Holt's Cowboy Day at school

In October every Friday was something different. This particular Friday was cowboy day.

JOey Jones During Cowboy day at Central Methodist.

One month later

This was actually in September.

sorry there is two pic of one thing, I could not figure out how to delete it.

Well it has been a month since I posted, where has the time gone. October has flown by. In September the boys and I went to Jackson for an evening. Here are a few pictures taken that did not get posted in September. These are our dear neighbors we had when we lived in Oak Grove. They were grandparents to my children. We enjoyed our visit with the Lafosse's.

update

Nothing much is going on. I feel like I have fallen off the blog bandwagon. Hope everyone is doing fine. We are! I spend most of my day in the road. When I get home there is no time to get on the computer. Hope to update soon.

weekend in Jackson

The kids and I spent a night in Jackson several weeks ago. Hopefully we will be back soon. I need my Keifers fix. I really enjoyed spending time with everyone. Thanks, Matt and Mandi, for putting up with the kids and I for a night.

Holt and Anna Lauren playing in the baby bed!

JOhn David's early birthday present

Well, John did it! He bought John David his first gun, 410. John David's birthday is not untill November 7th, but we were so excited that we had to give it to him. As you can tell his father is very excited also.

Beach Trip

The beach!!!

We finally went to the beach for a weekend. Our family has never been to the beach together. We went to some friends of ours from Louisville MS, Slade, Julie and Aiden.

Holt, Aiden and John David

Holt playing in the pool water

The boys, JOhn David and Aiden loved to ride the waves on the board.

First day of school

Well, we have one child in real school, kindergarten. He was very excited about going to school. I just can't believe it! I guess we all know what this means, we are getting older! I hope and pray everyday that he will make smart decisions and do the right thing ,yes even for a kindergartener. I would love to shelter him from the world, but I can't. It is in God's hands!

Holt is at it again!!

Well this time he got into the vaseline. We were about to leave to go to the fair and Holt rubbed vaseline in his hair. It took several days before his hair was normal again.

Holt's fun for the day

Holt found fun with the vacuum clearner a few days ago. He had a blast until he put it on his ear and started screaming. He mainly used the vacuum cleaner on his lip.

As you can tell his lip is slightly enlarged!

Special Day for John David

Most of you know that John David will be starting Kindergarten this year, August 7, 2008. I have very mixed emotions. I am sad and glad. I decided to have a day for John David and mommy. I let him pick what he wanted to do. We went to play mini golf, rode go-carts and played arcade games. After that we went to blockbuster for a few movies and Taco Bell. We had a great time. After it was all over, he gave me a big hug and said, "I love you". I was almost in tears.

Heart O dixie

This is the only picture that I have for the race.


Well I survived the Heart O Dixie! It was a great race. The weather was great, overcast for the bike, but on the run the sun began to shine.

Stuff-Update

Several weeks have past and we are getting settled in and enjoying the country life. During this short period of time, we have watched deer come in and out of our backyard. Those of you who know my husband can imagine what he is thinking. Well he has said he will not hunt in our backyard. The kids enjoy fishing and swimming. I asked John David one day what are we going to do without a YMCA? He said we do not need a pool, we have the lake. I have to say, because of the pool hours here for lap swim are crazy, I have swam 1 time in the lake and plan to swim more.
July 11-12
The weekend of the Sunfish Tri we were so excited because we had company coming, Matt and Mandi Calvert and Slade, Julie and Aiden Fancher. We all had such a good time visiting and completing the triathlon. Everyone finished and did very good. Pictures can be seen on the Calverts blog.
On Sunday we got together with my family for the birthdays in the months of May-August. It was nice being with them for the day. we all do not see each other enough, but we all do talk on a regular basis.

Coming up this weekend will be the Heart o'Dixie tri, July 26. It one of the hottest races of the year. My family will be in Purvis for the weekend and I am going to the Fanchers for the night.

Fishing

Holt, John David and Jacob fishing after going for a little swim.
Jacob excited because he caught a fish
Holt is trying to catch one.
John David reeling in a big one!

The Lake

J- taking a break from fishing and relaxing. This is where I hangout while they are fishing.

Holt got a new fishing pole and tackle box from aunt Lanette. He carries that thing everywhere.

This is a picture of the lake. Usually 2-3 mornings of the week, the kids want to go fishing. So we head to the lake. It is so nice to walk out of our backdoor and be at a place that my kids and my husband love. The kids and John also fish almost every afternoon till dark. The kids also like to swim in the lake.

July 4th

Fireworks shooting on the 4th of July

On the 4th of July we had a cook out that afternoon with several friends. Our neighbors, John Sonya and Anna Catherine, and Rochesters, (neighbors) and Sonya, Nicole and Jacob Skelton from Jackson. This is our neighbor, Anna Catherine. She and John David spend a lot of time together playing and swimming in the lake. Anyway the 4th was a lot of fun having friends over.

2 weeks later

All is good in Lauderdale County. On Sunday it was nice seeing a familiar face at Church. Jeremy and Sha Jackson (originally from the area) were at Church with her dad. We have found a church we enjoy and a Sunday school class. The service is more traditional than Comtempory.

John is enjoying his work. He is not to busy at this time but I am sure it will not be long before he will be very busy.

We have had a few lunch dates with Jennifer Jones. John David has a 7 yr old girl (Anna Catherine) that lives beside us and they play every afternoon.

Well nothing new at this time. Hopefully next week I can catch up with everything.

Last two days before the move

We have moved already but I have been with out a computer for one week. We finally have internet service after going through 3 different numbers from AT&T. Anyway just a recap of the last few days. During the last week in Brandon we had several lunches and dinners planned.
We visited with Johanna and her two boys. Johanna has two boys, Miles and Adian. My boys and hers are the same age. We meet Johanna and her boys at St. Marks. Johanna was John David's teacher. She has been a great friend have. She has been someone that can relate to boy stories. We have told some stories.

Sonya took me to lunch at Newks on wednesday, 18th. Sonya and I were united by our sons. About a 12 months ago, John David talked about a friend from the gym named Jacob. Jacob was the cutest boy. I actually saw Sonya at Wal-Mart one day and we exchanged numbers. The boys play so good together. Sonya has become a good friend during the past year. Anyway we had a lunch just us girls and had a great time. It was sad but I know I will be seeing her soon because she has family near Collinsville and the boys will be missing each other. John David has already asked when is Jacob coming to see him.

That evening of the 18th of June we visited with our neighbors the Hopkins'. Great time, Good fellowship and Food!!!

On June 19th, we had a farewell dinner at the Country Club recognizing all who were finishing at UMC. JOhn's parents came we had a great time. The boys stayed with Matt and Mandi for one last time. I knew that when we picked the boys up that a few tears would be shed. Yes a few tears were shed, but we but kept good composer because we both know that we are only a short distance away. Mandi and I did get to run together one last time.

On June 20th, I knew the time was coming to say bye to a neighbor that has been our family away from family. The LaFosse's have been friends, grandparents and parents to my family. Nancy and Bill, aka Nana and Pa, will be missed. They lived across the road. My boys have been crossing that road everyday to see them and get a snack and coke. She always had what I needed, if I didn't when I was cooking. Good neighbors are hard to find.
And Finally, I had lunch with the Calvert's at Keifers. Of course my lunch was on the house from Keifers. I had a great visit with Matt and Mandi. The Calvert's have been great friends of ours since the birth of Holt. Mandi and I spent a lot of time togther running while training for Memphis. We got to know each other very well. I really can't say how thankful I am for this family. They spent many hours helping us out with our kids, taking pictures at all the races and bringing my kids to races and just being friends. I can tell you, I was so excited for them when they found out they were expecting. They both are natural parents. We have been through a lot in the past 3 years. Lots of neighborhood evening chats. I will miss them and watching Anna Lauren grow up. Hopefully she will know who is the Vossanater. Thanks to all who have been a part of my life in Brandon!

Friends

We have lived in Oak Grove for several years and just down the road was a family that we really got to know in the past six months. Lori and Bruce Hopkins have a daughter Barbara Jane that is JOhn Davids age. These pictures were taken at their house, Wednesday before we moved. We really enjoyed spending time with you guys and Thanks for dinner!
The 3 bucket heads, Holt, JD and Barbara Jane

Last supper club at the park

Supper Club at the Park.
Holt loving the cookies
Adam
Hadley and Anna Lauren
Anna Lauren going for a ride

Holt

Holt loves to pull things. He has tried to pull down our table and succeed with the chairs. He finally discovered that he could pull the rocking horse.

I can't find the pictures, but I have some of Holt towing JD while JD on the gator.

John David and Jacob

John David and Jacob wanted to help cut the grass. It took both of the boys to push the lawn mower.

This sink hole has been hours of entertainment for my kids for 4 years. Many afternoons we have been at the sink hole till dark.

This is Adam Willimas! His mom (Katie) and dad (Billy) have become friends of ours and Adam really loves playing with John David and Holt. Summer of 2007, 3 couples from the neighborhood started a supper club, the Calvert's, the Williams', and us. It is hard to believe that one year has past.

Final Week

Well, all week we will be saying good byes. For the rest of the week, we have lunch dates and dinner dates. Our soon to be old house is almost empty. JOhn asked me what was for dinner, I said where would you like me to get take out. We have moved everything including food and cooking pans. I am looking forward to spending time with friends.



We thought we had a major problem today when we got home from Meridian. It was smokin hot in our house. Well after a few hours and the air conditioner did not seem to work, we decided to call in the professionals. Thank goodness the air was able to be fixed and not replaced. We are closing on the house in 3 days. Let's all pray that nothing else happens.

New house pictures

View from the front of the house. This was taken in January. Things are much prettier now since it is summer, not winter.

This is a view from the front left corner after one walks through the front door. You are looking part of the living room, foyer, red dining room and sitting area in the far corner next to the door.

Kitchen

I will post pictures of the lake at a later date.

Less than 2 weeks

WOW! We will be moving in less than 2 weeks. I feel the need to write or type because I almost had a breakdown when I left Target and headed home. I turned into the entrance of the neighborhood and just got to thinking how life is about to change. Change will be good, but all schedules will change. John's working schedule will be different. The kids and I will have a different schedule. Most of you know we moved to the country, ~15-20 miles to decent shopping. Now Wal-mart is only 10 miles away. So if the kids and I want to go to lunch, play at the park, go to the mall, go to the gym or visit friends we will have to drive into town. Driving from Target made me realize, no more going to get something for supper that day. I will be planning meals way ahead of time. On a good note, we have a house we love. It sits on 3.5 acres and our land backs up to a lake. The neighborhood is friendly. We have realized that yes we are moving to a small town and everyone already knows about us in some way.
I do know Meridian has a good triathlon group. I have meet many triathletes from Meridian.
Considering the whole package, positives and negatives, we do feel that this will be a good move.

Pictures of the Boys.

On June 5, 2008, Jennifer Hobson of Two sisters Photography, photograph the boys at Wrights Mill. She explains boys well on her blog. It was a very busy 30 min. I can't wait to see the pictures.
http://www.twosistersphotograph.com/

Heatwave triathlon 1/2 mile swim, 24 mile bike, 6.2 mile run

Well, the first race of the year is over. Today was the Heatwave Triathlon and boy was it HOT! Everything went good, but I felt like my times were a little off compared to last year. I placed 4th in my age group and 13th over all in the women's division.
2007: Kristi Voss 33 8 21:00 1:18 4 1:13:05 20.9 1:52 2 45:08 7:24 2:22:22

2008:Kristi Voss 34 7 15:31 1:22 6 1:11:39 20.8 1:11 2 47:18 7:46 2:16:59

Three weeks left

Many of you know that we will be leaving soon. It is hard to believe that we only have 3 weeks left in Rankin county. We have been looking forward to the move and getting to the next phase of our lives. I have noticed that it is hard to go from one phase to the next. I am happy, but sad. Since John and I started this journey, we have meet some amazing people and grew some strong friendships, some have already moved on, and some are still here. I know God is Good. He has put Godly people in my life that have been a daily blessing. He has blessed me with two wonderful healthy children and of course a wonderful husband. With God in the picture of everything, I know the move will go smoothly and he will provide all we need. Please be praying for us.

Fun at Nonna's

John David has learned a lot from going to nonna's. He has also be given permission to drive the gator. It really scares me to think that he can drive the gator and Holt is riding with him. There has been several instances which he disappears for a few minutes behind the hills in the field. I just have to turn my head and pray. He already wakes up and says, " he is going to check the cows on the gator"
Fun at Nonna's. The country train. John driving the gator, Catherine on the little tractor, John David on the go-cart, Holt is on a skid steer and Samuel is ridding a crawler. Luckily no one was hurt. They all had a great time. The kids love going to nonna's. Lots of different types of farm animals. More pictures to come later.

Lost Blankie

This is an old picture of Holt with his blankie. He is 1yr.

Here is Holt again with the same blankie. He is 3yr. Well, blankie is gone. We lost it on May 21, 2008. It was lost somewhere between Lowes, At&T and CVS. We called and traced our steps and could not find it. Needless to say the next 2 days were bad, but now he has overcome the blue blankie. I really wish I had it for my memory box, but i do have these precious pictures.

Swimming in family pond

Top: We had to travel to my stomping grounds (Nanih Waiya) last week. While I was visiting with family, John David and Holt decided to swim in my sister's pond. He loved it. Bottom: Holt kinda stayed on the edge and played in the mud. Afterwards we all had a great time hanging out with my sister and her family.

Much of nothing

It is been several days since I have posted. We were in Columbus MS for 4 days. Traveled through Meridian MS on the way back to Jackson so we could take care of our yard at the new house. When we got back to Jackson the kids were itching like crazy, well they got several red bug bites. We are back now and the kids are out of school, so I am trying to keep them busy.
John David has started swim lessons. I cannot really tell if he is enjoying them. Maybe after the first week he will be excited about going. Till later.

4K graduation at St. Marks Preschool

Today, John David graduated from preschool. He is getting sooo old and it makes me sad because I am getting older. That is not the real issue, my first child is growing up. Life passes so fast. At one point in time they are so tiny and before we can blink they are starting school. I am nervous about him starting school. The mom in me wants to be with him to protect him. I can only pray for him daily. Here is a picture of our family on John David's graduation day.