A look back at Thanksgiving 2008

Here's a look back at what a DANDY last Thanksgiving was - which I hosted at my house for the FIRST time ever!!!! I was reminded of this when I read this post! I love looking back and seeing Henderson's bald head!!! Feel free to laugh - I did - AFTER the FACT!!!!! Giving thanks that this Thanksgiving was puke free!!!!

Christmas!!!!!!

Even though my house has been decorated for over a week now, it is NOW officially the Christmas season, which means I can break out all those beautiful clothes and the little elves can arrive soon!
Christmas-time just brings out all the smiles in everyone!

Halloween is never far away though - Spiderman makes a daily appearance!!!

and the prissy gangsta!

Someone has discovered a love of all things Elmo - especially' tickle me Elmo'!

Daisy is always in the middle of it all, much to Henderson's delight - he LOVES that dog!!!

Henderson also loves his blankey (which neither of the other two cared anything about) and HE LOVES TO BE HELD AND ROCKED!!!!! THAT, makes me SO happy, except of course in the mornings when I'm trying to get ready and the little rascal is crawling up my legs!!!!

Wilson, well, we are still working with Wilson, diligently EVERY day on controlling his temper, keeping his hands out of his mouth and not wetting the bed at night. He is truly a challenge, and God is teaching me more and more everyday on how much He loves me, not matter what I do - the same way I love Wilson, who when he's not making me want to scream and cry, brings me such joy!!! (How's that for a run-on sentence??)

Emma Clair-, she had the busiest and most fun week EVER last week! It started out completely normal, but then she ended up spending the day and night with her cousins on Monday, her Nana on Tuesday night. Then we all spent the afternoon and night at my parents house on Wednesday night and then Chandler and Patton (her cousins) spent the night with her on Thursday night, after a day full of playing together on Thanksgiving day!!! Then Friday she spent the afternoon and evening at her friend's new house. If you know Emma Claire, you know that her favorite things EVER are playdates and sleepovers!!!! Saturday and Sunday were spent at home, in withdrawal, but we managed to have some great family time - playing outside, painting and watching movies!!!!

See the happiness Christmas brings out????

Emma Claire and I painted on Saturday while the boys were napping - she REALLY wanted to do a Christmas one - and I think she did a GREAT job - I helped outline the tree for her, but she pretty much did the rest by herself!!!!

Have a great week!

Grateful

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4

Grateful....for a 23-year old Felicity American Girl Doll that has withstood time and is now in the hands of this thankful girl! A jewel of a find at my parent's house - I don't even remember her!

We visited my parents Wednesday afternoon and night and had a great, laid back time! Wilson stripped down to his usual underoos!!!!
Henderson enjoyed some snuggle time with Ga Ga!!!!

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11

Thursday we enjoyed a FABULOUS dinner and a great time with Will's family.

The cooks....well, Ellen and I each contributed one dish, does that count?

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

3 generations of girls

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 1 Chronicles 29:14

Who needs caramel cake or chocolate chess pie when you can have a POPSICLE????

On Friday, we discovered what is as slippery as snow, but not nearly as cold or wet!!!! Leaves!!!!! I was putting out Christmas lights outside and the children came up with a great plan -- sliding down the hill in front of our house in the box that held the lights!

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 1:7

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

brotherly love

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 1 Timothy 1:12

I have so much to be thankful for.

As I finished this post, Alabama defeated Auburn 26-21 - Roll Tide Roll - I am also thankful to be an Alabama fan!

A Few Of My Favorite Things!

Here are just a few more things I have added to our Christmas decor! Enjoy them while your enjoying your Thanksgiving feast! I have so enjoyed the children being home and not having to rush and get everyone ready every morning! We have been playing hard with cousins everyday and are heading to Birmingham tomorrow to visit with my parents while my mom recovers from a minor surgery, then we'll be back here on Thursday to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with Will's family!

The stable part of the nativity is breakable, but the "extra" pieces are child friendly and they love playing with them - baby Jesus is missing at the moment - I'm sure he's been well taken care of by some little sticky hands!!!

"Alice" to remember Emma Claire's performance in "Alice in Wonderland"

The Back Porch

I bought this mailbox "kit" at a local women's bazaar at the Episcopal church and I cut my own greenery yesterday. It was super easy and I'm sure I"ll have to change out the greenery in a few weeks, but I think it looks great!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Little Indian and CHOM

On Friday, Wilson and Henderson had their Thanksgiving Feast and a short program at school. Wilson doesn't do very well with the "unknown" - put him in a familiar place and he's a wild Indian, but something new, well, just take a look. Right before they came through the doors, he ripped his costume and hat off and Ms. Mary Kathryn had to carry him out and peel him off.

Once the music started, he got into it and did fabulous - sans costume!
(believe it or not, he's one of the oldest in his class, but BY FAR the smallest!)

Nana and Grandaddy Bud were there to watch and eat with us!

Later that afternoon we headed to CHOM (Children's Hands On Museum) for Big Al Appreciation Day! I knew this was a win win trip - Emma Claire LOVES CHOM - she begs to go nearly everyday and Wilson LOVES Big Al!!!! Henderson isn't crazy about Big Al, but he does love balloons, so he was happy!

They did a little fishing

caught a nice big one!

hung off the pier!

made some animal noises

slid down the slide out of the beaver's dam

got married

fought fires

and rode on Atlantis to the moon!

Emma Claire got her horse ready to ride

and then we spent Saturday tailgating and enjoying another BIG WIN for the CRIMSON TIDE!!!! Wilson went to his FIRST ball game and I'm sad to say I didn't have my camera with me - it was very last minute, and I was prepared for rain! He had a great time though! Roll Tide Roll!