Who doesn't love a cookie?

In this renewed time of recycling, we were questioning what to do with our now stale Ginger Bread House. We didn't really want to put it in the trash, so we decided to feed it to the local Seagulls for their New Year's breakfast. Wow, do they love a good cookie. We had Seagulls swarming us in a matter of minutes. Grayson and Finley thought it was a grand time, even though the Ginger Bread House was eaten within a few seconds. It feels good to recycle, you should try it.

".. but he gives his food to the hungry.." Ezekiel 18:7

OUR 'Chirstmas Story'

Merry Christmas everybody! We had a wonderful (very early) day. On Christmas Eve we went to the candle light service at our church, came home and had a few people over for hoers'devours. After our company left, and we got the kids to bed and Santa made his delivery. Our "guard dog" Trudy slept through the whole thing as you can see from the photo. We opened our presents and stockings and then preceded to eat our way through the entire day. We are so blessed to have our friends and family with us to help us celebrate. Thanks to everybody who helped make it a special Christmas for our children. They will definitely go to bed with 'visions of sugar plums' dancing in their little heads. God Bless Us, Everyone!!

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

New Construction !!!

Tonight was our annual Gingerbread House decorating night. This is Grayson's 3rd house and he is getting quite imaginative with his decorations. The house is complete with a sliding double patio door in the back and a wreath on the front (with a little help from me). We have tons of sweet-tarts, gumdrops and teddy grahams. Also wheat chex and pretzels for the roof. We always have a ball making it and then after Christmas we take it outside and let the birds eat it.

"I will dwell in the house of the Lord..." Psalms 23:6

Well, Not Everybody Loves Santa!

Tonight we went to Enchanted Airlie. Great weather for outside tonight. We saw beautiful lights, water fountains, lots of model trains and Santa. But as you can see from the photo, not everybody loves Santa. Poor Santa. As a parent it is a right of passage to take (and keep for future friends to see) the obligatory Screaming Santa Photo. She started squirming before he ever got a good hold on her. Grayson, on the other hand, couldn't wait for his turn. Such a big boy these days. But it wasn't that long ago that it was Grayson in the Screaming Santa Photo. Those days have gone by in the blink of an eye. Keep your eyes open people, it goes so fast. Merry Christmas.

Simply The Reason

Thanksgiving and 29 (Again)

This year my birthday was actually on Thanksgiving. So Grayson and Mom made me a birthday cake with chocolate chips and chocolate frosting. I think he must have picked the flavor! But you can't go wrong with chocolate. I was 29 (again) as you can see from the candles on the cake and they have gotten a pretty good workout over the years. I guess it will be time to buy new candles soon.
We also put up our Christmas Tree this weekend, our Nativity Scenes and outdoor decorations. We could not hang the stockings on the mantle, due to the fact that Finley can reach the foot of the stocking and can pull them down. Grayson was in charge of the Nativity Scenes and he made sure that they all encircled Baby Jesus. He said that they all needed to keep their eyes on Baby Jesus. Ahh, from the mouths of babes.

Christmas is Coming

Christmas is coming. Do you know how I know? We have brought out the Christmas PJ's. So cute. Nothing better than a clean kid or baby in cute pj's.

"... Jesus was born in Bethlehem." Matthew 2:1

One, Two, Three ... Jump

Finley has a new trick. You will never guess who taught it to her (Grayson). She stands on her tricycle and moves up and down while you count and then jumps off after you say "Jump!". What fun. Can anybody say broken bones? I hope her guardian angel is with her at ALL times.

"He has placed you in the care of the angels to protect you, they will catch you..." Luke 4:9

1 Little, 2 Little, 3 Little Indians, 4 Little 5 Little ...11 (wild) Little Indians

Today was Grayson's Thanksgiving Party at School. Boy were they wound up. Thank heaven a few kids were out of town. I had to take cupcakes. The bakery had 24 cupcakes shaped and iced like a turkey! It was a big hit with the kids. Also I volunteered to stay and be a helper, which basically means to wipe down the kids, tables and chairs when they are finished. What a fun time they all had. Load them up with sugar and send 'em home.
"We are to celebrate a festival to the Lord" Exodus 10:9

Finally, I can see the Photo Finish! Whew...

Have you ever had a photo shoot with two kids (that don't like to sit still for more than 3 seconds at a time), three changes of clothes each and a photographer that doesn't really know what to do with kids? Well, we did. What a busy morning. The photo shoots always wear me out. Luckily I had mom to help this time. Now she's worn out too! :) They took nearly 100 photos and we only have about 25 good shots and about 4 really great ones. Oh well, at least it is over for the year and I won't remember the rough couple of hours. In 30 years I'll just have the great pictures and hopefully my memory of the good time we had. The photographer said Finley could be a track star she runs so fast. Who knows, maybe?

Trick or Treat

Earlier this week we carved our pumpkins. Grayson thought it was slimy, but liked it anyway and Finley just tried to eat it. We carved one "Diso Ball" type with lots of different sized polka dots and one scary face one. The kids (and Greg) lost interest about an hour into it, but I enjoyed it and stayed with it until it was finished. What a busy day we had today. It was Halloween. So much to do. Grayson had a great carnival at school, with treats and prizes and fun games. We played at Campbells(aka Batman)in the afternoon on the big bouncin' slide. Then we got dressed up for Trick or Treating. Grayson was "The Flash" and Finley was a (very cute) Skunk. She still didn't get the whole ordeal, but was a great sport and went everywhere Grayson went without complaint. He and Cambell ran the street for about an hour and then we went back to our street where all our neighbors had a street party. What fun. Lots of friends, kids, food and drinks. Then the kids crashed in bed about 9:30 pm, wheww. It's over.

"..they are our friends..." Genesis 34:19

Our Little Pumpkins'

Just like I promised; more pumpkin photos. We have made the journey to the Pumpkin Patch several times in the past couple of weeks and it is not even Halloween yet. However, I see a couple more visits in our near future. We even ran into our next-door-neighbor, Desha and her family. Grayson is there at the Church building for school anyway so we stop in to see the pumpkins often. He and Dad go almost every morning before school. Finley still has a hard time stopping long enough for us to take a photo. But what a good time she has. We have several photos of the back of her head as she is running past. Grayson thinks the top of her head mimics the shape of the pumpkins! Poor girl. Hope everyone is enjoying fall as much as we are here.
"..the women and children rejoiced." Nehemiah 12:44

Monkeys and Kids. What a great combination!

On Thursday afternoon Grayson and I met our friend Ms. Kim and her daughter Kendall at Monkey Joe's. What a treat that was. A great indoor (and air conditioned) kid jump fest. It is full of several blow up type castles, Batman, very tall slides and ladders. The kids bounced for over 2 hours! We can't wait to go back. Thanks for the great afternoon Kim and Kendall.

Can you say... Pumpkin?

The local Methodist Youth Group have opened up shop for their annual Pumpkin Patch. It is at the church where Grayson goes to Wesley Pre-School. It is always a hit with the local children (and parents). Grayson and Finley have both frequented the Patch since they were born. Last year Finley was so small she didn't even wake up from her baby carrier. This year we could hardly slow her down long enough to snap a couple of photos!! Grayson goes through the Patch every morning when Dad takes him to school, so he is an old pro at the "posing with the pumpkins". We have a lot to teach Finley yet. This was our first trip of the season and I am sure we will be posting more pumpkin photos as the month goes on. Isn't Fall wonderful?

"To everything there is a SEASON, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Whew!! She Bear-ly Made It! Happy 1st Birthday!

Can you believe our baby girl is one? Isn't that the cutest cake ever? Her first year has passed in a blink of an eye. Although some days I didn't think I would make it another day. I always say time flies when you are having fun or getting older, I guess we did a little of both this year. We have had an exiting and busy week. Her first Birthday, first Hurricane and also late this afternoon a huge pop knot on her pretty little forehead. (More pictures of that to come in the next post.) We decided to have a very small, impromptu birthday. Since we didn't know what the weather would do and didn't even know if we would have electricity on Saturday. The sun came out and so did a few of our friends and neighbors. Thanks everyone for helping to make Finley's day so special. And a Special Thanks to Nona for all her help!! Happy Birthday Baby Girl, we love you.

Grayson's 1st Day of School

Today was Grayson's 1st day of big boy 4 year old school. He was looking forward to going back after being out all summer. (so was mommy) I feel very blessed he was able to get into Wesley Methodist Preschool again. They pray before snack time, they go to chapel twice weekly and learn the traditional kid bible songs. You can't start 'em to early I always say. There are only 14 kids in his class with two teachers. Pretty good ratio! We took his picture when he woke up and then he took his own photo in the mirror. Why I don't know. The last photo is Grayson walking up the steps into the building. He didn't ask me to stay, there were no tears, just an "Okay mommy" when I told him I would pick him up before lunch. So grown up. Just like the song by Trace Atkins says; "These are some good times, your gonna want these back, your gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast, ... So take a good look around, you may not know it now, but these are some good times."

Anyone for Dinner and a ... Bath?

Lately Finley has insisted on feeding herself. Messy as it is, I have given in just to make her be quiet during our mealtimes. It is usually done without a shirt, which makes laundry much easier. She loves any type of noodles and sauce. After which always comes a bath.
Grayson has been teaching her new tricks lately, such as climbing onto the sofa, jumping into the beanbag and others. No sit down time around here!! It is nice to see them spend time together and see their relationship grow. She sometimes yells at him (mostly for taking a toy away) and sometimes he pushes her, but over all they get along very well.

Summer Fireworks at Carolina Beach

Every Thursday night at 9 pm during the summer, Carolina Beach has fireworks at the boardwalk. So tonight we took Grayson to see them. Finley stayed home with Nona and had some girl time. (Thanks Nona!)What a good time we had. Our wonderful next-door neighbors were there, Delaney and Kelsey, their parents and grandparents. After the fireworks Grayson wanted to go swimming of course. It didn't seem to bother him one bit that you couldn't see what was bumping into your legs under the water. It was a full moon, wonderful weather and lots of great waves. I think we have a beach boy in the making. He would have stayed all night, if we had brought enough drinks and snacks.

Water Conservation at It's Best!!!

As you can see from the photos, we are doing our part to conserve water (A two for one special). They have a ball in the bathtub and even have their own guard dog. She makes sure that no wet, naked kids get loose and go running down the hall.
"Let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18

A Week of Firsts!!

Well this week has been a week of firsts for both kids. Grayson had a super week at Vacation Bible School and Finley had her fist bloody lip. Grayson and his friend Justin went to VBS this week and had a great time. They learned a couple of new bible verses and also several fun songs. One even had sign language. They both did great at the Grand Finale, sign language and all. Grayson was dancing in the isles and doing the motions to the older kids songs as well. I think he would be a great Pentecostal (if we didn't go to the Methodist Church that is.).
Finley's first was not as fun as Grayson's, but it was a milestone of childhood nonetheless. As you can see from the above photos, she fell and busted her lip. Blood was everywhere!! I think Daddy was more upset than she was. A couple of screams and a few tears and then she was fine. What a little trooper. I suspect we won't be having any professional photos shot this week with our swollen blue and purple lip. But what a great color for her! :)

A Day of Fish and Fun

Today we had a play date at the Aquarium and Kure Beach with some moms from my MOPS group. There were about 10 moms with all the kids in tow. Several moms have twins and even triplets, so needless to say we had a pretty big crowd. The kids had a wonderful time, even though we go often, they are still amazed at all the cool stuff in the Aquarium. After lunch we stopped at the beach before heading home. Today was the kind of day summer memories are made of.

"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

Guess Who's Walking?

Finley is walking!! All at the tender age of 10 months. She has taken about 4 steps on her own, and she pushes her walker up and down the living room. After she falls she looks at us and claps for herself. Grayson is excited to see her walk to him and feels that he taught her everything she knows. (Very Sweet) It is such a joy to see these beautiful children develope into the people they are going to be. God has given (loaned) us these children for a short time and I hope we do not let him down. (Also we hope they will not need therapy by the time they are 18!) Being a parent is often the most difficult, exhausting job you can have, but what a joy they bring to our hearts. All we can say is Thank Heaven and Home Depot for baby gates and drawer locks.

Our Little "Stars" and Stripes !!

We had a great 4th of July. Lots of Red, White and Blue. Watermelon and Fireworks. The kids loved the fireworks, even Finley. We have been shooting them for about 3 days now. Grayson can hardley wait until dark every night. Happy 4th of July.

We made it through our Vacation!!!

Well, we made it through our Vacation. We logged over 45 hours of car time and covered over 2,000 miles!!! Wheeeeww. It was great to see lots of family and friends. We came home with lots of memories, photos and chiggers. What a great time, but we are glad to be home.

Last Day of Pre School

Today was Grayson's last day of school. They had a class picnic and ate their way through the last hour of class. He had a wonderful year and we are thankful for his great school and Christian teachers.

It's a Pool Party!!

It was finally warm enough for Finley to brave the pool. They both had a blast. I think they both must be part fish, because they seem to like water of any kind, beach, bath, pool or in Grayson's case mudpuddles :) Summer here we come!