Our Quest to Sci-Quest

Just when I think Katie has visited all the fun museums, we learn of another one in our local area.  Sci-Quest is a hands on science learning center for children of all ages.  It's located just behind Calhoun Community College in Huntsville, AL.  For more information, please CLICK HERE!

It reminds me of a miniature McWane Science Center.  I volunteered as a chaperone for Katie and her friend, ME.  At first, I was nervous trying to keep them together and not separate.  I was running myself ragged, so I let them go.  They knew where to stay and the place isn't that big.  I found a bench, me and a few other moms parked.  We got a lot of catching up done, getting to know each other a little more.

The kids thought this was so cool.  It's a virtual volleyball game, but they also got to play: table pool, soccer, make snow angels, designs in sand, mud and paint.  It's hard to explain, but it reminds me of a very large Xbox Kinect for several kids to get involved.

The place had a huge tree house installed with a full kitchen, music room and twisty slide to get down (Katie's favorite).  The kids had an opportunity to learn about sights, sounds, skin, chemicals (gas), weather, reflection, frequencies, etc.  It was a lot of fun!  Katie absolutely wants to come back this Summer.

In the picture above, the kids were getting a hands on feel regarding earthquakes "what would it feel like."   The kids are sitting on a park bench with a street light above.  Once someone pressed the button, the simulator platform below would begin shaking.  It was a hit!  As you can see, the kids LOVED IT!

We had a very busy week with the field trip, getting ready for Leslie's Bridal Shower, Colton's Birthday Party and unfortunately we had a family member to pass away.  This mama is about ready for a long BREAK.  Stay tuned for pictures of Leslie's Bridal Shower.

It's hard to imagine that three years ago, my baby boy came into the world today.  You need to embrace every moment because it never last for very long.  Our little Colty is such a blessing.  He absolutely keeps me going at all times and the things that comes out of that boy's mouth is hilarious.  Don't let him fool you because he can be a prankster as well.  When I'm all focused on something like posting pictures and blogging, he'll come up to me out of the blue and give me a wet willy.  Then, he'll start squealing with laughter.  Little snot.  If I'm not giving him enough attention, which is all the time, he'll begin climbing all over me and sometimes I get kisses.  When you're not looking he'll put his finger in your nose or eyeball.  Let's not forget when I'm walking down the hallway, he'll come from no where and slap me on the butt.  Then, he start laughing.

Have you seen the Geico commercials were the pig squeals all the way home?  Well, Colton loves that commercial.   When we are in the car, he likes to say "weeeeeee" all the way down hills.  LOL!  It's too funny.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLTON!  

WE LOVE YOU BABY BOY! 

Special Prayer Request
I just received a call from my mother-in-law.  Our cousin, Anthony's mother passed away this morning.  Anthony's mother-in-law (Joyce) passed this past Friday morning.  This poor couple has been pounded with grief lately.  Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers.

God Bless!

Pretend Hospital at WSCC

Here are some photos of Katie's class having a good time at the Nursing Department on the WSCC campus. They participated in the "Pretend Hospital." Each student took their turn to play pretend sick and were treated by a student nurse. They got to learn how to take care of their bodies and prevent from getting sick. Katie showed me the mask she got to wear, while pretending to be in the hospital.

Presenting . . . My New Creation

I had this idea and with hard work and perseverance, here it is.

May I present my Time Treasured Tree. I made this for Leslie's Bridal Shower. It turned out so nice and pretty. The gravel is to keep the vase stable, which if you look closely is actually aquarium gravel for fish tanks. HAHA! Leslie and Chase's wedding colors are Pool, which is very similar to Aquamarine. I had to find something to weigh down the vase and this is what our group came up with. The rhinestone buckle that hugs the pool ribbon, I picked up at Hobby Lobby for $4.99. So pretty! It adds class and separates the gravel from the sparkling tulle nicely. The branches, I purchased from Hobby Lobby on sale for $4.

I cut it all up and spray painted them silver. The photos, I made myself during a photo shoot with Leslie and Chase. They did so good. I cut them in 3" circles. I glued two pictures back to back, punched hole at the top and added a ribbon to hang on the branches. I made enough photos for two trees (9 photos each tree).

The pearl garland was a nice touch, I thought. The garland has pearls cascading down the tree. Leslie had a chance to see the trees last weekend and really liked them. She wants to be able to use them not only at the shower, but also at the wedding reception. Yay!

I've been getting ready for the Bridal Shower. We have one more week and then it's show time! I will be sure to take lots of pictures. You know me. It's been a big month because of the planning for not only a bridal shower, but also my baby boy will turn 3 years old in a couple of weeks. Let's not forget the numerous birthdays this month.

Katie had another field trip yesterday. They had an opportunity to visit the Nursing Department at a college. They created a "Pretend Hospital". I believe it's an introduction to good health and the medical field for the students. Katie said she had a good time. The medical field is absolutely in our family. I mean, I have three nieces and nephew that are RNs. The nephew is back in school studying aesthetics. A niece worked in Medical Records before starting her family. I have a niece that's in school studying to go into Physical Therapy. A nephew was just accepted into medical school in Tennessee. My great, great, great grandmother was a midwife and her father was a physician from Georgia. So yeah, it's in our blood I guess, but our Katiebug assured me that she still wants to go into teaching.

Katie's still surviving school, but she's ready for a break. Thank goodness for Spring Break. Right? I haven't decided what we are going to do for Spring Break. Any suggestions? We are ready for Easter though. Weeks ago, Katie and I bought our Easter dresses and even a cute outfit for Colton. So cute and it matches Katie's dress perfectly. Now, I've got to find new shoes for the kids. Katie is in a difficult size right now. She wears a 12 1/2, but it's so hard to find half sizes in most shoes. I've had to let her walk around in a 13 and Doug reminds me often how they are too big. Whell! I do what I can.

Colton is really changing this time of year. He is getting taller and developing into such a character. Normally, we can only survive going to one place a day. The one place is usually Walmart and then Colton is ready to go home. Tuesday, I thought I would test the waters. I needed to go vote, but wasn't ready to go home and neither was Colton. There were a couple new stores that I wanted to go check out and I'm glad I did. You need to check out my new finds.

Department Store Direct is a neat little store just over the railroad tracks in town. They furnish everything from furniture to men's tools at very low prices. Doug and I were talking about maybe getting a bunk/twin beds in Colton's room for guests. DSD had a nice wooden bunk bed available for $129. What is neat about DSD? They supply items that are online returns that are not damaged. They receive a new truck every week.

Jack and Jill is a quaint little shop filled with antique furniture, glassware, candles and other knick knacks. They had a beautiful Lillian Russell set (queen size bed, dress & chest) for $3400. The craftsmanship in the cherry wood was so pretty. It's too bad that it was a queen size bed and not king. You've got to go check it out. The sales clerk said they get new pieces every week. They also have a warehouse because they can't fit all the furniture and stuff in this little store. I think they are looking for a new location, so they can fit more items in it, which would be great because what I saw, I liked. Jack and Jill is located in the plaza across the street from the Serra Nissan on Hwy 31.

I've had the opportunity to babysit my great nephew, Zayden.  He is such a good baby.  I haven't had the first problem with him.  He is a little chunk.

Colton has shown signs of jealousy, but he is coming around.  He can't understand why Zayden won't sit down and play superheroes with him.  LOL!  He loves it when Zayden laughs and smiles at him when he is making faces and being silly.

Marvel Heaven

I feel 2012 will be one of Colton's favorite years, with all the Marvel and DC Comic movies coming out.


He is going to LOVE this movie. As you know, he is a BIG enormous Marvel Comics fan.  We have the latest Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, and Ironman movies.  He enjoys watching everyone of these movies, plus.  This new movie with all of them together will rock his little world.  I understand there will be many many more Marvel and DC Comic movies in the next 5 years.  I've seen trailers for Wonder Woman, Justice League and Aquaman.  I also hear that Flash will be coming out as well.  Avengers movie will release May 4th, so who will be joining us in line to see this movie?

Aquaman is scheduled to release 2013

Leap Year

I've been missing in action for the past few days. Lots have been going on. Ball games, gymnastic practice, SCHOOL WORK, date nights, birthday parties and loads of family time.

I hope you had a fantastic Leap Day.  I took it easy today.  Sometimes, you just need a break from the laundry, tot-school work, and every day same old, same old. 

Katie was out of school for Presidents' Day.  I put everything on my schedule aside and made it kids day.  They each had gift cards for Walmart and they have been burning a hole in their pockets, if you know what I mean.  Who would have thought that the first thing in the morning, I would head to Walmart.  I had already done my running around a few days before, so this day was all about the toys, books, movies and games.  The kids had a blast!  When we were in line to check out, our tummies were grumbling.  Off to Chick-fil-a for lunch.  We even ran into Ms. G and her little niece. Everyone and their sister was out and about that Monday.  It was a perfect day to venture outside because of the sunshine and light wind.  Ah, it was a beautiful day! After lunch, we went to the park.  I even let Colton go down the swirly slide.  He LOVED IT!  I'll have to post pictures another day.  The entire time we were there, he was right in his sister's footsteps.  Whatever she did, he did as well.  It was too funny and a little scary when more kids arrived there.  He stayed right with them though, nothing slows him down. 

Saturday, we were on the go all day.  We went to see Jon play ball in Athens, but he didn't go in until the last ending because he was sick at his stomach most of the morning.  After the game, we all split up.  The guys went their way and us girlies went our way.  We met up at Mellow Mushroom for lunch and I was soooo bad.  I had two slices of Specialty pizza.  Bad, bad.  Sue, Kacie and I went to Toys R Us to do a little birthday shopping for Colton.  It's hard to find the Marvel and DC comic characters at Walmart and Target.  Toys R Us had a pretty good selection of his favorite characters.  I think he'll like what we are giving him.  I found a huge Green Lantern airplane with weapons that work and Green Lantern himself that flies the plane.  I also found him a small Hulk to easily carry around with him in his backpack.  Susan got him Hulk hands.  They are kind of like gloves that he can put his hands inside.  I didn't get to read it, so I don't know if they make noises or not.  Someone asked me that question, when I told them.  I know I've gone waaayyy overboard on this party, but it will be awesome.  The little stinker has already found my party supply stash and won't keep his hands out of it.  Back at the store, Susan and I didn't get to shop long because we had to get to Natalie's basketball game by 5PM.  I had only been to Natalie's school gym once, so I wasn't too sure how to get there.  I took it for granted that Doug would be able to give me specific directions.  You know street names, right or left turns.  When I called him, he had no clue how to get us there, eventhough they were already at the gym.  Wha?  Thanks to my Maps App, I was able to get us to the campus, but still no clue where to go.  Calling Maryann, she finally handed her phone over to the security guard and he got us there.  We were maybe a block away from the gym.  We made it to our seats just in time for tip off. LOL!  After all of this, Susan ended up taking my gifts for Colton home with her, on accident.  Ooops! 

Would you believe Doug bought me a new laptop and Adobe Photoshop Elements?  I couldn't believe it when I saw it.  He said I needed it for my photos.  If you don't know, I'm seriously considering taking digital photography classes when Colton goes into preschool.  I had the Institute of Photography of New York send me their packet information.  It sounds like a good deal because it's an online course, plus they will supply you with some equipment and supplies needed to get started in your studio.  I'm going to take this slow because I don't want to go belly up on all the necessary equipment and props before I get my experience.  If you've been keeping up with my blog, photos and FB, you've had a chance to get a glimpse of a few of my photos.  I'm getting opportunities and lots of experience.  I need all the experience I can get.  Trial and error.  For the past few days, I've been spending them reading and studying the online Photoshop Elements Techniques and Tips.  I received 25 tutorial videos and two online issues for free.  I'm learning quite a bit about Adobe Photoshop Elements that I've never known before.  I've always had an Adobe Photoshop Elements (V. 5, 7 & now 10).  I loved playing around with the enhancements and photo effects, but never really get into the core of the program.  Elements offers an online subscription for $55 a year or $99 for two years.  I told Doug when I finished reading and studying the issues that I did get for free, I may have to subscribe for a year.  My objective for going back to school is having the ability to take what I've got (talent) and make it even better.  Learn ways to make my ordinary photos into something of a masterpiece.  My dream is to one day own and run a Portrait Innovations or something similar right here.  I need your prayers that I am doing the right thing. I'm depending on God to lead me where He wants me to go. 

Katie had one of her girlfriends over to spend the night during President's weekend.  Those girls had so much fun with one another.  Giggles, giggles.  They were in one of the bedrooms that is next to ours.  I could hear them girl talking.  So cute.  Then I overheard Katie say, "I have a crush on Garrett."  I was stunned because she hasn't talked about boy crushes all school year.  She seems to be embarrassed to even talk about it.  Of course, I was going over in my head "now, who was Garrett?"  I believe I've met this boy, but I'm having problems placing him in my mind.  The next morning, Doug and I told her that a little birdy told us that she had a crush on Garrett.  First thing, right out of her mouth was "who told you?"  Then, she looked straight at Abby.  We finally told her what happened and she began pouting, she was so embarrassed.  I felt bad for her.  I couldn't believe that she was too embarrassed to come to me and talk about her boy crush. 

Katie is absolutely bored with gymnastics.  I called the office manager a couple of months ago, to see
if they would move Katie up to GymKids.  She said that Katie's coaches are not confident that Katie has mastered the KinderGym steps, in order to move up.  For the past month, she's been begging me to put her back in ballet.  She misses it so much.  She's had fun on the balance beam, but that's pretty much it.  Doug hasn't been pleased with what he sees, when goes to pick her up.  I just don't think gymnastics is her thing.  I pulled her out this week and she was thrilled.  Jumping up for joy as a matter of a fact.  Then, she asked me when she will be going back to ballet.  Ugh!  She didn't realize that it's the end of the year and won't be able to participate in this year's recital.  I told her that if there is not anything, she would like to get involved in next Fall, I'll sign her up.  Smiles all over her face.  Ballet has always been her natural talent.  Meanwhile, I've got her on a waiting list for piano lessons.  It would be great if she could start this Spring/Summer.  It would give me a better feel for next Fall's activities.  I was kind of throwing around the idea of second grade majorette classes, but I think we will wait another year.  She wants to learn how to twirl a baton.  I've tried showing her, but I need a baton that fits my length.  There is a store that pretty much caters to our school needs.  I noticed the other day, they had batons in stock.  We may have to head over there and measure for one.  I could probably show her how to at least get started. 

She made this on Valentine's Day and I hope you can read it. 
"Love is when you help your mom when she is sick.  Love is you.  Love your family.  Love is when like your friend.  Love is loving your daddy." 

I got a kick out of this one.  She wrote this on President's Day.  It reads, "If I were president, I would let everyone to bring toys to school because everyone will be happy."  I don't know about you, but I think she has a good chance of getting the votes for president.  TEHE! 

While Colton and I were in line to pick Katie up from school.  He was telling me that he could see her.  What touched my heart was when he told me "Sissy is my friend."  Precious!  He was so sweet and humbled acting while he said it.  He is such a sweetheart when he wants to be.  Meanwhile, he is sending me through the crazy 3's rollercoaster.  CRAZY!!!  I don't know why they call it the trouble 2s because it's the crazy 3's that make me feel like I'm in the middle of an episode of "The Twilight Zone."  {Doo-do, doo-do}

I have a quick update on Andrew.  The doctors have taken him off sedation.  His mother got to kiss him on the cheek. As they began to pinch, trying to get some sign of him coming out of his coma and his fingers twitched.  The doctors said this is the beginning of a very long road to recovery.  We need to pray God will continue to heal his body and brain.  The pressure is staying normal.  Thank you. 

New Lifestyle

I'm about 4 weeks into my new healthy lifestyle. It's going pretty good I have to say. Currently, I've lost 10 lbs. and 4 inches. I'm tickled! I realize things will slow down some from here on out, but let's hope not. My goal is to lose 20 lbs. and 6 inches total. From there, I'll decided my new goal.

What I've been doing different to get such good results? I've changed from always drinking Coke Zero to seldom drinking it. I might have 1 Coke Zero every other day. I keep a 16 oz. tervis cup filled with water by my side at all times. I've replaced our red meats (ground beef, roast beef and steak) with Turkey, Chicken, and Fish. We only eat steak on special occasion like Valentine's Day. Of course, I trim the fatty parts. Have you ever tried Turkey bacon? I like to cook mine until it's crispy. It's real good on lettuce, tomato and whole grain bread. The first time Doug ate a ground turkey meal, I never told him what he was eating. He liked it. He was impressed when I finally told him what he was eating. Last week, we tried Turkey Tenderloin on the grill. It was pretty good. I'm still trying new recipes and I'm tweaking the old standbys, to make it more healthy eating. We eat lots of fruit, including loads of grapefruit, and veggies. This weekend, I plan to make turkey pot pies. We are basically watching our sugar, carb intake as well as calories and saturated fats.

A couple of weeks ago, Doug jumped on board the new healthy living. He has had wonderful results and he has more will power than I do. Currently, he has lost approximately 15 lbs. He is looking great! All I can narrow down is that he lives off of grapefruits and grapefruit juice. LOL! Me, I'd be starving.

I found a 10 minute kickboxing program through Netflix, but this past week my Netflix has been on the fritz. It's aggravating! In the middle of my workout and the video freezes. UGH!!! I'll show my Netflix. I bought a Salsa workout DVD for $10 at Walmart. I'm going to learn to do the Merengue, Cha-Cha and Samba. Wish me luck! LOL!

Colton Story
Colton has a new saying: "Now, that's what I'm talking about!"  When we head out the door and I grab his jacket for him to put on, he likes to say it.  When I give him one of his favorite foods or drink, he says it.  It's too funny and Katie laughes just about every time he says it.  Another saying, he got from a Superman cartoon.  "I've had enough of this."  He makes the face and everything.  Such a character!

Katie Update
We are so proud of our little girl.  She's doing great in school.  Ms. G has moved her up to level J reading.  I video taped her reading one of her books.  I'll try to upload it as soon as I can.  She gets stuck on a word every now and then.  Her reading comprehension is getting better, she just needs to learn to slow down and pay attention.  In math, she is learning to add doubles, practice placement values.  One day this week, I went over multiplying by 2s, 5s and 10s with her.  At first she looked at me crazy, then she finally got it.  They are so close to learning to multiply.  She is still learning fractions and telling time (half past).   

A Glimpse of Spring

It's February and the flowers are in bloom. I took these photos today. 

We haven't had much of a Winter, but seeing flowers in bloom and the fairly warm temps, gets me in the mood for Spring.

Valentine Butterflies

Our project this year, to make 20 Valentine Butterflies to pass out to everyone in Katie's class during their Valentine party.  Each one has their own personality.  I think they turned out adorable. I got the idea from  Skip to My Lou.  You can get the template from the website.  I just printed them out on 8x10 scrapbook paper.  I had Katie decorate them.  I am in love with Glitter Markers.  It's the coolest thing ever.  We added antennas and eyes, it really gives them personality.  We had so much fun creating these.  I think the kids will like them.    

Katie came down sick yesterday, a 24 hour bug.  She's doing great now and so excited about her Valentine party tomorrow.  She loves the whole Valentine holiday.  I think it's because she loves hearts, the colors pink and red and fairytales.  I found the cutest thing for Katie's Valentine gift.  She is going to flip out.  She collects Lalaloopsy dolls.  Well, I found a mini-lalaloopsy set that is "Alice and Wonderland."  There are two dolls, Madhatter and Alice.  It also includes little accessories like the Cheshire Cat and teapot.  Soooo precious!  I can't wait for her to see it. 

Colton kind of found his gift and because mom and I were so involved in our project for the past couple of days, I let him go ahead and play with it.  It's a big plush Woody from "Toy Story."  To show you what a push over I am, he also got to play with one of his birthday presents.  Whell!  He knew that I put it in my bedroom.  He kept aggravating us about it.  It started out him just carrying around his Thor action figure still in the box.  All we heard for the next hour, "I AM THOR!  ANYONE WHO POSSES THE POWER OF THOR!"  (Blah Blah Blah)  Next thing you know, he was trying his best to crack it open.  Like any mother that buys toys well in advance of a child's birthday that he was with me when I bought it, I opened the stupid box and let the child play with his birthday present.  A month before his birthday.   Hey, we got our project done in two days because of it. 

BUGZ Musical

Last night, Katie was in the school musical "Bugz." The production included all first graders, approximately 200 students, from our school. The little kids got a kick getting to go to the high school for rehearsals. The musical was taken place at the high school auditorium. Each class represented a different species of insects. Katie's class were the Monarch Butterflies. They did such a great job! You talk about a packed house. I didn't invite our whole family because I knew that there would not be enough room for everyone. Instead, I invited the grandparents.

My little Monarch Butterfly

She is singing with all her might

We were so proud of our little bug.  This was the first school performance.  After last night's production, I hope the board decides to continue to have some kind of school performance every year.

Doesn't he look laid back and ready for the day?  I got tickled at him this morning.  He came down the hallway, straight to the couch, asked for his mek (milk) and nana.  He crossed leg, drinking his cup of Joe in one hand and eatin' his nana with the other.  HAHA!  My funny man.

Star Student; Spidey Sense and Weight Watchers Recipe to Boot

My little Diva was the Star Student for two weeks at school.  Calm down.  All the students in her classroom has their turn being "Star Student."  This gives each student an opportunity to get to know one another and Ms. G to know more about her students.  Diva loved the fact that she got to show her classmates a few of her Squinkies that she collects. 

Last week, Katie's school celebrated 100th Day of School by having each student bring a poster with 100 words that you can read.  I thought it would cute to arrange the words to spell out "READ."  Little did I know, I wasn't the only one with the same idea of using the words to decorate the posters.  I got to see other kids posters and WOW!  These parents have done this before, you can tell.  A boy's poster had the Auburn symbol.  A little girl had a gumball machine.  The gumballs had words on them.  CUTE! 

Colton and I have been under the weather.  I haven't been to church for the past couple of weeks.  If it's not him, it's me.  Ugh!  I still blame the weather.  I can't remember when we had highs in the upper 60's and lower 70's in the month of January.  CRAZY!  Anywho, Katie and daddy brought back this costume after church for Colton.  

As you can tell, Colton loves his Spiderman costume.  In this picture, he was shooting his web at me.  HAHA!  His mask looks weird because I was kind of afraid that he would have a hard time breathing.    

A real quick Colton story.  Is two years old too young to be girl crazy?  Why I ask is because I was watching movie today and a pretty girl wearing a swimsuit showed for a second.  Out of the blue, Colton turned to me and said and I quote "Yeah, ba-b-y."  At first I was shocked because I couldn't believe this was coming out of my baby's mouth.  I couldn't believe it, so I asked him what he just said.  He said it again, but this time he grinned.

The other day, Colton and I were headed to pick up sister from school.  He asked me to sing the "Hulk" song.  Well, I didn't know the Hulk had a song.  I told him that I didn't know the song.  He insisted that he wanted me to sing the Hulk song.  I asked if he could sing it for me.  Without skipping a beat, he started singing "I want my baby." 

Weight Watchers Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwiches
I just want to tell you this is a great recipe to try.  So tasty!  I didn't take a picture, but Doug really liked it.

Ingredients:
2 medium onions, cut into thin wedges
1/2 cup water
1 (2 to 2 1/2 lbs) boneless pork sirloin roast
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 cup low calorie bbq sauce
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 Tbsp honey
1/4 tsp ground ginger
10 whole wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted

Directions:

1. In a 3 1/2 or 4 quart slow cooker, combine onions and the water; set aside.  Trim fat from meat.  If necessary, cut meat to fit in cooker.  In a small bowl, combine chili powder, 1/4 tsp of the cumin, black pepper and garlic.  Sprinkle mixture evenly over meat; rub in with your fingers.  Place meat in cooker.
2. Cover and cook on LOW 8 to 9 hours or HIGH 4 to 4 1/2 hours. 
3. Using a slotted spoon, remove meat and onions from cooker.  Using two forks, pull meat apart into shreds.
4. In a large bowl, combine bbq sauce, vinegar, honey, ginger and the remaining 1/4 tsp cumin.  Add shredded meat; toss gently to coat.  Fill each bun with about 1/3 cup of the meat mixture and about 1 Tbsp of the onions.

Yield: 10 servings
Serving Size = 1 Sandwich per Serving
Weight Watchers PointsPlus + = 6 per serving.
Nutrition Info. :
Calories 251, Carbs 27 g., Fat 5 g., Fiber 3 g., Protein 23 g.

Potty Training Woes

We are going through potty training woes. Flash hates to go to the potty. He says and I quote that "it's yucky." I don't understand how a potty is yucky, but yet you can poop or pee in your own pants. One morning as we were getting ready for school, Colton messed in his pants. He told me that his bottom is yucky. I told him that I would change his pants as soon as he finished eating his pancakes. Well, he saw me coming down the hallway with diaper and wipes in hand. Shaking his hand and saying "no," he didn't want his diaper changed. I told him that if he didn't change his pants, his bottom would start burning. Again, he said "no." I asked him why he doesn't want to change his pants and Katie and I began giggling as soon as he told us his reason. He said "'cause I'm watchin' the news." Too funny! He is such a character.

For a couple of hours, Colton did pretty good wearing his Buzz Lightyear underwear. I asked him if there was something special that he would like to have as a reward for staying dry all the time. He piped up and said that he wanted a Superman. I've never seen him go to the bathroom so fast. The funny part of this story is him trying to go to the potty, when he doesn't really have to go. He is so funny! He literally strains, trying to pee-pee. He shakes his head, close his eyes and tells me "it won't work momma. I try, but it just won't work." LOL! After he says this to me, he has this funny, disgusted look on his face. Of course after he didn't go pee-pee, he asked where his Superman was and when we were going to go get it. Yeah. He doesn't understand that he has to keep going to the bathroom every time he has to go potty and keep dry pants. Too funny.

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve, we went to a birthday luncheon at Logan's Restaurant. I love their chicken tenders and rolls. Yum! Doug's cousin invited us to come celebrate her husband's birthday. Afterwards, Millard and Peggy took the kids shopping and then back home with them, while Doug and I went to watch Natalie's basketball game.

We had a great time, visiting with everyone and watching UAH blast Tennessee Temple. I believe Natalie made 7 or 8 points in this game. Natalie plays on the starter team. They were so far into the game, point wise, that coach began putting in the second string. They didn't even slow down our second string because we were still putting the points on the scoreboard. I believe the final score ended up being 117 (UAH) to 37.

After the game, Natalie and Leslie invited Doug and I to meet up with them and their boyfriends at "Buffalo Wild Wings." We had a good time and their Honey BBQ Boneless wings were delish. Maryann ordered the Parmesan Garlic wings. It sounds yuck, but I tried them and they were really good. Maryann and I were discussing how good it would on a baked chicken breast. I will have to work on that dish. 

That night, Millard and Peggy came to our house to help celebrate the new year.  We had our own private party.  Doug bought the XBOX 360 Forza Motorsport 4 some time back, but I never really got to play it until over the Christmas vacation.  We were telling Millard and Peggy how much fun it was.  We talked ourselves into getting it out and playing a few races.  We even got Peggy to try it out.  We laughed so much.  Katie loved driving just so she could see how bad her car looked after the game was over.  So funny to see how beat up your car gets.  I absolutely recommend this game.  It's just a lot of fun. 



Millard and Peggy didn't stay with us until midnight.  They were wiped out and ready for bedtime.  We stayed up long enough to watch the Moon Pie in Mobile to fall and a little New Year's Rockin' Eve party.  The only ones up to say "Happy New Years" were me and Katie, sitting next to me in bed.  Uh, we were exhausted the next morning. 

On New Year's Day, we always go to Doug's parents for a big pot of greens, cabbage on my part, and black-eyed peas.  It's a sin that we ate so much.  But I told Peggy that I had better enjoy it while I can because when everything gets back to normal, we are changing our eating habit.  I'm cutting back on sodas and sweets.  Drinking more water and taking time to do a low cardio exercise each day.  Nicholas and I have been discussing my weight loss plan and exercise.  He just finished a complete study on good nutrition and weight loss at school.  I've told him what I've been doing in the past and he is helping me tweak it a little and showing me where I might be making mistakes with my weight loss plans.  He has been very helpful.  I've done a little research on cancer fighting foods, getting fit, and possible calorie burning foods.  Really, it's a lot more food than I first thought.  Basically, Nick told me to shop my groceries around the outside of the aisles and stay away from the food aisles.  That's your produce, breads, meats, and poultry.  Pray for me.  I need all the strength and prayers that I can get.  I have to watch my sodium, sugars and carbs.  Everything has carbs!  That's why he wants me away from the inside food aisles.  Makes sense. 

Today, Pat, June and Nick came over for a visit.  While the guys watched ballgames, us girls played one of Katie's games, "Cinderella."  Later, June, Nick and I played "Rummikub" and a card game called "Golf."  June won all the Rummikub games and I think I overall won Golf, I love that game.  We also got out the Motorsport XBOX 360 game for everyone to try out too.  That is until the bowl games started going good.  LOL!

Katie is so happy that she gets one more day of vacation before she has to start back to school.  She misses school, but we (all) have enjoyed sleeping-in in the mornings.  Come Wednesday, it's going to KILL us.  Katie and I both have stayed up late every night and slept in every morning.  Ahhh! 

Happy New Year! 

Gaylord Opryland Hotel 2011

We had a little family excursion yesterday.  Doug and I were wondering when the last time we went to Gaylord Opryland Country Christmas.  We decided that it has to be at least 7 years ago, way before Katie was born. 

We all have to have our picture taken in front of the poinsettia tree. 


I just love this Nativity Scene

At the main entrance of the hotel.  Y'all will have to excuse the blur in this picture.  The only way to capture the lights without it looking all pitch black, you have to set my camera to twilight.  This makes your shutter speed slow down, thus you need a tripod in order to make the perfect shot.  Unfortunately, I was not going to lug around a tripod to make these photos. 

Looking through a small window out to the waterfall

I was so happy to capture this waterfall from the skywalk, looking down.  So beautiful!

Doug and I tried to get the Dreamworks Experience package a while back, but missed the specials on the rooms $100 a night.  Normally, the room are over $200 a night.  Needless to say, we didn't get the special deals for the Dreamworks Experience, so we couldn't get the kids' picture taken with Shrek and Puss.  As you can imagine, they were the limelight of the kids night.  Colton absolutely loved Shrek.  Millard took him to get a better look.  Shrek came over towards Colton, waved and said "hey" to him.  One of the workers asked Colton what he thought of Shrek and he told her that he liked Shrek. 

Katie had a blast, looking around the hotel.  She couldn't fathom the thought of all of this in one hotel.  We, adults, were getting pretty wore out from all the walking, but Katie wanted to see more.  If it was up to her, she would research every inch of this place.  She told me as we were walking in the Delta room that this was the greatest day ever.  She is so funny. 

Today was the "Music City Bowl" - Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest in Nashville.  Well yesterday at the hotel, you had Mississippi State fan merchandise on one end of the hotel and Wake Forest on the other end.  Football fans checked in with their bulldogs sweatshirts on.  We found one guy holding a sign that read "Wake Forest tour".  We don't know what that was all about.  Buses were pulling in, one after another outside the main entrance.  We don't know who were in the buses other than just visitors.  People, people were everywhere.  Doug and I had to watch the children, so they wouldn't get trampled.  There were a few rude men, barreling through.  I did say "excuse us" to one guy because I just knew he was going to run over Katie.  I didn't let it ruin our trip. 

As you can tell, we loved the lights inside and outside the hotel.  Earlier, we did go by the Opry Mills Mall, but most stores were still closed for repair from the flood a couple of years ago.  We did get to shop at the Bass Pro Shop.  The rest of the stores are suppose to re-open this Spring. 

We drove up the road to Rivergate Mall and did little shopping.  Gymboree had a great sale going on; unfortunately, I don't have a dime to my name after Christmas.  Anyway, they had their entire stock for $15.99 and less.  Katie was going crazy because she heard that this mall had a Build-a-Bear.  Thankfully for her, she had a little money saved from Christmas and spent it all on her new bear "Rainbow."  It is cute and I think she did a good job picking out the outfit.  Colton was so thrilled that I finally got him a Spiderman t-shirt.  He was excited to try it on this morning that he wouldn't let me take it off. 

We hope you have a great New Years weekend.