Giving Thanks..

1. In the words of Amelia, when you ask her every time what she is most thankful for she will respond first with Jesus..because he died for us.

2. My husband. People were shocked that we got engaged after three months of long distance dating but marrying you was the best decision I ever made..

3. My mini-me, southern belle, cowboy and silent operator. They bring continued joy every day into our life and I will be forever grateful that I was chosen to be their mother.

4. My parents, for always loving and supporting me and finally moving south to be with us. I guess they realized we really weren't leaving..

5. Southern weather.. I'll take the boiling heat for no snow. Or snow that comes once a year.

6. My church family. I love my church and the people in it. I enjoy being there everytime the doors are open. I hope you feel the same way about yours.

7. My work family. I always knew that I probably wouldn't be a big career driven person. I wanted to be a mama. This job, while I'm not making decisions that change the world as a whole, gives me the opportunity to change individual worlds.. It is the best job I have ever had and I love it. I love the women I work with and am thankful for the friendships I have there..

8. Our military. So many men and women have fought and continue to fight to give us freedom. There is no way to ever repay them for the sacrifices they make.

9. My friends. They are like the sisters I never had. I love you all.

10. The teachers that teach my children. You are giving them a foundation of learning and loving them when I can't. I will be forever grateful for the hard job that you do, every day.

Veteran's Day Parade

Today my biggest girl and I walked in the Veteran's Day parade. Bella has been waiting to participate in this parade since we started watching it several years ago. Finally her day came. She was able to ride for her Daddy, her Gramps and both of her great-grandfathers. We wrote all of their names on the papers and stuck them on the float. She was super excited and road through the parade saying Happy Veteran's Day. She was so proud and excited to honor her Daddy. I know a lot of people are proud of their veterans but no one more so than my Bella. She is so proud of her Daddy. Jason will very rarely offer up the information that he serves his country but his children proudly will..
We love you Daddy and are so proud of all you do for us and your country!!

costume day at school

I love the ladies that I work with..we always have such a fun time. On Monday all the children and most of the teachers wore their costumes to school. Here are a few pictures.

Ten on Tuesday

1. This week one of Will's little friends said, I'm going to marry you Will. Will, as serious as can be replied: I'm already married to Chloe. You have to marry someone else.

2. Will told his Daddy when he was helping him cook dinner that "Chloe is the love of his life" I tell Will he is the love of my life in case you're wondering who he hears that from.

3. I'm not sure when we willl stop talking about Chloe like Will just sat and played with her this afternoon, but it's going to be a sad day for this mama.

4. Amelia is learning letter sounds every week at school. I asked her before school the other morning if she wanted to wear a dress and she responded with "Ja-Ja-Ja-jeans please."

5. It's fall and in the fall I get to hear one of my favorite songs ever. Mr Turkey Big and Fat. The Drew Ross rendition is just about the cutest thing I've ever heard.

6. Drew also had a birthday party at school this week. A birthday party in two year old land is a b.i.g deal of fun. So much fun that Drew sang Happy Birthday to me for two days after the party.

7. We began our fall break this week.. Will and Amelia headed to Nene's Ohio house for hopefully the last time. Yay!!

8. Bella is enjoying the extra time alone with Jason and I. We have gone out to lunch, for icecream, met her at school for lunch and went to the PTA meeting - something she always requests. I asked her if she was having a good week and she said Yes! I get all this time to myself, I don't have to share the TV and by the time they come home, Drewbie is going to like me the best!

9. After two days of two kids, Jason and I are a little shocked by how easy two kids are. We would be totally bored as a family of four but it really is a nice little vacation..

10. Nene and Poppy signed papers on their house this weekend!! YAY!! They will be moved in hopefully the first weekend in December! We are so blessed and so excited to have them here with us soon!!

remembering you..

When I was little I spent every weekend at my grandparents in the summer and several nights through the week. I don't see these little creatures very often but when I do, I think of my Papa. They were always in his backyard and around side deck. Sometimes he had them in jars with ventilation and I'll be honest, they were not my favorite. In all actuality I was terrified of them. I can remember my Papa telling me that female ate the head off of the male and that was enough for me! I was terrified of them eating me. And oh yeah, they are super ugly.
Fast forward to my freshman year of high school and we had to collect 100 species of dead bugs and identify them. We got bonus points for Praying Mantis but we had to bring them in alive, in a jar. Just like my Papa. No thanks.. I haven't seen one since high school thankfully.
Tonight I went out on the deck after dinner and what's on the BBQ waiting for me? You guessed it, a little praying mantis. Two things happened. I immediately thought of my papa and I reacted like I saw a python on the deck. Yes, it was little but yes, I still hate them. Guess who loves the little guy?

Drewbie really liked the little guy and played with him for several minutes. Until he jumped on his motorcycle for a ride. Then he grabbed the praying mantis, threw him on the ground and said "NO motorcycle!!" and gave him a pretty mean skunk eye. He didn't want anything to do with him after that either. Can't say I blame him..those things are ugly!!