Kelly~Joanna~Eden~Hank

Nutcracker Sweet

2011-12-11T20:58:00.001-05:00

Rosebud Eden

A chance to get in and get photos before showtime

Night 1 post-performance

Getting ready for their big performances, 2nd day...dancing cousins

Her new Nutcracker

Cousins-Eden, Iris and Lily

Another Nutcracker season has come and gone. Nutcracker 2011 has proven success for Eden and her cast mates This year Eden was a Rosebud and shared the stage with the Dew Drop and her Spring Flowers. She is such a big girl and did such a wonderful job! We are so proud of her and all the growth as a dancer she has shown. Next month Eden moves in to Toe-shoes...she is so excited and cannot wait to learn the new technique that all the "big girls" get to do. In next year's show she will grace the stage in her toe-shoe's debut as a Big Angel. My baby is growing up and it is so bitter sweet to watch yet so much fun and exciting. We are eager to see all that she is to accomplish but then catch ourselves holding on to every moment that we can to keep our little girl little. Here's to many more years.

Click here to see Eden's first Nutcracker, second, third, and fourth...

School Activities

2011-12-09T21:22:00.000-05:00

Eden's Music Group's visit to Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights

Warming up with hot chocolate and latte

My sweet boy

Ready to sing some Christmas carols

Hank making a gingerbread man

Touring the gardens....so pretty

Enjoying the view and having a great time

Hank's First grade field trip to the Tennessee Aquarium

The four boys that I "chaperoned"

Penguin exhibit

Shark cage

Ten Years and Counting

2011-11-27T21:04:00.001-05:00

Nothing like a trip to Tuscaloosa to say Happy Anniversary...it was fun, AL played GSU, Kelly's alma mater. We had a blast catching up with his Pi Kappa Phi buddies.

GSU tailgate party

Finally walking UP to our seats:)

pretty good view from the top

And then off to Gulf Shores...

Sun rising on the Gulf of Alabama...

Not many more pics for there was noone to take them:)

and finally home to ATL to Thanksgiving with our family

Thank you, Kelly for my surprise "2nd Honeymoon" I loved it. WOW, it is so hard to believe we are celebrating 10 years of marriage. It feels like a lifetime with all that we have accomplished and the blessing of two beautiful and healthy children, yet feels like a blink in our short lives with the anticipation of many more to come. Kelly truly is my best friend and love of my life. Our trip was such a great time of relaxing beach side (with 80 degree weather), walking, talking, dinning, and just reconnecting. A whole week at the beach is a long time for a couple that has spent all of their marriage with children in the mix. We thoroughly needed this and completely enjoyed ourselves. The hardest part was missing "our babies"...although we had fun, it was hard to sit on the beach and watch other families enjoying themselves. What a blessing this trip was; a true reminder that our relationship is important and to keep it in the forefront of our family. We believe strongly in our marriage and the importance of a "complete family" for our children and for each other-we value each other. Here's to our 20 year trip (hopefully somewhere tropical)...it will be the next time we'll have a chance for a getaway.

Fun Fall

2011-10-31T20:43:00.000-04:00

What a busy fall we have had; soccer, cheering, half marathons, Halloween and lots of football! Here is just a small caption into our lives-we've been busy, almost too busy to even catch it on film!

Church water station at mile 10!

Our Run for God group that completed the half marathon!

Hank was so proud of his daddy and extremely excited to sport his medal!

My first U8 soccer team. Hank had such an awesome season and has really improved; catching on to the purpose of the game and developing a real love of the sport.

Haunted trails and corn mazes.

Annual family trip to Fort Mountain...featured here; all the great-grands!

Family trip to Helen Georgia...

and we brought Ganny along

Happenings in the streets of Helen

...and a trip to Burt's Pumpkin Patch

Halloween

Day at Point Park

What a fun Fall we have had. I always love this time of year. It has been so relaxing this time around being finished with school and the ability to spend so much time with the kids and Kelly-it is so breathtaking. I am now looking on to the winter holidays and all that it brings!

First Day of School...for us ALL

2011-08-10T19:49:00.005-04:00

All of us anxious and ready to start a new adventure: Me, first day as teacher at CAPS (children's assessment and preschool services) as the new co-teacher; Eden, on her first day of 4th grade; and Hank, on his first day of 1st grade! What a day for us all:) I am so excited to be starting my first year of teaching and I could not be more thankful for the opportunity. Stay tuned for the fun and all of the stories!

Summer Fun

2011-08-05T21:10:00.000-04:00

Afternoon 4th of July lunch at Jefferson's

Summer lovin' from my Hankie boy before the Rome Braves baseball game

Ready for the fireworks

Camp Glisson fun for Eden

Welcoming new babies into our brood of friends

Hessenbruch family mini-reunion

Graduation dinner at Food Works

Post-graduation dinner fun at the Riverfront Park

A trip to ATL and White Water-what a fun day!

And of course a one last trip to the lake...

Despite the fact I was finishing up my final courses of my Master's degree we still found plenty of time for FUN. From parties, to camping and baseball games, our summer was jammed packed! I would not have had it any other way. I am so looking forward to all the summer adventures that are sure to come of the life of a school teacher....we always have our summers off!

Finally...TEACHER!

2011-07-30T15:06:00.000-04:00

Oh where to begin...
I have been on this path for quite some time, 1997 to be exact:) the year I graduated high school and entered as a freshman at Covenant College. I take full responsibility for not accomplishing my goals prior to now, but over the past 14 years I have had quite the road blocks-none of which I regret; injuries, life interruptions such as moving, marriage, the birth of two children...the list could go on and on. But none of that matters, for today I have finally reached the end of that road, I am officially a teacher, a Special Education teacher.
My heart has just grown leaps and bounds for these children; the disabled ones, the ones that others see difficult to teach and others whom consider them not teachable. I am now their advocate and I am so ready to take on that job. It's been an interesting road and I feel it all was necessary to be who I am today; God doesn't make wrong decisions, and I have walked the path for which He had intended.
I am graduating with a 3.98, not perfect but pretty darn close. I am so proud of myself and am so thankful for all of the support-from my mom for babysitting so much, my husband for taking over house hold duties such as laundry and running the kids around, to my kids whom gave up their mommy (only some) so that I could read, study, do projects, and go to class at least twice a week and their whole summers (twice). I am truly grateful to them all; I couldn't have done this without everyone's support.
I received a call on Thursday...an job offering. Wow, I interviewed in June and have waited ALL summer for this call! A teaching position in Whitfield County, the county for which I have grown up and have been working as a paraprofessional the past three years. I will be teaching preschool special education as a co-teacher in a Head Start classroom; an inclusion classroom with fifteen 3-5 year old's-half special needs and half your typical preschool student with no known disabilities. I am so excited and cannot wait to begin.

Commencement

Words cannot express how excited, elated, happy, honored, proud, etc., I am! This is a point in my life that I have wished for for quite some time. Everything in your life happens for a reason...like one of the undergrad's quoted at Commissioning "if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." God has had a plan for me all along and this was all a part of it; not the exact tract I had intended to take but God knew what I needed best.

So, here I am with a Masters of Arts in Teaching in Special Education and waiting to begin my life as a special educator. Let the fun begin...!

Ms. Wiz

2011-06-12T20:44:00.001-04:00

Eden participated in her dance studio's acting camp and their version of The Wizard of Oz. She did such a great job and truly performed her little heart out. This girl definitely has a talent in this field and boy does she love it. We are so proud of her.

Welcome to Munchkin Land!

Her turn at Dorothy...she did such a good job.

Helping out the Scarecrow

The Wicked Witch

The Cast

Summer Fun

2011-06-01T21:20:00.000-04:00

Memorial Weekend at Allatoona

Eli and Eden

Big little swimmer!

Eden's 9th Birthday

Homemade cake and Orange Crush Ice cream!

Last day of school...

My new First and Fourth graders!

We are so excited to finally be in the swing of summer. Lots to do; days at the pool, trips to the lake, summer school for me and soon-to-be graduate...sure is a lot going on. I cherish our summers together and am so looking forward to finishing school and becoming a full time teacher and always having my summers with them! Praying now for a job and the security that will bring and knowing that all this hard work will have not been in vain:)! Here's to a great summer!

Awards Day, PGE

2011-05-24T21:39:00.001-04:00

Kindergartner time

With the best teachers

Such a sweet boy:)

Eden's turn:)

Such a great Third grade year

Me and my awesome student!

Good Ole Days...Again

2011-05-23T09:47:00.002-04:00

Cousins...on the field together almost 20 years apart!

Proud son and father

Cheerleaders...daughter and sister, Emma

Proud family:)

Dad too

A little play time with daddy...Hank loved his daddy is pads!

Proud wife...actually thought it was pretty cool:)

Kelly had an AWESOME opportunity to re-live his Bruin football days at NWHS and to play against their biggest rivals, Dalton Catamounts! What a night and what an opportunity. The team consisted of Northwest graduates '83-2011 with Kelly falling in with 1993 graduates and look how good he looked, almost as good at the current class of players. Kelly is in such good shape and played his heart out there knocking around with full pads and full tackle. It was so fun to watch him play and be a part of the Bruins legacy and to have the opportunity to have his kids and myself watch him play. I am pretty biased, but I thought he looked really good out there;)
And look we even made the paper...and the cheering kids....yes, that would be Eden leading the group:)) Click here for full article.

Baseball Celebration

2011-05-20T09:43:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Eden and Hank

2011-05-16T17:43:00.000-04:00

Hank's Friday the 13th birthday bash at school!

Opening gifts with Nanny before Sunday School

Birthday Babes...6 & 9...Skating to the 80's!

I can't believe another year has come and gone; Hank has enjoyed a perfect year in Kindergarten with perfect attendance and acceleration in his reading, while Eden is closing up Third grade with "above grade level" performance and exceptional job on the CRCT's. Ages 5 and 8 proved to be a great year for both kids as they embarked on new journeys and adventures at Pleasant Grove Elementary and United Methodist church and in the community with dance, football, soccer, cheering, softball and t-ball...whew, we've been busy! It has been quite a year with me in school and the kids being so involved, but with my wonderful husband and lots of help from Ganny, we've made it all work out and all is happy in the Scruggs house.
Summer is fast approaching and lazy days at the lake and pool are ahead; the kids and I couldn't be more happy about our summer together. Soon it will be back to the grind with fall activities, school, and dance in full swing; for now we are winding down and ready to relax.
Have a great Summer!

Ballet Queen

2011-05-08T16:16:00.001-04:00

With daddy

And Mom

Another year and Eden's 5th recital in the books! This year Eden danced to "Butterfly Fly Away" (Miley Cyrus) an emotional song for my daughter that is turning nine this month. Where does the time go? As her daddy has said "we are half way done, she is half way gone." Really? The tears stream as I type...I can't believe how fast my baby girl is growing up and all that she has become. What a precious angel we have.
Despite the sentimental and sadness value of this year's recital...our girl did a great and beautiful job, she is such a great little dancer and we couldn't be more proud.

RISEN

2011-04-24T21:26:00.001-04:00

PGUMC Egg hunt; Eden, Hank and Coy

Off they go...

what the girls found...

Easter morning

Little Granny's Sunday lunch

Granny with three of her great grandsons; Trysten, Hank and Coy

Baseball Sunday

2011-04-21T17:52:00.000-04:00

Photo-op by Eden of Mom and Dad

Souvenirs

Hank loving the stadium!

Me and my babies

Eden dancing, hoping to get on the Fan Cam!

On Turner Field ready to run the bases

What a beautiful Sunday for Braves baseball! We had such a great time at the ball field and the kids loved running the bases. I am looking forward to doing this again:)

Keep on Walking

2011-04-20T17:03:00.001-04:00

The Bell/Scruggs family walked for baby Ava for a third year in a row. Our group just keeps getting bigger and we love having an occasion to gather and visit as a family. We are so blessed to have been touched by such a precious angel and it is such an honor to remember her in this way...to help so many more babies just like her.

After-party at Tina's and Armando's! Such a fun family to be a part of!

Spring Ballerina

2011-04-14T16:54:00.000-04:00

Recital time is just around the corner. Eden loves showing off her costume on picture day! We love it too:)

Spring Sports

2011-04-01T15:26:00.000-04:00

Hank's Soccer, #5

Hank's Spring Team

Corner KICK!

Hank and Asa

Eden's Ballet

Working on her split

Getting to model the recital costume for the class and all the parents...

Loves the camera and showing off!

Awaiting Spring

2011-03-30T22:56:00.000-04:00

We are such an outdoorsie-type family; the arrival of spring is almost like its own Scruggs-family holiday! We love it!

The kids are actively involved in T-ball, softball (fast-pitch), outdoor soccer, along with two musicals for Eden; school-The Jungle Book and one at church, and Eden's spring ballet recital. We have a whole list of Spring activities, and we haven't even got started.

I am anxiously finishing up my fourth semester in graduate school which includes my student teaching. I am so happy to be on the downside of this hill. It has been such a climb to get where I am today. It almost doesn't feel real to be finishing my degree and in three short semesters (mini) I will graduate with my Master's in Special Education in July. Just in time to teach in August...please keep praying for God's will and a new job:)

And with all endings come new beginnings....Kelly has enrolled in graduate school for his Master's in Business Administration and will begin in May. I am so proud of him and can't be happier for our family and the progress we are making to move forward not only in our careers but in our lives.

Hank is in the last sprint of his Kindergarten year. He is excelling and performing wonderfully. He is a smart, funny, creative, active, little boy...loved by everyone! We are so proud of who is becoming and his little personality that is blossoming and blooming beyond our expectations. With a season of winter, indoor soccer, we have moved on to spring, outdoor soccer with his cousin Asa as his teammate. He absolutely loves this sport, and is really quite good with speed and a good feel for defense. T-ball is also on his agenda, where on a team with mainly pre-k-aged children, Hank is excelling in hitting and throwing and being a seasoned veteran of the game.

Eden is excelling in third grade, just like we anticipated. She actively pursued two roles in local musicals; one in The Jungle Book as Baby Elephant, with a singing and dance routine; and one in our church's Spring performance with a solo and speaking part-and received them both! She is so happy and loves to perform-she is definitely in her element....loves to entertain. Along with performing, she is starting her first year in fast-pitch softball...an experience for us all! Eden loves her friends and loves being active, softball is wonderful to be outdoors and play at the park-it just goes along with the season, but fast-pitch is a whole different level. Stay tuned for that one...:)

Two busy children and two busy parents and here we are, anxiously awaiting warmer weather, longer days, and fun nights in the yard and at the park. We can't wait, bring on the sunshine!

American Adventure

2011-02-13T09:23:00.002-05:00

Eden with Kanani ("the girl of her dreams") at the American Girl Doll store and with Chrissa and KaTie, her dolls from her 7th birthday and this Christmas. KaTie, below, had her ears pierced as well.

Taking a break from shopping and waiting on our table to eat dinner.

Ready for lunch at the Bistro.

Eden, Chrissa, and KaTie...Tea-time!

The boys enjoying their time with Optimus Prime:)

Eating their Ice cream Floats... Root beer and Orange Cream!

Finally was able to get Hank to pose with Eden inside the Bistro with a doll!

Both kids with their respective "dolls."

A great end to a fabulous day!

What a day....Eden loves her American Girl Dolls, Chrissa and KaTie (yes, spelled with a capital T) and has been asking for quite sometime to take them shopping and to eat in the Bistro. Finally, for Valentine's Day, this was our treat to Edibug...she's only 8 for so long:). Hank had fun going to Game Stop to pick out a new DS case and game...boys will be boys! We had KaTie's ears pierced, hand-picked a new outfit for Chrissa (Julie's 70's Retro Day-outfit), and all enjoyed dinner with the dolls, and oh yes, Optimus Prime! Of coursse, while there, we were able to meet the new "Girl of the Year," Kanani from Hawaii--she's beautiful with long brown hair that can be styled in many ways (i.e., the fabulous "Hair Salon" was witness to that)! So now, Eden has a new goal in mind...Kanani for her Birthday...we shall see!

I love taking my children to do things that I believe have long awaited to do, while other friends and family have gone and she's heard all the stories, and reads the magazines...she's been waiting for over a year. Eden earned this trip with taking care of her dolls, their clothes, and all of their accessories. What a little doll I have, it was nice to see her eyes light up with excitement! Hank's eyes even lit up when he saw the Bitty Baby with his look-a-like blond hair and wearing a super hero outfit...he confided in his daddy, "I would like that doll, daddy, the one that looks like me." Bless his heart, I probably would have broke down and bought it for him.

This was definitely a trip of indulgence; we definitely didn't need new clothes for these dolls, nor pay so much for dinner and all that it included...but it was a nice afternoon to have spent with my family. Now off to plan for a trip in May...I better start saving up!

January in Rewind

2011-01-31T10:00:00.000-05:00

Lunch with Aunt Jennifer at Jefferson's in Rome...post major snow-in, nice to be out of the house and all the snow still left on the ground.

Roller skating with cousins Asa and Iris at Hamilton Skate before heading back to school post-Christmas break.

Cousin Asa's 6th Birthday party at the YMCA's climbing wall.

January Acolyte's

2011-01-28T09:58:00.000-05:00

Aubrey and Eden as the January Acolytes at PGUMC! What an experience...:) So proud of the girls!

Big Number 4

2011-01-28T09:48:00.001-05:00

The Birthday Boy, CoCo...4 years old!

Baby Trysten and G'ma and Eden!

and Little Granny

Brent and Kye with Kelly and Hank

The Birthday Crew at Chuck E Cheese's

Winter Storm 2011

2011-01-11T12:03:00.001-05:00

So North Georgia was hit, yet again, by another winter blast...8 inches of it to be exact (at least in our yard)! What a day--Kelly and I both were home and able to enjoy this tremendous amount of snow. Living in the south and not being equipped with winter toys we had to improvise...with laundry baskets, trash can lids, and even an attempt on a pizza pan, finishing off with an antique sled (that was mine when I was little) that Ganny and Pops brought over that didn't tread too easily. The kids rolled, dove, buried, threw, jumped, slid, etc. all in the snow...they had so much fun. We ended the day with a nice big pot of Santa Fe' Chili and cornbread and settled down to watch a little football (Go SEC)! I'm not sure when our little town will recover from this; businesses and schools are closed and the people are stuck at home...of which I believe most are enjoying. So we are going to continue to eat, drink, and be merry all in this fun white stuff! We love it!!

A Very Merry White Christmas

2010-12-26T11:02:00.002-05:00

Reading The Night Before Christmas with Daddy and getting out cookies and notes for Santa!

Santa came to the Scruggs...

Kelly giving Hank his new, very own, pocket knife...yes a little scary, but a gift that will be closely monitored:)

And of course Santa brought Eden a "teen-read" one of which she begs for every grocery store visit! I am going to have to have a talk with that Santa...

And it wouldn't be Christmas day without our visit from Ganny and Pops to shower the kids with gifts!

We had a very busy Christmas season with many family activities, school and church programs, and the usual daily grind of school and work. This year I really made an effort to sit back, not plan anything (I didn't host any gatherings), and enjoy my family and the real meaning of Christmas. I have had such a full plate over the past six months that with this time of the year I really wanted to make it count for the children; Eden is at the age where she is questioning Santa, she is hearing things at school about who brings your gifts to your house and with Hank we are just purely basking in his newfound independence and own opinions of life and all that it involves...that slowing down and really taking it all in was extremely important to me. Who's to say what next year's Christmas will be like. Now, I know that Christmas isn't just about Santa and gifts, but as a child and the magic it brings to their little faces and hearts, I can't help but love this aspect of the holiday. My children know the real meaning of Christmas and understand that is why we celebrate, but that giving gifts and spending time with loved ones is just an added bonus...one of which we love here at the Scruggs house!

And to make our Christmas even better-the Lord blessed us here in the South with a cleansing, so to say, and a new white look at how beautiful this life is that we have been so graciously blessed with....

A White Christmas in North Georgia

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Scruggs Family

Christmas Eve Festivities

2010-12-26T08:53:00.001-05:00

Pajama brunch at Aunt Heidi's

Papa and Pammy with the grandbabies

Daddy's Girls

Opening a gift at home from each other...

Ready for Christmas Eve festivities at Little Granny's

Newborn Trysten (Bo and Erikka)

Little Granny and NINE great-grands!

Cousins, Second Generation

Cousins, First Generation

A "Bieber Fever" Christmas!

2010-12-24T11:47:00.001-05:00

Riding Marta to the arena...she is so excited!

We finally made it to the Arena...now to get inside!

Mommy and daughter, excited for the big show!

Pre-show

Aunt Jenn and Eden

Trey and Jennifer

Finally!!

The look on her face was priceless!

Justin swooning the girls...this place was crazy with screaming girls age 3-25! Complete madness!

Special guest: Sean Kingston, Souldja Boy, Bow wow, Akon and Ludacris

Bow wow and Souldja Boy with Sean Kingston

Ludacris

"One Less Lonely Girl"

Two excited and content 8 year olds, thank Nanny!

What a special Christmas Eve, Eve; two little JB fans along with two adult fans as well! So much fun; riding the Marta, eating Taco Mac in the arena, and cheering along with the sold-out audience! I still remember going with my sister, a friend, and my mom to the New Kids On The Block concert in Chattanooga in the early 90's...I hoped to make this a similar experience-something she will remember forever!

The Escapades of Scout the Elf

2010-12-22T10:37:00.000-05:00

Silly bandz; Magical creatures for Hank and Justin Bieber for Eden

Toy motorcycle for Hank and Justin Bieber shirt for Eden

The kids loving having Scout in the house during Christmas; looking for him each morning to see if he changed locations, leaving him notes, and wondering what he is going to tell Santa! What an exciting time of year-I just love the "magic" of Christmas:)

School Update

2010-12-22T08:57:00.001-05:00

I just completed my third semester at Lee with a whopping 4.0 GPA!! I could not be more proud of myself. I took the Praxis exam, Special Education Content Knowledge in November and just received my passing scores! I am officially considered Highly Qualified in the state of Tennessee to teach in a special education classroom. I still have two sections to complete before graduation and certification; Reading Across the Curriculum (Jan '11) and Principles in Learning and Teaching (Spring '11). I am on track to graduate in July with my Masters in Arts of Teaching, Special Education. Next semester I will be student teaching along with two classes on campus, in May, June, and July I will be taking mini-semesters with one class each and then I will be finished. Completing thus far with all A's is just astonishing to me. I really enjoy studying an area that I am completely entranced by and having a 4.0 GPA is beyond all my expectations.

So here's to my second half of the program and completing on time in the designated 14 month program...only 7 months to go and I will be finished with college, hopefully for forever!

My inspiration for completion--my babies!

Happy Time with the Bell's

2010-12-18T08:28:00.000-05:00

Christmas time in Molena. Every year we travel south for a great gathering of the Bell's (Donna's family). We always have so much fun eating, drinking, playing Dirty Santa, and enjoying the kids' reuniting with their cousins. This year was no different and involved the introduction of a new cousin, baby Braelynn.

My Family:)

Opening a gift from Nanny

Baby Braelynn

All the cousins.

Off to Nanny's to open gifts.

Is that Justin Bieber...?

What does it say? Four tickets to Justin Bieber for Eden, Mommy, Aunt Jenn, and Trey! Yayyyyy!

Nanny's surprise for Hank-daddy's old belt buckles, UK and GA, framed for his Sports-themed bedroom.

New Christmas pajama's are on and ready to hit the hay!

What a wonderful day of celebrating with family. Merry Christmas to all....

and stay tuned for Bieber pics to be posted shortly!!

Children's Christmas Play

2010-12-06T09:45:00.001-05:00

The Shepherd and "Ella"...Eden had a speaking role and solo.

Portraying a camel who "had to walk so far, now my hooves have corns!"

Eden with the cast...great job to all!

My little shepherd

My Christmas Angels

The Scruggs

The Year of the Bon Bon

2010-12-05T13:05:00.000-05:00

My little Bon Bon! Her's eyes just lit up once on stage! She loves to dance and entertain--watch out world!

Posing with last year's Sugar Plum Fairy, Ms. JoBeth

After her second performance with Ganny and with Hank.

Our fourth year of the Nutcracker is in the books! Eden has been anticipating this year's character for quite some time now. She loves to dance and the part of the Bon Bon is so high-spirited and uplifting that she just couldn't get enough of it! Now we are on to next year's role of the Rosebud and to pointe shoes-wow how time flies. Is my baby really getting this big?!

Seeing Red and Green

2010-12-01T09:39:00.001-05:00

Getting the house decorated for Christmas is always such fun at the Scruggs house! I love this tiime of year!

Of course Scout made it back into town shortly after Thanksgiving...can't wait to see what this little fella has in store for us

Hank's tree and new dancing Santa hat!

Eden in her pearls decorating our tree.

Eden's pink tree.

Christmas is in the air...

2010-12-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

Each year I like to take a special event or activity from the year and build our theme for our family Christmas cards. Last year was the Covenant "photo shoot," since I had (finally) graduated with my degree and this year is no different. I wanted to capture the beauty of our church and the very place our children were baptized, Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. Eden was so excited to finally wear her favorite red dress and to Hank was happy to be allowed in the balcony, the pulpit, etc. Due to a habit for church members to linger around the sanctuary after Sunday service and have the audacity to stand where I wanted to capture my shots (hint of sarcasm) and the pastor slowly turning all the lights out...we had to defer to the Narthex and outdoors for our shots. It was a pretty day and the kids loved posing together. Here is what I captured...

Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T13:35:00.000-05:00

Bell Family Thanksgiving

Turkey Bowl

The Gang

Red-headed cousins

Country Rockin'

2010-11-19T17:56:00.001-05:00

Happy Nine Years to Us! What a night to finally see one or our favorite artist in concert at the Fabulous Fox Theater; heardliner Gary Allan with Jerrod Neimann and Randy Houser. We loved it-thanks honey for a great night and a chance to sing along to so many of our favorite love songs and country rock-n-roll!

Fall Festivities

2010-11-04T19:42:00.000-04:00

PGE Fall Festival

Playing games

Eden, Lauren, Madison, and Lexie

Hay ride

Being "arrested"

Brayden, Hank, and Hunter

End-of-Year Football Party

Pumpkin Carving

Trunk-or-Treating...Hippie Chick and Cobra Kai Johnny "Sweep the Leg!"

Trunk-or-Treat

Halloween Eve and Aunt Gina's Bonfire!

I can't believe this time of year has already come and gone...one of my favorite times- gone in a flash! We had our share of bonfires, weenie roasts, football Saturdays, pumpkin carving, etc...we've been busy!

Now on to Thanksgiving and Christmas...that'll be here before we know it with busy days of shopping, ballet rehearsals, the Nutcracker and traveling to see all the family for what really makes the season a true "holiday spirit" :)! Hold on tight...here come the Scruggs!

Baptism

2010-10-10T17:53:00.000-04:00

What a blessed day to celebrate! Over the summer at Bible School with a friend, Eden approached the pastor and a teacher about wanting to be saved and baptized. I am very proud of Eden for taking this first step, but it was a long process for us as parents to have our children baptized/christened. As a Christian, this is definitely something we have thought about since our children were born...but being raised a Baptist, I had different views than my now Methodist church. After talking with the children and meeting with our pastor, we decided to have the children baptized with Kelly and I making the commitment for them. Nevertheless, we are so proud of them and honored to have our new Pastor Chris (above) perform the ceremony for us.

Apple Pickin' and Helen Hoppin'

2010-10-09T21:50:00.000-04:00

Mercier's Orchards, Blue Ridge GA

Downtown Blue Ridge

Watching daddy referee at Fannin Co.

Helen, GA

Pumpkin Pickin' in Elijay

What a great weekend for Fall Break. The kids and I took off early Friday morning and headed over to Blue Ridge, where Kelly was to referee that evening, and went to Mercier's and Downtown for some shopping and eating. The kids loved picking their own apples and learned a lot about the planting and picking process. They had a blast at daddy's game catching touchdown footballs and running around cheering own dad! After a restful night we headed over to Helen through a trip in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. We enjoyed Helen with lunch and lots of shopping. Our trip wouldn't have been complete without stopping for some pumpkins. It was so much fun to spend these days with the family just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful North Georgia mountains!

Kids of Fall

2010-10-05T09:16:00.000-04:00

Magic feet

Eagles Cheering Squad

Mighty number 8

NWHS Youth Night

My sweet athletes!

And we enjoyed hanging out watching our Dawgs play

What a busy Fall we are having! Our kids are so active and love being involved in something. Of course Eden loves cheering, she just comes by it naturally. She is in her fourth year of cheering as a PGE Eagle and is loving every minute of it! Hank decided that soccer would be his sport again this year and proving to be such a little sport with a magic foot while playing with his cousin Asa, and myself as Coach. Upon football signups, he ultimately decided he would like to do both soccer and football...so here we are trying to run both kids four different directions (Eden is dancing too) while we both work, Kelly is refereeing, and myself in school three nights a week. We are one busy little crew-but wouldn't change it for anything.

Big Birthdays

2010-09-19T21:18:00.001-04:00

Mommy and Daddy Date-night to Celebrate Joint-Birthdays

Family Day out in Chattanooga

Eating Ice Cream at Clumpies

Another year older and life couldn't be any better! My family is healthy, I am on the road to having a Master's degree and finally on to do as I have been called to do, and Kelly is busy as well with football extracurriculars. I love my family and we are so blessed. Thanks to Kelly and the kids for making this yet, another, fabulous year!

Summer's End

2010-09-07T08:01:00.001-04:00

The Hiawasee tubing trip

Lake Allatoona for Labor Day

I can't believe summer is over. But what a great way to go out. Two trips with family and friends. I wouldn't trade our backwoods, southern lifestyle for anything:))! Love it!

Back to Basics

2010-08-14T07:19:00.000-04:00

My back-to-school babes

WOW, my 3rd grader

and my Kindergartener

Walking in to Pleasant Grove Elementary School

I can't believe another school year is here. Eden is in third grade and growing like a weed. Not only she is growing but she is blossoming into such a unique and talented little girl. She loves school and was so excited to get back and to see all of her friends. This year she is super excited for she has FOUR of her best friends in her classroom--all I have to say is poor teacher:))

Hank is ready to go too. He has changed and evolved so much over the past year; from my shy little boy who would kick and scream going in to Sunday school to a confident little man who was such a leader in his Pre-K classroom. He loves school too, and is showing to be such an intelligent little thing; performing math equations and reading some words already.

Both children have tons in store for them in this new year of school; so much to learn, love, and enjoy. I wish you both the best and nothing but blessing for all that you put your hearts into. May God bless and keep you both.

Tybee Time

2010-08-07T10:31:00.000-04:00

A quick stop at Georgia Southern to show kids around daddy's school

Kelly's Fraternity House...getting a face-lift.

We made it to the beach

Dinner out at Fannie's

Mom's babies

Where Last Song with Miley Cyrus was filmed

Friends showed up...Kathy and her children Wyatt and Anna Guinn

Dinner at The Crab Shack

More beach time...Sandcastles

Catching some waves

Dinner at A-J's...where Miley frequented often while filming

A day to tour Savannah

Lunch at The Pirate's House with Captain Sparrow

touring the house...what's down there...?

....a dead Pirate!!

Touring the streets of Savannah...

famous churches...

350 year old Oaks...

statues in the squares...

haunted houses...

lavishly embellished historic homes...

Dolphin tour on Tybee

A great end to a long day...ice cream!

Last day on the beach...a view from the Pier

...more ice cream

Group shot

Flying kites...our send-off!

We had such a great time on our end-of-summer beach trip! We love Tybee and Savannah and jumped at the opportunity to take the kids. The history and beauty that surrounds this town is so incredibly awesome. Of course, the whole time we were there, we talked of our dream to someday retire on Tybee if not move to Savannah in the near future! We just loved it!! Thanks to such a great summer and all the accomplishments with my education...this was such a needed vacation:)

Summer FUN

2010-07-24T22:16:00.000-04:00

Look at Hank go...

Fun with Kodak Playsport

We are having a great summer, despite the constant grind of school and homework for me. I think being gone all day helps us to enjoy our afternoons and weekends together. We also love our new camera....this thing is so cool!

Backyardigans

2010-07-23T22:09:00.000-04:00

Caveman Hank

and Eden (always in character)

The Scruggs Family

My children have such special talent with creativity and cuteness! They are such little performers. The Creative Art's Guild had a two week multidisciplinary camp for art, dance, gym, and drama...they LOVED it. We were so proud of Hank for coming out of his shell, and of course Eden was so in her element:)

Me and Lake Winnie

2010-07-14T22:06:00.000-04:00

So the whole family went to Lake Winnie for River's birthday, it was so hot and sticky that we didn't take many pictures...however, Kelly was able to get this one of me! Too funny not to post!

July 4th Camping Trip

2010-07-07T21:57:00.000-04:00

The view of Lake Ocoee from our camp site

Great finds at the camp site

Rope swing

Nap time

Sunset over the Dam

Graduate Student

2010-06-30T08:16:00.001-04:00

The statuette in front of the DeVos Education building at Lee. I took this picture the day I interviewed with the Dean; it was Mardi Gras. Love it:)

I'm in and going! A grad student I am! My June semester began on the 7th and is in the process of ending as I write. I have two final submissions to turn in and I will have 6 hours in the books. As of now I have two A's but will post (in the side column) my grades to keep up and to use my blog as a tracker. This is a fairly quick program and should only be in classes for approximately fourteen months. My track is the M.A.T program in Special Education and will be licensed and certified all within the same program. I am really excited and so very proud of myself. If you read my blog, I posted a year or so back my future goals and the direction I would like to see my education and career head and I am so happy to be here. I really believe Special Education is the direction and life-choice for me. Anyone who knows anything about special needs children/people knows that this will not be an easy choice but one that I believe is right for me. My heart is so in this and I am ready for the challenge. Stay tuned and keep up with my on this new journey; it's going to be long and tough road getting there.

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-06-01T07:31:00.001-04:00

We had a great weekend on Lake Allatoona with a great group of friends; the Morrison's (Senior and Junior) and the Lane's along with Lauren in tow with Eden. While at the lake we celebrated, all on the 31st, Eden's 8th birthday, Robbie's 30 something birthday, and Matt and Tina's anniversary. It was an awesome weekend to reconnect with this group considering they were all beside us on the day Eden was born--what great friends. The 31st is definitely a special bond we share:)
We spent the weekend Camper-camping, us in my dad's camper, and boating. The kids enjoyed having their bikes and baseball gear and to run loosely on the gated camp ground.
Here are some shots from our weekend. We've already made Labor Day reservations...can't wait!

Hank and Eli checking out the water for the first time

Game time in the park

Water time!

Swimming at "Party Cove"...that place is awesome!

Eden and beloved Boone

Happy 8th Birthday to my Edibug! (eating her cheesecake brownies I made...yum)

Fun weekend is over...the Scruggs crew

Birthday dinner at Cracker Barrel on our way home

Our family absolutely loves camping! We love it and so look forward to it every spring. It is such a great bonding and family experience. You should try it...:)

Last Day of School

2010-05-28T19:59:00.000-04:00

Here are my babies on the last day school.

Click here to see Eden's first day.

Click here to see Hank's first day of Pre-K.

2010-05-26T20:40:00.000-04:00

Her teacher Mrs. Gilbert (whom she loved and will miss).

Second grade Awards Day. Eden racked up, she is such a great little student (when is she following directions) and her grades and awards showed for it:

GOOD ATTENDANCE, READ TO SUCCEED, BOOT IT, COMPUTER GAINS AWARD, ACCELERATED READER, READING, MATH, ENGLISH/LANGUAGE, SPELLING, CREATIVE WRITING, STUDENT COUNCIL, CHARACTER TRAIT-LEADERSHIP, MUSIC, AND FIELD DAY PARTICIPANT!

What an awesome school year Bug, we are so proud of you! Keep it up:)

T-Ball Party

2010-05-22T09:07:00.000-04:00

Hank's season came to an end they celebrated with pizza, cookies and cupcakes and of course TROPHIES! Hank just loves getting a trophy, no season is complete with out one.
We were so proud of our little man this year and his first attempt at T-ball. As we expected :) he did great. He has a such a fascination and natural talent already that we can't wait to see what the future has in store for our little sport. Love you Hankie boy!

2010-05-16T17:59:00.000-04:00

The Birthday Table

Hank's side of the table

Eden's side of the table

Blowing out their candles

Opening their gifts

My baby boy

My little Happy Family

Our annual Birthday Bash with both kids, all their friends, and of course all of our big family...what a great day. This year we opted to have it at Little General Park in Ringgold (GA). This was a great idea; a covered pavilion, plenty of tables and eating space, and of course a huge park that is fenced in with plenty of running room for kids of all ages. The kids loved having all their cousins, teammates, and classmates to celebrate with them and in a huge place like this there was room for all. So here is to another year down (as far as parties go) and a time to start planning for next year-both kids have already started racking their little brains for more ideas...Mommy is still recovering and ready for a break:)

Happy Birthday to my little Monkey Boy and my big Cheetah Girl-you are the lights of my life!

2010-05-15T08:44:00.000-04:00

Eden on Book-character day as Ballet Kitty. She loved dressing up. Second grade is winding down for Eden. What a great year she has had!

Hank's Field day. Lots of fun activities with four and five year olds getting ready to end a great year of Pre-K.

Both of my babies are growing up. I can't believe by August they will both be at the same school as a Kindergartener and a Third grader. Where oh where has the time gone?
Eden is hitting the mark where she loves her girl friends, sleepovers, and talking about boys (yes, boys...ugh). Hank is finally coming in to himself as a vibrant and smart little boy with interest in all things sports, action figures, learning to read and becoming quite the little math wizard.
I am so proud of both my children. Can't wait to see what the good Lord has in store for them this coming school year-but for now we are ready for SUMMER!

Happy 5th Hank

2010-05-13T21:49:00.001-04:00

Pre-game present opening time with Nanny

Finally some birthday cake!

I really cannot believe that my BABY is five! It's so hard to believe that he is getting so big and will be starting kindergarten in the Fall. He is so ready to be big; playing t-ball, preparing for kindergarten, making more and more friends, and becoming quite the little man...it's just so hard for mommy and daddy to accept it. We love this little guy more than words could ever express. We are so thankful for his blessing in to our lives every day and couldn't be more happy as a family. Thank you Hankie boy for being my baby boy!

May Happenings

2010-05-01T13:39:00.000-04:00

More balll...

with Cousin-rivalry (Iris)...

Ballet recital...

Mother's day...

and lots of birthdays to celebrate!

Spring is Definitely Here...

2010-04-30T13:26:00.000-04:00

Baseball and softball is in full-swing...

March of Dimes walk for Ava...

Plenty of playing outdoors...

Spring dance recital rehearsals...

...and that was just April!

Spring is the busiest time of our year and it is only just beginning! Stay tuned:)

Scruggs Celebration

2010-04-10T16:16:00.000-04:00

We enjoyed a family night in Atlanta with the Scruggs gang to celebrate Uncle Steve turning 60! These were just a couple of good shots we were able to get of my little family!

Papa Ron with the kids...being silly

Fun times :)

Easter

2010-04-04T16:06:00.000-04:00

Look at what the Easter Bunny brought...

Egg hunting at Little Granny's

The "Fab Four"

Everyone...almost. Minus Kenley and Melissa and Rhett. It's been a while since we have been able to get one of all of us like this. What a wonderful and awesome family I have!

We are so blessed...look at all that food for us to enjoy (and that's not even all of it).

Art with Aunt Jenn

2010-03-28T17:01:00.000-04:00

Donna and Jennifer were in town this weekend. On Saturday night it was just us girls and the kiddos and decided to dive into several art projects. We took a trip to Hobby Lobby where Jennifer helped pick out paint, brushes, some canvases (for future use) and these wooden projects inspired by the kids. Eden's is a jewelry box created by her current love of drawing tie-dyed pictures and zebra-stripes. Hank's, of course, is sports related and he threw in the " no girls allowed" to hang on his door in hopes of keeping his sister out. The kids did a great job and were very interested in learning all they could from Aunt Jenn. Great job guys :)

Knockouts!

2010-03-27T17:17:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year and our little #12 is back on the fields! Great job Edi-bug and congrats on the first win of the season...here's to many more :)

Batting...

And her position... Hind-catcher!

St. Patrick's Day...as close as we'll get!

2010-03-16T19:50:00.000-04:00

This year we opted to stay home from Savannah to celebrate our Irish heritage (not)!! We celebrated with friends at our local Dalton establishment! I love Kelly's shirt...reminds of our old dating days (a whole other story). Lovely times. :)

My girls...

State Bound

2010-03-12T19:38:00.001-05:00

My Alma Mater made to the Georgia AAAA State Championship game for the first time in twenty years! Very exciting. We made the trip to Gwinnett County to cheer on the girls. It is so crazy...I remember when a couple of the seniors were born...wild! Congrats girls--too bad we didn't get the outcome we wanted!

Future Bruins...Aubrey and Eden

Losing Count...

2010-03-02T19:29:00.000-05:00

I am not even sure exactly how many snow days we have had this year...but more than I can recall since I was a child. It has been a lot of fun having opportunities to be home with the kids and to experience the fun of the snow. This time we had made snow cream...the kids were so excited to collect the snow and then help me turn it to "cream!"

Enjoying the sweet stuff!

Some shots I took of the snow...these were literally some of the biggest flakes I have ever seen.

Remodeling Project...Finally!

2010-03-02T09:58:00.000-05:00

The kids' bathroom remodeling project:

Before with the wallpaper half-removed.

In the process:

I LOVE the color!

Our crazy texturing process

Kristy working hard!

End results:

I love it!! Thanks to great friends Phillip and Kristy for their help and expertise! I love the trim and bead board-it adds such style to the room. The kids love it too!

GNO: Reba and George

2010-02-26T18:09:00.001-05:00

Dinner at Philips' Don Juan Cantina (pre-show) with the girls Kathy and Kelley

It's SHOW time!

Reba!

Singing Fancy

George!

Heartfelt Weekend

2010-02-14T21:00:00.001-05:00

Saturday morning breakfast with heart-shaped pancakes!

Sunday breakfast with heart-shaped donuts:)

Opening their hand-made Valentine's...and piecing them together to see what they say!

...and to Chattanooga for lunch and Build A Bear!

With Chipper and Gracie!

Mommy's Sweetheart

2010-02-09T20:46:00.001-05:00

Hank's school had a Sweetheart Dance for their students and families. This was an opportunity for each class to demonstrate circle-time musical talent. Each class performed one of their favorite nursery songs along with a local DJ manning the mic! What fun...! I was so proud of my Hankie. He performed the whole song, dance and all. He has really come out of his little shell since enrolling in Pre-K this year!! Can't wait to see what the future brings for my little man.

Happy Birthday Ganny

2010-02-07T13:46:00.000-05:00

A Weekend of Cousins Parties

2010-01-23T16:28:00.001-05:00

Coy's Birthday; Party with Me

Hula hoop Queen

The girls singing their hearts out!

Cute Cousins

Lily and Eliza's party:

Asa's Birthday party; Pump it Up:

Happy 3rd CoCo

2010-01-22T16:00:00.001-05:00

New Bikes

2010-01-15T15:55:00.001-05:00

January Snow

2010-01-05T19:28:00.000-05:00

The Newlyweds

2010-01-02T22:47:00.000-05:00

Jane and Cy Whitfield

Me with the Bride and Groom

Silly Guys

Me and Kell

My pretty babies

All the girls

It's a New Decade

2010-01-02T12:53:00.000-05:00

Celebrating the New Year at Home!

Building pizza's with the Karis

Hank's masterpeice

Eden and Aubrey

End results

Having fun

Mommy and Daddy had to have fun too...

Welcome 2010!

Playing with new Toys

2009-12-28T12:45:00.000-05:00

Swinging lessons from Dad on the Wii

Paint sets

Race tracks

Water colors

A Savior is Born...and Santa came!

2009-12-25T21:08:00.003-05:00

Daddy holding them back while I get ready to snap away...

Yes!

both kids got new bikes

"A new Wii!"

"thanks Ganny!"

What a great morning, I just love witnessing the kids jump, squeal, and smile!

Off to Grandman's for dinner...

Eden and Emma

Opening and playing with new gifts

We had a wonderful Holiday season and were blessed with visiting with so many of our family members. Kelly and I have a wonderful family that loves us all very much! I love this time of year and wish that we could extend it year-round. Merry Christmas to you all!

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T23:31:00.002-05:00

Christmas Eve brunch with Daddy, Brittney, Brandy, Pam, Heidi, and Coy

Daddy and his girls

A chance for the kids to open an early gift and to keep them entertained while I cook

Ready for dinner at Little Granny's

My babies and I

Presents and more presents

Our gift to Granny (from the October photo shoot)

Pretty Cousins

Handsome boys

My family

...and then home to await someone's arrival...

Eden a little nervous, checking out the Santa radar on the internet!

Christmas pj's and Santa cookies

...and he came

And to "All a Good Night!"

Happy Birthday Kye

2009-12-23T20:11:00.000-05:00

Kye turned 1! Wow, I can't believe it's been a year already. What a sweet afternoon to have him visit and open our gift to him.

Atlanta Nutcracker

2009-12-20T20:00:00.000-05:00

The Fox

Ready for the show to begin...

After the show backstage meeting the Sugar Plum Fairy

and her Prince

Checking out the changing room...really cool

Another ballerina

A tour of the props

A "Snow Queen"

How exciting-on the stage at the Fox!

What an awesome experience for three little aspiring ballerinas...the Atlanta Ballet and a private and personal tour of backstage and a chance to meet some dancers. Thanks to Armando (the two girl's daddy and Kelly's cousin's husband) a former dancer and a director with the Ballet! This was such a neat opportunity, I don't think we will ever forget it!

Bell Christmas

2009-12-19T08:17:00.017-05:00

Sour cream Coffee Cake, my contribution to Christmas lunch. A recipe out of my Taste of Home magazine. Yummy ;)

Present time

"Dirty Santa" and boy did it get dirty! This portriat that Jennifer painted was stolen so many times before finally settling in to an owner. Made the game fun!!

We took our annual trip to Molena, GA to visit with the Bell (Donna's sisters) side of the family for Christmas. As usual we had so much fun eating, drinking, and giving! What a way to kick off the season, Merry Christmas from South Georgia!

Christmas with Nanny and Papa Ron

Nutrcacker Queen

2009-12-14T21:21:00.000-05:00

Eden performed in 3 shows this year and was quite the little SUPER STAR! She loved the thrill of performing on stage and was such a trooper to pull-off three performances in two days!
Great job my Little Angel (and Arabian and now Soldier) can't wait to see you next year bouncing around as a Bon-bon!

Friend's Christmas

2009-12-11T16:16:00.000-05:00

Aquarium Field Trip

2009-12-10T16:10:00.000-05:00

Our trip as chaperone's with the PGE 2nd graders to the Tennessee Aquarium. What an experience...and a blast. Kelly enjoyed the rest of our day in Chattanooga shopping and eating-an opportunity we never get. What a fun way to start off our Holiday season :)

It's That Time...

2009-12-09T22:06:00.001-05:00

Nutcracker rehearsal...

Dalton Christmas Parade

2009-12-03T21:01:00.000-05:00

Scout is Here

2009-12-02T06:20:00.003-05:00

Scout, our friendly Elf on the Shelf, made his grand appearance in our home. Our kids ask about him year-round, and he finally showed up! Now time to get to work getting ready for Christmas, Scout is here to keep an eye on the kids and report everything to the big guy!!