Would You Like Fries With That?!?

For everyone who grew up in my hometown, you will be shocked to know that the first McDonalds built there is no more. The firemen from all around participated in a controlled burn as a training on Sunday. As my parents and the kids and I were on our way home from Sunday lunch we drove down the road following a billow of smoke. This is the image that will be engraved into my childrens heads for a long time.

As we sat at the stoplight watching in awe...we suddenly heard a big cracking noise and noticed the roof was caving. One second we saw this image...

...then the next, we saw this. The roof fell right in front of us! And the heat that was coming off the flames was amazing. I have never been so close to an actual burning building, and all I can say is that I give all thanks to the men and women who risk their lives to fight the fires everyday!!! What an act of selflessness. I am still in awe just looking at the pictures.

My Gray Hair Giver....

Now look at this sweet handsome baby boy....does he look like he could do anything to give his sweet momma a gray hair? Well truth be known he keeps me worried! This little booger likes to throw 104 degree fevers at me every so often to see just how much he can make me run coo coo! I must admit, I have never been one to worry too much about sicknesses (except their inconvenience and the pity you feel for your precious one going through the sickness). However, this cutey has a way of making me want to pull my hair out trying to figure out what keeps causing these mega fevers. (Especially when all the tests show nothing except extremely high white blood counts) For a momma who has always been very proud of her lack of gray hair, it seems I now have one!!! Baby "L" is only 5 mos old. If he keeps this up I will surely be fully grayed by the time he is in kindergarten.

Gone Hikin'.....

Due to the unseasonal warmth, the family planned a quick trip up to the local mountain and took a little hike to get our blood pumping before the super bowl last Sunday. The kids were so excited and dreamed about it all night Saturday night. When Sunday morning came, they were pumped and could hardly wait for church to be over so they could go on their little adventure.

We followed the horse path because Scooter thought we needed to start easy before we get into the serious hiking. We did however have to take a small detour when we realized the horse doo was getting a little abundant and it was too hard to steer everyone out of the way. The detour was the best part to the girls. We were able to go on unmarked ground and climb over fallen trees and stuff. IT WAS GREAT!!!!


The best thing about following the horse trail.....what do you think?!? The horses of course!!!! We had to veer off the path a little so we didnt spook them, but boy were they pretty!!

For the most part, Little "O" and Baby "L" were carried in back packs and papooses, but when the trail looked overly easy, Little "O" was allowed to walk. And boy did he feel like a big boy. He galloped with a hop in his step. It was so cute!!! I cant wait until both he and Baby "L" can climb the hills along with their big sisters.

Speaking of the big sisters....here they are!!! This was one of those moments when they sat down, and how convenient, they are in baby order. H, K, B, F, and D. My beauties...even when "D" feels compelled to make funny faces at the camera.

Ok, guys! Time to head back to the house so we can go to the Super Bowl party at Memaw's and Pepaw's!!! We'll have to do this again soon!!!

A Lesson on Patriotism....

I dont care who you voted for in the election....there was no denying the sense of patriotism that came over you as you watched President Obama being sworn in. The bands playing, the songs of old being sung, a great preacher telling it like it is (Warren), people crying, people celebrating, seeing that massive crowd there to watch this moment in history unfold. I believe this was a moment my kids will bank into their memories as a patriotic event. The flags were flying so gracefully and perfectly like God Himself was blowing them. I know some of us dont know what to expect from this new president. But that was not the thoughts on my mind that day. I was just proud to be an American.

The girls were quite enthralled by the whole event. They even stayed in from the snow longer than I imagined just to see the whole process. What was there favorite part? Watching President Obama place his hand on the Bible. It was like a sigh of relief came over them seeing that even he was going to be accountable to God. They did get a little embarrassed for the flub up in the swearing in speech, again there was another teachable moment. Even people who are very important can make mistakes. It is all ok!!! Lets just all remember in this new point of history that people are human and will make mistakes, but ultimately God is in control and He never fumbles!!! Remember to pray for our new President.

Hey, Look What I Can Do...

Well, I guess I have been coddling this big boy too long. Turns out he knows how to sit up. I guess I figured Baby "L" may be my last baby so I was keeping him needful as long as possible. Turns out this little booger doesnt want to be held back. He wants to be a big boy like his bro Little "O". I must say "O" seems much more intrigued by Baby "L" now that he can sit and play with the same toys he plays with. There is a small hint of what's mine is mine in Little "O"s eyes though. I think these two are going to be pretty good buds as time goes on.

Visiting the Memories of Our First Snow ......

Look at that beautiful sight!!! This was the beautiful sight we saw as we looked out our window. 4 inches of snow and it was still snowing!! We eventually were blessed with almost 6 inches of this peacefully beautiful stuff.

It was still pretty early when the kids decided to put on every piece of clothing they owned to venture into their answer to prayer. Everyone was so excited and happy to walk out the door for the first time.

Even Baby "L" was enjoying this new adventure....

"H" was probably the most excited. She knew this meant that all the neighbor kids were going to be home from school for a day of never ending fun. She was right....

"K" was excited too but a little concerned about Big Papa because he went on to work (gotta bring home the bacon)...

"B" was a complete shocker for me. She is usually very timid about things but she was all about this day of fun. She was suited up and there was nothing that could stop her (even the neighbor boys starting a snowball fight)....

"F" was so cute out there! She was more concerned with showing Little "O" the snow that she forgot about her coat until after he went in and she realized this stuff is cold!!!!

And my Little "D" ....her body temperature is always a little warmer than everyone else's, so she kept taking her coat off and leaving it everywhere. "This thing is too hot" is all I heard from her all morning. I did however catch her in the beginning partially bundled and what a cutey.

Then there was Little "O" .....needless to say, he was terrified of the snow!!!! He started out fine until the snowballs formed on his pants and he couldnt get them off. Things that seem weird to him set him over the edge. He doesnt like to see things floating in the bathtub beside him either. You gotta love him....

Here is our last attempt to win Little "O" over to the fun of the great white powder....As you can see, his little feet are refusing to touch that stuff. He pulled his legs up everytime anyone tried to get him to walk in it. It was funny .....My little warrior he is yet to be!!!

I'm Going to Hollywood

Im sure most everyone joins in on the American Idol craze, whether we admit it or not. Well, last night after the kids and I have been enjoying the 2 day 2 hour episodes of The Idol this week, we sat down to dinner and somehow Idol became a topic of our conversation. All it took was the words American Idol and Little "O" suddenly broke into his rendition of some operatic song. I noticed the other night how he seemed enthralled with the singers when they would hold their ending notes long. Well, I guess he banked his experience and decided that was the best way to make it to Hollywood. Now we cant get him to stop that loud, very dramatic voice he has discovered. It is cute today but I may have to convince him that quiet singing is ok too. However, for all your listening pleasure.....Introducing Little "O" ........

excuse the darkness of the video, but you get the gist!

Through the Eyes of Your Grandchildren....

Memaw, I love this picture because of your smile. "H"

Pepaw, I like you in your vest! "H"

Pepa, I like that you look happy. "H"

Nana, you look very pretty in this picture. "H"

Trampoline Time...

This is my "D" after a night of trampoline jumping with.....

....her BFF Little "T". Look at that boys baby blues!!!

"D" and "T" were having so much fun jumping together with the help of "T"s Mom Mrs. S. "D" is so sweet with her desire to have "T" for her BFF and she was jumping on cloud 9 this night while they were both laughing and enjoying each others company. Her happy bucket will be full for some time after this little get together.


I just had to post this picture of Little "E". This little boy is fearless!!! He can hold his own on the trampoline even when the bigger ones are bouncing him from one end to the other. And boy is he quick....dont turn your eye for a second or you may have this fella swinging from the chandeliers. Little "O" has discovered his friendship with Little "E" and loves to call his name constantly, but then he hides behind me when "E" comes a runnin'.

Carrying My Papoose...Uh...Uh...

Does anyone remember that song from preschool? One little, two little, three little Indians... four little, five little, six little Indians.....seven little, eight little, nine little Indians...ten little Indian Momma's. Uh, Uh carrying my papoose.....Uh, Uh carrying my papoose...Uh, Uh carrying my papoose....ten little Indian Momma's!!! I sing this song in my head the whole time I am carrying Baby "L" in this little papoose (sling) that my bff passed on to me to make my life (and my back) a little easier.

The first few tries Baby "L" completely tried to wiggle free from the confinement, however he has discovered that he gets to be close to me more while he is in there. Needless to say I won and I now wear him like a piece of clothing. Thanks again tic (or were you tac?)