"HOT"

OK, OK at what age do little boys start talking about girls?!!!! It was so funny. Last night we had Justin Grzala over and the boys absolutely adore him. Josh was watching Friday Night Blitz and I was checking emails when I heard the boys downstairs and my oldest, precious, most innocent 6 yr old says, "Justin let's talk about hot girls." OMG! That's exactly what he said! Houston then jumps in and says, "Yea let's talk about hot girls! You know, Taylor she's H.O.D. OK, he's only 4, so he got pretty close to spelling it right and WAY too close to getting the idea of hot girls. Of course, Justin playing it off so cool, cause you know he's in 6th Grade and this is no BIG deal to him, he's macho man and exposed to hot girls all day, he just listens, laughs, and continues with their Army game. What in the world are they thinking already? In "6 and 4 yr world" you're suppose to be talking about HOT Wheels not HOT girls!!

Homecoming Day/Night

The boys loved the parade! They also loved the game! As you know, in pregame Homecoming ceremony, the cheerleader's have little mascots. Well, Houston was asked to be the Mascot's mascot! They asked him to be a little football player for "Wally the Wildcat" and he absolutely loved it. We also came away with another win against Brilliant.....Go Cats!!

These boys ARE inseparable, even when it comes to #'s.HA Isaac plays Toy Bowl, Levi does not. Isaac wanted #24 Adam's # but it was taken so he chose #22, are you surprised? Levi just wanted his Daddy's #, too. They will be something one of these days.
Then next are the little brothers. Houston and Noah who will also go to school together. Are they cute or what?! They may not have the size their big brothers have but boy do they have the looks and charm ALREADY!!
With Mack and Nick. Mack is just one of the boys(most of the time, except when they swap #'s and well....pinky promise, you remember the story).
Houston with Wally. Houston thought this was so cool that he got to be that close to the football players. GREAT JOB HOUSTON!!

Victory Line

WILDCAT DAY!

This is it....Homecoming Day! Levi and Houston are SO excited! They are so into sports like their dear ole' Dad, and it tickles him....blue!(nothing pink around this house except the occasional shirt). Anyway, Levi and his class were walking over for the pep rally this AM and he was "so pumped" to put it in his terms. I have to say, the Wildcats are looking pretty good this year and for our little town that's exciting, and pretty much everyone here is SO proud of them. This year also marks 15 years that I graduated, OLD I know!! The boys remind me pretty often, you know anything past 16 in their book is old. A lot of their big dream stories always begin with, "when I get 16 I'm.......". To be 16 again, NO THANKS!! What idiots we are at the age of 16, it's only by the grace of God we make it through, right?! My poor parents, now I can see where they were coming from! They weren't so dumb after all! OK back to Homecoming, here's my little man in his jersey. Once again, Ain't he cute?!

Is he hot or what?!.....for 6

Notice the creative face painting, he told me what he wanted & where.

Love the #!(LOL Daddy)

Hillbilly/Hick Day

Today is Hillbilly/Hick Day. We originally planned for Levi to wear his Liberty overalls however, WAY TOO LITTLE! It's amazing how much they grow from one year to the next. So, we went with the camo overalls. He cracked me up asking about Hillbillies. "Are they still real ones or are they just from the old days?" "Well son, to be honest we're not too far from being a Hillbilly Family ourselves." "Oh". "But don't they like have to kill everything they eat and live up in the mountains?" Yea, I guess so. So maybe were not too Hillbillish after all, huh? "Yea, but I still sure like to hunt, Momma." That's great buddy. And off he went with his "hankychiefs", boots, and overalls. Ain't he cute?! By the way, if we strike oil while shooting at our grub, ya'll will be the first to know!HA

Camo Day

Today is camo day. Unlike all the hunting attire he would've loved to have worn, we opted for this(high 82 today). WHY do they have Homecoming so early in the season?! It seems it gets earlier every year. I love it over in October when it has cooled off. Anyway, here's my little camo guy.
He's growing up too fast!

It's ALWAYS been tennis shoes and boots around here. Lately though, Levi has been liking the "sneakers" everyone else is wearing. You know the old Converse and shoes like that. I'm amazed that he likes these, but he does. Josh has not said anything, but it is hilarious b/c I can tell by the "grimace" on his face, he DOES NOT like these! He's from the old school about being a boy kind of stuff and I agree totally but if he's gonna wear sneakers Dad at least he can still "tote a gun and go huntin' in these"!(LOL)

Costume Day

It's Homecoming Week at Berry. The boys love football AND dressing up so this is right up Levi's alley. Monday was 50's Day, I forgot to snap a pic, but today is Costume Day and you guessed it, any excuse to wear football paraphernalia(yes I had to do spellcheck on this one) and he jumps on the idea! He was a NY Giant football player in his Kindergarten program so today he is a Dallas Cowboys football player for his 1st Grade football debut. He's the cutest thing, a little partial I know, but he just is!!

He looks more like his Daddy everyday, if that's possible.

GAME FACE!

Wouldn't you be scared to death if that was staring you in the eye?!

FALL IS HERE!

The first day of the Autumnal Equinox is finally here! Or to put in Southern terms, "Happy Fall Ya'll"!! This kicks off my most favorite time of the year. I just love the emotions, colors, smells and sounds that fall brings. The "nip" in the air just cool enough for a light sleeve, ALABAMA FOOTBALL, the smell of pumpkin candles burning, candy corn, chili, soups, rotel dip, casseroles. I know, I know, maybe I should say I REALLY love the food of fall! But I do LOVE fall! It also seems to be a time that I start thinking about the upcoming holidays and try to focus on MORE family time, which can't be beat in my opinion. It also brings a spirit of thankfulness. The blessings that God gives our family seem to be more evident than ever; now that I have slowed down from all the swim parties, play dates, vacations, baseball, etc. that summer seems to bring. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for those too, but you know what I mean. So, I hope everyone has a healthy, blessed FALL and from our family to yours, "Happy Fall Ya'll"!
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:be thankful unto him and bless his name." Psalms 100:4

TURN THE OTHER CHEEK

OK, so how many times do your children just make you stop in your tracks and say something that just blows you away?! Well, around here it happens pretty often, whether a precious something they've come up with or something less desirable, like "Momma you got a big ole' fluffy bootie", yes that has come out of their mouth before, not too long ago to be exact. However, I was blown away this week when LEVI taught ME a lesson. He has a child in his room who is precious but a little "hyper". "He gives me a headache and just keeps disturbing me" to put it in Levi's terms. Anyway, Levi comes home and says that the little boy had "slapped him on the cheek" while they were at break. I totally went in to the "Defensive Mommy Mode" and said with a not so nice tone, "So what did you do?!". "Well, Momma I turned to the other side and told him to hit me on that one too." AMAZING!! The guilt and conviction I felt for my "rotten attitude" and the super proud feeling that my child handled the situation so well, it was overwhelming!! He said, "Ain't that what the Bible says, Momma?" "Of course" I told him that was exactly right and how proud I was of him. I could not believe that MY 33 yr.old fleshly attitude immediately took over and HIS 6yr.old spiritual attitude took over. Whose teaching who here? I cannot explain the joy in my heart of knowing that all those Sunday School lessons that he seemed to be so preoccupied with crafts in and the messages that he seemed to ignore and "play"during had paid off. And at a time when I could not be there The Holy Spirit was! How great it is to know that when out of our hands and sight they are ALWAYS in the palm of HIS hand. So often I should be more Christ-like and less Angie-like and how simple the situation resolves when we have the attitude of Christ, "all strife ceases". I LOVE YOU MY LITTLE LEVI!! You are such a precious gift that God has blessed us with!(you too, Houston!)

"Jack Sparrow"

I heard our little pirate upstairs singing and I had to go check him out. This is what I found. Capt.Jack Sparrow was row, row, rowin' his way down the "string". Didn't you know, life is but a dream, but to Jack it's "like a butterbean". I don't think this pirate has a mean bone in his body,except for the time he....well just ask Levi, he might tell you different!HA

9/11/01-A day of tragedy and rejoicing.

It's so hard to believe it has been 7 years already since our nation's tragedy. As I look back on that tragic day as odd as it may seem, this day also brings rejoicing for me. To know that GOD brought me from bedrest to having the most wonderful family in the world to take care of. I was laid flat on my back at Nana's house after receiving my tragic news just one day before. I was 8wks and 6days preg. with my first child. I was set to have my first Dr. appt.the next day when to my shock I began spotting in the shower. I was told to come on in and they would do an ultrasound. As we watched and heard the depressing news that I was about to miscarry our lives fell apart. Not realizing that on the next day our great nation in some sense would begin to fall apart. We were told that it would take a miracle from GOD for me not to miscarry b/c the fetus was already at the opening of my cervix. I was put to bed after refusing a DNC b/c of the still "slight" heartbeat. The next day, 9/11/01, I was watching TV and could not believe my eyes. As I lay there feeling sorry for myself, I was strongly convicted for thinking only of myself and no one else. For right before me, 1000's of lives were just destroyed. From those who perished to those who would mourn, I realized that I did still serve a GOD who could heal my body and baby and who could heal the lives of those who were lamed, handicapped and emotionally destroyed on that very morning. So in the midst of all the turmoil, I truly rejoiced for GOD had given me peace about my first born child. Now seven years later, our country is still "One Nation Under GOD" and my little 6 yr.old healthy son is being raised in the "Nurture and Admonition of GOD". Not to mention, a healthy pregnancy followed and an 8lb6oz healthy little miracle was born.!! In all the tragedy and raw emotions, one thought will always give me peace, a "peace that passeth all understanding.". I serve a GOD who is still in control of this wicked world and if our nation is taken again by tragedy, or my family faces another tragedy, he will STILL be in control." How great it is to serve "The GOD of all comfort." And if he cares and sees the sparrow when it falls, oh how much more does he love and care for us?!! May we never forget those who lost and sacrificed their lives on that day to save others and may we NEVER forget the most precious and perfect life that was sacrificed for us some 2000 years ago.

My SHINING STAR!

Levi was chosen "Star Student of the Week" for this week. We had to do a little poster to go on his classroom door. It was so much fun! He amazes me at how fast he is growing up and how fast he is learning SO much! What use to be a constant sounding out of every word has now turned into just spittin' em' right out and writing them down(not the whole dictionary but you know, 1st Grade words). No one has to tell me he's a star but he was excited to get chosen this week. One of the questions, was if he would like to be married one day? He just giggled and got all red faced and softly said "Yes". That was followed by, would he like to have children one day, another sweet embarrassed giggle and "Yes". He was so cute, and as any mother believes about their own, he definitely is a SHINING STAR!!!!

HAPPY GRANDPARENT'S DAY!!

To our wonderful PePaw & MeMaw, Pop & Nana, Grandaddy & MawMaw BJ, MawMaw Bozeman & my precious PawPaw in Heaven, Grandma & Grandpa Cannon........WE LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK!!!!
We are so thankful for all of you and know that God smiled on our family when he allowed US to be a part of YOUR lives. You are all loved and appreciated so much!
"But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children." Psalms 103:17

FRIDAY FUN!

Levi's class has been studying "Past Apparel" in Social Studies this past week. Today, they got to dress up in clothing of the past. They were all so cute. Levi wanted to dress up like an Indian. And you guessed it, Isaac was an Indian too, and handsome Indians they were. Friday was also "Grandparent's Day" for the 1st Grade. Levi was so blessed to have his Great-Grandmother Billie, MeMaw and Nana to join him for lunch. MawMaw Bozeman had prior plans so was unable to make it. The love of family is everything!! Thanks "Grandparent's" for taking the time to help make Levi's Friday even more exciting. Houston and I joined them for lunch for the first time this year and he thought he was grown. He wanted to do exactly what Levi did. I believe he will be a great little Kindergartner when that time comes. A Friday full of FUN and the weekend has just begun!!

He loved his spear but of course couldn't take it to school; he wanted to kill a buffalo.

How handsome is this "Little Running Bull Child"?

Of course this would be the "Chief of The Cannon Tribe"

This is the only grandparent shot we got, not the best but memorable(notice Levi's tongue)

My "Sweet Little Red Feather"

Isaac with his precious Grandparents. One thing about it, these boys are LOVED, LOVED, LOVED!!

Houston's 4 Yr. Pictures

I don't claim to be a professional in any means, but I do love to take pictures of the boys. I mean how professional can you be with a $139 digital from Wal-Mart but it gets the job done. I don't have any awesome equipment but who needs that when you have awesome subjects, right?! Didn't have time to sort through all the pics so I just put them in slide show form, the good and bad. Since the boys were 1, I have always shot yearly pics, mostly all of them outside. It is amazing to see how Houston has grown since his 3 yr. pics. I wanted to take some shots of Levi also just for the heck of it, but this AM a fever blister appeared, so new ones of him will follow after we're boo-boo free. "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Psalms 127:3

"Home Sweet Home"

First off, THANKS to the "Good Lord" for his hand of safety and health. We all had a great time and are so glad to be back home. Gustav did not effect our trip at all. The weather was beautiful and the water was almost "eery" b/c it was so calm. It literally was like "pond water". So smooth and calm until yesterday afternoon. The boys had so much fun and honestly, it was kind of neat to see the surge and waves this AM when we woke up. They had moved EVERYTHING off the beach last PM b/c the waves were coming in about 15 yds from the condo. It was so amazing to see God's power. The water went from so still to so powerful in a matter of hours. It's also amazing to be reminded of how he can speak "Peace be still" to the storms in our lives too!

Well, PCB is still pretty much the same and still not as "family oriented" as they are advertising. But we all had a great time! We stayed at the Ocean Ritz w/ Mark, Kristi and Zac and some family friends Bill, Janice and Jon Michael Reaves. The boys played so hard and enjoyed getting to play with the "big boys"(Zac 9, JM 13). Skim boarding was definitely the highlight of the trip for the little guys and golfing for the men. The ladies enjoyed just simply "lounging" and talking about how we needed to lose weight and exercise as we laid flat on our backs while steadily stuffing our faces with fudge, choc chip cookies, apple/pear bread, etc.! Surely talking about it burnt all of 10 calories, right?!(lol girls). Anyway, back to the routine tomorrow and back to reality!

"Momma, this salt water is all in my eyes!"

"Mine, too!"

What some handsome "Beach Boys"!

A little Skim Board Fun!

A little Skim Board determination!