First off, I was so blessed to have been able to go out to Oklahoma back in February to spend a few weeks with my family. Chris took me and the girls out and dropped us off, then came back and picked us up later. We had a great time visiting my folks and siblings, and it was hard to leave. I also enjoyed getting to sit under Sister Connie Wilson’s preaching (she’s their pastor) and my Uncle Don’s teacher (he’s the general HQ coordinator for ABM, an an awesome teacher). I really recieved a blessing and a refreshing. We had a lot of good times going out and just hanging out. But I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves:

Trip to Grandma and Papa’s 2-2009

Next up, I have added a gallery of the pictures taken when we had our first real snow in almost 10 years! It was so beautiful, and the girls had a lot of fun, considering it was one of the very few times they have ever seen snow in person. Everybody got out and we had snowball fights, made a snowman (he’s really short, because the snow was only about 4 inches or so), tried to sled down a hill, and just had a good time overall.

Snowstorm 2009

Finally, I have added pictures the girls’ birthday party. Everyone had so much fun with their animal masks, the craft, a special song by Eliana and Lydia (will load video later), presents, and of course, Cake! Eliana and Lydia were totally surprised by their bikes, and they told me over and over that they had a great time. I love throwing birthday parties! And even though I was dealing with a broken arm, it was a pleasure to have entertained everyone.

Eliana and Lydia 2009

Here are a few videos from the party:

Walter and Debra recently bought a little place from a family friend down in Fairhope which is close to Mobile. It’s just a small single-wide trailer in a private park, but it’s a really affordable way to take a break from life up here. Unfortunately, most of their trips so far have just been for maintenance. But this week, we finally get to go down for long enough to call it a real vacation. Debra and Amanda left yesterday after church with Ethan and the girls. I’ll be joining them next week.

Ever since we decided on doing this weeks ago, the girls have been really excited, but as the day got as close as it did this past weekend, it was nothing but begging for time to go faster, and squealing with excitement whenever we talked about it. Saturday, Chris was laying down and was half asleep. I was fixing the girls’ lunch and asked them, “Where are you going tomorrow?” “THE BEACH,” the screamed. It scared Chris to death! Then all day during the Mother’s Day program yesterday, Lydia kept persisting, “Momma… is church almost over, I want to go to the beach.” Even when we came home to change clothes and finish packing up, they were continuing in their lack pf patience, though gracefully. Finally Mae-Mae pulled up and honked, and a hurricane of girls rared up in the living room and began to make it’s way out the door with kisses and hugs and squealing until finally coming to rest in the back seat of Amanda’s Expedition. Even then they were wired with excitement. Chris and I are missing them already, but it hasn’t reached the miserable stage yet.

Next week, I’ll be going down for just a couple for days, and then coming back with the girls early while Debra and Amanda take a few more days by themselves and Ethan. I’m coming home early, because Mom, Dad and the kids are coming out for a little visit on Thursday. This will be a short relief for chris since he’ll finally have his girls back, but when Mom and Dad leave Sunday, they are taking the girls with them! It’s not that we want to girls to be gone so much, it just so happens that two chances to visit and vacation are back to back like this.

While Mom and Dad are here, we’re planning on going to the McWane center. Then on Sunday at church, we’re having a special outdoor service. We’re going to set up instruments and a PA system on the front poor of our church and set up chairs and tents in the church yard. We’re going to grill hot dogs and have refreshments. We’re making flyers and inviting the community to come out and join us. Even if we don’t have a big turnout, the point is to make a mark on the community, by doing something public right in our area. Mom, Dad, and the kids are the special guest, and we’ll having singing while everyone eats. Then we’ll gather everyone’s attention and Dad will do some preaching, or whatever other kind of exhortation he’d like to give. It’s going to be fun, and the whole church is really looking forward to it.

Thanksgiving 2007 Photo Album

There’s a lot to say about our Christmas trip to Gatlinburg. I think the funniest part of it all, is that we spent all that money so we could be extra cold and possibly get snow for Christmas, and then once we got up there, it was only a few degrees colder and no snow. But what tops all that off is, that Mom and Dad and the kids sat at home with the little bit of a holiday they could afford, and had plenty of snow! Next time.. we’ll go get a cabin just for it’s location, and not for the nearby attractions.

We did have loads of fun though. Our cabin was big enough, but not extra spacious. The family never felt so close. Walter and Debra, Patrick and Amanda, and the girls all went up a day earlier than Chris and I. They met up with the Harrisons and enjoyed a Gospel singing.

The first full day we were there was Christmas Eve. We went into Gatlinburg and visited shops. it was a lot of fun just to be there with all of us, enjoy a nice lunch, watch Debra almost go into a panic attack because of some hot sauce, look at lots of over priced things, and buy a few things on sale. Walter spent a fortune buying everyone a gourmet candied apple. I accidentally got Debra’s. It was REALLY good. Then the guys went home, and the girls went grocery shopping. We made a mad dash across WalMart that was family comedy movie material.

Christmas morning, we got up and opened presents. That took awhile, considering Ethan had just as many presents as everyone else combined, if not more. Amanda went crazy, as is expected with the first baby. Everyone else got a more sensible amount of gifts, I think everyone was pleased. Then I made French toast for everyone. After breakfast, I had thought the plans were to do nothing but just enjoy the day together, but some of them decided they waited to go look for snow. Chris and I stayed, as well as Eliana since she was glued to her new video game. We ended up going out to the hot tub. That was really nice. Later, we made and ate a huge Christmas feast. It was simply delicious,and we pigged out on leftovers the rest of the week.

The next day we loaded up (after many dramatics that aren’t worth mentioning) and went to Dollywood. This is the one place I felt like I was going to hate. I was so wrong. in 50 something degree weather, we rode every kiddy ride we could get the girls on, and some by ourselves. Patrick and Chris won the guess your weight and guess your age challenge, based on Chris, not Patrick, he just paid. The age guess was especially easy, considering Chris’ peach fuzz head, and salted beard.

Amanda and I walked all the way across the park, just the two of us, after it had turned dark, just to ride the roller coasters. SO Worth It! One coaster, you couldn’t see more than half of it because it wasn’t lighted. Then another ride, I freaked and freaked about up until the moment we finally got in the air. It ended up being boring and less thrilling than some of the kiddy rides we rode. Then we rode the Mystery mine. If we would have had time, we would have ridden this one multiple times. It had two 90 degree drops, fire in our face, a corksrew and a loop. We were lucky to have ridden next to a seasoned couple that let us in on everything that was about to happen just before we got there. So nothing took us by too much surprise, except for the ghost cuckoo clock that sprung out at Amanda near the beginning and scared her to death. Yes, I spent the billion dollars it costs to buy the photo. I’ll scan and upload later.

We walked back and met up with the others just in time to watch the Carol of the Trees. That was gorgeous, and hearing the Christmas story was a really great touch.

The next day, everyone did their own separate thing. Patrick and Amanda stayed home, Walter and Debra went driving in the mountains and did some more shopping, and we took the girls to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Aquarium. They have the biggest underwater tunnel in the country. It takes you underneath the big tank where you are just inches from fish and sharks that are bigger than the biggest adult. We got to touch the horseshoe crabs, and tried to reach the stingrays, but they didn’t come close enough. The girls had a blast, and we did too. Then we went and did some driving through the mountains too. We reached a good summit and parked to get out. The Smokies rolled out before us as far as we could see until the met the clouds. it was awesome, and we praised God’s handiwork. How beautiful is the wrath of God, how much more beautiful his eternal gift will be.

All together, we had a great time. It had it’s stressful points, but that was expected considering all of the strong headed men that were there. HA! Us girls had perfect fun together, we usually do.

The day before we went home, we saw on the news that the following Tuesday, Gatlinburg would get snow.

We met  them in Memphis at McDonalds Last Saturday.Mom, Denise, and Matthew got to open a birthday gift each. After that, we headed over to the zoo. Chris told Eliana when we got there, that the big surprise we had been promising them was to come here and look at cars. She was bewildered up until the point that we walked to the entrance of the zoo and Chris announced where we were. They were thrilled, and we got in and rented a stroller.

The very first thing we stopped by to look at were the Lions, Lydia’s favorite. Just as soon as we started talking about a lion’s roar, and how loud it can be, the female lion let out a loud roar. At first, I thought it was a recording, because it sounded as if it were coming from a loudspeaker. Then suddenly, the male lion let out a roar, and this time I saw him do it. They both began to roar back and forth between each other, with seelingly little effort, and yet it sounded as if they had a microphone in front of them. It was so amazing! If it weren’t for the protection of the gate in front of us, we would have all turned and ran. I know the Bible talks about the devil as a Lion, but the impressivness of their sound, brought more into mind, the lion of Judah. How majestic they were.

We strolled through the rest of Cat Country, and got to see the young tigers playing. They had a couple of other animals sprinkled in, including the largest rodent in the world. It was as big as a german shepherd, but as disgusting looking as any ole rat.

When we rounded the corner after the last of the cats, I realized that it was 3 o’clock and that they were probably already feeding the penguins. So instead of waiting, Denise, Matthew, Eliana, and I all started running towards the African Penguin arena. It wasn’t as impressive as I had imagined, but it was still fun to watch.

Then we went into the tropical bird house. Dad took a lot of pictures in here. He and Mom got caught up talking to a local photographer, and we tried to rush them out. The girls were getting impatient, so we went ahead and walked over the the farm. Lydia cried real tears for the train, but there wasn’t anyone operating it. They had rides too, but I guess they only run them in the summer months.

Then we started towards the China Exhibit. One the way we say a few interesting animals like a really ugly bird that was walking along the fence in step with Dad, the all impressive Komodo Dragons, and a Python that was about 12-14 inches in diameter, as well as a really, really, ugly snapping turtle.

We finally arrived in China and got to see the Pandas and a few other interesting things. The Pandas were both asleep, but they were so cute! We found out that the baby that “Ya-Ya” had didn’t survive for very long.

We got out of China, and there were these vibrating foot massage chairs. Dad and I had a blast trying them out for 24 cents each.

We got to a crossroads, that had more to the right, but polar bears to the left.I convined Dad to go to the left (it wasn’t hard, just had to say that I wanted to ), and we walkedover. I didn’t think I was going to make it, because by now, my toes were all pinched in the end of my boots, and then Lydia decided to start crying and causing a fuss.

We finally got to the Polar bears, and it was all worth it. Dad and Chris admitted that I was right about coming to see them. I think everyone enjoyed them more than anything. They would swim up and down the big glass window separating us from them, literally going nose to nose with the children. Chloe was fascinated. She probably would have stayed there for hours playing with the polar bears, an animal that would eat her in one gulp and without blinking if it felt the need to.

We finally started making our way out and saw more exhibits on our way. Eliana got to see her giraffes and her favorite, the pink flamingos.

The girls whad a blast running from one animal to the next, consistently urging us onward to see more. Chloe had a fun time just walking around. She was a hoot. At one point, she was walking between Denise and I, hold our hands and then suddenly she stopped, let go, turned around, and started walking backwards. We had as much watching her as we had some of the animals.

When we got to the parking lot, Matthew got out the guitar and sung the song I had told him to learn. HE did a really great job. We talked for a little while longer while we loaded kids and exchanged hugs and kisses. Then we finally left. We had a great time together, and we’ve already started tlaking about next time.

In other news, I experienced probably the silliest, yet sweetest things the two older girls have come up with yet. I was sitting on the couch with the laptop and Lydia came out nicely, with a matter of fact grin on her face and nose in the air. She said, “Momma, Eliana said to tell you that she loves you.” I told her to tell Eliana I love her too, and she walked back to her room. In a few moments, Eliana came out with the same silly face, and said, “Momma, Lydia said to tell you that she loves you.” I told her that I loved Lydia too, and she started to walk away I stopped her and told her that I loved her as well. She returned it, said thank you, and pranced back to their room. It was so cute, I wish I had a video of it.

Speaking videos, I do have pictures from Thanksgiving, and Denise should have more pictures from their week there and the zoo, as well as a few really neat videos. Hopefully we’ll get those up soon.

We’ve had a good time here in Arkansas. I built a super cool Eric styled lego spaceship. Chloe stole the show last night in Matthew’s comedy sketch he presented to the family by spinning around in front of him saying, “Wheeeee!” I beat Matthew and Denise at Monopoly. Eliana has watched Papa’s paintings, and wants to paint when she grows up. Gamma took pictures of the girls playing in the leaves… So many fun things.

We’re about make lunch (yummy leftover turkey sandwiches!!), and then we’re going to some lake that supposed to have a lot of neat things to go see.

Chris and I are leaving sometime tomorrow, and the girls are staying here. This will be the first time we’ve ever left all three with my folks. They should all have a lot of fun, but we’ll miss our girls. It will be nice to have some free time at home, but we’re not used to the long periods of silence, and it will be hard, especially in the evenings.

When we meet mom and dad in Memphis, we’re going to the zoo. It is supposed to be a really nice zoo. They have penguin rock, and the giant pandas, and a Tramway. We haven’t told the girls we’re going, so the big surprise will be awesome.

I have to go now so I can see how well Eliana has picked up all the legos, after some forceful coaxing from Papa.

When the children started to arrive, they went straight to coloring. It really was more successful than I thought it might be. It kept them occupied and quiet for a little while. Once everyone got there, we did a scavenger hunt, and then let Chloe open presents. She got several adorable outfits, a doll with snap on clothes, a toy tea set, and a Dora dress up doll (she screamed at the top of her lungs when she opened that). The, Wa-Wa went to set up the big present. He put in the hallway and then let Chloe come out to see it. It is a plastic roller coaster that has a little riding car you sit on, and it rolls down a sloping ramp and then releases into the yard, or hallway in this case. She absolutely loved it, and all the younger kids got a chance to ride.

We then took her to the cake and sang to her and let her blow the candles out. That was my favorite part of the whole thing. I held her up above the cake, and absolutely everybody gave her their full attention and sang wildly at the top of their lungs. I couldn’t really see her face very well, but It made me feel special that they were making my baby so special. She blew out the cnadles with a little help from mom and dad, and then I served cake while the kids went crazy on the roller coaster.

When it seemed that things were getting more settled down, I sat the kids in the floor and let them play hot potato with the favor bags. I didn’t have any music to play this time, so I hummed “Pop Goes the Weasel”. Walter got in there and helped out on that. I think he had just as much fun at the party as I did. He stayed involved in everything. It was cute.

Now back to my almost famous punch. This is the second time I’ve sued this “recipe” and this is the second time they’ve drained the bowl. Granny at one point said that she’d just take the bowl home with her. She really enjoyed it. Walter literally picked up the bowl and poured the last of it in his cup. He said he was really thirsty, but he wouldn’t have done it if he didn’t like it. I have to say, it really is good enough to keep you coming back for more. The recipe is simple:

• 1 Quart Rasberry Sherbet
• 1/2 of a 2 liter of Fresca
• 1/2 of a 2 liter of 7-up
• 1/2 2 of a liter Strawberry Soda

I did get pictures of the party, I’ll post them tomorrow.

We told the waiter that it was Walter’s birthday, and they brought out a blue chef’s hat and a bowl of ice cream with a candle in it. They made Walter wear the hat and blow out the candle while they took a Polaroid. They beat on a drum and sang a song. He turned about 10 shades of red through the whole thing. Debra said he looked like a blue rooster with that hat on. Afterwards, we all teased him and he just shoveled in food as quickly as possible. He was so embarrassed, lol. The girls were certainly entertained. When his picture came out, Chloe was in behind him with big eyes.I told him it wasn’t a picture of Him, it was of her. I’ll have to get a scanned copy of it to share.