The Mumpower Family

Wilderness at the Smokies

2009-02-09T20:03:00.005-05:00

Wave Riding

Getting of the kiddie slide.

Wave Pool fun.

Me and Meredith on the left and Parker and Jackson on the right.

She finally got into the slides and enjoyed.

Wave Rider

The kitchen in our resort.

We went to the Wilderness at the Smokies resort on Sat and came home on Sunday night with some friends. We had a great time. The kids were so worn out they almost fell asleep before we got home. The room was super nice and the water park was awesome.

Sledding

2009-02-04T20:10:00.002-05:00

Go Parker!

Serious Sledder.

Another serious sledder

Snow Days

2009-02-03T13:55:00.003-05:00

Well contrary to what a lot of people(who are not teachers) are saying about Sullivan County being out of school. I for one am very excited. We need these days every once in a while. For starters the stomach bug is running crazy, even at our house, Meredith had it over the weekend. This will at least give some time for that to settle down, I hope. These days are great for teachers because I don't have the luxury of having all my laundry caught up, house picked up and supper started before 4:00. So I have to say I am glad to have a little time to just sit and not be on a schedule. I do like this in January and February but after that I am ready to get it over with and get to May. These snow days are one of the only perks us teachers get so we definitely enjoy them.

Other things we have going on right now is baseball sign ups this weekend. We are all excited about that. Even Meredith said yesterday I can't wait for Parker's baseball to start I like it much better that football. It may have a little something to do with Amanda being there. Meredith is taking ballet and tap and loving it and can't wait for her recital in May.

Also Lorie is in the hospital for a severe kidney infection and is expected to be there until about Thursday, so please keep her in your prayers. We are all juggling everything around to try to keep Mylie and Carter on their routine. Well now we just wait for the snow.

2009-01-21T12:37:00.004-05:00

I got this from my friend Tanya's blog threemoodycuties.blogspot.com. It was fun.

Highlight the ones you have done.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given to charity

7. Been to Disneyland ... or Disneyworld!

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitchhiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunse

t31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible (in process with SS class)

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95.Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Made a prank phone call

Vacation Plans

2009-01-18T18:03:00.003-05:00

Well we made vacation plans for this summer and much to our surprise, we had not planned on this, we are going back to Disney World. The one different thing this time is that we are staying at Coranado Springs in Disney World. We have not stayed here before. We are very excited. This is a picture from the water side of the resort.

January is here.

2009-01-07T21:32:00.002-05:00

Well we are back in the swing of things and back at school. But we can always hope and pray for snow days. To catch up a little Parker had a great time at baseball camp at UT, he must have hit a thousand balls in those two days. It was great getting together with our baseball friends which we are about to start seeing more of. Baseball registration in in Feb. Meredith started back to dance classes and loves it. She is taking ballet and tap. We have also made the move from a van to an SUV this month and happen to love our new Explorer. Well hopefully we will get some snow to play in and have some great pictures to post.

2008-12-27T19:41:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Graduation Mom

2008-12-14T22:25:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was my graduation from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN. I finished my educational specialist degree in July but we didn't walk until yesterday. It was a pretty neat ceremony although the kids said it was just as boring as the my Master's graduation maybe even more.

This is receiving my medallion. Since you get "hooded" when you get your master's degree they presented us with a LMU medallion. The hood colors represent the university where you received your master's degree. Mine came from Cumberland University.

Me before the ceremony.

The whole family prior to the ceremony.

3rd Grade Christmas Program

2008-12-09T21:09:00.003-05:00

Parker played the part of Santa last night in the school program. He was awesome. He wasn't even nervous. He really enjoyed it. This was the first time he had even volunteered for a speaking part. He was real excited and we were real proud of him.

Presenting Mrs. Edwards with her gift.
Parker and Porter

Parker, Porter and Dylan. Best friends since kindergarten. This photo may just show up again some day at Central High School. Watch out boys.

This photo could show up again some day also. Parker and Abbey Rose as Mrs. Claus.

We took this before the play started.

Snow Day

2008-11-21T14:26:00.002-05:00

We woke up to a nice surprise this morning... snow and no school. So we took advantage of it.

Parker gets an award!!!

2008-11-14T22:31:00.002-05:00

Parker was given the Buddy Rinner award at the football banquet tonight. This is the highest award they give each year and is given to one player on the team. We were really proud of him. This is sort of a MVP and best sportsmanship, leader, coaches pick, effort and player award all in one. His name will go on the plaque at the Ruritan building and he got a plaque tonight.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-05T20:52:00.000-05:00

Parker at the Fall Festival at ISCC
Pocahontas on the cliff.

Meredith's Halloween party.

Pocahontas and Indiana Jones

Don's costume. Not much different than his regular dress huh???

Choir Time

2008-10-13T16:56:00.000-04:00

Meredith and Parker sang in the Children's Choir at church last night. The Christmas program is in December. They both enjoy this one more than the other.

Football Time in Tennessee

2008-10-13T16:51:00.000-04:00

Meredith doing her dance on the field.

Meredith and Nick after the awards ceremony.
Meredith and Emalyne.

Football,Football and more Football

2008-09-20T22:50:00.001-04:00

What a team! Parker is number 68. Thanks Brandi for the pics.
Parker and the gang waiting on the game to start.
We pretty much spend our weekends attending various football games. We usually start out on Friday night watching East play football. Since some friends of ours coach there we are there to support the team. Parker has a great time playing with the boys and running out on the field with them and Meredith gets to play and cheer with Chloe. We then move on to Saturday morning when Meredith cheers for the Raiders at 9:30 every Saturday morning. We then go to Parker's game in the afternoon. And after that we pretty much collapse. We usually get one other game in during the week with the J.V. team. We are running around a lot but it sure is fun.

Happy Birthday Mamaw!!

2008-09-10T12:51:00.000-04:00

Today is Mamaw's birthday. We just want to wish her a happy day and thank her for all she does for us all.

New York Trip

2008-09-02T14:07:00.000-04:00

Fireman at Ladder Co 10, the closest fire department to ground zero, they lost 7 men that day.
Construction at Ground Zero
They rode this ferris wheel in Toys R Us in Times Square
Lorie and Mylie in Times Square.
Battery Park picture
Don and Parker waiting to get on the train to go see the Yankees
Yankee Stadium
Meredith with her new doll and the doll that got a makeover at American Girl Place
Dinner at American Girl Cafe
Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island in background

We are back from our last big trip of the season. We had a great time. We stayed in Trenton, NJ and rode the train into Penn station on Saturday and Sunday. We were able to see everything we wanted to see. We enjoyed seeing Yankee stadium and watching the ballgame. We even rode the subway into the Bronx to catch the game. Our next stop was The American Girl Place in midtown Manhatten. Meredith was just in awe. Actually we all were. Don was able to get us all reservations to eat at the American Girl Cafe for dinner on Saturday night and that was the highlight of Meredith's trip probably mine too. It was awesome. On Sunday we went sight seeing and saw Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty, Empire State building, Macy's and upper East side, the west side and Times Square. Lorie and I even bought pocket books in China Town. Now that is a story you will need to get in person from me. It was great. This was one of the best trips we have ever been on excluding Disney. I will post some pictures but I only have about 300 so not enough room on here for them all. Thanks Mamaw and Grandaddy for the Yankee tickets and everything else.

Labor Day Weekend Trip

2008-08-26T12:16:00.000-04:00

Well we are getting ready to take our last trip for the summer. We are leaving on Friday to go to New York to see the Yankees play before they tear down the stadium this fall. After the ballgame we are taking Meredith to the American Girl Doll Store. We are very excited! We are staying in New Jersey and riding the train into the city. Meredith can't wait to ride the fast train. She said she bets it is like a bullet train. We will go to the game on Saturday and then on Sunday we plan to see some of the sights such as the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero. I am sure we will have lots of pictures when we get back. Our biggest challenge will be finding our way around.

Kindergarten here we come!!!

2008-08-12T17:02:00.000-04:00

We are so excited that Meredith gets to start kindergarten. This is what I have waited on, everyone on one schedule at the same school. That is how you get more pictures of your first day. You get to see her work and lunch pictures. We don't start going all day until next Tuesday but she really loves her class and her teacher Mrs. Hubbard. We were really excited to be in her class.

Meredith's first lunch at Indian Springs Elementary

Parker and Meredith in my room the first morning.
Thanks Mrs. Horne for taking our first picture as a school family.
Here we come!!!
Mrs. Hubbard and Meredith.
Meredith working on morning work.

School has started.

2008-08-05T23:01:00.000-04:00

Well we are back in full swing well almost. Parker and myself start full days tomorrow. Meredith however will only go 2 days during the rest of this week and next week. She doesn't seem to mind. She has had lots of fun playing with her friends this week. I want to say thanks to everyone who has helped me with taking care of them this last week while I have had to work. We are very blessed to have such great friends that were more than willing to help us. We will find out tomorrow who Meredith has a teacher. Parker is very excited about being in Mrs. Lancaster's class with his buddies. He has also started tackle football this year so we are still very busy. I am teaching first grade again this year although I had to move rooms I am ready to get this year started. On the other hand my Granny is being moved to rehab tomorrow. She had open hear surgery last Tuesday. She is doing pretty well. This is just a very busy time of the year for me getting everything ready. I will post pics as soon as possible from our first day on Monday.

Our Next Vacation

2008-07-23T18:03:00.000-04:00

We are leaving for Myrtle Beach tonight after Parker's game. We were suppose to leave last night, but since he had a game tonight we decided to postpone it for a night and stay and play this game. We will be back on Monday night. The extra time I had today was used moving my room at school. I am going to teach first grade again but had to move my room down the hall. I will have one day when we get back from the beach to get that finished before I go back to work on Wed. next week. This is a short vacation but considering this is our 3rd this summer that isn't so bad. Our next vacation will be Labor Day weekend we are going to New York to see the Yankees play, well some of us are going to the game and some of us are going to the American Girl Doll Store. We are all real excited about that trip.

I've been given an award

2008-07-21T09:29:00.000-04:00

This award has been passed on by several people starting with the creator http://www.thebabblingsofmere.blogspot.com/. My friend Tanya at has awarded it to me. This is what she wrote: Amie because when we moved back to my husband's home town eight years ago, she was the first person to reach out to us and invite us to dinner at her family's home. And she's been that warm every time I've seen her since then, which really just isn't often enough. Thanks Tanya I really appreciate it!!!!

Finished!!!

2008-07-14T22:10:00.000-04:00

On Saturday I had my last class for my Ed.S (educational specialist) degree. We don't actually walk until the Dec. graduation but I am finished. Even though the degree is finished in order to get my license changed to a principals license I must take a leadership test in Sept. The only thing left is a doctorate degree and I don't think I am going there. I am just so glad to have this over. So I guess I can attach all of these letters to my name now. Mrs. Mumpower BS, MA, Ed.S. It sure does make you look important. I am not quite ready to leave the classroom just yet but in a couple of years I am open to what comes my way. This will be the first year in three years that I get to just teach school and not go to class at the same time. Thanks Robin, Karen and Becky for helping makes this not so bad. Congratualations girls, we did it!!!!

All Stars Baseball Team

2008-07-08T23:06:00.000-04:00

Parker and his friend Isaac.

This was after the first tournament with their trophy.
Watiting between games.

Parker has had a great time playing all stars this year. We are now in our second tournament. Him and his friend Isaac have had a great time playing together. We have made some very special friends through baseball.

Camping with Mamaw and Grandaddy

2008-07-08T22:29:00.001-04:00

Merdith and Mylie at the camper in Pigeon Forge.
She loves hanging out with everybody. She likes for Parker to hold her. Just the girls.

Everyone ready for bed.
Here she with her favorite aunt.
And her favorite uncle.

Our Disney Vacation

2008-07-07T23:37:00.001-04:00

Well we have been back from Disney a week but we haven't been home much. Parker has had a lot of baseball games and even came in 2nd place in the last tournament. We are in the middle of another one now. I am trying to catch up on all the things we have been into. We came home from Disney on Friday night played a game and played 3 games on Saturday and then left after church on Sunday to go camping with Mamaw, Grandaddy, Lorie and the kids. We came back home on Tuesday to get ready for the fourth of July and more games. I will post those pictures as soon as possible. We had a great time in Disney. We stayed at All Star Movies this was the last All Star resort that we had not stayed in yet. We even got to stay in the Toy Story building which is what we requested. Meredith had a great time having make over at Bibbity Bobbity Boutique at the Castle. We did the dining plan this year for the first time and it was wonderful. We had buffets and character dining every night. The food at Disney is great and well worth the money. We back to some of our old favorites like O'hana at the Polynesian, Chef Mickey at the Contemporary and Crystal Palace. We also tried some new places like Libery Tree Tavern. Parker was really into rides this time. He even rode Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom with Don and myself. It was an awesome roller coaster. Meredith got the nerve up and rode Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain this year. She still liked Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh the best. I am afraid to say how many times we rode those. A lot I know that. She and I would go look for characters while Don and Parker would ride some of the rides she didn't want to ride. We love having our Parker hopper passes. We would sometimes do 3 parks in a day. We always go back to the Magic Kingdom at night it is the best time to ride the rides there with hardly any wait. We can't wait to go back!!!!

We're Back

2008-06-30T11:47:00.000-04:00

We are back from Disney but have left to go camping. We drove straight back on Friday and did not even go home just went straight to Parker's All Star game. On Saturday they played 3 back to back games. They even got 2nd place in the tournament. I have set up a blog for the team you can check it out.
blountvilleallstars.blogspot.com

2008-06-19T07:29:00.000-04:00

Eliza's Party

2008-06-18T09:28:00.000-04:00

Meredith and Parker went to Eliza's birthday party on Sat. It was the neatest party, she had a Wedding Dress Up Party. All the girls were the bridesmaids and had to wear pink. They were then suppose to bring clothes for the reception. Parker was one of the groomsmen. At the ceremony Eliza took her vowels to be the responsible 5 year old and then repeated her vowels after her mother vowing to love Jesus with all her heart, soul and body till death. She also vowed to wait on the husband that she was suppose to have one day. It was a real sweet "ceremony".

Parker walking bridesmaids to their spots for the wedding.

Meredith walking to her spot for the wedding.

Always a bridesmaid never a bride(we can always hope haha). Thanks Lorie for making my hair so beautiful.

Eliza's father walking her in.

The beautiful bride.

Rockies End of Season Party

2008-06-11T09:45:00.001-04:00

Waiting on the trophies.

Playing water balloon volleyball
Meredith and Leah after the makeovers from Amanda.

The Whitehead's had the whole team and families over for a cookout for the end of season party for baseball. Everyone had a wonderful time. They swam and had water balloon volley ball and water balloon fights.

Parker's Birthday Party

2008-06-11T09:37:00.000-04:00

Parker being the umpire.
Keith pitching to the boys.
Parker's party was on Sat. and we had a great time. He invited some friends from school, church and his baseball team. We had a pick up game at the ball fields at the school. The boys loved it.

Meredith's New Dance Class

2008-06-11T08:54:00.000-04:00

Meredith has decided it is time for her to find her own "sport" so she started dance class last night. The first 30 minutes was ballet and the last 30 minutes was acrobatics. She loved the classes. She looked extra cute in her pink leotard and tights. She only goes once a week so she was a little disappointed that she didn't get to go again so soon. She really wanted someone to go watch her dance so Mamaw, Lorie, Carter and Mylie went with us. After the class we went back to the ball field to pick Don and Parker up from All Stars practice. They are going to play in their first tournament next week, but we will miss the first few days of it because we will be in the happiest place on earth. If you have somehow forgotten we leave for Disney next week.

League Champions and All Stars!!!

2008-06-09T00:47:00.000-04:00

Parker's team the Rockies won the league championship on Sat. We all have had such a great time with baseball this year. We have made several new friends and love spending time with them. Sat. was the end of the regular season but Parker made All Stars and we will continue playing for the next month or so. He made All Stars last year also. We are very proud of him. Sunday the Rockies had their end of season party and we all had a great time. I will post pictures soon. Also on Sat was Parker's 8th birthday and we had a party that night. His biggest surprise was that me and his Daddy and Meredith got him a Wii. We are really loving this thing. Congratulations Parker!!!

VBS 08 & Beyond

2008-06-04T09:08:00.000-04:00

We are having Bible School this week at our church. We have had a great time. I am teaching 4th grade this year which is quite different than what I usually do. I usually am real involved with the younger children but this was the class they needed me for. One great thing about the week is that the chuch provides supper each night for the workers and their families. This is great because I don't have to hurry and fix anything before we go, we just show up and eat. This is the first time that Parker and Meredith have both been excited about going to Bible School they love being with their friends at church, to be honest this is the first time in a long time I have been excited about being at Bible School. We have gotten to know a lot more people at our church this week by been involved. Parker is also attending football camp at East High School with other boys from our church. I am sure you are wandering why he is at East's camp....a friend of ours is the football coach there and are several friends from church that are going. We are taking turns driving and Parker has had the best time. We might even go to Central's next week if it works out with baseball.

School's Out for the Summer!!!!

2008-05-26T09:06:00.001-04:00

Well today marks the first day of our official summer vacation. No one is more excited than me. We officially have a 3rd grader and a kindergartener. Parker had straight E's on all the report card for the year. We are very proud of that and since everyone else is taking a little time to brag on their blogs I will do the same. He has been reading a little above a 4th grade level all year. For those of you that aren't in the know about this. We give what is called a star test and it evaluates at what leve your child is reading. It is not completely accurate but gives a good idea of the progress made through the year. I can't complain about 2 years above the grade level. Meredith is so excited to go to kindergarten and I can't wait for all the excitement that goes with it. She ask last week if we start this week since school was going to be out. Look out summer here we come. Now all we have to do is wait for Disney time!!!

Meredith's Birthday Party

2008-05-18T22:37:00.000-04:00

Don, Parker and myself got Meredith a scooter for her birthday.
Here she is the birthday girl.
Waiting to blow out the candles.
The gang, this isn't everyone because a lot of the boys were playing baseball on the field. She was so excited to have her friends from her sunday school class. She has so many friends there that she will get to start kindergarten with in the fall.

Meredith had a huge party on Sat. May 10th at Indian Springs playground. We had a cookout with about 50 friends and family. She was so excited. Everyone had fun playing on the playground.

High School Musical on Ice

2008-05-18T22:29:00.000-04:00

The whole gang

Getcha head in the game.

Waiting for the show to begin. Thanks Mamaw for the souveniers.
Carter really enjoyed his binoculars.

Sharpay's pink golf cart.

On Friday night, May 9th we went to High School Musical on Ice as part of Meredith's birthday present. We had a great time. It was a great show.

Awana Awards Night

2008-05-18T22:24:00.000-04:00

Parker and Meredith at our church Indian Springs Baptist
Carter also finished Puggles this year and will be in Cubbies next year.
Parker with Pastor Roc, we really love him. Parker wanted to have his picture made with him.

I know these posts are a little behind but Mylie has kinda been in charge the last couple of days and I haven't been home long enough to post about the things we did the weekend before she was born. I will start of with Awana awards night. Parker earned his Sparky Plaque for finishing all 3 books in Sparks. We are very proud of him for that. He will be in T&T next

year. Meredith finished both of her books in Cubbies and will be in Sparks next year.

She's Here!!

2008-05-13T22:28:00.000-04:00

Meet Mylie.
Meredith so crazy over her already. She can't understand why she can't hold her all the time and has to share with everyone else. She can't wait to teach her how to cheerlead she told her yesterday. She just sits and sings to her.
Here she is with her Mamie, that is what Carter calls me. We don't have a picture of Don holding her yet because he has had a bad case of poison ivy and has had to have a shot, so we are still waiting on that.
Parker and Don had to leave yesterday for his game before she was born so he was real excited to get back and see her.

Mylie Addison Hibbs made her appearance today on Meredith's birthday. She was born at 5:46pm, 7lb. 4 oz. 20 in long. We had lots of things planned for the weekend that I need to blog but I figured everyone would want to see this first. On Friday night we all went to High School Musical on Ice, including Lorie. On Saturday night we had Meredith's party and then Sunday was Mother's Day so we were so glad the Mylie waited until we got through all of that before she decided to show up.

Baseball Game

2008-05-07T13:36:00.000-04:00

Parker's team the Rockies are now 5-0. He has already had a triple and a homerun. He is playing 2nd base and sometimes is playing catcher. This is the position that his daddy played so he is liking it a lot. Here he is on 2nd.

Playing Catcher.
Up to bat.

Way to go Parker!! You look great!!

Mickey Moms Club

2008-05-03T09:13:00.000-04:00

These are the items I received in my package. We are now proudly displaying the magnet on our van. I was very pleased with being picked to be in the Mickey Moms club.
Of course since both of my kids have pin collections from Disney World they grabbed these.

Sometime last year while frequenting Disney sites. I know I am a little obsessed but that's ok. I will seek therapy in the future if I feel it is necessary in the form of a yearly trip to Disney. :)Anyway Disney was looking for applications to form a new website where Disney moms would answer questions for those that are planning trips to the world. I entered and didn't get picked to be on the panel. But I was able to help name the club and then last week got a package stating that the runners up were now members of the Mickey Moms club I even got some cool stuff in my package. What a surprise. Just a little Disney magic is all it takes to make me get excited. Just thought I would share.

What have we been doing?

2008-04-28T09:39:00.000-04:00

Well I know it has been a little while since I have update but our lives get very busy during April and May. Until school gets out. By the way we only have 19 days left!! Woo hoo!!! We get to spend a lot of time at baseball. We love every minute of it. Parker's team has played 2 games and won both. He is playing 2nd base, but played catcher for the last of the game on Sat. he did a great job. He even through a ball from home to 3rd and got the boy out. He is an awesom baseball player if I do say so myself. Travis, Diana and Brayden were able to come see his first game on Thursday. Brayden had so much fun playing in the dirt with Meredith. Parker is suppose to have a game tonight. We are hoping the rain will stop so we can get it in. We are still waiting on Mylie to make her appearance in May. We are getting very anxious to meet her. We hope it will be in the next week or so. We will keep you update on her arrival.

Happy Birthday to Carter!!

2008-04-12T22:11:00.000-04:00

Today was Carter's birthday. We started out by meeting them for breakfast at IHOP. Then he had his party tonight at Fun Expedition. He was 3 today. We find that very hard to believe.

This was one morning before I left for school. Him and Mamaw had just came in.

Riding the John Deere in the back yard.

Getting ready to go to Puggles.

Disney World May 2007.

Getting his first bath. This was just minutes after he was born.
Meeting his cousins for the first time. Parker was 5, Meredith was 2.
He tried so hard to get that thumb.
Meredith's birthday at Chuck E. Cheese. Uncle Don feeding him a bottle.
Granny and Papaw's house for ice cream.

Vols vs. Florida game

2008-04-06T21:54:00.001-04:00

We went to Knoxville today with some of the members of Parker's baseball team to watch the Vols play. We had a great time. The weather was perfect. We even got a little sun. After the game was over they got to run the bases and get autographs. I was standing at 3rd base waiting to take his picture and there was a man came over and started talking to me. His brother was the right fielder. When Parker walked over the man said would you like to meet my brother and some of the team, of course Parker said yea. So the guy took him around and introduced him to the starters and got their autographs. Parker was thrilled that he got his own personal tour guide.

Lindsey Nelson Stadium

Home of the Vols.

Meredith running the bases.
Parker getting autographs.
This is what Meredith did while Parker was getting autographs.
The man in the bright orange shirt was Parker's tour guide.
Vols 2nd baseman. That just happens to be the position that Parker plays.

The field.
Parker and Isaac concentrating on the game.
The gang at the game.
Waiting to run the bases.
Parker finishing up at 3rd base. Don't he look good on this field. Won't it be neat when he is playing for the vols to have this same picture :)

<>DI<>

Gray Fossil Site

2008-04-01T21:17:00.000-04:00

Since we were on Spring break last week we visited the fossil site on Friday. Parker took his friend Porter with us. We all enjoyed seeing the fossils. We didn't get to dig because it was too damp.

Big Sue

Easter Sunday

2008-03-25T09:18:00.000-04:00

I had to take these pictures inside because it was so cold here on Easter. Meredith loved her new "high heels" she couldn't wait to wear them. She says they are tap shoes. Parker wanted to wear a tie and I just about never found a shirt to go with it. After church we ate at Ming Garden for lunch. I know that isn't your typical Easter meal but it's what we wanted. We then came home and rested before going back to church that night.

Lunch with the Mumpowers

2008-03-25T08:54:00.001-04:00

We went to Don's parents to have lunch for Easter on Saturday. This is easier when we all are on different schedules. Parker and Meredith had fun hunting eggs and Jordan had fun carrying them around. Parker, Don and David through baseball and had a great time.

Jordan with the eggs.

Meredith waiting to hunt eggs.

Let's find the eggs.

Easter Egg Hunt

2008-03-24T17:10:00.000-04:00

We went to the egg hunt at Central on Saturday morning. We had a great time. We have been going to this egg hunt for several years. The great thing is that every child gets a prize before they leave. Here is Parker getting ready to hunt.

Meredith and the gang counting and opening their eggs.
Parker listening for prizes.
Meredith, Jacob,and Cora listening for prizes.
Lorie waiting for the hunt to start.
Go Meredith!!
Parker hunting for eggs.
Meredith and Chloe and their eggs.

Dying Easter Eggs

2008-03-21T22:40:00.000-04:00

Everyone had fun dying eggs. These are so bright they look like they are plastic.
Lorie getting the dye ready.

Good Friday at the Park

2008-03-21T22:26:00.001-04:00

We decided to meet some friends from our church at the park today and play. Apparantly lots of people had the same idea. We ended up playing with 5 other familes from church. Everyone had a great time. This is Catrina, Meredith, Chloe and Ralph on the swing.
How fun.
Parker, Dawson, and Austin on the teeter totter.
Meredith and Chloe.
Best Friends!!

Parker coming down the bumpy slide.Meredith playing.
Carter coming down the bumpy slide.
Carter's first time in the swing.
Parker and Noah on the spider web.
We had a wonderful time playing in the sunshine. We are on spring break so you never know what we might get into this week. Stay Tuned.

Our Week

2008-03-14T12:01:00.000-04:00

We've not update this week because it has been very busy. We started out last weekend with Meredith having a stomach bug. Then we registered her for Kindergarten on Tuesday. We are very excited about that. Just what we have waited on. All of us being on the same schedule in the same place. This is like a dream come true. People ask me if I was upset about her going to kindergarten. No, we all are very excited to be going to the same school everyday. Parker also started baseball practice this week. It looks like he will be playing 2nd base this year. Then I got the stomach virus. So as you can see it was very busy.

Ultimate Blog Party

2008-03-09T13:08:00.000-04:00

I saw this on a friend's site and my ultimate party would be at Disney World. My most favorite place to visit. I teach first grade and absolutely love our Disney vacations. We have two children and have a very busy life. I am kinda new to this blogging thing. But I like to read everyone's blogs. Thanks, for stopping by my Disney party.

Another Snow Day!!!!

2008-02-27T10:49:00.000-05:00

Meredith enjoying the snow.
Sledding with the gang

Time for hot chocolate to warm up.

Baseball tryouts

2008-02-27T10:43:00.000-05:00

Parker had baseball tryouts on Sat. He is going to be on the Rockies

Meredith and Carter cheering Parker on.

Don and Keith are the coaches for the Rockies.

Our new Kitty

2008-02-27T10:38:00.000-05:00

This is our new stray kitty that I picked up from the parking lot at the school. He stays outside but he is still very sweet. He has a different name every day.

Setting the Table

2008-02-20T15:54:00.000-05:00

Meredith and Parker both like to help in the kitchen with cooking and various things. Meredith was helping set the table for supper last night.

Our Day Off

2008-02-18T15:47:00.001-05:00

Today we started out at Dr. Pillion's office our dentist to get cleanings and check ups. Everyone looked great no cavities. We then had breakfast at IHOP. This afternoon we went back to see Dr. Bohlman to check on Parker's new contacts. She said they were fitting great. The right eye was at 20/20 and the left at 20/30. This is great considering where we have came from. We were really pleased with this news. She said that we didn't need to see her for 6 months unless something comes up again. He seems to have grown some is what got the other contacts to not be working as well as they were.

Our Valentine's Day

2008-02-18T15:30:00.000-05:00

We had a great Valentine's Day. Parker of course had a party at school and Meredith had a party at Cubbies. On Friday night our church had a special parent's night out for Valentine's Day. Parker's age had pizza, a scavenger hunt and a movie. Meredith made a craft and had a snack and just played. They had a great time. So Don and I and Lorie and Ted went to Troutdale in Bristol. I am putting the link here so you can see what it looks like. http://www.thetroutdale.com/ It is the Tri Cities only 5 star restaurant. There are so many courses to eat that we were there almost 3 hours. We started out with Butternut Squash soup. Then we had appetizers, salad, bread,and then you cleanse your palet with honeydew melon sorbet and then the entree'. We also had dessert. It isn't somewhere that you could go every week but it was fun. We had a great time. It was really fun. I am posting some pictures of them making out their Valentines cards.

Kindergarten Shots

2008-02-01T15:58:00.000-05:00

Today was the big day. Meredith got her shots to go to kindergarten. We saw Dr. Mitoraj this morning and she had to get 4 shots, a TB test, and a finger prick. I will not lie she screamed and cried, but when it was over, she said that wasn't too bad. We then went to IHOP for some breakfast. Everybody knows a girl needs a friend to celebrate even the smallest accomplishments, so we met Chloe at Libby Lu for makeovers. They both had a great time.

Meredith at IHOP being silly.

Leaving Dr. Mitoraj's office with her special gift for being so brave.

Meredith and Chloe at Libby Lu.

Dancing the Chicken Dance.

More dancing.

Vacation Plans Finally

2008-01-28T14:13:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite pictures. It all began with a mouse.
This was taken in Epcot at Innovations, you can send these as a free email from there.
O'hana restaurant at the Polynesian. One of our favorite places to eat.

After weeks of discussion, searching and thinking. We have finally decided where we will be going on vacation. I don't know why we wasted all that time because we are going back to our

favorite place. Disney World. Don was actually the one that wanted to go back this year. We absolutely love it there. All of us do, even Don loves it. This will make Parker's 6th visit, and Meredith's 5th. I have been about 15 times. Don has been about 10 times. This would border on obsession I think. I will have to say vacations don't get much better than Disney. Really Disney trips have to begin with research months in advance and we figure by the time our grandkids come we should be on the payroll as consultants. We have this down to a science now.

Homework Time

2008-01-24T21:44:00.000-05:00

Meredith has her own homework book to work in to get ready for Kindergarten. That is what happens when your mom teaches school. You have to go to Pre-School at night.
Parker doing a little homework. He don't have it to often, thanks to Mrs. Horne. But he likes to do it when he does.
She is really concentrating hard. She even gets to put her own sticker on after I check her paper.

Our Wish Came True-----SNOW!!!

2008-01-17T09:56:00.000-05:00

Don called and woke us up this morning to tell us if we were going to play in the snow we better get up because it was suppose to change over to rain. You don't have to tell us twice when it comes to playing in the snow. I woke them both up and we were in the snow within 15 min. We figured breakfast could wait. A snow day from school and enough snow to actually build a snowman, it doesn't get much better than that!

Parker, Meredith and Issac(our neighbor) sledding.

Mr. Keith our neighbor pulling Meredith and Issac.
What a ride.

Frosty the Snowman

We loved playing in the snow.

Meredith has our Snowman kit. I bought this several years ago and we haven't had enough snow to use it. So today we got it out to try.

Here he is our snowman "Frosty"

What has been happening.

2008-01-14T14:52:00.000-05:00

Don and Brayden
Brayden's first Christmas
Diana and Parker love playing games.
Parker, Meredith and Brayden Barr.

We had the Barr's and Smith's over and we got a chance to spend time with them. The girls loved playing together and Travis loved playing Parker's guitar on the Playstation. He was actually the only person that has played the 80's version that knew all the lyrics with the songs. He was great. We spend a lot of time wishing for snow. That happens when your mom is a teacher, it is a requirement to become a teacher. Ha Ha. I have also made an appointment for Meredith to get her shots for school. Needless to say she is not real excited about the blood from her finger thing. I have told her that we will go to Build a Bear if she does good at the Dr. on February 1st. I will post the pictures tonight.

New Year's Eve and Day

2008-01-02T13:22:00.001-05:00

New Year's Eve at Lorie and Ted's house. Parker, Meredith and Carter being silly.
New Year's Day: Football all day long.
Meredith was the entertaintment at Lorie's
This is Carter's new horse, Butterscotch, he is a big hit.
The starting line up.
Introducing...Peyton Manning, aka Meredith
Meredith being Hannah Montana

Goodbye 2007---Hello 2008

2007-12-28T14:15:00.000-05:00

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

We have had a very event filled year. We started out with Parker's eye surgery in January and Dr. Bohlman told us last week that the eyes were still straight. That is great news since we have had a years growth and they didn't change. I graduated in May with my master's degree and started in July with my Ed.S. degree. And believe it or not am considering going on to get my Doctorate degree. Just imagine Dr. Mumpower. We did visit Disney World this year in May. Our most favorite place in the world. We also go to go to the Beach in July, we left a few days before and we to Savannah,Ga to eat at Paula Deen's restaurant. We are big Food Network fans. Parker started 2nd grade in August and Meredith gets to start kindergarten next year. I also got a new job this year. I transferred to Indian Springs to teach 1st grade. We also joined a new church and have made lots of new friends. The fall was a little less happy. My Papaw got sick and passed away in October, but he finally go to go "home" which is what he had been wanting to do. We know that even though we miss him, he is a lot better off and we will see him again in heaven. Then we got some excitng news....Lorie and Ted are having a new baby in May. And the best news that we got last week.... It's a GIRL!!!! Well I think that wraps up 2007 in a quick way. I am sure 2008 will be just as exciting if not more.

Christmas through the years

2007-12-28T13:39:00.001-05:00

Make a photobook - it's easy!

Christmas Morning---finally

2007-12-28T13:11:00.000-05:00

With much anticipation and Parker getting up several times that night it was finally time to see what Santa had brought. They were very excited.
Parker got a new baseball bat among other things.
Meredith got a dollhouse and American Girl doll.

Playing with her tea set and dolls she got from Santa.

Christmas Eve with the Mumpower's

2007-12-28T13:06:00.000-05:00

The whole gang.
David, Karen and Jordan.

Feeding the Reinder: Christmas Eve

2007-12-27T12:59:00.000-05:00

Parker spreading his reindeer food.
Meredith spreading her reindeer food.

Christmas Eve Breakfast @ Mamaw and Grandaddy's

2007-12-27T11:41:00.000-05:00

Lorie opening her gifts.
Grandaddy opening presents

Don and Ted got matching shirts from me and Lorie
Notice Carter's boots
Yummy breakfast.

Look at all the presents.
Waiting to open the gifts.
Meredith and her stack.

Christmas with the Bryants at Granny's

2007-12-27T11:33:00.001-05:00

Parker opening his gifts with Mamaw and Aunt Libby.
Meredith with her gifts.
Everyone taking a turn on the keyboard.

Cookies for Santa-Sat.December 22

2007-12-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

We baked and decorated cookies for Santa on Saturday. Meredith worked really hard to get them perfect.
Parker loves to cook and decorate the cookies.
Carter just liked eating them.
We even had Granny down to help us. We all had great time.

Cabin in Gatlinburg-Thursday December 20

2007-12-27T10:29:00.000-05:00

We decided to take a short trip to Gatlinburg before Christmas, so when we got out of school we rented a cabin and spent the night. We had a great relaxing time.
Our Cabin.

Parker and Meredith loved the loft.
Downtown Gatlinburg.

Live Nativity

2007-12-13T20:59:00.000-05:00

Parker was shepard boy in our church's live Nativity on Tuesday night.
Ted was a shepard also.
Meredith and Chole
Mary played by Brandy and Parker
The Wise Men, played by Don. He is in the black.

Children's Choir @ Indian Springs Baptist Church

2007-12-13T20:54:00.000-05:00

Parker's Choir grades 1-6
Merdith's Choir ages 4&5

Parker and Meredith had their children's choir performances on Sunday night at our church. Meredith's choir sang after the 3 year old choir and then Parker and his choir presented The Mystery of the Manger.

Jordan's Birthday

2007-12-13T20:50:00.003-05:00

Jordan's First Birthday Party on Sat.
Parker and Meredith with the birthday boy.

Great Cake!

Speedway In Lights/ Ice Skating

2007-12-07T23:01:00.000-05:00

Meredith and Chloe looked like ice skating princesses. They were really good at it.Chloe helping Ralph around the rink.
What a group.
Don and Carter watching everyone.
Parker spend a little time on the ice.

Getting ready.
Our first venture onto the ice.
Hang on Parker!!
Look at her go.

Carter in the van looking at the lights.
The girls loved sitting up front to see the lights. Can you tell who had more fun?
Not a lot to say about this picture.
Parker in the van.
Waiting to get our skates.

We went to see the lights and go ice skating tonight. We all had a great time. Everyone did great considering we had not been in a long time.

Visit with Friends

2007-11-26T16:06:00.000-05:00

Mattie and Meredith playing in Mattie's room.

The boys playing in Carson's room.

Our little princesses.

We stayed with Matthew and Jerica while we were gone for the Hannah Montana concert. Jerica and Mattie went with us. We had a great time spending time with all of them. We really miss them being so close.

Hannah Montana Concert!!!!!!

2007-11-26T15:54:00.000-05:00

Look out Hannah Montana the gang from Tennessee has arrived.

She came back out as Miley Cyrus.

Jonas Brothers arriving.

Hannah's first outfit.

Hannah and her dancers.

Thanskgiving

2007-11-26T15:43:00.000-05:00

Carter and his ornament.

My first turkey.

We had Thanksgiving at our house this year and yes I did fix the turkey. It was really pretty. After we ate we opened our Christmas ornaments. This is an annual event. We all get a new Christmas ornament to unwrap. It is the first gift of the season. After we ate we went over to Don's mom and dad's house. The pictures are of David and Karen's little boy Jordan.

Children's Choir

2007-11-20T16:13:00.004-05:00

Meredith singing in the choir.
Parker is on the third row.

Friday Nights

2007-11-20T14:17:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween

2007-11-07T21:04:00.001-05:00

Carter and Lorie while we were trick or treating, yes we are in the van. Lorie had just gotten out of the hospital because of Gall Bladder problems along with being pregnant, and my other friend had also just gotten out of the ER for Gall Bladder problem.
Jack Sparrow and Jasmine.
Fall Festival at our church. They had a great time. Hayrides, cotton candy, popcorn, hamburger, hotdogs, Jump house, and much more.

Here we are on our way to trick or treat in our neighborhood.

2007-10-27T21:08:00.000-04:00

Make your own slide shows and scrapbooks

Feeding the Sheep

2007-10-25T16:21:00.000-04:00

Parker was a little scared at first.

We found out this summer from some friends of ours that we have sheep in the field next to our house and they love to be fed bread. We went back down there this afternoon to feed them. One of the sheep's name is Delilah, and when you call for her, they all come running. Parker and Meredith love watching them.

Friday Night Highlights

2007-10-25T12:58:00.000-04:00

We have had so much fun going to watch Ralph and the Patriots play football on Friday nights. This is a picture of some of us after the game last week. We even tail-gaited before this game. Some people had already left before the picture was taken.

2007-10-23T22:58:00.001-04:00

Make your own slide shows and scrapbooks

Boo at the Zoo

2007-10-21T17:00:00.000-04:00

Boo at the Zoo was lots of fun. We even got to see the elephants and a few other animals.

We went to the Boo at the Zoo, in Knoxville last night with some friends. The kids had a great time. Actually we all did. Meredith is being Jasmine this year and Parker is a Tennessee football player.

End of Football Season

2007-10-21T16:55:00.000-04:00

Flag football season has ended. We had a great time but we are all ready to rest a little. Don was really ready for a break from coaching.

Big News!!!!

2007-10-18T21:07:00.000-04:00

We wanted to let everyone know our big news.......Carter is going to be a big brother, and Parker and Meredith are going to be cousins. Oh yea, Lorie and Ted are going to have a baby. May 28th. We are so excited. Carter can't wait until everyone gets to see his baby.

Play Date

2007-09-23T22:27:00.001-04:00

Meredith had Chloe over to play after church today. They played dress up, make over, Littlest Pet Shop, dolls, and store. Parker even joined in some.

Flag Football

2007-09-23T22:20:00.000-04:00

Parker is playing flag football again this year. He is on the Raiders team. Don is the head coach. Parker has already scored one touchdown this year. He is number 7. They play their games at Central on Saturday mornings. He is pretty good. If I do say so my self. He also has some great cheerleaders. As you can see. Gracie cheers on the Raiders squad.

Friday Night Football

2007-09-23T18:03:00.000-04:00

It's Fall in Tennessee and what is better than football on Friday nights.We have been to some of Central's games and we have been going to watch Sullivan East play with some friends. Meredith can hang out with Chloe and Parker loves going to their games since he can run on the field after the game is over. We all have a great time. This was East Vs. North. Parker, Porter and Joseph hanging out. I didn't ever think I would ever say Go Patriots! But we are having a great time.

Tennessee Football

2007-09-18T14:37:00.000-04:00

I surprised Don and Parker with tickets to go watch the Vols play Southern Mississippi. Meredith and I went to the Vol Walk and then went to the mall. We all had a great time.

IT'S OFFICIAL!!! Hannah Montana!!!!!

2007-09-11T16:54:00.000-04:00

We are going to see Hannah Montana in Greensboro!!! We are so excited. We got tickets this morning with Jerica, Amity and Mattie. We can't wait!!1

Labor Day Cookout

2007-09-04T21:17:00.001-04:00

We went to a cookout for Labor Day at the Nelson's house. We had a great time. This is Merdith's new friend Chloe. They love playing dress up.

Parker and the boys also had fun.

Merdedith is Swimming

2007-08-28T18:22:00.000-04:00

Meredith finally decided to try swimming without her belt on Saturday and much to her surprise she could swim. She can go all around the edge of the pool using her snorkle without stopping.

Baby Barr

2007-08-20T16:48:00.000-04:00

We were so excited to get the call that Travis and Diana had the baby.
Parker can't wait to show Brayden how to play ball.
Meredith wants to help take care of him every time we see him.

Don and I are just so excited for Travis and Diana. We can't wait to share the joys of parenthood they experience. They are such great parents.

1st Annual Back to School Picnic

2007-07-31T22:48:00.001-04:00

We decided to go Warriors for a back to school picnic. When we got there the Allens were there and we played with them. The kids had a great time. We had a picnic under the shelter with food from Pal's. Everyone had a great time. We are getting excited about school starting. I actually go to work tomorrow. Parker gets to find out Friday who is teacher is. We can't wait to find out.

All Stars Team

2007-07-25T23:32:00.000-04:00

Parker and Granny before a game.

When we weren't on vacation
somewhere this summer we were on a ballfield somewhere. Parker moved to the pitching machine baseball league this year. He played at Bernie Webb in Blountville. He was chosen for the All Stars team and we played baseball until the middle of July. We was a great 2nd Baseman. We are very proud of him.

Parker and Papaw before a game.