Memorial Day

Early Monday morning (Shawn, Heather, David, and myself) headed to Huntsville to run in theDavid ran the 10K around 43 minuets

Heather and Shawn ran the race the whole way together ,all the way to touching the finish line at the same time 52:26 (This is Shawn's second time to ever run this race- exactly 20 years ago while running cross country at DHS)
After the 10K was over -It was time for the 5K and I was running it- which will be my second race EVER- I was really nervous

coming in at the finish line - 32:18

AFTER the race we headed back to Nana and Papa's house to watch the kids do lots of this
and this

and smile for a quick picture (missing Jordan- she went home on Sunday). For lunch Stephen cooked chicken and ribs - which were AWESOME!! What a great Memorial Day.

Hot Air Balloons @ Pt. Mallard

Memorial Day weekend is a weekend in Decatur that I look forward to each year. The hot air balloons are at Point Mallard for the weekend - with races, a balloon glow and as I am typing the fireworks are going off. Well this year was pretty much a wash out!! Although we did go out there Saturday morning a watched them blow up and enjoyed Panara bagels with Heather, David, Patton, and Smith. It was still fun no matter what.

This is Patton, Smith, Reed, Sam, and Conner helping the Cook's balloon roll all the air out of the balloon.

Sam and Smith picking it up getting ready to put it in the big bag.

Penny is having so much fun playing with Heather.

after leaving Point Mallard we headed to Huntsville to get Jordan!

Kindergarten Field Trip

Sam's last Field trip was suppose to be to Sci-Quest, but because of the Swine Flu outbreak that trip was cancelled. They decided to go to Cook's Museum and then to the park for a pizza party. I was not planning on going but I ended up taking a 1/2 day (had to go see an orthopedic because of my knee). So I headed to Cook's as soon as leaving the doctor's office and enjoy a little time with Sam and his friends before going back to work.

Mother's Day

Since Penny's birthday was on Mother's Day this year - I really wanted to play down this day. Although my husband is one of the best present buyer in the world. Sam, Penny, and Shawn gave me a new running outfit (hopeful to be wore at my next race) and a gift certificate to Fleet Feet, for new shoes. Sam also made me a flower pot and a sweet poem flower. Penny made me "hand" flowers and vase. I love being these kids mommy!!!

Celebrating at school

On Monday Penny celebrated her birthday at school with her friends. Our friend, Mrs. Tara made her another cute shirt for this occasion. Thank you Tara it was Perfect!!! (if you are interested in a t-shirts look on the side of my blog and click on Smitten & Co.)That morning I made Penny and her class mini cupcakes (yes I really made them). All of them were covered in pink icing except Penny's -they had to be plain. This was a great day to end Penny's birthday celebration.

Penny turned 3- May 10th

It is hard to believe that Penny turned 3, Sunday. It only seems like yesterday when Shawn and Sam were taking me to Dr. Manifold on a Wednesday afternoon around 2:00 and he put me straight in and said I would have this baby girl before dinner time. And around 6:30 that night Penny Carol Smith was born weighing in at 6lbs. 14 inches.
3 years later:


That morning you would have thought that it was Christmas, both kids woke before 6:00. We had Penny 2 presents to open that morning (Ballet shoes and a book from Papa).

We headed to church and celebrated in Penny's Sunday School class with sugar cookies and her friends- they all sang to her!! She loved that.

That afternoon was a take it easy day, luckily she got a really good nap and was ready to party with the family. She has been so excited about this day. Turning 3 was a really big deal for her it means that she can become a ballerina. Daddy grilled mini-hamburgers and we all went to Nana and Papa's house for the special day (it was also Mother's Day- more on that later). After dinner Penny tore into her many presents-
Heather, David, Patton, and Smith- gave her "marching shoes", flip flops, and music. Thank you

Michelle, Stephen, Patrick, and Callie gave her a beautiful castle piggy bank- Thank you!

Mommy and Daddy gave her - ballerina shoes, ballet outfit, and pink tutu ; Jordan and Sam gave her- gown and tennis shoesNana and Papa gave her- short outfit, baby doll, magnet dolls (the new paper dolls), and sandals - Thank you!

Christopher and Ashely gave her - dress up gloves and purse and a camera

Now Time for Cake! All the cousins were there to sing Happy Birthday to her (this made us really miss Jordan)

Happy Birthday my sweet girl!!!

Steeple Chase 8K

Well my post are usually not about me- but this one is. I ran in my first race yesterday, the Steeple Chase 8K (for non runners that is almost 5 mile- and I am sure not saying that I am). It was sponsored my our church and my sister and brother -n-law were in charge of it. Shawn helped them along with lots of volunteers. They were raising money for the NCC, which a great organization that works very hard in our community. I thought this would be a great starting spot for my running. The race started at 7:00am. I ran the race in 48:52- which was great for my first race.

I love this picture- seeing everyone cheering me on at the finish line

Thanks Morgan for being my running buddy!! She did great - 46 mintues and 2nd in her age group!! Also thanks to Paige- she got me from mile 3 to the finish line - I could not have done this without these two people.

Yes- crazy as it may seem - kinda looking forward to another race !!!

Guess Who?

Came to watch Sam play t-ball?????
Mrs. Hand!!

The week of May4-8th has been Teacher Appreciation- Mrs. Hand deserves a standing O! She has been a wonderful kindergarten teacher for Sam, and he says- she is the GREATEST!! Thank you Mrs. Hand for a wonderful year!!