Family Heirlooms

When I was little my Yaya (Greek grandmother) gave me a small chair that had belonged to my dad when he was little. If I remember correctly this chair was from Greece and she wanted me to have it. It survived being used for many different things and has since been used by each of my boys.

Well, now it is in the room of Jackson Nicholas (named after said father) and he has taken to dragging it around the house for many different reasons. He occasionally sits in it but mainly I have found him using it to access a number of things too high for him to reach. The funny thing is I really believe that is exactly what my father probably used it for too!

Look out Coach Saban...

Here come the Phillips' brothers. The University of Alabama has been blessed in the past with many brothers that have all put on the Crimson and White. You may well remember the Goodes, the Castilles, and others. Well, we here at the Phillips' household are doing our part to continue the winning tradition of Alabama football. It may be a few years and we have a little bit to learn but as you can see, we are on our way!!

First Day of School

And once again it begins again. The school year is underway and another year is flying by. Trent is enjoying his year so far in third grade with Mrs. Roberts as his teacher.




We are working on multiplication tables already and I am having flashbacks of sitting in our living room in Birmingham with Mom telling me, "I see you counting on those fingers, you better stop that!". Well, Mom, I don't have to use those fingers anymore! Thanks!



Brayden is loving kindergarten in Mrs. Strickland's room (or as Brayden says, Mrs. Strick-a-lin). He is learning his blends and has already been star of the day.



Jackson is still at Mimi's but has been learning how to climb on furniture, mainly to get closer to the light switches. His little personality is shining through and he is a little ham. The idea that at least one of our kids would be a quiet one is long gone! Jackson loves to be outside and would stay out there all day if we would let him.

As far as my class goes, we are still adjusting to each other but they seem to be a great group of kids. I am looking forward to watching them bond and grow as the year goes by.


I think as a teacher I see how quickly time goes by so it makes me dread a new year a little. But it is so fun to see the boys growing and learning.

Every Four Years

It is now 11:09 pm and I have to be at work tomorrow. However, I find myself still up and glued to my television. This happens to me occasionally, to be specific, every four years. I am drawn to sports that normally wouldn't interest me if I were to happen across them any other day. But as I type Michael Phelps is stepping up on the blocks and I can't wait to see him go. I get so excited about every event and can't wait to cheer my country on. My classroom has an olympic theme this year and the entire room is red, white, and blue. I love it! Well, the race is over and once again Michael Phelps has blown everyone away!! I must now go to bed and awake tomorrow for another day waiting for Primetime Olympic coverage!! Go USA!!

It had to end!

Well, this summer has been quite busy for the Phillips' family. We've been to the beach...twice, visited family, and spent as much time as we could in the pool. As far as successfull goes, I did complete my list that I set out at the beginning of the summer so I am happy. The boys are thrilled because they have been allowed to stay up late (not that they sleep in late!) and haven't had to get their hair cut. But, alas, all good things must come to an end and this Friday we will begin our journey into kindergarten and third grade. It's hard to believe that we've come so far from our bottles and potty training days but the bookbags are packed and the lunches are ready to be packed. Trent is thrilled with the thought of seeing his friends every day again but Brayden (who has a different outlook on life) is upset that he will have to get a shower every day. Ahh, well, back to our 9 month routine again!! The summer is just a memory!

14 Years Ago Today

It was 14 years ago today that I began what is the second greatest journey of my life. Second only to my relationship with Christ is my relationship with my husband. Tom and I were married on July 9, 1994. Looking back at these pictures we laugh about how young we look and how we have grown over the years.



Who would have guessed the journey we have started and the one that is still waiting for us. We have had many opportunities to laugh and to cry but through it all the Lord has bonded us together and given us an awesome family.

Looking back at these kids, we had no idea what was ahead, only eyes for each other and the idea that we could conquer the world.


Who knew that our family would grow....




and grow.....



and grow.....



And that ladies and gentlemen is the final Phillips' family picture...three boys and no more!

Happy Anniversary, Tom! Thank you for loving me through all my faults and shortcomings and for making me a better and complete person. I can't wait to see what the next 14 years have in store for us! I love you!

Chore Time!

This summer one of our goals has been to get the boys into a routine of doing certain chores each week. To help them with this I found a cute site to help me create and personalize their own chore chart to hang on the fridge and keep up with their chores through out the week. I found it at www.dltk-cards.com/chart/ . Well, today was our first day and they really enjoyed checking off their chores and I really enjoyed their help cleaning up the kitchen after dinner! I know the novelty will wear off eventually but for now life is good!