaneous Summer 2011

2011-07-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Seeing Papa for lunch at Mama G's on way back through Auburn Father's Day weekend. Colton and Korwyn sleeping in car. First "Kid's Club" (this is what Dax and Cole call the three kid group hug). Korwyn wearing the "Tailgate" sleeper (we have pics of al three in it). Bathing Beauty pic. Bubbles --there have been lots of bubbles blown this summer due to no swimming and rough play for 6 weeks while nose heals. New suglasses bought at Children's Place; it took forever for them to pick them out of the 25 or so styles and they ended up with matching camo pairs.

More Catch-up

2011-07-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

Summer has been a little crazy! Dax broke his nose the first day out of school and we have just been hanging out. One would think that would make for "lazy days" but it has created a bit of a stir crazy whirlwind. Korwyn went on her first girl roadtrip with Talicia and me to Cooka's wedding in Columbia, TN. We went up on Friday afternoon, stayed at a Jameson Inn, and returned after the wedding Saturday night. She got me good right before we went into the wedding but we had a great time! Korwyn met Granny and Pawpaw and the rest of her Isbell/ Lee extended family on Father's Day weekend. It was hilarious trying to get pictures with all the grandchildren and we are filling Granny's kitchen to almost overflow:) with not everyone there.

Dax Ends 1st grade and Tiger Cubs

2011-07-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Helms was Dax's first grade teacher. She helped him with so many things especially with his worries about Korwyn before she was born. She had some wonderful things to say about him at his center celebration like he was an amazing reader, awesome thinker (sometimes "out-thinking" her and causing her to look up answers), asked lots of questions, etc. She added that he made all people feel comfortable when interacting with them whether his own age or even adults.

He crossed the bridge in Scouts from Tiger Cub to Wolf Cub as well with David being his den leader. It will be an exciting Second Grade year when August arrives!

Colton's Pre-K 4 Graduation and Party

2011-07-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

Andrew Colton Isbell is headed to Kindergarten! He graduated from Concord Baptist Preschool and chose McDonald's to celebrate (of course!). He and Ashlyn Hartin received performer awards from Mrs. Mary (Cole's being "Rock Star"). He got that cute shirt as a party favor from Clayton at his party. He sat at the table with Ava during the second half of the year.

Blogger Catch- up

2011-07-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

So the last few weeks of the school year were packed!!! We dedicated to raising Korwyn up in a home that seeks God on Mother's Day. David helped the kids make me hand and footprint stepping stones. We had end of the year festivals, field days, Colton's step- up day to Kindergarten and such to celebrate the close of Dax's first grade and Colton's Pre-K4 years.

Star Student

2011-05-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

This was Dax's week to be the Star Student at school. He made a poster about himself to hang int the classroom, got to be line leader and run errands for the teacher. The students also write him a letter to practice writing. The invited us to join him for lunch one day so Korwyn and I met Talicia after Muffins for Mom with Colton and took Dax McDonald's. I hadn't told him we were coming and when they entered the lunchroom, he saw T & K first. He said, in a low processing tone, "That looks like Korwyn and then looked around to see me adding a big surprised grin. We enjoyed our Mighty Kids double cheeseburger meals but I had to take Korwyn out to the car for some care before it was time for the class to go back. T stayed to get a picture of the line leader. Mrs. Helms came to send him on an errand first and when he got back T had gone to the front office to check out. She said the class came to find her so she could get the pic of the leader:)

Muffins for Mom - 2011

2011-05-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

Korwyn and I went to Colton's preschool for "Muffins for Mom" on Tuesday, May 3rd. They sang "Mommy Loves Me" and "Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee" for us and gave us potted "flowers", a cool "Win" pin, a butterfly magnet, and a thumbprint flower bookmark. We had assigned seats and were instructed to put on our pins. When Colton came to sit with me for the meal he looked at the pin attached to my shirt and said, " I was going to wear that, but I guess you can." When I thanked him for my other goodies, he said they were all for me but the bookmark and that was for his book:) When I said the "I love mom" on the back is why I thought it was for me, he replied, "Um, I didn't write that." I love his honesty.

Easter Weekend

2011-05-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

So Easter Weekend kicked off officially with some fun at the North Lanier Egg Scramble and Carnival Saturday morning where Colton won a $10 Chick-Fil-A gift card. Haircuts for David and Dax followed with mine and David's first date night since Korwyn was born (she chaperoned:). Sunday began with Easter 'lunchboxes' instead of baskets and a flat tire. It was completed with some egg-hunting and a game of croquet with Hartins and Bryan and Karen. The difference between the boys and girls approaches to hunting eggs is quite apparent and amusing! They all four heard the same "1-2-3 Go!":)

Who's Who?

2011-04-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

Top: Dax Middle: Korwyn Bottom: Cole

Siblings

2011-04-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

As an only child, the beauty of the sibling relationship astounds me! I know I see it through rose colored glasses (or in this case sepia-colored) but I pray these three closer and closer together!

"Snora Jones", "Rufflelump", "Lael Bear", A.K.A Miss Korwyn

2011-04-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

Pondering...Trying to document the sweet size of this tiny creation. Her ear is the size of my thumb! Her pinky fingernail is about the size of the average marker tip. Her feet are one of my favorite things as with the boys! I just can't believe how tiny she is! Also wanted to document all her nicknames. She is a snorer so David dubbed her "Snora Jones" and Memaw enjoyed the ruffle-clad lump she carried on her shoulder.

Colton and Faithfulness

2011-04-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

Colton was presented with the Godly Character Award for Faithfulness on March 30 during his chapel service at preschool. David, Korwyn, and I went to watch the presentation. It was her first trip like this and her first of many chances to cheer on a brother. They discussed how someone who exhibits the faithful fruit of the Spirit is trustworthy and loyal. His teacher had previously shared her reason for choosing this one for him stating that she could trust him to do tasks and finish on his on (i.e. taking something to the office and coming straight back to the class as well as finish his work without her continually reminding him). She also shared how he shares with the class how he applies the Bible accounts to his own young life.

Oh my, what a crib does for a nursery!...

2011-03-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

...and the baby adds the finishing touch! :) The crib was a family effort with David staining, Pepaw shellacking and David and the fellas putting it together while Aunt Karen added accent ties to the bumper.

Happy First Week, Korwyn!

2011-03-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

May we have many more wonderful experiences along the way! We love you Baby Girl!

Making Frosties out of the Flu

2011-03-01T17:59:00.000-08:00

We didn't have lemons and didn't want lemonade but Dax had the flu and so we cheered ourselves up and got some fresh air with a picnic in the "back-back" of the Pilot while we waited to pick Colton up from school. Colton and I have had many of these moments on early release days, etc. awaiting Dax, but this was the first and possibly the only time Dax and I were able to gain this treasurable moment from a stinky circumstance one-on-one. You wouldn't know it was 70 degrees outside with his jacket and sweatpants or that he had been fighting a fever and achey-ness for the past 3 days with his awesome smile.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

These posts and pics are somewhat out of order but pregnant brain has gotten a little behind with blogging. Valentine's appears to have been all about food but really it wasn't... That morning the boys awoke to chocolate muffins and some new undies with candy. They went off to school to appreciate the sharing of their Valentines with classmates. The biggest, brightest Valentine moment was when David came home with the cookie cake declaring that Korwyn's name would be spelled with a "y" instead of an "e". He showed the fellas and me that he loved us by giving in his way for ours (like he does on a regular basis).

Nursery Beginnings

2011-02-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

Cub Scout First Pinewood Derby Race

2011-02-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

Dax's first pinewood derby race for Cub Scouts was Feb 5. He named his car White Lightening. Colton entered the sibling race and he named his car "Speedyrama". It was a very interesting experience for all of us, seeing the track and how the race was operated, and learning how we can make some changes for next year. (Colton wore his Awana Cubbies vest just to have on some sort of uniform)

My Newest Favorite Colton Quotes

2011-02-07T07:29:00.000-08:00

One morning last week, Colton: " Mommy, may I have some candy, please?" Me: "No, buddy, not at 8:29 in the morning; that is just not a good healthy habit."

A few minutes later, Colton as he hunts me down in the middle of carrying laundry: "Mom, now the clock says it is 8-3-3." (He can't tell time but he ain't no dummy; 8-3-3 comes after 8-2-9.)

"I stand correctwy!" (correctly) for , " I stand corrected!"

The Big Seven!!!!!

2011-01-23T16:55:00.001-08:00

Who is that kid sitting by the 7th hole of the putt-putt course?!?!?! That is my child--my child---and has been for seven years! I am in shock! ... And that expression. For the 15th and 16th his expressions went from "Mr. Cool" to the more familiar "Thrilled, Overjoyed, and Excited" Dax. We started celebrating with some heated pool time at the Hilton Garden Inn, followed by some Taco Bell and some hotel hang out t.v. time on Saturday night. Sunday got off to a great "Mario Kart" start with powdered doughnuts and chocolate milk ( the birthday breakfast usual) followed by heading over to the mall we so enjoy. Dax picked a Yoshi backpack for his present from the mall, Dad took pics of the boys and mom driving slot cars, the fellas shot some stuff at Bass Pro Shop and colored a wooden fish, and we finished off the day with a couple more presents and some cookie cake at the house.

Brothers

2011-01-17T13:46:00.000-08:00

The last five years of observing the boys' relationship unfold has been one of my favorite things. Today at Dax's seven year well check with the doctor, they were going through all the developmental questions with him and one of the social ones were if he had a best friend. He said he had a few--rolled through 6 or 7 names-- then said "definitely this guy" and ruffled Colton's hair. Nothing better, I tell you, NOTHING BETTER!

Ringin' In 2011

2011-01-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

Good food, good movies, and sparkles outside and in your drink!!! The boys successfully rung in their third New Year. We started out the night with Daddy and Colton's newfound chicken finger spectacular for dinner. Followed that up with Star War's IV and V (didn't get in VI), Dax reading the entire Night Before New Year's book (last year we alternated pages), our recap video of 2010 with all the Isbell adventures put to some of our favorite music from this year, and watching Times Square Ball drop leading to some Sparkling Grape Juice. (Mommy and Daddy got to use our new glasses from Memaw and Pepaw.) The night was sprinkled with caramel popcorn balls, cheese straws, "doo-doo wads", chocolate chip cookies and chocolate covered pretzels along with several trips outside for fresh air, sparklers, and pop-its. The sparklers were a WAY bigger hit this year than ever before!!! It is so exciting to watch them grow, change, and get excited about things that have been known to intimidate!

Christmas Eve and Day

2010-12-27T13:13:00.001-08:00

Dax was able to attend his first candlelit service this year without going into childcare. He said, "I really like how I share my light and then they share their light down the row with each other", with a big smile and sparkling eyes. After celebrating the Candlelight Christmas Eve service at North Lanier, we had dinner at Outback with Talicia and snuck in a few lights in one neighborhood on the way home. David had remembered the exact location of a family favorite from last year where Rudolf was pulling Santa up and out of a chimney on the roof. We went back and kept giggling at, "Ope, I forgot my sack!" We arrived home to go immediately to bed to rest for morning. Dax awoke at 5 but waited patiently for brother until around 7ish. There was so much to open from Granny's house, from Nana's, from Memaw and Pepaw's and Papa (we hadn't made it to any of those this year) --not to mention from us. As we were finishing, snow began to fall and we had a beautiful White Christmas the rest of the day and into the next, enjoying The Chronicles of Narnia- Voyage of the Dawn Treader at the theater Christmas night. Church was cancelled the 26th due to weather so we had another day of rest which was so needed.

Cookies with Aunt Karen

2010-12-27T13:05:00.000-08:00

A tradition that began a few years ago is baking Christmas cookies with Aunt Karen. She came to keep them this year while I worked and they made all sort of Christmas trees, stockings, and candy canes, and ginger bread men with icing and sprinkles.

My little "Cracker-Nuts"

2010-12-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

Saturday the 18th, we heard on the radio about Children's Healthcare's teddy bear donations. Colton perked up and questioned, "Wasn't that where I got "Teddy Bear"?" (beloved stuffed animal sleeping in his bed for the past 3 years) I confirmed this truth astounded that he remembered. He clarified that people donated them to the hospital and then the hospital gave them to patients. I confirmed again. Then they both wanted to know if we could take some teddy bears to donate. I have enjoyed following their lead on doing for others this year; they have surprised me more than once. It was too late that particular day so I checked with the hospital to see if they were taking them on Monday. Due to the weather they were extending it, so the boys used a gift card to purchase two bears and we drove them down on Monday. When we arrived they dropped them off. Colton remembered 'some fish wall' and the information clerk directed us to where it was. We interacted with the wall, looked at the actual fish tank, and followed her directions to the recently added huge toy train in the registration area. We also saw the "Cracker-Nuts" as they have come to be known around our house in recent years and Colton wanted a picture-which then turned into a fun photo session:) (I don't get those opportunities often--often have to pay pennies and dimes for pictures). Unfortunately Colton is now pronouncing it correctly as Nutcracker about 80 percent of the time. A couple of times he has slipped and said it the way he said it in former years but I think this is the last year of "Cracker-Nuts":(

Dax's 1st grade Holiday Centers

2010-12-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

Dax had an exciting time at Holiday Centers at school. He had made a reindeer sweatshirt with handprint antlers earlier that he got to put on upon arrival at school. The class took stocking stuffers for each other instead of swapping gifts. They made 3 or 4 ornaments, one of which was this glass ball that we squirted paint into and they rolled it around to make it swirl--really cool! They also made Christmas trees out of sugar cones painted with green icing and decorated with M&M "ornaments" - those were then eaten so they had green teeth. AWESOME!

Colton's Christmas party for pre-K 4

2010-12-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

We have enjoyed celebrating Jesus' birth with school fun as well. We kicked it off with Colton's program Tuesday night. They had the nativity and precious songs; Colton and the 4 year old classes played "Silent Night" with the hand bells and sang "Luke 2:10","Wonderful Counselor," and "I'm Getting Nothing for Christmas". It was awesome and he did a wonderful job!!!!! On Wednesday we had the party at school after chapel. Colton has worn his hat almost nonstop since Sunday and Mrs. Mary said he could wear it to school on Wednesday - so he did! Amanda Hartin and I were in charge of the party and went with Happy Birthday Jesus stuff. Oriental Trading had these nativity people finger puppets (Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and 3 wise men) that were perfect for the cupcakes along with H.B. J. cups and stickers etc. Nana and I had our picture taken with our favorite "triceratops" and Colton received a Toy Story 3 fishing game from the present swap. It is still utterly amazing to me to watch the boys at these parties. There were many triceratops at that table along with sea lions and vampires and once off the cupcakes, the wise men and josephs soon were acting out battle moves that would rival the WWF.

Santa...

2010-12-16T05:44:00.000-08:00

...has been an interesting topic this year. We have talked in our home about St. Nicholas in prior years and how he similar things that our family values. Putting all this together there have been several questions like "is he dead", "was St. Nicholas married to Mrs. Clause?", "some people pretend to be Santa, right mom?" -- which you know if you are not careful to respond correctly will be translated at school as things like "Santa is dead!" or worse. So these are the questions in parental wisdom always prompt another question like, "What do you think?" Jack Frost has also been a conundrum this year! In one movie he is helpful; in another he is the villain and Colton being of the non-obliv persuasion cannot make these two balance. So...

in all this investigation as well as how much they have enjoyed getting other people's stuff ready for Christmas, Colton has decided he and Dax are the "second Santa's"! It kicked off with the goody bag preparation from the previous post. The structural support came in this last Sunday. We had baked and baked Saturday with cookies (3 varieties), sugared pecans, brownie-like treats, and white-chocolate pretzels and made plates to take to friends. David and I had planned to take the boys and deliver them Sunday after church. ( I was skeptical how all this would be handled but was curious to see) We have tried to focus this season on our value of "people" both those we know and don't know. As we ate lunch, my amazing husband had another of his brilliant ideas-- '"what if we got elf hats or something from that General Dollar next door?" The weather was freezing -literally- so I went in to see what they had and returned to my awaiting delivery boys with two Santa hats and two reindeer antlers (only because I deter any conflict over one particular item on this specific trip). The boys both wanted the hats and David put on a pair of antlers so I, of course, joined in! This led to so much spontaneous fun that I think we have a new tradition on our hands! As the snow began to swirl harder and harder around our driving Honda Pilot "sleigh" the headphone cords transformed into "reins", David into "Dasher" (A.K.A "Asher"), and I into "Rudolf" (a.k.a "Runolf"). Colton had a hard time remembering our names throughout the trip but Brother was ALWAYS ready with 'all-knowing' correction. Each 20 or so minute visit only added excitement because our boys love to be around people. On the way back from Canton, one Santa had to catch a few 'zzzz"s. Our nine stops took about 6 hours with a celebratory meal at McDonald's for all the Christmas Spirit! It was one of my favorite days ever!

Christmas Spirit

2010-12-05T19:39:00.001-08:00

There are so many things that I love about Christmas; the soaking in of what really took place; the love that surrounds the Gift that was given; and the awe of the Giver. Earthly speaking, however, I have heard that Christmas is for the kids. I disagree. I think it is for parents. As a child, I did love Christmas but as a parent, words cannot express. To learn in the process of sharing the True Meaning and to see them understand and begin to revel in it as well with the childlike faith of their hearts, spirits, and souls brings more than any Christmas present could ever provide.

We have already gone in the cold and cut the tree that would what will for the next month be a giant scrapbook of our experiences standing in our family room. From recapping our marriage to the boys infancy through childhood, we celebrate each year that God has given us life. They have decorated their room as well with their own tree celebrating the abilities He gave them to create. We have gone to buy presents for cousins and have our plans to give to those who are less fortunate this season.

Yes, they have dreamed of getting but yesterday proved a favorite for me. I am trying to be a little ahead of schedule and prepare for the upcoming school celebrations, etc. I set up an assembly line of sorts at the table for them to assemble gifts for their classmates. (In prior years I have done this myself but I was curious). They had the bags the goodies - Colton's 10 and Dax's 23 of each. They both enjoyed it but Colton was overjoyed surprisingly so. He was on his 6th or 7th bag and smiling so big when out came, "This is what I'm talking about!!!! This is Christmas Spirit! I feel like an elf!" No bike, no porcelain doll, no pair of jeans, no toy or any other present I have ever opened was like that one and I got it before Christmas morning! The "bow and the wrapping" fell away as the answered requests of "soften their hearts", "give them ears to hear...", "show them Yourself", etc. gleamed with all the brightness of Your Glory because as I am learning I can say it, I can teach it and preach it but only You can mold it into them. Please continue to shape us all and help me to continually look through your "Big Book" and present my requests on behalf of my own children and so many others. Give me diligence, persistence, focus, and faithfulness.

Thanksgiving- camping and cousin time

2010-12-05T19:38:00.001-08:00

FIve....really?!?!?!?!

2010-11-11T06:29:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated enjoying the last five years with Colton! It started of course with powdered doughnuts and chocolate milk to a Star Wars theme topped off with a Yoda card from Brother and "Dinosaurs Love Underpants" book as a card from us. It continued with some 'jedi ship" cookies at his school with Daddy off from work... Moved into lunch at McDonald's with Mom and Dad... He was able to open his savings account at the bank today and deposit a birthday check! He felt big and seemed to love it. We opened presents and had more jedi ships after Dax got home from school and then finished off with supper at Cici's pizza. Happy Birthday, Dude! You rock our faces off!

I Never Dreamed...

2010-11-11T05:42:00.000-08:00

Five years ago on November 10th while holding you the first time, I never dreamed...

...people would come to the carrier in a restaurant to see where that "amazing laughter was coming from" and say "he is so tiny to laugh so heartily".

... that my heart would flutter to find Hot Wheels in my shower or Legos in my washer...

...that I would understand that "Can I have my little sword" referred to my car fingernail file...

...that I would feel so much when someone else was happy (or angry, or tired, or sad)...

...how awesome it would be to hear "I think Mommy is pretty" or "Mommy, you look like a princess"...

...the depth from which the laughter would erupt to hear you imitate something and then exclaim, "Nailed It!"...

...how much it would warm me to witness a love between brothers...

...how much I would enjoy "cheffing" with you...

...how much humor and joy you would bring to our family!

We love you Andrew Colton Isbell! Happy 5th birthday!

Birthday boy

2010-11-07T05:55:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Colton's birthday this weekend because it falls in the middle of the week this year. We went to the "Awesome mall" and stayed in a hotel nearby Saturday night. We played two eighteen whole blacklight putt-putt courses, raced slot cars, purchased a speeder from the Legos store (which we HAD to assemble at the hotel), enjoyed Great American Cookies, and swam at the hotel after having Taco Bell for supper. Colton had number 88 slot car, Dax had number 24, and Daddy had number 7. He chose a sugar cookie with sprinkles and put most of the speeder together by himself with only a little assistance. It came with Luke, Obi-Wan, R2D2, C3PO, a Storm Trooper (a 'men' to Colton) and a droid.

A boy and his dog

2010-11-07T05:50:00.000-08:00

Nothing beats a little relaxing and watching T.V. with "boy's best friend" and Faith really liked it!

Best Camping Trip EVER!! (so far)

2010-11-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

A little of this and a little of that... some wrestling in the tent "playroom",... fishing on the bank, playing on the playground,... riding bikes around the 'loop' feeling big and independent,..."chilling" at the RV, ...playing on the rocks,... napping, ...helping Dad grill,... learning some football fundamentals(i.e. breadbasket), ...learning the hard way that hot chocolate must be enjoyed outside the RV :),...launching the glow-in-the-dark whirlygig off the top of the motorhome after dark,...telling "spooky" (really silly) stories in the tent with flashlights (love their imaginations),...getting our "faces scared off" by Daddy when he shook the tent unexpectedly,... and of course having "camping food" (i.e. powdered doughnuts and chocolate milk every day for breakfast). That was all yesterday; low key being together after most people had packed up and deserted the campground. Today the boys helped Daddy take down the tent, rolling out the air, take down the chairs and canopy, unhook the RV etc. More being together unhurried and taking it in.

Favorite quotes of late:

Colton- "If it is a girl, I am going to buy her 40,000 baby dolls."

Dax - (to the visiting boys from the adjacent campsite when they asked where their sleeping stuff was as they entered the tent) "Oh we sleep in the RV; this is just our playroom..." The other boys, "Mom, we've got to do this!!!"

Colton- "Dad, now all my brave is gone! You scared my head off!"

Dax -(under his breath) "No he didn't; it is still there!"

Bring on the Ducks

2010-11-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

We included a ride on the "Duck" World War II vessel during our final annual pass trip to Stone Mountain. It seated 33 passengers and can travel on land and water. The tires continually rotate even while submerged and turn when under rudder control. Capt. Larry allowed both the fellas to drive the duck and Colton took a picture of Dad and me over the seat and despite his "PFD" (personal flotation device). The 'quackers' were the second highlight of the trip for the fellas behind driving. Were we trained by the captain that they were not noise makers but rather musical instruments to accompany "Who Let the Ducks (Dogs) Out", "When the Saints Go Marching In", and a few other popular tunes.

The Pumpkin Festival

2010-10-31T17:34:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had the chance to go putt-putt with Anakin Skywalker or to watch a Storm Trooper on a zip-line? Well I have and it is a thrill a minute! We enjoyed some of the Skywalk and the putt-putt along with a scavenger hunt for some candy utilizing the Force of course!

First things First

2010-10-31T17:21:00.001-07:00

After partially setting up camp, having dinner, and getting a good night's rest, we began the day with pumping bicycle tires for a quick ride to the camp store. Then we prepared to be off to the park for the Pumpkin Festival.

Dax Fall Centers- 1st grade

2010-10-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

Dax's First Grade Fall Centers were a big hit complete with good friends spiders made from double stuffed Oreos and pretzel sticks, Candy Corn men, Cookie decorating, and Candy corn Bingo which he won and celebrated with his dance!

Dax's First Belt Loops for scouting

2010-10-31T06:36:00.000-07:00

He achieved his Pet Care and Video Game belt loops and was awarded at the October Pack meeting where they came dressed as community helpers.

Colton Pre-K 4 Firetruck day

2010-10-31T06:18:00.000-07:00

He loved getting to sit up front and DRIVE! The fire safety story was really funny and he was more comfortable with the firemen this year! They even let them hold a nozzle!

Superheros night at the Chick

2010-10-31T06:07:00.000-07:00

Colton was soooo excited and he even told me to take the camera to take a picture of him with Batman but when we got there he was a little more intimidating than Colton anticipated. It was a fun night all the same.

2010-10-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed the Auburn vs. Arkansas game with Bryan and Karen, Jonathan and Mary, and Buck and Beth Webb. The Webbs were celebrating their sixth anniversary to the day of their engagement! We tailgated at the RV, attended Tiger Walk prior to the game (where Karen got a Cam Newton high-five) and of course the rolling of Toomer's Corner after the 65-43 win over the Razorbacks. The win was not my favorite part of the day. Besides spending time with great people, I loved hearing that Coach had pizza delivered to the early arrivals in the student section (feeding the family) and watching Cam lead a majority of the team to transition out of the bit of third quarter funk into fourth quarter pump and toward the other side of the field!

A little Boosterthon here and selling a little Popcorn there

2010-10-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

Daxton has had a busy couple weeks. He has had his first experiences with door-to-door fundraising and he ran in his second Boosterthon fun run.

Miscellaneous Fall 2010

2010-10-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

The fellas "helped" Pepaw and Memaw rake leaves. There were "raining leaves, leaf angels," and some buried Bakugan in the pile.

During the three weekends of road trip back to back, I was shocked that it took David and I almost 7 years of parenthood to invest in $10 headphones for our "coach" passengers! :) That was the best investment we have made in a while!! Colton shared with me his newly learned air-drumming technique.

Colton's Pre-K 4 Hallelujah Party 2010

2010-10-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

"This is the most awesomest hayride ever!" he exclaimed as we went back through the country behind the preschool. When we returned and saw Daddy waiting in the pumpkin patch, it was even more 'rockin'! A party complete with cupcakes and western wear completed the exciting day.