They Make Me Smile

My sweet baby boy, Caleb... and his sweetheart Breanna.

Flash Back Friday

Picture it. 1997...Rolling down the highway on a hot summer day. ACDC on the radio. 5 year old Caleb singing in the back seat. "Dirty Dees and the Dun DER CHIEF"

Favorite Photo Friday

I haven't done a "Favorite Photo Friday" in a long time. We had a really nice day today. Randy and Caleb had the day off from work and school...so we spent most of the day outside. Fall is is just about a done deal here in Southeast Texas. It has been cold all week, but today was really nice. Except for the mosquito's! (Where in the world do they hide out when it is cold?) Randy decided that it was a good time to clean up a little outside, and he had some great helpers. The secong and last photograph's are without a doubt my favorites. Caleb had been trying to talk Gianna into taking a ride in the wheel barrow. He decided to get in, and show her how much fun she would have. In the end he convinced her, but I think what he really wanted was for his daddy to push him around the yard.

A Few Of Our 2010 Winter Festivities

This photograph was taken just before the boys left for their Lamar University Winter Concert performance. Could they possibly look any more thrilled? Me: You two could smile just a little! Caleb: We are smiling just a little Mom! Me: Okey Dokey...Click! I have tried staring at the photo, but I still can't make out a smile. As a matter of fact, Caleb looks a little like my brother in this photo, and for some reason I have this overwhelming urge to walk right up to him and thump his nose.

Shelby's winter concert. It is simply amazing how beautifully these kids play. They sound so professional. The photograph is not great. For some reason I just cannot seem take a good photo in that auditorium. It is because of the lighting I'm sure, and my lack of understanding of how to use it properly.
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Matthew enjoying a beautiful day at Claiborne West Park. I got some pretty good shots of Matthew for Christmas. Getting him to sit down on the ground took a little time, but once he felt secure...he relaxed and smiled. I also got some pretty funny shots. He is such a clown.
And finally a couple of shots of Shelby and her date before the 2010 Jingle Bell Ball. We had such a great time shopping and getting ready for this event. This was actually Shelby's first "real" date. I mean she has had dates where we dropped her off and picked her up, but this young man picked her up, took her out and brought her home. She had a blast!

Happy 18th Birthday Caleb

Now it really gets fun! You are not going to believe how fast your life is about to start moving! At times life can be really hard, and it is true that there IS a lot of ugliness in this world. I'm pretty sure there always will be. Never allow the ugliness to become all that you see. Keep your eyes wide open and notice the beauty all around you. Listen to and trust that little voice inside of you, always be yourself, Remember that your family loves you, keep God in your life...never forget to pray!

Oh, if by chance you should win the lottery in the future...you really should share it with your parents. :)

P.S. To answer the question you asked...No, using trick candles never gets old! haha

Congratulations

To my baby boy! Where in the world has the time gone? When you were a baby...everyone told us: "You better enjoy him, it goes by really fast." We sure didn't realize just how fast until we watched you receive your diploma on Saturday. When you looked over at me...I could see your precious baby face (and of something blue) as clear as a bell. You have been an absolute joy Caleb. Your dad and I could not be more proud of you. We look forward to watching you continue to grow and spread your wings.

All our love...ALWAYS,

Dad and Mom

Caleb And Shaylynne-Prom Night

Being very Silly!

Isn't she pretty.

She is a very sweet girl and every bit as silly as he is...

It seems like just yesterday, I was holding this precious little guy in my arms, dancing slowly until he fell asleep....and now he is at his Senior Prom. Time goes by so quickly.

Caleb is sweet, funny, and charming. We could not be more proud.

A Greene Family Update

Well, this week we are preparing for the Caleb's prom. I went with him to get Shay's corsage. yesterday was his last practice with the youth symphony. One more month and our Caleb will be a High School graduate! I can hardly believe how fast time is moving.It seems like just yesterday we were sitting in the NICU wishing we could take him home with us. Or dancing around the living room in his "Barney WONDERware" and his blue Binky in his mouth. Sorry son...your friends most likely won't be reading this...and if they do....trust me.. I feel certain they wore Barney WONDERware too.

Gianna has not felt good. Her allergies are really flared up...and she is cutting more teeth. I remember my kids hurting when they cut their teeth...but this sweet baby has really suffered. She has been wanting me to sit and hold her...which is not like her at all. So I know she is feeling poorly. I don't mind just sitting and holding her....watching her shows, and reading books. Spring has been rough on quite a few family members.

Shelby has been staying after school to catch up and stay on top of her school work. Still struggling with the ADD and Dyslexia...but is hanging in there. She has been helping our new neighbors with their laundry. And of course...time giggling at Randall on the phone. She is showing such maturity this year and I am very proud of her. She turned 16 on the 23rd of March and just the other day mentioned driving. Her brothers immediately said NO! Lord give me strength! I don't think our Shelby is quite ready to drive yet. The truth is more like WE are not ready for Shelby to drive! Soon sweetie.

Stephen gets himself up every morning and goes to college. When he is not at school...he is at work. What precious little time he has left...he sleeps, bathes, eats and starts the day all over. He had the whole day off on Sunday and he took his brother and sister to see a movie. He still plays in the College band and just recently accepted a position to play Bassoon in a community players musical. He is thinking of possibly moving into a dorm next semester...which we are not totally against...it probably would be a good experience for him. But, Randy and I silently hope he will continue to live at home. Hey...home is free and I know he is fed and rested. I can't help it...I am still his mommy.

Life for Mr. Matthew is pretty much same ol' same ol'....just the way he likes it. A couple of times a week we try change his routine up just a little. Like by taking him to a movie, or a short walk at the park. He will oblige...but he lets us know clearly that this not what we normally do. He has this thing about getting into the chairs. The fact that it folds makes him nervous. We hold it down for him, he screams as his sits....and then we are fine. Lately he has been going through his chatty phase. Don't get me wrong...he is always pretty verbal....but it is a language that is all his own. Most of the time we can figure out what he is trying to say....Sometimes he says something as clear as a bell....but sometimes we still struggle to understand.

Work is finally slowing down for Randy. Tax season is always quite hectic. But with the warmer weather and the extra daylight we are out in the evening piddling around the yard. Randy has so many things he wants to do outside. Currently he is planning to build a new shop and a green house for me. I mostly want a place to put my plants in case next winter is like this last one. The crazy freezes we had killed quite a bit of our pretty stuff. I am not sure why but it seems everyone has a yard FULL off weeds this year. So he spent half the evening spraying them...and the other half throwing the tennis ball for a certain Labrador.

As for Monica....My photography class was pushed to the end of May...which is no doubt for the best...but I am so ready to get started. I am still keeping Gianna everyday. We spend almost every morning outside playing in the yard. She plays in the butterfly garden and has no clue that she is helping me develop the art of photography. She also has no clue how much joy she brings to my life. I am doing very well. Like everyone else, I have ups and downs, But, I have remained faithful to the promise that I made to myself. Ridding my heart of burdens, letting go of hurts of the past...and focusing only on what and those who bring joy. Though I admit, sometimes that is easier said than done.... I have learned that when I focus on the gifts in my life, I see blessings everywhere.

10 Words To Describe Our Children

Well, it is another cold, rainy Saturday (hopefully the last COLD) and we are all taking full advantage of a day like this...as my children like to say...we are "Chillaxing". Randy and I were in our room talking about how over the years, the kids have changed, yet...stayed the same, and how much they differ from each other.

So, we came up with 10 words to describe each of them.

Matthew

1. Musical

2. Affectionate

3. Hungry

4. Routine

5. Gassy

6. Talkative

7. Funny

8. Mischievous

9. Autistic

10. Silly

Stephen

1. Studious

2. Conservative

3. Curious

4. Inquisitive

5. Mischievous

6. Musical

7. Adventurous

8. Spiritual

9. Honest

10. Nerdy

Caleb

1. Talkative

2. Musical

3. Handsome

4. Thin

5. Smiley

6. Mischievous

7. Prankster

8. Tender

9. Happy

10. Diplomatic

Shelby

1.Natural

2. Ditsy

3. Mischievous

4. Gabby

5. Giggly

6. Casual

7. Musical

8. Helpful

9. Strong

10. Compassionate