Vacation and more vacation

These last two weeks have been filled with lots of family and friends in many different places:
1) We started the Christmas season off in Birmingham, AL at my cousin's college graduation at Samford University.
2) Next, we went to Opryland for a weekend in Nashville and enjoyed Adam's family while doing a little shopping and a lot of looking around the Hotel (which by the way is fabulous if you have never been).
3) We then went on to Campbellsville, KY where we are from to celebrate Christmas with each of our families.
4) Then, the kids and I took my grandmother to Panama City Beach (where she always spends her winters) while Adam went to Washington (the state) and Oregon for work.
5) Finally, we meet up with Adam in Atlanta to watch the Chick Fil A bowl and root our mighty Vols to a victory (hopefully). We have fanfest tickets and are looking forward to it.

Jessie Grandkids

Adam's mother bought all of the grandkids matching outfits at Hartstrings this year, and we couldn't wait to snap a picture of them all together.

Merry Christmas

Halloween 2009

Enjoyed costume parties all week long and enjoyed a party with family and friends at our house for our annual Halloween evening.

Taylor= Cinderella
Carson= Woody
Reece= Belle
Rylee= Kangaroo (the cutest kangaroo)

Walt Disney World 2009 3rd Slideshow

We met friends from Knoxville down at Disney this time. We had a lot of fun!

Walt Disney World 2009 2nd Slideshow

Walt Disney World 2009 1st Slideshow

We had a blast at Walt Disney World this year. We stayed at an incredible place called the Wilderness Resort right beside Magic Kingdom. It was great! We rode a short ride on a bus to Magic Kingdom and were able to see the fireworks at Magic Kingdom (by the castle) out on our balcony in the room. Taylor and Carson loved eating with the characters again this year. We were exhausted when it was time to come home, but loved every minute of it. Taylor and Carson loved the water slide and pool at our resort to cool off every afternoon. My mom and dad went with us this year. They were already going to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary because they went to Walt Disney World on their honeymoon. We just decided to go the same week. It was a lot of fun!

First Flag Football Game

Today was Carson's first flag football game. He played quarterback for the first half and played defense the second half. He enjoyed himself and kept up with the scores. His team is the GIANTS and enjoyed watching the GIANTS play on T.V. this afternoon. He did ask if the game was going to last 3 hours like the Tennessee game did yesterday :o) So for now, Carson has 3 baseball games a week, 1 football practice and a 1 football game (all on different days). I now realize why I can't get things done. He loves it all.

Taylor and Carson's 1st Test

Now that Pre-K school is underway, Taylor and Carson have a test every Friday on their sight words, reading, math, bible verses, sign language and handwriting. Their teachers send home a "homework folder" on Mondays to review at home too. This is a picture of their first EVER test. They were both sooooo excited (what happens to that excitement in later years?)

Best Friends

Taylor and Reece

IT's Football Time in TENNESSEE!

Since the 1st ballgame today was a noon ballgame, we were there tailgating at 8:30 a.m. The excitement was stirring around. We were in our front row spots for the Vol Walk about an hour before. The Vol Walk and the Band were done a little differently than in years previous. The game was incredible with many chances to hear Rocky Top. Taylor and I made it until the end of the 3rd quarter (she was over the excitement by then), but Carson and Adam stayed until the very end of the game and actually walked around some after the game. We are so happy to have football excitement back in Knoxville, and so proud of the football team today and Coach Kiffin.

Unitl then......

When I found out I was pregnant with twins many years ago, I designed a plan that would allow me to stay at home part of the time and teach part of the time. I didn't want to stop what I LOVED doing but wanted to spend quality time with my children. I began preparing and creating this "job share" plan and pitched it to quite a few people which many thought I was crazy (the only ones that mattered believed in me). The essential part of the plan was to find the "perfect match" that would shadow me the days that I didn't work. Through prayers and word of mouth, Ms. Nancy and I found each other. You have to understand that I know I am not the easiest person to work with..I am a little strong willed, determined, and like to overachieve. I knew that Ms. Nancy was a God designed perfect match from the start. She and I fit. She was a mastermind with my weaknesses. Ms. Nancy and I worked together "sharing" one classroom for 4 years. Ms. Nancy went home to be with the Lord last night, and I want to say a few words to CELEBRATE her remarkable life. Ms. Nancy was a woman of kindness. She never spoke a harsh word about anyone...students, teachers, administration. She always looked at the positive side of everyone. Ms. Nancy was an encourager. She would always encourage me just right at the exact moment when I needed encouragement. I received a card from her in May that said this to me, "I have taught with many teachers in my day, but not as many teachers who ARE the role...thank you for all that I have learned from you for you truly are the role of teacher." What a true MENTOR Ms. Nancy truly was to me! She never forgot my birthdays, my kids birthday, or any holiday just to show kindness and appreciation. She will be missed in the education realm as well as the personal realm, but know that she had a life truly worth celebrating. And I can't wait to tell her more "school stories" when I see her again. Unitl then Ms. Nancy......

Vols Football Practice

Carson had the opportunity to go to UT football practice on Saturday. He got to go on the field and also to a luncheon. He loved it!

1st day of Pre-K

It is hard to believe that Taylor and Carson are beginning Pre-K and are headed to the "BIG" school next year. Taylor and Carson love their school, New Fellowship Christian Academy. Taylor is in Ms. Kristie's room and Carson is in Ms. Stephanie's room. They are doing a great job reading their "BOB" books and seem to be heading on the right track for Kindergarten. I am so proud of them both. They love school and eagerly want to go back each day.

Beach Trip--Round 2

We had a great time with my family at N. Myrtle Beach last week. Carson played an 18 hole golf course for the first time while we were there. He actually played two different courses with Papa, Uncle Brannon and of course his Daddy. He was pumped to have some pars on the Par 3's and of course he was REALLY excited to hit it over a creek. It was a big step for him! Adam and I enjoyed playing Brannon and Brooke every night (of course after the 4 kids 4 and under went to bed)in cards. Brannon and Brooke won the national championship on the last night, and I am sure we will hear about it until next year. Enjoyed staying at the same condo resort with my Uncle Johnny, Aunt Paula, Anna Beth, Adam, and Abigail as well. We made some terrific memories!!!!

Cousins

Smokies Baseball