FLASH in Construction

What a BIG time Flash has in his 3 year old class.   His school is the best and we adore Mrs. Tammy and Mrs. Catherine.  This week Daddy and I conferenced with the teachers to find out that he received ALL "S's." This means he is mastering all his concepts. For example, he knows his shapes, colors and can count to 20. The most important thing to us was  they wrote a note saying Flash has a "tender heart" and gives some GREAT hugs.  That "tender heart" can carry you a long way in life and is an example of Jesus living inside of you.  We are proud of our FLASH.

  But, today was construction day at school.  Here are all his favorite friends...

Another Visit....

We have had so many visitors these days.  Daddy takes an annual "Robert Walker" hunting trip every year.  It just so happens this year it was when mommy was 34 weeks pregnant.  Although, I was happy for daddy I knew I needed a babysitter.  So, I dialed up Hattiesburg, Ms and my FAITHFUL friend Marion packed it up and drove to the "HAM".  We had a blast as she brought BURN!  Burn is the same age as Flash and LOVES some StarWars too!  The boys played the whole time in the playroom with their lightsabers.  Fiesty on the other hand, got to babysit Mary Neal(3months).  Mommy had a RUDE awakening over what a "BIG help" Fiesty is going to be with our "little bit."  We played at the house and had a ZOE's outing on Saturday.  The LADIES had a night on the town on Saturday night and a great chance to catch up with some other Delta Sisters.  We are so thankful for the Curry Family and look forward to many more trips, Alpine Camp days and time in the groove!

A Visit from Virginia...

Gdada and Meme came to see us.  We had a BIG time!  Mommy cooked a pork tenderloin/grits dinner and we partied the night away.  Meme is a GREAT dancer so we played some motown and taught the kiddos to jive(not that Fiesty didn't know how).  It was a special time and we wish we could see them more.  

Of course we had to have our favorite cookies

Mama calls in "Relief."

Now of course we all LOVE our Fiesty.  I just find it appropriate every once in a while to have some time away so our LOVE can grow for one another.  Daddy was in the woods for some quality time with his father(note to daddy wife is 34 weeks prego) and I just felt it appropriate for Fiesty to get some POP time for an hour or two.  They had a lovely day of going to the paint store, Billy's for lunch and then of course the popular outing of ice cream.  We are ALL grateful for our POP!!

Pop is "known" for his abilities with photo shop!

THE HUNT

It was the night of New Years Day when daddy got a great idea to take Flash to Dayton.  His grandparents, uncle and cousin were going to be there so we new it would be a BIG time.  Flash was FIRED up and packed ALL his camo and a few star wars figurines.  Daddy got a great idea to take Flash to the woods one evening(going against his wife's better judgement).  They took the pop up, a gun and the iPad.  Daddy waited on his deer while Flash shot at "angry birds."  For some reason the woods, dayton and the iPad don't go together, but I guess daddy needed some distractions.  It ended up being very eventful hunt because daddy shot a deer while Flash was watching.  After the search party was called,  this sweet Doe was not to be found.  Thankfully the RELIEF team found the deer in the morning.  We will now have food to eat for the winter.

Mama happy... the beard has been "retired."  What a handsome pair!

Fiesty and the Potty...

Fiesty has decided herself that she is potty training.  The problem is her pregnant mama that will not put her through the boot camp.  So, we go the potty for "fun" periodically, CHEER really loud and then get back in our diaper.  Fiesty is not one to fully trust in this area because when "fun" is occurring this girl is not  stopping for the potty break!  Like Pop reminds her mommy.."She will go to college peeing on the potty."  Words from the WISE!

Daddy always has great motivation

BIG day at McWane

I have to be honest it had been a while since I had taken my kiddos to McWane. In the past it just screamed "KIDS EVERYWHERE AND GERMS."  Big sis took it upon herself today to give me new perspective on this Birmingham Landmark.  The crew took off at  9am  with two adults and six kids.  We were the first of the scene to arrive and how nice that the cousins had FREE passes for the "non members."  Oldest cousin decided to be the tour guide as we started on the top floor and made our way down.  A BLAST was had by all...see pics

Fiesty and her FAV cousin at the water table

Yes Fiesty decided to dance with the two BIG boys

You actually got to TOUCH the baby sharks as they swam by....big time

FLASH couldn't get enough of all the fun things to do



Overall it was a GREAT experience and a fun way to MAKE it through the LONG EXTENDED Christmas break.  There is talk of BIG plans to bring Daddy back, but Flash says he is NOT allowed to go down the slide!

Phelan Phun

We had a TREAT...the Phelan family came to visit.  Bradford has been my friend since we were babies. We don't get to see them much because they are planting a church in California.  Her oldest is our god son so it is extra special to spend time with their family. 

Her baby and Fiesty are 6 weeks apart

 Her two girls could be twins.  Forgive the pic of me...31 weeks prego

Back it up

Both Flash and Fiesty have FALL birthdays.  So, to "Help out" around the house(and mom's sanity) we got a JUMPY. It has been a huge hit for all the friends and neighbors.  It has helped with the energy level as well and allowed everyone to be happy.

Christmas 2011

I always love Christmas.  It was especially fun this year because Flash really could "understand" it and even to the point he asked every day..."How many more days mommy."  Thank goodness for our Advent calendar that helped with the COUNTDOWN.  It put more pressure on me as I wanted our family to create   traditions that would always stick in their minds.  But, most importantly the kids began to understand about Jesus' birthday as Fiesty sang to HIM everyday(bday song is her favorite).  Here is just a small preview.

At first we were scared of Santa, but then he became exciting.  Flash told him that he wanted a darth vadar costume and Fiesty whispered a baby doll.

Sunday before Christmas...THE CREW(minus Reid and Fuller)

We splurged this year and bought our tree at the zoo. I have to AGREE with the husband that it was our BEST one yet!! 

One day when FLASH "should" have been napping we did decorate some ginger bread men.  I think the icing was the best part.

So, here we are Christmas eve. It had already been a big weekend.  My brother's family came in on Friday night so we went ahead and open gifts.  The CABBAGE PATCH doll that Pop and I bought in NYC was a hit...Aubrey Bethany is a beaut.  All the boys receive LIGHT SABERS.  We went to church on Saturday and ate our usually beef tenderloin meal with a new guest Steve Springfield this year.  Everyone stayed up WAY too late and was ready for bed

Santa and Mrs. Claus got started about 8:30 on this PRIZE.  We had been warned NUMEROUS times that it would take us all night and we would be way into the "daddy juice" because it was so frustrating.  It was a pleasant surprise as they actually enjoyed the challenge and were fast asleep by midnight.  

FIESTY's FAVORITE present.  OF course the shoes in the corner were a hit as well.

Don't even ask about the Beard(mama bear is not a fan).  It does help him "think" he is in the woods.

Altogether, it was a great Christmas.  I know these are the times we will always look back and cherish.  It will be our Last Christmas as a family of FOUR, but I have a feeling next year will be just as FUN.