Family Fun

"Being a family means you are a part of something wonderful for the rest of your life, no matter what!"

In spite of our good intentions, my side of the family doesn't get together nearly as often as any of us would like.  However, it doesn't diminish the fun times we have when we do get together, or the love we feel for each other when we are apart.  Among my fondest memories will always be Christmas at Grandmommy's house growing up! Time has changed those get-to-gethers, but it's fun making memories in new ways now!! Caleb is actually the one that suggested we get together, and then he and Taylor had a conflict and couldn't make it.  Lindsey and her family were battling sickness!

Even though everyone couldn't make it, we had a wonderful time together!

I still sometimes think that even after 33 years of marriage, Reed is a little overwhelmed when we all get together!

I can't wait until our next get together!  Merry Christmas!

Lillian's Christmas Program

Lindsey and Josh have had an eventful couple of weeks.  Strep, stomach virus, back surgery, and mono have all made an appearance at their house.  Lillian's preschool has an awesome Christmas Program each year.  This year I stayed home with a very sick Maddie, so Lindsey and Josh could go watch Lillian.  I handed the camera over to Lindsey, and she did an awesome job.  I am also happy to report that as of this morning, Maddie is feeling much better.  After almost a week of high fever, she is up and at it!! 

The program always opens with the children singing a few Christmas songs.  Once again, Lillian wanted no part of that!! She's all smiles after this part is over!!

Lillian loves her sweet teacher, Mrs. Glenda.

Snow fights were lots of fun!

Listening to the story of the birth of baby Jesus! 

Riding the Polar Express is always a hit!!   These smiles melt my heart!!

This picture is quite the treasure.  Sister is usually not too thrilled about the big guy!!!

Merry Christmas!!

A Parade and a Special Birthday

Maddie and Lillian were in Alexander City's Christmas Parade this week.  Josh is still recovering from back surgery, so Pop and I went to watch the girls and help with Reed.  We are headed back later in the week for Lillian's Christmas Program.

This little one is a never-still bundle of joy!!  He is always on the go!!

And make no mistake-he is the boss!!

Big Sis lost 2 teeth this week!!!  She and Lillian remind me so much of their mom!  They both are always doing handstands, cartwheels, and such!!!

Lillian had been under the weather for several days, but is feeling better now.  Sad to say that both Maddie and Reed are sick now!!

Nana never misses a good photo opportunity.  Everyone is dressed and ready for the parade!

A little loving and playing before we head out!!

Lillian and Maddie both had special ornaments to tell me about!

Lindsey and the girls headed to get on their church float, and Josh, Pop and Reed and I headed to watch.  We entertained him in the car for a while.

Then we ventured out to get a closer look!  Reed was a doll! I must also add that Josh has been quite the trooper.  He can't lift anything for a couple of months, so that will be a challenge!

The theme was "Christmas Family Vacation"  and some of the entries were quite entertaining!  

This is when Lillian spotted her brother!  Precious!

Maddie sang loudly the entire time, and then went home with a high fever!!! 

Love our girls!

And Levi, our granddog celebrated his first birthday this past weekend!  His sweet mom made him a doggy cake and his buddy Scout came to help him celebrate!!

 Merry, Merry Christmas!!

What a Week!

Well, it's been quite an adventurous week.  There is nothing I like more than having all of my family here for a holiday or any occasion.  This year was a  little challenging for all of us.  Both girls, Josh, Lindsey, Caleb,  Pop and I all had either the stomach virus, strep throat, a head cold or a combination of one or more of these wonderful illnesses over the course of the holidays.  Then, I had a root canal on Monday, Josh had back surgery on Tuesday, and I had oral surgery yesterday.  We are all ready to put all this behind us and move forward to a wonderful Christmas season!


This is what this little cutie does when you ask him, "Who's the boss?"  Now, he also adds, "I boss", when asked.  He keeps us on our toes!

Pop dusted off  Caleb's old go cart  and Maddie had a ball on it!  Aunt Tay took it for a spin, too!

Just hanging out!

Reed once again got the tree for the outside of our church and hung the lights.  Wednesday night, we gathered around the tree and sang carols for the tree lighting.  This is a tradition that I hope we continue!

After my root canal, I traveled on to Alex City to take Maddie and Reed to school and to keep Lillian while Lindsey and Josh ventured Birmingham for his surgery.   I am happy that I got to watch as they put their tree up!

Lillian was still under the weather, but perked up when it was time to decorate the little tree for their room.  Lillian and I spent lots of time snuggling, and helping each other feel better! Reed was also a big help!!

These three angels are decorated for Christmas, and I can't wait to experience every possible moment of it with them!!

Next up, the 25th year of our candy houses!

Princess Sweet Bird

Lillian's teacher, Miss Glenda, told us that Lillian was her loudest singer during practice.  I am sad to say that she decided that singing during practice was enough for her!  Even though she didn't sing a note during the Thanksgiving program, we enjoyed every second of it!

Things were looking really promising when she first walked into the church!  She was all smiles!

 And then she noticed that the congregation was full!  And it was all over!  Let me tell you, Nana wanted to shed some tears, too!  I hated seeing her so miserable!

But soon the program was over, and she was all smiles at the Thanksgiving feast featuring chicken nuggets and creamed potatoes!!

Big sister helped her feel better, too!

Hugs for Pop and baby brother!

And Mom, too!

We think Princess Sweet Bird is just a little doll!

Quite the cute little family!

I predict she will sing to the top of her lungs next year!  If not, that's ok, too!