Saturday Night with my Favorite Kids!

Guess which hand pap?
No, it's THIS one....hee, hee, hee......

Matthew playing nicely with his legos.....with pizza face:)

Austin taking time out to color a picture for each of us with all the colors in the lines.

Playing with pap.

At Atlanta Bread Co. this morning, having our usual whole grain bagel breakfast sandwich, Becky texted asking what movie we went to see last night (Lex. Green, Morning Glory). I know I need to join WW but I would miss our wonderful little drive down the road for this yummy bagel breakfast with ice tea. This is the cleanest little restaurant and we use a baseball team card where we get one free. We get egg, ham or bacon & swiss or provalone cheese. Back to Becky, I asked if they wanted us to watch the kiddos tonight so they could go out. She texted back they were on their way! No, they didn't come until suppertime and they got a "free" babysitting night out. When there was just Austin, we kept him most Sat. nights and our date was on Fridays. I believe this went on most weekends when MJ arrived and much less frequent since we now are a family with three:) Love them, wouldn't change one thing, but pap said it best this morning...."bring them on, one at a time"!!

The kids have been perfect tonight. Sweet, no spills, no crying, no pinching, just good playing together, alone and with us. They ate well, got into PJ's well, and just been a joy to have. Love them!

Thankful

You may say 2011 hasn't been too good for Becky & family so far. To begin, Jason hadn't felt well at our house on Christmas Day, then on Maggie's 3rd birthday, Dec. 28th, I received a call around 10 to say I needed to come over while they went to the ER. They went and got some relief from his pain only to wait out the passing of a kidney stone. This involved rest, drinking a lot of water, and another trip that week to the ER. Another few days of the same and he was feeling pretty bad. Thankfully this past Tuesday (I believe) he passed it! Went back to work on Wed. & Thursday then on Friday as he was on BG Parkway, the envoy slid (it was snowing) and he went off the side of the road. His SUV tumbled over on it's top and he got out the broken window. Last night his ankle was sore, at the time of the accident, he was bleeding from a few small cuts on his head, but other than being sore today, he is fine. That is a very big praise. How blessed our family is! Thank you God....2011 has been very good so far.

For keeping Jason safe so that he can listen to this precious boy. This is Austin's first book he has read to nana. He is in Kindergarten and just beginning to read although he has sounded out words for a long time.

First Week of 2011

On Tuesday at school we had our annual "regift" exchange. I chose the box that held the UK beverage container above. It was a fun gift and one I actually liked and have used already!
This is a picture missing Tricia:(

How many days I sit on my back patio, looking out at the yard, flowers, birds and pond? More than I could count.....now I have to be content knowing spring will come again!

Happy New Year!

Since our kids were young, we have been playing Rook with our close church friends. Early on, at 9 or so, one of the dads would take all the youth group kids to the bowling alley, or wherever they were to meet up with Brewster. Then we would see the NY in with many rounds of cards. Now, all our kids are grown, and have kids of their own (most of them do, not all). They are making memories with our grandchildren while we are celebrating with a lot less noise. Some of our children are unmarried and celebrating with friends of their own. Others have plans that just don't "pan" out and hope that the NY brings better tidings. I know my SIL, Jason, didn't celebrate this year with his friends and I'm sure he hopes next year he is well. My son, who was doing something nice for another, left his car in a "no parking" establishment and in the 15 mins. he ran inside to check things out, his car (along with others!) was towed. The gas station attendant said the towing company were crooks and he one of the many caught. Anyway, this messed up plans to meet up with friends as he had to go retrieve his SUV. So, I'm sure he will hope this is not an indication of the year to come but a lesson learned. Whatever way you celebrated, may this year be all you want it to be. May the God who made us, loves us beyond all understanding, keep us in His care. Watch over us, give us wisdom and lead us in His way.

More Christmas!

I went a little crazy this year and bought all of us Tervis tumblers & ice buckets!

I have never mentioned having a Pandora bracelet, but Santa brought me one. I will sure have to be careful that is doesn't fall off! Actually, getting it on and off is not easy! Thanks Santa.

Another charm for Becky's bracelet, this one says "favorite sister".

Wii games for the Wii they got last year. Pap asked them to hold up their "wii wiis" for a photo. That was too funny.

MJ learning to play her brother's Leapster.

I wanted a picture of the snowy Christmas Day 2010.

Ready to eat!

Salad is served, waiting for second course!

I started the game and Jason took over when he came. Then I could cook!

Christmas with the family

Christmas Day at Nanas
MJ eating dessert after everyone else did...she was hungry!

Day after Christmas, coming over straight from church. Austin likes to wear ties, Matthew not so much. They are staying here overnight while mom & dad celebrate their anniversary.

Day after Christmas, Matthew is loving his Hummer.

Austin's jeep is popping a wheely, while pap is controlling it. Austin is playing with paps doon buggy! Pap got one so they could all three play together! He searched all over to get all that were not on the same frequency. He is a good pap.

We didn't speak too much of dad, but we did recall some fun comments he would make while playing Rook. He often would say "well this is a revolting predicament" when his hand would not be all he wanted it to be! We laughed about how often he seemed to be dealt the Rook (bird). Mom mentioned him once or twice but I don't recall what she said. (I am rewriting this b/c my laptop is extrememly sensitive and deletes whole paragraphs at a time...there is no "undo" key that I see). I am thankful mom & Kent have spent the last few Christmas' at our home. They are alone a lot of the time, so they need to be with family at the holidays. They go to Bev's on Thanksgiving and have been coming here for Christmas. As I tell anyone, Martha is mom's bff and they go everywhere together! That is a blessing for all of us.

After playing a game of Rook, Clyde served our dinner. I had fixed a stuffed pork loin (stuffed with sundried tomatoes, jack cheese & spinach leaves), a ham, broccoli casserole, green beans, cheesy potatoes & salad. Everyone ate their fill, then we opened presents.

The best thing this year, the kids were very grateful for any and every little thing. They thanked us (Austin w/o being told) and they had no meltdowns over anything. They allowed the adults to play Rook without one time being held in our laps or wanting to "help" (I know mom & Kent loved this!) They were so fun. The photos will come up on top, even though I add them last. Here are a few. Happy New Year everyone!

Horse Park & More!

MJ will be three December 28th.
Austin, age 5

Matthew, age 5

On Becky's birthday each year, we make it a point to eat out and go to the Horse Park, Southern Lights. This year, we ate at Carino's on the 20th (her BD) then went to SL the next night (Tuesday, 21st). This was the best year yet (according to Bec & me!) The kids were NOT afraid of the animals, the pony ride or Santa (this was today at Lexington Green). They are growing up too fast and we loved taking them there. The night was awesome just perfect for riding the outdoor train, walking around feeding the animals and all. I would recommend it!