This week and last...

1.  Fred's sister got married last weekend in Gatlinburg.  The boys missed one day of school for the occasion.  We tried to squeeze in as much fun as we could.  We went by the outlets and found this guy at The Fudgery.  Love him.

We went to Cade's Cove and hiked around.  Jack is giddy when we are outside.  Giddy.  We really had the best time, desptie a wrong turn that caused us to hike an extra mile with a three year old. 

We went to the outdoor wedding.  Yes, all three boys "fell" in a mud puddle on our way to the wedding location.  Yes...all three.  Ahh, the memories. 
On the way home we stopped at Fall Creek Falls briefly.  It really was the best trip!  Quick, but fun!

To view pictures from the wedding, click here. 
2.  I have a friend here in Paris that owns a flower shop.  Several years ago she asked me if I could help deliver on Valentine's Day.  I loved it!  I volunteered this year to help.  Andrew and I started about 8:30 and finally got home last night around 6:00 pm...just in time to start our family celebration. 

3.  We told the boys we would celebrate Valentine's together by eating pizza and Reese's hearts, drinking Diet Coke and watching a movie.   A good time was had by all and everyone felt the love.  Nothing says love (around this house!!) like pizza, Diet Coke and Reese's peanut butter hearts!! (Please note the salad in the corner was NOT a part of the boy's celebration.  Ha!  That was mine!)

4.  All three of my boys love to dance.  During the reception a DJ played music and people were dancing.  Jack wanted to dance with me several times.  It melted my heart.  That grin of his is about the cutest thing I have ever seen!
5.  Andrew wanted to take his sandwich with us to Story Hour.  He asked me to put it in a "zipy lock" bag.  I thought it was too cute the way he said "Ziploc bag".  I asked him to say it three times.  Upon asking him to repeat himself the final time he said (very emphatically), "Mom, I said zippy lock bag.  It's right there in your hand." 

This week...

1.  Our deacons and their families are coming over tonight for a little party.  It was supposed to be on New Year's day, but alas we were sick with the flu.  We'll celebrate the new year on February 1st.  A party any day is good with us. 
2.  Each week on my drive to Jackson I pass a school that has a sign with announcements on it.  They typically list the announcements by month.  The month was spelled F-E-B-U-A-R-Y.  Bless them.  It was on a school sign.  Bless them.     
3.Clayton told me this week he wants to be a lawyer, architect and preacher. Sounds like an interesting life, doesn't it?!?
4.  Jack has started taking AR tests at school.  If he scores an 80 or 100 %, 6 times he gets to eat lunch with his teacher.  I told him once he took 10 we would get a milkshake.  Game on.  He got to 10 rather quickly and grinned from ear to ear once he got in the car after school.
5.  I made chocolate chip zucchini bread.  I told Andrew he could have a piece, to which he said, "No thanks.  I don't like zucchini."  I said, "Your loss".  He said, "I'm not lost." 

This week at a glance

1.  Fred and I have discovered we like to eat duck.  A man from our church gave us 10 ducks recently.  The first time we ate duck he just got the breast and prepared duck poppers.  This time he prepped the entire duck, you know, minus the feathers, head, etc.  We are going to try roast duck and dressing this week for supper.  I'll keep you posted.  Corndogs will be in the freezer for the kids.  I'm not thinking they will like it. 
2.  I love how different my boys are.  This week in separate conversations with them they expressed an interest in summer camps.  Clayton wants to go to LEGO camp or Robotics camp.  Jack wants to go to basketball camp.  I love it!
3.  Clayton came home the other day with his fourth grade 4H speech assignment.  I remember writing my speech.  It was about friendship.  Ahhh, the memories...I digress.  He came in so excited about the assignment and proclaimed, "Mom, give me some paper and a pencil.  I got this."  I love his spirit and pray he keeps it.
4.  Jack loves basketball.  He scored 10 points at his last game and had 12 rebounds.  He grins the entire time he is playing.  It is the cutest thing ever.
5.  Andrew does not like the vaccum cleaner.  He sits in my room (in fear) while I vaccum.  He came out of my room and asked if I was done.  I told him my vaccum cleaner was broken.  He told me to get some batteries for it.  Think he has been playing the Wii with the big boys?!?

This Week

1.  Fred spoke at an MLK, Jr. prayer breakfast this morning.  It was really a moving experience.  I love worshiping with people of different denominations, backgrounds and skin color.  It was an honor to attend and celebrate. 

 2.  Saturday our church hosted a Ladies Lunch.  Initially, I expected 20-30 people to be in attendance.  By the time Saturday got here we had close to 100 people in attendance.  I was blown away! 

 Here is one of the center pieces.  Isn't that lovely?!?  Please note this was not my idea, nor my creation.  Someone much better than me came up with this. 

3.  Sunday at church Clayton found me in the crowd and randomly gave me a hug.  It melted my heart.  Later he told me he needed to ask me a question.  I don't care what his motive was.  I'll take it.
4.  Jack and I were playing Marion Kart on the Wii this week together.  I am not very good.    He told me I needed to practice more.  I'll have to add that to my list of "to-do's" each day.  I think that will be time well spent. Ha!!
5.  I teach the kiddos at church on Wednesday nights.  Andrew usually comes with me to my class.  One thing we work on is the books of the Bible.  This week I looked up and he was singing along with the other kiddos while we were working on them.  He knows almost all 66 books.  It is amazing what they learn/pick up. 

Five on Friday

1. We buy our meat from local farmers.  This time we got a ginormous pork shoulder from our hog.  I was just going to put it in the crock pot.  Fred quickly saw what I was planning and put the breaks on my scheme.  He concocted a rub and smoked that thing all.day.long. Tuesday.  We didn't get to eat dinner until about 8 that night because of ball practices, but once we finally ate it was worth the wait.  My, it was good.  Melt in your mouth good. 
2.  They say things come in threes.  We've had our bathroom leak...that's one.  Now, our car...that's two.  I don't even want to know what three is going to be.  I'm thankful that the first two problems could be solved with money.  My mom always told me no problem was too big that could be fixed with money.  I have repeated this to myself several times over the last few weeks. There she goes...

3.  Clayton asked me a science question tonight.  I answered with a not so confident "yes".  To which he responded, "I'll go ask Dad, he's the science guy."  Good job Clayton, you catch on quickly.  As my ACT scores would indicate I am NOT the girl for any science question.
4.  I think Jack liked duck hunting with our friend last week as evidenced by his library book choice.

5.  Andrew and I went grocery shopping the other day while in Nashville.  He got his own cart.  He was so excited, even though he doesn't look like it in this picture. I was excited with what was in the buggy.  I do love a grocery store.

First week of 2013

1.  Our sanctuary at church has been timeless and tastefully done.  In the past several years though the thirty year old carpet has experienced some wear and tear and the pews take a little faith when you sit down on them.  You know, faith that the pew is going to hold you up.  The time has come for new carpet, pew coverings and reinforced pews.  The process started this week.  Fred says it looks really good.  Pictures coming soon. 
2.  Our friends from Seattle were in the area this week and they stopped by for a visit.  We enjoyed catching up with them and their kiddos.  It made me miss Seattle and our friends there.  I cannot believe we didn't get a picture!
3.  Several months ago Clayton and I were in the car together.  He asked me what I thought about if I had nothing to think about.  I told him that never happened to me.  He then said, "Well, I think about unicorns."  Alright...Fast forward to this week and we were playing a game of Hedbandz as a family.  I was giving cards to everyone and one of the cards was unicorn.  I put it back in the box and Clayton asked why.  I told him it would be too difficult for someone to guess.  He responded very promptly and all in one breath with, "Unicorns are mythical creatures that live in a magical forest far, far away from here."  Ha!  Looks like someone has had some empty thinking time.  (Click here to see the game Hedbandz.)
4.  Jack is playing basketball for the first time.  He loves it.  He grins the entire game, whether on the bench or in the game.  In fact, he smiles so big I don't know how he sees to play.  It is just precious. 
5.  Andrew is a trip while playing the game Hedbandz.  He has to go last.  If he doesn't he just goes around the table and tells what everyone is.  When you are guessing your card, if it takes too long, he'll tell you your card as well.  It is really funny.

A New Year's Eve Surprise

Our good friends called us up to see if the boys and Fred would want to go duck hunting.  They jumped at the chance!  Our friend provided all the camo, hunting equipment and snacks.  I seriously think they ate the entire time they were hunting.  I told them I would provide the food next time and they quickly declined my offer.  Clayton informed me that nothing was healthy or whole wheat.  I guess my style of snacks are unwanted/unwelcomed in the duck blind.

Here are my sweet hunters (and our good friend's dog, Ace):

Both those duck came home with us.  Fred marinated them, wrapped them with bacon and then cooked them in a skillet.  They were delicious!  I am still finding feathers in my kitchen. Nice.

All in all, even with all the sickness, it has been a great break!  We are going to make each day count in 2013!  And...we are going to count down the days until summer break!