A Special Bond Between Dog and Daughter

Most of you know our dog Sophie. You know that my relationship with Sophie has highs and lows. High when she is bathed, sweet, and cuddly....Low when she is stinky, naughty, and dirty. But, Allison, has loved Sophie since the day she knew she was there. She will lay down on the couch with her...share a pillow on the couch with Sophie's body most of the time being the pillow, share her food (feeding it to her from her highchair, especially the food she doesn't like when mommy is not looking), and just letting Sophie give her lots of affection (mainly kissing her face). Allison first tried to communicate with Sophie even before trying to talk to us. As soon as she would wake up in the morning, she would literally start barking to get Sophie to come and say good morning to her. She still barks...a lot... during the day! They have a special bond. I will often find Allison just hanging out with Sophie...petting her, throwing toys to her....and even sitting by her cage feeling sorry for her. The other day, I called to the kids to please put Sophie in her house because we were about to leave...Allison must have understood...She walked straight to the laundry room with Sophie following right behind and then managed to lead Sophie in her house for me...opened the door and then attempted to lock it. Then Allison sat down right next to her house barking to her until it was time to go. Allison and Sophie...love at first sight.

The Annual Playgroup Christmas Party plus 5 of Abigail's friends from school

about 15 kids...running around....eating...coloring....making ornaments....jumping on the trampoline....and acting out the Christmas story. You can't beat it! I know what some of you are thinking...I am being sarcastic. But, actually, I am not. I loved every second of it and look forward to next year when we do it all over again. Of course it helps to have a sweet friend (Jadie!) going behind the children sweeping up glitter, more glitter, and food everywhere and then she even did the dishes!!! I mean she did the hard part of the party...all I did was the fun stuff. The kids really listened to the Christmas story and then acted it out...choosing the character they wanted to be. Obviously, Abigail is a wiseman...Aaron, if you can tell that is him, is Joseph. And of course, he had to be a bit silly. Putting his hat way down over his eyes and then doing a little dance....All and all the party was super fun...at least for me :) The next morning Abigail and Aaron and some of our friends from church headed over to a nursing home to sing carols and hand out cards and candy. We did this last year as well. The kids remembered it and looked forward to it this year. We read Christmas storybooks and sang a bunch of songs. All of the residents were so glad to see us. Well, maybe not all....but most :) It has become a tradition and such a great way to give to those who may find Christmas a very lonely time.

Just some pictures...

Here are some pictures from a couple of big events....first, Aaron's Thanksgiving program. He did such a great job quoting his memory verses and singing and reciting poetry. Gammie and Doc were passing through town on their way to St. Louis, so it was perfect timing and Aaron was beyond thrilled to have them there. In between every little song, his eyes would go directly to Doc, and he would grin from ear to ear....looking so proud. It was absolutely precious. And I am sure it made Doc feel really special. I love the pic with the 3 of them....can you tell they are related???

And then the last pic is of Abigail at her bible presentation at church. Our church gives 1st graders their very own bible. It was really sweet.

Roll Tide! and Sic em Bears

I forgot to tell ya'll that on our way to Texas for Thanksgiving we made a rather long pit stop. We were driving through Tuscaloosa so of course we had to stop and take a look at the stadium and of course take some pictures. In case some of you are wondering...'when did she become a Bama fan?'...well, it has happened over many,many,many years. 13 1'/2 to be exact. Jason is a huge Alabama fan and I have always tried really hard to be one too, but it was just so hard because we were always losing...and I am from TX...and I like to win and well, it just didn't come naturally. I had a hard time cheering for them or really getting into the game. (I told you that I was brainwashed as a child, right?...about TX stuff....But, finally, after all these years, (before the season began mind you) I told Jason I am going to be a true fan. I am going to shout and do a football dance and act as crazy as you do this year. And I did...and they won and they kept winning. Now, I am not trying to take credit for Nick Saban, but you do the math....13 years....

Anyway, we were all excited to take a break from the long drive and take a look around the campus. Aaron was beyond excited. But, I think he is now brainwashed as well. Before the Alabama/Auburn game, he came up to me and said, "Mommy, I can't wear these tennis shoes today....they are the wrong colors.....I am not an Auburn fan and these shoes are navy and orange...I need some red ones." It was priceless. He then reminded everyone of my family members (who could care less about Alabama football) that Alabama beat Auburn bad. That Auburn got zero. Good thing we weren't with our Auburn fan cousins :)

On the way home from Texas we stopped over at good ol' Waco, TX. Jason kept joking with me that we could always move back there and give back to our alma mater...I said "uhhh, no thank you"...I mean I love Baylor and all, but Waco...not so much! But, it was so sweet to take the kids around the campus. Ya'll know I love to go down memory lane, so this was right up my alley. I mean...every place on campus had some meaning to both Jason and I. The place we first met, the field we would play football on, the creek we cleaned out with FLO, the library where I would study and Jason would try and distract me...It was fun to tell Abigail and Aaron that we had our first kiss here and how we would sit on a swing under a big tree..(that swing is no longer there mind you, but the tree is...) and kiss...Abigail of course got all giggly...It was really sweet. It meant more to Jason and I than the kids, I am sure. Here are some pics from both places.

Much to Be Thankful For

I just spent the week with my family in Texas for Thanksgiving. I love the fact that my family gets together with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, neices and nephews. I have a big family as most of you know and I just enjoy being with them so much. I love the laughter and the remembering of times when we were young. Without fail, every time I have to say goodbye my eyes fill up with tears. I just can't help it. But, this week there were even more tears. My Uncle Anthony went home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning before Thanksgiving. I was in the car on my way to hug his neck one last time when I got the call. I just want to take a minute to tell you all a little bit about my uncle. He made us all laugh all of the time! And I mean all the time. If you were near my uncle he would have you in stitches. He told the best ghost stories that he made up himself. My cousin and my siblings would all gather around him and just listen so intently and no matter how many times we heard the tale of the Woman and the GOOLLDDDEEENNN ARM..we would scream everytime. And want him to tell it again. He would also do great magic tricks...like swallowing all sorts of things...or at least he had us fooled.:) We would do Chinese Fire Drills in my uncles big suburban, where we would run around the car like crazy people and jump back in as fast as we could (probably not the safest thing but sure was fun) Still don't know why it was called a Chinese Fire Drill. At my uncle's house, you can be sure we always have a good time...stay up late talking and laughing....and we will continue to...Uncle Anthony wouldn't have it any other way and I am sure he is bringing such laughter and a lot of good jokes to Heaven. And in my son Aaron's words..."We sure are going to miss seeing him, but he is not going to miss us...He is having so much fun in Heaven with Jesus. I am sure they are having a party up there!"
My Aunt B is one of the strongest women I know. Her heart is pure gold and her inner strength is astounding. I love you Aunt B! And John, my cousin, words cannot express...but you know....love you!
Thanksgiving was truly a time to reflect on what...and more importantly...who I am thankful for. It was a reminder to strengthen those relationships that need to be strengthened...to say things I need to say to those who need to hear it....to love much...and to forgive much...to hug and to hold on....to give and give more....to thank God daily for my family and the many blessings that He has given me. So I encourage you to do the same. Happy Thanksgiving. Love you all.