Aidan & Evan made it through Kindergarten!

Aidan and Evan made it through Kindergarten! Not that we had any doubts, but it's still such an exciting time. Just another sign that they're growing up, and so so fast. Tammy & Rudy had decided to place them in separate classes, so they make their own friends and aren't together 24/7. It seemed to be a great move because they did great and they're such happy kids. I can't believe they'll be in the 1st grade in August!

Congrats on making it through Kindergarten! We took them out to Olive Garden tonight to celebrate. They had a great time, and Aidan ate like 4 breadsticks, then took one out of the basket when we were about to leave, lol! It was too funny. Tammy & Rudy stopped and picked up Congrats Grad balloons for them and we brought little Hallmark Grad puppies that held a card with money for them, they loved everything.

Me & Phoebe attended their Kindergarten performance yesterday and they did so great! They both participated and sang every song. I remember in Mother's Day Out how they were both so shy, they've really come a long way and we are so proud of them! Pictures and videos coming soon! Congrats boys!

Phoebe Graduates Pre-K!

Phoebe graduated PreK from Little Friends. The graduation ceremony was held on Friday, May 27, 2011.

Kinleigh's Baptism

Kinleigh Reese was baptized today at Our Lady of Prompt Succor. She looked so beautiful in her gown. They chose Mike as the Godfather, which meant the world to him, and to the rest of us. We were really glad we could be there today. Below is a slideshow of pictures we took, you can click on the slideshow to view the album. Enjoy!

Congratulations Destiny!

Congratulations on graduating Destiny! I'm glad I was able to be there. I have a good feeling that you will continue to make good choices in life and I can't tell you just how proud I am of you. Your mom and JoJo have done a wonderful job raising you kids and I hope that Phoebe grows up to be respectful, well mannered and considerate as all of you are. And I LOVE the fact that you enjoy your life. You don't want to look back and regret that you let these years pass you by because you wanted something more. I love you Des! Congrats again... YOU DID IT! Woohoo!!

2011 Ballet Recital Costume

Phoebe in her ballet recital costume. They have a cute white cowgirl hat to go with it. She took her recital pictures today and they came out adorable. Can't wait to share them!

From May 2011

Almost time for Kindergarten!

Wow, I know this probably gets old, but man, where does the time go?! I took Phoebe to Kindergarten Roundup last week, on May 3rd, and she seemed to love the classrooms, especially the computers. :) Ms. Pat at her preschool told me she recently said she was scared of Kindergarten. I talked to her about it and she said she just wants to keep going to her school. I explained that some of her friends that are in her class now may be in her Kindergarten class, and that seemed to make her feel better. I also explained how she'll go to different schools and it's part of becoming a big girl. She seems okay now, so hopefully it stays that way. I can't stand the thought of her being scared of anything, but I remember how it felt going to a new school when I was a kid, having kids that she knows there will make all the difference. I still can't believe she's about to start Kindergarten.

I have an appointment to submit all of the registration documents on Monday.

Mother's Day Tea Party

I received an invitation from Phoebe to attend a tea party at her preschool in honor of Mother's Day. Mary Catherine found me the perfect hat, which Phoebe fell in love with, so we ended up with the same hats. It was fun to decorate them together, she was so excited about the tea party and the big pink hats! Below are pictures from the tea party, which turned out so perfect and elegant. Mrs. West & Ms. Wise really outdid themselves with this. All I expected was to be sitting with Phoebe, all dressed up and sipping tea with our big fancy hats. We walked into a beautiful, elegant setting, it was all set up in the ballet room. Phoebe served me food and drink. And the table had a framed picture of Phoebe on it, which was my Mother's Day gift. A lot of thought went into this and I felt so honored to be there. It was perfect.

She had fun trying on the outfits while deciding what to wear, so we have some silly pics too! If you click on the slideshow, it will open the album so you can view larger pics. Enjoy!



Mrs. West asked them why they love their moms, Phoebe said "I love my mom because... I love her very much". I just asked her why does she love me and she said "because you help me pick up and because you're nice to me". :) This kid warms my heart. I love you Phoebe Jean!

Did you know?!?! If not, you should!

Oh my word... I cannot believe this, how disgusting! I'm glad I don't eat these items, but for people that do, you think you're going healthy and eating tuna and bam! 98grams of fat!

Quizno’s Large Tuna Melt
1,450 calories
98 g fat (20 g saturated, 1 g trans)
1,910 mg sodium

McDonald’s Big Breakfast with Large Biscuit, Hotcakes, and syrup
1,330 calories
60 g fat (20 g saturated)
2,280 mg sodium
49 g sugars

Hardee’s 2/3 lb. Monster Thickburger
1,320 calories
95 g fat (36 g saturated)
3,020 mg sodium

Dairy Queen Double Fudge Cookie Dough Blizzard (Large)
1,350 calories
58 g fat (28 g saturated, 1.5 g trans)
133 g sugars

Read this on yahoo health.. http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/5-worst-drive-thru-foods

2011 Easter Pictures

Phoebe's Easter Pictures with live bunnies!

Happy Easter!

The Philiberts hosted a crawfish boil today. We had a great family day. Mikey's parents were there with us, Mom & Aggie were there and Meme (Ms Jane) was also there. Tammy's neighbors came by, we had a spacewalk and an Easter egg hunt, the kids had a great time, so did all of us adults!

Mr Mike & Mikey cut down the tree in the back yard today that we didn't care for (and have talked about cutting down for about 2 years!). Thanks guys for your hard work!

Mikey's parents will stay a while tomorrow to celebrate Easter with Phoebe! Aggie & Mom are heading home Monday, so they can spend Easter out here too! This is the best Easter ever! :)

Another trip to the dentist

Phoebe went back to the dentist today, they had to fill her cavity again. Dr Butler was great of course, Phoebe didn't cry or freak out, at all. And on the way out, she says "Dr Butler is sooo nice, I really like him". Just feels good to know that your child really likes a doctor after all that she went through with that first dentist experience. I highly recommend Dr Butler, a pediatric and adult dentist. I couldn't have asked for a better dentist for Phoebe, so thanks so much Jennifer for recommending him!

See the post regarding her first trip to the "mean" dentist as she calls her. Everytime we're going to the dentist, she says "we're going to the nice dentist, right mommy? we're not going to the mean one anymore, right?". Breaks my heart.

http://allaboutthegioias.blogspot.com/2009/05/first-trip-to-dentist.html

Community Support - Family Attacked by Own Dog

This is from my sister Tammy, I wanted to pass it along in case anyone wanted to help in any way, even if for prayers alone.
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March 29, 2011
My neighbor and his kids were attacked by their pit bull this weekend. They have twin boys (age 10) and one twin (Jake) was severely injured. A huge chunk of leg was taken out and his hand was also badly injured. Jake has a long and painful road ahead of him. Jake’s dad also received several injuries to his wrists, elbow and numerous bites from holding the pit bull down. Finally in an effort to stop the dog from attacking anyone else, they had no other choice but to shoot it. According to doctors, Jake will be in the hospital for a minimum of two weeks that will include intense surgeries and healing and that is not including any infection in the wounds that may occur.

This family has two other kids at home and one in school. The parents are trying to keep things normal as possible for the kids but given the circumstances, this will be a very long recovery process for this family.

I thought it would be a good idea to get some Restaurant Gift Cards in an effort to aid this family in their time of need. With everything going on and the hospital charges, the least we can do is possible help provide  food for the family at home.

Prayers are also very much appreciated. 


Thank you,
Tammy
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If you are interested in helping, please send me an email at algioia@gmail.com and I will send you additional information.

Pinnochio

I'm watching Pinnochio for the first time, another first that Mommy & Phoebe get to experience together. :)

Supermoon Weekend!

Me and the hubby took Phoebe bowling today, we had a great time. Then we hung out at the house waiting for Aidan to come over. He's sleeping over tonight and we're all heading to church in the morning. They're now in bed relaxing and watching Space Jam.

Tonight was the night of the "Supermoon". Mikey and I were able to see it for a couple minutes, but the clouds kept covering it, so the kiddos didn't get to see it. It was pretty darn bright!

Open Gym with Cousins

Aidan & Evan went to Open Gym with Phoebe tonight. Nanny took them there and me n the hubby went out to dinner. Phoebe is sleeping by Nanny's tonight and they are going to the zoo tomorrow. How I wish I could go, I know the kids will have a blast and I really hate to miss it. But I am swamped at work and I'd rather her go have fun instead of having Mommy catch up on work while she's with me.

Oh and cousins brought her a flower, which you can see in her hand, in the pictures below. :) She was so happy to receive that flower!! Cousins are so thoughtful.

Two trips to the dentist, in 3 days

On Sunday (2/28), Phoebe complained that her teeth hurt. she opened her mouth but we didn't see anything by quick glance. Then on Monday, I received a call from Mrs. West saying Phoebe didn't eat her lunch because she said her teeth hurt. I called the dentist and they were able to see her right away, so I grabbed Phoe and headed to the dentist. On the way to the dentist, we talked about her teeth and what was hurting and all, she said it didn't hurt right now. I assumed it was because it only hurt her when she tried to eat. So we get to the dentist and they ask her what's bothering her. She said "my teef were hurting, something was in them, but I got it out before I got here and they don't hurt anymore"... do you think she could've shared that bit of info with Mommy? Apparently she had a popcorn shell stuck behind one of her teeth and she got it out right before I picked her up. :) So the dentist took a quick look and then sent us on our way. I was relieved that she didn't have any dental issues yet.. well, at least until Tuesday night!

When I was reading to her Tuesday night, she complained that her teeth hurt. I said Phoebe, the dentist just looked at them and said they looked good. She said it hurt really bad. I asked her to show me and it was one of her molars. I got the dental pick and little mirror thingy and went digging. There was a popcorn shell stuck between 2 of her back teeth. But I still saw something after I pulled the popcorn out. I started picking at it and she said "oww mommy, that hurts". Yes, it ended up being a dag-on cavity. Ugh!

On Wednesday, she woke up and began crying that her teeth hurt. I gave her some Tylenol to see if it would help. About 1/2 hour later, she said she wanted to go to school and she felt better. So I brought her to school and told the teachers what was going on and I was going to schedule the appt and pick her up. Her appt was for 2:15. I stopped in to bring her lunch and she was in Open Gym and seemed fine. I went back to work and came back and picked her up at 2 and went to her dentist appt. She sat in the chair and they took xrays of her molars. She had her 6 month checkup in January and had her teeth cleaned, but they only took xrays of the front teeth. And this dang cavity was hiding between her molars, so it wasn't easy to see. Dr Butler came in and talked to her, then showed her all of the gadgets he'd be using. She did not like the vacuum thing that sucks the water out, I think it's the noise more than anything. But she let them put the filling in (using something similar to a squirt gun) and then they used the blue light for a few seconds to dry it. Then she was done, 1st cavity filled. Let's hope it's also the last!

Phoebe reading her first Bob book

Phoebe's preschool teacher, Mrs. West, recommended this book set for Phoebe. We received the books on Friday and this was Phoebe's first shot at it, I didn't help at all, this was all her. :)
She read books 2-10 last night. 

Planting Phoebe's Flowers

Today we had to skip church because Mommy's face wouldn't stop running (still dealing with a cold), so Phoebe was disappointed. I decided to take her to Lowe's and let her pick out some flowers to plant. We just bought a few annuals. Once we got home, we ate a delicious lunch that Daddy cooked for us. He had me try Salmon for the first time, it was cooked on the grill, and let me tell you, it was yummy! I'm not sure I'd start eating it out or anything, but I'd certainly eat it if he cooked it.

So we all went outside after lunch to begin planting Phoebe's flowers. We got a few planted and then Phoebe wanted to take a break. We came in for a few hours and then she said she was ready to go back out and finish the flowers. Well after the 3rd bunch, she said "Mommy, you can finish the garden while I go play", lol! I said okay, it was getting pretty hot out there anyway. And about 2 minutes after that, she said she was going to sit inside and wait for me. Dadda was inside playing his game, so I told her to stay in the living room so I could see her through the window. She was there the first few times, then I didn't see her. I came in and she way laying in our bed. I asked if she was going to take a nap and she said yes. Let me tell you, this was certainly a first! There wasn't a tv on, no one told her she needed a nap, when I went in there, she didn't ask me to stay with her or turn the tv on, she fell asleep within 2 minutes!

Well I finished planting her little flowers and she told MawMaw & PawPaw she'd send them pictures, so here they are. :)



And here's proof that she passed out! :)

RIP Aunt Mary

My mom's sister, Aunt Mary, passed away this morning. They believe it was pneumonia, but they aren't 100% sure. Arrangements are being made for the services, please keep our family in your prayers.

In the picture below, that's my Mom holding Brittanie, and to the right is my Aunt Mary and the far right is my MeMaw, who is in heaven, waiting for my Aunt Mary with open arms. I wish we could've seen you once more before God called you home. You'll be missed by many. 

Here's my mom with Aunt Mary.

Mary Rose England Raney


The Middlesboro Daily News

PINEVILLE — Mary Rose England Raney, 77, passed away Thursday, February 24, 2011, at Pineville Community Hospital.

Born in Red Bird on December 6, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Wilk Asher and Viola Chamberland Brock. She believed in the Holiness faith and had been a homemaker.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by great-granddaughter, Kaelyn Briann Mosley; sister, Lois Hobbs; brother, Eddie Brock.

Survivors include her children, Sue and Jerome Baker, Jeannie Asher and Doyle D. Mosley, Irene and Wendell Napier; grandchildren, Ronica Helton, Todd Anderson Brock, Doyle W. and Judy Mosley; great-grandchildren, Gage Jodon King and Taylor Grace Brock; brothers and sisters, Steve Asher, Vesta Sue Kelly, Mable Armstrong, Arthur and Darlene Asher, Joe and Joyce Asher; special niece and nephew, Fred and Lisa Hobbs; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Arnett & Steele Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David Howard presiding.

Burial will be in Tackett Hill Cemetery at Hulen. Pallbearers will be Tony Asher, Jeffery Asher, Todd A. Brock, Doyle W. Mosley, Doyle D. Mosley and Jerome Baker.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 5 until 9 PM at the Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Pineville, which is honored to serve the Raney family. Light a virtual candle or sign the guest register at www.arnettsteele.com

Read more: The Middlesboro Daily News - Mary Rose England Raney 

Phoebe's cartwheels and splits

Phoebe showing me what she's learning in gymnastics.