The Street Scene

Girls, Girls, Girls!

2009-05-13T18:54:00.004-05:00

me & Jamie Jamie & Micki
Lisa

Autumn & Mandi me, Misty & Lisa

There are several of us girls that have been friends since...well, forever. We all go back to at least junior high. Knowing each other for about 20 years now, we have been through a lot. We get together at least once a year, but now, we finally took a trip together - as adults! We haven't done anything like this since our senior prom..and my, oh, my, how we have changed.

We have grown up (somewhat). We have husbands, kids, jobs, school, volunteer work...and each other. We can drive each other cRaZy (right, Mandi?), but we all love each other.

We hit Branson in mid-April for a long weekend and we had a great time. We ate and we shopped. Then, we ate and we shopped some more and hit a show. We stayed up too late and got up too early.

We should have done this a long time ago. It was great and we plan to do it again.

A big thanks to Mandi for planning our trip and chauffering. Autumn - it wouldn't have been right without you...thanks for driving up by yourself. Micki, Jamie, Drope & Lisa...I think we pushed Mandi to the edge of her sanity and put her "comfort zone" to the test. And, I hope you all learned your lesson that just because you put me and Lisa in the backseat, you still can't control us!

For those of you that didn't make it, you missed a great time...and I bet your ears were burning.

Who's planning the next get away?

Easter 2009

2009-05-10T19:06:00.001-05:00

Easter 2009

updating!

2009-05-09T12:48:00.007-05:00

playing with Papa
sharing kisses - and chocolate - with Libby

showing off her new 'do

playing with Leah on the top bunk

2 pairs of sunglasses, mama

mugging for the camera first thing in the morning

Tazz won't eat from anyone else's hand...only Emalyn's...sweet boy.

her and Daddy relaxing in his rocking chair from his childhood...we don't know who it belongs to now...Daddy, Emalyn or Tazz?

snuggle time!

my mini-me. what can I say?

popcorn and coke at the play area at the mall - one of her favorite things to do right now!

rocking and singing to her Elmos

lipstick or Wiggles?

learning with the lip gloss...and loving it! my girlie girl!

relaxing with popcorn, party mix amd some chocolate milk...in her pretty new jammies, hot socks and shiny shoes!

getting all pretty for bed

she fits!

Em & Bailee sharing some chicken and french fries.

long hair...bye, bye.

So, I have gotten behind on my posting...sorry! But, here are some pictures and happenings from the past month...my baby is growing up so fast (and her attitude is getting big, too!)!

I'll get Easter pics up soon!

Making A Difference

2009-04-15T20:42:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to thank all of you who donated to the March of Dimes! Emalyn raised $564 - which is $100 more than she raised in 2008!
I'm so excited and I hope that we do this each year!

Emalyn is raising money for the March of Dimes Northeast Arkansas March for Babies, coming up on Saturday, April 25th at Craighead Forest Park.

Almost all of us know someone affected by premature birth or a birth defect. Today, 1 in 8 babies in the United States is born too early and 1 in 22 children is affected by one or more birth defects.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. The organization’s mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The mission is carried out through research, community services, education and advocacy. March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers and advocates work together to give all babies a fighting chance against the threats to their health: prematurity, birth defects and low birthweight.

We are raising critical dollars for research to give all babies a healthy start in life. We want to help further this research as well as research on many critical issues, such as Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy and Autism. Your donation, even if it's just change, can make a difference.

Please reach in your pocket and support research that saves babies. Donations are tax deductible.

Make a difference.

Please send your check made payable to March of Dimes to:
Emalyn Street
500 Shadow Ridge Drive
Jonesboro, AR 72404

Donations are requested by Wednesday, April 22nd.

Thank you in advance for your support.
Emalyn, Becky & John

Saving Babies, Together.

Sissy's Tree

2009-03-08T11:06:00.003-05:00

When I was a small child, my step-sister passed away in a car accident. Someone sent a beautiful Norfolk Island Pine to her funeral and it ended up coming to our house. That Christmas, we decorated it with ornaments. That started a tradition and for many years, we decorated it each Christmas. We called it "Sissy's Tree" and my sister Virginia and I looked forward to decorating it each year.

I hadn't seen one of these trees (I assume it's actually a plant, but I'm gonna call it a tree) in many years. Just a few days before Christmas, John and I come across these beautiful trees and I told him the story of my sister. Having the wonderful husband that I have been blessed with, I ended up with one of these trees for Christmas.

Well, to keep a tradition of my family and to start a new tradition with John and Emalyn, we are now decorating our new Sissy's Tree for each holiday (or almost each holiday). We didn't decorate for Valentine's Day, so we are starting the decorating with Easter. As you can see, Emalyn really got into it and enjoyed it. I hope this is something that her, her daddy and I can enjoy for many years to come.

John's surgery

2009-03-06T09:22:00.003-06:00

John had to have sinus surgery yesterday. It went smoothly and, so far, his recovery has been good. He come out of surgery feeling good and told us that he wanted to take home whatever pain medicine they had put in his IV...actually he told everyone in the post-op area...I don't think he realized just how loud he was talking!

Since we've gotten home, he has slept and ate a lot of pudding pops and other cold items. We were only up a couple hours during the night, so I think that's pretty good.

Emalyn stayed with her Meme and Papa lastnight, but she's coming home tonight, so I'll have my hands full with both of them wanting Mama to do what they want me to do and do it right now! But, that's ok, I miss my Poo.

I have attached some pictures of John...as you can see, Libby and Tazz Cat helped me take care of Daddy!

What 'cha doin', Mama?

2009-03-03T14:31:00.000-06:00

Ok, so we still had ice in some places yesterday and I was in a parking lot trying to get to my car, holding Emalyn. Well, we had almost got to the car when my foot flew out from under me. I bumped Emalyn's head and then slammed my face into my car. When I say my face, I mean my right eye, my nose and my forehead. It hurt. So, I didn't fall and as I regain my balance, my daughter says to me "What 'cha doin', Mama?" I told her I was trying not to fall and her response is "Don't drop me, Mama." As I made sure that I didn't hurt her head when I bumped into her, I assured her that wouldn't happen and got her in the car. I went around the car and got in, got her strapped in and had to sit there for about 5 minutes to get my head cleared. I thought I was going to throw up or pass out...and during this time, Emalyn is sitting in the backseat eating pretzels and singing "Jesus Loves Me."

So, anyway, I'm fine and Emalyn's fine; I just have a headache. But, I just wanted to share what Emalyn's thoughts were as I was trying to knock myself out in a parking lot...with an audience. ;)

Oh, and John didn't seem worried about me when I got home...I still had to cook dinner, do the dishes and the laundry!

Emalyn at the Fun Forest

2009-01-26T18:43:00.006-06:00

10 Random Facts

2009-01-07T15:02:00.008-06:00

John's Additions
1. I call my daughter "Poo" all the time. People think I'm saying "Pooh" (as in Winnie the Pooh), but it's not...it's short for "Pooter"...she can really let 'em rip! I also call her "Angel Bear," which is what she calls her baby dolls when she is talking to them or rocking them (soooo sweet!).
I call her Baby Doll, but...she can really let 'em rip!

2. I have 31 years, 10 months and 6 days until I reach 65 and can afford to retire (based on my pay now and my current cost of living).
I have 61 years, many months, and many days until I can afford to retire (based on my current pay and Becky's current rate of spending).

3. When I first met my husband, we were in college (1998 or 1999) and we didn't like each other AT ALL. I mean, really, not AT ALL.
I didn't know Becky was old enough to have been in Vietnam, but she still has flashbacks from time to time. I have yet to determine what triggers them, but I am hoping for my safety that I do someday soon.

4. My husband's name is John. I have a brother-in-law named John. My brother's name is Jon. My father-in-law's name is John.
I was an only child growing up, but the voices in my head made up for that. The funny part is I grew up and the voices went away, but Becky (who has many siblings) must have found them because she carries on conversations with herself all the time. I don't have a problem with the voices, I just wish they would either agree from time to time or Becky would wait until after their closing arguments to decide which one she agrees with.

5. I have 2 moms. Yes, 2. That is possible. And, I have a mother-in-law.
I only have one mom, but I have two mother-in-laws and I am related to Frank and Jesse James.

6. When I was in high school, I said I wouldn't get married until I was out of high school for 10 years. I did it...not because I said I would do that...because that was what God had planned for me. I got married 10 years, 2 months and 2 weeks after I graduated high school.
I think Becky had a 10 year countdown clock built in her head, because I had to chase her for over two years before she finally opened her eyes and said "man, he's hot! I think I'll quit running."
DALE WHO?

7. No, I've never been married before. John is my first and last husband. Yes, he is still my favorite.
It's true, I am her favorite, but she was my favorite first. If you have any questions refer to number 6.

8. Yes, I have converted to Catholicism. Don't knock it until you understand it. Ask me questions. If I can't answer them immediately, I'll find the answer.
Translated: she will call and ask me if she can't find it on the internet.

9. My daughter's name is Emalyn (pronounced Emma Lynn). Yes, you can call her Emalyn or Em for short. Not Emi or Ema...we named her what we wanted her called. Her middle name is Bella...you can call her Emalyn Bella if she is in trouble.
I would like to veto the Em. I agree with everything else.

10. I work at Farm Credit Midsouth as a Customer Service Representative. I answer the phones, take money, disburse money, balance the money, etc. I don't have an important job that is "climbing the corporate ladder" - I used to want that and I was doing it...then I became a Wife and Mom...my priorities changed. I do like my job. It's low stress and it's 8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, so it is family friendly. If my kid is sick, they understand. I work with good people.
Becky is a lot happier when she comes home from work than when she was climbing the corporate ladder. I am glad that she works for a good company, with good people and likes her job.

Blow By Blow!

2009-01-04T21:44:00.002-06:00

Emalyn has started narrating now...every little thing. It's cute and funny, but sometimes she repeats herself several, several times.
Some of the things I have heard recently:
"Daddy cut wood."
"Mama take Libby outside."
"TazzCat eats."
"Papa drive truck."
"Emalyn ride in Mama's truck."
"Emalyn watch Bella (which is her word for Cinderella!)"
"Emalyn and Meme cook."
"Emalyn potty with Mama."
"Daddy gone to kitchen."
Yes, it know is it so sweet and she is learning so fast to put sentences together, but sometimes the narrating grates a bit on Mama's nerves!

Christmas!

2009-01-02T17:40:00.004-06:00

Click on each picture to see a larger view...

So, I'm a little late posting pictures from Christmas...it's been a heck of a holiday scene for the Streets. But, here are a few of my favorites...hope you enjoy! I hope that you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you and your family well for 2009.

Girlfriends mean so much.

2008-12-14T23:05:00.005-06:00

There are 11 of us girls that have known each other since Junior High. Some of us go back even longer than that...up to 31 years!

We still get together on a regular basis. I am so blessed to have these wonderful women in my life and know that they are my true friends through thick and thin.
I hope that others in this world have bonds like we do. I know that in my happiest times and worst of times, these women have helped make me into the woman I am today...friend, wife, mama, sister, daughter, child of God.

What would I have done without each and every one of you? I love you, ladies. I'm proud to call each of you my friend.

Kelly & Autumn couldn't be at our get together last night...we missed you!

How cute!

2008-12-11T09:09:00.003-06:00

John snapped this picture this morning when he dropped Emalyn off at school. She had her milk and juice and joined her buddy Tate on the couch for a few minutes of TV watching before breakfast. They only get 30 minutes of TV time per day, so she doesn't waste any time in the mornings getting settled to get in a little Wiggles or Mickey Mouse watching!

Using My Words Wisely

2008-12-05T20:55:00.002-06:00

So, there is this little shadow that follows me around and lately she has began mimicking me. "Blah, blah, blah" and "I told you" are some of the words I am hearing being said to me these days. Although she says it soooo very sweetly and in her darlin' southern drawl, I know she is learning from me. I guess I need to make sure that those 4-letter-word slips are a thing of the past...I sure don't want her repeating those!

Emalyn's 2 year pictures

2008-11-30T22:14:00.003-06:00

It's hard to believe how fast she is growing up. If you had any doubts about her having her own attitude, surely these pictures will put those doubts to rest! But, what a blessing and delight she is. We did 2 year pictures along with Christmas pictures...hope you enjoy!

Pooh & Friends Live

2008-11-25T14:58:00.007-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, my sister, Virginia, and I took Emalyn to see Pooh & Friends Live in Little Rock at Alltel Arena. This was her first big event...we haven't even been to a movie yet (don't worry...she's going to see Bolt in a couple of weeks).

At first, she was a little attached to me when the lights went down, but after some popcorn and a couple of songs, she had eyes only for Pooh.

She also made her first trip to Toys R Us...and threw a hissy for a slide...so, we left with a slide.

John didn't make the trip because he was in the deer woods...I'm sure he had as much fun as we did.

White Chocolate Mocha

2008-11-18T15:59:00.007-06:00

Last Thursday, me and Emalyn meet up with Lisa and Kody at Books-a-Million for a few minutes to catch up and visit. My dad and my husband joined in the festivities, as well. We had a good visit and Aunt Lisa brought her camera to make sure she got some of my best parenting moments...

I admit white chocolate mochas are my very favorite thing right now. I don't have them often, so I enjoy them when I do endulge. My daughter had to have a taste of my coffee...and she decided it might be her favorite thing these days, too!

Hanging out at home

2008-11-04T20:46:00.003-06:00

We stay pretty busy these days...Emalyn can't seem to sit still! Last week, she started driving and then moved on to mowing the front porch and the driveway! She's a quick learner!

One of her favorite places to have a snack is on the kitchen counter...yes, I give in sometimes! However, it looks as if she is eating a Twinkle...but no, it's a weightwatchers sponge cake...much better for her! Actually, if you try one, they are better than Twinkies...seriously.

Riding with the boys!

2008-11-04T20:37:00.004-06:00

Em got a tricycle for her birthday and she loves it! She rode it in the house and in the garage...and then she seen the neighborhood boys out in the street with their bicycles and she had to join in! She is the only little girl in our neighborhood, but she hangs right in there with them! This was the actual day of her birthday, and the evidence on her face proves that I had hot pink icing on her cupcakes for school! I learned my lesson...only white icing from here on out!

Trick or Treatin' Ladybug

2008-11-04T20:03:00.006-06:00

As you can see, our little ladybug had a great Halloween!
We started with a party at school, then went by and seen her Grammy at work at the hospital, then visited her Meme at Lenders Title (she racked up there!) and then on to home where it was trick or treating old school style!
She had her cousin Trenton ~ as an organic banana, and her buddy Tate ~ as BamBam, accompany her up and down our street. They got loads of candy - which they sampled along the way!
We finished the evening with a trip over to see Grandpa and Grammy...we were all beat!

Whoooo Hooooo....I'm Two!

2008-10-31T09:46:00.012-05:00

Our baby girl turned 2 on October 29th! I can't believe it! She amazes me everyday and I am so blessed to be her mama. John and I know that we have been given a beautiful blessing and we cherish her.

She had a big family birthday party at Chick-Fil-A last Saturday and she got lots...a tricycle, a baby doll, some games and DVDs, an Ariel doll that sings, clothes, Elmo house shoes, building blocks, a basketball goal, a play rug for her room, an Elmo driving toy, a princess cell phone and camera, a Dora backpack set, bathtub toys and so much more! She isn't a crowd person, so she was attached to me for the majority of the party...but she did enjoy the play area a little....and the presents.

She had aunts & uncles, grandparents, great grandparents, Godmother and cousins come and celebrate with her...we had a great crowd! We all enjoyed some great chicken, cake and ice cream!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY SWEET BABY GIRL!

Parker Homestead ~ A Family Tradition

2008-10-19T21:04:00.009-05:00

Last weekend, we made the trip down to Parker Pioneer Homestead. This is the third year we have gone and we love it each time!

This year was the first time we took a wagon ride and it was great. It was Emalyn's favorite part of the day!

We toured the barn (including the loft), the old school house, the old house, the country store and the post office. We took in the sights - donkeys, goats, sugar cane becoming molasses, the old cannon, kettle korn cooking, soap and butter being made and so much more!

Emalyn enjoyed the wide open space to run and play...until the cannon went off...we tried to warn her that the cannon would be loud, but as you can see...she had to learn for herself!

check it out at: http://www.parkerhomestead.com/

hit a mark!

2008-10-15T09:49:00.005-05:00

I've been doing Weight Watchers for 18 weeks and lastnight I hit a mark...the 30 pound mark! I'm down 30.8 pounds so far...only 36.8 to go!
Some days I find keeping my goal in mind is easy...other days it's really hard. I've struggled with my weight for many years now and I'm tired of it. So, every day is a new day and if I fall off the wagon, I'll just get right back on.
It surprises me how much better I feel already...and I'm not quite as tired as I was previously.

Not a philosophical post...but important.

Fall Festival

2008-10-13T13:06:00.005-05:00

Our church recently celebrated it's 28th annual fall festival...games, petting zoo, rummage sale, auctions, food! What a weekend!

Emalyn took in the petting zoo and some of the games. It's amazing how brave she is getting...but still so shy when it comes to people!

Cobbler!

2008-10-11T20:40:00.008-05:00

As many of you know, I have been doing Weight Watchers since June. So far, I'm almost 30 pounds down...almost 40 more to go!
John mentioned a cobbler to a friend at church the other day and she said she would like the recipe...so I wanted to share this great Weight Watchers recipe with others that have weight struggles. John found this for me a couple of months ago and it's good for those of us that have a sweet tooth and need to indulge!

Weight Watchers Cobbler
2 lbs. no sugar added bags frozen fruit - do not thaw (we have used cherries and peaches, ummm good!)
1 box yellow cake mix
1 can diet 7 up or sprite zero

In a 9 by 13 pan, place frozen fruit in bottom, sprinkle with dry cake mix, pour entire can of soda over cake mix. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven. Uncover and bake an additional 40 minutes.
When cooled, cut into 12 equal parts. 1/12 = 3 points

At my Weight Watchers meeting last week, some of the people were talking about using any cake mix and combining it with any caffeine free diet soda...orange, creme soda, coke, grape, etc...from what they say, this comes out much like a sponge cake and it's so tasty that it doesn't need icing...so, if you try something like this, let me know. I'm going to try it soon!

Postings from our church fall festival and a trip to Parker Homestead coming soon!

I'm new here...

2008-10-07T15:01:00.006-05:00

Ok, I'm new here...so, I'll just start by posting some of my favorite pictures...