The Knightly News

Emma Grace's 4th Birthday party

2009-07-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

John's 44th Birthday

2009-07-17T19:21:00.001-07:00

Sunday July 12 we had birthday dinner at Mamaw Knight's house. This is a picture of all the Knight kids. Morgan, Andrew & Emma Grace's only cousins. Justin will be a Senior this year at KHS and Sean will be in the 6th grade.

On Monday, we met John for lunch at Panera Bread. Happy Birthday daddy !!!

4th of July 2009

2009-07-05T18:31:00.001-07:00

Karns High Class of 1989 Reunion

2009-07-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe i have been out of high school for 20 YEARS!!! June 12th my class had our 20 YEAR high school reunion. It was so much fun seeing everyone. Everyone looked great and we had almost 150 classmates show up with their spouses. The DJ played mid-late 80's music ALL evening long. We had awesome food and everyone had a blast! We are already thinking about our 25th year reunion!

SHBC Vacation bible school - June 2009

2009-07-05T17:27:00.001-07:00

It wouldn't be SUMMER without VBS. I went every summer as a little girl. I remember my mom teaching VBS while I attended. I started helping/teaching VBS while in high school. I guess I have been involved with VBS every summer for as long as I can remember. This year I helped out with crafts. It was so much fun. Andrew & Emma went and we took 4 other kids from our neighborhood with us. By Friday we were all tired, but we had a GREAT week learning about God's Truth Trek for our lives. Proverbs 7:1 says "My son, keep my words and store up my commands within your heart."

Ballerina girl

2009-05-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

Emma Grace had her very 1st ballet recital on Sat. May 30th. She has looked forward to "dancing on the BIG stage" more than anything. She dances all the time and loves to dress up (all the time). She did so good and we were so proud of her. She loved her roses and her whole family being there. EVEN great grandma Ruby got to come. It was a very special evening for her.

KMS 8th grade Dance

2009-05-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

Morgan's 8th grade dance was at the Foundry in downtown Knoxville on May 21st. It was a very anticipated night for the kids. The last 30 mins of the dance there was not a dry eye in the building.(including me) All the kids were hugging, crying and telling each other good bye. This was the very last time they would ever be together as a group. After tonight, they would all be going their separate ways - to several different high schools. Some of these kids Morgan has known all his life and they have many fun times together at school, football, track etc. Good luck to all the 8th graders as you start your high school years ahead!

KMS 8th grade Awards Day & NJHS ceremony

2009-05-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Thursday was Morgan's last Awards day as a middle schooler. He received Perfect attendance & Honors award. He kept his 4.0 all of 6th and 7th grade, but made one B in math this year. Towards the end of the awards ceremony, they had a few special awards left to give out. One of these was the 110% Award. This is for a student who always gives 110% on their schoolwork and character everyday. We were all surprised when they called Morgan's name! He always has been very conscientious about every assignment, project and report. I was so proud of him that he won this award!
At the end of this Awards day.. Mr. Trent had them all stand and he pronounced & declared that they were officially passed to the 9th grade and they are now officially the FRESHMAN ~ Class of 2013! This was his last day with all his friends together. They will all split up to their respective high schools. (Karns High, Hardin Valley Academy, Catholic High, Grace Academy and one of his Track buddies will be going to Bearden High.) Morgan will be attending HVA this fall. It was a happy but sad day for them all. After the awards ceremony, they went home to get ready for the long awaited KMS 8th grade dance !

Andrew's 3rd grade Awards day ~ KES

2009-05-23T09:21:00.001-07:00

I had to miss Andrew's Awards day this year, because I had to work. John went and made these pictures for me. He got the Principal's Award, Character Counts award, Accelerated Reader award and Perfect attendance! Andrew made straight A's all year long (4.0) !!!

Yay Andrew, I am so proud of you!

Morgan's last day of Middle school

2009-05-20T18:39:00.001-07:00

I have had the privilege of being in the same school as Morgan 6 out of his first 9 years of school. I taught at Blue Grass Elementary for 8 years and had him transfered with me his kindergarten through 3rd grade years. I took 3 years off from teaching and he started school at Karns. He was "on his own" at Karns 4th - 6th grades. I joined him again last year (his 7th grade year) at Karns Middle. It has been a special experience for the both of us being together all these years. We have had some of the best times, just the two of us driving to and from school, stopping to get an early morning- before school breakfast. I LOVED our elementary school years together. I will always treasure the memories of him leaving his class in line, running down the hall way just to give me a hug, then running back to his teacher. He was never embarrassed to "LOVE on his mommy", even in front of his friends. Our "middle school" time together has been very different, but just as special. No more hugs in the hall in front of his friends, but I do get some high fives from him AND his friends. I have had to learn how to "be COOL" in his presence.
Time does indeed change things, but some things remain the same forever, a mother's love for her son.
Tomorrow will mark the end of this season of our lives. He will leave to go to high school and we will never be in the same school building together again. BUT...I will always have these sweet memories of us together in my heart.

Emma's Preschool Promotion Ceremony

2009-05-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

Last day of Pre school

2009-05-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that this school year is already over. Just this past fall Emma Grace started her 1st year of preschool.

The picture at the top left was made TODAY, her LAST day of 3 YEAR OLD preschool.

The top right was her very 1st day of school , back in August.
She loved every single day of school.
I can hardly believe haw fast this year has gone by. Just two months from today she will be 4 years old. I wish that I could freeze time.

Proud of my Hubby!

2009-05-12T18:38:00.001-07:00

I don't know if I have ever done a post on the blog about John. Tonight I thought I would. A few weeks ago, John was awarded a BIG award at his work. He works for Siemens Molecular Imaging. They have this award called the Focus & Deliver award that is peer nominated and is awarded by the Vice President of his department at Siemens in Malvern, PA. He was awarded with a certificate and meal of his choice at any restaurant. We went tonight to Ruth's Chris Steak House on the downtown riverfront. It was our 1st time to eat there, and very very yummy! I am so proud of my man!!! :)

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

Today after church we went to a Mother's day Brunch at Peerless. It was very fancy. We are all missing Morgan. He will be home tomorrow night from New York. This is my 1st Mother's day without him around. After church Andrew and Emma were so excited to give me my present - a PINK iPod nano!

Happy Mother's Day ~ to me!

2009-05-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day dinner at our house

2009-05-09T17:24:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Mother's day this evening, a day early. It was such a pleasure to host my grandmother, aunt, mom and mother in law.
I love each one of them . They mean the world to me & I am so blessed to have each one of them in my life.

Mother ~ Daughter Tea Party

2009-05-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

On Sunday May 3, Emma Grace & I hosted our 2nd annual Mother ~ Daughter Tea Party. It was a fun time getting together with some of Emma Grace 's friends (& their mommies) from her Sunday School and pre school classes. We dressed up , enjoyed refreshments and spending a little time together.

2009-05-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

Andrew has loved to draw for as long as he could hold a pencil/crayon. He will sit at his desk for the longest time and just Draw. I have always loved his drawings because he puts the tiniest details in his pictures. Teeny tiny little swords in pirates hands or little baseballs flying through the air. (see top left picture)

Just this past month or so, Emma Grace has started to make her 1st "real pictures". I LOVE it when they first start drawing "people" and they are just a round BLOB with sticks for arms and legs. No head or shoulders, just a blob. I just love it... This is the first, most primitive form of their drawings making sense. (Even the 1st scribbles make sense in their own minds.) I love to watch how their art evolves! I have kept a portfolio of all three of them since they were about 18 months old.

Knox County Champions!

2009-04-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

Well...they did it! The boys 4 x 100 meter relay team that Coach Kelly predicted @ the beginning of the season would win the County Championship - did it tonight! It was so exciting - they ran the race (400 meters - one lap around the track) in 47.0 seconds. Their record was 46 seconds. The girls 4X 400 meter relay team also won 1st place! Morgan has ran & LOVED track since the 2nd grade. Tonight was his very last track meet as a middle schooler. He is excited about running track next year for Hardin Valley Academy!

2009-04-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

Monday April 27th was the preliminary Knox County Middle school track meet. Morgan's 4X100 relay qualified in 1st place for the finals. This is the team that Coach Kelly predicted at the beginning of the season to win the championship. They have a few bad handoffs this season which have disqualified them from the races. Morgan also qualified for the 4x200 relay and the individual 200 meter dash. The Finals are on Thursday April 30th.

2009-04-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

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On Saturday April 18, we went to the Orange & White fan day to meet the UT football players and get their autographs. We even got to see Eric Berry! Andrew really enjoyed seeing the football players. Emma was so excited to get to hold the cheerleaders pom poms!

Andrew's Cub scout trip to Ijam's nature center

2009-04-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

On April 11th Andrew's cub scout den went on a trip to Ijam's Nature center. They had a lesson on the Passenger Pigeon and how they are almost now extinct. They also got to go on a short hike on the nature trail.

Easter 2009

2009-04-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

The "Special Plate"

2009-04-14T17:48:00.001-07:00

My BFF Andrea had a fun "mommy idea". She suggested that we go to Liza' Moz Pottery at West Town mall and make a "special plate" for our kids. We each have 3 kids : 2 boys & 1 girl each. It was such a fun and relaxing time drawing

our kids
on the plate and then Painting them. We made matching plates. (They really turned out sooooo cute.) Whenever one of our kids has a really SPECIAL day, or has a very amazing accomplishment etc, they will earn the privilege of eating dinner on the SPECIAL plate!!

It took about an hour and a half to make the plate and then it took a week to get it back after it was fired.

Look at the picture above of baby Jeremiah taking his bottle. (He didn't make a peep the entire time we were there!)
This is a great place to go to with a girlfriend, by yourself or to take your kids.

Andrew & Emma Grace visit the Easter Bunny

2009-04-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the past few years with the Easter bunny. It has been several years since Morgan would "agree" to the easter Bunny... how sad.

Andrew didn't really want to this year, but did it for me. Emma Grace LOVES anything in a costume. I love looking back at these pictures and seeing how much they have changed over the past few years. I wish that I could just freeze time and keep them little forever. That ol' Easter bunny hasn't aged a day! :)

Pre school Easter Egg hunt

2009-04-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

Snow in April!!!!

2009-04-07T06:28:00.001-07:00

This morning we woke up to a "dusting" of snow on the ground. While I was getting Emma Grace's clothes ready for preschool, she went outside on the deck - barefoot! I guess she just couldn't resist the urge.

It was really weird seeing all the spring flowers covered with a dusting of the white stuff. And to think, Easter is this Sunday!

2009-04-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

Our cat Gracie kills and brings home mice, baby bunnies and baby birds all the time. Yesterday we looked outside on our deck and saw this baby blue bird just lying there ~ still just barely alive. Emma Grace ran out to see the bird. I felt so bad for the little bird because there was nothing we could do to save her. Emma Grace had never been this close to a bird before or had never even touched a bird. She loves to watch them perch on our deck though. Blue birds are her favorite, probably because she has a few of them painted on her bedroom walls and Cinderella also loves and talks to the blue birds. I know that birds carry diseases and all kinds of germs, but something in me told me to let her hold the bird. She tried her best to comfort the dying bird and even sang to it. It was so so so sad. She fell in love with that little bird in the 30-45 mins before her daddy came home and made us get rid of it. She watched as he dug a hole and we buried it beside our deck. We picked some little yellow dandelions and placed them on the tiny grave. She cried and cried for that little bird, and I cried watching her cry. I know to most people this is just a silly story - but to my little girl, this was her 1st recognition of Death. I have never had to explain "dying" to her. All this reminded me of the time Jesus was talking to his disciples and he was telling them not to worry about their life. Jesus told them in Luke chapter 12 (verses 22-34). "Therefore i tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens. They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable are you than birds. Who of you by worrying can add a single day to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? This is a beautiful passage of scripture that I needed to be reminded of myself.... ~Luke 12:22-34~

Cinderella Ballet - Oak Ridge

2009-03-28T15:13:00.001-07:00

Today my friend Andrea Allen & I took Emma Grace & Gracie Kate to see the ballet Cinderella. It was performed by the Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association. The girls were sooooo excited to see the beautiful ballerinas and their costumes. Afterwards we got to meet Cinderella, The fairy Godmother and Aurora.

Andrew's Pinewood Derby ~ Race day!

2009-03-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

Today was Andrew's cub scout troop's Pinewood Derby Race. He had been looking forward to the race for months. Each boy had to make their very own race car from an official Pinewood Derby race kit. John enjoyed making the car as much as Andrew did. There were lots of regulations on how the car was to be made. It could not weigh more than 5 ounces. Andrew got to race his car twice. His car came in 4th place both times. (which was last place). He was a little disappointed, but you can't win everything. Just a life lesson. He had fun with his daddy making the car, that's what is important! He has really enjoyed Cub Scouts to much this year, and learned a lot while having fun! :)

Track season begins...

2009-03-26T19:22:00.001-07:00

The first meet of the season was tonight at Hardin Valley Academy. Morgan is on the Boys 4 X 100 and 4 X 200 relay A teams this year.

The races are so exciting and fun to watch. They came in 1st

place in both of his relays tonight. I can't believe how grown up he looks this year.

More Daffodil pictures...

2009-03-25T21:37:00.001-07:00

Ok, I admit it,

i am in love

with the daffodils this year.

It seems to me like there are more than ever on Pellissippi Parkway. i just can't resist them, they are so pretty. I took Andrew & Emma back over there this afternoon while Morgan was still in track practice. We had to hurry because we were in between rain showers all day long. The flowers are almost gone now, but they were so pretty while they lasted!

Emma Grace to the dentist

2009-03-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today Emma went for her scheduled teeth cleaning & check up. She LOVES Miss Tammy, her hygienist. She even let Dr. Darryl look at her teeth after her cleaning without crying. It was the best trip to the dentist yet for her! (and NO cavities!) Yeah!!

HAPPY 1st day of SPRING 2009!

2009-03-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to do this.

Pellissippi Parkway has these beautiful daffodils that bloom every spring in early March. Since yesterday was the"1st day of SPRING", I decided to take Emma Grace over there.
The pictures really do not do the flowers justice. She LOVED being in the middle of all them!

Such a "girl".

Trip to Rock City

2009-03-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

This week is our Spring Break, so today we took a day trip to Rock City Gardens, Ga. The last time we went was November of 2004. It was a beautiful and warm spring day. It was so clear at the top of Lookout Mountain you could really see the skyline well. Andrew couldn't remember the last time we were there (he was 4) and he was so fascinated that you could actually SEE seven states from the top of the mountain. (KY, TN, GA, NC, SC, AL, & VA). If you have been to Rock City, but it has been a while, you would enjoy it again (we did). if you have NEVER been, you have got to go. And for all of my TEACHER friends out there, FYI... if you take your picture Teacher ID, you will get in FREE and your family gets in for 1/2 price! What a deal!
After Rock City, we drove through downtown Chattanooga and stopped at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The kids had never been there before. We didn't eat @ the restaurant, but just looked around. It was a fun family day! :)

St. Patrick's Day pics

2009-03-18T17:19:00.001-07:00

Emma Grace's Pre school class had a St. Patrick's day party at school. They went hunting for the Leprechaun who made a mess in their classroom the night before. Ms. Dena told me that Emma did NOT like the idea of hunting for the Leprechaun. I think she was a little scared of him. But she did enjoy finding the golden coins that fell out of his pockets.

more JonSpot Photography...

2009-03-12T18:52:00.001-07:00

Emma Grace and Caroline Matthews love to play outside in their dresses. So much so that Caroline's daddy, decided to take some pictures of them having a real Tea party! I thought they turned out so cute.

Jon is running a special this month on a "spring sitting". Check out his website to find out more. http://www.jonspotphotography.com or e mail him directly at jonspotphotography@yahoo.com

JonSpot Photography

2009-02-27T17:37:00.001-08:00

A very good friend of ours, Jon Matthews, is launching his new Professional Photography business, jonSpot photography. His work is amazing. He does weddings, baby, & family sessions. If you or anyone you know is looking for an AWESOME photographer, you should give him a try! He took these pictures of us in an impromptu session in about 20 mins. There are several more on his website. (scroll down to see the links to his 2 sites on the LEFT side of my blog under: My friends who have their own business.) Once you get to his site, jonspot Photography, look at the bottom of the screen and click on "Client proofs", then "Knight family". Once the pics are up, click on the first picture and then "slideshow" . Be sure to check out the baby session he just did with baby Tyler. So sweet! I highly recommend Jon for your next family photo session!

KES Boosterthon Fun Run

2009-02-20T18:22:00.000-08:00

Today was the Boosterthon Fun Run at KES. Andrew really enjoys this school fundraiser. ALL the kids do, they bring in their pledges for running laps around a track. It is built around character and fitness. Andrew was proud to announce that he ran 37 laps !

Update on Morgan

2009-02-20T17:46:00.001-08:00

Seems like I don't have as many posts of Morgan. That's probably because he is 14 and doesn't like his mom making his picture anymore. Too bad. I do anyway. The picture on the left was made today at school. He was chosen as one of the 4 students on his team (8B) for Student of the month. Similar to Character counts. The picture on the right is him and his girlfriend, on Valentines day at school last week.

Valentines Day 2009

2009-02-14T17:19:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely Valentines day today. We visited Mamaw, Great Grandma Ruby and Nana ~ took them flowers and homemade cards. Mimi kept the kids while John & I got to go out to dinner "by ourselves"!! Hope everyone had a great day with their sweeties! XOXOXOX

Valentines Past & Present

2009-02-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

I love to see how the kids change and grow from year to year ... here are 4 VALENTINE pics from Top to bottom... 2009- 2006

2009...

...2008

2007...

2006... Emma Grace's 1st
Valentines Day~

2009-02-13T15:27:00.000-08:00

Andrew's 3rd grade class had their Valentine Party today at school. They had brownies, vanilla ice cream and Sliced strawberries. Then they exchanged their valentines...

Andrew loves his teacher , Mrs. Tammy Roberts.

Emma Grace's Valentine party at Preschool

2009-02-12T18:08:00.001-08:00

Emma Grace had her 1st ever "Valentine Party" today at her pre school. They had cookies & punch and exchanged their Valentines. She loves all her friends and Miss Dena. (left)
The top picture is all the girls, the boys wouldn't stop playing long enough to come get in the picture. Her best "school friend" is Lucy. (above)

Emma Grace's 1st Valentine cards

2009-02-11T17:10:00.000-08:00

Emma Grace just finished "signing" her 1st Valentines for her 1st Valentine Party at Preschool tomorrow. Being the SENTIMENTAL mommy that I am - enjoyed just watching her.... She will never have another FIRST Valentine Party. I wanted her to sign her name, but 10 times is a bit "much" for a 3 year old. She wrote her name on the first one and then drew SMILEY faces on the rest.
They are sooooo sweet - I'm going to have a hard time letting her give them away tomorrow! She sat for 45 minutes and worked so hard on them - with Hershey kisses smeared all over her face - she was so busy, she wouldn't let me wipe her mouth .

Rainbow after the storm....

2009-02-11T14:56:00.001-08:00

Late this afternoon we had a bad, but quick moving storm. After the storm passed we looked out the window and saw a beautiful Rainbow. It disappeared in less than a minute. Rainbows always remind me of God! :)

Another birthday party

2009-02-10T17:54:00.001-08:00

Emma Grace had another Birthday party to attend this afternoon. Her friend Caroline Matthews is now FOUR years old! Happy Birthday Miss Caroline!!

Cub scouts to Cherokee Caverns

2009-02-07T16:32:00.000-08:00

Andrew's cub scout troop (Den 50) had a field trip today to the Cherokee Caverns in Solway, Tn. It was a family event, so we all went along. The boys enjoyed learning about the cave formations and all sorts of interesting facts about caves (very educational) :) We even got to see two little bats who were in hibernation. I remember visiting this cave with my grandparents when I was little, in the mid-late 70's. I hadn't been there since then. Cherokee Caverns is closed to the public now, except for about 4 times a year, when they open it up to the public.
After the cave we went back to BRUMC where they have their weekly meetings and had a Birthday cake & party! This month is the 99th birthday of the BOY SCOUTS of America! I have been so impressed with Cub Scouts this year. Morgan was never involved in cub scouts or boy scouts - I wish he had. Andrew has enjoyed all that he has learned so far this year. I encourage anyone with little boys to at least give Scouts a "try".
The Ten Purposes of CUB SCOUTING are: 1. Character development 2. Spiritual growth 3. Good citizenship 4. Sportsmanship & fitness 5. family understanding 6. Respectful relationships 7. Personal achievement 8. Friendly service 9. Fun & adventure 10. Preparation for Boy Scouts.

"Too often in our society we look around us and see businessmen who steal, we see students who cheat and we see politicians who lie. They've forgotten the fundamental elements of leadership, the elements of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. It's important for Scouting to remind people that in fact Character DOES count. it makes a huge difference in terms of success or failure and above all it makes a huge difference when you look back at the end of your life and ask yourself how you've lived it. If you can say you did a pretty good job of living by the Scout Oath and Scout Law, you probably also had a pretty successful life." ~ Bob Gates ~ Distinguished Eagle Scout , U.S. Secretary of Defense, former CIA Director and President Texas A & M University.

A welcome February SNOW******

2009-02-02T16:03:00.000-08:00

We were pleasantly surprised by some GREAT snow this morning.... Perfect for making snowmen!

Happy GroundHog day !

2009-02-01T19:19:00.001-08:00

Back in the day when "sugar" was allowed in schools, I used to make these cupcakes with my 2nd graders every Groundhog day. They always loved them. Andrew remembered us making them last year, so we decided to do it again this year.

Happy Ground Hog day tomorrow. Be sure to see if Punxatawney Phil sees his shadow or not tomorrow. Im guessing we will still have 6 more weeks of winter, regardless.

** Andrew says that these cupcakes also look like "Karns Beavers"! :)

Happy Birthday Jorja & Kiley!

2009-01-31T18:27:00.001-08:00

This evening Emma Grace went to a birthday party for her friends Jorja & Kiley Atkins (Jorja is 3 & Kiley is 6). She had a great time, Bailey Byrd and a few other of her pre school buddies were there too. (Just hope we didn't pick up a virus while we were there). - we do not go to those bounce places during the fall and winter months
unless we have a party to attend.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jorja & Kiley!!!!!

Secret Garden

2009-01-31T18:13:00.000-08:00

This afternoon Rhoni Speed and I went to see one of our 6th grade students, Melita Piercy, acting in the play The Secret Garden. Melita stared in the leading role of the play , as Mary. The play was at the Oak Ridge Playhouse in Oak Ridge. We were SO proud of her, she did an excellent job! She was also in the play Annie back in the fall. I told her she is a fantastic little actress , and we may just see her on Broadway one day! :) The other girl (on the far right) is her friend Victoria, also one of our students!

Andrew & Emma Grace....missing Morgan

2009-01-25T10:47:00.001-08:00

We went to Connor's for lunch today after church. Andrew & Emma like to go there because they have a fireplace to sit beside while you're eating. We have missed Morgan this weekend. He has been gone since Friday after school to a youth retreat in Gatlinburg, Ressurection. It's not the same when one of us is gone for a day or two.

Snow day #2

2009-01-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

We woke up this morning to an unexpected fresh dusting of snow. It was only about an inch, but still a wonderful surprise! Andrew an Emma Grace bundled back up today and headed back outside. We were happy to see that "Snowy" & "Pinky" had survived the night. Emma decided that

Pinky needed a "makeover". Todays snow is so soft and powdery that we couldn't build anymore snow people. :( But, we will take what ever we can get here in the valley!

Morgan & Emma Grace's HALF Birthdays

2009-01-19T17:15:00.001-08:00

Today Emma Grace is 3 and a half years old. Yesterday, Morgan was 14 and a half. Their birthdays are July 18th and July 19th - but 11 years apart. Morgan & Emma have always had a very special and sweet bond. He treats her like she is royalty and watches her like a hawk. He is more

protective of her than I am. And oh how she loves him. Anyone one who knows Emma well, knows that she LOVES the Disney Princesses. When she dresses up in her Princess dresses - she always wants him to be the "handsome Prince". He is so good to play along.
The top picture is them on July 19th -

their Birthdays!!! These last 2 pics were made today after playing out in the snow together.
Just six more months they will be 4 and 15.

a Snow Day..... Finally!

2009-01-19T09:18:00.001-08:00

Andrew & Emma Grace have been praying for SNOW for weeks. Even though we only got just

a little more than a "dusting", it thrilled them to death! They were soooo excited! Andrew built a snowman which he named "Snowy". He also built Emma Grace one, which she named "Pinky". (That is what she

names everything!) I am so glad they were out of school today and didn't have to watch the snow fall from a classroom window!

A change for Emma's sunday school...

2009-01-18T14:45:00.001-08:00

This Sunday was the last Sunday for "Upagi Village" at our church. That is what they call the "worship service" for the preschoolers, ages 2 - 5 year olds. Emma Grace loves "Monkiki" the star of the puppet show and " Safari Sarah". They will still have their worship time together, it will just be called "Elevate Jr" now, with a different theme.

The top picture is her with one of her favorite Sunday school teachers, Mr. Ed and Ashley Parrish.

**Look at Emma Grace's poor chapped lips. :(

Andrew's awards day

2009-01-14T15:19:00.001-08:00

This morning was the 3rd grade Awards day at Karns Elementary for the 1st semester. This was his 1st awards day as an "intermediate grade" student. Beginning in the 3rd grade, their grades are : A, B, C etc. instead of E, S & N. Third grade is a big year academically. He got "Perfect attendance", "Character Counts" and "1st Honors award". We are so proud of him for making straight A's the entire 1st semester, because good grades do not came as "easily" for him as they do for Morgan. yeah Andrew, love you!
PS - I wasn't able to go to the Awards assembly this morning , because I had to be at work - but John made these pictures for me, didn't he do a good job! :)

A girl and her dresses (and shoes)

2009-01-11T16:39:00.000-08:00

Emma Grace LOVES, I mean LOVES dresses and shoes. She really doesn't play with any type of toy, doesn't watch TV, or even color (much). ALL she wants to do is change clothes... No, not "normal" clothes - dress up clothes. If you were to show up at our house at any random time, most likely she will be dressed as either a Disney Princess, a fairy or Ballerina. :)

another Star Bucks addict in the family

2009-01-10T14:58:00.000-08:00

Morgan got me hooked back in the summer on Frozen mocha cappuccinos. Since it has turned cold weather, we've loved the HOT drinks, and I have never been a coffee drinker in my life. They have the most AMAZING hot chocolate with whipped cream in the world. I am convinced that they "put something in" their drinks to make you become addicted to the place. I can't drive by one with out pulling into the parking lot. Andrew has always been a Hot chocolate "connosuier", and even he says it is the BEST!
Also, If you have never tried their Pumpkin Bread, you need to!

New Ballet studio for Emma Grace

2009-01-05T15:43:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, Emma Grace had her 1st ballet class at her new dance Studio, Oak Ridge Academy of Dance. We loved Starz Elite, but they decided to shut down the "dance" studio and focus on cheer. We were sad to leave, but happy to find a new place with room for her in the middle of the year. Her new ballet teacher is Miss Rachel, and Emma seemed to really like her a lot today. Emma Grace "dances" EVERY single day and wears one of her many tutus around the house all the time. It is all she will wear when we are at home. She loves the little white mouse "Angelina Ballerina" - it is on PBS Sprout on demand. For now... this is "her thing"...

Inservice day

2009-01-05T15:16:00.001-08:00

Today I attended a wonderful Inservice for several Knox County middle schools at Hardin Valley Academy. The main speaker was a man named Riney Jordan. Mr. Jordan is a nationally well known motivational speaker. He is the former assistant to the superintendent, principal, teacher and public relations director for a large Texas School district. He was so funny and inspirational, it made me love my job even more than I already do! I liked him so much that I bought a copy of his book and had it signed. (I love meeting authors) This will make a nice addition to my "Teacher Book" collection. I love books even though I don't have the time I would like, to actually READ!

Wilderness at the Smokies indoor waterpark

2009-01-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

Wilderness at the Smokies indoor waterpark

2009-01-04T15:02:00.001-08:00

Andrew's 9th birthday was on New Year's Eve. He decided that he would like to visit the new Wilderness Indoor Water Park in Seveirville. It was so much fun. The boys both enjoyed

body boarding and the Storm chaser slide. (The orange & white funnel).
Emma Grace spent most of her time in the kiddie area and "hot pool" as she called it. The wave pool was also fun. It was like a smaller version of Dollywood Splash Country just indoor. The website for this resort is www.wildernessatthesmokies.com

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!

2008-12-31T17:59:00.000-08:00

Andrew's 9th Birthday

2008-12-31T17:54:00.001-08:00

Happy 9th Birthday Andrew!

2008-12-31T16:41:00.001-08:00

Today is Andrew's 9th birthday. He was born on the very last day of the century - 1999.He was the sweetest baby and still such a sensitive and sweet little boy. I hate to see him grow up. Since his birthday is exactly one week after Christmas, it is a hard time of year to plan a party. So for the past several years, we have had his "friends" birthday party on his "half' b-day in June.
For breakfast he wanted Krispy Kreme, for lunch Big Ed's pizza and for dinner we went with Mamaw, Mimi & Papaw to O'Charley's. I made his birthday cake - (I even made homemade cream cheese icing!) We are going this weekend to spend the night in Pigeon Forge at the new Wilderness in the Smokies ~ indoor waterpark!

Emma Grace & Gracie Kate at Libby Lu...

2008-12-30T13:11:00.001-08:00

Emma Grace and her sweet little friend Gracie Kate Allen went to Libby Lu this morning. This was Emma's 1st time to go to Libby Lu. They had a great time getting their manicures and hair styled like Princesses. :) So girly!!!!!!!

Christmas Eve candle light service

2008-12-25T18:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas just wouldn't be "Christmas" without going to church. Since we have to be at Mamaw's house for Christmas Eve dinner, we don't have time to go to the service at our church. We have been going to Grace Baptists candle light service for a few years now. Our good friend Sara Cox is always a very beautiful angel during the manger scene. Emma Grace was so proud to get to hold her own candle this year. She also found a very pretty manger scene outside the sanctuary.

Emma Grace & the manger

2008-12-23T19:06:00.000-08:00

Ever since last year Emma Grace has loved this manger that our church was getting rid of. She plays with and talks to her baby jesus all year. The manger has been stored away and I just got it back out last week. I dressed her in her Angel dress today and she just loved on that baby all afternoon.
But the angel to them, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good tidings of great joy that will be for all people. today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2: 8-20.

Christmas family photos 2005, 2006, 2007

2008-12-23T18:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2005 was Emma Grace's 1st Christmas...

2006

2007

Christmas 2008 family picture

2008-12-23T18:34:00.001-08:00

our "most special" Manger scene...

2008-12-23T18:07:00.000-08:00

We have several manger scenes that we get out every Christmas. We have the "breakable ones" that haven't been out for the past 3 years, b/c of Emma Grace, the Fischer Price one that the kids play with - throughout the year, etc.. But THIS one is our most SPECIAL Nativity scene. It was bought in 1965 by Mamaw - for John's 1st Christmas. He remembers setting it up when he was a little boy. It is now a family Heirloom. Morgan & Andrew have always taken such care while getting it out of the box every year. Emma Grace is still a little rough with it though. She was playing with it one day this week and broke Joseph's head off. We had to super glue it back before daddy came home from work. :(

Emma Grace LOVES Santa Claus!

2008-12-22T19:26:00.000-08:00

Emma Grace LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Santa Claus! We have seen him several times already this season. She fills his ears full when she gets up on his lap! This particular time we were visiting him, there was no one else in line, so she took

an extra long time just asking him questions about his reindeer.

2008-12-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago my 6th graders acted out the play, the Tale of Despereaux in our Reading class. The book, The Tale of Despereaux, was a 2004 Newberry Award winning novel. When we learned that is was going to be a movie coming out in December, I decided it would be fun to go see the movie. It came out in theaters today. Since it was a half day of school, a few of them met me at the theatre after school. It was a very cute movie about a little brave mouse ~ Desperaeux!

The cupcake Lady

2008-12-19T14:14:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to make an advertisement for my friend, Rhoni Speed. She is the teacher that I job share with. She is also known as the "cupcake lady", because she makes the most amazing gourmet cupcakes that you will ever put in your mouth! They literally MELT in your mouth. She makes them for parties, baby showers and even weddings. They also make nice "gifts". All her cupcakes are made from scratch using high quality ingredients such as: organic cocoa, imported chocolate, real butter, madagascar
bourbon vanilla, rich buttermilk and real cream. No cake box mixes here! She lives in Hardin Valley and can even deliver to your home! Her website is www.http://thecupcakelady.com. If you ever need some FANCY & delicious treats , give her a call!
865-693-1471

Andrew's 3rd grade class

2008-12-18T18:32:00.000-08:00

Andrew's class before their Christmas party at school.

BRUMC Pre School Christmas Program

2008-12-18T18:09:00.000-08:00

Today was Emma Grace's Christmas Program at her Pre school. Her class , the 3 yr olds, were the sheep. They followed the Shepherds (who watched their flock by night ) to the manger to see the baby Jesus. It was precious. They sang some sweet little songs and then Santa made a surprise visit.
Mamaw & Mimi got to come to the performance as well. ** A SPECIAL thank you to Jane Buckner for watching my 6th graders for a while so I could sneak over to the church to see her. :)

Sunday school friends...

2008-12-16T17:32:00.000-08:00

Emma Grace's best little Sunday school friends are Carley and Ashley.

Emma Grace meets Biscuit!

2008-12-16T12:56:00.001-08:00

We went to Smart Toys & Books last Saturday morning to meet Biscuit! We LOVE Biscuit books. Even the boys liked Biscuit when they were little! (they would never admit it though...)

Andrew's 1st Cub Scout Badge

2008-12-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

Andrew's Cub Scout Den had their Christmas party & Awards ceremony last night. He earned his very 1st badge ~ the Bob Cat badge! He was so excited. It was cute & fun for all of us to watch. Morgan was never in Scouts, so this is something brand new for our family. ( John was a cub scout when he was Andrew's age.) His pack and entire Den were in the Karns Christmas parade 2 weeks ago and they won $1oo for the 1st place float. So, all the boys got their own pine box Derby wooden car set! (He was excited about that too!)

I got a BLOG MAKEOVER!

2008-12-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

This past Monday was my birthday. I have been wanting a new Blog makeover, so that's what John got for me! Yeah!! I love my new look! If anyone needs a makeover, check out Blogs by Danielle! She is great to work with and her work is amazing. All her information can be found by visiting her website below ! Thank you Danielle ~ I love it!

Morgan & Tori

2008-12-12T17:05:00.000-08:00

I chaperoned another dance this evening. I haven't posted many pics of Morgan lately, so here is a picture of him & his girlfriend Tori @ the dance. They have been "together" (on and off) since summer. :)
Aren't they cute?

Nutcracker Ballet

2008-12-06T20:22:00.000-08:00

This evening my mom and I took Emma Grace to see her very 1st real Ballet. We saw the Appalachia Ballet perform the Nutcracker at the Civic Auditorium. My mom took me to see the Nutcracker when I was 5 and I have loved it ever since. Emma sat there and LOVED every single minute of it. She clapped and clapped and clapped. We will have to make this our new "girls only" tradition. They boys have all seen it, I "made" them go when they were younger. Morgan fell asleep and Andrew kept asking when it would be OVER. John tolerates it because he knows I love it.
Our very 1st DATE, was to see the Nutcracker - way back in December of 1991!

Karns Community Christmas Parade

2008-12-06T13:16:00.001-08:00

Emma Grace's 1st Haircut - EVER!

2008-12-03T18:45:00.001-08:00

Emma Grace has NEVER had her haircut. It was so uneven and such a tangled mess, we decided it was time for a trip to the BEAUTY shop!!!! Emma LOVES to go with me to get my haircut. I took her to my friend Rana McCarthy at Salon Visage. She is the BEST! Emma was so excited , she sat there like a big girl and loved every minute of the Primping!! Frank Gambuzza , The owner of Salon VIsage

even stopped by to see how her 1st haircut was going.

My new baby friend!

2008-12-03T18:38:00.001-08:00

My very good friends Andrea & Lynn Allen had their 3rd baby today. His name is Jeremiah Ryan and he is so sweet! Congratulations Allen family !

7 lbs - 5 oz

Sweet sweet sweet!

Emma Grace dances at Fantasy of Trees

2008-11-30T18:33:00.000-08:00

Emma Grace's Ballet Debut

2008-11-30T17:29:00.000-08:00

Emma Grace danced this afternoon at the Fantasy of Trees. This was her very

1st performance of any kind. I had no idea what to expect. She has been soooooo excited about "dancing on the stage, just like Angelina Ballerina".

(a little mouse

who loves ballet.) I was afraid that once she saw the big dark stage, she might decide she didn't want to go out there. There are 3 other little girls in her class, all 3 years old. When the bright lights 1st came on they all just stood there frozen for a moment. Then finally they started to dance. They were not even close to doing it perfectly, but they all tried and got up there in front of all those people. It was so cute! We were all so proud of our little 3 year old ballerina girlies! All 4 girls in her class have the same "middle" name. Sydney Grace Ford, Hannah Grace Little, Emma Grace Knight & Riley Grace. Their teacher is Miss Ashley and she is wonderful with them. She has so much patience~ more than I would have! :)

*A special Thank you to Whitney Chambers for showing me how to do a "Ballet bun". Having boys, I had NO IDEA how to make a slicked back ballet bun. I was pretty proud of my very "1st Bun" as well! :)

Fantasy of Trees 2008

2008-11-27T19:30:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, while the boys we at the half day of school, Emma Grace & I went to Fantasy of Trees with our friends Dena & Bailey Byrd. Dena and I use to take Trey and Morgan to the Fantasy of trees when they were little too. (Now they are 14 & 15 years old). It is fun to have 2 little ones the same age again. Emma Grace and Bailey LOVED the Christmas trees, the gingerbread houses, visiting Santa and getting their fingernails painted!

We will be going back on Sunday - Emma Grace dances with her ballet class at 2:45. She is so excited ! More pics to come of that!

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-27T18:34:00.001-08:00

We had a delicious feast today at our home. We were so happy that Grandma Ruby got to come. It is hard for her to get around as well these days, but she made it!!

Four years ago today (Thanksgiving 2004) ~ after the blessing, John and I announced to our family that we were expecting again! (with Emma Grace)
It was a BIG surprise to everyone, us included!

Now, EVERY Thanksgiving, after the blessing my DAD asks us if we have anymore news to share!
Ha ha - NO!!!!!!!

Oh, give THANKS to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever and ever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

Thanksgiving Feast - Pre school style!

2008-11-25T11:05:00.000-08:00

Emma Grace's 3 year old Pre school class celebrated today by having their "Thanksgiving feast". they ate turkey, mashed potatoes, cheese & corn with

apple juice to drink. They each made their own place mat with things they are thankful for written on it. She named off everyone in the family and then goes on to say that she's thankful

for "flashlights" and "frogs" . (not sure where that came from??)
She also put "her babies, shoes and dresses". Sometime I am going to put a picture on here that shows ALL her dress up shoes and dresses. That is all she wears when she is at home - dress up clothes!!! She really wanted to be POCAHONTAS today at school, but I told her it was too cold. So we agreed on "Pocahontas hair". This was my 1st official braids!!!
Having 2 boys, you just don't "do" braids!
Obviously, I need some lessons. She looked more like Pippi Longstockings than Pocahontas.... but it was OK - she was happy with it!
The little boy with the Pilgrim hat is her friend Avery Bolas, she talks about Avery all the time!
Anyway, her little feast was so cute.

A 3rd Grade Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

Well, once your kids get into the intermediate grades (3rd and up) the "party's over", so to speak. It is so sad when they no longer dress up like little Pilgrims & Indians and have a "feast". :( Kids just grow up - that's just what they do. So, those of you out there with preschoolers and primary aged kids - enjoy all the little activities that go along with "being little" Those days will be gone before you realize it!
John and I met Andrew at his school for lunch today anyway. He is still not too "big" to give us both hugs before we left (in front of all his classmates, i might add). I am sad to say that this will soon be a "thing of the past" as well. sniff sniff.
Morgan would have crawled under a table if we would have shown up to have lunch with him and his "8th grade" friends at school today!

The Sunday before Thanksgiving...

2008-11-23T15:42:00.001-08:00

Today is the SUNDAY before Thanksgiving. Here are just some "random" pictures from today. We saw these" Pilgrims & turkey" on Middlebrook Pike - on the way to a birthday party that Andrew was attending.
I love Thanksgiving, and all the "fixings". Seriously, I love Thanksgiving because I am such a sappy , sentimental "girl"! I love my family & friends and I thank God for so many things. This POEM is my favorite THANKSGIVING poem. I have sent it out for the past 2 Thanksgivings in an e mail, just thought I would put it on the blog this year. Emma Grace made this little turkey hand print in her sunday school class this morning.

A Mother's Thankful Heart~

I come before you Father
to thank you for this life
the blessings you have given me
as a mother and a wife.

I'm thankful for my children
as I watch them grow and play
knowing that each moment will
live for just today.

Im thankful for the laundry
for the dust to wipe away
I'm thankful for the problems
that make me stop and pray

I'm thankful for my husband's job
the roof over our heads
I'm thankful for our daily food
and the comfort of our beds.

I'm thankful for the errands
the phone that always rings
I'm thankful for the tears we cry
for the joy the laughter brings.

I'm thankful for our family's love
the way we sit and talk
the simple games we often play
the picnics and the walks.

I'm thankful for the little things
that make up everyday
for therein lies Your love, Lord
and the wonders of your ways.

I'm thankful for the memories
that life has brought my way
I count it as Your Blessing,
to be a Mother every day!

Author unknown~

Emma Grace at her 1st Lady Vols game

2008-11-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

Papaw got us some tickets to tonights Lady Vols game. It was Emma Grace's 1st UT basketball game ever. She was so excited about meeting the cheerleaders and both Smokeys! We made it until just after half time. We also got to meet Coach Bruce Pearl.
She said "he was so nice!" :)

Glad that UT football season is over~ time for some basketball!

Devotion for today

2008-11-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Devotion:
I opened up my email to discover another one of those forwards we all get from time to time. I almost hit “delete” but my eye landed on this acronym for the word “Home”:

Honor the Lord
Obey His Word
Minister to one another
Establish walls of truth

I was glad I took a look at this forward, because it made me think about whether or not these four components are present in my home. When looked at it in this light, the word “home” means so much more than just a place to live. Isn’t that what we want all of our homes to be? More than a place to sleep and eat and occasionally clean, we want our homes to be a place where lives are shaped into God’s design. This little acronym zeroes in on four important goals we should have for our home. The exciting thing is, no matter who lives there, or what problems we are facing, or what limits we feel like we have, with effort and intention our homes can be places where these four things happen.

Honor the Lord: We can honor God with our lips, but yet our hearts can be far from Him (Mt. 15:8) — and the people who live with us will be the first to know when we do this! Let’s seek to honor Him behind the closed doors of our homes, living out our devotion to Him in a visible, gentle way as we realize that our families are watching.

Obey His Word: Obeying His Word at home is not always easy. The Bible tells us to be submissive to our husbands, to love others more than we love ourselves, and to pick up our cross (as we pick up after our children, or care for our elderly parents). When we do these things with humility, those we most want to impact will notice. More than that, they will file it away in their hearts, and our lives will echo in theirs in ways we can’t possibly foresee.

Minister to one another: Ministry requires us to love others, to reach others, and to lay down our lives for the sake of those God has placed in our sphere of influence. This must happen at home first. And yet, if we’re honest, it’s usually the last place it happens. We go out and give the best of what we have to offer to others, then give our leftovers to the people we profess to love the most. Let’s minister to those in our own homes first.

Establish walls of truth: When I first read this, I will confess that something prickled in me. Establish walls? How is it Biblical to establish walls? I questioned. However, I soon realized I was thinking of walls as a means to keep people out. When in actuality, we need to be building walls of truth—God’s truth, designed not to keep others out but to guard our hearts and give us a safe place to retreat and to rest. These walls of truth make our homes into fortresses—a place to run to when our daily battles wear us out.

These are not things we can just do once and move on. They are daily requirements, regular sacrifices, and even personal struggles. We won’t ever do it perfectly and there will be days we feel we are taking one step up and two steps back. But with God’s help, we can keep working to make H.O.M.E. mean so much more.

Dear Lord, make my home a place that includes these four components. I want my home to be more than just a place to live in—I want it to be a place where lives are impacted and relationships are strengthened. Lord, I need Your help to do these things. Thank You for Your promise to always help me when I ask. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DISNEY Photo Pass pictures

2008-11-08T19:05:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures made by the Photo pass people who are ALL over Disney World.
Some of these are similar to the ones I made with my camera.

Morgan's football Banquet

2008-11-07T19:07:00.001-08:00

After the KES fall frolic, we headed to Morgan's football banquet. They ended their season 6 & 2 . It was really sad to hear the coaches talking about the boys becoming young men, as they will all be entering HIGH school next year. Which means no more YOUTH league football. It will be high school ball from here on. For these boys, it is the end of their "childhhood" sports era. They are growing up. They have remained so close for so many years. I remember them as being little guys with wobbly helmets and shoulder pads falling off of them, now they are all 14 and headed off to high school in less than a year. Sometimes I wish I could freeze time and keep my kids the same age forever.

Karns Elementary Fall Frolic 2008!

2008-11-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

This evening our school had its annual PTA fall fundraiser. This year we called it the "Fall frolic". Each class provides a basket for a basket Auction, we sell Jazzy jars and have a Book fair to raise money for our school. I worked in the sweatshirt sales booth! I love them this year!
Aren't they cute! :)

Disney World 2008

2008-11-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

I am finally getting around to putting some of our favorite

Disney pictures on here. We were there Oct. 19-26, during the boys fall break from school. I also made a KODAK Photo show (below) which is on the right of the blog, under all the links. :) We had the best time, and we all agree - It truly IS the most Magical place on Earth! (no matter what your age)

*Emma Grace loves this song ~ "If you can dream". It is on her Disney Princess DVD. She knows almost every word~ so sweet with her little lisp.