Kentuckys First Commercial Coal Mine

A fact you might find interesting...

Just two years after the first coal was discovered in the United States in 1750 explorer Thomas Walker discovered coal in what would become Kentucky and used it to heat his camp fire. Although his discovery came in the Eastern Coalfield it would be another 150 years before commercial coal production occurred there. In 1820 the first commercial coal mine in Kentucky opened in the Western Coalfield in Muhlenberg County. In its first year the mine produced 328 tons of coal. By 1843 the state produced 100,000 tons of coal produced, and by 1879 the state produced one million tons of coal, all coming from the Western Coalfield. 

Credits:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_mining_in_Kentucky

Birthdays, TKD, and Real House Wives of the Underground

This weekend we hosted a crab boil to celebrate a few birthdays, my oldest son Lane turned 15 and my sister-in-law Kelly turned ??......well she might now want me to say! haha  We celebrated with the grandparents, some brothers & sisters, and most of the nieces & nephews.  

My niece Isabella.

My Nephew Payton.

One of the cooks, Papaw Maddox.  Poor guy, he always gets the short end of the stick.  Cooks all the food and then enjoys what left.

My little brother fiance' Sammy and Karson.

My brother Nathaniel

My brother-in-law Josh.

Birthday boy Lane enjoying his crabs.

My niece Kinley, looks like she loved the cake.

Birthday Money for Birthday Boy!

Sunday was white belt testing at TKD and group photos of tournament participants for the local paper.

LOOK AT THOSE TROPHIES!

18 Participants and over 25 trophies was brought back to Muhlenberg County Tae Kwon Do Studio.

Very proud of all you!

Lots of family & friends came out to support the no belts test for their white belt.

White Belt Test

All those trophies would not of been possible without the leadership & guidance of our wonderful instructors.

Below, Head Instructor Mr. Johnson & Mr. Poole (who just passed his black belt test -woot woot).

Mr. Edwards, Mr. Russ & Mr. Elshide were not at todays event.  But are a very big part of our studio as well.

Our school usually does very well at tournament and I would say that is due to a lot hard work & determination.  Above all, it's our great leaders at MCTKD that teach our children to do their best and to always lead not follow, to be different and stand out in a crowd..  Below Mr. Johnson (head instructor) corrects one of his students.

Mr. Poole helping lower belts.

Thank You to our wonderful instructors.  Not only do you teach basic TKD but also ad the lil "extras" that mean a lot to us parents.  Teaching good manners, building good character, self confidence, & loyalty.

HONOR - DISCIPLINE - RESPECT

We are very proud to be included in such a wonderful family. 

Sunday afternoon was our March Social for the Real Housewives of the Underground.  This month was hosted by Vanessa at our local mexican restaurant.

Lori & Melony

Vanessa (the crazy host) & Sonya

Shelia, Chasidy, & Beth

Candase, Selina, & Me

10 out of 52 of us!

One crazy bunch of girls!

Oh I forgot to mention that our lil social took place during the UK game so we had a few that wore their BIG BLUE and did a lil cheering, nail bitting, and celebrating.

You'll be seeing a lot of great things come from this group of girls.  I am so looking forward to the April Social!

Happy 15th Birthday Lane!

My big boy turns 15 today.  Boy how time flies.  Sure didn't think it would come this fast.  Guess we'll be looking for another vehicle in the next year.  16 will be here a lot faster than I would hope for.  Today I am so thankful for a Healthy & Smart boy.  He's had a rough year with knee injuries but hopefully on the road to recovery.  

We love you so much Kristoffer Lane, hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Love Mom, Dad, & Karson

TTCA National Tournament 2011

Yesterday was the TTCA TKD National Tournament in Louisville, Ky.  We went up the night before with some of the other families so that we could support one of our TKD family members, Ron Poole.  He was testing for his black belt.  And yes, he passed!!!

Congrats Ron!!!

After testing the Poole family treated us all to dinner to celebrate!

Karson and fellow team member Cole.

Some of the Poole family.

Saturday morning we got early, ate breakfast, and came back to the room to change and rest before the tournament.

Ready to go!

Karson with his instructor Mr. Johnson.  The bunny ears are traditional for Karson with a "K" and Mr. Johnson TKD photos.

Sparring Begins!  Very exciting!!!

Resting in between rounds.

1st in Sparring

1st in Forms!

Karson placed 1st out of 16 in sparring and forms in the peewee green belt division.

One Happy & Proud Family!

  My mom and dad drove up early that morning to watch.  This was their first tournament and I think they had a good time.  My mom was so excited and proud of her little grandson, she packed those trophies around like they were hers!

To My Karson:

You are growing up into a fine young man just like your brother Lane.  I am so delighted that I get to call  you my son.  Being a mom to you and Lane is the best gift I could ever receive.

"Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes"

Congratulations on your big day!

Love Mom

Be a Face Book Fan - Spike's Series Premier "COAL"

Last week I posted a little info on the Coal buzz that was floating around on Facebook.  Cobalt Coal Corporation is featured in Spikes new series "COAL" that will premier March 30, 2011.  To "Like" their Facebook page click HERE and to "Like" Spikes COAL page click HERE. 

Click The Economy of Coal to get a sneak peak!

Fun week full of surprises!

This week has been pretty busy with Karson training for his Tae Kwon Do tourney that is coming up this next weekend and Kris being at work so much.  I've been feeling like a single parent lately but that's okay, he has a job to do and needs to do it well.  So I've been running the kids from point A to B to C to D and so on.  I'm just thankful that I am able to be there for my kids and all the adventures they like to include me in.

Thursday was my Depot day and by surprise,  my niece Isabella came to visit me.  She really is a girlie girl, she loves jewelry as you can tell from the picture below.  Every time I pick her up she's plays with my earrings and say oh, i like these!

Her Nana (Robin) and Papaw (Kerry) was out in town getting a bite to eat and brought her over to the store for a visit.  She warms my heart so much and of course she had to do a lil shoppin on Aunt Mistys tab. So a fluffy bunny to go was in order for the day.  I think she liked it!

After work Thursday I came home to a clean house thanks to my mom!  I can always use the help, no complains here!

Karson is preparing for a tournament this upcoming weekend. Its a lot of fun for him and his friends, I'll post picts and maybe some vidoes when we get back.

Some of you may know this lil stinker.  His name is Chase and his parents are good friends of ours.  He was sitting by me at TKD this week and said....Hey Misty, take a picture of me"

Then he said "Take a Picture of us both"......

Then he said "Now take a picture of my fat daddy"....I about fell over in the floor laughing so hard.

So I apologize in advance to you Keith!

Friday my 2nd cousin Debbie who my mom, my aunt, and myself have not seen in over 10 years came into town for a surprise luncheon.  Between the two of use we were able to surprise my mom and my Aunt Marilyn pretty good.  We invited them along with my dad, brother & fiancée, nephew Payton, and my cousin Angie for lunch at our favorite mexican restaurant in town.  Debbie and her son Cody got there a few minutes earlier and sat in the booth towards the back of the room.  When everyone finally met up for lunch, we sat down and I told them that there was someone in the room that they knew.  So the hunt was on and it didn't take very long for them to find out who it was.  It was so much fun and really made my day.  I enjoyed the 2 hour lunch so much, just wish it was a lot longer :(

We got some good pretty good pictures, seems like we can't ever get one with everyone's eyes open. lol

Saturday I went to my first Zija training blitz.  I learned so much and I'm so excited that I got my mom signed up on Zija.  I think its really going to help her feel much better.  I'm so excited to see where I'll be with my weight/health/wellness 3 months from now.  

Today was lazy day, I stayed home, took 2 naps and feel recharged for the busy week coming up.  The hubs even grilled dinner for everyone.  So its been a pretty good weekend.  Hope your weekend was filled with everything and everyone you hold dear to your heart.  Have a Marvelous Monday!