Brodie & Brooks

Brodie's First Home Run

2011-04-25T22:29:00.002-04:00

Last Thursday Brodie hit his first home run! He was so excited, along with the rest of the family of course!!!

Swimming Lessons

2011-01-27T00:16:00.004-05:00

Both the boys are in swimming lessons right now and last night was the first night in over a month I got to watch both of them! Of course Brooks decided he didn't want to swim and finally in the last 5 mins warmed up to it. Brodie on the other hand is getting better and better every week! I'm so proud of him. Last night he showed me his dive!! OMG it's awesome!! Course I'm bias too...

Finally an Update

2011-01-04T21:56:00.000-05:00

So I have got to seriously do a better job! New Years resolution! Keep up with my documenting of the Boys! I had done so good for so long and then I started letting other things creep in and I've not done photo books, wrote in their journals or posted to the blog. Heck I've not even taken Brooks for his 3 yr old pic and he Birthday was in August. So I'm starting the new year with a post and plans to keep up!!!

There are so many things I'm never able to capture with the Boys... times when I wish I had a camera built in the side of my head. The little moments when, very rarely, I catch them sitting beside one another and reading a book and no one is punching the other or just simply telling me they love me.

So Brodie started school this year and it has gone great!! He LOVES his teachers and just adores going to school everyday. (Hope that stays that way for awhile.) I got to go with him on his first field trip and we had a great time!! They went to Doe Run Farms in Ararat, VA.

As I was saying earlier, Brooks had a birthday in August. We had a little party here at the house and we had a Mickey Mouse birthday. The weather was good and hot of course and everyone had a great time. I know Kent took photos and for the life of us can't find a single one! (Hence the New Year's resolution!) I'm not giving up though. I'm hoping it's just on a card somewhere and we'll run across it.

With Brooks' birthday also came the annual Horse Show at the Carroll County Fair. As also, we had a wonderful time and the kids did great!

Aspyn sitting tall on Kate.

Brodie so proud of his blue ribbon!

Brooks, well being Brooks with not a care in the world.

Stick Horse Race

Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf!

Batman, Robin & the Joker!!!

Manda and I did some game classes but I, for the first time, realized my old mare my not be as young as she'd like to act sometimes. However, she has the grit and determination and always gives me 100% and because of that we still placed in a class of 19 for barrels. Not too bad for two mares, if I do say so myself.

Potato Race

Pick Up Race

Pick Up Race

Barrels

As school starts also do the extra circular activities.... Brodie did Soccer again this year and started back up with his swimming lessons. Brooks and I did swimming as well. (When I was home, Amanda (WONDERFUL sister-in-law) filled in for me when I was traveling.
** Side note: Justin and Amanda are having a baby!!! and a boy to boot! (imagine that) She is due May 29th. We are all so excited.. Brodie told his daycare teacher the other day he was getting a cousin!

He loves Soccer!

Continuing with our update.....

Shockley Old Timey Days again this year.

My Daddy

"Sally" & Brooks

Grinding corn

These kids will follow their Pa anywhere!

This one had a hard day!

October was here before I knew it and it was Hospice Bake Sale time!!! I received a call from Hospice about a week before the festival and was informed my biggest contributor in baked items would not be donating this year due to family illness. I was devastated! I immediately sent out the word that I needed everything I could get and OH MY did my friends and family pull through for me! We had the best year EVER for Hospice! We raised $2,600 in 2 days!!! I can't tell you how ecstatic I was, and grateful doesn't begin to describe the feeling I have for every single person that has helped me throughout the years. We learn more and more each year and try to make the adjustments to ensure we continue to surpass the previous year!

Halloween came quickly, like everything else this year, and I wasn't as prepared as I typically am. Brodie and Brooks requested their costumes this year and so I went to the Spirit store in Winston and got lucky! They looked super cute in them! I let them wear them around the house because they loved them so good. We went Trick or Treating all weekend it seemed like. We went to the Trunk or Treat at Church, took them to their normal stops and went Downtown Mt. Airy. Aspyn came down and went Downtown with us!

November was National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. I attempted another fund raiser this year in hopes to 1. Create awareness of the National observance of Hospice and 2. To continue to help support our local Hospice organization. It didn't quite turn out how I had imagined in my head but it was a first pass and you learn from experiences. I met a lot of great people and had a lot of support.

Mimi has been gone 7 years and papa 14 but I still remember what an impact Hospice had on my family and now I'm experiencing it again today with Pa.

Thanksgiving was great with the family!

Then it begins, the rush to the end of the year. December is always a busy month. Farmer Nana's birthday, Kent's birthday, Holiday parties and Brodie's birthday. Trip to see Santa went awesome! We bought the Fast Pass so NO waiting in line!! The boys hopped right up in his lap, told him what they wanted, smiled for the picture and then Brooks begged not to get out of his lap!! Hahahah He did the same thing last year and I thought I would never be that lucky again but if there is one thing I can say with all honesty is my boys LOVE Santa.

Brodie turned 6! Six? I know to many of you that's not much but it is big to me. I can't believe how quickly his grows. Being the slack mother I've been this year I did not get a party planned. We had pancakes with Kent's family Monday night at the request of the birthday boy. Wednesday we went to Mexican with friends. Thursday we took him to Toys-r-us to pick out his gift. (Yes I hadn't even bought his gift) Pizza with my mom and family Friday night & then up the mountain Saturday to celebrate with Mema, Pa, Daddy & Amanda. So it has turned into a week long celebration!

As I began this update I said my resolution was to try to keep up documenting and that's what I intend to do. As I looked back at some of my previous posts I realized just how much you really do forget and I don't want to forget a single second. It doesn't take 5 minutes at the end of the day for me to jot down things that they may have done that day or said and those 5 minutes will give me endless minutes of happiness for the rest of my life.

I wish everyone a safe and wonderful New Year and I pray that each of you cherish every moment you have with those you love! We often get too busy to realize just who all and how much we take for granite in our everyday life!

Carl Staples "Pa" to me "Big Pa" to my Boys

2010-12-31T12:31:00.012-05:00

Carl Hicks Staples born January 13, 1930 to Ethel and Solon Staples in Hillsville, Va. One of ten children, he grew up hard like most did in that era. He met Allie and fell in love, got married and joined the Army. He & Allie had two children Marlon and Susan. Then of course, like most stories go, the Father turned into a Grandfather.
This man is MADE to be a grandpa. One of the strongest men physically and mentally I've ever known. Pa worked all his life to build a family, home and his farm. "Triple Ridge Farm" His love for the farm is something indescribable. That love has filtered down to my sister and I and now to Brodie and Aspyn. Pa has built something that money would never be able to buy and that's a passion and love for life and the earth.

Pa was diagnosed with Prostate cancer about 6 or 7 years ago. He was treated and was just on a regularly checkup routine to monitor him. Several years passed and his tests began to come back a little irregular. I began taking him to Mimi's Oncologist in Winston and a recommended Urologist as well. They worked together and found a combination of treatment that stabilized the cancer and we continued with the regular checkups. About a year ago Pa began feeling bad, too bad to go to the farm some days and well, if you know Pa, that's bad. We had more extensive tests done and it was revealed that the cancer had spread. Most recently (past 6 months) he fell and broke his hip, had surgery, went to rehab and is now home. Hospice was called in to help Mema a month ago and they have been a life saver for her!

You always know in the back of your mind that you will have to go through this stage in life but you are never fully prepared no matter what the circumstance. I have been blessed beyond imagination with the family and friends in my life. And as I sit hear and try to think of what word(s) would be powerful enough to evoke the emotion to help you of those reading, and those of which don't know my Pa, understand the love I have for my grandparents is really unreasonable.

Amanda and I were so very lucky that we got to spend every weekend with our Grandparents and the summers.....???? We spent ALL summer with Mema and Pa!! Nights of egg sandwiches, as Mema would pack Pa's lunch (He worked 3rd at the Radford Arsenal) Weekends of playing in the barn and riding our horses in the yard. Helping him skin squirrels and eating them for breakfast.... Yes I said squirrels. Stopping at the store and getting sardines, crackers and a bottle of pop to take for lunch on the farm. We would sit on hay in the barn or go down to the creek and eat our sardines. (Everyone couldn't believe I'd eat sardines as I child! lol) Going on the wagon train every 4th of July and sitting by the fire and listening to the music at night. Doctoring the cows and feeding the calves. Cutting and putting up hay in the hot sun and then feeding that hay on a snow covered ground in the winter. The songs he would sing..... One, he would come down the hall hitting the sides of the wall and singing "School Days again today!" Another "Tarpon sitting on a railroad track, picking his teeth with a tarpon tack. Along came a train, choo choo choo, cut that tarpon right into!" He had a ton of them!
Pa rarely got upset but one day we were in the front yard and he had gotten aggravated about something and I remember him throwing his fist in the air and kicking is feet. I got so tickled at him and so he kept doing it. I said Pa what are you doing? He replied "It's the shit leg dance!" ahhhahahahahah From that day forward Pa and I would do the shit leg dance anytime we got aggravated and you can't be ill after dancing like that! I have so many memories that I will cherish for an eternity.

I could write for days on end about Pa but I'm not going to. I'm just going to post some pictures and remember that even though the toughest is yet to come, I have the most amazing grandfather that a child could have!

Brodie's First Day of Kindergarten

2010-08-24T08:28:00.004-04:00

So today was the day!!! I thought I would be more emotional but I did good! LOL

He was so excited and ready to go. When he got out of the car he took off. I had to make him stop and wait for Kent & I. He goes till 11:00 today and I can't wait to pick him up and hear all about it!

Summer Time

2010-07-26T00:36:00.004-04:00

We just got back from our Summer vacation at the Outer Banks. Kent's brother Justin got married on the beach on Tuesday in a beautiful ceremony. We had a great time with the kids on the beach and playing putt putt.

Brodie & I took a walk down the beach and I caught a blue crab!

Brooks enjoyed himself but wasn't too hot on getting in the ocean. He'd get to about his knees which is an improvement from last year.

Daniel & Erica and their boys went with us as well. Here is Brooks and Carter playing.

Brodie cheesing as usual.

After the wedding they had music and dancing. The boys LOVED it.

Tuesday morning, Jake took Brodie to the pier to do some fishing. Didn't have much luck but had a good time anyway.

Erica & I loving on the pirate at putt putt. LOL

Kent teaching little man to play.

Of course this one needed no help at all.

Grammy, Kent's mom, with the boys.

This was on the ride down. It took us about 6 hours and of course they didn't fall asleep till about an hour out.

Brodie, being Brodie, even in his sleep.

The night before we left for the beach, Me and some of Amanda's friends took her out.

Left to right(Me, Amanda (Justin's new wife). Erica, Kelly Jordan & Billie Jo Easter

Here was a pic from about a month ago I wanted to share. Brooks had to have his tonsils and adenoids removed because of sleep apnea and this was right before surgery. He did very well and has been sleeping WONDERFULLY since the surgery.

Brodie's Preschool Graduation

2010-06-02T21:24:00.003-04:00

It seems like only yesterday Kent and I were going to the Prom and graduating High School.... now we're watching our oldest graduate preschool.... Where does the time go?

Ms. Jeannine, Brodie & Ms. Beth

Our little Graduate!

He is so proud!

Everyone had a small speaking part. Brodie's was showing everyone what a great job he does tying his shoe!

He are a few other random pics....

Brooks on the playground.

What a GQ little man! He picked the outfit out himself!

Brodie's first fish!!! He was so proud, and it was on the Farm to boot!

Finally a little update

2010-05-09T23:11:00.005-04:00

I know it's been forever since I've posted anything so here are a few shots over the last few weeks.

Brooks & Aspyn (Aspyn holding on to Jake)

Seriously look at Brodie's face!!! Man am I in for trouble!

Ok what's wrong with this picture? Ask Brodie and he'll say nothing... ask Brooks and Aspyn in a few years and they'll say EVERYTHING!

LOL

Aspyn & Michael Daddy (as she likes to call him)

Fertilizing the field... planting potatoes

Got to teach them early!

It's T-Ball time again!.... Man he's interested in the game isn't he? I know he's special... he's mine isn't he? LOL

Oh sweet is this?

Kent is helping coach this year... Brodie ready to run!

Loved this shot....

He's definitely not afraid to dive for it!

Family Pics

2009-12-29T14:09:00.002-05:00

If you have ever tried to get a picture of children you'll know it's almost impossible to get more than one to look at the camera at the same time! I've been wanting so pictures of the boys and our family and I finally got them!! Our wonderful friend Daniel shot these pictures in his back yard! I am absolutely THRILLED with them!!!

Brooks and Brodie

Our Family!

I love this picture! As you can tell by Brodie's hands his not wanting to sit still... hahaha and I'm having to hold Brooks' arms down from smacking me and his brother! LOL oh Boys!

Hockey/Thanksgiving/Snow/Christmas/Birthday Party.... whooo that's a lot!

2009-12-28T13:53:00.018-05:00

So I know I've been a long time posting updates but I promise I've been sitting around having facials and manicures done and just haven't possibly had the time to pull my fingers off my bon bons and onto the computer!

So here are a few updates...

I really work with some of the most thoughtful people in the world and one very special lady, Janet Bridge, aka Martha, brought me some tickets to a hockey game!!! Of course I'm never one to turn down a chance at a sporting event and especially one I've never had the opportunity to attend! Not to mention I couldn't wait to see the look on Brodie's face!!! So we loaded up and went to Raleigh to watch the Carolina Hurricanes and the Tronto Maple Leafs play. Carolina won in a shoot out! It was awesome and all thanks to Janet and Hbi!!!

Box Seats to boot!

So then Thanksgiving rolled around and well we did a lot of eating and a lot of this:

Thanksgiving night at Uncle Phil's and Aunt Nancy's! This kids LOVE their aunt and uncle!!!

We tried for a picture in front of the fire place but of course kids never want to corporate.

Then it's time for our annual friend dinner! Every year for the last 4 years, I guess, we have had a large group of friends get together and have a large dinner and just enjoy watching the kids play! It's really so wonderful to just sit down and enjoy each others company when we don't see each other the way we use to.

Amanda playing with the boys and of course you can see Tillee is not afraid to get rough with the boys as well!

All the kids!!! I swear it gets bigger and bigger every year! From left to right (Salem Shore 5, Parker Shore 2, Jackson Graves 3, Carter Hemric 2, Ty Hemric 1 (in chair), Brodie Robertson 5, Brooks Robertson 2, Aspyn Crockett 2, Tillee Hauser 2, and Taylor Hauser 9)

The whole bunch!!
I really can't tell you how lucky I feel to have such wonderful friends!!!!! I'm so very thankful!

Brodie at the Mt. Airy Christmas Parade

Brooks at the parade

Here is Tyler (my 1st cousin) and he's finance Liz in the Mt. Airy parade.

Ty & Carter Hemric

Man the woman are going to love this man!!!

Aspyn at the parade

Brodie and Uncle Michael

So the weekend before Christmas we got a wonderful surprise! SNOW!!!! I can't remember the last time we got this much snow not to mention when it's ever been this close to Christmas!

We got about a foot and then with a tin roof it just kept rolling off and piling up!

Then before you know it it's Christmas!

How sweet is that face?!

And this one?

Of course then they turn green really quick! hahahah

The "Girls"
(Chelsey, Manda, Mama, Me)

Sisters!

Awww shoot the picture quick Kent!

Kisses for mama!

And Chelsey

Present time

Christmas morning!!! Look at that smile!! But if you look real close at the stockings you'll see that the third one from the right has something wooden sticking up from it.... Santa left someone a warning!

Brooks LOVES Mickey Mouse!! I'm glad I'm not the only one!

Ok I apologize for the attire... lol

Brooks and Kota!

Aspyn got a gator!!! She's one happy little country girl!

Loving on her daddy!

Seriously look at those shoes!

Brooks and his love of balls!

So no more then we get the boxes in the trash and things somewhat in order from Christmas we're celebrating more!!! Brodie's birthday party!!!

He requested Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake!

Pin the tail on the donkey!

Manda, Pa & Me

Celebrating on the mountain.

Fall on the Farm

2009-12-02T22:41:00.005-05:00

Here are some pics from a cold day on the farm.

Moving Slick and Echo.

Suppose to be bed time... not happening as you can see!

Just Playing

2009-10-25T11:21:00.004-04:00

Brooks & the Gator

Oh Brotherly Love!

Seriously I have no idea how he did this!

Brooks & "Salwee"

What a good looking boy!

He was definitely in need of a bath!

Brodie got a little wooden truck kit and he and dad put it together.

Swimming & Soccer

2009-10-25T11:15:00.006-04:00

So Brodie finishes up his first year of Soccer tomorrow night and he has had a ball!!!

It's an instructional league so that don't actually have games but he's learned a ton and had so much fun!

This is Brodie and his fav coach "Madison"

Ohhh Almost a goal! Heheheh

So last week I was looking at the paper and run across this picture and I thought wow that girl looks familiar... It's Coach Madison!! I always knew I had a ladies man on my hands and can only hope he would pick a home coming queen... I just didn't realize he would do it so soon... heheheheh

Here is his official Team Pic!!

So we just finished swimming lessons and we'll start another this Tuesday. I have been so thrilled with how much Brodie has learned from Cathy Colque!!! She truely is amazing at teaching kids to swim!! She also taught Kent, how cool is that!!!

Below are a few pics from Brodie's lessons.

This is one proud Boy!! It's Brodie's 1st every Trophy!!!!

Brodie & Ms. Cathy

Autumn Leaves Festival

2009-10-25T11:07:00.008-04:00

It's that time again, or it was.... I'm a little behind on posting for Sept/Oct.

Every year at the Autumn Leaves Festival I organize the Hospice Bake Sale to help support the Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home. This year was a great success and I can't say how thrilled I am and thankful for all the donations and support I received from the Hospice Volunteers and especially my family and friends. We raised $2,152 this year in just two days!!! I didn't get as many pics of the booth as I'd like but it's hard to remember to take them. I did remember to take a few before during the baking and Kent grabbed a few during and after the festival. Hope you enjoy!!!

"Mawmaw" & Aspyn

"Mema" to most, Aspyn is not most, as many know so she calls Mema Mawmaw....

So Big Man here had money to burn and he decided on a marshmallow gun! hehehe

Getting his TMNT

Caught this little dude dancing in the streets at the festival.

Hospice Booth!

Downtown Mt. Airy

Sally Jane as Madame Butterfly

Brooks the Dragon!

Ready to Bake!!!

Pumpkin Muffins

Beer Bread

Before

After

Blackberry Granola Goodness!

Mini Pumpkin Pies!!

More Pies

Pumpkin, Pumpkin Muffins

What a mess!

Chocolate Cake Balls in Chocolate!! Mmmmm

Chocolate Cake Pops

More Chocolate!

Shockley Old Timey Days / Fall Fair

2009-10-22T23:07:00.006-04:00

Every year the Shockley Family in Carroll County get together and put on a weekend of Family fun!!! It started as a couple of families getting together and pulling out all of the old equipment that families had passed down through generations and putting it to work as it had in the olden days. Now it's blossomed into an entire weekend of demonstrations for everyone to enjoy. Daddy has always helped out and included his right hand man, Brodie! Anything and everything that "Farmer Pa", as Brodie calls him, is amazing to this little boy. He is right behind his Pa's every step learning and helping every chance he gets. Below are a few pics from the first weekend in October at the Shockley Farm.

Brodie & Farmer Pa

Riding the sled.

What boy is not happy with a lead rope??

Brodie & Aspyn dancing to the music!

Look at those sweet little Wranglers!!!

Bagging up the potatoes!

Playing in the wagon!

Shelling corn.

Grinding the corn for chicken feed!

"Sally Jane"

Every year in September, Mt. Airy has the Fall Fair. We took the Boys down for a few rides and some fun.

Mommy & Brooks just rode the spinning dragon!

Brodie & Carson

Brodie & Brooks fishing for prizes!

Brodie & Carson... Bikers Boys!

Brooks' Birthday & The Horse Show

2009-09-05T19:53:00.017-04:00

The month of August has been a busy month!!! Brooks turned 2 August 28th so we had a birthday party the next day!! It was all about BUGS!!! Pizza & cake and the kids were happy!

Juice!!!

Not exactly sure what the problem was here.

Inch Worm Birthday cake!

All the inch worm's friends.

Seriously how cute are those puckered lips??!?

Cake time!

So we got a little rain shower while eating and of course what do the kids do when they get down?? Stick their heads in the water....

Here Brooks let me rub it in good for you!

Mom I think there is something wrong with this bug.

Here daddy it's dead!

So here Carley is channeling her mother.... Do not take my picture while I'm eating!

Present time! He had a ball opening presents and even more fun playing with everything afterward.

The following day was the Carroll County Fair Horse Show! I said it had been a busy month!!

Not sure what was so exciting here but something was pretty cool!

"Sally Jane" as me and the Boys like to call her! Or as Brooks pronounces... Salweee!

I don't think he'll ever know how lucky he is to have his hair!

There are no words for this!

Excuse me while I take a sip... gotta have that milk!

The child loves attention!

Tell me when they're done mom... I'm laying down.

Ms. Natalie Poteat! Honestly I don't think her mother looked as much like herself when she was this age!

Look at all the wild horses!

WOOOOO this one is getting a little wild!

Well this one seems to have laid down on his rider or either we have on owl of a horse.

OK it's costume time!!!

What's up Bam Bam!!!

Look it's Mother Goose, Little Bo Peep & her sheep!

I am so impressed on how this came out! Manda took over 50 yards of quilt bating and rubber banded each ball individually!!! This is one dedicated woman!

Meet the Flintstones!

Wilma, Fred, Dino & Bam Bam!

Better watch out... Bam Bam might club you!

Oh my looks like the nurse got to this patient just in time!

Natalie & Tiny in the potato race!

Me & Dixie in the potato race!

Bringing home first place!!! Ok so I'm just a little bit excited about this!!! This ole girl, Dixie, is 27 years old and we won't tell how old I am. Not too bad for two old girls!

Me & Manda in the pick up race.

We got third place, it was our first try so I was pretty happy with that!

Barrels... We tipped the first barrel so we didn't place but I LOVED this picture. I would do this all day every day if I could! I LOVE RIDING THIS HORSE!

So this last picture is not at the horse show or the birthday party but I don't think I've seen a picture that best shows Brodie's personality so I had to share it with you!!!

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do!

Summer Weekend

2009-08-10T21:43:00.005-04:00

This first picture is for our special friends in St. Louis & Bentonville!!!!

This is for you Michelle & Grammy.... Get better soon Grammy!!! We love you both!!!

I've been dying to get Brodie a gator for a while but couldn't bear to pay the $400 retail they sale for so after searching for months I found a used one!!! The kids are THRILLED!!!!

Terry had his Birthday party at the creek this weekend and the kids had a ball in the water. Especially our crazy little girl Aspyn!!!

Drinking creek water!

Now let's get our head wet.... notice the naked little child beside her! I am sparing you right now but I must warn you when you scroll on down you will see a naked baby hinny... as we call them in the mountains.

Notice she's preparing for her swim suit water shots on the beach one day or maybe under a waterfall.....

hehehe that do you think Michael daddy?

Ok so Pa never ceases to amaze me... Seriously does it get much funnier then a 79yr old Great Grandfather with a nose ring?

Lounging in the creek.

Ok so Brooks ran out of little swimmers and if you have ever seen what a diaper does when you put it in water then you'll understand why I simply let him go naked. Yes my children will probably hate me for the rest of their lives for all the embrassing pictures I have of them but you know what????? I could care less!!! I'm going to be old and grey and sitting at the creek looking at my picture books of my boys playing and loving that I have ever memory I can possibly catch!!!

Look mama!

I'm sorry but I just can't stand how cute this is!!! If you know me then you completely understand my terrible urge to pinch those cheeks!!!!!!!!!!

Mama's little Angel!

So Sunday evening Daniel & Erica called and said "We've got steaks and water"... we said "What time"???

Carter on the slip & slide.

The kids loved it!!!

Even Brooks loved it!

Tell me this Boy is not having a great time!!!

I can't help but smile at all these pictures.

Hope you enjoy!

Finally an Update

2009-08-01T08:36:00.013-04:00

So I know I've been extremely slack on updating this summer! It's been crazy busy! I'm working 4 10 hour days with Friday's off, which is WONDERFUL, because I get to spend the day with the Boys!

So we've done a lot so far and below are just a few pics! I've got more and will try to update soon!

Growing Boy!! Looking more like his big brother here.

So Brodie found these goggles and wouldn't put them down for days. We were on our way up the mountain and I looked in the backseat and he was out cold with them on!

Of course he had to have them in the bath as well!

Who said Flash Dance was 30 years ago??? Brodie slept like this!

Hay Time!!! This year Brodie got to ride around with Farmer Pa!

Daddy had to have his gall bladder removed so he was confined to driving duty! And supervising of course.

Brodie & Carson at the creek!

July 4th get together!

Sally Jane

Brooks & Carter

Me & my boys!!!

Pa & Tyler!

Pa rode all day with Tyler and had a wonderful time! I think it was great medicine for him!

Of course me, manda & the kids had to ride as well!

This is miss thang showing off for the camera!

Here is Tyler and his team he took to Milwaukee

We were watching Tyler and I was shooting pictures when I turned around and cool man Joe was chilling.

Aren't they sweet??

Oh sweet boy!! Next he'll be smacking her.

This is Liz!!! Tyler's Bride-to-Be!!! We LOVE her!!! She's so great with the kids. Brooks passed out right in her lap!

Me & Brodie riding Liz's horse jughead! Brodie drove the whole time and I just sit back and relaxed while he and I discussed the ways of the world. Like "Why did God make me like corn mama?" and "If an Indian shot the wagon wheel with an arrow we'd be in trouble." and oh let's not forget furture plans... "Mama I'm going to be a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle when I grow up!" followed by... "You know they're not real mama?!"

For these two to look so different they couldn't be more alike in personality!!!

Beach Time!!! Brodie loved the ocean!!! Never wanted to leave! "Mama, I wish we lived closer to the beach!"

Brooks had a great time too!!!

Aspyn's 2nd Birthday!! Mermaid party on the Farm!

This is what Brooks did at Aspyn's party for the first hour!

Brodie, Brooks & Terry building a "dam" according to Brodie, who after awhile decided, "You can't stop the water!"

So back to the beach trip... Brodie was begging to do this so I thought what the heck!

He loved it!!!

Me & Brodie horsing around @ Barefoot Landing

Me & Brodie @ Barefoot Landing

T-Ball

2009-05-17T14:44:00.010-04:00

It's T-ball time! This is Brodie's first year at T-ball and Daddy is the coach of the Robby's team along with Carson's dad Jamie!! Brodie has been having lots of fun and I think the others have as well. Here are some pics from the ball game last week.

GO ROBBY'S!

"Sis" Poteat Jr!!!

This is what most of them like to do!

Would you believe Brodie is using Chelsey's old bat and glove?! I remember like it was yesterday sitting out behind Jones watching Chelsey play in the dirt!

Here is my little slugger!

Brothers / Sisters

2009-05-17T14:17:00.009-04:00

I can't count how many times people have asked Amanda or myself, "Are they twins?" Then we have to explain the whole, we're sisters and we had them a month apart. Then there are those times people say... "Look, how cute, twins" Then we just simply say Thank you. For the most part these two might have well been twins! They are either the sweetest things on earth to each other or they're kicking, screaming, biting or smacking each other. So we got lucky and caught a sweet moment a few weeks ago and I just had to share it!

Now it seems like the brothers do NOTHING but fight and aggravate each other to death but there are those occasional moments that you wish would last forever and here are a few of those.

Circus at Rainbow

2009-05-02T20:50:00.004-04:00

So I always knew when I worked at Rainbow in College that if I ever had children I would put them in the preschool program and Rainbow. This preschool is one, if not, the best in Surry County. It is run by some of the most wonderful and smartest women you will ever meet! A few weeks ago Brodie had his very first program at Rainbow. He talked about it for weeks and I was so excited to go watch. Here are a few pictures from the Circus program at Rainbow and my little BIG elephant!

Ms. Jeanine & Brodie the elephant.

Ms. Jeanine & Ms. Sara

The joys of Farming

2009-05-02T20:04:00.004-04:00

I'm so thankful every time I step foot on our farm in Hillsville that I can't even explain how happy it makes me to just be on the land but even happier that my boys are enjoying something that their Great Grandfather worked hard for and put in a lot of blood and sweat for us to be able to enjoy this wonderful piece of earth that the Lord blessed us with! Brodie usually can't wait to get on the farm for many reasons. One and the usually the first thing I hear as soon as we pull off 52 is, "I'm taking my set belt off because we're on the farm mama, ok?" Not that he ever gives me time to disagree or anything. Second, one of my all time favorites, "Mama I can pee off the porch or in the field because I'm on the farm!" It kills Kent but I think it's wonderful! Third, "Mama can I sit in your lap and drive?" This is a memory I have of myself sitting in the lap of my dad, mema, and Pa all over the farm driving the cars and trucks. I thought I was big!!!

Enough of all that... I really got off on a tangent... Here are some pictures of us on the farm!

"Big Daddy" of the field!

New addition

Brodie driving on the farm.

Most moms can't stand to see a dirty face but for me it tells me he's feed and having the time of his life!

Look and little me "thang" there... she's just as big as Brodie, or she thinks she is.

Brodie and Farmer Pa

The man that started it all!! Carl Staples my grandpa!

One of the strongest yet gentlest men I've ever known and probably WILL ever know. I can't explain to you the love I feel for my grandparents and the over whelming gratitude I have for everything they've done for our family!

Below are pictures of Tyler (my first cousin) driving his team to pull the wagon and hay so everyone can feed the cows.

Brooks' Frist Haircut

2009-05-02T19:55:00.005-04:00

As most of you know I'm a fan of long hair on my "youngins", as I like to call them. So it hurt my heart when I had to break down and finally take Brooks' for his first Official haircut. Just because my sister continued to say how pitiful the hair coming over his ears looked. So two weeks before Easter I broke down and had it done. Sad it's taken me this long to have it done. Not that I've been busy with two kids and preparing for a yard sale, or spending Easter in the hospital because Brooks' decided he was going to be HIGHLY allergic to peanut butter!!!!! So in my infinite extra time I've just doing my nails, finishing War and Peace and tanning in the sun so I've gotten a little behind on the postings. So here is the first of many I'm going to post this weekend!

Cupcake Pops

2009-04-10T21:04:00.004-04:00

Janet this pic is for you!!! I'm not good at the food pictures but hubby says he'll teach me. For all of you that don't exactly know what a cupcake pop is well it's a little bit of heaven!! It's essentially a ball of cake dipped in chocolate. This was a little experiment this weekend to see what works and what doesn't because I plan to make a whole slew of this for the Autumn Leaves Bake Sale for Hospice. Now if you're interested in learning more about these little babies visit www.bakerella.com She will blow your mind on what she is able to do with these!

Also there is another site you may want to try www.janetbridge.com She had her first round of making cupcake pops just about a week ago and brought them into the office and they were amazing! She also has some other wonderful things so check her out!

Also in case you're wondering I'm going to try to post some updates on the Boys in the next day or so! Brodie had a program at preschool and Brooks finally had his first official hair cut!

Swimming Lessons

2009-03-04T15:31:00.006-05:00

We started swimming lessons with Brodie at the beginning of February and will finish up March 12th.

I took the opportunity to take some shots of Brodie in action the other night and wanted to share my little man learning to swim.

He really enjoys it and is begging for some googles, which he was calling giggles.

Brooks is next!

FINALLY SNOW!!!

2009-03-04T15:22:00.010-05:00

Ok so it's 70+ degrees outside and I'm posting snow pics... I'm just a little behind. I'll have up weekend pics before long but hope you enjoy the snow ones.........

The pictures I have of Brodie and snow are few and far between. We had a dusting in Mt. Airy when Brodie was about 13 months old so I snapped a few shots then.

Then two winters ago we went to Manda and Micheal's and took advantage of their little bit.

I've been hoping for snow all winter and if the first time it snowed on the mountain Brodie didn't have a broken collarbone. So I've been hanging on to what little hope I had left we might get another shot at real SNOW.

After hearing the forecast Sunday morning I knew this would probably be the last opportunity. When I drove into Mt. Airy around 2:30 Sunday evening, after being out of town for the weekend, and seen all we had was rain I decided if the snow wasn't coming to us we were going to it!

Brodie was already at Daddy's so we loaded up Brooks and started up 52! It took twice as long as what it normally does but it was all worth it!!!

Brooks' First Snow!

You'd think I'd at least wipe the chocolate off before taking pics.

You better run boy!

Snow Angel time!

Too much fun!

Aspyn was loving this!

Lazy man's sledding.

Brooks & Manna

Pony Time

2009-02-09T15:05:00.010-05:00

I've always dreamed of Brodie having his own little pony to play with on the farm and if you know me, when I get something in my head I usually don't give up till it's done. So this past week it came to my attention an opportunity to buy Brodie a pony. So after looking at it on Sat and getting my daddy's approval we picked the pony up! Brodie was in shock... he didn't say a word, which if you know Brodie, is not like him at all. Here are a few pics from the weekend!!!

Just a side note, you'll notice I have a patch on my eye, I tore my cornia Sat evening... yeah it's a long story but it's getting better.

January 13th first Broken Bone

2009-01-26T12:54:00.000-05:00

So for those of you that may not see Brodie in action on a regular basis let me just say HE DOES NOT STOP MOVING!!!! Now it's up for debate as to who he got all his energy from, well I guess it is if you don't know me, but the child doesn't even stay still in his sleep! My dad learned that very quickly after letting him sleep with him one night. He said "He leaps in his sleep". When we put him in his big boy bed we had a guard put up to keep him from falling out of the bed and let me tell you there is only about 12" on the top and bottom to slide out of and he has done it numerous time, but about 3 months ago we decided it was real big boy bed time and the guard came down. So I guess you're saying "Why?" well he has to learn at some point how to stay in the bed and he did, in his bed that is. He may have fell out of his bed once after we took the guard down. Well Brodie has a tendency to come climb in bed with mom and dad in the middle of the night and he did on January 13th although this time was a little different then normal. I was apparently more toward the middle of the bed and instead of squeezing those sweet cheecks inbetween us he laid down on my side of the bed and at 12:33am I heard a loud thud and hair raising scream!!! We both shot out of the bed and picked him off the floor. You could immediately tell this was no normal scream. He wouldn't stop for about 45 seconds to a minute and when he started talking he said "My neck, my neck" So as you can imaging Mom is FREAKING OUT!!!! Of course my very own Super Hubby tells me to "chill out, it's not his neck" of course I wanted to shake him and ask him what Medical school he attended and how on earth did he know with them x-ray eyes of his and why wasn't he using them for the advancement of medical science, but I didn't I continued my freak out! Then as he calmed a little more we asked him to point to where it hurt and that's when he pointed to his shoulder and we could tell something didn't look right. I immediately threw on clothes as Kent wrapped him in a blanket and carried him to the car. I called my Mom and she came to the house to be with Brooks while Kent met us at the ER. Thank goodness for my mother being a light sleeper!!!!! I know she'll pick up on the first ring in the middle of the night and be there faster then I can think. It's beginning to be a yearly thing for her.... last year she was driving me to the ER in the middle of the night for kidney stones. Ok back to Brodie.... we got to the ER and signed in and thank goodness I saw a familiar face!!! The nurse helping us in the ER was Ashley McKnight! It's always calming knowing the person taking care of you. We were being taken back at 12:52am so you can see how fast this was going! Dr. Vrooman was great!!! The X-ray techs were great!!! They took several x-rays and Brodie was a tropper!!! He broke the right collarbone clean in half! We got a shot of morphine and a harness to go around his shoulders and was back home and on the couch at 2:45! I've said a lot of things about the Mt. Airy hospital but they were great that night! So now that I've said all that I'm posting a few pics of my little man the day after! How is he today? Well let's say you'd never in a million years ever guess he broke his collarbone two weeks ago.

Brodie's 4th Birthday

2008-12-29T14:35:00.000-05:00

Got to get the tattoos on.

"Camping clothes like my Daddy!"

"A truck and trailer! Manna get my horses!"

A tool bench!

"A pirate ship!"

What a scary band of pirates.

We found the treasure.

Escapees

Christmas

2008-12-29T14:22:00.001-05:00

Christmas Morning

Big brother helping.

He LOVES Pablo!!!

Brooks' rollercoaster.

Of course Big Man was the first on.

Christmas Eve (Michelle & Shawn made this little boy's day!)

Brodie saying the blessing at Daddy's before breakfast Christmas.

Aspyn

I think Manda might enjoy this one as much as Aspyn.

Spot of Tea anyone?

Aspyn loves her new sweater!!! At least she got it on.

Mama & Brooks with cookie monster.

Oh he may look innocent.

Brodie helping Bob's with his gift.

We caught Brodie wearing Bob's hat.

Christmas Party at Rainbow

2008-12-29T14:17:00.001-05:00

Ms. Jeanene & Ms. Sara's Class

Ms. Bonnie's Class

Super Hero / Reindeer

2008-12-15T13:02:00.000-05:00

Look at my little "Batman / Superman"!!!

Here he wanted to play Rudolph!

Few New Pics

2008-12-11T22:15:00.001-05:00

Hillsville Christmas Parade

FEED ME

This is what we do for fun!

2008-11-05T22:45:00.001-05:00

Ok so I couldn't resist

Mabry Mill

Brodie loves to help his Farmer Pa.

Lots and Lots of Pictures

2008-09-22T14:14:00.000-04:00

Since it's been a while since I've updated pics I've got several I'd like to share with you. We took a long weekend and meet my Uncle and Aunt in TN and had a great weekend. Brooks had his First Birthday Party August 31st!!!! We were very lucky to have wonderful weather and lots of friends! We then have pictures from the Fair the first week in Sept that we took the kids to. Brodie had a ball and we did as well. Then I have a few pics from weekends on the farm which we LOVE and lastly the horse show. We attended the Carroll County Fair this weekend and entered the kids in some things and then Manda and I did a few things as well. Got two pics of me. It's been a long while since I've competed in anything but I had a ball either way!! I did come in 3rd in Barrel Racing and considering the combined age of myself and Dixi (my horse) is almost 60, I was pretty proud of us. Brodie won 1st place in the costume contest and he also participated in lead line and stick horse race. We had a wonderful day!! Also for those I may have not already told, Aspyn won Wee Miss Carroll County. You can see pics from that on her blog http://aspynsydney.blogspot.com/

This one is for Beau

Smokey Mountains

Brodie and Uncle Bryant

Uncle Bryant

Jackson (What a Graves!!!)

Kent took this when Jamie and I were riding! Yeah it felt that fast too!

Brodie and Carson

Cayden, Carson & Jamie

Brodie and Carson

Carson, Me & Brodie

Jamie, Elliott & Cayden

For those that may not know, My little man is growing too fast! He's riding by himself now!

Tired farmer!

It really doesn't get much better!

Horse Show!

Brooks actually fell asleep on the horse!

Just missed the potato on the potato race, I had it in the bag too!

Barrel racing

Lots and Lots of pictures

2008-07-21T21:27:00.000-04:00

Swinging with my brother.

Playing in the hayfield.

Better watch out before you get roped Pa.

Redneck slip and slide.

Brodie, Carson & Natalie

Little mother taking care of the boys.

Lets tackle mom!

Manda & Brodie

Always telling a story.

Happy little boy.

Brooks first ride.

Daddy and Brodie on the farm.

My little cowboy.

Fourth of July party.

Brodie & Terry with sparklers.

First attempt at solid food.

Little man isn't so little anymore.

Our first camping trip.

So we took our first trip to the ER a few weeks ago. Brodie was running at daycare and fell at hit his head on a bookshelf. Lukily no stitches just some glue.

Beach Pics

2008-06-22T21:38:00.001-04:00

Brooks & Aspyn

First Family Photo

Always has a story.

Buds! Brooks & Carter

How sweet??!?!?

These children are going to love us when they get older!!!

2008-05-18T07:06:00.000-04:00

Here are my growing Boys!!

Our first of many baths together!

My pirate!

Daddy & Brodie flying his 1st kite.

Big brother always wants to help.

We're on the move!

Brothers on the Farm.

Brooks on his first horse. Guess I should've included the horse.

Can not keep this child off the tractors.

Ok so I thought this was way too funny not to include.

I believe this is just a little touch of what is to come for these two cousins.

Mother's Day!

Spring is around the corner!

2008-04-13T18:19:00.001-04:00

Here are a few pics from the last few weeks. Brooks is now 7 months old and 22lbs!!! My what a chunky monkey!

Update

2008-03-10T19:46:00.000-04:00

Brodie at the Toughest Cowboy Competition

Brodie and Great-Pa Staples fencing

Brodie's First trip to Circus
"Hurry up mom and take the picture so I can take this stupid hat off!"

Ms. Thang

She's already trying to push him around!

"But mom I'm too cute to do anything wrong!"

"I think we got caught."

"Stick your tongue out Aspyn, it's pretty cool."

"Uh mom, Brooks is touching me."

Seriously look at those cheeks!

Catching up

2008-01-30T10:34:00.000-05:00

So I'm really behind on pics! December was a fast month and it seems January has gone even faster. Below are pics over the last 2 months!

My chunky monkey! 5 months old!

Brodie's first snowman.

If they'd just stay this sweet!

The next Garth!

Brodie's John Deere Birthday!

Growing Boys

2007-12-10T21:46:00.000-05:00

Brodie stealing the show at the Dalton Hill Christmas Play.

Boy's first time together with Santa.
Brooks playing with Daddy!

Brodie & Beau!

Bobs, Grammy & Boys.

Halloween Pic

2007-11-01T15:01:00.000-04:00

My little pup and big cowboy!

My Little Men

2007-11-01T14:54:00.000-04:00

Brooks first smiles!

Brodie and his cowboy!

Getting Ready for Halloween

2007-11-01T14:44:00.001-04:00

Brodie and his Aunt Chelsey making Halloween cookies!

Brodie and his dad making pumpkins!

Picking up taters!

2007-11-01T09:57:00.000-04:00

Brodie riding the tractor!

Updated Pics

2007-10-01T13:07:00.000-04:00

Brodie & Nana Cathy at Old Timey Days!

Brodie & Brooks first stroll together.

Brooks & Aspyn (1st Cousin)

Here are some quick videos from this weekend and of Brooks & Aspyn.

Updated pics

2007-09-25T11:06:00.000-04:00

I've updated the pics... just some random shots and also some of Brodie at the fair!

Can't wiat to remind this one when they're bigger and fighting how much he use to love his little brother. hahaha

Tex on the swing!

Brodie and his daddy at the fair!

Brooks, Brodie and Aspyn

Brodie really enjoyed riding the rides!

Of course we had to ride the ponies too!

Man how they grow!!! A month old today!

Brodie's First Horse Show

2007-09-16T15:08:00.000-04:00

So this weekend my sister took Brodie to his first horse show!!! I went to take pics and video and cheer my little man on! He looked so cute and had a ball. He was in the lead line class and they all got blue ribbons!! What a great way for him to start! Hope you enjoy the pics!

Brodie and Grandpa Staples

Brodie on Lizzy.... Tyler is in the background... he brought the horse for Brodie to ride!

First trip around the ring! What a pro!

Well we all know he's a ham!

Brodie's first blue ribbon!!!