a little Josh-er (pun intended)

Well, well, well. We have a little JOSHer... just like his Daddy!

Jax was getting ready to take a bath, and I walked into the bathroom and saw this! I had to look twice! Here, you need to look a little closer, too:

That little stinker! At 4, already a purdy gud prankster!

It is so true: the apple don't fall far from the tree!

lil' Popeye

Jax has become interested in "healthy" eating, thanks to a change in the daily menu at preschool. It's amazing that his teachers can get him to eat things that he wouldn't dare touch at home! I won't say much about that because I can very specifically remember doing the same thing when I was a child. But, I still admire his teacher's ability to get him to try some of the things on their "new and improved" lunch menu because many of the items I would never touch in a million years myself, regardless of how many stickers, praises, treats, and prizes are offered!

So, now that Jax is a "health nut", a grocery shopping trip is EVEN MORE interesting with him tagging along. Just this week, he pitched a fit as I was loading a 5lb. bag of sugar into the buggy. He was screaming, "MOOOOMMMA! SUGAR IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU!" All of the other shoppers just strolled by, as I attempted to explain that some sugar is okay. He just got louder.

A few aisles over, he found the canned Spinach. Yuck. I tried to ignore his suggestions that we buy some. How was I, the totally-non-healthy-eater, going to tell him that I wasn't going to buy it? He told me all the reasons it is healthy - it is green, it is a bedge-able {vegetable}, AND- it is what Popeye eats, and HE is really strong and healthy.... Ok, yes, you got that right - we are now the owners of this:

So, I held my breath as I unloaded the groceries and put them away at home that evening; I hoped he would forget that we bought the stuff. And, he did. For now, anyway.

So here's the dilemma: What in the world am I going to do with this stuff??? I have NO IDEA how to prepare it (or are you even supposed to do that?)!!!! SUGGESTIONS? Please! How do you cook this?!!! help!!!!

raising a big heart

This year, Jax and Joy BOTH are participating in the Trike-A-Thon at school, to raise money for St. Jude's Childrens Hospital. It is such an educational experience, even for the little ones like Joy. This will be Jax's third year to participate and he is already looking forward to raising money "for the sick kids" and riding his bicycle in the event on campus. With each year, he is understanding more and more about helping others. Plus, our little friend Felder and his experience with leukemia has helped Jax to understand even more that he/we are very blessed. I love these teachable moments! (p.s. - if any of my faithful blog readers would like to help them with their efforts to raise money "for the sick kids", you know how to contact me! I'd love to come by to pick up your donations! :-) )

As we have begun preparing for our Trike-A-Thon fundraising efforts, I began to think about the last cause that we supported - the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with the Light the Night walk, back in September! It was a family event for us - yes, even Josh walked! The festivities and service were great, and although they didn't understand everything that was going on, both of the kiddos had a blast!

I turned my back for just one moment, and Jax got a tattoo!

And, Joy, well, she continued her teething activities, using any prop that she could get her tiny little hands on.... doesn't this look like a billboard ad? LOL
Actually, this "fan" that she is chewing on was passed out as we entered the Braves stadium, where the LLS walk was held. I had actually joined the efforts to "donate life" by becoming a member of the MS Organ donation registry just about a week before.

They had many balloons for the service that took place that night. They were winners with the kids, of course! Jax continued to play with his, even after we got home. The things these kids can come up with -- and to think we have "wasted" so much money on trendy toys!


We are looking forward to "helping" more people through the upcoming Trike-A-Thon... it's a different cause, but we hope to foster the same giving spirit with this opportunity. I hope our efforts will help not only the "sick kids" but also my own kids... I want them to see the many daily blessings that have been bestowed upon them... not by their Daddy and I... but by their Father above! I hope to post some more updates on our St. Jude Trike-A-Thon fundraising efforts as the big day draws near (March 11!). Yay!

Joy at Mountain Joy

I just realized I forgot to post a photo of my sweet girl in my last update, "Dreaming of Spring". She was asleep when we toured through Cade's Cove, but we had a slight photo session back in the cabin later on, just after her bath - she loved the furry rug!

Dreaming of Spring

Lately, it's been really cold and wet, followed by teasers of semi-warm, only to be followed by more rain, cold, and SNOW... and, not necessarily in that order.

Typical.

Mississippians know that the Mississippi weather forecasts should be taken with a grain of salt, because its... well... it's Mississippi Weather! You didn't realize "Mississippi" can be used as an adjective, did you?

Well, all of this cold, wet, rain and snow has just made me realize one thing more: I'm ready for Spring, no, make that SUMMER!

So, in the back of mind, I've been contemplating summer routines, vacation, VBS, warmth & sun, among other things "summer".

And, then I begin to feel overwhelmed. OMG, where will be our 2010 summer vacation destination?? I have GOT to get on this!!! I'm late getting around to research, research, research and that could ultimately cost us, and you all know how thrifty I am, ha ha. Sooooo.... what are your suggestions for a summer vacation destination? We are interested in places that are not over-the-top, over-priced, or overly-crowded. In other words, KID-friendly. Suggestions, everyone!! :-)

Meanwhile, I'll continue to dream of SUMMER and I'll let you know if it helps to speed the process any. Here's some photos from our wonderful summer vacation last summer (Aug '09) in Townsend, TN - the Great Smokey Mountains. It was fabulous... my only complaint is that we didn't have more time to stay.

Our cabin, "Mountain Joy":




View from the front porch of the cabin:


We enjoyed seeing the wildlife, and even got a few photos of some creatures... the bear, unfortunately, was much too swift for this photographer as it ran across the road in front of us and off into the woods. So, our photo memories shall consist of the lovely deer, and this woodpecker, who apparently wants to be a model in his next life.





Jax and Joy both enjoyed the "shows" in Pigeon Forge, much to my surprise. The Comedy Barn was a favorite of the whole family.


No Smokey Mountain vacation is complete without a trip to Cade's Cove. Love it. It's serene, it's beautiful, and it's free! Most of the wildlife that we saw were inhabitants of Cade's Cove. We also like the history - I love the old cemeteries and churches, and we even helped ourselves into an old house too. I sorta felt like Goldilocks, sneaking in while the 3 bears were gone. But there was no porridge; not that I would partake had we found some there, ha. Well, whoever lived there left a great place for photos of the kids... too bad mine weren't exactly in the mood for an impromptu photo session! Just my luck. Anyway, we also enjoyed the gift shops, which had some great educational items, and some, well, unique items. Jax purchased his very first compass there, with his own money, and Josh found the funniest book there, although we didn't feel the need to purchase it this time (we already knew the answer, ha)



And, I think we'll end this post on that note.

How do we top the '09 laid-back, yet fun-filled vacation? Don't forget to send me your suggestions!

so far behind...

I'm so far behind with my blogging, that I just don't know where to begin. In regards to scrapbooking, people always say to start where ever you are in life, vow to keep up as you move forward, and as time allows, go back and pick up the stuff that you missed previously. Wellllllll... a part of me wants to start with January 2010 and move forward as suggested by the "experts" with my blog... but the more anal part of me is having a hard time dealing with the idea that my blog photos and stories would then be completely out of chronological order, and you would miss the last 6+ months of my fun-filled life!

And so... you have... now... discovered... ME

This is an example of ME in every sense of my life. Not really sure where to start, so I just turn in circles... hoping to find the "start" button... but never really do. I just see a blurred "start" button, because I'm spinning so fast and can't stop. Darn those circles. Ha.

So, anywho, back on subject --tsk,tsk-- what to do?, oh what to do? Major decision, here. and I'm torn.... hhhhhmmmm....

well, I think I'll just share a couple of my favorite pictures with you now in this post and then promise to go back to the "stories" behind them ASAIC (that's As Soon As I Can). Then, we'll all be happy (all of my personalities, that is). And, you'll get to see my beautiful children before they move off to college. So, there. Happy Day.

Back in AUGUST (geez! I know, I know. don't remind me), we had a great time on vacation. We went to the Smokey Mountains, and invited Josh's family to come along with us this year. A good time was had by all. I have some great scenery photos, and of course, some great snaps of the kiddos, but those will have to wait...

We walked in the Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society along with Team Felder in September. This was a family event for us, and we ALL had a blast. More news about this and other TEAM FELDER events coming... But here's a photo to tide you over...

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Also in September, my Mom retired after 40 years -yes, 40- with the bank. So proud of her and so happy that she has finally

reached "Retirement". She has been doing exactly what she wants to do, when she wants to do it, and I think that is just wonderful.

It also makes me really look forward to retirement myself.

Ha, I know, don't remind me how far off that is.

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In October, we shifted into high-gear. Apparently so much that I haven't even slowed down enough to get the pictures printed. Yet. Ugh. Okay, I will have to look for the October pictures. But meanwhile, I'll go ahead and tell give you a few hints: fun times at the pumpkin patch, and one adorable little pirate and his precious lil sidekick, a butterfly. No, I have no idea what happened to the parrot. Just take my word for it, this butterfly was much prettier!November continued with a whirlwind of events and holiday get-together's. Joy worked on getting some more teeth (besides the bottom two that she's had to depend on for the last 5 months with no sign of any help coming) and Jax worked on his "A-TENnnn-TION" (it's never too early to begin preparing for one's future career!)

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December brought us snow for the second year in a row here in South Mississippi! Last year (2008), it was 70 degrees when I went in to the hospital for Joy to be born... and it was SNOWING the day we brought her home. In the spirit of this amazing feat, we decided to go with a "Winter ONE-derland" theme for her first birthday party. And, we did have one special birthday party because it also SNOWED the night before, and the morning of her party. It was really cool that she got REAL snow at her Winter ONE-derland party. How many kids living in MS can say that??!!! I promise, more party pics coming later, but here's a couple of the Birthday Girl to tide you over:

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The holiday festivities continued in December with MORE gatherings, reunions, and parties. Although Joy really didn't understand the whole Christmas ordeal yet, she was able to participate in most activities planned to celebrate the season. She could "sing" a little in the children's Christmas program at church, and she was really good at jingling the jingle-bells, and of course, looking like a sweet, pretty little angel. Jax was so much fun this year, as he looked forward to seeing Santa to give him his list, giving AND receiving presents, and he was even excited about feeding the reindeer and leaving cookies out for Santa to have a snack. I can't wait to add more pictures of one of my MOST FAVORITE times of the year...

And, then, of course, there's January. Our little baby boy turned FOUR on January 9. Wow, where does the time go? He too enjoyed a GREAT birthday party, despite the 14-degree temps outside! Winter birthdays are definitely a challenge to plan, but Jax's Knock-Out Boxing Party was a whole lot of fun! Again, more pics later, but just a teaser for now:

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Check out that REAL black eye - it was MUCH better by the time his party rolled around, but it was still visible for sure! Just goes right along with the theme, doesn't it?!! More on that story later also.

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So that, in a nutshell, brings me up to date. I cannot BELIEVE I have let the most eventful time of the year for us slip by "uncovered" on my blog. Maybe it was because I was busy planning and attending those events. I won't say that I made it a formal "resolution," but I'm hoping that I can do better this year with my blogging and photos.

I did make a resolution to STOP giving up ALL of my personal time for work stuff... so hopefully, that will help me to not sweat the small stuff in my work hours, so that I can get done what needs to be done, and not have to sacrifice my personal and family time making up for time wasted on the menial things. I have found that students really do not appreciate the little things, and most of the time that's not their fault - they just don't notice them so they don't know to appreciate it. Sooooo... out with the small stuff, and on with the fun stuff. Both at work, and in personal time.

Oh, P.S. - any suggestions on HOW to get more time out of a day will still be accepted and appreciated! (I still need that genie, regardless of the so-called resolution. LOL)

enjoying my children; remembering my angels

Today, I'm at home, off work for the national holiday, enjoying the extra day with my kiddos. They are so bright and so loving. I love them so much.
Today also makes 5 years since I miscarried our very first child. Its a bittersweet day - glad to have the time to spend with my little ones but also a time that I cannot forget my Angel Baby. I still wonder if it was a boy or girl?, and what would he or she look like?, and because I don't know much about them (I had a second miscarriage between Jax and Joy) will I know who they are in heaven? Will I recognize them as my Angel Babies, the children I never got to meet and never got to hold but who I have thought so much about?
Today also reminds me of the many, many blessings God has given me. Today I will enjoy my family and praise Him for each and every one. Additionally, I'll keep those who are struggling with miscarriage and/or infertility in my prayers but I already know God will take care of them too! He's just wonderful like that!

Welcome back! or Go away! ??

Many of you know that I follow WLBT-3 meteorologist Barbie Bassett through her own personal blog, Barbie's Forecasts & Faith. I think she is an amazing woman and mother - she has such a way with words, and people. She seems to be one of those people that cannot be brought down, no matter what. I aspire to be more like her - to look at the positive side of every situation, and to look to God for the answers when I don't have them on my own.
Barbie posts some weather forecasts and weather-related information on her blog, but she primarily posts stories about her family and her personal walk with God. But, some of the most shocking posts on her blog are related to her professional duties as WLBT Chief Meteorologist. On several occasions, she has shared emails from her viewers - both fans, and foes. I AM AMAZED AT THE THINGS SOME PEOPLE WILL SAY (write)!!!
Like Barbie, I get a lot of emails, mostly from students, but I usually keep them to myself, too embarrassed to admit the things that people have said about me. Today, I decided that it is time to share some of the things that YOUR leaders of tomorrow have on their minds. Here's two emails that were in my Inbox when I returned to work from Christmas break yesterday:
1.) "i just want to say thanks for that lovely d in your class now i have to repeat that class over and my gpa is messed up and has me on probation as well . i do not known why u think that an online class has to be that hard and when u seen that it was a blank page submitted why didn't u email to if there was some kind of error with the submitting because what i had on that page was some work but why it did not get to u i do not known , but it is a lost call with u."
Since I'm in the Alphabet business now, I thought I should extend the offer to my friends and family as well! Why should I GIVE letters to students only??!!! Are there any blog-followers out there who are in dire need of a letter? Apparently, I have some tucked away somewhere, and I just freely pass them out. So, get yours while they're free -- it would be too much trouble to actually earn them.
Here's the very next email that was in my box:
2.)"Hey Ms. Leggett. I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your class this semester. I thought you were just an awesome teacher that actually made psychology fun and interesting.(haha) Really have enjoyed your class I wish I could have taken your human growth class, but I just took what I could. Hope you have a nice holiday.
P.S.
Your a great teacher don't give up on these kid's. I can see where they would be a challenge."
Boy did that one come at the right time or what?!! Wow
And this is how my days go... the little feedback that I do receive is so contradictory... like a roller coaster. It is so difficult to devise my classes to quench the thirst of the "good" students who really want to learn, but to also tolerate the "bad" student who is only keeping my classroom desk warm just long enough to get his/her financial aid refund.
FRUSTRATING is an understatement.
Tomorrow begins Day 1 of the Spring semester. I'll go over the syllabus and explain how COLLEGE works to the students who show up for the first day of classes. Of course, that will be only the "good" students - those who want to learn, who want to be in college, who want a degree, and who want to BE somebody. The others - well, they'll come dragging in next week sometime, and they'll be the ones who fail or nearly fail because they were not present to hear the rules and the explanation of tests and assignments; they'll be the ones complaining because they chose not to come to class and they missed all of the "answers" that were given out and therefore that mean ole Mrs. Leggett GAVE them a D... or an F... or whatever she felt like that day. humph. College. Who would have thought it would be like this? WORK and RESPONSIBILITY, that's crazy. College is for free internet, free socializing, good cafeteria food, great dorms to shack up in, lotsa partying, and most of all, financial aid refunds and a free "get out of work" card - for at least 2 years, if not 7 or 8... geeeez!

Long time, no post

First of all, let me say that the blog is still "on" and I have not forgotten about my dear blog. I LOVE blogging, and I would never just abandon you three faithful readers! I have felt the urge to blog soooo much, but just haven't been able to find the time... or the available technology to get it taken care of. The fact that our home internet access has been very MOODY hasn't helped at all. But, I can't just blame the out-in-the-sticks technology alone. The last couple months have been nothing less than absurdly crazy, hideously hectic, non-stop run-run-running for us, especially for the Queen Bee balancing the end of the semester paperwork and grade submission crunch for 9 class sections (!) along with the family plans of not one, but two, birthday parties all mixed and mingled with the holiday hoopla with the immediate families, semi-immediate families, extended families, and extra-extended families..... whew... that is a run-on sentence for sure. ha. ANYWAY, you know what I mean - time has just FLOWN by!
I have a MILLION AND ONE pictures to share and blog about, plus at least 375, 731 funny stories to share about the Leggett little ones and even a couple about the big Leggett's too, ha ha. It may be next year, but I will get them posted, eventually.
2010 is just around the corner. I go back to work January 4 - only to face 9 classes again (one class shy of 2X the contracted courseload!) for the Spring semester, but I am bound and determined to get some time penciled in for my blog somehow. Afterall, this is my way of documenting so much, and I enjoy re-living by going back and reading about the various phases of our lives on this blog.
Stay tuned, faithful bloggies, I'm dying to share some of my favorite stories and pictures with you!
much love to you all -
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
-neisha

to make you laugh

Are words really needed for these photos? I hope you have a happy, JOYful Wednesday!

write about your summer break

I am so far behind on my blogging, it ain't even funny.
But I really don't know why I expect any different... I am consistently behind on EVERYTHING! ugh.

I have TONS of pictures to post from the summer (and even more that I haven't even VIEWED since taking them - they're still on my memory card!).

We stayed busy, busy, busy during the summer days. And, even after all 3 (!) of the kids were in bed, I'd stay up half the night doing the things that I wanted to do - there was no time for my chores or hobbies during the daytime!

Of course, I tried to blog some at night, but dial-up was very frustrating. I did some cleaning, and tried to organize a bit, but never could really label either of those tasks as completely "accomplished". So, they remain on the list, even though summer is over, like many of my other "to do's".

I also did a little sewing, and I learned to make bows for Joy, so I toyed around with those two new hobbies in my late night "me" time. Here's a few pics:

my first attempt at an A-line dress. I took a class for the specific purpose of learning how to sew a lined A-Line dress. Since Joy has many summer clothes, I decided to contruct an 18-month size for next summer's wardrobe. So, she won't be wearing this one for a while. Hopefully, she'll have some little boots by the time she grows into this dress. The cowgirl fabric is so cute, and will be perfect with little pink boots I think!

Next, I decided to try the lined A-line dress on my own. I even got a little creative with the flower applique. I guessed on sizing and came up with this one, which is still too big for this summer, but oh well; more for next summer's wardrobe!So I tried it a third time, cutting down the size even more, and this time, it worked! Joy wears this little dress quite well! It is pink John Deere fabric with brown accents. Looks great with her pink/brown John Deere soft-sole boots.

Next, I tried a top/pants set. I picked out the pattern, materials, etc. all by myself. Those patterns - whew- it is like reading greek to me! So I was proud of myself in being able to pick it out and buy all the things I needed to make the outfit, then go home and actually put it all together. It was fun, too!

she would NOT put down the blankie long enough for a picture of the outfit! I'm thinking Modeling is not going to be a part of her future, if she keeps this blankie-attachment going, gah! Here's another outfit (and better modeling, except for the mysterious location, LOL):

Before returning to work, I had the opportunity to take another one of Jennifer's sewing classes. It was so much fun to make a sweet pair of bloomers to match the first dress that I made. I still love the fabric. These are gonna be cutie patootie next summer with the matching a-line dress! Tune in next year for pictures of her wearing the ensemble! :-)

And, Jax. I could not forget my dear sweet boy. It is harder to find things to make for a boy who demands only jeans and t-shirts for his daily attire! However, I did find that he was quickly outgrowing his current supply of pj's.... so... viola! --I just whipped up a couple pairs for him! (ha ha)


The first set has construction equipment on them, and the second set has John Deere tractors. I know it is odd to see a child with both pj's and a backpack on at the same time. Let me explain. The second photo was taken on "Pajama Day" - a fun part of Homecoming Week at Co-Lin. Jax really enjoyed getting to wear his PJ's to school that day, and has requested to do it again! LOL

Is it Monday again?

Oh!

Hello!

Is it Monday again?

Mondays and bad hair just seem to go hand in hand.

But that doesn't halter the sweet and precious smiles from our Joy.

Joy. How fitting.

worth a photo op

There's nothing cuter than a sweet little princess in her robe and slippers, feeling comfy yet sassy, and all grins!

There's also nothing functional about baby robes and slippers besides photo opportunities. So, photo op it is! Enjoy!

Doesn't this make you want to have a "Girls Night"???

Oooh, the things she has to look forward to as a Princess girl.

catching up: summer picks

Little farmer Jax had more veggies than he could pick! The gardening got a little old as the end of summer approached, but he had a great time overall. This year, we had tomatoes, squash (oh, did we ever!), butterbeans, and a little bit of corn. Plenty for us, and much left over to share. Next year, we may try something different... Jax is already looking forward to planting time next spring.