Small Town Hood...in the mountains

family pictures 2010!

2011-01-13T16:41:00.001-08:00

We had our neighbor do our pictures this year and we really liked them.

Ainslee is 5!!

2011-01-13T16:09:00.001-08:00

I know that this is really late since her birthday was in November but at least I am posting it right. Okay so Ainslee turned 5 on November 21. We had a friend party for her and she loved it. It was a princess theme and we had everything pink and purple. She does not like pizza so we had subs from Quiznos with veggies fruit chips and pink popcorn. Her cake was a princess I made the barbie princess. She loved everything she even got a pinata.

All the kid opening presents.
Her cake she said it needed more flowers but I thought it was good.

Our little Princess!

She wanted me to practice curling her hair during the week so it looked like this almost everyday.

I cannot believe she is already 5 she grew up too fast!

First broken bone!

2010-10-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Connor fell off the bed the night before womens conference. He has fallen before so I thought he would be fine. Well at church the next day I noticed he would not put any weight on his leg. monday we took him to the doctor , then the xray, then the bone specialist. turns out he fractured his tibula near the ankle. They put a soft cast on him. He is all better now but as you can see I could not keep him down while he had it on.

Still moving around like nothing happened!!

Tyler is Seven!!

2010-10-21T13:39:00.000-07:00

Tyler's birthday was actually on the 9th but it has been a busy couple of weeks. first I took him on a morning date to dunkin donuts. Then Thomas took the kids to a place called the fun depot. They had alot of fun its is kinda like a Frankies fun park. Then we had the party at the park

He had a few friends come and alot of cousins.

He wanted a Transformer cake again(that is two years in a row)!!

After the friend party both side of the family Hood and Caldwell crammed into our apartment for food and cake. Sorry I did not get pictures of this. I think it turned out to be a good birthday for him all together.

Connor is 1 year old!!!!

2010-10-15T18:59:00.001-07:00

My baby turned one on the 7th. We had a small party for him. Then Saturday we had a big party with all the family and friends.

My neibor is taking 1 year old pictures for us. Here is a little sample of her work.

The cake monster!!!

I think he enjoyed his birthday. Thank you to all the family and friends that were able to come.

Hood Family Vacation 2010

2010-10-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

We went on a vacation this past summer with the Hoods. This is the first time in a few years that all the siblings have been together. We went rafting, tubing, watched movies and just had alot of fun together.

The three youngest boys Daniel, Caleb and Connor.

All the grand kids. This picture took some bribery(cupcakes to be exact).

Tyler on the hike.

Ainslee on the hike.

All of the Hood clan.

Our little Hood clan.

summer has come and gone...

2010-08-12T11:43:00.001-07:00

We have been so busy this summer. We packed up and moved (again!) to Asheville, NC. Thomas is working at the Biltmore house and he loves it. We certainly are enjoying the cooler weather and we are already planning hiking trips and campouts for the fall. Tyler starts first grade next week. Ainslee is going to be home with me again so we will be doing pre k stuff together everyday. And Connor is crawling and getting into everything. This will be a busy year but are already excited for being where we are. I will have to post some pictures when everything is settled.

connor update.

2010-06-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

(sorry no pictures I lost my camera)
So Connor has had two ear infections in the past month or so. This means no sleep for him or me. He has also gained weight he is now 15 lbs and 10 oz. I think he is our biggest child so far and that is funny because everyone thinks he is little. He is scooting all over the house and eats anything he can get his hands on. I am really enjoying this stage since I missed it with Ainslee.

Thomas has gotten a new job in Atlanta and has interviewed for a job at the Biltmore house. We are looking into where we want to move. Life is crazy right now so I will probably not be on here very often.

Our Family Walks

2010-06-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

We have been going on alot more walks here because we actually have sidewalks in our neiborhood. Here are a few pictures of some of them.

Hiking in the woods was fun.

It is not very often that I have a picture of myself that is good so here is one.

Family picture

Easter pics

2010-05-13T05:23:00.001-07:00

Easer sunday was on conference weekend so we recreated the easter picture taking the next week.

Decorating eggs was fun this year because they could do it without making much of a mess.

Connors first chocolate bunny we did let him lick it and he loved it.

Tyler and his cool glasses that the easter bunny brought

Ainslee and her glasses

Easter was alot of fun this year. I think being able to listen to the prophet and apostles speak made it that much more spiritual.

Connor is 6 months old!!!

2010-04-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that Connor is already 6 months old he is growing up so fast. He now rolls over and he can scoot across the room on his back he hates tummy time. He loves attention and has even started to blow kisses (kinda). He makes the kissing noise and smiles real big. He is so sweet. He pretty much puts himself to bed he will start to fuss a little and I lay him down. I don't have to rock him or anything it is great. I am really enjoying this little guy and I wish he could stay this small forever.

This is just a little photo shoot I did with him. If you notice he has a rash on his lip its because he is allergic to some foods I think one of them is the baby oatmeal.

I am a soccer mom!

2010-04-09T09:00:00.001-07:00

My little guy is playing soccer. Tyler is our shy timid boy so we thought that playing a sport would get him to be a little more outgoing. Little did we know that his first game he would get hurt (he was kicked in the knee pretty hard). Now he is being very cautious during the games but he still has fun. Tyler is turning into quite a little man.

His first game night the whole family went luckily I am glad I was there to comfort him when he got hurt.

Going to his first practice

Snow storm in SC!?!?!?

2010-02-19T09:27:00.000-08:00

We had a unexpected snow storm right before Valentines. We got around 4 inches of snow and the kids loved it. Unfortunately Ainslee was getting over a stomach bug so she did not get to enjoy it as much as Tyler did.

The Docks near our place and the bridge going into Augusta.

Connor's first snow!!

Our pirate snow man!

Thomas is 31!!

2010-02-19T09:21:00.001-08:00

The kids decided to get him a soccer ball and football so they could play together.

Thomas' cake I am going to have to put cadles on the side next year just to fit them.

We had Doritos they are Tyler's favorite snack and he loves to be goofy.

Thomas' mom sent a picture of Joseph teaching Jesus about carpentry. He really likes it thanks Mom.

Connor is 4 months old!!

2010-02-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

This was actually at the beginning of the month but the pictures are the right time. Connor is growing so fast. He now is sleeping through the night (most of the time). We also found out why he was spitting up everthing he ate he has a sensitivity to milk like Ainslee had. So I have given up dairy products and he is all better ( you have no idea how hard it is to give up dairy I must really love this little guy).

Ainslee had to be in the pictures to.

Our new place!!

2010-02-19T09:03:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post some pictures of the views that we have in our little condo. Thomas is constantly taking pictures and wants to get home everyday before the sun goes down so he can see the view of the river.

Chillin on our hammock. the kids love the new place too but we are learning how to be quieter with neibors right above us.

This is part of the North Augusta greenway. It is 8 miles of walking and biking paths. I am enjoying being able to go running and have sidewalks to do it on.

A few updates

2010-01-25T07:28:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been so long. We got back from our Christmas trips to Greenville and Columbia and someone wanted to look at the house. They ended up wanting to rent it and wanted to move in in 3 days!! I had to pack the whole house up extremely fast. We moved in with my cousin for a few weeks till we found something in North Augusta. Now we are living in a condo on the Savannah river. Thomas loves the view and being able to go for walks all the time. Tyler is liking his new school and still making new friends. Ainslee really misses her old friends and asks daily to go back and visit them. Connor has stopped his spit up problem I found out that he has a sensitivity to dairy just like Ainslee had. So no dairy for me :( I really miss my old friends but we are all having fun making new ones. We are planning to go and visit our old area to see everyone though. Well I thought I would just give an update. Pictures to come once our internet is up and running.

family pictures!!

2009-12-22T18:50:00.000-08:00

My friend Carrie did our pictures this year and I think she did a great job. (sorry alot of pictures to follow:)

My favorite (it hides my belly!)

Thomas' favorite (does not hide my belly at all)

my little diva!

look its my hand mom.

baby feet

Connor is 2 months old!!

2009-12-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

This is a few weeks late he actually 11 weeks at this point but the pictures were taken when he was 8 weeks old. I am loving this little guy he loves to smile and coo at everyone when he is not sleeping of course. He is very happy even when he has Ainslee in his face all day long.

Tyler loves him so much and Connor has become a very good bribe for him to keep his room clean. All I have to say is Connor can't sleep in there if the floor is not clean and Tyler gets to work.

He is all boy already!

Connors Blessing

2009-11-30T19:43:00.001-08:00

We blessed Connor on the 22 of November. We were very blessed to have alot of our family able to come and participate. His blessing said that he would be strong in the church he would go on a mission and one day marry in the temple. I am loving this little guy and his sweet spirit that he has brought to our house.

Everyone that came for the blessing

Sweet angel

Ainslee is 4!!

2009-11-30T19:33:00.001-08:00

I can not believe that my little girl is four years old. She has grown so much this year. She is going to pre-k and is a great big sister. She is still a happy little girl and getting into everything. For her party the girls watched the new Tinkerbell movie and I let them decorate their own cupcakes. They loved it. When my parents got there they had their new puppy with them and we decided to play a joke on Thomas. I told him that the puppy(mocha) was Ainslee's present. She loves dogs and was sitting there hugging on her and playing with the dog. He looked at me like are you serious( he is not a animal person to say the least). I told him the truth and he was extremely greatful.

Mocha and Ainslee

Opening presents.

I love this little crazy, sweet, loving little girl. I am so excited to watch her grow and learn so much more in her life.

cute story!

2009-11-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

I told the kids today that we were going to make some banana bread after I went to the bathroom. When I came back Tyler had already tried to make his version of banana bread. He had squished up half a banana and smeared it all over some bread. I think he is getting too smart for his britches. I showed them how to actually make it and they loved being the ones to squish all the bananas.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to show everyone how warm it was this year for Halloween. Thats right this is my kids playing in the sprinkler on October 31st. I think the temperature was in the 90s that day.

For Halloween this year we had a Megatron(transformer) and a angel/pixie. Maggie their best buddie is a fairy I think.

they had alot of fun this year I stayed home while Thomas took them trick-or treating then I took them downtown. they showed Monsters and Aliens on a big screen it was like a drive in but we all sat in a parking lot. We had alot of fun and have so much candy still.

Tyler's 6th Birthday!!

2009-11-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

Tyler kinda lucked out this year for his birthday. Since I was still in the hospital the day of his birthday he got two parties. My family was in town when I got out of the hospital with connor so we gave Tyler a party with them and he got alot of toys. Then I threw him a party with his friends a few weeks ago and he got even more presents then.

This is the birthday group. Don't look at the mess we were supposed to have it at the park but it started raining.

He had a transformer party. He is loving them right now. He likes to transform them and he is really good at it too.

I was planning on making him a nice cake but he told me to just do the sky and grass and put the transformers on it. Hey if he wants to make it easy on me I will let him.

The Connor story..

2009-11-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I finally have a minute to write down everything that happened during the birth. I went into labor Tuesday around 6 pm. The contractions lasted all night long and they were about 10 minutes apart until 1 am where they got about 5 minutes. I called Thomas because he was working in Augusta. They got even closer and I called the Bishops wife Carrie. She suggested that I call my neighbors, the Rainey's. I called Renita Rainey and she took me to the hospital while her husband slept on my couch to watch my kids.

We got to the hospital around 5am and they said that I would be having my c-section around 7am. I only had one problem Thomas was not going to make it. They could not wait for him because the next opening was at 9am and I could not wait that long with the contractions. So I had the surgery all by myself and had the nurse take pictures for me. Thomas did show up about 20 minutes after he was born when I was in the recovery room. I was able to choose the name because Thomas wasn't there!! I chose Neil after my Grandpa. I called him first when we chose the name and he still hasn't stopped smiling form what I here.

I am very greatful to have my little Connor I love him dearly.

He's here!!!

2009-10-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

Connor Neil Hood is finally here. He was born at 6:45 am on the 7th of October. He weighed 6 lbs 11.8 ozs. We are extremely please to have him in our home finally. Now for some pictures!!

Happy Family

Really little guy!

The kids think he is one of the stuffed animals.

Daddy approves of the sweet little guy

Me before the labor stuff. Please excuse the no makeup it was 5 am.

baby update!

2009-10-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

I had another ultrasound on Wednesday and he is doing good. The lady doing the ultrasound said that he had some fluid on his left kidney but it was nothing to worry about. They are going to do an ultrasound on him when he is born to make sure nothing is wrong. He is also measuring about 6 lbs 5 oz right now. That is a big baby for us considering I still have 3 weeks till my c-section. I have been having contractions about every 10-15 minutes for the past week or so and they seem to be getting closer. I promise to post pictures of my big ol' belly soon for those that are interested.

FOR SALE!!!

2009-09-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Well it is finally here we are moving. Our house has been on the market for a few weeks and we are getting offers already. Thomas accepted a job in Augusta Ga. This works out great for us because my cousin lives out there and Thomas' uncle does too. We also will be alot closer to the grandparents. We hate to leave because this does feel like home to us but I guess it just wasn't in the plans to stay.

We sure will miss our house. Ainslee said that She doesn't want the house to be clean because then someone will buy it. So she intentionally makes messes and refuses to clean them. I think she really enjoys her pink room and having her own space.

Ainslee's field trip

2009-09-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

I know that this was like a month ago but I needed to get the pictures on here. We took the kiddos to a aquatic museum(I guess that is what it is called.) The kids loved it the got to learn more about the ocean animals they were learning about in class and we got to talk. After the museum we took the kids to the pier on Tybee Island and had a little picnic.

Brooke, Ainslee and Gavin.

playing in the water

she actually liked the snake skin.

Tyler's first tooth!!!

2009-08-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

It's official Tyler has lost his first tooth. He was playing spaceship with Daddy and Ainslee and it just fell out. He noticed it was loose a couple of days ago and was so excited that the tooth fairy was going to give him money that he has been trying to get it out on his own. Right now he is brushin his teeth to make sure that the rest of his teeth will be nice and white when they come out.

first day fo school.

2009-08-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

Last week the kids started school. Ainslee is going to her friends house twice a week for pre-k. Tyler has started kindergarten (sniff).

Ainslee enjoying her cupcake with her friends.

Tyler's first day he went straight to coloring and had a great time.

Yummy cupcake!! They were so cute her teacher (Carrie) made them they had little chalk boards (cookies) and a tiny apple. They were also very yummy.

He would not smile for anything

Leaving the house!!

Now it seems he might be having another first day of school. Since we could be moving very soon.

visitors!!

2009-08-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

My cousin and her husband/ Thomas' best friend came to visit us a few weeks ago. The kids loved it because their kids are the same age as ours.

Tyler and J playing with the transformers game. Tyler likes to be around his boy cousins (he doesn't have very many).
Our family picture for the year. I don't really want to get a professional one done when I am this size!

All the kiddos. Tyler, J, M A, L, and Ainslee

Just a sidenote I promised my cousin I would not post their names that is why I just put letters.

4th of July!!!

2009-08-04T20:14:00.001-07:00

We went to a really fun fireworks display for the 4th this year. There were all kind of water rides and fun stuff for the kids. Then we had a little picnic and watched the fireworks with our friends the Hills. Tyler and Ainslee really like Maggie and it works out that they live right behind us.

They were kind of tired by the end of the night!!

Standing in line at one of the water slides

We all had alot of fun I think we are going to go here next year too(hopefully)!!

Molly's wedding!!

2009-08-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

My little sister Molly was married on June 13th. It was a gorgeous day on Myrtle Beach, SC. We barely missed the rain that started about thirty minutes after we finished all the pictures. Molly is extremely happy they have known each other since they were kids and finally fell in love.

Tyler, Lindsay(dennis' little sister) and Ainslee

The happy couple

The kids were just happy to be on the beach (they love the water)!!

My dad has better pictures I will have to talk to him to get them. Until then this is all I have.

updates

2009-07-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. My little sister was married on Myrtle beach, SC That was alot of fun and then her reception was in greenville where I made the wedding cake with my Aunt Tina's help. I promise to post pictures when I can.

I stayed in Greenville for the past five weeks working with the Army. Thomas lost his job and I was trying to make sure that we had money to pay the bills without having to dig into our savings. While I was gone the kids were passed from the Hood's to the Caldwell's to Thomas and they were spoiled rotten(thanks guys). Now everyone is home and we are trying to get ready for school and the new baby coming soon. Tyler starts kindergarten in two an a half weeks. I still have to get his school uniforms and new shoes. I am also trying to work my premier jewelry business even more so if any one wants to have a show I would be glad to do it for you. I promise to post more in the future.

Dear Mom..we miss you...

2009-07-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

Mommy,

Thursday we went on a very long ride in your van we washed it for you. Daddy had to meet with a guy named Mike somewhere really far away (Summerville). You are working still..we miss you a lot..Daddy is mean he pops balloons. You left us alone with Daddy, Mommy we thought we liked Macaroni...not so much now. We are hoping you will be back soon (Daddy says five days..but he said that last time you were gone all the time, but your not fighting the bad guys this time). Mike had a girl named Lauren with lots of My Little Pony toys..Ainslee loved it. It was a lot of fun, we got donuts with a ton of spinkles (we like Daddy now), they had cartoons on and a big pirate there. Then very yummy cheesy pizza for lunch, Ainslee liked Mike's pizza better (Pineapple and Ham, yuck!). Our favorite part was the park we went to for a big break, they had a merry-go-round and big swings..we went really high. Last for dinner played at Burger King and ate more Macaroni. That was a lot of play time! It was a long ride home, we got to watch the Bee Movie! Please Mommy hurry home..we love you..

Your Prince and Princess..

Guess What?????

2009-06-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

WE ARE HAVING A ....................

BOY!!!!

Thats right we are having a boy. Tyler was so excited when they told us. Ainslee almost cried she is still so sad. She said that her friend Maggie is her sister. We all thought that it was a girl but I guess someone had different plans..

Fun in the sun!!

2009-06-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

We went to the beach again and it was actually windy enough to fly the kites that my parents got the kids. Tyler loves to fly kites especially since his is a big dragon.

They love the beach so much they did not want to leave.

Ainslee's kite did not want to fly I guess hers just needed a little more wind.

Daddy's little girl.

We bought a few fun water toys for the kids we got a slip-n-slide and a sprinkler. It is so hot here so it is good to have something to cool them down.

They never really got the hang of the slip-n-slide Tyler was doing the low crawl for a while.

They loved the sprinkler too. Ainslee loves it so much it is now filled with sand!!

Last day of school :(

2009-05-27T07:39:00.001-07:00

Tyler had a great last day of school they got to play outside in the sprinklers. Since it had rained all day the day before they ended up playing in the big puddles also. Then the came inside and had ice cream sundaes and watched Finding Nemo.

They all colored on this big paper. The little girl next to Ainslee is Reese she was really starting to like Tyler near the end of the school year. It was hard to believe how much of a ladies man he was at school.

Tyler and Ainslee enjoying their ice cream. Yumm!

Donnie really liked Tyler he was a great kid.

Mrs. Allen, Tylers angel teacher. She really was awesome I hope he has a teacher just as great next year.

Mrs. Scott the Sweetest lady ever she would always talk to Ainslee and want to see how she was doing. The kids really loved her.

I cannot believe it is over. This year went by so fast and I will miss everyone so much.

Our little Graduate!!

2009-05-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

Tyler graduated last Thursday from Effingham county High School's Pre-K Program. We are very proud of him. His class scored the highest in the county. He already misses his friends but we hope he will be able to see some of them next year.

This is most of his class I was sitting in a bad spot to get the whole class in one shot.
Tyler and the Principal of the High School Mr Ford

They had these pictures along the walk way when you walked in. We actually got to take Tyler's home so he has this in his room now.

He was so excited to be there. I actually won most involved parent this year. That was a big surprise for me.

flour flour everywhere!!!!

2009-04-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

The weekend that we had General conference we were trying to listen to the last session. Little did we know the kiddos were in the garage getting into my food storage. This is what happens when the kids find a 5 pound bag of flour and decide to have fun with the whole bag!!

Please excuse the mess in the garage they didn't wait till we cleaned it out.

Thomas was not happy that they got it in all of his tools.

I spent long time cleaning this mess up. Now they are not allowed to go in the garage unless we are in there with them.

Easter pics (sorry they are so late)!

2009-04-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

We went to Nana and Pops (the Hoods) house for Easter this year. It was alot of fun we were able to have a date to the temple on friday. Then Saturday we spent helping fix up around their house(they had a fire recently so we are still tearing out old stuff to help out). Then Sunday we spent in the Columbia ward. This was fun because we were in this ward when we were first married. I thought I would include some easter pictures for fun.

All the Grandkids and some of Thomas' cousins.

ultrasound pictures!

2009-04-19T15:19:00.001-07:00

I had my first ultrasound and wanted to post the pictures! I am currently thirteen weeks. The doctor said the baby is a good size and looks very healthy. We should be able to find out if it is a girl or boy in June.

Our little artist!

2009-04-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

Tyler did this drawing in his journal entry last week. When I went to pick him up from school his teacher was laughing so hard she could not describe it. She gave me the original because she said she made copies. Now that half of the high school has a copy of this picture I figured why not put it on the blog. If you can't tell it is picture of his daddy on the potty. Tyler has always loved to draw and be artistic but this has to be one of his funniest creations.

lett'in the cat out of the bag!

2009-03-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

We are lett'in the cat out of the bag!!

If you don't understand my Husbands humor or lack thereof (what lack!).

.......................................................................

We are pregnant and due around the end of October. We are extremely excited and so is the rest of the family.

Male bonding

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

There was root beer, doughnuts, cookies for dinner, and pb and honey. Heather went to Greenville to play G.I. Jane this weekend and took Ainslee with her to spend time with Grandpa and Grandma. That left me and Tyler here at home..alone. Not like Heather has never done that..only a year once. :) After picking up Tyler from our neighbors on Friday after work the fun started. It was an rare long day for winter, however with little time to defrost the ribeyes (like I really keep track of frozen meat when the ice cream is usually on top..) we had did a classic frozen pizza night with root beer (pizza was in front of the ice cream..that was so rigged..). My son can throw down some pizza, wow! After dinner we went to a church Valentine's dance making a pitt stop by Wally world for cookies. We ate too much dessert, played with some toys and Dad mingled some. We had a very in depth talk on our plans for Saturday..on the ride home.

Me: Hey Tyler, let's go get doughnuts for breakfast.

Tyler: Yeah...hey, do they have sugar on them..I will bring my toothbrush.

The mother has informed me of their class learning about the Dentist, teeth, and what have you. The next day we woke, got dressed and ran to the car...Tyler with a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss in hand...Dad with chocolate chips in mouth. We got to Krispy Kreme, after driving a good 40 minutes to Savannah and passing three other doughnuts holes, not the same. Plus the kids enjoy the big window to watch the artery cloggers be boxed up and sold by the dozen. After milk and doughnuts we got back in the car to the sound of Tyler scrubbing the whites. I even asked if he needed to rinse, to the reply of "no, there's a lot of sugar on my teeth". After driving around Bonadventure (very historic cemetery), to find a nice spot on the bank of the Wilmington River to cast a line...the word beach came up from the back seat. "Daddy is the beach over that way", Tyler knows Tybee Beach normally follows Krispy Kreme. I being without live bait and knowing results would be a bunch of marsh grass..we drove the continued down Hwy. 80.

Once we arrived on the Island I drove to our favorite spot. Still bitter from a past parking ticket I parked on the other side away from the meters, but ended up playing it safe and doing the meter anyhow. Which meters were installed last year, same spot we always used with no meters..Grrr. We ran down the path which seems to leave Tyler trying to discover rare tropical ecosystem plants to return to his lab (a.k.a. sandbox). We arrived on the scene to low tide and a soft winter wind (Tybee can have some pretty strong winds), perfect day with overcast and no one around. Tyler was a bit weary of walking near the hundreds of washed up jellyfish all up and down the beach (thanks Nemo..scare the kids). I finally poked a few to show him they were dead. We walked down the beach from the Savannah River mouth down to the ocean side. After a careful combing of the beach for our sea shell in dad's hat collection, we went to the lighthouse.

This is my brief ad for Tybee lighthouse, go it is full of history (the whole two minutes Tyler allowed to listen to the video..five bucks kid!). We began the 157 steps with Tyler freezing up and looking at me thinking "I don't think so Dad". After getting him to agree to five steps..which was a start and those stair are both narrow and one big spiral. Needless to say we stop at each landing to breathe. Later Tyler got to ten steps then to 30 at the top flight. We enjoyed the view and talked about ships coming in the harbor and needing the light for direction. The lighthouse was built pre-civil war and at the time the tallest structure in America. Later destroyed by the confederates and rebuilt/ restored four times until I believe about 1940. There is also Cockspur lighthouse further in the harbor (can see in from the bridge while going onto the island). After touring the light keeper's home and..of course the outhouse we were about ready to get back to the house.

On the way back we had to make a lunch stop at Wendy's on MLK Blvd. in Savannah. Double Stack..wow, one beefy burger for a buck. Tyler the usual..the nuggets, can't stand them. After seeing the Talmadge bridge Tyler wanted to go over it, we made a round and quickly turned around on Hutchinson Island. This is really starting to sound like the book "If You Take a Mouse To The Movies". There was even talk on the way home of going to the "river" (upstream on the Savannah few miles near our house) to go fishing. Tyler always ask "Are the alligators up in the sand", he was terrified the first time after I make the goof of saying there might be gators in the river (like to eventually see one, however from a distance).

So after a quick decision that our day was pack full and a dirty house was waiting for us we were done. We cleaned, dumped the shells in the sandbox (after carefully washing them and Tyler wanting the "clam ones"), and eat eggs and toast after a rather lengthy explanation of the difference between toast and french toast. That was a very busy and fun day.

Today..Sunday after going to church we decide on pb and honey as I opted for leftover chicken and a handful of chocolate chips. We then (I) decide we needed to make cookies. We did, we licked, we baked, we ate. After many attempts of napping and reading fairy tales (very big book, but all the classics), we produce a simple yet tasty meal. Now for those who know me..never been a chef..that is all Heather (boy she can cook), the year Heather was deployed I actually had my moments in the kitchen. Serving a mission in Scotland..no chance they eat six times a day! Plus, beans and toast are very cheap and fast. We had spaghetti, corn, and Texas toast..we thought about salad (still thinking). After dinner we to some cookies to our neighbors and Maggie (friend from church behind us).

This may seem like a book, and its late. However, life in all its rush and daily demands, its nice to spend time with my son. As I have been so given time with him this weekend, can't help but reflecting on that cherished moment I held him for the first time and tonight as we laid in my arms again falling asleep. He is on longer that little baby and is growing into a very bright and fun loving kid. He has interests, even though most of the time its frogs and bugs (and wanting to find bugs to feed the frogs..buddy sure they are handle that one..), and a desire to learn everything he can. He accepts so much and even has his own preceptions on life. I have really enjoyed Tyler and always will..he is my dear son, my boy...Tyler Nicholas.

surprise!!!

2009-02-03T07:11:00.000-08:00

Thomas turned 30 on the 21st of January so we decided to throw him a surprise party. I am so glad that he was out of town the week of his birthday because I don't think I could have pulled it off otherwise. He came home with gifts for the kids princess pad for Ainslee and dinosaur cards for Tyler.

I decided to throw him off by giving him the present from Tyler and Ainslee and acting like that is the only thing. The kids wanted to get him a bag full of dollar store things like bungy cords, lighter, chips, candy, some electrical tape! He was looking at me like are you serious! I thought it was hilarious.

Then he took the kids to the park (so I thought, McD's, Lowe's and frog hunting). Everyone started coming over and we hid the cars at a friends house nearby. We sat around and talked hoping he would come back soon. Two hours later one of the guys called and came up with a story that they needed help moving a new family into their house. He comes home finally and he is extremely surprised. I cannot believe he did not pick up on it! There were so many clues...thank so much for everyone that was able to come. He said that was the best birthday ever.

Our new additions!!!

2009-01-23T16:23:00.000-08:00

My sister Molly bought these turtles for the kids when we were visiting at Christmas. The kids absolutely love them. Tyler has always been a fan of turtles and Ainslee is such tom boy sometimes that it turned out to be the perfect pet. I like them because they don't make to much of a mess and the food is really cheap.

this is franklin he likes the rock in the tank. Tylers turtle

this is tuck he likes the water. Ainslees turtle

I think it is funny how Tyler chose the little turtle and Ainslee's is big. I guess opposites attract!

Pioneer Trek

2009-01-07T05:49:00.000-08:00

We went on the pioneer trek last week. We had a great time with the youth and watching them connect and learn to get along with each other. I always thought the pioneer trek was my favorite youth conference as a teenager. This one was supposed to be for the winter quarters. Except for the fact that it got up to 70 something everyday and down to the low 30s everynight I think it was a good representation. We hope to have the chance to go again some day. Sorry we have no pictures yet they are making cds with all the pictures that were taken. So I will post them when they come.

SIX great years!!

2009-01-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

I know this is late, our anniversary was on the 28th of December. We were in Greenville at the time for our very long Christmas break. I wanted to post a little to my sweet husband. I love you always.

I am so greatful for our families support and love for the past six years we have had of marriage. We have counted on them so much.

The love of my life forever and always!!

Our sweet family. I am so greatful for my kids and husband.

He is such a great dad. I am greatful for the bond they have with each other.

I know that we have had our hard times(Iraq) and our good times. I cannot wait to spend forever with this man and to see our kids grow old and one day marry for eternity themselves.

Christmas morning!! (finally)

2009-01-05T07:02:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas morning. We tried to take it easy because we knew how busy we were going to be in the next week(post to come I promise).

I think Ainslee liked her Tinkerbell more than her scooter at times.

They were so excited when they saw there scooters but Tyler took us off guard when he said that is not the one I asked for?!!! We both said "what did you want then?" It turns out he just wanted a matchbox car sized scooter to go with his toy motorcycle. I could have saved so much money if I had known that!!!

He loved his scooter after a while and now they would love to be outside riding them all day if they could

Eating all their candy on the couch something we don't let them do on a normal basis. Now I know why. They had chocolate all over the couch before we could get to them. I guess we learned our lesson for next year.

sunday before Christmas

2009-01-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

I wanted to get pictures of our somewhat matching Christmas outfit. But as you can see the kids were not cooperating.

Tyler looked so handsome in his little suit

Daddy and Tyler all dressed up

Ainslee being silly(like always)

Tyler's Christmas party!!

2009-01-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

I know that this is really late but this is the party that Tyler's class had before Christmas break. They all wore pajamas to school, saw santa claus, and watched a movie in the cafeteria. Tyler's teachers call Ainslee their baby so they invited us to come to the party also.

Ainslee wanted a pink scooter

Santa gave them gifts after they sat on his lap.

watching the movie and eating popcorn and drinking soda(big deal).

Tyler wanted a red scooter

They had so much fun and Ainslee enjoys being involved in Tyler's class.

family pictures!!

2008-12-11T10:35:00.001-08:00

We went to go to Veterans Park in our town and took some pictures for Christmas. I think they turned out pretty well.

Tree huggers!

The one we chose for the cards.

It got dark fast but we were still having fun.

Dad and Tyler

2008-12-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

A very unsure Ainslee and Santa (real beard works with Daddy in the scout program). She told Santa she wants a scooter..pink and purple (only thing on her mind right now). Dad is hoping we can turn the scooter idea into an ATV somehow..will be hard legistation to pass in this congress. Heather and Tyler went to she "camo Santa" at Heather's reserve unit in Greenville this weekend. I myself have had doubts on that one...how does Santa make it pass basic training?

2008-12-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

I Loved Her First...

I have been able to spend this weekend with my angel daughter (for those who know our girl, yes I am talking about the same girl, Miss. Motion). We walked a mile together around a pond nearby our house and even more around the local Wal-mart in Rincon. As the story often goes Dad, cooking, and add in Ainslee...all makes McD's a nice place to spend time, there I watched a fearless three-year old girl trample over a group of kids four times her age. We have managed to only have one little burnt hand as Ainslee decided to help Daddy cook (must be pretty bad!). She went straight for the stove top and went to bed last night with the ice pack in hand. There are few things in life that bring up those deep within smiles to a face that is at times...weighed down with the very tiny details of life. Once we obtain and each day strive to maintain a bigger, grander picture we tend to hold a little closer those...that bring us true happiness...lasting. In my case the first being my Heavenly Father, then my best friend, Heather, then...a very inquiring son, Tyler, and as they often walk hand in hand...Ainslee, my stunt double. Whatever happens in life and whichever events are in store there is one thing that will always remain steady...my family and precious moments. There will be many and one day what will feel like an end as she finds that one special guy (exactly like her father to the tree..oops is that a "r" stuck in there)..will be only a new begininng (caution...saws will be sharp and plenty of rope on hand..be very careful pal). So having been wanting to do this for awhile and with this short time with her; my love for her has found new heights, so to you my sweet baby girl...my angel...Ainslee Brook.

Love, Dad

2008-11-30T18:16:00.000-08:00

O Christmas tree!!!

We had our yearly tradition of getting our Christmas tree yesterday in 70 degree weather. We found a little tree farm near our house. We got egg nog and oreos a favorite of Thomas!!

The kids loved searching for the perfect tree

We found the one!!!

Ainslee wanted this one for her room isn't it a cute charlie brown tree

2008-11-29T18:29:00.000-08:00

CLEMSON RUNS ALL OVER SOUTH CAROLINA
31-14

Happy late Turkey day!

2008-11-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

We had Thanksgiving at our house this year. All the Hoods that live nearby came over and we had a great time. It was nice enough to eat outside in the backyard so we did! All the kiddos played instead of eating (of course). Joe and Tammy stayed till Friday so we took the kids to Savannah and went to the soft play at the mall (it was raining). They had a ball we were there for about two hours. I did not get any pictures on Thursday but here are some of the kids playing.

Tyler liked climbing with Amy.

Ainslee would not sit still for the camera!!

Amy being silly

Sara (one of the only pictures I have of her looking at me, isn't she a cutie!!)

Claire in the backyard (Don't mess!)

We had a great Thanksgiving and we hope everyone did too!!!

2008-11-29T16:43:00.000-08:00

CLEMSON RUNS ALL OVER SOUTH CAROLINA

31-14

GO TIGERS!!!

Ainslee is 3!!!

2008-11-24T06:10:00.001-08:00

We had a small birhtday party but she had fun and thought it was great to have so much attention.

I think that this was their favorite toy. They are both really liking playdough right now and Maggie gave them this octopus for playdough. This thing has so many things that you can do with playdough. I will have to post later some of the things that they are making with it.
Ainslee loves her new baby I wanted to get her a cabbage patch but our wal-mart didn't have any when I went to buy her present.

She had a butterfly cake and decorations she has always been my little butterfly girl.

We loved having My mom and three of my four sisters here. Molly also brought her boyfriend/fiancee Dennis with her(Ainslee thinks that he is her boyfriend so he had to come).

Our little princess with her birthday breakfast.

She had a great birthday and loved having family and friends over for her party.

New Hairdoos!

2008-11-24T06:03:00.001-08:00

I decided to go shorter on Ainslee's hair a few weeks ago and everyone says it is cute so I thought I would post a few pictures of my little cutie!

Front view
Back view(sorry it is sideways)

I also got my hair done a couple of weeks ago and wanted to show pictures.
Side view

Front view(sorry about the no makeup picture I usually don't have time for it.)

Trick or Treating!

2008-11-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

We went around the neiborhood with our friends Maggie(pictured) and her dad. We rode on a hayride with some other friends. I think the kids liked that more than getting candy.

Leaving to go to Maggie's house.

After trick or treating at church.

Going to school as a pirate. He had so much fun being able to go like this. His classmates consisted of super heros, princesses and thing 1. Ainslee was able to go too she had a blast. They ended up with two bags of candy a piece. We are still eating it and probably will for a while.

our pumpkin!!

2008-11-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

We decided to go traditional and just carve a face on one side then show some school spirit on the other side!!

TYLER'S school that is!! This is Tyler's school logo for Effingham County High School.

Getting all the yucky stuff out of the pumpkin.

They had a lot of fun making a mess and spending time together.

My little man!!

2008-10-27T09:38:00.001-07:00

I wanted to post some picture of Tyler growing up around his birthday but I never got around to it. Here are a few from the past 3 years.

Last year at Halloween Tyler was a pirate pumpkin and Ainslee was a fairy princess.
He did this himself he thought it was hilarious.

His fourth birthday. We had it at the park with all his friends from church.

Bob the builder Halloween at three years old.

My two week vacation from Iraq. I had just told him I had to leave again.

Two years old camping trip.

After his second birthday party playing with Amy in the back yard.

He loved Elmo at that age.

Family hike at two years old

one of my favorites

Our county fair!!

2008-10-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

We had a ball at the fair on Tuesday. We looked on line and found out that Tuesday all the rides were a dollar so we jumped on the chance to save money and have fun. Tyler really enjoyed this dinosaur ride. I think that and the train were his favorite.

Ainslee liked the goats for about ten whole minutes(that is a long time for her). It was really neat they had little kids showing the goats and whoever could keep the best control of the animal won. This group was in elementary school.

Ainslee really liked the big slide. She was excited to be able to climb so high without being fussed at.

The ferris wheel Ainslee was in heaven she had been wanting to ride this all day. I think we could have just gone home after this one.

Tyler really liked it too.

All in all I think it was a great family time. We came, we saw, we rode.

Ainslee's hair!!!! ;(

2008-10-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

I let the kids color and cut out some pictures after church today bad idea!! Ainslee decided she needed to cut her hair. I was so sad I finally had it grown out to where it was cute and long.

Do you see the big chunk taken out. Thinking to out smart her I had pulled up the top part of her hair. But she went straight for the back!! I just did not make it to her in time.

So I gave her this cute little cut. Granted I am not by any means a professional but I could not let her go out with half her hair missing.

Tyler is 5!!!!

2008-10-19T17:49:00.001-07:00

I woke Tyler up on his birthday with cinnamon rolls. He was not exactly happy(he is not a morning person). while he was at school Ainslee and I decorated his room with balloons and wrote Happy Birthday on his chalkboard.

He was so excited to finally be 5. He was begging us all day to open his presents. So we had a little family party and let him open one.

He was so excited to have some of his friends over for a party. We had a house full. We planned on having it at the park but it started to rain. We also had his cousins come including Amy his best friend. I think there ended up being sixteen kids and around ten adults. We had fun with a dinosaur cake and all.

update

2008-10-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long I started a business. I am now selling Premier Designs Jewelry out of my home. I go and do home shows the hostess recieves 10% of all the sales and I receive 50% of the sales. I absolutely love it and getting a ton of jewelry is not a bad thing either. So if anyone reading this wants a show just leave me a message and we can set one up.

Also Tyler has experienced his first spirit week at a high school. He goes to our local high school for pre-k and loves it. They are dressing up every day to help support the school. Monday he was dubbed Mr. Tacky we managed to dress him in the tackiest outfit in the class. Then Tuesday he dressed like his Grandpa Caldwell. Today he dressed like he just came out of the movie Grease. Tomorrow is college day and we don't seem to have a clemson outfit for him in this size. So I am trying to come up with something.

I promise to post some pictures at the end of the week along with his birthday party pictures from this weekend.

Got the cleaning bug!!

2008-09-17T04:57:00.000-07:00

For some reason I don't understand my kids love to clean(they must get it from their dad). They seriously get excited when I tell them it is time to clean something.

Tyler saw the vacuum and decided he wanted to try so I plugged it in and let him at it.

Ainslee loves to clean the tub I put her in there and let her go. She is getting pretty good at it.
I just hope this keeps going through the teenage years!

Tyler likes to clean the toilet the brush is his favorite.

Now don't go thinking that my kids are always clean. They do their fair share of destruction Ainslee in particular. That girl can empty an entire toy box in a matter of seconds. They don't like to pick up their toys but they will scrub all day long.

The Beach again!

2008-09-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

Nana and Pops (gma and gpa Hood) came to visit us a few weeks ago and we went to the beach. The kids love the beach I think that is their favorite part about living here. It was a very eventful day. First the beach patrol said we had to watch out for the wallaby that was near the shore. Then we kept seeing crabs everywhere(note Tyler is scared to death of these things). Then we found a family of sting rays on the beach. Right before we left we saw some fins out in the ocean that looked like sharks. It was wierd all the fish got really close the shore all of a sudden.

sitting on the swing.
me and my hubby. loving time together
Ainslee loves the water she would stay out all day if she could. She wore herself out so much she actually fell asleep on the towel. (She never takes naps anymore).
They love their Pops
The sting ray Tyler kept saying it was the one from finding Nemo. He still would not go near it.

I'm a big kid now

2008-08-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Thats right our little Ainslee is potty trained!! NO more pull up or diaper bag. I am so excited we have been working on this for months and finally she is there. I am so happy to finally be a diaper/pull up free house. I just thought I would share the happy news.

Tyler's first day of Pre-K

2008-08-14T09:47:00.001-07:00

Alright I know school started last week but I had to post this. Tyler absolutely loves school his first day he could not stop smiling and I think he was ready to go a half hour before we had to leave. The first picture is him at school his first day.

This is him on the third day waiting for the bus. He loves riding the bus he even wakes up (by himself) at six thirty every morning. He has never gotten up like this but he loves school so much he can't wait to go.

Swimming lessons

2008-08-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Tyler and Ainslee loved swimming lessons. Tyler got past his fear of jumping in and not having to hold onto someone. Ainslee learned that you need an adult around before you swim across the pool. They are growing up so fast. They loved their teacher Molly (easy to remember since it is my sisters name) she was fun and kept my wild children in line.

Little Fishes

2008-07-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

This summer we have been going to the neiborhood YMCA. The kids love it there is a small water park and a kids pool. As you can see Ainslee looks like she belongs in the pool. They have also been taking swimming lessons I will have to put those pictures up later.

Camping and Six flags

2008-07-31T07:49:00.000-07:00

We started off last weekend by camping about a hour from Six Flags over Georgia. We had alot of fun and the kids liked the part that we were right next to the park. We roasted marshmallows and hot dogs. We also went and played in the river at the park. We almost could have just camped out and gone home the kids had so much fun. But......

We went to Six Flags the next day and the kids LOVED it so much. We had to go see Thomas the tank engine first of course (Tyler's all time favorite). Here is us riding the Thomas train. They also had a Thomas playground and a gift shop. That was probably their favorite part of the whole trip.

Then Tyler got to ride his first big kid ride. I used to hate these things (Thanks DAD) but Tyler loved it.

Ainslee was so upset that she did not get to ride it. Shis our little dare devil!

Then we rode a few rides that Ainslee could ride like the carousel, a old timy car that Tyler drove, balloons, a boat swing thing, and airplanes.

Thomas and I did take turns riding the big roller coasters we both rode Ninja and Thomas rode Golliath. We wish that we could have ridden more but we did have fun and the kids loved it alot.

Memories tag!

2008-07-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

A Different Kind of Tag:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together (either with just me, just Thomas, or the family). It doesn't matter if you knew us a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Thanks for playing along!

Our fourth of July!

2008-07-11T06:03:00.000-07:00

My parents came down to visit on Thursday with two of my sisters. We all went to the beach and then to our favorite seafood restaraunt so far Tubby's Tankhouse (mmm so good). We then went to the candy stores on River street we ended up spending way more on candy then we needed to but it was so good. Then on Friday we went shopping at the mall and had our own little cookout in the backyard and cooked marshmallows over the grill afterwords.
Then on Saturday we headed to Columbia to see the Hoods. We went to the lake with their boat. They had a tube and wake board to play with. We had alot of fun then the storm came it was crazy. We tried to tie the boat down but the waves were so bad that one of the ropes broke and all the guys were out there holding on to it. It never ended up raining but it was cold and windy. On Sunday we went to church with the Hoods and had a birthday party for Brenna(Thomas' sister). We had a lot of fun and stayed busy. After our little holiday we felt like we needed a vacation though. Sorry no pictures again I need to go visit a camera shop. My mom did take some and said she would send those to me hopefully soon. When I get them I will be sure to post them.

Tag for Thomas

2008-06-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

What is his name? Thomas Nathanael Hood

How long have you been together? started dating six years ago this month

How long did you date? dated from June to October When we were engaged. Then we were married the end of December

How old is he? 29

Who eats more? Thomas especially after a long work day. You couldn't tell but I think he could out eat his brothers sometimes!

Who said I love you first? Thomas did but I said it right after him. It was also our first date but we had been talking on the phone for about a month before we started dating

Who is taller? He is by about 4 inches

Who can sing better?I can Thomas unfortunately did not get that gene in his family.

Who is smarter? I depends on the subject he could tell you the latin terms for all kinds of trees but I can define all kinds of cooking terms and recite different things. So I think we help each other out alot.

Who does the laundry? I do. He is not allowed to after he shrunk my favorite sweater when we were first married he was never allowed again.

Who pays the bills? We take turns it is usually whoever gets to it first. but we work together on balancing the checkbook.

Who sleeps on the right side?I do most of the time.

Who mows the lawn? Thomas he says its his lawn so I let him do it

Who cooks dinner? I do except for special times when he decides to give me a break

Who drives? Thomas does I don' like how he critiques my driving

Who is more stubborn? It really depends on the day and the situation

Who kissed who first?I did he kissed me on the cheek and I just went for it.

Who proposed? Thomas did on my parents back porch with oreos it was so silly but sweet at the same time

Who has more friends? I keep in touch with more of my friends but he had more growing up than I did. I think I would have more now if you count all the people I met in Iraq

Who is more sensitive? I am but he can be sensitive sometimes.

Who has more siblings? the same. since my parents adopted Robin we have the same amount. He has four brothers and one sister and I have four sisters and one brother.

Who wears the pants? I think he does but he might say that I do some of the time too.

Summer days

2008-06-28T06:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took the kids to Hilton Head. We went shopping then the beach. I was surprised when Tyler ran to the water first. He is usually the scared careful one. He got about to his thighs he was having fun until a wave knocked him down. Ainslee on the other hand slowly got into the water and didn't want to get out even if she went under. I ended up carrying both of them into the water at the same time. I am sure we were a site to see. After the beach we went to TCBY and got some shivers they were very good and the kids enjoyed every minute of it. Next time we go to the beach we hope Thomas can come with us it would make it alot easier for me not to have to hold both of them. (sorry no pictures my camera is still messed up.)

Our tree date!

2008-06-03T05:46:00.000-07:00

Thomas got to do his first tree last Saturday. He knew that he was going to need help on at least part of the work. He was not able to get a hold of anyone so guess who got to help thats right ME! It did tire me out a little (I have not pulled brush since I was a teenager). It was a fun bonding experience for us as a couple. I did think it was pretty fun to pull the top out of the tree after he cut it. I don't think I will be doing it again but if I have to it is a pretty good workout.

He is just hanging there from the rope pretty much!

Me after the work is mostly done.

ABC's

2008-06-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

A-ATTACHED OR SINGLE: Attached
B-BEST FRIEND: Thomas Duh thats what happens when you get married!
C-CAKE OR PIE: anything sweet the flavors change constantly
D-DAY OF CHOICE: Saturday it is the only day we are all together
E-ESSENTIAL ITEMS: wedding rings and a hair band on my wrist
F- FAVORITE COLOR: pink, blue, purple
G-GUMMY BEARS OR GUMMY WORMS: gummy worms are the best
H- HOMETOWN: Greenville, South Carolina
I-INDULGENCES: any chocolate I can hide from Thomas!
J-JANUARY OR JULY: July I don't like the cold! Not that it gets cold here
K- KMART OR WALMART: Walmart we don't have a K-mart
L-LIFE IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT: my kids and husband
M- MARRIAGE DATE: December 28, 2002
N- NUMBER OF SIBLINGS: Four sisters and one brother
O-ORANGS OR APPLES: Apples gala yum!
P-PHOBIAS OR FEARS: spiders, snakes, I would ever loose a child.
Q-QUOTES: I wanna look for daddy in Jesus' other living room! Tyler
R- REASON TO SMILE: kids silly jokes and imaginations
S-SEASON: spring
T-TAGGED FRIENDS:Tammy, Carrie, Lorena, Jenny
U- UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME: I don't like animals very much
V- VERY FAVORITE STORE: Old Navy
W- WORST HABIT: not paying attention when someone talks to me and having to get them to repeat it
X- XRAY, ULTRASOUND OR MAMMOGRAM: Ultrasound I love seeing the baby for the first time
Y-YOUR FAVORITE FOOD: roast beef and mashed potatoes
Z- ZODIAC:scorpio

Memorial Day!

2008-05-27T12:24:00.001-07:00

My camera is not working right now so I figured I would share some pictures from last years Memorial day or sometime around it. This is me in my room modeling the hat My mother in law sent me for the holiday.
This is in my culinary class I was in.
This is the Iron Chef competition we did not win but we got second out of four. I was in charge of deserts it was alot of fun.
This is a picture of the cooks on memorial day. We always had a big party. I think we had a big cake fight after that picture.
I had alot of fun over seas but I am greatful to be home and to spend time with my family on this day of remembering what me and all the other soldiers and families have suffered.

The cake!!

2008-05-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted anything. Life has been crazy here in the Hood house. I made my first wedding cake since I got home from Iraq. Needless to say that my house was turned into a war zone and the kids were on a sugar rush all week from stealing the frosting.

But the cake turned out pretty and yummy if I do say so myself! It was really good I also made a chocolate cheesecake for the grooms cake and people are still asking me for the recipe.

The bride and groom

Our little lizard friend

2008-04-30T17:53:00.001-07:00

I walked outside on monday and saw this lizard staring at me. He was just sitting on our plastic chairs. Ainslee was amazed she kept wanting me to pick it up,YEAH RIGHT. But I did not mind taking pictures of it. I could not get Tyler out of the sandbox but when he finally did come he thought it was the greatest thing in the world. He being the boy that he is wanted to touch it. Good thing it was a fast runner. Tyler could not catch it so he tryed to trick it. He went to get some water. See third picture

Now of course it ran from the water and Tyler's eagerness. So..... He caught a worm to feed it. Now the lizard did not let Tyler get close enough to give him the worm. But he was happy that he at least got to pick up the worm.
And we let the lizard go about his buissness.

My little book worm!

2008-04-30T17:48:00.001-07:00

I have absolutely fell in love with the twilight book series. I was reading one of them one day and got up to do something. I turn around and Ainslee is "reading" my book. She loves to do everything that I do. Maybe if I read more often she will grow to love books too.

sprinkler fun with the cousins

2008-04-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

Tammy came to see us recently when her husband was out of town. We decided it was time to get a sprinkler. The kids loved it well Ainslee and Amy did. Tyler decided he needed a gallon of sunscreen and got a majority of it in his eyes. Mikala is hiding somewhere I don't think she is liking the idea of running through water yet.

Ainslee loves water if she can get wet she will do it. So giving her permission made it even better. She loves to get dirty and have a good time.

Claire was loving walking around in her swimming suit. I don't think she actually got wet but she sure is cute though.

Wekend in Columbia

2008-04-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

Nana and Pops with all the grandkids. They had so much fun

We went to Columbia this past weekend to say goodbye to Jared and to spend time with family. Jared left yesterday to go to Chile and get married to the girl that he has been talking to for a long time. We don't know how long he will be there so we had to get a big family picture before he left.

The kids had a ball playing with all there cousins and seeing conference together as a family was also fun.

Easter clothes

2008-03-31T18:48:00.001-07:00

I tried to get some good pictures of them but they kept running and jumpig in the sand box. Ainslee is really hard to catch when she gets like this she is a fast little girl. But I managed to get a few here are the kids at there goofiest!

fun day on Tybee Island

2008-03-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

We enjoy getting out as a family. So we decided to go to the beach well as you can see the wind made it so it felt like it was in the fifties maybe. The kids did not like it to much so we started walking back to our car and saw this fun tree to play on so we did. It turned out to be a very fun day. After the beach we went to our little zoo/wildlife center and the kids loved seeing the animals. In this place you are pretty much standing right over most of the animals there is not much between you.

Our Easter!!

2008-03-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

We had alot of fun with all of the cousins in town this weekend. We went to Savannah on Saturday and the beach. Sunday morning the kids woke up to a bunch of candy. Then that afternoon we had a easter egg hunt and Julie found one egg and decided she was done. It was alot of fun and we hope that family can come to visit again.

Our little TORNADO!!!!

2008-03-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night we had a really bad storm. Thomas and I had not watched the news so we didn't know that a tornado was coming through our county. Our power went out at nine thirty or so and didn't come back on till the next day around four. but driving home from church we saw this metal power line tower bent( I know that someone in the family will correct me on the terminology). There were thirteen of these things messed up like this in our county. Well to be exact it was mainly in the town right next to us. The amazing thing is that we have no damage at all. We feel really blessed and when we got to church that day the power came on right before the meeting started so I still got to do my first sharing time in primary. It was a crazy day but we did learn that we need to be more prepared.

Making Pizza with the Cousins!

2008-03-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

The kids love making pizza and doing it with Aunt Tammy, Amy and Mikala makes it even better. I think the kids ate more of the toppings than putting them on the pizza but that is okay.

A day in Savannah

2008-03-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

We love going to Savannah and walking along the river. The kids love to play on the statues and look at the boats.

We have been tagged

2008-02-21T17:37:00.000-08:00

10 years ago: I was a freshman in high school and getting ready to start dating!

5 things on my list to do today: run errands, go to the park with the kids, do a load of laundry, cook dinner and do the dishes.

what I would do if I were suddenly a billionaire: Pay off all my debt, go shopping with Tammy and Molly, buy a new house and help out my family.

3 of my bad habits: not putting the laundry away(it usually just stays in the basket!), I watch way to much tv, and sometimes I can talk to much.

places I've lived: Monroe, NC, Greenville, SC , Columbia, SC, Central, SC, Balad Iraq, Springfield, GA

Jobs I've had:jersey mikes subs, manager Quizno's subs, babysitter, army reservist, bakery at Kroger grocery store, a cook at Clemson dining hall

Things most people don't know about me: I love to sing. I took dance classes in Iraq I learned to salsa, swing, machata, merenga, two step. It was alot of fun.

Sarah Casper, Mandy Dable, Molly C, Andrew C, Elizabeth Muir tag your it!!!

Miss Motion

2008-02-17T18:15:00.001-08:00

Ainslee is our two year old daugther with enough energy to provide an alternative energy source for all Effingham county (where we live, and not heavily populated..could work..maybe). She was given the nickname "Miss Motion" by Heather's Aunt Tina (spent a ton of time with the kids while Heather was eating steak in Iraq). She is very active and loves to climb, even to the top shelf in our linen closet. Thomas is wanting to take her to work to speed up his tree climbing.

Fun at the Beach

2008-02-17T18:05:00.001-08:00

We spent a day at Tybee Island with the family. We have discovered this thing called the beach, being A LOT closer than Central, SC. Tyler and Ainslee both loved throwing food to the seagulls (and other species), Ainslee is already training for softball..what an arm! Our stay was brief being quite chilly and windy..thus we thought ice cream would prove better.

playful kids

2008-02-01T06:38:00.000-08:00

Tyler and Ainslee are very playful and active children. I have decided when they do funny things too just take a few pictures. Ainslee loves makeup and to be "pretty" can't tell at all..I know. They love to jump on our bed, they think that it's fun to mess it up not that is was ever made.

Our new house

2008-01-31T06:49:00.000-08:00

Everyone has begged and pleaded for pictures of our house so here are a few. The kids love to sit on the front porch and play in the back yard. We also love the fact that it's January and we are still able to wear short sleeve shirts sometimes.

moving day

2007-12-09T18:49:00.001-08:00

We thought we would start our new blog with our new house. Even though we moved in

December. Ainslee loved being stuffed in the car with a matress and all of our small stuff. Tyler enjoyed moving the toys into his newly painted room.