Krewe of Carlton

Rainy Saturday Fun

2012-02-04T20:55:00.005-06:00

What a fun afternoon playing, cooking and, by Kyleigh's request, all coloring at the kitchen table! Ben and I actually did most of the coloring. Kyleigh would scribble some then tear the paper of the crayon or break it in half. What are we gonna do with that girl?

Girls Night Out

2012-02-03T23:19:00.000-06:00

Well, if you want to call it that! Cooper went to spend the night with Nana and PawPaw while Ben and Andy went to Mike's Dad-chelor Party. We all know that Julie and I don't cook so we took the girls to eat at Izzo's followed by a trip to the party store. We were pretty proud of ourselves, actually got something accomplished while trying to keep these two entertained.

Silly girls...

Playing in the buggy with Dora, Boots and Elmo...

Poowoe Gras 2012

2012-02-03T22:12:00.085-06:00

My friend Shanda and her husband Bo lost their little girl this past September. She died unexpectedly during her nap. She was almost 3. Her favorite stuffed animal was a poodle she named Poowoe. The Pink Poodle Pillow Project was started as their way to honor Bailey and spread her love to other children. Today, the PPPP held Poowoe Gras 2012 and was able to deliver 232 pillows and blankies to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital.

Bailey with Poowoe...

I met Shanda and a group of family/friends at her sister's house in Prairieville to tag, organize and load the pillows for delivery.

Green frogs, purple hippos and yellow duckies for Mardi Gras...

Let the tagging begin...

All organized and ready to be delivered...

Had fun with these ladies, all for such a great cause...

Arriving at OLOL...

Look at all those Poowoes...

Our group who were able to see the smiles of about 100 patients as they received their Poowoe. What an amazing day, I know Bailey was smiling too!!!

Bayou Bash 2012

2012-02-01T22:10:00.023-06:00

National Signing Day is here! Back to the River Center with Mike and Jocelyn for another Bayou Bash!

Our table...

Me and my love...

Uncle Glen "working" the Community Coffee Trolley...

The Carltons and O'Neals...

Me and Uncle Glen...

The Golden Band from Tigerland...

Felder turns 40!

2012-01-29T22:08:00.018-06:00

The JOCs headed to Spitale's in Amite to celebrate Felder's 40th birthday!

Big Mike and Julio...

Mike and J...

Oysters anyone? They were delicious!..

Guess who is 4-0?

Love that he took his candles off the Randazzo's king cake before blowing them out...

Group picture...

Tori, Traci, Jamie, Christi, Julie and Wendy...

Cooper's Birthday Party

2012-01-28T22:03:00.025-06:00

After donuts, we headed to Don Carter's bowling alley for Cooper's birthday party. We had a great turnout and the kids had plenty of fun!

Ky and Ana climbing on Aunt Amanda...

The boys ready to bowl...

Daddy helping Kyleigh bowl...

The birthday boy...

Miss Sassy...

Time for some pizza..

His bowling ball cake...

These two spell TROUBLE...

Happy boy...

Singing Happy Birthday...

Opening presents...

So excited about his Hornets tickets and tshirt...

Ky playing in the arcade...

The cousins...So glad Decatur, Ana and Aunt Amanda could be with us today...

Me and my special boy...

Decatur wanted in the picture...

Look at our superstar!

2012-01-28T09:01:00.013-06:00

It's Cooper! I won "Billboard for a Day" at Cooper's school auction last March. I have been saving it for his special day. The two of us went to get donuts this morning while the rest of the family slept in. As we were taking a detour through the parking lot, Cooper saw it and said "Hey mom, THAT'S me!" He thought it was pretty cool and couldn't wait to get home to show everyone the picture!

Happy 7th Birthday Cooper!

2012-01-27T21:02:00.017-06:00

It's hard to believe that you are 7! We are so proud of the boy that you are! We Love You!

The birthday boy ready to head to school on his big day...

And his request for dinner tonight: crawfish. They were so yummy!

Somebody is turning 7

2012-01-26T23:59:00.003-06:00

Cooper's birthday invitation...

Basketball is coming to an end

2012-01-26T23:57:00.019-06:00

Basketball is almost over. Tonight we had our trophy presentation party and played our second to last game. It's amazing how much the kids improve over each season and year to year. The highlight of Cooper's season: making a steal, taking it down the court on a fast break and scoring the layup!

Cooper getting his trophy from Coach Brad...

So proud of you Cooper...

Congratulations to the Black Ninjas on a great season...

Our team...

Our point guard...

Driving the lane...

As I was taking pictures of Cooper on the court, guess who said "Take MY picture Mom"...

Chamber of Commerce Gala

2012-01-21T23:42:00.035-06:00

Mike and Jocelyn invited us to join them, along with the Jacobsens and Felders, at their table for the Gala again this year. It's not everyday that we get to dress up and go to an adult party. But hey, when you have friends like Big Mike, what do you expect?

Our table...

The ladies dressed up for the occasion...

The Carltons...

The O'Neals...

The Felders...

The Jacobsens...

It was so great to see Angela there, she joined our table after dinner...

All of us...

Me, Julie and Jocelyn at Big Mike's afterwards...

Painting at Brushfire

2012-01-20T23:39:00.026-06:00

The ladies of First Baptist Church had a get together tonight at Brushfire in Denham Springs. It was a great time of fellowship, food and fun!

Ladies of the Young Married Class: Dana, Julie, Me and Marsha...

The inspirational painting...

And we are off with the first color of our background...

Adding the second color to my background...

Julie making nice progress...

Our table's finished product. This was my first time painting. I have to say I never thought I would paint anything that resembled the inspirational piece. Great way to spend a few hours relaxing with friends!

BCS Championship Monday

2012-01-09T22:11:00.050-06:00

Well, it has finally arrived. IT'S GAME DAY, baby!!!

Started our morning out right with a breakfast of Champions at Pierre Maspero's...

After meeting up with Justin and his friends, we made our way to the Bud Light Tailgate Party on Poydras.

Ben and Mike...

Me and J...

Love tailgating and football with this man...

This is for you CY (or dizzer)...

The sun is setting, it's almost game time...

Us girls had to take a rest and have a seat...

The 610 Stompers...

Geaux Tigers...

Headin to da dome...

Made it to our seats in the dome...

The Golden Band from Tigerland...

Had to get a pic of the Honey Badger for Coop...

The fireworks as the Tigers ran out on the field. Well folks, probably the most exciting thing of the night and where I stopped taking pictures. The game was AWFUL. Bottom line: LSU did not show up ready to play and Bama did. Bama 21- LSU ZERO. Sorry that such a great season had to end on such a sour note. However, we still bleed purple and gold and ALWAYS will. Until next season...

Sunday in NOLA

2012-01-08T22:03:00.044-06:00

Good Morning NOLA...

We headed down Chartres Street for some breakfast at Cafe Fleur-de-lis...

Shopping in the French Quarter...

Jocelyn and I had to stop in NOLA kids to see what we could find. We found the cutest children's books about NOLA and were buying them for the kids. Just so happens that the author of the books, Cornell Landry, was scheduled to be there for a book signing later in the day.

One of his books AND a Big Mike's business card...

Group of LSU nurses with their Bama patient. They had their drinks and music and just strolled the streets...

Taking a break from walking to enjoy some music...

Fan Fest...

Back at our hotel waiting for the Les Miles show...

Cheerleaders leading the lobby in a cheer...

Me and Big Mike...

Dinner at Cafe Adelaide...

Good night NOLA...

Who Dat Saturday

2012-01-07T21:54:00.068-06:00

When making our plans weeks ago for our weekend in NOLA for the BCS Championship, we had no idea that the Saints would also be in the Playoffs with their game at home. Our rule for LSU road trips is that everything in your suitcase or wardrobe has to be PURPLE and GOLD. Well, we had to make an exception for today and wear black and gold to show our support for the Who Dat Nation. We picked up Mike and Jocelyn bright and early and were on our way for all the excitement happening in the Big Easy. Julie, Andy, Mike and Jeff met us in the French Quarter to enjoy the city before they headed to the game.

All of us in front of St. Louis Cathedral...

The boys at Harry's Corner Bar...

How precious is that little drummer?..

The girls at the patio at Pat O's...

Julie, front and center, with a group of randoms. She wanted a picture with the guys with the painted faces. They had so many people requesting that they decided to make it a group pic...

All of us at Pat O's...

Julie and her brothers...

And then we made our way to Bourbon. Found a new place, The Swamp. Great balcony, not crowded and awesome music...

Me and my hubby...

Mike and J...

Andy and Julie...

Had so much fun shaking my booty with this girl...

The boys inside the Swamp...

On Bourbon...

Last pic before our group split and Julie took her camera :) The Carltons and O'Neals headed back to our hotel to find a spot to watch the game while the Jacobsens and Dumestres headed to the Superdome. The Saints won! Such a fun day with great friends!

And it is finally here...

2012-01-06T21:58:00.001-06:00

Truck is packed and ready to head out in the morning...

From the mouth of Kyleigh

2012-01-01T21:01:00.007-06:00

Kyleigh talking in the backseat on our way home from Tennessee today.

You listening to me Dora?
NO, NO don't hit backpack, right?
You need to go to timeout!

This girl is too much! She keeps us entertained!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T22:24:00.011-06:00

New Year's Eve was our last night in the mountains. We went out to eat, did some shopping then headed home for a quiet evening. After watching some football (and NCIS thanks to Paw Paw), we headed to the hot tub to welcome the New Year in! Goodbye 2011, it's been great, looking forward to 2012!

Ober Gatlinburg

2011-12-30T22:23:00.003-06:00

Gatlinburg

2011-12-30T22:16:00.041-06:00

We waited all week to see if they would make enough snow at Ober Gatlinburg so the kids could go tubing or try sking. The weather didn't cooperate for snow but we still wanted to tour Gatlinburg and go to the top of the mountains.

Waiting in line for the Aerial Tramway...

And here we go again...

Ky trying to beat up Cooper...

Cooper looking out as we traveled up...

Beautiful views...

Ky and Daddy ready for some lunch...

Me and my favorite 2 little ones...

The slopes at Ober, not much snow...

But did have some deer that came to check it all out...

Sweet girl ready to check out the park...

Riding the horsy...

Big brother helping her down the stairs...

Riding the train...

Cooper on the swing...

Sliding...

Sadly the alpine slides were closed due to the wind but the kids decided to take a turn in the sled...

Downtown Gatlinburg at Old Smoky Moonshine Holler...

Tram we took to top of mountain and back...

Date night with my boy

2011-12-29T22:14:00.000-06:00

Ben and Paw Paw went to play golf today while the rest of us stayed in our pajamas in the cabin. Cooper had been asking to play putt putt. When Kyleigh went down for her nap, I offered to take him. His words "Mom, I don't want to play with a girl!" However, when I offered to take him to the movies tonight, he was happy to go with a girl! He loved the movie. He laughed so often and loud that he had the lady next to us laughing at him. Now that Ben is home, it is usually the 3 or 4 of us doing things together. However, tonight was nice being just the 2 of us! I love this boy!

Cabin Fun

2011-12-29T21:19:00.024-06:00

This vacation was exactly what we needed: RELAXATION! Several of the days we stayed in our pajamas and just enjoyed our time together in the cabin watching movies, playing games, doing puzzles, reading and napping. Love our family time!

Playing Xbox...

Laughing with Daddy...

Kisses for Daddy...

Kyleigh taking Cooper's picture with her new camera...

Cooper's turn as the photographer (think they got this from me, ha)...

Time for wrestling...

Kyleigh still trying to get Cooper...

Watching movies...

Ben playing pinball...

Guess who got the top 10 scores?..

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2011-12-28T21:40:00.008-06:00

Happy 35 Daddy! We love you so much and can't wait to spend many more birthdays with you...

Singing to Daddy...

Helping him blow out the candles...

Trying to race to see who can open a present the fastest...

His new bracelet from us...

Wonderworks

2011-12-28T21:29:00.040-06:00

After a day of relaxing in the cabin yesterday, we decided to venture out today to Wonderworks today.

Daddy and kiddos outside...

Me and my girl...

Kyleigh seeing how tall she was...

Cooper waiting his turn to pitch...

Throw that ball Cooper...

Checking out the space shuttle...

Ky wanted a turn...

Landing an airplane...

Virtual hockey...

We took a break and headed to Tony Roma's for lunch. The kids still had plenty of energy to play in the booth...

Ky getting Coop's nose...

Lovin on brother...

Now pulling his ear, that girl...

All of our shadows...

Ky and Coop...

Ben and Cooper's hands in the top, Mine and Kyleigh in the bottom one...

We all love the bubbles...

Love how amazed she is...

So much fun...

Look how big Coop's bubble is...

A sheet of bubble...

Coop helping Mommy...

Bed of nails...

Playing the harp...

Played hard, sacked out while Daddy and Cooper finished with a game of Laser Tag...

Surprise! It's the Mountains!

2011-12-26T21:06:00.047-06:00

We left Monroe on Christmas night and told the kids we were going home. Little did they know we were actually headed to Gatlinburg for a surprise vacation! Our plan was to get as much of the driving done while they slept and stop at a hotel when Ben got tired. We thought they would figure out once we woke up at a hotel since we don't stop at a hotel on our way home from Monroe.

In the truck after breakfast at our hotel, they still think we are headed home...

Silly girl...

Mountains...Cooper would have conversations with us about the mountains but never asked enough questions to figure out what was going on. He did know we weren't in Louisiana...

We have arrived...

We stopped to check in to our cabin and finally told him what we were doing there. Glad he is excited...

Our cabin...

The front porch...

The living room, all decorated for Christmas...

The Kitchen and dining room...

The loft upstairs...

Bedroom...

Kids checking out the gameroom...

Gameroom...

Sitting on the swing...

Our views...

Pond where Ben and Cooper went fishing . Cooper got a new nickname "Tadpole" after he fell in!!!

Christmas at the Farm

2011-12-25T23:04:00.010-06:00

After exchanging presents at G and Poppy's, we headed to Aunt DiAnn and Uncle Glen's house for dinner with our extended family. It was bittersweet as this would be our last get together at "the Farm". Lots of memories from this house!

Cousins: Amanda, Pamela and Ben...

Sisters: DiAnn and Gail...

Christmas at G and Poppy's

2011-12-25T22:51:00.046-06:00

After we played with the toys from Santa, it was time to get ready for our Christmas with the Dupuy's and McMurray's.

Love this pic of G with her grands, ready to start handing out the presents...

Guess who is feeling much better? Love you Catur man!..

Let the chaos begin...

Cooper ready to go...

Ana gets her play doh...

Think Brett is excited?..

Opening her camera...

Wow is all I can say...

After the mess is cleaned up, the girls play while the adults get ready to open our gifts...

G and Poppy excited about their bed and breakfast trip to Natchitoches...

Cigars to celebrate LSU victory(s), great idea Amanda!..

He wanted to buy this for several family members and now he gets his own...

Ellen...

Amanda...

G opening her Tshirt...

Think she likes it?..

No, she LOVES it...

The cousins...

These boys are so sweet...and the girls, well that is a different story...

The McMurray's...

Our family...

Me and my honey...

Santa!

2011-12-25T22:05:00.025-06:00

Santa found us at G and Poppy's house. The kids made sure they told Wally to let Santa know where we would be!

Cooper...

Kyleigh...

Little stinker went down to go through his stuff and didn't come to wake me first...

Helping Kyleigh to her things...

Of all things Santa brought her, she grabs the $4 Boots first, go figure...

Cooper on his motorized scooter...

Spiderman...

Ky on her Dora quad, Cooper with his iTouch...

Loves her Backpack...

Kyleigh and I playing with all her toys and sharing some candy...

Daddy teaching him how to ride the scooter...

And he is off...

How sweet!

2011-12-24T21:52:00.000-06:00

Cooper loves Decatur so much. He was so sad that Decatur was sick and they couldn't play together. While I was ironing our clothes for church, Cooper asked me how to spell Decatur's name. When I looked up, he was writing this:

Love that sweet boy...

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T21:21:00.038-06:00

On Christmas Eve, the four of us went with G, Poppy and Ellen to the Candlelight service at North Monroe Baptist Church. It was beautiful! The kids enjoyed it so much, especially being in "big church" with us. Kyleigh even cried when we were leaving saying "I want to go to church!". Melted my heart! After church, we went to eat at O'Charley's then drove to see the Christmas Lights. We were sad that the McMurray's couldn't join us. Brett and Decatur came down with the stomach bug. So, we postponed our gift exchange until Christmas hoping they would feel better by then.

Our family...

Me and my precious kiddos...

Love these 2...

Ky decided she didn't want Coop to take a pic with her. She can be such a bully :)

Miss Diva...

Wally our Elf

2011-12-23T20:51:00.026-06:00

The kids have loved that Wally is back with us every day. Ben and I have enjoyed the fact that all we have to say is "Wally's watching" and they both are quick to stop misbehaving. Wally has found his share of places to stay:

As part of the Nativity Scene, or as Kyleigh says "with Baby Jesus"...

By Lee Lee's picture...

In our stockings...

Riding the reindeer on the tree...

On the pot filler...

Every morning when Kyleigh would get up, the first thing she wanted to do was go find Wally. She loved finding him and would always say "There he is"! Yesterday as we left for Monroe, both kids said their goodbyes to him. So sweet! We will miss Wally. Until next year...

Packed and ready!

2011-12-22T20:09:00.001-06:00

It's finally here: Christmas and Vacation! So excited to be spending the next 12 DAYS with my three favorite people! First, spending Christmas with our Monroe family then surprising kids with a trip to Gatlinburg to hopefully play in the snow!

LOVE going...

2011-12-21T16:38:00.008-06:00

...to our mailbox this time of the year!!!

Decorated for Christmas!

2011-12-20T20:54:00.013-06:00

Love how our decorations look with the drapes and sofa tables we added since last Christmas! Gonna be sad to take everything down and have empty space everywhere. Guess it will be time to go shopping!

Christmas with the Carlton's

2011-12-19T21:39:00.034-06:00

Tonight we celebrated Christmas with the Carlton's. Ben cooked a great chili then we opened presents. It was great to see Pops and Kyleigh bonding at dinner then again playing with her gift.

Coop and Ky opening their gifts...

Andrew gets a roll of toilet paper from us...

Well, not just a roll of toilet paper, Ben made him unwrap it to find his real present, money for his trip to Disney World. If you know Pops, you would know that Ben gets his love of aggrevating honestly. It was Pops that gave our kids $50, all in ones and taped together. Gotta make it interesting...

Love this pic of 3 generations of Carlton boys smiling...

How sweet! Pops gave Ben his baseball jerseys from Baker High School and Baker Little League. Brought a tear to my (and a few others) eye...

Pops helping Ky with her backpack and sleeping bag...

Aaron seeing how high he can jump...

Big brother has to show him he still has it...

Christmas with the Pitre's

2011-12-18T16:09:00.021-06:00

After church, we headed to the Pitre's to have lunch and exchange presents.

Getting the presents passed out...

Chance and Tori...

Tori opening her present from us. We soon learned that the twins we gave her were Spanish speaking only. Really?..

Kyleigh getting a baby from Aunt Sue and Uncle Jesse...

Cooper got some candy and popcorn to go with his movies...

Loves her baby...

Cooper being silly...

Paw Paw playing baby dolls with Ky and Tori...

Christmas Time Family Fun

2011-12-17T22:00:00.047-06:00

It feels like we have been "running" since Thanksgiving was over to get ready for Christmas. Tonight, I told Ben that I wanted to forget about the presents left to buy, things we needed to do or places we needed to be. We needed a family night, just wanted the 4 of us to have some fun. That is what the holidays are suppose to be about anyway, right? So, that is what we did. Off to Bass Pro we went to see Santa Claus and play in the wonderland...

Ky on the 4 wheeler...

Coop driving...

We saw Abby in line, Kyleigh's friend from school...

Waiting for Santa, Ky has been so excited to see him all day...

Well, her excitement turned to crying but at least we got a pic...

Cooper is all smiles...

Target practice...

Cooper being silly on the carosel...

She loved the carosel...

Eating at Islamorada Fish Company...

Playing at Abby's grandmas before we walked to the Messenger's...

Our family at the Messenger's Christmas Land...

Cooper at Smoky Mountain Christmas, little does he know that he will be there in a few weeks...

Checking out the exhibits...

Looking at the lights in their front yard...

GREAT memories!!!

More Basketball

2011-12-17T14:31:00.023-06:00

Cooper is enjoying basketball. He gets the ball a lot more this year than last year, which he loves. He is making some shots and getting some assists. It's amazing how much changes in a year. The practice that he gets with Ben at our house is helping. Here are some pictures from recent games:

Anybody ready for a pass?..

Dribbling down the court...

Playing some defense...

Throwing it in...

Coach Ben and Brad with our team...

Cooper's cheering section...

Coach Ben, isn't he cute?..

The Black Ninjas...

Daddy and son...

Kyleigh wanted to get in the picture...

LVE Christmas Party

2011-12-15T18:43:00.003-06:00

Cooper had his Christmas Party at school today. I went to help out with the stations and food. They are excited to be getting out for the holidays!

Cooper making his candy cane...

Enjoying some food...

Cooper and Charlie...

Cooper with his teacher, Mrs. Miller...

Cooper with Ms. Robertson, his principal...

Helping Mommy

2011-12-14T21:39:00.005-06:00

Kyleigh loves to be my helper. I took her to the office to pick up some things I left. This is how she helps me! Such a mess!

LVE Christmas Program

2011-12-14T20:32:00.013-06:00

The first and third graders at LVE put on a Christmas Program today called Elf Elementary. Cooper was so proud to have Ben and I watching him.

Our elf...

So sweet...

Cooper carried the American flag...

With our boy...

Dumiller Family Christmas

2011-12-11T21:30:00.041-06:00

We had Christmas with Mom's side of the family early this year. Michael was leaving to go offshore and Megan was leaving for her trip to Thailand.

Think we have enough presents?..

A toast to our new graduate...

Congrats Nurse Megan...

Ky and "My Megan", because everything to Ky is hers right now...

Our Family...

The Dumiller Family...

Uncle Mike with his godchild...

The Glen Ezell Family (missing you Josh)...

The Larry Ezell Family...

The Carruth Family...

The whole gang...

Kyleigh and Nana...

Ky opening presents...

One happy boy...

Tyrann Mathieu jersey, thanks Aunt Linda and Uncle Glen...

Trying our Emzly's princess shoes...

After our extended family left for the night, the Dumiller's had their gift exchange...

Excited about Elmo...

Sweet girl...

Loving her cash register...

Lola even joined in on the fun..

Paw Paw thought he was opening a BCS ticket...wrong, gift card to the movies...

Michael gave Shannon an iPhone 4...

DS Christmas Parade

2011-12-10T22:57:00.001-06:00

This year Carlton Orthodontics and Big Mike's paired together to have a float in the Denham Christmas Parade. We started bright and early decorating our huge float. Ben and the kids met us before the parade started. We had so much fun throwing toothbrushes, footballs and dancing to the music. This was Kyleigh's first time riding on a float and she had a blast!

Rachel, Kisti, Chantel and me decorating...

Ky found the candy...

Coop playing football...

Our float...

Carlton Orthodontics ladies and their families...

Me and Ky, she won't put the sucker down...

The O'Neal Family...

Rachel and Lawrence...

Misit and Mel...

The Brooks Family...

Mike and J are ready...

Brooklyn and Ashlyn OR Ashlyn and Brooklyn...I can't tell, Bro's scar is covered up by her hat :)

Ladies of Carlton Ortho...

Rachel being goofy...

The whole crew ready to roll...

Our Family...

The Felder Family...

The Jacobsen Family...

Rolling through the Antique Village...

The girls with Julie riding back to the restaurant...

Cooper and Big Mike...

Megan's Graduation

2011-12-09T22:50:00.000-06:00

Congratulations Megan on graduating from Nursing School! We are so proud of you! It was a beautiful ceremony followed by a yummy dinner at Bonefish!

Surprised her (even though it is blurry)...

Almost her turn...

And her name is called...

Love this pic...

Getting her diploma...

and her pin...

Her class...

Nurse Megan, we know you will do great...

With Uncle Glen and Aunt Linda...

Proud Daddy...

Megan and Heather...

Office Christmas Lunch

2011-12-07T21:42:00.004-06:00

Lunch at Portabella's...

SEC Championship

2011-12-03T23:12:00.036-06:00

LSU Tigers are undefeated, going for 13-0 and a trip to the National Championship! We had everyone over to our house to watch the game.

Ready to watch some football...

Ky and Sarah enjoying their dinner...

Ben frying up some fish...

Ashlyn and Brooklyn...

The O'Neal Family...

The whole JOC family, how awesome...

The Jacobsen Family...

Ashlyn spinning Sarah around, while Ky wants another turn...

And she gets one...

Then she decides to pull Ashlyn's hair and not let go...

Clay and Paw Paw, partners in crime for the night...

Think this is suppose to be a chest bump, but I guess belly bump will have to do...

Enjoying the victory, LSU wins 42-10...

The Carlton's finally get their pic...

Loved surprising these two with a Baum's dobasch cake...

Happy Birthday Ladies, luv you!..

Office Christmas Card

2011-12-02T21:34:00.001-06:00

Dumiller Christmas Card

2011-12-02T21:05:00.000-06:00

Carlton Family Christmas Card

2011-12-01T21:32:00.002-06:00

Wally is back!

2011-11-28T23:17:00.009-06:00

So excited to see how the kids will react to Wally this year. Last year, it took Cooper some time to warm up to him and Ky was too little to understand. I think it will be different this go round.

Basketball is back!

2011-11-28T21:36:00.014-06:00

And Cooper is onto the next sport: Basketball! Our team, the Black Ninjas, have been practicing for several weeks. Tonight was our first game.

Warming up...

Ready to start...

Coop is playing point guard...

And some defense...

Kyleigh eating her popcorn, just like her Paw Paw...

She got restless in the bleachers so I let her play in the corner of the gym...

Miss Sassy telling me "See ya!" because she didn't want me to stand by her...

So it begins...

2011-11-26T23:16:00.001-06:00

Time to start decorating for CHRISTmas...

LSU vs Arkansas

2011-11-25T23:12:00.060-06:00

We were so sad that this was gonna be our last tailgate of the year! We have had so much fun this season! So, we decided to get out there at 5:30 am to make the most of our day!

Tiger Stadium before sun up...

Set up and ready to go...

These boys and their phones...

Love his hat...

Jocelyn cooked us some delicious sausage, egg and cheese biscuits with a side of hash brown...

Had to get a pic with THE hat...

Justin, Big Mike and Paw Paw chatting it up about some football...

Coop rode to tailgate with Nana and Paw Paw, has his gear on and ready to play...

Me and Julie...and THE hat...

Lucas and Chance...

J and Ben...

Julie and Lance were in town for Thanksgiving and came to hang out with us...

Peace Dr. CM...

The Carlton's and CY...

Tigers win 41-17, going to SEC Championship...

12-0 for the regular season, 2 to geaux...

We really didn't want the day to end. Fired up the BBQ for Jocelyn to cook us some ribs...

Yummo!..

Us girls...

Wow, what an awesome year tailgating! Already counting the days until we can do it all again!

Kid Free Time

2011-11-24T23:02:00.016-06:00

Kyleigh couldn't wait to leave with Monika this afternoon. Cooper went home with Nana and PawPaw. They were both spending the night away from home so Ben and I could get to tailgate EARLY in the morning. What do we do with no kids? Sweep the floors and take a trip to Walmart for some last minute tailgate items! We did sit by the fire and enjoy the peace and quiet!

Daddy with his girl...

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T22:20:00.028-06:00

We had a lovely Thanksgiving day spent with both sides of our family! It was great having everyone at our house! Before lunch, the kids wanted to play outside. It was such a beautiful day!

She loves her brother...

He is so sweet to her...

Love these kiddos...

Kyleigh was excited to go spend the night with "my Monika" as she likes to call her...

Yummy lunch...

Cooper wanted me to take his picture again, this momma isn't gonna turn that down...

Love time with family, what holidays are for...

Movies with Dad

2011-11-22T22:54:00.001-06:00

Ben took Coop and Charlie to the movies today to see Puss in Boots. Think Coop is excited?..

LSU vs Ole Miss

2011-11-19T21:58:00.028-06:00

We decided to keep it small and simple for this game night, just the JOCs and our buddy Clay. No cooking either, some yummy Wingstop! The Tigers handled Ole Miss with a 52-3 victory.

Kiddos enjoying dinner...

Ky needed a snack before bedtime...

Laying with brother on the sofa...

Sarah decided to join them...

Kids sleeping, time to sit by the fire and enjoy the victory. Love these times with the best of friends...

Anybody seen Dizzer???

Abby's Birthday Party

2011-11-13T21:51:00.019-06:00

Kyleigh and I went to Abby's party while Cooper and Ben went to Charlie's party. Busy Fun Sunday afternoon!

The Birthday Girl...

Kyleigh and Caleb, these 2 loved the slide...

She would come down the slide and say "again"...and that is what she did, over and over and over...

All the kiddos...

LSU vs Western Kentucky

2011-11-12T22:19:00.000-06:00

Ahh, this is what LSU FOOTBALL is all about! Getting out to our tailgate spot first thing in the morning, relaxing all day with family and friends followed by a night game in Tiger Stadium! It doesn't get much better than that!

Cooper playing by the hill...

My little man who bleeds purple and gold like the rest of us...

Love sharing these experiences with this kid...

Me, Julie and Jeff waiting on the Homecoming parade...

Cooper and Chance decided they would play in the tree while we waited...

It wasn't long before they had a football game going...

How cool are these poodles?..

Wow...

Catching some goodies...

Me and my boy after the parade...

Cooper mapping out his candy plan with me and Mrs. Julie...

Big Mike asked Cooper to catch him some smarties in the parade. Instead, Cooper gave Mike the dum-dums and his daddy the smarties, haha...

Finally, our tailgate for PASTALAYA!. Let the taste testing begin...

Mike decided it needed one blade of grass in honor of Les. Guess who found the grass in her serving? Yep, yours truly...

How many men does it take to stir the pastalaya?..

Mommy to be relaxing in her rocker...

Love these girls...

Love her face...

Clay "saving" my mom with a dance...

Anyone who knows me well knows that I LOVE to dance to some booty shaking music. Thanks Andy for providing me with ample material this tailgate season. Mom and Dad join in on the fun...

Clay, Andy and Julie having some fun...

Anybody need a sign?..

The JOCs...

Nana and PawPaw...

The Carroll's stopped by and Emma was teaching me moves from her hip hop class. Loved dancing with her...

Saturday Night in Tiger Stadium. Tigers Win 42-9!!!

Holden Homecoming

2011-11-11T21:01:00.002-06:00

We went to Holden tonight to watch Homecoming. Angela and Aaron were on the court. Afterwards, Andrew and Aaron played in the varsity basketball game. Kyleigh loved "her Angela" and Cooper loved watching the boys play ball.

Waiting on the festivities to begin...

Daddy's girl...

Aaron representing the freshman class...

Angela as a senior maid...

And the 2011-2012 Homecoming Queen is...

Miss Angela Carlton...

Getting her crown...

Angela and Trey...

So pretty...

Kyleigh wondering what is going on...

Angela with CC and Pops...

Miss Sassy! Congrats, we love you!

Static Electricity

2011-11-09T21:58:00.000-06:00

How funny, Ky playing on the playground at school...

The ring

2011-11-08T21:40:00.025-06:00

After we got home on Sunday afternoon, we took the kids out to eat for dinner. We had to stop by my office on the way and Cooper wanted to get out with me. I told him I would just be a minute and to stay in the truck with Ben and Kyleigh. After dinner, I asked him why he wanted to go into my office. He said "Mom, I really wanted one of those rings you have in the basket". I told him to write me a note so I would remember to bring him one home. The next morning he came into my bathroom with this note:

So, I did as I promised and brought the ring home that night. The ladies at the office were asking me who it was for. I never even thought to ask him. So, at dinner, I gave it to him and asked who it was for. I just got a smile from him. So, I asked if it was for a girl. His smile got bigger, he looked down like he was embarassed and said Yes. Well, her name is Kylie and she is in the first grade. Aww, what a gentleman!

While we were away...

2011-11-06T21:26:00.002-06:00

Mom and Dad graciously kept the kids at our house while we were at the Bama game. They also hosted a party for the LSU-Bama game. Isn't it suppose to be the kids throwing a party when the parents are out of town instead of the parents throwing the party when the kids are gone? We are just glad everyone had a great time watching the Tigers win!

Coop and Dylan playing ball with Ky and Faith...

Ky loving the brownie and her Dora dress up...

Jumping on the couch, so this is what happens when we are not home :)))

The girls stop long enough for a picture...

Champagne toast to the victory...

Road trip: LSU vs Bama

2011-11-05T22:28:00.008-05:00

We usually go on one road trip a year for LSU football. Let's face it, the Oregon game was really a home game right? And who can pass up the "Game of the Century", the real National Championship, #1 vs #2? Not us! Road trip #2 here we come!

Tickets have arrived...

Enough said...

Awesome fire as we wait for our cab to go out in downtown Birmingham, ended up being the best cab ride ever...

At Bacchus...

Driving to the game on Saturday we passed through areas affected by the tornado, so sad...

We have arrived...

Ben and Clay let the Bama fan know what they think about her...and her picture taking skills...

In front of the stadium...

Statue of Nick...

We tried to say hey to this little guy...

This is how he said hey back...

Steve came up the stairs one section over from our seats. He decided to make his way through the sea of Crimson and say hey to all the Bama fans...

Our group as Clay named us: Mr. Mom, Mrs. Ortho, Dr. CM and Gonzo...

Our view of the game...

LSU wins in OT 9-6 and stays #1...

We stayed in the stadium and celebrated the victory with the rest of the purple and gold fans...

Fun times with these 2 guys. I will never forget Clay yelling "Put in the kicker" and the many GONZOisms that were said. Awesome memories!!!

Career Day

2011-11-02T21:48:00.013-05:00

Another year for me to present at North Corbin Jr High Career Day. Always a good time!

Halloween

2011-10-31T22:24:00.030-05:00

We decided to stay in our neighborhood for Trick or Treat this year. It was much more peaceful and relaxing than the craziness of the Willows.

So excited that Monika joined us...

Sarah giving sweet hugs...

Sharing some candy...well sort of...

Batman and Batgirl (with her mask), Yay...

A family of Superheroes...

Coop was so excited that Charlie came to trick or treat with him...

Girls have candy in hand and are ready to roll...

Getting some candy...

So much fun...

So sweet that Aunt Linda came to see the kids even though she could only stay for a few minutes...

Ky even shared some of her sucker with "my linda"...

Handing our treats and toothbrushes...

Charlie resting while he waits for Coop...

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T13:14:00.001-05:00

Ready for school...

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-30T21:42:00.039-05:00

Our church held Trunk or Treat at the new church property. It was our first time participating and we really enjoyed it!

Our Batgirl and Miss Abby Cadabby...

Our trunk decorated...

Eating her hot dog...

Me and my love...

Kyleigh enjoying the jumpy...

Batman and Batgirl...

Ben trying to get Sarah to smile...

Julie and Sarah...

All the trunks...

All the kids listening to Mrs. Rixie...

How cute is this family...

Lined up for treats...

Going around with Daddy...

Ready for the kids...

Handing out treat bags and yes, toothbrushes...

Weekend in Monroe...Part 4

2011-10-29T22:40:00.000-05:00

After the party, we headed back to G and Poppy's house for some fun with family, playing and watching football.

Sweet girl with the pumpkins...

Kisses for the scarecrow...

Backyard football, even mommy got in on the game...

Watching the boys eating her candy...

Uncle and Nephew...

Bat cousins...

Silly Uncle Brett...

Weekend in Monroe...Part 3

2011-10-29T22:26:00.022-05:00

Cooper and Decatur went with Pops and CC to get some Johnny's pizza. Ben and I grabbed some lunch from our favorite spot, Taco Bandito, a quick nap for Kyleigh and it was onto Ana's birthday party.

The birthday girl and a pal from school...

So much fun...

Get him Kyleigh...

Happy girl that she finally made her way down the slide...

The adults...

Some of the kiddos...

Ready for the big ball...

Jumping with daddy...

Football for the big kids...

Big boys...

Happy Birthday Ana!!!

Weekend in Monroe...Part 2

2011-10-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

On Saturday morning, we headed to Decatur's flag football game.

Ready to play...

G with her bowheads...

Some of Decatur's cheering section...

Loves watching his cousin play some ball...

Angela and Kyleigh...

Resting on Daddy...

Coop with G...

Sweet siblings...

Aww sweet kisses...

Doing the wobble with Angela...

Great game Decatur...

Weekend in Monroe...Part 1

2011-10-28T21:09:00.030-05:00

We headed to Monroe for a weekend with Ben's family. Lots of activities on our schedule. First up was Friday night, we met the McMurray's for some fun at Chuck E Cheese.

Ana and Ky eating some pizza...

Driving the van...

Love that smile...

Decatur is always so protective of Kyleigh. He is so sweet with her. Here he is helping her on a ride...

The DIVAs...

Our Cowboy...

Cheese...

Our other cowboy...

Coop and Decatur with Chuck E Cheese himself...

Love how much fun they are having...

4 cousins plus Leo the Lion (Leo was with Decatur for a school project)...

And then there were three...

The gang is all here...

Riding his bike

2011-10-25T20:40:00.001-05:00

Ben decided it was time to try to get Cooper to learn to ride his bike. Anytime Cooper is outside he is more interested in ball than his bike. However, he has to get these training wheels off someday!

Daddy helping Cooper...

Kyleigh running behind them screaming "It's my turn"...

Not a happy girl...

Oh but how that...

quickly changes. Spoiled rotten I tell you...

Cooper throwing balls at the tires...

Sweet Lola...

LSU vs Auburn

2011-10-22T22:49:00.037-05:00

Another day of great weather, tailgating and football! AND another afternoon game! Guess we can't complain when our Tigers are still ranked #!1!

Coop so proud to show Mr. Andy our family pictures...

The boys cooking...

The Ezell's, love these people...

Celebrating Andy's new job with Community Coffee...

The JOCs (minus Jocelyn, insert Felder as Mike's date)...

Boy talk...

Playing football with Daddy and Uncle Glen...

The birthday folks: Lydia and Uncle Glen...

Ben's yummy chili...

Josh and Brad...

Me and Julie...

Brit, Josh, Meg and Brad...

Happy Birthday...

Singing...

Andy and Aunt Linda impressed by this flask a visitor had with them...

Coop with the birthday boy...

In the stadium...

Watching the big screen...

Ready for the game...

Mike the Tiger...

This boy loves to do the cheers...

Love that happy face...

Julie and Andy sit above us...

Coop with Nana and PawPaw...

So glad that I get to experience Saturdays in Tiger Stadium with these 2...

Tigers win 45-10 and stay #1!!!

The Cubbies

2011-10-21T21:37:00.001-05:00

Cooper has been watching Rookie of the Year lately. He bought the movie with his allowance. Well, it just so happened that Clay was in Chicago and went to Wrigley Field. He brought Cooper home a shirt and hat. Cooper LOVES them! Thank you so much Mr. Clay!

Ready to go out to eat...

One happy boy...

Hilton Head

2011-10-20T21:33:00.001-05:00

As a result of Ben placing in the top 5 in his flight in the Golfweek Amateur Tour, he got the chance to go to Hilton Head to play in the VALA challenge. Basically, the top guys from LA play the top guys from VA for bragging rights. Here are some pictures from his week:

Ben won 2 of his 3 matches and the LA boys brought the cup home! Awesome job guys!!!

Lunch Date

2011-10-17T20:36:00.000-05:00

with my favorite first grader...

Sunday Afternoon Fun

2011-10-16T21:32:00.001-05:00

After church and a nap, the kids and I headed to the new playground in our neighborhood. It was such a beautiful afternoon to be outside!

Our little girl...

Checking it all out...

Our big boy...

Swinging...

Helping sister...

Ready for the slide...

Let's go...

Watching the water fountain...

Ky's idea of playing basketball...

Coop shooting some hoops...

LSU vs Tennessee

2011-10-15T23:27:00.038-05:00

Yet another great day of family, friends and LSU football! Ben was out of town on his golf trip but we still had the Crew over to our house to watch the game. Mom made a awesome Gumbo and Potato Salad.

Kyleigh and Sarah kept pulling us back to her room to play so we decided to bring all the toys to the living room to play while we watched the game...

I was trying to get Sarah to smile saying show me your teeth. Kyleigh literally showed me her teeth...

Julie and Sarah with kissy face...

Cooper having some fun with the girls...

GO! GO! TOUCHDOWN!..

So glad that Josh got to spend the day with us...

These girls love playing together...

Anybody need some shades?..

Mommy and Ky...

Longtime friends: JW, Josh and Chris...

Lola enjoying the cold floor...

Best buds for the day. Cooper had so much fun playing basketball, football and watching the game with Mr. Andy...

We decided to put together the water play table...

LOVE these smiles!!!

Giving Aunt Sue kisses through the window...

Think she has played hard...

Such a mess...

Tigers win again 38-7!!!

LA Children's Discovery Center

2011-10-14T22:17:00.082-05:00

Since Cooper was off of school, the 4 of us headed to Hammond to the LA Children's Discovery Center. We didn't tell the kids what we were doing, just that we had a surprise for them.

Ready to go with her "unglasses"...

Cooper decided to put on some of my sunglasses...

Excited to find out where we are going...

Stopping for some breakfast...

Such a big girl...

Walking with Daddy...

We made it. They had so many fun cute things for the kids to do and play with...

Rock climb...

Construction zone...

Ambulance...

Shrimp boat...

Middendorf's restaurant...

Using the cash register to check out their groceries...

Helping Daddy...

Milking the cow while Daddy steals a kiss...

Ky making bubbles...

More bubbles...

Love this face...

48 inches tall...

Hang time...

Daddy having just as much fun as the kids...

Jump...

At the theater...

The keyboard...

Watching the kiddos play...

Trying to get it to make some noise...

Silly boy...

Using the crane...

Fun times at the chalkboard...

Playing in the tunnel...

Reading books with Mommy...

Brother chasing sister...

Puzzle time...

Clock time...

Cooper playing his new checkers game with Daddy at lunch...

All worn out...

What a fun place and awesome day spent together!!

What A Pair

2011-10-12T22:11:00.003-05:00

Monkey see, Monkey do...