not to be outdone

2009-06-10T04:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know how I screwed this up, but sorry these pictures are all out of place. I felt like you wouldn't care as long as I posted them! Daddy Don decided to make the most of the trip this year and lined out a fishing trip for the boys. To our surprise, everyone was not only on board with this idea, they were excited. They left in the wee hours of the morning and set out on a 2 hour cruise to their first fihing hole.They got to sleep on the way way there which I'm sure made evryone a lot happier No one got sick and everyone caught lots of red snapper, amber jack, and grouper. The crew, i heard was great. The boys thought they were the "bomb". They even let

them come up on the top deck and check out the captains quarters. Checkout the picture of Hayden looking like Leonardo DiCapreo from Titantic! Don and the guide found out they had a lot in common and so the story of Jake and our jouney came out. He was so touched that he featured the guys on his website. Look it up gulfshoresfishing.com. Sorry I don't know how to do that fancy link. Find the picture of the boys and click on the text below it. They wrote a nice story about us. Any whoo enjoy the pictures. By the way Zach would be upset if I didn't mention, he caught the biggest one.

Tyler was in first place only by only 1/2

a pound from Hunter. Zach threw in his

last cast and caught a whopper. I think

it weighed something like 15 lbs. All in all

it was a great trip.

Amy, I promise to get the LSU bathing suit pictures uploaded. The problem is that Mel was wrong I didn't take those pictures. The girls were posing it up and I knew if I got up and try to intervene, they would stop. So Paula and Tashia were snapping away. I will get those from them and post them.

Were Here !!!!!!

2009-06-10T03:47:00.000-07:00

Day one at the beach and Maddi is dressed and ready. It was a long ride about 7 hours, we had 2 vehicles. One with the boys and one with the girls. I woke Maddi up early anticpating her sleeping most of the way. No such luck, that little girl stayed wide eyed and bussy tailed the whole way down, that is until we were about 15 minutes from our condo. I can't complain she rode very well, we just had to listen to Dora the whole way!!!!

We didn't know what to expect about Maddi and the beach? Much to our surprise she LOVES it!

She was very eager to go out into the waters and our Courtney was happy to oblidge. We are working on Courtney's name, Maddi insist on calling her Horney. Although cute, it doesn't sound too good in public when people don't know us. Ellie calls her Coco, but Maddi won't. It's getting better, we have progressed up to Korney. It will have to do for now!

Look who we spotted on the beach.... It's David Hasselhoff. They were shooting an upcoming scene for Baywatch!!!

The boys are happy to be here. They both got to bring a friend and we also brought Zach, Veronicia's brother to help entertain and to take the boys to the track and all that fun stuff that we don't necessarily like to do. We LOVE Zach!!!!!!!

This is Hunter and his friend Tyler. You'll grt to see more of them later I promise.

Corney and Maddi have settled in. Maddi could live on the beach. I was so surprised at how much she loves it. The sand, the water, the sun, she loves it all!!!

I couldn't resist this picture. Don't I have the cutest nieces. All of them. I can't believe I have5 nieces and 2 nephews. I can remember a time when I wondered if I would have any. My cup runneth over.

These 2 are a card together. When Ellie sees Maddi she starts yelling MADDI MADDI like she is so happy to see her. I love that. Ellie prefers the pools to the beach so our time out here together is precious. They could hear every plane and point out every bird.

Take a look at these two! Girls, Girls, Girls, it's a vacation, put down the cell phones!!!! Don't you love it and check out Katelyn she can text while holding Maddi's Dora thermos. Multitaskers, do we know to pick them or what!!!!

Happy Mother's Day/Hunter's Birthday

2009-05-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

A little late... I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. I know I sure did! I got to spend it with the people I love most in this world, my family. We actually hung out together all day. Those of you with one teenage boy let alone two, knows what a feat that was. I got to pick our lunch spot and I of course picked my favorite... Waterfront Grill.

This is why I love this place so, I swear I could eat it everyday. It's blackened catfish with a stuffed potato. Yum, just looking at it makes me want to go there again. Hey I think I have a birthday coming up real soon.

This was my favorite part of the day, when we arrived they told us it would be a 45 minute wait unless we wanted to go out on the deck to eat. The weather was nice so we said why not!! Good choice, Maddi stayed entertained and had the freedom to walk and dance around all she wanted.

Cool view huh? Want to know they are looking at? It's our entertainment for the afternoon.

And boy did they provide entertainment. Needless to say Don and I owe those turtles and ducks alot, so much so that we let Maddi feed them till they were about to POP!!!

The restaurant is on the Bayou. It has a wonderful view, you can even call and book their partybarge and you and several friends get to dine while you float down the bayou!

I however chose to stay put and enjoy moments like this. These are just some of the moments when i'm glad Maddi has much older siblings. How precious are these pictures. There's nothing sweeter than this bond!!!

Maddi would have spent the night if we would have let her. She loved watcing the water and all the animals that she saw. It was a very relaxing lunch. Although, she has probaly been spoiled. The next restaurant we go to, she will have to stay in her seat!

By the way, how cute are these boots? I even monogramed them myself. I have others, I will have to have her model them.

I couldn't be more blessed. I have three great childen, a husband that adores me, and one very sweet angel looking out for me and my family. My cup runneth over!

I had to throw this one in too, just another sweet moment. I love those boys!!!

PS..... Guess who turned 15 today? You guessed it and along with 15 comes a driving permit. If your on the roads, look out, here comes Hunter!! Happy birthday Hunter Bunter. I love you so much and i'm very proud of the young man you have grown into.

by the way this is someone not looking forward to the driving permit, because as long as Hunter's driving, I have to be in the front seat. He has figured out that his days of front seat riding are drawing near and far. Oh the important things we worry about!

Flip Mino Camcorder

2009-05-08T14:14:00.001-07:00

Flip Mino Camcorder with Personalized Design - Available only at www.theflip.com. Check out this unique Flip Mino design. The Flip Mino camcorder combines remarkable video quality in a pocket-sized package. Now personalizable - create yours

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Idon't know exactly how this got on my blog but, hey why it's here, let me share a GREAT gift. I am giving them to some high scool grads and their great for birthday presents. I found this site where you can pick your design or even design one using your own pictures. These are way cool and yes I should get an endorsement fee but i'm not. I just think they are great and you should know about them. Mel and I both have one, it's actually what she uses to put video on her blog. It has the download thingy right on the camera. You just pop it in, download, and your ready and even recharged. The best part about it... it fits in your pocket and it's affordable.

Just another day in the Neighborhood

2009-05-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

So Madison and I decided to go for a ride. Something she loves to do. She takes after Jake, anything outside and anything that lets their hair move!!! We were about to turn back into the driveway when she spots this..... Cole and Jack decided to make use of all the rain we have been having lately. They were covered head to toe with mud. Cole even asked me if Madison had poop in her pants, I said no way man that stink is you! Mud smells good! Emma had come over to hang out with Madison, that is until she saw the two of them and thought they looked more inviting!!!

So she went home and changed into her swimsuit. Look at Madison, she is dying to get in! Emma was a little leary at first.

but, she finally dove right in.

Then along comes Hunter. I must tell you that Cole and Jack think Hunter and Hayden hung the moon.

He decides to show out a little, I kept reminding the 2 little ones that Hunter should be wearing a helmet!

The other side... and then he goes off and gets crazy!!!!!

Oh no he didn't!!!!! I had to make sure thay knew this was STUPID and to never do anything like this, because after they saw this...

they all had to go get on their 4 wheelers/motorcycles.

The girls however stayed close and played. Madison is giving Ella Kate a push. She started going a little too far and I called her name, she gave Ella Kate one more good push and turned around to come back!

This is Jack running to catch Ella Kate.

Hayden couldn't be left out. He went for spin, but I warned him no tricks. We have little eyes watching!

This is what Cynthia and I do just about everyday. We sit out in one of our driveways and let the kids play. We are working on getting our summer playground in place. It will for sure include a fan! Between the 2 of us and all the kids we have, we have our own jungle gyms. They even have a pool, a tennis court, a 9 hole golf cousre and about 40 acres to roam. What else could you ask for.

Thank God these two play well together. I have a feeling this summer we will be spending lots of time together. We will have to call over Ellie and Gabbi and make it a playdate. We can't wait until they build. All of these little girls will be so much fun!

I love the fact that we live at the end of the road in a cul-de-sac(?). We have very little traffic and what we do have is going slow by the time they hit us. Maddi and I are free to roam.

Relay For Life

2009-05-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

I went ahead and posted my Relay for Life pictures since Melanie called me out on that. It of course is always an emotional night, but one we will forever support. We bring the whole gang out and make it a family affair. Heck, I think we make everything a family affair. It is a night to remember our Jake and although he couldn't make the walk with everyone, I know he was there in spirit. We are very proud of our family and friends who wore their purple shirts proudly. This is Don with our good friend Shelbi. She is not only one of our foundation buddies, but tonight she was the honoree. She is such a trooper, with all this little girl has endured, she has never approached me without a smile on her face. Her tumor is showing some growth and she and her mom could use some extra prayers.

I just love this picture and think it says so much. These are Veronicia's (my best friend) parents. MaryAlice just beat breast cancer and she got to walk the survivor walk. I couldn't be more thankful, these two are like my second set of parents.

There's Melanie doing her hair painting duties and well... just a sweet picture of my MaddiBoo.

These girls love my big boys and they love them. Hayden took time out for a little girly time, you can't deny the love here.

Here's my nephew Tucker. He is always the life of the party. He was wanting to help feed Gabbi. Hey Marina, tell Eddie Tucker needs a little sister!!!!

Veronicia and her dad got to join her mom on her second lap of the survivor walk.

Pawpaw made his lap!!!!!

Uncle Chris and Maggie enjoying the festivities.

I think this shirt sums up the night!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tricia, to answer your question, no Hayden's # 11 is no accident. Ever since they started ball Hunter picked # 6 just like his dad. When Hayden started he asked what # I was? I told him 9 and that was his # of choice. When Jake came along, he decided he would be # 11 like his dad, he loved to copy anything his brothers did, although he never got the chance to where that # in tee ball, It officially became Jake's #. When he passed, Hayden just started picking # 11. And the legacy continues........

2009-05-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

My favorite time of the year has arrived. It's ball season and guess what... the boys are on the same team YEAH!!!!! That means one practice and only 2 games a week. That also means only 2 games of having to keep up with liitle miss priss! Let me tell you at the ballpark, keeping up with her is a full time job! She is everywhere and into everything. Our first task, keeping those fingers out of the fence!

This will be Hunter's last year at our local Dixie Youth baseball complex. That's a hard pill for me to swallow. He will be 15 on the 11th of this month. FIFTHTEEN!!!!!!

Hayden looks so small compared to Hunter. But don't let his size fool you, he has no trouble keeping up with the big boys in this league.

Maddi loves every minute of the ballpark. She runs around like she owns the place. She loves to yell at her brothers when they are on deck and believe it or not, those sweeet boys give her the satifaction of all the attention she deserves. I love this time of year and can hardly wait for Maddi in tee ball. I have a feeling girls ball will be a whole new world!!!

MaddiBoo is 19 Months Old

2009-04-27T21:36:00.001-07:00

I can hardly believe it, but my Maddiboo is 19 months old. I swear, where does the time go? She has brought so much joy into our lives, I hope one day she will realize just how important her birth was and just like Jake, she was sent here with a mission. She brought back laughter and smiles in a home I thought was broken forever. I look at her face and see Jake everyday. She makes my heart smile. We miss that sweet boy more than anything and I wish I could have seen the 2 of them together. I know that Jake played a special part in sending this precious little angel to us and one day we will all be reunited. Oh, I can hardly wait for that day. Until then we will treasure each and every moment we have with each other. She's quite a looker and is always wearing the lastest fashion

she would live outside if I let her

She loves to pick flowers

she blows the sweetest kisses

loves anything Dora
and believe it or not, she's not afraid of bugs.

I love you Madison

Today's The Day !!!

2009-04-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

Today's the day. I can't tell you how many times we say that. Well we finally did it. We convinced the boys to help and with no money involved. We'll see about that, i'm sure they have something they want in return! We cleaned out the garage. My goodness, this is only half the mess. We were on a roll, when the boys spotted Don's collection of matchbox cars and just like that we were sidetracked. They played with those cars like they 5 again. Trying to find the fastest ones and racing each other till the wheels fell off.

They even got Maddi involved, poor thing she would retrieve the cars everytime they would race them. Ok so enough is enough ! We need to get back to the task at hand and who better to handle that then Don !!! He does not like to get sidetracked when he is on a mission. Hey where is Don ?

Lookie Lookie Don has found himself in a flashback. Can you believe this garage ! Who could work under these conditions ????

I'm happy to report, we set a time limit on the play time and did indeed get the garage done, only to be filled again when we finish cleaning out our old house. Yes we are still not moved out of it yet.

Where in the world is Staci???

2009-04-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

Where in the world is Staci ??? Hint I'm the one in red smack dab in the middle of all those baseball boys. A fine place to be I might add. What am I doing there you ask? Well I was asked to throw the first pitch out!!! I wasn't nervous at all until everyone kept asking me about warming up and how was I going to throw it ? I had not thought about this at all. Just planning on getting up there and winging it !!! Turns out I didn't need any practice or warming up. I threw a strike right down the middle. Here's the catcher giving me the ball.

This is our local university and the head baseball coach is a good friend of ours. He also supports the foundation. See here is Maggie my niece and Jacob my nephew in law. She is wearing the shirt that was passed out to the first 200 kids to walk in the gates. They also passed out believe baseballs.

And here is Ms. Maddi showing her support for the ULM Warhawks!!!!!

This is what the tailgating section looks like. I must add there is also a student section. Coach Schexnaider has done a fantasic job of bringing the folks in. Hey can you spot me in this picture?

Ace the warhawk came over to visit. Let's see who appreciated him the most. Ellie seems a little uneasy. But, willing to give him five!

Christian, not so sure!!

Maddi--- NO!!!!!!!

Don't be too disappointed Mr. Ace, somebody loves you. Wait that's Mo. What would Todd say?

The girls love coming here and it has become a family event. Veronicia and her brother Zach come and are willing to pitch in to help keep the kids entertained.

I love this boy. He is a senior this year and is such a family boy. Heck I have known him his whole life, I consider him my own. He helps out with anything and is one oof the foundations biggest volunteers.

Pawpaw Raborn took his turn with the kids!

So did Uncle Chris and Christians' dad Gene!

Mel, well she just pops in long enough to get her picture taken. (just kidding)

Last but not least I leave you with JinJin and 2 of her girls.

Shake 4 Jake

2009-03-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again, and we need your help!! Shake 4 Jake is upon us and we are gearing up. We would love to see your faces there so mark your calendar, the date is June 20th. There will be a golf tournament(on June 19th), 5k run, Jake's Jamboree(kids carnival), telethon, and of course the Shake, where there will be live music, a silent auction, live auction, raffle, buffet, spirits, and all the fun you can stand! We've turned it into a weekend extravaganza. Your sure to walk away INSPIRED!!!!!

We have helped over 150 families since we have opened our doors and people like you have opened your hearts. We've paid all sorts of things like rent, gas, utilities, we fix cars, we helped with transportation, and we've helped with just some much needed cash. Whatever the need, we try to our best to help. These families are very grateful and there are still too many out there that need our help. How can I help you ask? Well we need silent auction items, live auction items, gift box items, do you know someone who would like to sponsor? Think about it, do you have season tickets to something? Do you own a condo somewhere? Do you know someone who owns a business? Do you yourself have anything to offer? Do you want to donate a gift certificate from somewhere? Anything is appreciated.

I think you getthe point. We do this for the many families struggling with their day to day finances. Imagine having a sick child, trying to find ways to save his life, and having to worry about your bills too! You can help relieve some of the burden. Do it in memory of someone or to honor your own healthy children. What ever your inspiration, we would love your help. All donation can be mailed to JOR Foundation PO Box 3097 West Monroe, LA 71294. We would be happy to send you a tax receipt. BELIEVE

Jake & his entire family thanks you for your continued support and we hope to see you there!

No Comments Please

2009-03-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

I started this blog for my own enjoyment. Although I understand those who do not support people putting their families out for everyone to see, it is a God given right. As for my family we have been in the public eye for quite sometime now. I'm not sure if there is anything people don't already know about us. For instance we have huge FAMILY support. We are there for each other in all we do. I for one was missing seeing my sister and my beautiful nieces due to illnesses in my family, so I decided to post the pictures myself. While I appreciate every one's support I do control my own actions!I do agree everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however please don't continue to fuel the fire. Every negative response will result in another negative response. Just let it end ALREADY!!!! We had a huge following when my son was diagnosed with cancer and these are the people I still write to everyday on this blog. They continue to support me and my family through all our trials and tribulations. More or less a huge prayer group! Let's try and let this blog be what it is, an outlet for me and hopefully enjoyment for you. I love reading about your families just as much as you like reading about mine. If you don't enjoy the blog, simply don't read it anymore. You will be missed, but we understand.
Thanks,
Staci

Need A Fix?

2009-03-15T18:21:00.001-07:00

Ok so with all the withdrawls you guys have been talking about, I decided to give you a fix. I know it's not the same and Mel would not approve of the photos,(not the best I have in storage) but Maddi has had the stomache flu and we have been down the entire weekend. And now on top of everything else,I have the added pressure of keeping the blog up and going and let's face it, i'm not known for my everyday blogs! I have spent the whole weekend either in the bed or in a chair holding her, while we change and wash the sheets (lots of throwing up!). Poor thing, she feels terrible. I hope we are up and running around tomorrow. Until then Enjoy!!!!!!!

Just another day in the yard

2009-03-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Maddi just like all 3 of her brothers, loves the outdoors. It gives don and I much needed exercise. That girl is all over the place and keeping up with her is a chore. Getting her to go back inside is dang near impossible! Hey lookie, it's our neighbors,The Parkers. How fun is this neighborhood they showed up with a trailer, HAYRIDE just for the fun of it?

Meanwhile Hunter and Hayden are getting ready to do some damage at the pond.

What's this, is little Maddi upset?

No, she just wants to do her own fishing!!!!

I bet she said "bubba" 500 times. She wanted so bad to get her hands into that tackle box.

She waited patiently.....

and displayed some great signs of self control!!!! Look at her face. Can you see just how bad she wants it?

Watch it Maddi, bubba will get you!!!!!

No, she's not in the box, she's just admiring the top!!!!

Ahhhh success!!!! She got something out without anyone seeing!

I'm sorry about our crazy day. No one take offense PLEASE!!!! The websites were shut down to everybody, we didn't single out anyone in particular. As most of you know our lives have been public for quite sometime now and you guys are the ones who have gotten us through some of our toughest times. However there are those who feel the need to chime in on things and not in a good way. Protecting our families as you all know is our top priority and that is what is going on right now. Please just bear with us until we get it all sorted out.

Thanks so much for standing by us through all our ups and downs,

Staci

Oh How I Miss That Sweet Boy

2009-03-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how much I miss that boy. His smile could light up a room.

Everyday, several times a day we would have to flush his buddies(AKA Cental Line). This became part of our lives like brushing our teeth or changing our underware! It took some getting use to at first but eventually...

Jake insisted on doing the job all by himself. Can you imagine. I think he was 3 years old here, and look what the kid became a custom to. At home he was a party favorite. His friends, especially Emma would love for Jake to pull back on the syringe and fill it with blood. Everyone in the room would say EWHHHHHHH and Jake would just laugh. It was hilarious.

When we were inpatient, keeping the kids entertained was always a trick. They had a play room you could go into as long as you weren't running any fever. They had childlife specialist on hand for anything you needed. Jake wanted puzzles, paints, games, or movies whatever his fancy ,the childlife specialist was there to make it happen.

Of course, we never went anywhere without our IV pole. You would be surprised at how the kids could get along while attached to a pole. It's as if they had a third arm!!!!

We were always happy to see visitors. This is Ms. Cathy, she was a Jake follower and came to visit on a couple of occasions. She brought Jake a blue's clue board game. I bet we played that game 100 times. He loved it, as long as he won!!! I love this picture it is so typical of him.

Jake loved getting mail. It was a highlight of the day. Man we would tear into those packages and his face would just light up! People were so kind to us, we got tons of mail everyday from all over the world. It was awsome!

Does anyone recall a picture on Mo's blog of me that looks similar to this one??? I believe she made fun of me!!!! If not look back around christmas, it was during the marathon. I was sick and cold, hey Mel, what's your excuse!!!!!!

I have to give her props! When I was tried and thought I could not play one more game, in would walk Mel to spend the weekend or even sometimes the week with us. It was a win win situation. I got a break and Jake got his best friend!

I'll have to get Don to load more pictures on this computer. It's new and I only have my recent pictures on here. I don't know where these came from and was very surpised to see them. I just had to share. I'm not very computer literate, and can only do the things Don has taught me to do. My fault really, I don't want to learn. But after posting these, I want to find more. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. I know I'm not done with the house tour, just keep watching and they will come!!

Isn't This The Real Reason We Had Them!!!!

2009-03-09T12:21:00.000-07:00

Just kidding, although I have to say I LOVE the fact that my boys are old enough to pump gas!! It's on my top 10 list of things I hate!! Here's my beloved Hayden. Not his favorite job! I have to remind him that I have spent the last 21 years pumping it myself. My God I'm sitting here trying to figure out if my math is right? Am I really getting that old? Have I been driving for 21 years? WOW!!!!!

This is Hayden trying to figure out a way to make the handle pump by it's self. Why is it that they no longer have those little stopper things, so you can walk away?

He just looked up and noticed I was taking his picture. We all now how much Hayden loves to have his picture taken! From then on he made sure his face was hiding. Well Mr. smarty pants, he figured out how to make the pump work by it's self and headed my way, and I figured out how to see that precious face!

This is him telling me to snap away, because it would not work with the mirrors! HAHA my little friend!!!!!

GOTCHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is after I showed him that it worked! Oh well We caught a glimps!

Till next time!!

everything is a contest with us

2009-02-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

When we all get together, well who knows what may happen. We decided tonight(I think the credit goes to Veronicia) to have an oreo contest. Whoever could stick the most in their mouth, WON!!! First as always, Mel had to have a photo shoot to proudly display the product. Maybe the Oreo company should pay us a little advertising fee? I swear this is her favorite part of me having a blog. She is enjoing this a little too much!

First up Don. I was so disappointed. He couldn't even get 3 in his mouth. That left me to represent our family. Thanks Don!!!

Next Veronicia displays her Oreo skills. Not bad, she was able to get 3 in her mouth, with just a little gag!

Guess who was the party pooper and would not participate in our "childish, stupid, games" Todd.

Don't fret Mel pulled through for her family.I forgot to mention and if you look closely you will see these are double stuffed. Don't try this at home, we are professionals!!! She was certain she could put 4...........

no such luck! She only managed 3.

And the winner is.... STACI. Yes that's right I managed to get 4 in my mouth. I'm sure Mel is practicing all day today cause she hates to lose, especially to me! Silly girl I am the double stuffed Oreo champ!!!!

Beth I went to your site, thanks for the shout out. I love for people to remember my sweet boy. I'll tell you that's what's most scary about losing someone close to you. That people will forget them. Thanks again. As for the request of a tour of my house. I will get up from this post and start taking some pictures. They will be posted soon!

Staci

The Pressue of A Post

2009-02-23T20:22:00.001-08:00

Here it is !! One might think that we have nothing better to do. Don loves his new shower and everyone talks about how big it is, so we decided to find out just how big. We all fit comfortably,with room for a couple more and we aren't small people!! Hayden was are photographer.

If you notice Hunter's hair or lack of you will find out what he gave his mama for Valentines. He called and asked permission from a friend's house, three of them did it. I suppose lesson learned.
This particular day Hunter was running 102 fever, but he loves his sister and although he felt horrible, he gave his all to play with her. That's what good big brother's do!!!

BLESS HIS HEART!!!!!!

Maddi loves her brothers and they love her! How sweet is this picture? You can tell just how bad he feels.

By the way, she was running fever too! It wasn't until the next day that she felt horrible just like her bubba. How funny is that, she calls Hunter bubba and Hayden, Hayden. go figure.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T12:12:00.001-08:00

JinJin was first to bring Valentine treats, and there were plenty to follow. The girls were so excited, mostly about the tissue paper and being able to rip it out of bags. I swear we all could have saved a fortune and just put paper in bags!!! Pops and Nana came shorly after that bearing gifts for Maddi and the boys. Notice they aren't in any of my pictures, that's because they are never around. I will post tomorrow on what Hunter gave me for Valentines!!!!!!!!!!

Maddi got these in her Valentine basket form mom and dad. That girl loves her some sunglasses. I can't believe she keeps them on. She refuses to wear a diaper and is completely naked most of the day, but give the girl some shades and she won't take them off!!

The necklace she is sporting came from mimmim and papaw. Down below are more pictures of mimmim giving Maddi the rest of her goodies.

Oh how she loves!!!She gives the best hugs and kisses

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day, we sure did. I will post more on the day tomorrow and hopefully include the 2 big brothers, even if I have to ground them into staying home. I will leave you with a few of the over 200 pictures I took today of Maddi playing outside.

A tornado I like to call Maddi

2009-02-13T09:02:00.001-08:00

Just look at her does she scream tornado or what??? This is how precious wakes up most of the time. Cute huh?? From here on out our day is nothing but a whirling tornado I call Maddi. One of her favorite things to do is go to the pantry and pick out something to eat. Today she has chosen crossiants or maybe oreo's.

It seems to be crossiants, so the oreo's will just go on the floor with the rest of the rejects Maddi has chosen not to eat.

After checking the expiration date, yep she has decided crossiants it will be.

But wait there not for her and why would they be! She never eats what she gets out of the pantry. The crossiants are for Daisey! She literally feeds Daisey all day long.

My grocery bill has doubled since Daisey has joined the table!

Who Love's Mo?

2009-01-25T18:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, so before I get started, I just wanted to send a shout out to my sister. You see she sends me her hand-me-down clothes as she gets into a new size. Well tonight I opened a bag she sent me and well.... this was the first shirt I pulled out! Mel it's too much. I mean it, too much!!! So if you haven't heard my sis complain before, she is always crying about not being in pictures. So since she dedicated a whole blog to me, it's my turn. No, these aren't revenge. I'm still pondering over that. I mean she put the tank top on the site(brutle). How much worse could the beach pictures be? It's not like at this point I can still try to convince everyone that I'm thin!

Mel always has to try on everything. We have over the years found this to be a statergy. She has to be the last one to open a present. So she strecthes out her gifts to be sure that the last one has her name on it. Yes, she's like a 7 year old!!

I have no explanation for the next two!!!!!!

There you go Mel, you were there!

Merry Christmas?????

2009-01-24T21:22:00.000-08:00

No I'm not confused, but when you've been on vacation for 8 months, your days just seem to run together. These are my attempt at making some christmas cards. I didn't like any that I took, wasted too much time, and well, no one got a card? Then I thought about doing a change of address card using this picture, but I guess I should use the front of my house? So tonight for your viewing pleasure, you get Christmas!!!

Ok so I know tonight was pretty lame, but I didn't want to leave everyone hanging. These pictures were easy to get to and I thought they were better than nothing. I would have to hear it from my sister if I didn't update. Speaking of Mel, I believe she is getting a folder together of all the bad photos she can find of me and believe me there are plenty. So I guess I have started a war.

Road Trip

2009-01-22T09:20:00.000-08:00

Alright everyone can breath. We are back from the beach and back from our road trip. No this road trip did not last 8 months, just the MLK holiday. This is one of the many things I love about my husband. Friday afternoon he was sitting at the computer, turned to me and said let's take the boys to Dallas. They love Dave and Busters(big kid arcade), and who doesn't love an indoor water park! We stayed at Great Wolf Lodge. Lots of fun. Tons to do. Our first stop however, was Shreveport. I get about a gizillion offers a week and this particular weekend they were offering a free shopping spree to Best Buy. They closed down the whole store and gave everyone a spending amount some alot more than others. I know what your thinking, WHAT!!!! This is their ploy to get people there to spend money at their casino. No such luck for us. We spent our Best Buy money, went to Jack Binion Steakhouse(one of Hunter's favorite) and went to bed.

Here's Maddiboo outside the steakhouse. She had no interest in eating and wanted to play out in the lobby.

After we got back to the room, this is what the boys did.

And this is what Maddi did, her new thing is trying on everyone's shoes. There are shoes everywhere at our house. She has learned to go into our closets and pick out her favorite ones and take a walk in them. She will for sure have a shoe thing as do most of us girls!

While we were there, guess who we ran into? MIMMIM. Don spotted her and papaw at Best Buy. We couldn't get her attention, so Hunter called her. The moment we got back to the hotel she came running up to play.

Yeah Mimmim, she has caught on to this game. Look Maddi refuses to take them off. Trust me don't try, she gets a little cranky.

Now we are at the lodge. I wish I would have gotten more pictures of our trip. I have a ton of Maddi just because she was with us at all times. The boys were off at the big boy slides and water basketball. We didn't see much of them until they got hungry.

Madison loved the waterpark. She played and played. After she got comfortable she let go of our hands and off she went.

Hey look Hayden made an appearence, but no Hunter!

After the waterpark we headed to Dave and Busters and spent the next 6 hours playing. We had a good time. I have since realized my boys are getting big and these little weekend trips are not as easy to take. So we will squeeze them in as often as we can. Since I didn't get any pictures of Hunter, I will share this one. Isn't he handsome? Can you guess what is missing?

NO BRACES!!!!!! He got them off tues. and is so excited to show off his pearly whites. Of course being the teenager that he is, he has already asked about getting his teeth whitened. Lord help me. I told him sure, just go out back and grab a branch off that money tree we appartently are growing.

I couldn't sign off without a picture of everyone's favorite blogger. Hey Mo, you still holding your breath???????

I have alot of catching up to do. So bear with me. I am trying to get the hang of this blogging thing again. I wasn't very good at it before, but have already learned some new things. No wide spaces in between pictures, YEAH!!!!!!

Best Friends

2008-06-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Mo & Maddi

Nurse Terri's daughter Caroline & her best friend
The 2 best babysitters in the world Courtney& Catilyn

vI just had to throw this in, Ellie loves her food, here she is eating french fries. I swear I think that girl ate everything but the kitchen sink!!!
Can you feel the love?????

My best friend Veronicia introducing Maddi to ice cream Thanks Vernonicia!!!!!!

B/F/F

and then there's Don & Johnny., A special kind of friendship that you can't find just anywhere!

Sorry for lack of updates. My days are exhausting right now. We are busy getting Shake 4 Jake ready. The boys are both still playing ball, and of course there's the house. My plate is full to say the least. After this week, I hope to slow down just a little. I loaned my camera out for a wedding so I don't have any new pics right now. I should get it back today, until then enjoy pics from our beach trip!!!!!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

A tribute to my wonderful husband. The best husband, dad, and stepdad anyone could ask for. Thanks for always putting your family first. We love you.

You should all remember nurse Terry from Mo's blog. She was not only one of Jake's nurse's at St. Jude, but she also became a close friend. We love you Terry!!!!!

Finally, a internet connection!!!!

2008-06-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry for lack of updates, but until yesterday we could not find an internet conncetion in our condo. So needless to say, I have a lot of catching up to do. We are packing up right now and everyone is waiting on me, but mimmim wanted to see some pictures of all three at the beach and so here they are. Aren't my children beautiful!!!!!

We are heading home. I will post lots of pics of our vacation later.

And The Winners Are... Jake Owen Raborn

2008-06-07T23:11:00.000-07:00

Well, we are the champions...of the loser bracket that is. But oh well 1st place is 1st place RIGHT?? They played hard and fought their way back to the top. Way to go boys. This was Don's first time to coach one of the boys in baseball. I must admit, I'm pretty proud of all my boys. We also just found out that Hayden made the allstar team. Yeah Hayden!!!!!!!!
Here's Hunter with his #1 fan. Both Hunter and Hayden are such good big brothers. Maddi loves them both so much. She gets so excited when she sees them walk in a room. I love the age gap between Maddi and her brothers. It is so sweet to watch them tend to her.

This is my niece Masie, boy has she become a big help. Lately I have been overwhelmed with all I have going on. Running the foundation, getting ready for Shake 4 Jake, building a new house, and then getting my house ready to show so we can sell it. On top of that we were leaving for the beach. Do they still make calgone??? I sure do need something to take me away. Masie will come over and entertain Maddi so I get some things done. Masie just adores Maddi and we are grooming her to become a stay at home babysitter. Who needs school? HA!HA! I mean for the love of Pete, I need to get things done. You can't find this kind of help anymore. Thanks Masie We love You!!!!!!

We have made it to the beach, it's late and i'm tired so i will wait and post more beach pictures tomorrow. By the way I had no picture problems tonight YEAH!!!!!

2008-06-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

Ok so I know I have not been updating. I tried for 3 nights to update and kept losing my pictures, I finally got so frustrated and closed the computer. I will give it another try!!! I first have to thank Lindsay for this CUTE tutu. If your looking for that perfect gift give her a call at http://www.frillyfrances.com/ I spent about 30 mins. in the yard trying to get that perfect picture, but Todd was mowing and Maddi was way more interested in that. Thanks Linsay for offering to send one for the Shake 4 Jake. Everyone will love it and it is sure to be a hit and help raise some money for a great cause.
Maddi has started eating some solid foods and boy is she loving trying new things!

but FYI when you give her an oreo don't take it away. She was so mad because I would not let her hold the whole cookie by herself. Ok so here is where I lose it!!!! I have been trying to move a picture of Maddi eating grits Down here with the picture of her eating mac n cheese, but no such luck! It is driving me crazy and I have been at it over an hour now. I am going to try and just move on. Let me see if I can leave you with a picture of Maddi's new shoes she got this past weekend. They are so cute.

No such luck!!!!! I'm tired and fed up! I will try again tomorrow.

By the way my mom wanted me to be sure to let everyone know that those were tatoo sleeves. I don't have any real tatoos -----YET!!!!

ROCK OF LOVE

2008-05-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of you were Rock of Love fans, but me, Veronicia, and Cindy are closet watchers. So when I heard Brett Michales was coming to the Horseshoe, I knew I had to get us tickets. Cindy and I dragged our husbands too. We had a blast!!! Brett is old, but can still put on a good show. After we headed to the casino I was sitting at a table and lookey lookey who I spotted. Chad from the Alltel commercials. His name is actually Chad, he's very skinny and very nice. He and I talked for sometime.

I think I have this blog thing figured out. I just need to figure out how to put my pictures where they need to be. I will call my sister Mo (aka expert) in the morning for some much needed help. Can't leave you all without a pic or two of my Maddiboo. She loves her bath time.

2008-05-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

Madison is a family name that runs deep in the Raborn family. For that reason we chose Madison for our baby girl. Here is a picture of our nephew Madison and my husband Madison and of course Princess Madison. How cute are they, This is the day we dedicated Maddi and Ellie to the Lord.

2008-05-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

I love having my own blog, Mel is notorius for putting bad pictures of me on hers and payback is FUN!!!!!!

2008-05-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well not to be outdone by my sister. You all know her well, the famous Mo. She never stops talking about her blog (mojoy.blogspot.com) and tells me daily I should start my own, so here I go!! I'm not computer literate and cannot believe i'm doing this. Today is my 35th birthday and I celebrated by going out to eat with my mom(aka JinJin), my sister, hunter, hayden, maddi, and ellie(my 9month old niece). I'm also celebrating by doing something I thought I could never do, this blog.