Life is Changing Everyday

End of Eleven

2011-12-31T23:45:00.003-05:00

We spent the end of eleven ringing in the new year with our friends at the Loose's home. The kids had a fabulous time riding go carts, four wheelers, and playing man hunt. Another blessed year has come to an end. We are always looking forward to the new beginnings and seeing what our 365 unwritten pages for the new year will bring. Happy New Year!

Christmas Memories

2011-12-26T15:42:00.003-05:00

Akridge Christmas Celebration

2011-12-25T12:38:00.001-05:00

Christmas with the Akridge's, Alver's, and Julius Family is always a laughing good time. We had breakfast first, mom's famous milk gravy and biscuits, and then the unwrapping began. Another wonderful year of many blessed individuals. This Christmas brought a few tears for us with Paul not being here. The first time anyone has missed our Christmas celebration. Happily for all of us, we were able to visit him on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This has been a touching Christmas missing him and praying for mom's full recovery from her stroke. We are all thankful to be here on earth and realize peace with each of us is certainly the most important gift of all.

Santa Stopped At Our House

2011-12-25T01:50:00.003-05:00

This Christmas started at 5 a.m. It seemed so early after going to bed at 3 a.m. This year's Christmas list included Ipad's, PS3, Huffy Green Machine, bikes, skates, movies, golf clubs, and clothes. The kids favorite gifts were the Ipad's. We love this magical morning making special memories together. There is nothing greater than sharing each other's love and joy.

Christmas Eve with The Julius Family

2011-12-24T21:16:00.003-05:00

Christmas Eve is spent at St. Williams Mass with our entire family. After mass, we gather at our home for dinner and desserts. This year we had Lasagna Soup. It's always nice to join together and have lots of conversation about the anticipation of what Christmas will bring for all of our little ones. We have a fire and make S'mores. The Santa treats are left by the fireplace and the reindeer food is put out. We are now ready for Twas the Night Before Christmas and bedtime prayers. One of our favorite nights of the year is finally here!

Christmas Exchange at the Loose's Home

2011-12-24T17:09:00.002-05:00

We always gather together with our good friends on Christmas Eve.

Ice Slide

2011-12-16T13:31:00.001-05:00

Nolan, Trey, Haley,Brylee, Aaralyn, and Laney had an icy blast on the slide. Great memories made right here in Keystone Heights on this seventy degrees warm December day.

Nolan's Jr. High Basketball Game

2011-12-15T22:23:00.008-05:00

We are so proud of Nolan for trying out for the team and being a fantastic player. We enjoy being there for him and watching him play. He is always giving his best!

NYC Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T17:41:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving morning came real early this year. We were on the street at 6 A.M. saving our spot for the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. The kids went to sleep waiting on the parade. It was a cold, damp morning. Then we played twenty-one to help pass the time. Finally, the parade was underway. The kids eyes lighted up like never before. Nolan quickly grabbed the camera and started clicking away. Some stars we saw were China, Neil Diamond, Cee Lo Green, Mary J Blige, Scotty McCreery, Rodney Atkins, Zendaya, Avril Lavigne, and Mrs. America. After the parade we had our Thanksgiving lunch at the Food Emporium. Our NYC vacation was over and we were all happy to say, we're coming home. It was a week of laughter, love, and dreams come true.

NYC Day 6 - Happy 40th Birthday Celena

2011-11-23T23:43:00.022-05:00

Let me start by saying that my husband has been remarkable to me by helping me plan a memorable 40th Birthday. The early morning alarm started at 5 am to make it to the Today Show. We were there by 6 in the cold rain with the largest crowd the Today Show has ever had for any concert. The best present was the surprise visit by Usher singing with Bieber. The sound system had technical difficulty and kept us guessing what was coming next. Then we were off to the Museum of Natural History. It seemed like all of New York was there. It was completely crowded with people and kids from schools of all ages. The planetarium was cool. The children enjoyed the dinosaur displays and the mammal center. Then we were off to Central Park for the inflation of the Macy's Day balloons. After that we celebrated my birthday at the Olive Garden. Dinner was perfect as it has become a tradition for us to have my birthday dinner there. We ended the night ice skating at Bryant Park. It was an icy blast! We skated for almost three hours. What a blessed 40th birthday it was. It was absolutely perfect!

NYC Day Five

2011-11-22T22:28:00.010-05:00

An exciting day it was enjoying the spirit of Christmas at the Radio City Music Hall featuring the Christmas Show Spectacular with the Rockettes. Afterwards we had a quick visit with Santa and had a restful evening at the hotel.

NYC Day Four

2011-11-21T22:04:00.002-05:00

A touching day it was starting out at the 9/11 Memorial . It was an hour of reflecting on those who experienced the terror of the Twin Towers. The new single tower is still being constructed. Then we headed over to the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street. After that, we boarded our ferry for our boat trip to The Statue of Liberty. The kids loved the piles of leaves on the island of the statue. Then we boarded the ferry again and toured the Ellis Island Immigration Center. In the evening, we took a sunset walk over the Brooklyn bridge to Ben's Place. He gave us a tour of his Center. The kitchen and laundry room were unbelievable. The view of the city from Ben's place was the most breath-taking view of all! Absolute serenity! We finished the evening at a Pizza place, ordering four gigantic pizzas. We continue to make lasting memories together.

NYC Day Three

2011-11-20T21:29:00.003-05:00

By far, the best day in NYC for us was day three. We started our day discovering Rockefeller Center while mom went to church. Then we visited the Catholic church as well. After church, we jumped on the subway and headed out to Central Park. The most peaceful place in NYC for sure. The kids played in trees and on boulders. We walked and walked and walked around the park to the boats, to the castle, and to the playgrounds. We finished the day at a three story Olive Garden on the corner of Time Square with window seating. Our favorite day in NYC, enjoying each other's company and the natural beauties our Lord has created.

NYC Day Two

2011-11-19T23:30:00.000-05:00

We spent day two touring and exploring the Top of The Rock. It had a wonderful view of Central Park and the city. It was neat to view the city during daylight hours. The kids enjoyed the revolving doors in the buildings. We also shopped in Time Square. The kids loved the M & M store, the Hershey's store, and Hollister. We ate hot dogs and pretzels from a street vendor. We discovered the ball drop that is used every year on New Year's Eve. We found a few more street characters. We went to China Town and Little Italy. We ate at Sal's pizza. We took the glass elevator in the Marriot Time Square hotel to the top to see their view. It was a lot of walking but very enjoyable.

New York City Here We Come Day One

2011-11-18T23:45:00.001-05:00

Our trip started in Jacksonville catching a Jetblue flight to NYC with the Loose family. We spent our first night at the Empire State Building and Grand Central Station. The kids enjoyed the different types of transportation today from the airplane, to the shuttle bus, to the subway, and finally our feet. We all quickly learned there is lots of walking. The Empire State building had an amazing view of the city. The kids felt important having to go through so much security. A gorgeous evening it was with temperatures in the 40's. Grand Central station was massive and beautiful to see. The kids loved seeing the character in the Empire State Building.

Halloween

2011-10-31T11:45:00.005-04:00

Haley's Soccer Season

2011-09-30T11:22:00.000-04:00

Nolan's First Season of Golf

2011-09-10T01:13:00.000-04:00

Seventeenth Anniversary

2011-08-27T21:17:00.000-04:00

We spent our anniversary day at Cloud Nine Salon and Spa. We went to dinner at The Roadhouse and spent the evening at home. It was quiet and peaceful. We both love the serenity of our home, the dreams we built together from many years of hard work. We couldn't ask for a happier place to be on our wedding day, our home!

First Day Jitters

2011-08-17T16:42:00.003-04:00

Today is the start of a new chapter for Nolan and Haley. Nolan is beginning High School for his seventh grade school year. He is super excited about his schedule and looks forward to seeing all of his friends. Haley is starting her fifth grade school year and looks forward to her patrol duties and being on the green team. My prayer for both is that God will provide the wisdom, courage, and good health to allow them to be the BEST that they can be in everything that they choose to do. As I send them off to school, I remind them to value their time of every day life and experiences with others. I'm looking forward to the unwritten days ahead and the memories yet to come!

On Our Way to Another School Year

2011-08-12T23:17:00.003-04:00

Haley was pleased to find out that her fifth grade teacher will be Mrs. Jones. She is excited about being a patrol and looks forward to making memories with new friends. Let the school year begin.

Julius' Hanging Out At Home

2011-08-06T23:30:00.004-04:00

Date Night

2011-07-15T12:18:00.000-04:00

A great time out with good people. Jennifer, Stephanie, Cindy, Dawn, and I had a great time at Whitey's Fish camp hanging out, eating, and listening to the band while the gentlemen played pool and conversed.

Beach Days

2011-07-05T23:54:00.001-04:00

We spent the Fourth of July at Flagler beach with John, Jenn, Chase, Caitlyn, and Tyler. We had beautiful weather, walks on the beach, surfing lessons, skim boarding, boogie-boarding, cook-outs, ladder ball, a parade, fireworks, and most importantly, each other. What a wonderful time it was for the Julius and Cumbus families.

Rainforest Cafe, Downtown Disney, & Blizzard Beach

2011-06-14T00:08:00.002-04:00

The Safety Patrol ended their year with an overnight trip to Orlando. The patrols enjoyed a day at Blizzard Beach with private cabanas, their own attendants, a bottomless soda cup, and plenty of fun in the sun. They were treated like royalty as a reward for the service hours they had given all year. The patrols also earned $40.00 in spending money to shop in Downtown Disney. Lego Land seemed to be the hot spot for purchasing. The patrols had dinner at The Rain Forest Cafe one night and The Golden Corral the other night. Another hot spot was of course the hotel. It created an atmosphere with plenty of smiles and laughs at the swimming pool, in the hot tub, and at the arcade.

Graduation Party

2011-06-11T22:28:00.000-04:00

The Loose's hosted a sixth grade graduation party for Brody, Nolan, Jason, Jennings(7th grader), Anna, Delaney, Jordan, Abi, Rachel, Haley(4th grader), Emily(3rd grader), and Maura. The party was catered with plenty of BBQ ribs and chicken and all the sides you could want. To finish up the meal, the kids were treated with homemade ice cream. The kids enjoyed the pool and outside games. Their elementary years have been written in history but their high school years are still a mystery.

Nolan Graduates

2011-06-07T17:18:00.004-04:00

Sixth grade was a unique year for Nolan. Nolan was a part time home schooler. I must be the luckiest mom in the world being able to be his teacher and his mom. I really enjoyed every second of it and the time we had together doing school work. Then of course there was my mom, Nolan's Nana. She completed what I couldn't do at night while she had him during the day. She and Papa made it all possible with all the crazy schedules. Nolan would go to school for Safety Patrol and News Anchor. Then he would go to Cody's to complete his Language Arts lesson. Then he would return to school for Specials. After that, Nana or Papa would pick him up for his Science and Social Studies lesson and a visit to Genesis to work out. He would return to school for Math and Recess. At night we would complete Reading and English. It worked well because Nolan was self motivated.

At graduation, Nolan was recognized for his many accomplishments. Nolan received a News Team Award as a News Team Member. Nolan won second place in the county news festival for a video he produced for Jump Rope for Heart. Nolan was presented the Chief's Award for his exceptional performance in Physical Education for having the most miles in the Mile Club of the school. He completed 84 miles for the year. Nolan was awarded a Safety Patrol Service Award for his valuable contributions to service hours for Keystone Heights Elementary. Nolan demonstrated academic excellence in Mathematics and received a Math award. Finally, Nolan achieved an A/B average throughout his elementary school years. Therefore, Nolan has successfully completed his sixth grade year earning a certificate of promotion to the high school. May his next six years be as productive as his childhood years. Bless him and keep him happy, healthy, and safe. Congratulations Nolan on all of your accomplishments.

Inside Haley's 10th Birthday

2011-06-04T14:02:00.005-04:00

Haley Bug celebrates her tenth birthday with family and friends. She planned lots of cool activities on such a blazing, hot summer day for herself and her guests. I love that she is liking party planning!!! Haley's ideas were having a double-dipper water slide, a baseball game using a soccer ball, pool time, soaring in the air time, and pool side pies. What an ANGEL Haley Brooke is in all of our lives. She is one beautiful girl from the inside out.

Red Bull Soccer Party

2011-06-02T23:24:00.003-04:00

Haley's soccer party with all of her team mates at our house. They had a great time in the pool, riding the backyard boogie board, playing ping pong, and receiving their trophies. A great season for all.

Haley's First Season of Soccer

2011-06-01T09:57:00.000-04:00

Haley enjoyed her first season of soccer. Haley is #4. She is an aggressive, young player. She is extremely quick and enjoyed being on the front line of offense.

Good Times, Great Memories, and Much Needed Laughs

2011-05-28T01:41:00.005-04:00

Susan, Cindy, Dawn, and Celena

Wrapping Up Another Season of Baseball

2011-05-28T01:36:00.000-04:00

Nolan has just finished his last season of KRA ball.

News Team Field Trip

2011-05-27T01:28:00.000-04:00

A field trip to the Channel 5 News Studio at the University of Florida with the sixth grade news team. A great day of learning about broadcasting!

Nolan's Sixth Grade Dance

2011-05-22T10:47:00.006-04:00

Growing Up

2011-05-21T17:25:00.002-04:00

Nolan met up with his friends prior to going to the sixth grade dance. They had a super time together having a photo shoot. What talented, handsome young men they all are!

Here We Come Daytona Lagoon

2011-05-14T22:35:00.001-04:00

It's time to celebrate 12 wonderful years of Abi's life. The girls are headed to the Daytona Lagoon for a day of fun in the sun. What a great place to make happy memories!

Meaningful Moments With the Family on Easter

2011-04-24T14:58:00.011-04:00

Alver's Easter Memories

2011-04-24T14:50:00.002-04:00

Easter Morning

2011-04-24T14:09:00.006-04:00

Coloring eggs and having an egg hunt at the Alver's house.

A Great Day of Fishing

2011-04-15T12:46:00.001-04:00

Little moments that bring so much happiness to a man's heart. Two nice size bass caught in a few hours of fishing always makes for a happy ending . What a Catch!

Monkey Business

2011-03-27T16:16:00.006-04:00

This is a HUGE tree with a deck built around it. Ryan, our monkey, is about to climb it and cut it down. Check this out...hard for us to watch....SCARY!

Date Night

2011-03-27T01:49:00.000-04:00

We are going out to dinner and to watch dueling pianists go at it with the crowd. What an exciting night this will be.

Bowling At Splitz Bowling Alley

2011-03-23T16:00:00.001-04:00

We had a relaxing afternoon eating at Chili's and bowling with the Loose Family.

Golfing At the Driving Range

2011-03-22T22:54:00.000-04:00

Nolan, Trey, and Haley took the Golf Challenge and headed to the driving range to practice their shots. They had an amazingly exciting afternoon seeing how far they could hit.

Breaking It At the Beach

2011-03-21T09:12:00.001-04:00

What a gorgeous day it was at St. Augustine Beach. We spent the day having fun in the sun, skim boarding, playing ball, and just chilling. We were surrounded by friends we care so much about. It was a beautiful day with Cindy, Abi, Emily, Dawn, Jennings, Anna, John, Jenn, Andy, Monica, Kyler, Fletcher, Riley, and Mattie.

Crushing It on Opening Day of KRA Baseball

2011-03-19T00:31:00.002-04:00

Baseball begins...Introducing the Cardinals! Nolan has grown into a super young ball player. He did a great job pitching, hitting, and scoring on opening day. We are so proud of this passionate pitcher and fearless hitter. Way to Go #7. Your smile says it all. One of our favorite little fans, Cooper, is waiting for his first t-ball game and playing in the sand.

Medieval Times In Orlando

2011-03-17T00:02:00.000-04:00

The sixth graders of Keystone Heights Elementary School boarded charter buses for a trip to Orlando to participate in a dinner show known as Medieval Times. Nolan was chaperoned by his dad. The other young men in his group were Zach and Ethan. The food was Nolan's favorite part of the trip.

St. Augustine Field Trip

2011-03-04T23:07:00.001-05:00

Haley had a wonderful experience discovering the town of St. Augustine with her fourth grade classmates and her teacher, Mr. Seneca. They explored the fort, took a train ride, had a scavenger hunt locating places in the town, made crafts, and went shopping. Haley spent these special memories with her dad as her chaperone. She felt blessed to be with her close friend, Brylee. She also made memories with Chloe, Kelsey, and Madison.

President's Day Spent at Goldhead

2011-02-28T16:27:00.000-05:00

We spent our day off from school discovering nature at Goldhead State Park. Nolan, Haley, Brylee, and I had an enjoyable day climbing trees, playing in the stream, and walking the trails.

Seventy Five And Counting

2011-02-26T22:34:00.007-05:00

On February 22, 2011 my daddy turned 75 years old. We spent the afternoon and evening celebrating his life with his all time favorite thing to do, have a family fish fry. He always believed in catching it himself and cooking it for everyone. That is just what he did. I believe Cody summed up how we all feel about daddy in the blessing. Cody stated, "Another day with Papa is always a great day." He is exactly right. Daddy has been the calm behind the many storms in all of our lives. He is always there for everyone to keep us grounded. Heaven knows he is an angel here on earth. He is the nicest man there is. He has never said anything but a kind word about everyone. He is the mold that models righteousness, dignity, and honesty.

I know that his birthday was a celebration to all of us, but probably to him more of a reflection. Without his twin, Edward, birthdays are simply not the same for him personally. The majority of his birthdays were spent fishing with his identical twin, Edward. I'm sure Edward was celebrating in Heaven with you. I hope you felt his energy here in your heart and soul on your birthday.

Happy 75th Birthday Daddy...keep making memories!

YBA Basketball

2011-02-01T00:08:00.003-05:00

Nolan and Haley enjoyed another fantastic year of basketball. They love the youth basketball program held at Keystone Heights High School by the high school basketball players. They both play point guard. They have a special ref, their cousin, Chase Julius. Look at these two athletes giving it all they have. What stars they both are!

Girl's Weekend in Tallahassee

2011-01-19T01:16:00.000-05:00

The girls are Tallahassee bound for a gymnast exhibition. Haley is a spectator going along with Emily and Maddie. She'll be cheering on Abi, Jordan, Anna, and Abby. Girls just having fun...and Jennings being a good sport for his sister!

Sweet and Sassy

2011-01-18T14:57:00.007-05:00

What a treat it was celebrating Emily's 9th Birthday at Sweet and Sassy. Emily, Remi, and Haley were completely spoiled like little girls should be. They had lunch at The Olive Garden, went shopping at the mall, and wrapped up their day with manicures, pedicures, and hair styles at Sweet & Sassy.

Nolan's 12th Birthday at Busch Gardens

2011-01-16T21:33:00.001-05:00

Nolan wanted to spend his day riding massive rollar coaster rides. He took his friend, Jason Arzie with him. It was the perfect duo for these wild rides.

Nolan's Birthday Dinner

2011-01-14T00:39:00.001-05:00

Nolan wanted to celebrate his beautiful life with his family at The Steak House. Nolan is satisfied with simple things and loves his company. What a giving heart Nolan has! Look at that smile, it is authentic!

Making New Year Changes

2011-01-13T21:26:00.003-05:00

Trading in the Saturn is our first change of the year. Looking forward to many more.

Ryan's 37th Birthday

2011-01-03T21:11:00.004-05:00

Ryan celebrating his 37th birthday at home with his family. He wanted a quiet night at home. He really didn't even want a cake because of his work out plan but the kids insisted.

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T23:50:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year from our House to Yours!

We wish you peace and prosperity in 2011.

Let it be all that you dream it will be and more.

Welcoming the New Year with Family and Friends...
Danielle, Ashleigh, Haley, Emily, Abi,

Jennings, Bailey, Jordan, Anna, Rachel, and Nolan

ICICLES by Haley

2010-12-30T13:22:00.006-05:00

Holiday Happiness

2010-12-29T14:21:00.005-05:00

Christmas night is always spent at The Akridge home

with a delicious meal and lots of conversation and laughs.

Papa, Nana, Nolan, and Haley

Mom and Dad
Mom, Dad, and Paul

Mom and Dad

Paul and Haley

Paul and Nolan

Paul and Celena

Paul

Celena

Ryan and Celena

Renee and Greg

I volunteered to say the blessing and quickly became

emotional with my words, as you can see in the picture,

and just shouted out Blah,Blah, Blah...

So...my dad quickly spoke up and explained this happens

to a person who knows how to speak

directly from the heart and gave me a hug.

Marshmallow War is so cool...

Good memories...

Technology Times...

Nana rocks...

Beautiful girl...Haley Brooke

What's Up Girl?

Can't leave without it...

We Love Christmas Morning

2010-12-27T23:00:00.001-05:00

Our Christmas morning is always spent

at home and at my parent's home.

This year our Christmas started with this prayer

spoken joyfully from my dad.

Bless us, Oh Lord, and these thy gifts which

we are about to receive

from thy bounty, through Christ, Our Lord.

Amen.

Let us take a moment to remember those who are

no longer here with us this Christmas morning.

~BLESSED~ Daddy praying prior to the unwrapping of gifts...

Daddy asking for us to remember those who are
no longer here with us to celebrate this special time together.
Daddy sharing words from his heart ...

Nolan with his tornado necklace
and Haley with her iHome...
Nolan with his new Hurley hat...
Haley and her Hollister shirt... Nolan and his Aeropostale jacket...

Unwrapping the Fushigi ball...

Nolan unwrapping his iHome...
Nolan and his Hurley shorts
and Haley with her rip skates...

Clothes from Justice...
Clothes from Hollister...

Nolan with his rip skates...

Haley loves her jacket from her brother...
Haley with her new watch...
Nolan and his Hurley shirt...

Unwrapping the Hedbanz Game...

We can't wait to play it...

Nolan with his new pajama pants...

Haley with her new sports outfit...

Haley with her Hollister Hoody...

Nolan sporting his Phiten necklace...
Haley with her cozy blanket...

Nolan with his Rumor Touch Screen cell phone...
Love it...

Haley with her Tennis ball basket...

Nolan and another Hurley jacket...
What is it?
Nolan's snuggly blanket...
Ping Pong paddles...what are these for?
Out to the garage they run...

To find not only a ping pong table but also a bike...

Nolan and Paul...
Paul and Haley...Papa and Haley...

Aaralyn...

Aaralyn with her princess blanket...

Laney crawled right into the box

with her blanket...

Laney loved her baby's bottle...

Daddy with his new towels...
Mom with her new rug...Dad and his prayer plaque...

Dad was proud to have a rug with his name on it...
Rick and Valerie enjoying the moment...
Marshmallow shooter, so cool...

Nolan and his basketball...

Laney taking a break with Ryan...
Laney feeding her baby...

Thinking the bottle is hers once again...
Playing the Hedbanz game

Nolan, Haley, and Greg...

Haley and her gift card...

Haley with her pajama set...
Nolan and Haley ready to battle

on their new ping pong table...

Celena thinking its too early

for the bright sun and cold weather...

Haley is trying out her new rip skates.

She wants to practice with the bar on for now...

Nolan managing pretty well already

on his new rip skates...

Love the kids practicing and playing

in their pajamas on Christmas morning.

Their to busy discovering and forget to change...

These pictures were taken with

Haley's new digital camera...

Believing In The Spirit of Christmas and The Magic of the Season

2010-12-26T23:58:00.001-05:00

Haley is spreading out the reindeer food...

She is still being a good sport!

Nolan is thinking we are completely crazy...
Adding a little sprinkle or sparkle
to the oats so the reindeer can find it...
Milk and cookies for Santa...
Nolan and Haley are sharing a moment in time that
reminds us to let them be little for a while...
Haley is ready for Santa...

Christmas Eve Entertainment with Family and Friends

2010-12-26T23:48:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve wouldn't be the same without the family

trying out their singing voices on Band Hero...

Chase playing while Cody sings...

Paul thinking he is going to sleep... Staci, Valerie, and Laney enjoying
each other's company...Nolan singing, Caitlin playing, Tyler waiting his turn... Look at Tyler now... Chase and EvanBradley, Tyler, Andrew, Chase, and Haley

Celena, Renee, and JennRenee and Chase
Chase, Renee, and Greg

Chase and Haley Bug

Jenn, Chase, and Haley
Haley and Renee

Christmas Eve gift exchange with

The Loose Family...

Nolan, Abi, Haley, and Emily

Haley and Emily