allexceptme

Center Hill Lake

2010-09-19T19:19:00.001-07:00

We just spent a great few days with some friends of ours at Center Hill Lake. Here are some of the highlights...

Rachel is up on the wake board-
Having a GREAT time on the tube-
Rebekah strutting her stuff on the wake board-
Ellie up in the skis for the first time :)
This was Awesome...even little Hannah wanted to try it, and she got right up and skied!
Rebekah loved this...

Great times with good friends...

Just some random PIC's

2010-07-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

So much snow...

2010-02-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

We have finally had some decent snow this year. The kids had multiple opportunities to get out and play in it. Here are some of the pics we took as they played.

Winter was fun...but I am ready for the spring!!!! This weekend has felt by spring, but it won't last. I am sure we still have a little winter left, but only a little :)

They made it!!!!!!

2010-01-24T17:26:00.000-08:00

Rebekah and Rachel went on Friday night to audition for the musical version of Tom Sawyer. They both had to sing a one minute solo for their audition. They both did so good. I was a nervous wreck and so was my mom who played piano for the audition. They got called back saturday morning for dance and more singing try outs. They worked hard and had fun. We got the cast posting today and found our both of them are cast as school girls in the production. Yippee. They very excited.

Holidays 2009

2010-01-04T14:17:00.001-08:00

Andy was a good boy this year :)

Big Hugs and Thank You's

Santa was here!

Nativity (colorful to say the least)

Andy putting up lights...he had WAY too much fun!!!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T14:42:00.000-08:00

We went to the Pumpkin Festival in Downtown Franklin. Here is a breakdown of the costumes. My opinion is that we have a TON of dress up so they can find something to be in the dress up stuff we have. Rebekah was a Prom Princess in her gold gown, Ellie was the Pioneer girl, Rachel went as a Flapper girl (1920's), and Hannah had her costume in mind for weeks. She told me she was going as a blueberry, and she found her costume all by herself.

Not Halloween, but I thought this photo was cute. (movie night)

Grandpa Lamoreaux with my little blueberry.

The neighborhood gang and Mr. Ethan.

Bestest cousins and friends...the "pretty green witch" and the blueberry.

4th Child Freedom

2009-10-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

So, as you know, with child #1 I was very careful in picking out the perfect outfit. Everything would coordinate. Then came child #2 and the outfits still worked, but shoes and hair stuff were not as important now. With #3, I tried to get her to match and wear the darling outfits stored carefully in her drawers, but she had an opinion of her own, and that was/is a battle I did not want to to fight. Then came #4...It has been a free for all for this one. Basically, if she can get it on by herself, she can wear it. Here are a few of her creations...(remember, a picture is not worth taking unless you can strike a pose)

Oh, and the ballet outfit is her required dress code for class, but not required all the other times she wears it out and about.

Be Yourself...Rock On!!

"Someone else needs it more than me."

2009-09-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

After talking with Marcie today I realized that we should have posted this. We finally mailed Rebekah's hair. The story is really a neat one. Sometime in April - May, the other girls were going to get their hair cut really short, in preparation for the summer. At this point I was begging Rebekah to do the same, but she was determined to grow it out. After much talk and debate her hair remained long and only trimmed ( the other girls did get theirs cut short). Anyway, a few weeks ago or so I came home and she wanted to cut her hair. She said it was because she felt "someone else needed her hair more than she did". It was sort of funny because my reaction was the opposite of earlier in the summer, I tried to convince her that cutting it was a bad idea. She remained very persistent over the next few days and of course I gave in, especially after I realized she was being such a great example to me and others of service and selflessness. What an example she is to me of compassion and concern at age 10, I guess I should be doing the teaching....not this time. Her kindness will not only help those struggling with breast cancer, but it has already taught me some important lessons.
She had this done at GreatClips at no cost. We donated to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. She thought it would only be about 8", but it was really closer to 12"

We are all really proud of you Rebekah. Thanks for being an example.

!!!HELP!!!

2009-08-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

Being a computer illiterate, I accidental erased all of your blogs that I follow. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, help me out by leaving your blog address in the comments. I will do my best not to erase you all in the future. Thanks you all.

Sisters are the very BEST!!!

2009-08-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Sisters are truely the best!

They will be in a goofy picture with you...

Why sleep alone when you've got your sisters and a big bed...

Notice Big sis in the top bunk. My girls want their own room, but hate to sleep alone. Go figure?

Sisters can always make you laugh...

Sisters always got your back...sometimes literally...

My Baby is 3!

2009-08-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby is 3 today. It has gone by fast. I feel like it wasn't long ago that I was holding her in my arms, and kissing those little chubby cheeks. Thank goodness those chubby cheeks are still there to be kissed. She is growing up fast and as many of you know, she will talk your ear off. She loves to talk and talk and talk and when she is not talking, she is singing. Happy Birthday my 3 year old baby girl. I love you.

(Whoops, I meant to rotate that before I posted it, sorry)

Happy Birthday Rebekah!

2009-07-27T16:33:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Rebekah! She has finally made it to the double digits. Have a very happy 10th birthday. We love you.

Happy Birthday Rachel

2009-06-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

Happy 8th Birthday to our beautiful Rachel Kristine. She has grown up so much. I can't believe how fast the time goes by.

She was born almost 2 weeks early by C-section. She weighed 9lbs. 4 oz. She was cubby and so happy and healthy. We love our Rachel girl.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Happy Birthday Ellie

2009-06-11T07:58:00.001-07:00

Ellie's birthday is coming up on Tuesday, and I love to read my friends post of their kids birthdays. So, here's to you sweet Ellie girl...
Happy Birthday to that beautiful Smile.

How fast they grow.

She has always been on the go, very little can stop Ellie from what she is going for.

Ellie was my BIGGEST baby. She weighed in at 10 lbs. even and 22 inches. She also had black curly hair.

Happy birthday. I have loved these past 6 years more than anything. I love you my strong independent, loving girl.

summer has begun

2009-05-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

Funny how a new pair of sunglasses can bring out the Diva in all of us.

It was near impossible to get anyone out of the water long enough to get a cute picture.

For the last four years we have been able to start our summer by a trip to Fort Morgan, AL. The beaches there are so kid friendly. The week always ends too soon. The kids look forward to this time every year. We were able to go with Julie, Ethan, My Mom, and Beth. The boys (except Ethan) were missed, but we had an amazing time together, laughing, sunning, swimming, walking, eating, and many more things.

WHAT!?!?!?

2009-05-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

So, I thought it would be nice to post a short video. Problem was I didn't know what the videos contained so I just downloaded it to see what it was Rebekah filmed. Hoping you could see my kiddos in action, but no. After waiting FOREVER for this to download you get to see our cat Ollie in action and me yelling in the background. How fun for you all.

Enjoy.

FUNNY FACE

2009-05-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

Hannah LOVES to make funny faces at the camera and then see them on the screen after. Her laugh is so funny when she sees her "funny face". Here are just a few of the ones we've taken of her. She makes me laugh.

New Blog

2009-04-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

So, Andy likes to get on our family blog and show his work friends our kiddos and what we've been up to lately. When he logs on, there are no kids, just a picture of Spock or comments on adult acne, which can be a little embarrassing. Anyway, I decided to start my own blog for all my odd comments, memories, and pictures. Hope you all visit it often, and be sure to continue to visit this one as well to keep up with the family. The new blog is InsideTheWorldOfJen.Blogspot.

2009-04-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Just a few more fun pictures.

They grow up sooooo fast.

2009-04-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

Lia just like a real cousin thought she join in the fun and stay in the hospital and hang out with bilirubin.

Here is Lia Michelle Brannin. We are sooooo excited she is here. Another girl in the family.

"R"

2009-04-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

Well, it was bound to happen. I have been tagged by my best bud, Tanya. I have to list ten things I love that start with the letter "R".

Here it goes...

1. Reading. I used to hate this, but I really do love to read now. I especially like history books. Weird, I know.

2. Religion, specifically mine. I am so grateful for the knowledge of my Savior.

3. Rice. Yum. My favorite is Basmati rice.

4. Romance movies. BBC versions of the classics are what I love.

5. Random. I love all things random. They keep me laughing.

6. Reason. Or logic. I tend to use too much of this in some areas and not enough in others.

7. Reminiscing. I love talking about the random things that have happened in the past.

8. Radio. It seems so old school now, but I love to listen to the radio while I cook or clean. NPR is my all time favorite.

9. Relaxing. Whatever that means, whenever I can.

10. Reaching the end of this post. (That is cheating, I know, but it is late and I am tired)

Now, I want to tag Brittany to do letter "M", Tasha to do letter "B", and Leslie to do letter "H".

question...

2009-03-17T19:24:00.001-07:00

Foolish thought #1...Zits go away in your 20's.

Foolish thought #2...Zits go away in your 30's

Foolish thought #3...Everyone gets zits, not just me.

have you ever...

2009-03-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had your hair done by your daughter?

Have you ever had four kids with the flu and one with strp throat?
Have you ever had all your laundry baskets emptied to be filled with blankets, pillows, and your youngest child, and pushed around by another child?

Have you ever found your kiddos sitting in their bilibos watching the TV? My kids love those Bilibos from their Gram. They use them for so many different things.

And the best for last...Have you ever gotten a birthday card of a velvet-backed Elvis in a gold frame? I didn't think so. But, I did. It is soooo cool!

( I know you are jealous)

Children's Hospital

2009-02-11T11:36:00.000-08:00

Well, most of you probably heard our adventures the last couple of days. Ellie woke up early on Monday in a lot of pain on her right side. She developed a very high fever, and was throwing up anything she drank including any medicine. Andy took her to the Dr.'s (jelous ladies? Andy handles alot of the girls Dr.'s visits) The Dr. said it was textbook appendicitis. Off we went to the Children's Hospital. Then the tests started. She was in so much pain they dosed her with morphine. Her blood count was almost 3x the normal amount. The surgens started prepping us that the appendix was most likely ruptured. She got a blessing. She got a CT scan. The resident reading it said it was appendicitis, but when the attending took a look, he said that though the appendix was on the large end of normal, it was still normal. Blessing helped. No surgery. She was held in observation for 24 more hours becuase they worried about her blood count and other symptoms. Well, by the end of those 24 hours she was acting her normal wild self and we were sent home. She is feeling all better. It was a CRAZY 48 hours. I am so Thankful for Preisthood Blessings, and Friends and Family who made sure everything at home was taken care of. Thank you.

Who ate here?

2008-12-26T14:52:00.001-08:00

After a meal of pizza and cut apples I looked down the table to see one of my girls left this in the wake of her meal. Can you guess who? This will be oh so easy for those of you who know my girls.

Life at the Lam's

2008-12-16T09:17:00.001-08:00

Having four girls close in age makes for a very active and noisy home. There is always something going on. I thought I'd share a little of what it is like living with four girls who love to perform.

Singing and dancing happens on a daily basis. We have a set of 36"X36" silks. It is one of the best "toys" we've ever purchased. They use them evryday to create something. Here is Racehel doing a song and dance in one of her silk creations. (we are still working on the whole modesty thing)

The Cats are always present as well, and they love all the action. My girls love to laugh and love to make me laugh, which they are good at.

Coloring happens on a daily basis as well. I think we own every $1 princess coloring book ever made. I am always on the lookout for new coloring books for the girls, or paper, crayons, paint, playdough, ect.

Here is a pic that really captures what my house looks like. Messy to me, but to my girls it is their latest and greatest creation of a store or stage or just the setting for playing "Girls" which is their favorite game. For an explanation of what "Girls" is you will have to ask them, I have no idea, they just love to play it.

I am sure for most of you this entry is no surprise, but I thought it might be fun to see.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Getting old...

2008-12-06T18:21:00.001-08:00

"With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come." -Shakespeare

In a world where the opposite is true, this quote inspires me. I vow to welcome each new wrinkle and gray hair with mirth and laughter. I decided a couple of years ago to give up on trying to dye my hair. Cheap dye makes it brassy red and honestly, if I had $100+ and 2 hours by myself, there is no way I am spending it in a salon with stinky stuff gooped on my head only to need it all done again in a couple of months. No thank you. So, with mirth and laughter I say, "BRING IT ON!"

new camera

2008-11-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

we finally got our new camera, and were able to use it this past week while Andy's Dad and Step Mom were visiting. Here is a sampling of the pics we took. We went to see the lights at Opryland Hotel.

Rachel in one of the many "shows" the girls put on for their Grandparents. Wonder were they get this from?

The whole crew (minus the photographer Andy) at Opryland.

In their new Sunday dresses from Grandma Paula.

Ready for Church, all fancied up.

Pucker up.

Hope you all have a wonderful Tahnksgiving. Sorry my blogs aren't get written works. My talent is definitely not in writing, but I love to read all of yours. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I love that too. I am so thankful for all of you, my family and friends.

Halloween

2008-11-11T11:28:00.000-08:00

Rbekah found this costume at the thrift store and made it into the character Wendy from Peter Pan.

And this is our Rachel who is TigerLilly. The boots totally make the costume!

Hannah is a Princess, what else is new?

Here is my whole Halloween crew. We had so much fun that night, but they all missed Dad who was on call and had to go in to the hospital. Boo!!

Elisabeth was "Elizabeth Swan, Asian Princess" and that is exactly what she said when asked who she dressed up as.

We have been without a camera for a month now, so these were all taken by my sister Beth. Our new camera should be in this week.

Random shots of late summer

2008-10-22T10:40:00.001-07:00

The girls Lola came to visit, and we went to the aquarium. It was good to spend time together.
Okay, this was actually early summer. The kids were in a drama camp and this was part of their performance. They were all so CUTE, if I do say so myself.
They had a TON of fun tubing with Megan...until the boat broke :(

Ellie, my water lover. She loves to be outside. She loves to get wet and swim.
My four girls.
As you can see from this, Hannah also loves the water and any chance to get wet. She screamed so loud when we got her out.
In the shark cage. I would NEVER get into one of these in the ocean. Too scary!

Oops! I accidently downloaded this one twice. Oh well, enjoy it again :)

A Sad Day

2008-10-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

This is a picture for a bunny funeral we had not too long ago. One night we saw a little bunny in our garage, and tried for a very long time to get it out. The next morning when Andy pulled out of the garage it was there on the ground, barely breathing. The girls were DEVASTATED!! They would not let Andy put it out of its misery, because they were convinced it could be saved. Luckily for the baby bunny, it passed quickly. The girls spent the rest of the morning dealing with the tradegy of the situation.

Canoe on the Duck

2008-08-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

Ethan and the girls after a fun ride down the Duck River.
My water babies.

These girls love to be outside despite being oh so girly. They had a wonderful day on the river with their dad and Jim and Ethan.

The Whole Family (Jen's side)

2008-07-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

My girls LOVE their Aunt Beth!
My Mom and Dad with all the grandkids, two of which were NOT happy about it.
AHH...
My how we've grown...out and old :)
Hannah in her reunion T-shirt. Love the ghetto pose.

We had the opportunity to get together as a family and celebrate my Dad's 60th Birthday. Part of the activities was to get much needed family photos done. Hope you enjoyed this small sampling.

Fort Morgan, AL

2008-06-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Ethan and the girls. Lucky man.
I love this pic of Hannah and her Pop. She loves her Pop.

Andy and I call this "the beach babysitter". She seems happy. :)
Jumpin' the waves!
My Sweetheart.

Daddy and Hannah.
My darling Ellie. It is a task to get her to slow down enough to take her picture.
Beach beauties.

We had a TON of fun with my family and the Bickmore's. I'll post more pics with all of the gang soon. Now its time to go feed my clan. Actually, I think I left me, my mom, and Julie out of the pics on purpose. Don't want anyone mad at me. lol :}

We love the Beach!!!!!!

Rumors

2008-04-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

For all of you who have been wondering what I have been up to the last 7 weeks, here it is. I have been directing the play Rumors by Neil Simon. It has been a challenge, but a fun one. The cast is so much fun, and they have been so much help. My family has really helped too with the girls, and then of course Andy, he has been very patient (so have my kids) . I am grateful for thier support in allowing me to do this thing I love so much. It has been good.

Fun with Grandpa & Paula

2008-04-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Hannah in the shark tunnel at the aquarium.
The girls and grandpa being goofy.
Sorry, I don't know how to rotate the picture, but look at those cheeks!
The Penquins at the aquarium. They were so cute.

Hannah outside the TN Aquarium, getting thise cute toys wet.

Hanging out at the of the incline railway. Super Fun!

We had such a fun visit with Andy's parants. We went to Chatanooga, did a ton of shopping, ate out, and went to the Franklin Main Street Festival. It was a great visit. I am grateful they made the effort to come visit with us. The girls already miss them.

SPRING IS HERE...

2008-04-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! I love the Spring. I love the weather, flowers, birds, and all the plants and animals that are awakening from the winter. It makes me ready to start over, and try to be better at the things I do.This is our Magnolia tree. It is so pretty. It smells so good. It is one of my favorite plants in our yard.

I'll post more "spring" pics from our yard when I can get the uploading to work.

The Kids Have the Camera

2008-03-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

My girls have discovered the joy of photograghy. They love to take random samplings of their world and record it in picture. Here are some examples of this budding talent.

Our stairway, and gate. Inside a book on weather. Maybe its a favorite page?

Ellie with some light bedtime reading.

Ollie hanging out on the Pooh Bear Chair.

Family day at the TN Aquarium

2008-01-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

Touching the sting rays.
Ruining our pants by sliding down this concrete wall.
Hannah is not so sure she likes to have a butterfly on her.
I have no idea why I added this picture?
This is what it would look like if we could raise our girls in a fishbowl. I don't think they would be this happy about it...neither would I.

Christmas

2008-01-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

Here we are having a Freezing Fun time at ICE.
WIGS. The best gift, because being dramatic is so much better with a ton of hair!

It is about time to let you all know we've had a wonderful holidays season. The 3 older girls loved the Razor scooters that Santa brought, and Hannah loved her baby. Hope all of you had a great Christmas.

Happy Holidays

2007-12-18T19:43:00.000-08:00

2007-12-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

I love this picture!
Who needs clothes, right? In fact, as I rush to buy toys off lengthy Christmas lists, I look at this picture and think, "who needs toys?". Remember when life was so simple that even a plastic bag could provide hours of entertainment. Of course please remember to not make any hats, masks, ect. out of them.
Happy Holidays Everyone!

2007-11-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

A Halloween Tradition in Downtown Franklin, TN

2007-11-10T17:46:00.000-08:00

Rebekah's big day