Thanksgiving Baking

The boys and I did a little Thanksgiving baking today.... Pumpkin Rolls and Fudge. They were all about helping today. I guess that comes with them getting older and Levi being able to read recipes this year. Between taking turns to "mix stuff up" and washing beaters after they had been repeatedly "licked" and dropped, it took a little longer than normal but what better way to spend the day than with my little helpers. Of whom I am most thankful for. The love of GOD has truly been shed abroad in their little hands and hearts and I couldn't be more thankful than for that. The Love of GOD, Love of Family and the unconditional Love of My Sons....truly blessed. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your family. May GOD'S Love truly fill your hearts too, this Thanksgiving season.

Please overlook all the flour and stuff splattered everywhere. They enjoyed themselves and I tell them all the time their middle name should be Mess.

"I don't like cream cheese Momma. I just like this stuff." I let Levi know that all that stuff was, was "doctored up cream cheese." "Well then I like cream cheese, Momma."

Houston did find better things to do. "Our Little Drummer Boy"

Family Pics

We recently went to Boley Nazarene for some pics. You know the ones where you just pay $10 and get a free 8x10. Well of course the awful thought of my babies pics just being shredded is unbearable. The updated pics on the blog are from that session. I'm a picture junkie, big time. However, I hadn't had a family pic taken since Kim had taken them last November and she had taken some of the boys since then but no family pics. We also had our family pics made again with her this month. They were good too. I'll post them when I get them. The boys have always did pretty good about getting their pic taken except lately we're running into the "fake smile" stage with Levi. He tries, bless his heart, but I think the missing teeth make him feel self-conscience. He's still just as handsome as ever though. And my little Houston, he stays in cheese mode. They have figured out, just smile and cooperate and it will all be over real soon. Sounds like some great advice from Daddy, huh?!

A Wonderful Weekend......

It all began Friday morning. I dropped Levi off to school, finished packing and dropped Houston off at Nana's and we headed up to Nashville. I was so hesitant about leaving the boys, even though they were in the best of hands, but I'm so glad Josh convinced me to go. It was like old times....ahhhh. It truly was. Just time to focus on each other with no schedule or worries. OMG, I had forgotten how it was way back before the munchkins. We checked in and got ready for a CHRISTmas dinner and show in the hotel, which we truly enjoyed and just chilled out the rest of the evening. Slept in Sat AM and then went downtown and walked around in the chilly, windy 30 degree weather, which we most definitely could not have done with the boys. Grabbed lunch and just enjoyed all the shops and music. Later Sat afternoon we headed back to the room and got ready for The Rockettes. They were great! We truly enjoyed them last year and the show was pretty much the same. It was so much fun! We love the Gaylord b/c there is always food, shops and everything you need at your fingertips. We slept in again on Sun and had brunch and off to Opry Mills. We shopped and still made it back for church a little late but around 6:15PM. We had told the boys we would see them after church but we were so ready to see them, we just grabbed something to go for supper and headed home. They were so surprised to see us and their hugs and kisses were WONDERFUL!!! I had missed them so much but truly loved every minute away, if that's possible. Thanks Nana, Poppy, MeMaw and PePaw! Ya'll are lifesavers and we couldn't make it without ya'll! The boys had a great time with them but referred to them as "old" b/c they didn't play like we do. It was hilarious! I love my family life and stay so involved with the boys that I sometimes forget about my hubby. But I never want anyone else in this whole wide world. I love you with all my heart, honey. Thanks for a wonderful weekend!

The Christmas Trees were spectacular!

So were all the Nativity Sets!

We had lunch at Hard Rock.

Please look over the photography, we tried to take pics with the bridge in the background.

LP Field-(who can complain if Brett Favre is the reason for your almost perfect season!)
Some pics in front of the pretty waterfalls and backgrounds.


The Rockettes at The Opry

Baby Tucker...What A Miracle!

Our Little Angel has had a very rough week! He is now resting safely and healthy at home! What an AWESOME GOD we serve. We can take anything before him, "Come boldly before the throne of grace", and he hears and answers! I'll not go into detail, but things did look very scary earlier this week, but now they look very promising. No matter how big or small, my GOD is able to "do exceedingly and abundantly above that which I could ask or think"!! Thanks for all your prayers and phone calls. I hope all of you know that there is a Savior who can meet ANY need you might have. Thanks again to all of you prayer warriors and thanks and praise to our Heavenly Father "who is full of grace and mercy."

First Time For Everything

I'm sure that most of you know by now that I am truly attached to my children. A lot of children have separation issues, but in this family, I'm the one with issues. I have never left both of them for anything, except the occasional spend the night with Grandparents, which I could count on 1 hand the amount of times they have done that. We all just like to be together, especially when the sun goes down and the boys have never really asked to spend the night much. Well, after 10 years of marriage and the boys are now 6 and 4, I'm finally ready. I know it's only for the weekend, but baby steps, baby steps. Josh and I are going to Nashville(one of my favorite places) for the weekend. Our big 10 year Anniversary was in May this year and we didn't do anything for it and I love Nashville this time of year, so Josh finally talked me into "getting away for the weekend". The boys will spend one night with my parents and one night with Josh's parents. I know they will be in great hands and probably won't even ask for me, but you know, nobody does it like Momma does it, right? I do love my boys with all my heart but I am going to try my best to focus all my time and attention to my wonderful husband, whom I loved with all my heart first.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING........

To the Mall? I can't believe it's time to visit Santa. Levi is getting older and asking more and more questions about Santa. "Is he really real? Does he really live at the North Pole? If he lives there why is he coming to the Mall? How can he see all the other kids when he's at the Mall?" O.K. should I tell him or not. Instead, I chose the "answer the question with a question" option. After each of his questions, I would then ask him, "Well what do you think?" He would then try to convince himself that Santa was real. Then the big question, "Well is he like Jesus? Cause you know Jesus sees everybody all the time b/c he's up there and can see everything, but Santa is here and how....? One question after the other. Then I let him know that nobody not even Santa could be compared to Jesus and that settled his wondering mind for a while. Then on the way home, "Well, how does Santa pay for all that stuff? Or maybe he gets it for free. Does he get it free Momma?" I'm telling you the child's little brain never stopped! Houston of course was hanging on to every word and ask a few questions himself, but still a little young. As they get bigger so does the list. I can't believe how big their list is getting. I hope they always dream big but also always remember the reason for this wonderful season. I pulled out last years pic with Santa and the boys have grown a bushel! It's amazing how fast time gets away from you. I'm so thankful for another holiday season with my family and I love to see everything through their eyes. Life is Great!!

THEN.......

NOW.......

BAMA Basketball

Josh has been out of town this week and got home this afternoon. He treated the boys to their first BAMA Basketball game! They love any sport event and have really enjoyed the football and baseball games. So we thought we would give basketball a shot. Once again, they had a blast. We will begin Levi's 2nd season of Upward Basketball next week, so I'm sure you will be tired of Basketball updates before too long. Sorry! I'm just so proud of my little guys! We had a great time Daddy and are so glad you're back home with us. We LOVE you to the moon and back!!!

My Handsome Fellas

"Cool Beans, Dad"

I never get pics taken w/the boys b/c I'm always taking them. So, I snapped this one of me and Levi. Couldn't get Houston to be still long enough to get one of us.

"Momma, Momma, please take one of our silly faces." If I hadn't, I would have heard it all night. When I showed this to them, they got the biggest kick out of it and cackled for 5 mins.

McWane Field Trip

Levi's class went on a field trip to The McWane Center last Friday. We had a really good time. He never once got bored and loved all the "cool stuff". I really had a good time too and was really impressed with The Adventure Halls. I hadn't been in several years and saw it all this time through his eyes. It was a lot of fun. Thanks Aunt Debbie for getting us the grant to go. I appreciate all you do for our school!

"Astronaut in Training"

They loved clowning around in this little room!

"Hurricane Berry"

Cloud Making(check out the looks of determination and concentration)

Best Buddies

Fall Days w/ KK

Levi was out of school for Veteran's Day and KK was also off work for Tues/Wed. So, she asked a few weeks ago, if she could get the boys for a fun day. Of course they were thrilled and so was she! So, I met her around 10AM on Tuesday and off they went. She took them to play at a couple of parks, for a picnic and to the movies. They loved HSM3! They have been trying their best to sing some of the songs. So after their big day, she brought them home and spent the night with us. I am hosting our "Couples for Christ" fellowship this month and tried to get in the Christmas spirit and decorate a little yesterday and today. KK, Houston and I put up the tree! What fun! I love this time of year. I'm usually a little later with the decorating but thought why not since the fellowship is this weekend and now we can actually enjoy the tree and stuff for longer than a month. Did I mention that I love this time of year?! Anyway, thanks so much KK for the help and for spoiling these rotten boys a little more!

Levi's Election Analysis

As always, I got Levi up this morning for his shower and to get ready for school. I was combing his hair and thought I would fill him in on our new President. He knew we were McCain/Palin supporters and couldn't get past the fact that Obama wouldn't "do The Pledge of Allegiance right." I totally agree!! But anyway, I said, "Son, Mr.Obama won President last night." "He did Momma? We didn't want him to win did we?" I told him, "No, but sometimes things don't always go as planned and everything was going to be fine." He so simply said and gave me a new outlook with this comment. "Momma, we need to pray for him that he will love the Lord and then love America and lead us in the right way." WOW! Pretty good for 6 years old. How true! We shouldn't give up and pout cause our man didn't win. We still live in America and we still have the love and mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that in itself can change the most wicked man in the world, right?! Let's all pray for Obama and his leadership and our children's futures! The Bible plainly states to "not fret" or "be anxious over nothing". I believe that means anything at all, even something as big as our election. May we all remember that this is STILL "the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

"Saban for President"

Houston and I had a full day planned, so we started off with a good breakfast to get the day started. While we were eating, of course election coverage was on TV. A pic of Obama came on the screen, and Houston said "We don't want him to win do we Momma?" I told him "No". He then said "No we want Nick Saban to win don't we Momma?" I thought it was hilarious. I told him, "Yes we want him to win but not President, you mean John McCain for President." "Yea, that's what I meant Momma." And me and him both got so tickled. I mean there are some important men talked about around our house. Of course,our heavenly father Jesus but then the earthly men McCain, Obama, and of course Saban. He's only four so I can see where he could get mixed up. But maybe Daddy needs to make the subject of winning more clear. But Alabama football, what else besides winning can you talk about? LOL Daddy!

"I forgot what Jesus looks like."

I have always told the boys, "You are my angels sent straight down from heaven." I have said this as long as I can remember and there is no telling how many times a day I say this. Neither have really inquired about the statement, just smile or giggle when I say it. And maybe every once in a while, they'll say something about before they were born and I'll just tell them they were still in Heaven with Jesus, he hadn't sent them to us yet.
Well, Houston and I had gone over to Nana's and Houston saw a picture of Josh and Jason when they were little. Their only 18 months apart and in the pics they were 3 & 4 years old. Houston said, "Momma, did you and Daddy use to play together when ya'll was little?" I told him "No, I didn't really know your Dad until I was in high school around 9th grade. That picture was way back before I knew your Dad and before you and Bubba were even born." "Yea, I was still in Heaven with Jesus wouldn't I Momma?" I told him "Yes buddy, you sure were." He then so seriously and sweetly replies, "Momma, it's been so long since I been at Heaven and been with you, that I forgot what Jesus looks like." How Sweet!! I told him "You may have forgotten what Jesus looks like, but he knows exactly what you look like and exactly where you are all the time." "Yea, Momma he does." Don't you just love how their little minds work? I wouldn't take anything in the world for all the precious memories I'm getting to make with them. They may never remember the things I do, but I wouldn't trade one of them for ANYTHING!

NO TRAINING WHEELS!!

Houston learned on Thursday and Friday how to ride his bike without training wheels. He is so proud of himself and so are we! He thinks that he can do everything his Bubba does, so I believe he pushes him to try things and try until he gets it. I was really amazed how fast he learned. Levi has always been a little taller than Houston when they were the same age, so I really thought Houston would be a little longer before he tried this. Anyway, he succeeded! I looked back at Levi's book and he got a bike for his 4th B-day in April and learned to ride w/out training wheels in June. Houston got a bike for his 4th B-day in August and learned to ride w/out training wheels in October. What a cawinkydink. I try not to compare them and let them be their own person but I do love to look back at their books and not only notice their differences but their similarities. I'm so thankful for healthy, rambunctious boys!!

HARVEST KING 2008

Levi and Mack were chosen as Ms.Henson's 1st Grade Rep. for 2008 Harvest King and Queen. I, of course, was so proud and excited. He, of course, could have cared less. So, the King and Queen are decided on who raises the most $. Yes, a lot of work, but I was determined this would be for a good cause(new playground equip.)so we would try our best. I made Red Velvet cakes and Pumpkin Rolls until I was sick of smelling them!(Red Velvet is my fav dessert, but not craving any at the moment.) Nana helped out with a couple and it was greatly appreciated! So, baking for 3 days and asking for donations from the family, we turned in our $ on Tuesday and awaited the verdict. The Harvest King and Queen were to be announced at our Fall Festival on Thursday night. Their were 31 representatives and 3 alternates were also chosen. WE DID IT!!! Harvest King and Queen 2008......Levi Cannon and Mackenzie Nelson! I was tickled to pieces and Levi could not get his crown off fast enough! He did love the trophy and goodie bag though. Mack had already visited the "Rockstar Makeover" booth, this is not her normal look(HA). And if you are wondering, yes, they are still boyfriend and girlfriend as of yesterday. But truly, they are the best of friends. According to Levi, he would have to "punch somebody" if they tried to tackle her while their playing football. That's right, she plays football with him. Now what little 6 year old boy would not like a little 6 year old like her, huh?!

Doesn't he just look "thrilled" to be King?!

How many more pics until I can play some more games?!

Eli and James came down for the fun!

Where has October gone?!

I cannot believe this is November already!! WOW, what a blur October was. We did have several things going on, but that has got to be one of the fastest months ever for us. We had fair week, fed the board, Fall Festival @school, Hallelujah Night @ church, and of HK&Q fundraising. I do love November! It always takes me back to all the previous holiday seasons and makes me take a little time to be more thankful. I know I should be more thankful everyday and consider all the blessings that our family are able to enjoy. I do hope that your family will have a blessed November and Thanksgiving! Remember the one "from whom all blessings flow"!!
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name." Psalms 100:4