MERRY CHRISTMAS

The girls and I got up early and headed to the kitchen. We had a few things to prepare in advance for Christmas day --deviled eggs, more party mix (3rd batch!! we all love it!!), more sausage balls (2nd batch!!) and an applesauce cake. All of this was done by 10:30 and Jibbit #1 had helped by vacuuming and picking up stray toys. Now for a STRESS-FREE Christmas Eve--we had an early lunch (well, everybody except me which I realized about 2:30 when my stomach started growling) and when King Jibbit got off work (he only had to go in for a few hours) we headed to Knoxville to pick up a HoneyBaked Ham (King Jibbit loves them and this was a splurge for us --he normally gets a gift certificate for one but not this year) and then to the mall. We had to go to Build-a-Bear for Jibbit #2, because we had told her she could go if she quit biting her fingernails and I actually had to cut them. Well, 2 days before her surgery I had to cut her nails so, we had told her we would go as soon as she felt like it and we could get there. We also had them do some "heart surgery" on Candy. Candy is Jibbit #3's FAVORITE, FAVORITE, FAVORITE bear. Now, keep in mind she sleeps with a ZOO, but Candy (the pink bear with the heart on it's belly) is her pick. Candy has had a rough life, although loved dearly, she looked pitiful and she needed CPR because her heart no longer beat. (something about washing them too many times---)Keep in mind Jibbit #3 is 3 years old and you know how sometimes the diaper leaks in the bed or the Queen Jibbit might forget to put a diaper on her ooops!! and then EVERYTHING in the bed gets washed!! Her heart stopped beating after the last washing and her stuffing was wasting away to nothing. We took her in hopes that it wasn't "too late" and they were so nice they opened Candy right up took out the old heart and put in the new one, put more stuffing in her (firmness approved by Jibbet #3, of course) and sewed her right back up and only charged us for the heart!! LOVE IT!! I was afraid that the change in firmness would turn Jibbet 3 away from her --oh but no she is still the Queen of the Zoo! (the other members of the zoo are Fender, Molly, New Pooh, Muddy, Snow White, and Bunny--yep you counted right 7 animals in her bed every night along with her 3 'nite nites' (aka her very special blankets). Sydney picked out a puppy and had it stuffed to perfect snuggling firmness (not too soft but not so firm that it will stand on it's own) and then proceeded to dress it in a purple top and capris and pink fuzzy "crocs" and she named it Puffy. This puppy comes with the stipulation that if she goes back to biting her fingernails---Puffy goes AWAY!!! ok back to our day: After the Build a Bear stop, we went to the movies. Arriving a little earlier than we thought we would put a small crimp in things. Bolt, the movie we went to see, didn't start til 4:40 and it was now 3:50. So, do we kill time and come back or we could watch Madagascar 2. Everybody very easily decided to stay and watch Madagascar 2. Movie was just "ok" nothing great or horrible. Then on to supper at WASABI--only my favorite restaurant in Knoxville. UMMMM!! So good! Then we head home to go see Christmas lights only to find that Jibbit #2 is sound asleep--so we decided we would save this for another night before New Years (hopefully it won't be raining). We get inside and let the Jibbits open 1 stocking present and then to bed! What a fun and relaxing time. Christmas Day will start with the reading of Jesus birth by King Jibbit and then the Jibbits opening presents and having a family breakfast. Followed by much fun and play. The grandparents and Aunt R will come for dinner and somemore fun and play! Always keeping at the forefront of our minds what this time of year is a reminder of and thanking Jesus all the time for his willingness to come to this earth and live a sinless life and be crucified on the cross and 3 days later rise so that we can be with Him in heaven. Merry CHRISTmas to ALL!!!

Christmas Shopping Done--well almost!!

Tonight, King Jibbit and I went to Knoxville and wiped out our Christmas shopping. We had only gotten the few things we had found (by surprise) while we were in Pigeon Forge. I had ordered some things for the grandparents online. Other than this little bit, we had not done any shopping. So, I mentioned to the King that I might go shopping tonight when he got home from work and being the sweet husband that he is --he arranged a babysitter and had me come by work and pick him up and he went with me!! ( I know----"awwwwww"). It was nice to not have to go alone and we tag teamed and wiped it OUT!! We have a very few items to pick up--a couple of stocking stuffers and a couple of items that we could not find and stores were closing. So, we got to Knoxville about 6:30 and left at 9:15 (and we got to eat supper) and we we were able to wipe out the "List." Usually, I am wanting Christmas shopping done around the first of December, but for some reason (probably because I didn't have my "list" made out) I was not too worked up over it (I KNOW---SHOCK!!) and it paid off. I had heard on the news that retailers have 2 dates they look at to see how their holiday business is going: #1 you guessed it --Black Friday ( and the weekend following) #2 Dec 15. So, if business isn't so great then they start slashing prices and apparently business is down, because prices were DOWN!! There was 1 item we had looked at earlier (not on sale) $47.99 when we came back tonight it was on sale for $24.99. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!?! This is one of MANY big price markdowns we found. LOVE IT!! This was such a great thing for me being the tightwad that I am. PLUS....this was a stress-free shopping experience, being a Tuesday night (while school is still in session) there were hardly any crowds. This is a biggie for me, because I think one of the big reasons I HATE shopping is because of the crowds. It is really not worth it to me to fight my way through stores and wait in big, long lines. AND, we came home and HAD to wrap the ones that were for our kids. So, not only are we very, very, very near done, but it is wrapped!! WAHOOO!!! We wrapped til we had no more paper.

Traditions

We took a trip to Pigeon Forge this past weekend and purchased our annual Christmas ornament (as I mentioned in an earlier post, we always purchase an ornament for each child and a family ornament each year). Each child picks out their own ornament and then together we pick out the family ornament--King Jibbit decided to forgo the ornament selection process and opted for the "line waiting process"--the line for getting the ornaments personalized was just so long he decided he would go ahead and get in line and then I handed the ornaments over for the personalizing. This probably saved us 45 minutes!!! He liked our choice for the family ornament :) Jibbit #1's ornament

Jibbit #2's ornament Jibbit #3's ornament The family ornament another family tradition.... everytime we make a trip to Pigeon Forge the "jibbits" think we need to make a stop at Krispy Kreme and of course, I don't want to disappoint my "jibbits" ;) and yes, we do go through the drive thru. Even after all that car riding there is something about sitting in that line at Krispy Kreme and laughing and cutting up in anticipation of the sugar rush!!

Although we don't go everytime, we all enjoy making the trip around Cade's Cove. This is an especially favorite place for Todd and I because this is where he proposed to me! (I will tell that sweet story on a later date.) We love seeing all the deer and the ocassional bear. This trip turned out the be the nature trip of all trips.... we saw deer..lots of deer ..but this HUGE buck was letting us all but pet him, we were within 2-3 feet of him. we also saw a coyote who was just posing like crazy...

and many turkey.... I am going to have to get out my pocketguide for these strange creatures....

on this trip they became known as the "jibbits", thanks to "Jibbit #3". For what reason, we do not know, but Jibbit #3 started calling us all "jibbits" and it has stuck. She is the clown of the family and she gets it from the King Jibbit!!! We did a little clothes shopping for the kids some warm winter clothes at the outlets--good sales!! oh how I do NOT like shopping, especially at this time of year because of the crowds!! I do not like having to fight for walking space on the sidewalk let alone inside the store! We stopped at 4 stores wahoo!! And we did buy a few Christmas presents...right under their noses!!! he he he !!! Oh I did stop at one more store and get some items for my "new" kitchen--to be seen at a later time!

We made a stop at Adventure Quest which was much fun. Inside was a mirror maze, a lazer room (where you try to avoid touching the laserbeams that cross the room by crawling, jumping, etc) and then a blacklight putt putt. I thought it was a tad expensive, but considering how much you pay just to putt putt maybe it is not so bad because it was inside and out of the elements (it was COLD that day!!!). If I had to do it again I would have said lets pay a bit more and go to WonderWorks--that is too cool!!

Such a fun weekend! Thanks King Jibbit for a wonderful time!!

Surgery is over!!

Sydney is out of surgery and has done very well for day 1. Children have a hard time when they are coming out of anesthesia, they cry and scream uncontrollably and depending on their surgery, this can make things worse. Sydney did not have this problem too severely. She would wake up and cry and we were able to calm her quickly. If she had been screaming and crying uncontrollably, like the poor little tike next door in the recovery room, this could have really been a problem for her. She slept the anesthesia off and woke up thirsty and did such a good job of drinking Sprite (you know those little cans --she drank 1 and a half of those in about an hour) and ate a popsicle. Then when it was time to go home she wanted something to eat and what did she want to eat??? "Chips", yes you heard me right Chips---Chips?? Ok the doctor said she could eat anything she wanted --but CHIPS?? Ok, Daddy and I couldn't go there but we could go to the McDonald's next door to TC Thompson's and get Fries---not only did she want the fries she wanted chicken nuggets, too. "Ok" we thought that won't be the first dollar wasted in our life, but just in case she WOULD/COULD eat them we would have them. And, YES she ate them. She ate all 4 nuggets and a whole order of fries. When we got home she at ice cream, peanut butter crackers, sherbert, pancakes, and has drank plenty of juice. Tomorrow may be a different story---maybe even a different book!! But, I just want to give God the praise for always being in control and taking care of our little girl! The Dr. was telling us how bad infected her adenoids were---and this is after being on 2 different and very potent antibiotics in the past month they were still full of puss but God is so good in seeing to it that she was able to get in to have surgery and have this taken care of within 5 days of her initial appointment. Please keep her in your prayers and praise God with us!

Prayer, Please!!

After many doctor visits, a sleep study, xrays, catscans, and medications...we finally have an answer....Sydney needs her tonsils and adenoids removed!! I have never been so happy for someone to have to have surgery! She has NEVER (and I mean NEVER!!!) been able to sleep good. She has ALWAYS gotten up several times a night and changed sleeping spots, and snores (worse than my husband!! he he he) ALWAYS had dark circles under her eyes because she has never been rested. Like I told the ENT today---I don't think she has ever gotten a good night sleep in the 6 years she has been alive. His response was ..."I can tell just by looking at her she is exhausted and needs her adenoids out so she can breathe (adenoids are pushing on her sinuses and causing constant irritation---constant runny nose and congestion ) and the tonsils are yucky and need to come out too!" Man....she SO needs a good nights sleep! So, she is going to have surgery Wednesday Dec 10th. Yep, 5 days away...not sure I have seen a surgery scheduled that quickly...but there was an opening and I jumped on it. That way she will be back to herself by Christmas. So, please pray for her, that the surgery will go as expected, she will not have much pain and a quick recovery.

Do-it-Yourself!!

Yep, I have tackled yet another project! Something about being inside more seems to make me take on these projects. We have been talking about needing to do some things to the kitchen. It is the only room of the house we have not done anything to since we bought it. We really want to do a big remodel and knock out a wall and put in new cabinets....but, for now it is just some paint and a few little things. I forgot and didn't take a before picture (dummy me!), but I did take one after we had peeled most of the wallpaper off. It is a very tiny kitchen, as you will see, and had wallpaper when we purchased it 6 1\2 years ago. It was decent wallpaper with fruit on it that matched my dishes. It was really looking bad, turning a yellowish and the trimwork really needed painting so, I thought to myself...."self, if you are going to paint the trim, you might as well just go ahead and get that off the walls and be done with it." Husband agreed with self and so began the fun!

I borrowed a steamer to remove the paper --what a hassle. Then I got online and did somemore research and decided to go to Lowe's the next day and buy a bottle of liquid spray remover and a bottle of the gel and see which worked best (still not completely sure that I wouldn't have to return to the steamer). I started this task and Sydney jumped in to help and Tanner jumped in to help (What an educational adventure for them---now THEY know how to strip wallpaper!!). We wiped it out in a few days just working a bit at a time (started on Sunday with the sprays and finished on Tues night.) Had bought paint at the same time as the removers and began painting Wednesday night. Finished the walls today (not the typical way to spend Thanksgiving) and am going to go back to Lowe's and get the paint for the trim and new outlets and covers (these are so nasty looking and I really want to put in white ones. I do have a place to sand and put another coat on and then I need to borrow a dolly to move the refrigerator out a smidge.

Here are some "during" pics....

The paint, it looks like mauve in the picture, but it is really "Bronze copper" it is an earthy, orangy brown kinda like a terracotta color--it is definitely NOT pink!! ha ha

Tanner's BIRTHDAY!

November 23, 2008 Yep, he was re-born!! He asked Jesus into his heart Sunday night at home after church!!! WAHOOO!! I might just have to change churches--I may become a little too charismatic for a baptist! ha ha. This is been a big deal for Tanner. I had asked him about 3 weeks ago where he would go (heaven or hell) if I had a wreck or something happened and he died. He looked me straight in the eye and said "Hell". OH MY!!! I was almost speechless ( yep--me--speechless--notice I said "almost"). I asked him if he thought he should do something about that and he said "nah, not now"--oh wow! I told my husband that I really had a hard time leaving the house and letting him ride in the same vehicle as me---what if I wrecked and he died--(I know GOD is in control of all things--but that would have been too much for me). Man, you talk about hitting my knees in prayer for him. We have always talked openly about God, Jesus and what Jesus did for us when he died on the cross and then rose again after 3 days, always talked about current world topics and how they fit into the Bible timeline and Todd and I both told him that if he had questions or just needed to talk that we wanted to help him and be there for him. It is a thin line between pushing and not saying anything. It was evident by his demeanor that something was going on and I was praying it was that God was convicting him and not just a bad attitude kicking in full force--I knew it had to be God--first of all because his daddy and I were praying with all our hearts and secondly, he was having trouble going to sleep on more than one ocassion and having trouble concentrating on tasks (very uncharacteristic). Then, this past Sunday after worship service at church, I headed home with the girls and Todd went to WalMart to get gas and pickup a few items. On the way to WalMart, Tanner told Todd that he needed to be saved, needless to say Todd didn't make it to pick up the items we needed at WalMart (he did have to get gas so he could make it home) and he flew home. When he walked in the door I was on the phone with my mother and Todd looked at me and said "You need to get off the phone!" My heart sank---had he had a wreck--his parents had a wreck---what was up?? (He has never done that before! and looked so serious). And I just told mom " I gotta go" and hung up. He then told me what Tanner had said. We got the girls situated with a movie (to prevent interruptions) and sat down with him and let him tell us why he thought that and ask questions. Todd and I both read him scripture and let him know what steps he had to take to be saved and that HE had to do them --we couldn't do it for him. He prayed the sweetest and most heart wrenching prayer and asked Jesus into his heart. ( I think I may have heard the angels in heaven singing --Luke 15:7). But, bless his heart after our talking somemore and then story and prayer time with the girls, he said " I feel like I need to do it all over again." He thought it was too easy and he didn't feel any "physical" change. So, we talked and read scripture for another long while ( I would have stayed up all night for him to have that peace) and then he smiled and said "I am going to heaven"---WAAAHHOOOOO!!! HE KNOWS THAT HE KNOWS THAT HE KNOWS THAT HE KNOWS!!! You could just see the peace all over his face. So, if the Lord doesn't come back before Sunday, Tanner will follow the Lord's example and be baptized with water showing the world that he is one of God's children. I praise the Lord everyday for my salvation and now for Tanner's and will continue to pray that someday soon Sydney and Jessi will also come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and savior and will trust Him with every part of their lives. GOD IS SOOOO GOOOD!!!

It's beginning to look alot like CHRISTmas!

And yes..... I said ...Christmas!! It may not be politically correct but I am sticking my ground...it is about CHRISTmas not anyone/anything else.

ok...off the soapbox and back to our tree decorating..... enjoy the pics.

Jessi and Sydney putting ornaments on the tree and maybe in the same spot that

they put the last 3 they put up. But you know what, that is just fine. They had such

a great time. Todd and I put the tree up and it was so easy, last year we had to buy a new tree and found a great deal on this one at Kmart right at Thanksgiving and it is prelit and it even turns---who knew!! Loving it!!

One of our CHRISTmas traditions is buying each child a personalized and dated ornament and we also buy a family ornament. Nana also buys each of the kids an ornament so, they each have quite a collection (except Jessi --she has only had 3 Christmas celebrations so far). Todd passed out ornaments to the kids and let them reminese about why they picked out the ornament and what they thought was so neat about them. One of Tanner's favorite is one that is a buck holding a shotgun standing beside a sign that says "People Season"--it makes him laugh every year or maybe it is the one that looks like a deer antler (sent to him from our friends in Texas). Sydney's favorite ( I think--because every ornament she picked up was her favorite--she is so funny and loves life!) is the one that is in the shape of a star and says "I Love Gymnastics" and has a gymnast doing a flip or maybe the Hello Kitty ornament. I KNOW Jessi's is the pink princess castle--it almost didn't make it on the tree, she just wanted to hold onto it and look at it.

Sydney holding our family ornament from 2005. We all go ornament shopping and everyone picks out their personal ornament and then we come back together and pickout a family ornament together--sometimes we have to vote--ha !

Tanner doing his part! As we decorated the tree we listened to CHRISTmas Carols and afterward we turned the lights on, Todd fixed hot chocolate (WITH MARSHMALLOS!!) and we just sat back and enjoyed the view and talked about how this CHRISTmas is going to mean so much more to Tanner since he just asked Jesus into his heart the night before. He is going to gain such a much greater understanding of what Jesus did for him. What a joy!!

Deer Slayer

Tanner got an 8 pointer and boy was he excited!!

I had gone to Clearwater Baptist Church for a program and didn't

know how long it would last. After it was over, I got in my van and

turned my phone back on and had like 4 voicemail messages and 10

text messages from my husband and son. They were both so excited and

apparently couldn't find the camera---cause it was in the VAN!!

They waited (not so) patiently and then we took pictures and off

to the processor they went. This one will cost us...it is gonna have to be

mounted! I wouldn't say no to this one...it did look nice and he is so

proud and works so hard with Todd all throughout the year to take care of the deer leases and equipment.

He has earned himself the nickname "Deerslayer."

5 WEEKS!!!

I really had not realized it had been 5 weeks since I posted last! Wow! Time does fly! What have we been doing? Umm .... sadly enough not that much! Just enjoying this fall weather until it turned to WINTER weather! But, I do love to get all cozy in a big sweatshirt and my hubby's hunting socks and a big, warm blanket and pile all the kids under, too. This cool air is refreshing to me and I love bringing out the big sweaters---just not the coats! hmmm.... what else... oh yeah, trying to get to the bottom of Syd's sleeping/breathing trouble with NO help from the doctor..so off to find another one--DR not Daughter! ha ummmm ...Jessi ran into corner of my dresser and busted her head ("got a big hole in my head" as she says), but the praise would be that we didn't have to go to the ER--you can only make so many trips before they start making "calls". She is just so accident prone, I really thought we were gonna have another boo-boo on our hands tonight. She put on her jammies and went through the doorway and slid and just missed the door facing by a hair--whew! "what did she slip on?" you might ask--NOTHING absolutely nothing---she trips on air and now slids on air! No big plans for Thanksgiving, just dinner at my mother's house with her and her hubby, my brood and then my father and mother-in-law. I cannot wait to decorate for Christmas... oh I love it! Last year, I decorated my front porch windows and doorway for the first time. I can't wait to do it again and add a few more touches and start reading our Christmas books, do the "What God wants for Christmas", get cards ready (and get cards!!), get our Christmas jammies, and and and and .... I just love sitting down with the kids and talking about how Jesus didn't have to come to the earth, but He did!! And what that means to me and them. I am so glad when someone asks them "what is Christmas about?" that they don't say "presents" or "Santa". ok so I will try to post some pictures soon (if I can get my computer to stop thinking that the disc is blank!!)

What a way to start a day!!

We started our day with a science experiment about sound waves. Do they travel better in the air or along the yarn? Then this corresponds to how whales hear sound that travels in the water. Sooo cool!! They were shocked that they could hear each other whispering in the cups. Of course, Jessi had to "do it too". "Bubby" is so sweet to help her!

Then I broke out the silly string for a little "no contact" war! I have been offering "incentives" for the kids to be dressed, chores done and in the schoolroom by 8:30am. (Yes, I know they should do it "just because I said so", but I needed this as much as they did. Also, I think it can be fun at times to have a little contest.) It is funny how they seem to help each other and agree to "tie". This is more for me than for them. They obviously start school when I say , but this makes me get up there and start if they are waiting on me ( and put down the laundry or whatever chore caught my attention. Maybe I have A.D.D.). So, the surprise for today was each child getting a can of silly string and having a little friendly battle. First, I laid the rules down---1. NO PHYSICAL CONTACT 2. NO GETTING MAD IF YOU GET SPRAYED (that was for Syd) 3. HAVE FUN!! then 1, 2, 3 GOOOOO!!

What a good way to start the day. It was beautiful and they were able to get some energy out before having to sit down to their day.

Our new table....

After 14 years and 1 paint job, we decided it was time for a new table. The kids and I searched and looked and window shopped for months (hubby didn't have a preference). We found a table we liked really well and at a price that was reasonable---11 months ago! I talked myself out of it and thought I would paint the table one more time. Well, it didn't go so well. So, when we talked about exactly what to do: have the table professionally painted or buy a new one. We decided that since neither of us like the table any more, it would be so costly to have it professionally painted and the store was going to give us such a good deal on the table (they aren't moving much furniture obviously) we would go ahead and make the purchase. Sooooo here it is.......

and....we went ahead and got the buffet. When they told us what the price would be if this one sold and they had to reorder it was more than double. Sooooo.....we did it!

Books we are loving

This summer we started reading The Chronicles of Narnia series. I was a little skeptical that they would get all the symbolism ( they are 10, 6, and 2--well of course the 2yo doesn't "get" it ) without me having to stop and explain. Oh my, do I ever underestimate the power of God! I am loving it when THEY stop ME to explain what God is showing them!! LOVE IT!! We are on the 3rd book The Horse and His Boy and I just have to stop or they would let me read all day. I just love being able to sit at home and cozy up with my favorite people on the couch and read a good book and talk about GOD!!

Happy 6th Birthday!

Sydney celebrated her birthday one night early! She spent her birthday in the van on our way back from Disney World---wahoo, what fun!!

Happy 10th Birthday!!

August 13th Tanner celebrated his 10th birthday playing basketball with friends and going to LaserQuest!!

On the road again.....

Two weeks after our trip to Banff, we took a family trip to Disney World. Todd's parents and sister joined us. What a fun time!! This was our first time taking a trip as a BIG family. We avoided "Ike" and only got a couple of rains and 1 storm.

Tanner was not real happy with having his picture made with Mickey!

The whole crew!!

Sydney was DONE!!!

This was on Friday night at 10:30 after 5 days of too much fun!! She was tired and wanted a "ride" so my husband put her up on his shoulders and in a literal 10 seconds she was SNORING!!

Banff, Canada

I love my husband's job!!! He had to go to Banff, Canada (Alberta) on a business trip and I just "had" to tag along. What a beautiful sight!! When I see these incredible mountains it just amazes me that anyone could doubt the existence of God.

Lake Louise

view of Banff from the top of Sulfur Mountain

My husband and I looked all over for the Elk.....this is all we found.....

Back to Flippin'!

After a short (1 month) break from gymnastics spent looking for a new gym, we have found a new home. It is a 45 minute drive twice a week but me and another mom are able to carpool, even though class times don't start at the same time-- they do end at the same time. We go at 4, but Sydney's class doesn't start til 5:30---this keeps us from making the drive twice a week. We tried a few classes at this gym and decided this would be our new "home." I am so excited for her to be back doing what she loves. When her feet hit the mat, she just can't stop smiling. I just love watching her do something she enjoys so much. Jessi keeps asking when her class starts! I would like to sign her up, but since we alternate driving then I would not be there for each class. She needs to be 3 to go to a class without a parent which would be December and a new session starts in January. We will have to wait and see....

Where did July go?

Wow!! I cannot believe July is gone! We have done more canning, freezing and storing of food and much playing! We took a short trip to Nashville and have since been very busy. My mother had knee replacement surgery and had to stay at the hospital longer than expected, which meant many trips to Knoxville to visit. This also meant much time away from the kids (which is not a fun thing for me! :( ) and crazy schedules of staying at the hospital with her. She is now coming home after 12 days and will have home health coming to do her physical therapy. We are also starting school TOMORROW!! Kids are excited which makes me excited. We will be studying Ancient History (which will include the Bible---try doing that in public school!!) and Zoology (swimming creatures) plus all of the basics (math, handwriting, grammar, spelling, and lots of reading). We took a quick trip to Pigeon Forge before the official start of school. I think everybody was thinking the same thing!!! It was crowded, but we still had a great time. A little food, a little shopping, a little putt-putt, and a lot of swimming in an awesome pool with a cool slide.

The Fourth of July!!

We canned another batch of green beans this morning before setting off to visit family. We headed to the lake to join Todd's aunt, uncle , cousins, and parents at his aunt and uncle's house at the lake. We had a great "potluck" lunch and then headed out on the boat. We took turns riding the double intertube. We had such a great time just playing. We rode and rode and rode. This is the first riders of the day!! Tanner and his cousin Sam.

Then Sydney (aka "the fearless one" ) took her turn and laughed so hard I was sure she would eat bugs because her mouth was open so wide! She really grabs life by the horns!

Even Jessi got on and rode with Daddy. At one point I had to remind him to not hold onto the float with BOTH hands --to hold HER!! ha ha ha I was just sure she would bounce right out (at least from my view). She was loving it until she asked to get me in and ride with me for some reason she no longer liked it :( . Oh well.....

We headed back to pick up Todd's aunt and cousin who stayed back at the house for a few zzz's. Jessi to a good long nap on the boat and the kids swam. The back out in the boat til time for supper!! yummmm

We just had the best time visiting and laughing with his family. We don't see this part of his family very often (except his parents) and I am not sure why because everytime we get together we have the best time.

Then back to Athens for the FIREWORKS!! It was a really good show as usual. Then home to get lake water washed off and to BED!!!! What a great way to spend the day!!

Green Beans

I have officially been shown the "art of canning". I have canned my first two "runs" of green beans on my own. We picked our beans Monday morning at my father-in-laws from "our row" of beans. The three kids and I went to pick and I was so proud of how well they did. I thought I would be alone in the garden, but they went right to work and were so set on getting their buckets full the job was done before we knew it. They were just as helpful at stringing and breaking. Who knew?!! I have never done this (as an adult) and they hadn't either and I was just happy to see how eager they were to help and do such a good job.

Here are some of our beans after we strung and broke them---didn't think I would ever call green beans "pretty", but now I am. Aren't they pretty?

Here they are on the stove and in the jars!!! YEA!! A very long 3 hours on the stove and to beatit all we had to do it again for 3 more hours----worth every minute to have these in the cabinet to enjoy later.

So, now we get to do this again. I hope the kids are as helpful and eager the second time as they were Monday!!!

Our "Goodbyes"

Our final goodbyes to Jennifer and Athens Gymnastics Training Center.

Sydney's class and group hug!!

and a final picture of the girls with Jennifer. You will be missed, so much!! Best wishes on your move and with the baby!