Roll Tide Roll!

BAMA WINS THE SEC CHAMPIONSHIP!

NOW, IT'S ON TO PASADENA, CA TO FACE OFF TEXAS LONGHORNS. HOOK 'EM

Just wait and see. We'll hook 'em alright. We'll knock off those horns and serve 'em up with fries and a coke.

ROLL TIDE BABY!

Colton Playing

I caught Colton playing with the Christmas tree and I tried to get him on tape. He noticed the camera and tried his best to get it. I had to tape a portion of the video sideways because if I taped it the right way, all I would get would be Colton's head. At the end of the video, Colton pushed some button and cut it off.

Snowball Fight!

I couldn't get the JibJab link to copy in this post properly, so I had to resort to a hot link. Last year, Doug, Katie and myself danced around on "Elf Yourself." This year, I wanted to have a snowball fight, but I needed one more person to join our fun. The only one I could think of was Alise. She fit in perfectly because it is Doug and I versus "The Kids." I hope you're able to pull it up.

Laura - I thought Alise might get a kick out of it.

Click on this link to watchSNOWBALL FIGHT.

Prayer Request

I was so busy trying to catch up with the latest news that it slipped my mind. Sorry! I have a special prayer request for a family member. My little cousin, Tanner, was diagnosed with juvenile cancer several years ago. He had been in remission since. He is 15 years old now and while undergoing a routine checkup for his cancer, he expected the doctor to continue to tell him that there are no signs of cancer. Instead, he received very sad news, his cancer has returned.

My uncle Bob, Tanner's grandfather, told my mom that Tanner was immediately admitted to the hospital. The doctor informed him and his family that he would have to undergo two full years of chemotherapy. Having seen Tanner suffer with the treatment in the past, uncle Bob is so beside himself and upset. It's one thing when you are in pain, but it's quite another when you have to sit by and watch your child suffer such great pain. I can't even begin to imagine what Nancy & Randy, Tanner's parents, might be going through. Bob told my mom that Nancy got right on the phone, after receiving the news, and called St. Jude's Hospital. She told them everything the doctor told her about Tanner's condition. The person she spoke to from St. Jude's said that the current hospital, Tanner is going to, is doing everything correct and there would be no since in moving him to their facility. He is one sick little boy or young man. I know the family and Tanner would appreciate your prayers. Thank you!

Santa's Elves Are Busy, Busy, Busy

It's bad when you have to look back at your previous post to see what you wrote last. "Where did I leave off?" We had a great Thanksgiving. As you know, my long distance cousins came to celebrate the holiday with us, Allen, his family, Lissa and her husband, Randy.

Katie had a blast, playing with Allen's boys (Allen Jr., Aaron & Adien). The dog's name is "Pepper". They pretty much adopted her as their little sister. She kept up with them the whole time.

I've been checking out everyone's blogs and it sounds like everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Now that Thanksgiving is over, I'm back on the job. I'm busier than ever. I received Katie's school schedule and man they are craming the stuff with the kids before Christmas break. Monday, I'm suppose to send a long sleeve t-shirt with Katie, in order to make her Christmas shirt. They've got to get their Christmas shirts ready in a week, before their field trip to a local coffee shop. In the newsletter, the principal stated that they usually go caroling at the Nursing Home. With all the sickness, we'll be caroling at a coffee shop during lunch time instead. Our classroom will be getting care baskets together for the Nursing Home. Let's not forget the class Christmas party, followed by the Christmas Program on the last day of school. A week from Friday, her class is having a craft day. I don't think they need my assistance on this day or at least I hope not. Before it's all over, I'll be training myself on how to breathe again.

Here at home, I'm trying to get Christmas cards done and mailed out. I just completed a couple of projects for some special relatives (kisses), which has kept me busy. Beings Horton Christmas is less than two weeks away, I've got to get busy and purchase my ingredients. Peggy would like for me to bring Reese Cup Cookies, Tropical Fruit Jello dessert and some rolls. I told Katie, we would be making lots of Christmas cookies this year. I've got a new recipe I want to try, "Holiday Cake Bon Bons." It sounds so simple and delicious! Maryann and I were foaming at the mouth talking about this recipe and of course, adding ingredients that we feel might make them even better. Yummy! I'm one decorated table, blow-up snowman, tree, and lighted deer away from being completely finished with decorating the house. Hey, at least Doug was able to hang up the stars. Bless his heart, he just ran out of sunlight. We've still got so much planned and don't know if we are going to have enough time to do it. We got tickets to the light show, become a tradition every year, and Santa's Village. I just know Katie is at the age, where she will love the Santa Village. I hope we can make it! Plus, I had high hopes to make it to the Country Christmas this year, but don't know if we can make it. Doug seems to think Colton is too young and Katie won't remember the trip.

Have you been naughty or nice?
I've really had to remind Katie about Santa's elves watching her on a daily basis. The child definitely has her daddy's blood because she LOVES to aggravate me to where I'm fumin'. Then, as I'm giving her a talkin', she'll ask, "mom, am I pushing your button?" You know, that's pretty sad, but there's just so much I can take before I'm pulling my hair. As soon as I told her that I've got an appointment to meet with Santa soon, she straightened up real quick. Oh, she's still making me pull my hair out, but it doesn't seem to be so bad.

Tonight, she told me that she saw someone outside. It was dark and I told her, it was probably one of Santa's elves. He was here to check up on her and make sure she was being nice to Colton and mommy. I wish you could have seen her face. Can you say, PRICELESS? I told her about how Santa's elves peek in the windows and report back to him, letting him know if Katie was being good or bad. She was speechless. It wasn't long before she bouncing around the house. If it wasn't so cold and rainy outside, I would have insisted she get outside and play. I told Doug tonight that I hope it won't rain tomorrow because she has got to get out before she tears down the house. It's amazing what a difference an hour outside makes for an active child.

Speaking of Katie, she continues to change so much. Along with this statement is the fact that her vocabulary has also expanded. She tickles me with her prissy ways. Tonight, she was telling Colton how "superly-awesome" her animated snowglobes were. When you ask her where she gets these words, she always says "I don't know."

New Things For Colton
A couple of days before Thanksgiving, I noticed he twirls his tongue like Katie did when she was a baby. Too cute! His crawling has advanced to a race. I can just see the little wheels a turning in his head - "let's see if I can beat mommy to Katie's room." No sooner I put him down in the Living Room, he high tails it down the hall to Katie's room. He likes Katie's room because that's where all the cool stuffs at. He would love to walk, but he isn't brave enough right now. One time, I had him standing up by himself. That is until he found out I let go of him. He is starting to go from one thing to another, but not very much. Tonight, I tried to get him to come to me from the couch. The only way he would do that is by squatting down and crawling over to me. He's still having problems with his teeth trying to come in. His gums are so red and swollen. Every once in awhile, he'll cry out in pain. Poor baby! He rocks now when he is super happy. For instance, while he is in his high chair eating, he'll rock back and forth. Maryann told me it was because he is happy. I can understand that, I just don't remember Katie doing it. He turned 8 months old the other day. He can't wear a 6 month outfit anymore and barely wears a 9 month sleeper. He is growing up too fast! It won't be long before we are celebrating his first birthday. (sniff, sniff)

Speaking of birthdays, Katie has announced that she would like to have two birthday parties this year. Ugh! She would like her first party to be a "Polly Pocket" and the other to be "Abby Cadabby." She thinks she should have two parties because her friends, Claire and Olivia had two parties. They had one with their class and the other with family. Poor Katie! I guess this is the part where your birthday would stink because she's not in school when she celebrates her birthday. I may have to take some cupcakes or something right before school lets out for the year because I know it will make her so sad.

Good Finds
Doug and I ran across a delicious find this past weekend. Doug likes to eat Italian dressing from time to time on his salad. Well, he accidentally grabbed the Greek dressing instead. After finding out his mistake, he went ahead and put it on his salad anyway. The man went on and on about it to me. Saying that it tastes just like the dressing "Olive Garden" puts on their salad. Now, being the BIG "Olive Garden" fan that I am, I had to try it out because there are days when all I eat at the restaurant is their salad and soup. I LOVE "Olive Garden's" salad! Well, I tried the dressing and I have to say that it comes pretty daggum close, if not exactly the same flavor. You'll have to try it and find out for yourself.

Milano's Italian Grille is a scrumptious food find, when you are on the go and too busy to cook a big dinner. We've tried their Lasagna and Parmesan Chicken. Oh, you talk about good. Yum! Doug and I couldn't get over this being a frozen food because it tasted really good. I found this frozen nugget by the tenderloins in the freezer section. I'd like to try their Marsala, I bet it's just as good.

Favorite Christmas Commercials
It's official the Christmas commercials are out and running full force. I have my favorites that I always look forward to a repeat from the year before. For instance, the M&Ms, Hershey's Kisses, and Coke commercials.







But no one can beat the 1970's Coca-Cola Christmas Commercial "Teach The World." This would have to be my all-time favorite! I wish they would bring this version back one year.

Please bare with me because I'm trying to update my blog layout. It's time for the Christmas version and momma is a little behind on things. (lol!) I'm just now updating my photo frames through out the house. Yeah, it's that bad.

Make sure you watch the Tide as we face off with Florida Gators this weekend for the SEC Championship. I'm hoping for a great game, hopefully we'll win. If we do win, we'll be competing against Texas next. Woo Hoo! McElroy vs. McCoy - that would be neat to see.

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

I want to start out by saying,

"HAPPY THANKSGIVING!"

I hope y'all will have a spectacular time tomorrow, surrounded around family and friends. Just have a most blessed day. Please be sure to stop, look around and meditate on what this day means most to you and praise the Lord for what you have today.

Princess Rose

As promised, here are a few pictures of Katie's Thanksgiving Day Dinner at school on Monday. She really enjoyed dressing up like an Indian. Of course, she asked questions about Indians like why do they wear those head things? We need to go to the Library and find a fully illustrated book on Indians. Of course, I don't think she's ready to find out what happened to all the Indians in the end. Yikes! I did tell her that she does have Indian in her blood. Yes, believe it or not, I have a little Cherokee running through these Southern-Alabamian veins. I know Doug's got to have some Indian blood in him, dark complexion, but he's not too up-to-date on his geneology. No tellin' what tribe that boy's from! Tribe of "Ag-gra-vatin'".

Isn't this a cute idea? I love it!

My little Indian eating everything but grapes & dressing

All the little Indians gathered around the table

Miscellaneous
As I was downloading my pictures from my cell phone, I came across a few that I took and forgot all about.

We (Doug, Millard, Peggy, Katie, Colton and myself) went on a little road trip to Huntsville in the new party van.

Here we all are!

We stopped by Mellow Mushroom for lunch. Katie loved the astronaut & wanted her picture taken w/him.

On our Trick or Treating rounds, we stopped by Cullman's new Police Department and visited June. She took us around, showing off the kids' costumes, to those who were back from lunch break. It's a very nice facility and I think they'll really like the break rooms, very cozy. Check out Katie's glasses. She put on June's glasses right before I took this picture.

Iron Bowl
Don't forget to watch the Iron Bowl Friday, Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers at 1 PMCST.


Doug wants to get up early and do the Black Friday shopping thing. I hope to sleep in a little bit before dragging out the Christmas decorations. We hope to have at least the tree up & decorated by ball game time.

When I was a little girl, I loved going to the local downtown shops and staring at the snow villages. I thought they were so pretty and could watch them for hours. Last year, I started my snow village. It's nothing expensive or elaborate, but hopefully enjoyable for our little angels. I'm purchasing one piece at a time. Last year, I purchased a skating rink (automated) from Walmart for $15. I thought that was so cheap and I think it's the cutest thing. Katie loved watching it. This year, I got the church with stained glass windows that lights up. I also purchased a few small pieces like the carolers, The Manger Scene, and trees. I will take pictures for you when I get it all fixed up.

Katie has a little tree that sits on her chest of drawers. It's filled with small ornaments like Disney Princesses, snowmen, santas, angels, snowflakes and of course nutcracker. I was able to get Colton's tree for his room (blue), but I wasn't in too big of a hurry when it came to buying ornaments. I don't know exactly what to put on it. Should I stick with the traditional Christmas figures like Katie's? Should I go babifed, little boy things or sports? I have yet to get to Hobby Lobby and look at their tiny ornaments. I'm sure they will have their 50% off Christmas ornaments again sometime next month.

Thanksgiving Joke

Katie had her Thanksgiving Day party with her class and the other Pre-K4 class today. When I walked into the gym, there was a nice long table all decorated for the feast. Around the table was a large tribe of Indians, Katie's Indian name was "Princess Rose." Claire's mom told me that they make up all the names. Claire's Indian name was "Princess Underwood." I don't where in the world Mrs. Katie grabbed that one from. I took a couple of pictures of Katie sitting at the table, but I forgot to take one of her in her outfit, she made. So, I'll wait until tomorrow and take a picture of her outside. It's real cute!


Of course, I have to post the Auburn jokes online. tehe! By the way, I noticed an error I made from my last post. I wrote that the Alabama and Auburn game was this Saturday. Oops! Actually, the game will be on Friday.

Katie and I have been busy in the back yard. I want it all nice and clean by next Spring. I hope to begin some landscaping, planting of bushes and flowers. I have huge plans, but it will be up to Doug how far it will get. While we were sitting on the back patio, a few days ago, watching Katie play, we were discussing my plans and ideas to each other. I have a feeling it will be a struggle on the refurbished patio, so I need your prayers. Let me re-phrase that, Doug will need your prayers. :)

Congratulations Doug!

As most of you know, Doug recently received his BS degree through DeVry last month. We all got together today to celebrate with him. We were hoping to make it a surprise party, but I had to let the cat out of the bag because he was asking way too many questions yesterday. I had to pull out my punch bowl, picnic basket and other items from storage to take to the building with us. The punch bowl was for the great tasting "Sundrop Punch," I made for the party. The picnic basket was to help transport the breakable items, I needed to decorate the room. I also had a bunch of miscellaneous items that I thought we would need to serve food and just make our occasion more special.

At first, Doug didn't like the idea of us throwing him a graduation party. He thought it was silly and embarrassing. Once he got to the Boy Scout Building and began mingling with our guests, he changed his mind and was enjoying himself.

If you live in the Cullman County/City area and need a place to host a party, I highly recommend the Vinemont Boy Scout Building. This is the second party that I've hosted there and I get lots of compliments on the location. Most people just aren't aware that it's there because it is nestled back away from the highway and I can see where people don't notice it. It's located just south of Vinemont High School on Patton Drive. Patton Drive is right behind the dentist office off of Highway 31. The Boy Scout Building is a log cabin right beside the Vinemont Fire Department. Today, we had approximately 37-40 people attend tonight and there was way more room to spare. I love the rock fireplace, but it was still a little too warm to start it up tonight.

We had a great meal after it was blessed by Millard. We loaded up with good ol' Johnny's Barbeque pulled pork, DQ chicken fingers, potato salad, cole slaw, Maryann's baked beans (yummy), fruit tray, Sundrop punch, marble cake w/whipped icing, Peggy's Chex Mix, Shawn's sugarfree chocolate pudding (yummy). I'll tell you one thing, no one left there hungry that's for sure and we still had tons of leftovers.

After dinner, we settled down and watched Doug open his many gifts. Everyone hit it right on the head. If it wasn't University of Alabama stuff, it was Best Buy gift cards. He got a lot of nice things, thank you so much. He really does appreciate it!

June and I were watching Katie playing with the children (all boys) and she made the comment, "Nicholas had nothing but girls to play with (his age) and here poor Katie has nothing but boys to play with in the family". I told her that doesn't stop Katie at all. She can be a little miss priss with the girls and still turn on the tough and tumble with the boys. She was just thrilled to play with kids close to her age (Will-7, Ty-7, and Trey-5 (I think)). All four of them were thick as thieves. Trey and Katie would play more together, where Will and Ty would buddy up. I did think it was sweet how all four of them shared Trey's race car by taking turns, rolling it back and forth to each other. Katie was right there with them, "hey, roll it to me. It's my turn."

Everyone, including me, thought Colton did great while all of this was going on. None of us heard him whimper for 3 solid hours. We pretty much knew he was in a dream world. He had everyone's attention and was passed around like a sack of potatoes. Someone holding him and fussing over him is being in hog heaven. He eats it up!


Hope you enjoy the pictures. More pictures are posted on Facebook and my photosite.


Sundrop Punch Recipe
2 cans (46 oz.) Pineapple Juice,chilled
2 cans (12 oz.) Frozen Lemonade Concentrate
3 (2 liters) Sundrops, chilled

Mix Pineapple juice and lemonade; refrigerate or freeze. If frozen, set out of freezer for about 4 hours before serving time.

Pour into a large punch bowl, add Sundrop and stir gently to blend. Float thinly sliced lemon or orange on the top. Serve immediately.

Note: This recipe can be halved. I used Motts brandname for juice and Minutemaid Lemonade. Very good.

The Tide Keeps Rolling!
We've got another "ROLL TIDE" celebration tonight! Man, our tide has been rolling all over these teams this season. I'm so impressed and happy for them. They've worked so hard to get to where they are today.

Now, next weekend is THE GAME! Next Saturday is the most important game of the year for the whole state -

University of Alabama vs. Auburn University

This meet is the ultimate game of the season. Forget the SEC Championship and Tim Tebow. Forget the National Championship and Colt McCoy, this is the game that will matter to most Alabamians. It will be the most viewed and attended game of the season.

It's all about "bragging rights!"

ROLL TIDE!

On that note, Doug seems to think our most valuable player of the year, Mark Ingram, will place second with the Heisman Trophy. He feels Colt McCoy, Texas, will absolutely win the Heisman Trophy this year. What are your thoughts and predictions?

Look God

I'm been real busy this past week, can't go into details right now. I'll publish a long post of all that's going on at another time.

I wanted to share a quick Katie story with you. Tonight, as Katie and I are saying our prayers. Her eyes got real big and remembered something very important. She grabbed her new bracelet, Olivia G. gave her today and held it up in the air. "Look God. See my new bracelet that Olivia G. gave me. Isn't it pretty?" she said all giggly. I thought that was so sweet and wanted to share it with you.

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

Family Portrait

Doug and I thought it would be a great opportunity to have a FAMILY portrait this year, with our new little family member. We invited the grandparents to come along with us to have our family picture made. I invited my sisters, live local, and their families, but there were too many conflicts. Plus, it wouldn't have been fair to have only four out of five sisters in the picture.

Since we would have to take two separate vehicles, us ladies drove the van with the children, while Doug drove the men. It was a lot of fun, except poor Colton is still teething REALLY bad right now.

I think the pictures turned out great. The kids were in such a good mood and they cooperated with the photographers so well. I was really proud of them.

After we finally got our pictures picked out and ordered, which is the worst part because I wanted them all. We all met up at "Wings" for a late lunch. I think the guys liked it there because they were able to watch all the games, while us ladies were STARVING! I don't know if the food was really that good or if I was just too hungry to care.

Today, Susan, me and children and whoever else wants to join us are going to the Cullman "Open House" this afternoon. I really hope Colton's teeth will give him rest today because Sue wants him to go with us. I know as long as someone is holding him, he is fine.

Enjoy the pictures!