The Faucett Family

You Can't Cancel Christmas

2010-12-19T18:06:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn was in a play at the art center named You Can't Cancel Christmas. It was sponsored by United Way and they had two weeks to practice. A week and a half into practice Ashlyn decides to switch parts and be Mary. Here are some pictures from the play and the link to some video. Sorry it is hard to hear on the video but there were some very rude kids sitting behind us (well actually rude parents for not taking their screaming toddlers out).

Ashlyn an John Reid as Mary and Joseph
RB Wright Kids in the Play

click here for the videos

2010-12-12T05:15:00.000-08:00

Good Bye

2010-12-08T14:12:00.000-08:00

Good bye is what we said when he went away. I swear I saw the children (including Richard) shed a little tear. I must admit he was a big part of our lives (even mine) and we thought he would greatly be missed. He comforted us when we were lonely, he entertained us when we were bored, and we found ourselves being lulled to sleep by his entertaining glow. You see he was a major part of our family. We spent a good deal of time with him everyday. Well a week has gone by since we have said good bye and even though there is an empty spot in our home:

Yes that is right I am talking about cable.

There is NOT an empty spot in our heart. Now you walk in our house and you don't find Ashlyn and Clayton vegged out in the playroom in front of the TV or the TV in the living room just running aimlessly. So what do you find...well Ashlyn and Clayton play together A LOT now and even mommy and daddy get in the action. We do still play the Wii together which we didn't before. You see a mommy gazing in her daughters eyes while rocking her instead gazing into her eyes and looking away to see what is happening on TV. You see a husband and wife that spend time talking and playing games after the kids go to bed. Ok so it has not helped me clean more but there is always time for cleaning later :) I will admit that we do have local channels and we do occasionally turn it on for shows like CSI or the kids to watch in the mornings but I would say we have cut our TV time by at least 80%. If the kids to watch something it does not have disrespectful language like so many shows on Disney and Nick have on them but they watch PBS. It has been GREAT!! Cable we do not miss you AT ALL and YOU ARE NOT WELCOMED BACK ANY TIME SOON!!

Busy Weekend

2010-11-15T18:16:00.000-08:00

We had a very busy weekend. It was one of those weekends that seems to slip right through your fingers and you are not sure how Monday came so fast. On Saturday we got to go with the church to a corn maze here are a few pictures from that:

The corn maze was in Hahira and went right by I75.

Trouble!!

Brooklyn is growing up so fast. I forgot how fast the baby stage goes. She is now pulling up to standing, going from laying to sitting on her own, but still army crawling. She can also eat us out of house and home. That girl can eat!! Oh yea and did I mention she can ride a horse by herself. See picture below.

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Halloween

2010-11-01T18:54:00.000-07:00

Friday ended Clayton's football season which he enjoyed. His team was undefeated and he even ran the ball in the last game.The kids love dressing up and trick-or-treating and they love to hand out candy. This year we had an extra treat with Ashlyn's chapel program being on Friday. You can click here and here to watch it. Here are a few pictures from her chapel program.
Here are some pictures of the kids in their Halloween costumes before we went trick-or-treating. (Warning Brooklyn's outfit is not for the faint of heart it is quite disturbing)

Brooklyn sure loved all the candy (notice the two suckers in her hand)

Week in Review

2010-10-21T05:23:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am going to try something new. I am going to try to do one post a week. It might just be one picture to describe the week but I am going to try every week to post something. So here is this weeks post.

WARNING THIS POST IS NOT FOR THE FAINT, WEAK AT HEART, SQUEAMISH, OR CLEAN FREAKS!!

So I just wanted to show the real side of life with 3 kids (6 at one point). This is what happens when everyone has been sick for two weeks and one jam packed fun weekend with friends. I have to admit I am the farthest from a neat freak but how my house looked even made me faint. I know there is probably not another mom out there that can sympathize with me and all of you are thinking "I am calling DFACs right now" but I did warn you :) So my WONDERFUL husband let me have one and a half days kid and husband free to get it back up to my standards. This is what I found: (Last warning to turn away)

The clothes had backed up to an Enormous amount:

So first I sorted them:

Then my least favorite part folding and putting away:

Then I tackled dusting. I must say that we run our fans ALL summer and don't turn them off so I did not realize that even when they are running they collect dust. Well when it started getting cooler we turned them off and this is what I found:

The kitchen was a disaster area and the playroom was even worse:

But alas after a day and a half of NOTHING but cleaning I have to say my house is back in order :

(well at least until the family got home :) ) My girls missed me!!
Thank you Richard for allowing me to have a nice relaxing (yes it was relaxing to get the house clean) weekend at home!!

On a lighter note we had a GREAT start to fall break!! With a snack outside.
Brooklyn wasn't to sure at first about grapes.Tickle Fest :)Ok come back next week for more :)

Random Pictures

2010-09-29T16:18:00.001-07:00

Just Some Random Pictures

Brooklyn

She is a Mama's Girl!!

Peek-a-Boo

Guess Who Likes Ice Cream?

The Three Faucett Children

Ashlyn LOVES her sister!

Brooklyn LOVES her toes (she got that from her cousin Noah)

Brooklyn's army crawl

2010-09-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

Summer Vacation

2010-07-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

Our first stop was to visit Erika, Montana, Kemp, and Morgan. We had so much fun. The kids are so funny together because they act like they have known each other forever even though they don't get to see each other often enough.

On the way to Chattanooga Richard got to show the kids where he goes hiking and a shelter on the Appalachian Trail.

In Chattanooga we went to the Aquarium, The Discovery Museum, and Ruby Falls. We had SOOO much fun and the kids were real troopers.

We then got to make a suprise trip to Aunt Amy's, Uncle Keith's, Autumn, and Noah's house. The kids had a blast!! Ashlyn and Clayton LOVE to play with their cousins and it was the perfect end to our vacation!!

I have the cutest video stuck in my phone :( Brooklyn will play peekaboo if she is holding a blanket in her hands. Hopefully I can get it out of my phone or catch it on the camera.

Baptism

2010-07-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

July has been a great month. We started off the month with a Forth of July Gin Creek baptism. This was a very special time for our family because Ashlyn had recently accepted Christ into her heart during our family bible study and she was baptized at Gin Creek. This is a day that we have been praying for and there is no feeling to describe how as a parent you feel watching your child turn their life over to Christ. Here are some pictures:

Click to watch the video here

I will have to share that Clayton yelled "shark" while Ashlyn was in the water and then during the prayer he did a little yoga pose. I wish we had gotten evidence of this but alas no cameras were on him at the time. He is our special little man that keeps us on our toes :)
Come back in a few days and see our Hayesville, Chattanooga, Kennasaw vacation:)

More Summer Fun

2010-07-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

Clayton - "mama daddy can ya'll go do something in the back"
Us - "why"
Clayton - "because me and Ashlyn want to sneak the M&M's in the playroom and we can't do it to you go back to the back"

We are continuing to have a lot of fun this summer. Brooklyn has taken to eating cereal like a champ!! The first time she did not get the concept of opening her mouth but after two feedings she is now opening her mouth and not spitting any out. We had camera ready in hand for the first feeding thinking that it would be a big mess with food everywhere (that is how the other two were) but that just didn't happen she was so good. Just the occasional 'What is this you are putting in my mouth' face.
watch it here

We got to stay a few days in Warner Robins to spend time with family. The kids enjoyed the visit and got to go to the airplane museum. And how did Aunt Jennie escaped all of the pictures (probably the same way I did, she was taking pictures).

On the ride home Brooklyn was upset at one point but then got quiet so I looked to find Ashlyn holding her hand. God has blessed me with 3 great kids!!!!

Clayton just finished T-ball. Which he enjoyed on most days :)

We can't forget the fort Richard built the kids in the living room that they slept in for a few nights.

Here are some cute random pictures :)

Summer Time

2010-06-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

I LOVE SUMMER!!!! It is a time that I can spend with my family without work or school. We have had a great start to our summer. First Ashlyn spent a week with Aunt Lea and Uncle TJ and went to a Drama camp. She had A LOT of fun but I think they spoiled her just a little ;). Next we had our yearly "The Forest". It is called the "The Forest" because we use to go to a place in South Carolina with that name. We were unable to travel there the past few years so this year it was located at my mom's house. The whole family was able to come.

We had increased by four since last year three new baby addition (Jansen, Noah, and Brooklyn) and Mr. Paul.We enjoyed cooling off in the 'bathtub warm' pool :)

We enjoyed a day of fun at Wilder's World in Tifton

As always everyone enjoyed fishing!

Ashlyn caught a BIG one!!

Liam and Clayton went around blowing stuff and in this case Cayla up with the bike pump.

Here are a few cute picture:

Next on our summer list was going to Panama City Beach with Papa. Well me Ashlyn and Clayton. We went down to a very special birthday/adoption party for Lisha and Richard and their new addition Heather. We had loads of fun!!! The kids loved the beach!!

LOOK FOR MORE SUMMER FUN SOON!!

Facebook Pictures

2010-05-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

Ok all you non-facebook people here is a link so you can look at some pictures I posted of the kids on facebook :)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=186802&id=510037018&l=bd63ec638a

Best Mother's Day Gift

2010-05-09T11:21:00.001-07:00

What could be the best Mother's Day gift you ask. Well maybe breakfast in bed...no it wasn't that. Maybe a day of pampering and relaxation? No I have three kids remember. Maybe some expensive jewelry...Richard probably would like it if I wore jewelry. Maybe a large bouquet of flowers...no I have allergies and they don't last long enough. The Mother's Day gift I received this week and today far out weighs anything anyone can buy or give me. I was blessed to be able to listen to the charge as we dedicated Brooklyn this morning. He talked about raising her in a Christian home until she comes to know Jesus. Then we got to see the result of this as Ashlyn walked the aisle to let everyone know she had asked Jesus into her heart. During our family devotion Tuesday night on Adam and Eve she began asking question after question about sin, Jesus, being a Christian, and heaven. She finally asked "Can I accept Him now?". She prayed a sweet and innocent prayer and then she wanted to shout it from the mountain tops. I wish we had the boldness and excitement she had to go and tell everyone. I think she told everyone she met. I must say this has been a GREAT Mother's Day!!

GREAT HOME MEET!!!! and Chapel Program!!!

2010-05-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn did very well at her Red White and You home meet. She has been wanting to make a nine and she did it!! She increased her score in Vault, Beam, and All Around. Here scores were Vault 8.850, Bars 7.850, Beam 9.25, Floor 8.325 and All Around 34.275. She placed 1st on the beam!!After we got home she wanted to take some pictures with all of her medals and ribbons so here they are...

Clayton had his PreK chapel program. He was a Navy man. He was too cute. Here are some pictures from the play.

VIDEOS- If you want to watch the video of her gymnastics, his chapel, and the spring choir performance at church here is the link... http://www.youtube.com/user/thefaucett5

I will leave you with some cute pictures of Clayton's 5th birthday party at Chick-fil-A and Brooklyn.

The Sister Bond

2010-04-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

Wow Gotta Catch Up!!!!

2010-03-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot going on since my last post. As you can see by the picture at the top we have had our newest addition to the family but more on that below. The first two pictures are from snow day at RB Wright. You can see Clayton in the red. Papa took Clayton to snow day. He rode down the hill one time and then decided it was better to watch everyone ride down the hill and stay at the bottom and play in the snow.

Here we have one of the I am pregnant and I will eat everything meals. Richard thought it was so gross he had to take a picture. Yes this meal consists of sweet tea, grapefruit, summer sausage, and two smore pop-tarts. YUM YUM!!

Here is a picture from my shower thrown by Erika and Beth. We had tons of fun together and we loved watching our kids play together. Now we all have 3 kids and next time we get together there will be 9 kids...fun fun!!

Here is a picture of me, mama, and Lea at my shower.

Here is a picture of Erika's girl Montana and Ashlyn. They have so much fun together!

Here is Erika's baby Morgan, isn't he a cutie!!

and Erika's middle child Kemp...him and Clayton are only a couple of weeks apart. We miss you guys!!!

Trivia: What does it take to get the Aunt of the Year Award?

Well this year it went to Aunt Lea for chaperoning Ashlyn's 8th birthday sleepover. Yes that is right she tackled the big sleepover. There were 6 screaming girls but they had a lot of fun. I see one problem with the first picture below...after being there a while I think she needed ear muffs not a blindfold.

We called in the big fluffy snow just for Ashlyn's birthday parth:)

And then came the BIG day...thankfully we missed Ashlyn's birthday which is Feb. 15th. This is Brooklyn Elizabeth Faucett born Feb. 18th 7lb 11oz and 20 1/2 inches long. She was my big one Ashlyn weighed 6lb 4oz and Clayton weighed 6lb 7oz and they were both 18 inches.
Here is a picture right after she was born. I must say that I did enjoy not knowing if she was a boy or a girl.

The 1st picture of the family of five.

Proud Papa

Proud Mamaw

Proud Nana and Pop

The BIG sister

The Big Brother

Aunt Lea and Uncle TJ came by and fixed us supper the day we came home!!
Aunt Jenny met us at the Athens meet and got to hold Brooklyn.

Autumn (Amy's little girl) holding her baby cousin. She has had practice because...

Here is her little brother and my new nephew Noah...born November 25th

Ashlyn loves to cuddle up with Brooklyn before she goes to bed.
I think she is trying to figure Clayton out...but he loves to hold her!
Ok so the big ones are not really asleep but it is a cute picture!
I think the girls wear the boys out :)
I am loving staying at home and taking care of Brooklyn and getting to go to Ashlyn's and Clayton's school functions. I really am not looking forward to going back to work April 12th but summer will be here soon. I thought going to 3 would be hard but it has actually been quite fun and rewarding. I do not know what we would do without our special little gift Brooklyn!! Ashlyn is such a big helper and loves her little sister and Clayton is very protective especially if he thinks you are going to take her. God has blessed our family so much and Richard and I could not be happier. Look for more pictures soon!! Check out the videos below!
The first one is of Ashlyn singing at her chapel program (she is the 1st one). Then her vault at the Tifton meet score 8.6 and last is her bars at the Athens meet 8.75.

I was excited to go to Clayton's Luau at school below are some pictures and three (well only two loaded) videos.

Albany Gymnastic Meet

2010-01-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn and Kari (Ashlyn's best friend from gymnastics they share the same birthday)

Ashlyn was getting discouraged at Gymnastic practice this past week because she was not able to do some of the skills she could do before. She even talked about wanting to quit come May. Her comment was 'I want to do something I can be good at'. How sad. It has always been her decision if she wants to quit. Then she went to her Albany competition and did EXCELLENT. Now she said she does not want to quit. She had set three goals for this meet and she met two of those three goals. She wanted to get her shoot through (she did), she wanted to make all 8's or above (she did), and she wanted to make a 9 (she didn't but it gives her a goal for her next meet). She is already setting new goals for the Feb. 20th (I hope I get to go) Tifton meet. She wants to get over an 8.55 on something and she wants to make a 9. She did very well at this meet watch and see what you think. Leave a message if you want Ashlyn loves to read the messages!
8.4 on Bars, 8.55 on Floor, 8.55 on Vault, 8.25 Beam, AA 33.75

Best Friends

2010-01-19T16:19:00.000-08:00

It is not too often that high school friends can be best friends years after high school is over. This past weekend I got to spend time with two of my best friends from high school. I was telling some coworkers that I was getting together with some best friends that I went to high school with and they were all astonished that we kept in touch and that I still consider them best friends. Erika came down to stay with us and her three kids Montana, Kemp, and Morgan. She was kind enough to bring down some baby stuff for the soon to be arrival. The house was filled all weekend with laughter and playing. The kids had a ball! Then Monday we got to go over to Beth's house to play with Josie, Maggie Rae, and Bailey. Yes we all (soon) are going to have three kiddos. The kids played like they had known each other for years. It was an instant connection. Maggie Rae, Ashlyn, and Montana reminded us so much of ourselves when we were younger. Even though we keep in touch this weekend made us see the value in friendship and that we need to take more opportunities to spend time together. So hopefully this will not be the last pictures you see of our little ones together and soon there will be 9 running around. I miss you guys and love you both!!

Erika, Sherry, and Beth

The crew (back row LtoR) Erika holding Morgan, Montana, Sherry holding Clayton, Josie, Beth holding Bailey, (front row LtoR) Ashlyn, Maggie Rae, Kemp

Ashlyn, Montana, Maggie Rae looking like us when we were younger.

Thanksgiving and Christmas

2010-01-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

We have been very busy the last month. We were able to see Nana and Pop over Thanksgiving and then again at Christmas. Thanksgiving was at Aunt Jennie's in Atlanta and we went to Stone Mountain. Here are a few pictures.
Then we went to see Amy and Keith's new arrival Noah Keith Gunter.Next we came home and put up our Christmas decorations. The kids got into the decorating this year. Clayton even wanted to pray in front of the Christmas tree.We spent the weekend before Christmas at Nana and Pops. We had a lot of fun playing at Nana and Pop's. We were glad to see that Pop was feeling better and we got to spend time with him. Our Christmas present from Aunt Jennie were gift certificates to Build a Bear. Nana came with us and helped us Build our Frosty the Snowman and Dog. We had a lot of fun.Next it was Christmas Eve and we watched the Nativity Story and opened one present. Then it was Christmas morning.Then we had Christmas with Mamaw, Aunt Amy, Uncle Keith, Autumn, Noah, Aunt Lea, and Uncle TJ on Saturday.We had Christmas with Papa, Aunt Amy, Uncle Keith, Autumn, Noah, Aunt Lea, and Uncle TJ on Sunday.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful families. For New Years Richard went camping and Clayton, Ashlyn, and I ate shrimp, chocolate chip cookies, and drank sparkaling grape juice. Clayton crashed at 10:30 and Ashlyn and I rang in the New Year. As I think of 2010 I know there are going to be a lot of changes in our family with the addition of a special new one. We will finally get to know if it is a boy or girl :) I would be kidding myself if I thought this was going to be an easy year but my New Years resolution is to put 2010 in Gods hands. It might get rough and a little scary at times with financial strains this year but I know God has ALWAYS provided for our family and he will continue! I hope your family will be blessed in 2010!

Clayton's Thanksgiving Songs at School

2009-11-20T13:38:00.000-08:00

I always love when I get to go to the school and eat with my children. This past Thursday I got to go and eat with Clayton. After we ate our Thanksgiving lunch, we got to go back to Clayton's room and they sang some songs for us. I love Clayton's expression in this first picture.

Before and After

2009-11-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

Before

After

Halloween 09

2009-11-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

As promised here are the pictures from our fun Halloween Day.

First the kids decorated pumpkins.

Then we started carving a pumpkin. Ashlyn loved to dig out the inside of the pumpkin. Clayton would not touch it.

Of course after a while Ashlyn went to go play with Clayton and daddy was left to dig the rest and carve the pumpkin (I will admit Ashlyn got most of it out)

Clayton meanwhile played with the blow up decorations

and they climbed trees.

They both came together to pose with daddy's great work.

Then it was time to get ready to go to some friends house for chili, playing, and trick-or-treating.
Ashlyn was a pink leopard.

Clayton was Optimist Prime (Transformer)

Here are some shots from the party.
Ashlyn and some friends, Brooke and Kilby.

Clayton and Marshall

The gang!

Holland, Clayton, and Marshall

We stayed out really late and ate too much candy but we had a lot of fun!!!

October 09

2009-10-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

This blog is dedicated to Nana and Pop!! For those of you who may not know Richard's dad is going through Radiation and Chemo for 7 weeks for throat cancer. Clayton and Ashlyn are missing their Nana and Pop GREATLY! Almost every morning they ask me on the way to school if Pop is ok and if it is near time to see them. I explain that Pop is still taking medicine and hopefully it will make him well enough for us to see him at Thanksgiving. Please pray for Jim Faucett you can see how he is doing on his caringbridge site http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jimfaucett . I am going to try to keep this up to date so Nana and Pop can see what the kids are up to because I know they are missing them GREATLY also. They usually come to all of their events so hopefully the videos will help a little.

We have been EXTREMELY busy during the month of October. Tonight is Halloween so watch for cute Halloween pictures coming soon!! This month we have had Ashlyn's second gymnastic meet, revival at the church, and the kids have sang in church.

Clayton's class had cowboy day at school and here is a picture of him dressed like a cowboy. Clayton is still enjoying school. He is learning so much. He loves to do homework with Ashlyn. He has workbooks at the house that he sits and does his 'homework'. He is growing like a weed and is obsessed with pregnant bellies :) He was very sad to know that Friday was the last time he would see Amy's pregnant belly.We then had Ashlyn's gymnastic meet in Valdosta. The meet was held by Dream It out of Tifton and it was in the Lowndes gym. Ashlyn did really well and tied her all around score from the previous meet. This was despite a fall on floor (freak accident) but she was ok. It looks like her arm just gives way under her. Her scores Bars 8.35 (her highest bar score), Beam 8.1, Floor 7.350, Vault 8.5, and AA 32.30. She placed 4th on Vault, Bars, Beam and 3rd on AA. She did not place on Floor :( .

This is a picture of the gym we were in:

Here are the MG Level 3 team being introduced Ashlyn is second on the right.Here is where she got her medal for All Around (3rd place) in the 7 year old division

Clayton did VERY good watching the girls compete but he did not like the awards.

Next we had a wonderful, well needed revival at the church. It is really awesome how God is working within the men in our church. It makes me very excited about the future of our church. The first night of revival the children sang. The first video is of Ashlyn's choir and the second is of Ashlyn's and Clayton's choir singing together (Clayton's choir did not sing by themselves). Ashlyn was singing on the second video but she is too far right for you to see. I was sitting in front of Richard helping direct and he could not see her from where he was sitting.

2009-10-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

We got to go see our precious little gift from God today!! I stayed strong and we did not find out if it is a boy or girl. Everything looked good! It is so awesome to see the works of God that he is growing in me. I am VERY excited!!

SUMMER UPDATES, NEW SCHOOL YEAR AND FIRST GYMNASTIC MEET

2009-10-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

Ok I know it has been WAY too long since I have blogged but there has been a lot going on in the Faucett family. Summer vacation came and went WAY too fast and yes I do love summers off with my kids so I pray that will not be taken away! Here are some of my favorite shots from this summer.

We spent part of the summer

Spending time with family.

Chilling in the Grass and Playing in the Water

Looking for Fireworks
Attempting Swimming Lessons

Being SerenadedCompleting Home ImprovementsAnd Finding Out We Were Expecting A Surprise From God Himself

Then started the new school year. I must admit I was quite nervous about how Clayton would settle into PreK at RB Wright. He has far surpassed my expectations. He loves school (even though he does not like the ride on the bus to my school in the afternoons). Here is a picture of Clayton's first day of school.
Ashlyn started 2nd grade this year. She is doing great!! She loves her teachers even though she complains about having to do work sometimes. She has matured a lot in the last few months. Here is a picture of her first day of school.

Clayton's First Field Trip

Last but not least Ashlyn just had her 1st gymnastic meet of this season. It was a home meet and I could tell a BIG improvement!! She was able to get her leg through for her shoot through for the first time in a meet even though she fell backwards. Her score was rather low on bars in my opinion seeing she had never done that skill before and it was her next to lowest score but hey I am not a judge. She had her highest beam score 8.5 for 2nd place, her highest vault score 8.5 for 6th place, on floor she made a 8.1 (she looked GREAT one little problem with her hands) for 3rd place, and a 7.2 on bars for 4th place. She had her highest all around score 32.3 for 4th place. Next stop is Valdosta in a few weeks! Sorry the Vault video is blurry.

Fun at Nana and Pops

2009-05-25T12:18:00.001-07:00

This past week Richard and I had two different conferences to go to in one week. Ashlyn and Clayton got to stay with Nana and Pop. They had a blast. They went to Monkey Joe's, Another jumping place, and Johnny G's. They got to also play at Burger King twice. They had an absolute blast. I do not have any pictures from their fun filled weekend but here are a few from weeks in the past at Nana and Pop's.

Here are some pictures from the airshow. Ashlyn, Clayton, Richard, Nana, Pop, and Aunt Jennie all went to the airshow and had a GREAT time!!

Here are some pictures from the outlet mall in Macon. The kids made Aunt Jennie take a picture with every statue we found.

A Lot Has Happened Since I Last Posted

2009-05-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy since the last post. I will try to include most all of the activities that have gone on since I last posted.

First Ashlyn had her Field Day. Ok I am not understanding field days today because of the lack of competitiveness. They do not win ribbons like we use to, I guess they don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. They go around in groups and play silly little games. There is one competitive event. It is for class bragging rights. It is Tug-of-War! Here is a snip of Ashlyn's class winning one round. She is second from the front.

Then we celebrated Easter. It was very special this year to really discuss the importance of what Easter truly means. Ashlyn had a lot of questions and it seemed to become more important for her.

We do have one tried and true tradition at Easter. Papa comes and steals the kids (this year Ashlyn because Clayton was a little under the weather) and he takes them to Stone's Hardware Store to pick out some colored chicks. Papa then leaves the chicks in our garage under a heating lamp for us to enjoy (try not to kill) for the next few days. Here are some pictures:

The next pictures are the kids dying Easter Eggs with Lea and TJ and then finding the Easter Eggs. These are some pictures of a Strickland/Best tradition of cracking the real eggs on your head to open them :) Richard loves this one!!

While Richard went hiking on the AT over spring break Mama, Ashlyn, Clayton, and I went to spend a few days with Amy and Autumn. We had a lot of fun!! The pictures below are from when we went to an indoor playground down from their house.

Then we went to Tellus Museum:

Ashlyn had her last gymnastic meet for this school year. She looked much better but her scores were lower :( But she had a lot of fun and to me that is ALL that matters!!! This meet was at home and it was amazing the difference in her first meet and this meet. 1st meet Vault 6.850, Bars 6.750, Beam 7.975, Floor 7.550 with an All Around of 29.125. This meet Vault 7.850, Bars 7.850, Beam 8.125, Floor 7.20, and All Around 31.025. The floor judge scored her really low, she looked much better this time but that is life :) The MG's Level 3 placed 1st place!!!
Then Clayton turned 4!!! He had many celebrations from opening his presents on his birthday morning before going to school:

to the air show in Warner Robins (hopefully pictures soon)

to spending the afternoon with Mamaw

to CHUCK E CHEESE!! He had a ball!!

This is how we cut the grass around here :)

Plenty of Sunshine

2009-04-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

Finally the sun has broke through the clouds both in the sky and in the family. With all the rain and storms we are very glad to have sunshine today. I was kinda sad when they cancelled school Wednesday because I knew we were going to have to make it up. Lets just say God knew what he was doing. I have 0 days of sick leave left this year (yes we have been that sick this year). Clayton started running a 103 fever Monday night. Richard stayed home Tuesday and after a doctors visit he has Tonsillitis. Ashlyn started throwing up Wednesday night and running a high fever so another doctor visit later she has a virus. Richard had once again taken off on Wednesday because I had court that morning but we were not sure what we were going to do Thursday and Friday. Well school was cancelled for Thursday and Friday also. Friday was the worst day. They both ran 102 fevers all day Friday and just laid around and looked so sad. Today (Saturday) they both have taken a major turn for the better. Ashlyn is out and about going to a wedding and Clayton well let me just share two pictures. I was doing some house work and kept seeing him get pillows from everywhere and I walked in and found this....

Then I heard 'weeeeeee, that was awesome' *thud* and walked in and found this....

Ok I am Updating!!

2009-03-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

Ok...Ok everyone is wanting me to update so here we go...

Ashlyn did well in her Athen's meet. We were not sure how she was going to be able to do because she had a stomach virus on Saturday and had to compete on Sunday. You could tell that she was weak and it showed on her bars and beam but she put up her best floor and vault scores. Below are her floor and vault routines and her scores. I also included the march in. Most of the other teams were from gymnastic centers with only one other from a YMCA. Our level 3 girls came in 2nd!! Her last meet before the summer will be here at the YMCA on May 2nd. Everyone is invited to come and watch!!!

Vault 8.20

Bars 7.35

Beam 7.65

Floor 8.45

All Around 31.65

Not much else has been happening. We went last night to meet our prospective pastor and we are excited about what God is doing at First Baptist Church. I feel that God is doing a work not only in FBC but our family as well. It is really neat to take a step back from time to time and look at all that God has blessed us with!!

Today we are holding down the house with all the storms going by. Here are some pictures of Ashlyn and Clayton playing in the rain today.

WOW Ashlyn Turns 7

2009-02-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

I can not believe it has been 7 years since God has blessed us with such a precious gift. In the past 7 years God has truely blessed our family. We have two wonderful children that I treasure and thank God for every day. I can not wait to see what God has in store for our family.

All Ashlyn wanted from us for her Birthday was a puppy. I spent days and days trying to find the right puppy. I went to the Humane Society the week of her birthday for one last ditch effort and they had a new litter of VERY cute puppies. When I arrived home I let Ashlyn open her present and here are the pictures. Notice her eyes tearing up, it was priceless!

Now for the puppy drama. When I got the puppy, the Humane Society said she was born December 29th which would make him 5 1/2 weeks, which was very young but I figured he would survive better in our house than sitting in the Humane Society. She was without his mom either way. Long story short she became very ill and we took her to the vet who believes as of Feb. 19th she was 4 1/2 weeks old. Which would have made her 2 1/2 weeks old when we got her. I must say as of today she is doing much better and I believe she has a fighting chance. All 1.7 pounds.

This year Ashlyn wanted her birthday party at the skating rink. She had so much fun here are a few pictures.

Cha Cha Slide Time

Even Aunt Lea and Rebecca Got into it :) One memory growing up and going to Birthday parties at the skating rink was the birthday licks. Here are the pictures of Ashlyn's 7 birthday licks plus one to grow on and a mama lick. Back in the day I do believe that the spanking device was a little harder and wrapped many times with duck tape.

Clayton Side Note

I had to snap this picture the other day. Richard was in our bathroom fixing our toilet with all of his tools around him. I could not find Clayton. When I checked his bathroom this is the scene I saw. Notice his box of tools.

2009-02-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

My Little Cook

One of the best times I have with Clayton is when he helps me cook. If he sees me heading for the kitchen he always says "Mama can I help you cook?" This is followed by him dragging the chair from the table to the island to help me cook. Here he is helping me stir the peas. Below is a video of him making up a song and playing his 'drums' along with his music. He loves to make up songs and 'preform' them for me. He is our little entertainer!! Don't forget to check out Ashlyn's Thomasville Gymnastics Below!!

Ashlyn's Busy Weekend

2009-02-08T08:58:00.001-08:00

Ashlyn had a very big weekend. She had the main part at her chapel program and her Thomasville meet. She did very well at her Thomasville meet. I can see her confidence improve everytime she has a meet. Her scores this meet were Vault 7.6 (2nd place), Floor 8.0 (2nd place), Bars 8.150 (1st place), Beam 8.3 (1st place) and All Around 32.05 (2nd place). Way to go Ashlyn!!!! Below I included a clip from her chapel program and her meet.

Tallahassee Meet

2009-01-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

Ashlyn did very, very well at the Tallahassee meet. As I look back at her first meet in Moultrie and compare it to this meet you can really see how much she has improved!! Her scores for this meet are Vault 8.00 (her first 8 she was VERY excited!!), Bars 7.90 (personal best), Beam 8.20 (another 8!!!) and floor 7.40. Her all around was a 31.50!!! There were 12 girls in her age group, she tied 3 ways for 5th on Beam, she placed 6th on Bars, and 7th overall! We are so proud of her and most of all she had a ball!!!

Albany Gymnastic Meet

2009-01-10T16:15:00.000-08:00

Today Ashlyn participated in the Outlaw meet in Albany. She did very well and had a lot of fun. I have posted the video of her gymnastic meet. Next Saturday we are heading to Tallahasee to compete in a meet. She is a very busy girl but she is enjoying doing gymnastics. Her scores were Vault 6.75, Beam 7.85, Bars 7.55, Floor 7.1 and all around 29.25. Love ya all and I will post Christmas pictures soon!

Fall Fun

2008-11-07T13:43:00.000-08:00

Fall Fun!!!

Busy Weekend (Halloween, 1st Gymnastic Meet, and Play)

2008-11-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was VERY busy.

Friday night we had lots of fun trick or treating here are some pictures.
Saturday was Ashlyn's first gymnastic's meet here in Moultrie. Below are the videos of her competing. Her scores were on bars 6.750, beam 7.975, floor 7.55, and vault 6.85. Her all around score was 29.125.

Then their was the play she was in How to Eat Like a Child. Here are some pictures.

Mossy Creek

2008-10-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went up to Warner Robins and spent time with Nana, Pop, and Aunt Jennie and went to Mossy Creek. Here are some pictures from the Petting zoo, Ashlyn riding a horse, face painting, and Larry the Leprechaun. Clayton had his own vision of Batman and informed the lady he did not want black and yellow but a blue batman mask :)

Clayton's Invention

2008-10-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

Just had to share a picture of my ingenious son. He wanted his tractor to have a trailer. He found two Popsicle sticks some tape and taped them on the back. Then he could haul his block. Pretty smart for a three year old. He takes after his mother :)

A Little Update

2008-09-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

Things have been very busy since school has started. Ashlyn is doing gymnastics 3 days a week and is in another play. This is a one act play so she only has to practice one day a week. The play is How to Eat Like a Child. She is so excited that she has a speaking part. Her first real gymnastic competition is coming up November 1st and we will know soon if she has enough skills to compete in the competition. Ashlyn is loving 1st grade. Clayton has had a VERY hard time adjusting to daycare life. He was forced out of the YMCA daycare because he cried too much and too loud and he kept the others up at nap time. We have since put him in Ms. Heathers home daycare and he has adjusted much better. Ms. Heather has been a true blessing. He is also going to gymnastics with his friend Daniel on Fridays. He has really seemed to enjoy this. The kids are growing up so fast and it seems time slips by so fast. I am trying to embrass every moment. Below are some recent pictures.

These two photos are Clayton having a good time at Ms. Heathers. It took a while but he seems to be settling in pretty good.

Ashlyn rode the RB Wright float in the home coming parade.

Ashlyn was Annie Oakley at school.

This is a video of Clayton at Ms. Heathers

Our August

2008-08-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures to show what we have been up to in August.
Brooke and Ashlyn after Annie

Ashlyn and Connie Fritz (Annie Director)
Ashlyn and Ms Hannigan
Ashlyn at Annie
Ashlyn with the first grade class before receiving their Bibles in church.
Ashlyn receiving her Bible in church

Ashlyn getting ready to go meet a GymDog!

Ashlyn getting to meet a GymDog

Ashlyn and Clayton getting ready for the first day of School. It has been a long road for Clayton he is still having separation anxiety and cries a lot through out the day. His worst times are drop off and nap time.

Ashlyn and Clayton playing in Tropical Storm Fay

2008-08-04T16:13:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn was very busy this summer with Gymnastics and Annie practice this is a little snip of Annie. She really enjoyed being in the production.

Well summer is officially over for Richard, Clayton, and myself. Ashlyn starts school next week. Today was my first day back and it went rather well, it was good to see everyone. Today was Richard first day with kids and so far so good for him also. Clayton also started 'school' today. I was a little scared because he cries when left anywhere and usually for a long time. They said he did really good in their words 'much better than they expected'. It was very hard to leave him at a daycare and I am so grateful that my mom was able to keep my children as long as she could. He seemed to have had fun. He did say he got in trouble for getting up during nap time but I'm not sure if I could lay down for 2 hours if I did not go to sleep. Maybe he will go to sleep during nap time soon. He takes after his older sister :)

Man They Grow Up Fast

2008-07-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is so long but is worth the watch :)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Red Hill Farms with the 'Best' Family

2008-07-17T10:21:00.001-07:00

Here are some snapshots from out recent family vacation. We had a lot of fun and miss everyone very much. The kids are already asking when we are going back. Between swimming, mudpits, eating, outside movies, golfing, camping out, zip line, hanging out with cousins, riding the hummer, corn holes, badminton, kite flying in lightening storms, and target shooting there was definitely no room to be bored :)

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Pine Mountain Trip

2008-07-07T12:20:00.000-07:00

So we decided this year to go camping once again over the 4th of July. We decided to camp at Pine Mountain this year and watch the fireworks at Callaway Gardens. We arrived the afternoon of the 4th and stayed in a tent three nights and returned home Monday the 7th. Here are some pictures from our trip. There's none of me cooking breakfast but I did get up every morning and cook bacon and eggs over the fire. The pictures Richard took of me somehow disappeared :)

First we went to the butterfly house which Ashlyn and Clayton loved. The butterflies loved to land on Ashlyn. She would stand very still and they would land on her. Clayton wanted the butterflies to land on him but he kept moving around. After we went to the butterfly house the kids swam in the lake at Callaway. Clayton found a friend to play with. After the kids swam we went to the FSU flying high circus. The kids loved watching the circus.

Then the lightning and the rain came in and we had to spend an hour in the car. It finally let up about 9:15 and we took our seats and waited for the fireworks. We had to wake Clayton up so he could watch the fireworks but as the picture shows about he did not last long. I think he watched one or two minutes of the fireworks.

On Saturday a local youth group was putting on a puppet show in the state park. Ashlyn and Clayton watched the puppet show, made there own puppets, and watched them make balloon animals. Then Ashlyn played water balloon toss and Ashlyn and Clayton both got to play in the water from a fire truck. The last picture is of Ashlyn and Clayton hiking through the woods behind our tent (they loved to explore the woods). On Saturday we also went to the top of Pine Mountain.

On Sunday we went to The Little White House and Providence Canyon. Ashlyn did a great job walking down, around, and back up Providence Canyon. Clayton well... he did a great job riding on my back :).

Once we arrived back at the campsite we were looking foward to grilling steak and potatoes but it was storming with no end in site so we went out to eat. Once back at the campsite everything was wet outside so we played in the tent.

This was a very successful fun vacation!! We loved spending time together!!

Girl's (and Clayton) Trip

2008-06-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

We went to Lake George (aka Lake Eufaula) with Mama, Amy, Autumn, and Lea. The kids had A LOT of fun with their Mamaw, Aunt Lea, Aunt Amy and Cousin Autumn. We didn't even get eaten by Alligators (contrary to what Aunt Lea might tell you) :). We did rent a pontoon boat one day and went out on the lake where we swam. Not long after we went swimming off the boat we saw an alligator eat a dead fish right beside our boat (kinda unnerving). This was a very good trip and we loved every minute of it!!! Click on the picture collage above to get a better look.

Mother's Day

2008-06-12T09:53:00.001-07:00

We had a very good mother's day. We were able to spend the weekend with Richard's parents. As I sit and think about mother's day I can only think of how blessed I am in so many ways. I am truly blessed to have a wonderful mother. She is a very strong women (even if she does not see it herself). She has always been there for me and my family throughout the years. She raised me in a christian home and has made me who I am today. I don't thank her enough for all she does for me.
I am also blessed to have such a wonderful mother in law. I hope she understands how much she means to me and my family. My family would not be where we are today if she had not raised such a wonderful son. I think about all of the daughter in laws that complain about their mother in law so I know I am blessed to have such a wonderful mother in law.
Last but most importantly I think about my own children. I am truly blessed with two wonderful children. Ashlyn and Clayton are my life. I cherish every moment I get to spend with them. I have loved watching them grow up and I pray that I am the mother that God wants me to be. I want to raise my children to know God and follow God. I want when they look at me that I shine the love of Jesus. I want to use my words to encourage and build up their lives and not tear them down. God has given me two precious gifts and I want to give them back to him and raise them in his will.

LOST TOOTH

2008-05-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

ASHLYN LOST HER FIRST TOOTH!! SHE IS SO EXCITED!!

Gymnastics

2008-05-24T05:35:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn had her gymnastic show this week. She showed us what all she has learned this year and showed us some of her routines. She also found out that she is moving up to the competition team. She will now be in Level 3. She is very excited! She will miss Ms Dawn. She has been coaching Ashlyn in gymnastics since we first did a mom and me class when she was one. We will still get to see her at the gym though.

She will have a very busy summer. She will have gymnastics practice 3 days a week. She also tried out for the art centers production of Annie and is going to be an orphan and practice 2-3 times a week. She is a very busy little girl.

The Kids First Summer Dip

2008-05-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn and Clayton have been itching to get into some water. This weekend we blew up a little pool in the yard and let them play in it and the water hose. They had lots of fun and are excited that summer will be here soon. We have this week left of school and then it is summer time! I am excited about spending all summer with Ashlyn and Clayton.

Fishing with Papa

2008-05-17T05:43:00.000-07:00

I came to pick Ashlyn up this week after school and I found her fishing with Papa. They were pulling fish in left and right. Most of the fish were little brim but then she snagged a big fish. When the fish grabbed the line it almost took her in the pond. She fought for the fish and then I took the line while Papa and Ashlyn fished the fish out of the water with a net. We were shocked at how big the fish was when we got him in so we had to snap a few pictures. Papa also took me in the woods hunting for tadpoles :) Ashlyn sure had a lot of fun with her Papa this week!

A Slideshow to enjoy :)

2008-05-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

This was suppose to be a time for me to get a really good picture of Ashlyn and Clayton. Clayton would not slow down long enough for me to shoot very many. Ashlyn on the other hand loves to be in front of the camera. She wants to be America's Next Top Model. She will throw together a pose and tell you exactly what she wants you to do. She also took time to get behind the camera and take a picture of Richard and I.

Trip to Aunt Amy's and Uncle Keith

2008-04-05T12:34:00.001-07:00

We went to Atlanta to see little Autumn Gunter get baptised.

Aunt Lea with Ashlyn and Clayton before Autumn's Baptism

Here we visited the Tillmans!!

Here is Ashlyn with her little cousin Autumn! We had a lot of fun at Aunt Amy and Uncle Keith's house!
Clayton really took to Autumn he loved 'petting' her. I was amazed at how careful he was with her. He loved to make her laugh and smile.
Her is Amy and Clayton at the Atlanta zoo!

The Faucett Family

2008-04-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here we are Richard, Sherry, Ashlyn, and Clayton Faucett. The Faucett family. I think we need to work on getting a picture of all four of us in one shot!!

Clayton Chilling with Aunt Jennie

Ashlyn and Clayton with Nana and Pop

Easter

2008-03-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, my family has now entered the world of blogging!! I feel so 'with it' now. Here Ashlyn and Clayton are after Easter Service. I can not believe how big they are getting. Ashlyn is now 6 and is in Kindergarden. Clayton will be turning 3 April 21st. Hopefully I can keep this blog updated with recent pictures. We are excited about this weekend to go to Aunt Amy's to see little Autumn so I am sure we will have pictures from the trip soon!!