A Very Special Day

Riley was baptized at the church picnic on Sunday!

So many adjectives flood my mind to describe the experience. I am so proud of him and excited for him. He was so brave and mature. I experienced a wide range of emotions too. I was so happy for him, but sad because Dustin was not physically there to share in this important day in Riley's life. Everyone was so supportive. I couldn't ask for a better family and church family.

I can't wait to share photos. Here are a few I took before the baptism. I left the rest of the picture taking up to the paparazzi (Ed, Paula, Brian... just to name a few). Paula held the trigger down and got a frame by frame record of the baptism. I will post as soon as I get them.

Riley and Brother Mark, the children's minister, who baptized Riley.

Riley and our pastor, Buddy, who baptized Dustin 12 years ago in the same lake.

In the meantime, pray for this sweet boy to "grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men." (1 Sam 2:26) I truly believe that God has something special planned for him and I look forward to seeing exactly what it is! He can be a real "stinker pot," but he can be serious and thoughtful too.

Hmmmm, who else do we know that was like that??


We had many discussions about the fact that his baptism is an outward symbol of the decision he made to ask Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. He gets it. He believes God is in control and that He has plans for him. Plans to give him hope and a future (Jer 29:11).


On a lighter note, when asked if he wanted to wear a robe, he answered, "Yes, I want to wear a rug!"


Also, while standing in line for the baptism, he was counting how many people were in front of him to see when it was going to be his turn!

Precious Moments

Reagan' s teacher told me today that she dressed up in the wedding veil in their classroom and announced, "Somebody marry me!" I can't wait to share that one at her rehearsal dinner. I think it springs from the fact that Riley has said he won't marry her.
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Reagan: Mommy, I was thinking and I had a bad think!
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Reagan: I saw the ducks. I thought they were flying in a triangle then I saw it was a arrow without a stick.
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Reagan screamed in her sleep and I went flying into her room.

Me: Did you have a bad dream, Sweetie?

Reagan (groggily): No, I had a bad think.

****

Several times now when I have gotten all over Reagan for something she did, she will shoot back with the perfect reply. I will be in the heat of explaining why she should not have done whatever she did, i.e. completely soaking the hand towel in their bathroom, AGAIN. She will look up at me grinning from ear to ear and say, "But you still love me!" Such a Dustin thing to do! He knew exactly how to take the sting out of an argument.

****

Every night I lie down with Riley until he falls asleep. And every night, no matter how hot or cold it is outside, he wants the ceiling fan on. Not only that, he has taken to sleeping in just his pull-up with no sheet or blanket covering him. Meanwhile, I am next to him with the covers pulled up to my chin while I shiver! Again, a Dustin trait (except while I was pregnant - that was the only time I ever froze out Dustin.)

****

Riley has decided we should read the Bible... starting in Genesis. We are now on chapter 18. We have had many interesting conversations as a result of this endeavor. We have covered murder, nakedness, drunkenness, lying, polygamy, and circumcision, just to name a few. By the way, I am so impressed with his Bible knowledge. When I read to him God's covenant and how Abram's descendants would be enslaved for 400 years and God would inflict suffering on the captors, I stopped and asked if he knew what God was talking about. He said, "When Moses will lead his people out and God sends the bad stuff on Pharaoh and his people (the red water, frogs, the sores, the bugs) and if they didn't have a mark on their door, then somebody died. Pharaoh kept saying that if Moses got God to take it away, he would let the people go, but every time God took it away, Pharaoh would change his mind."

Uh, yeah, Honey. That's about it.

The Best News of the Year!

Riley has decided to follow Jesus!

He accepted Christ originally when he was 5 or 6 ( I am a terrible mom, because I either didn't write it down or I lost where I wrote it down.) He has been talking a lot about getting baptized, and then on Easter Sunday, he went forward to talk to the children's minister during children's worship (They have their own separate service at our church.). Brother Mark led him in prayer as Riley asked Jesus into his heart (Again, but that is ok. I am thinking that maybe he doesn't remember the first time, although we had discussed it many times.).

He has now completed the classes and will be baptized on May 18 at the church picnic, just as his daddy did 12 years ago! It will be a very special occasion to say the least. He is very excited and not apprehensive at all.
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I am so proud of you, Riley! I love you so much and I look forward to what God has in store for you and how He is going to use you for His glory! You have such a genuine yearning to know God and His Word.
***
Speaking of knowing God's Word.

He asked if we could start reading the Bible together at night. Starting in Genesis. He wants to read the whole thing. We finished Genesis 7 tonight, and he is into it! I love it!

One more thing, at his information class , he had to take notes (fill in the blanks and such). I looked over his work and raved over his handwriting. I asked him why he doesn't write that well all the time. He said, "I only write good for God."

Oh, The Thinks They Can Think Up Without Even Trying!

This post is a hodge podge of pictures from over the last few months. First...

Peanut butter marshmallow pretzel super shaggy sandwich.

He actually ate over half of it, but he has not made it since. I told him if he made it, he had to eat it!

Meet Langston Hughes. The 2nd grade put on a Live Museum. The kids, dressed in their assigned characters, lined the halls. There were cut out footprints in front of each student, and as someone stepped onto their "feet", they began their memorized speech about "who they are". Riley did an excellent job memorizing and saying his speech over and over. Talk about a tough costume to put together. The jacketcame from the Thrift Store, the tie is Dustin's and the hat is Paw Paw's. He had a thin fake mustache, but he didn't wear it.

(Side note: Reagan put on the hat and said, "Look, I'm Indiana Jones!")

Speaking of the Little Fashion Plate. Here are a few of her outfits that she loves. This is her favorite costume. It is one of Jenna's old dance costumes. I have sewn the top of the leotard twice now and it needs repair yet again. We love the hair and socks too, don't we?

After her birthday party she modeled her new jewelry from Brantley. I am sorry that I cut off the shoes. They are just as beautiful as the rest of the bling! Which reminds me that I never posted any pictures from their bday party. Shame on me. I will get on that. I have two other posts I am working on, too.... A blogger's work is never done. (Not with all the material my children provide!)

Last, but not least - the "Dalmatian" print skirt. She considers it to be like camouflage - it goes with everything. (I have always said that all the guys in my high school thought that anything goes with camo pants.) Don't you just love the stance!

TGIB!

Thank Goodness It's Bedtime!

Dustin was always big on acronyms. He liked to get places JIT (Just In Time). He was almost always RTR (Ready To Ride), and came down with bad cases of PI (Poison Ivy).

Father like son. Riley somehow got into some PI and then rubbed his face, eyes, ears, scalp, torso, and back. The worst spot is on the bridge of his nose. The other places are fairly mild. As he was reading to me tonight, I noticed the spot inside his ear! I thought he had been only itching outside his ears, but there are some tiny dots inside his ear. Several times today, I looked at him and asked if it was hurting, but he said he was ok. He didn't play baseball this morning, though. We had gone to a bday party at an inflatables place last night and had to leave early b/c he was not feeling well, so I wasn't surprised when he woke up feeling bad this morning. So keep him in your prayers. (By the way, I did take him to the dr. and they gave him a steroid cream.)

Update on the not so patient patient - Dad. He is doing ok. He is not sleeping well, so please pray that he will get some good rest. He is doing his exercises, so that is encouraging. Other than that, I think he is on the road to recovery!

Ok, so I haven't posted about Easter. How about some Easter pictures?

Riley has a bit of a goofy expression, but I only took two pictures and he looks the same in both! I decided to go with a shirt he would love to wear on Easter - brown with a SHARK! After going through their Easter baskets and hunting for eggs in the backyard in the freezing cold (in their pajamas of course - I did make them put on their Crocs, but check my head, I didn't tell them to put on jackets! But that did make them hunt faster!) Then off to church for Resurrection Sunday!

After church and a quick wardrobe change, we were off to Ed and Sallie's for Easter Dinner and Egg Hunt! Here is the gang ready to be set free to hunt. Riley and Hunter decided to "help the little kids" instead of hunting for themselves. Of course, halfway through, Riley decided he wanted to hunt too! Good friends, good food, and most important - a Savior who is risen!

Ok... must ... get ... sleep...

Hip Hip Hooray!

Dad's surgery went well. He is in a room and uncomfortable - to be expected. He has already gotten out of bed once while we were there. He has promised to obey Dr.'s orders. I do think it will be better this time (as opposed to the pins), because this time, they want him to get up and put pressure on it which is what he wants to do. Thanks for your continued prayers. He will be in the hospital at least one more day. I will keep you posted.

Paw Paw Needs a New Hip

My dad is having total hip replacement tomorrow! Please pray that all goes well in the surgery and that he will follow the doc's orders afterwards. They say that he will be recovered in 2 weeks! I look forward to seeing him walk normally again. It has been almost 2 years? since he fell off the ladder while cleaning the gutters at my parents' house. He had pins put in, but never got much better. He is walking with a cane now and he moves very slowly. I can tell he is in pain. Thank you for your continued prayers. I will keep you updated here on the blog.

Also, on Thursday, March 27, my grandmother (94) fell and broke her arm. She is my dad's mother and she lives with my parents. She broke it up near the shoulder and it is immobilized. She cannot get around well without her walker, so my parents and dad's family have placed her in a WONDERFUL temporary place that can provide her with individualized attention and care. From what Mom and Dad have told me about this place and the employees, I am very impressed. Please pray for continued healing for Grandmaw too.

Thanks so much. The kids and I are doing fine.

Spring Break Fun

The trip started off with a bang. Riley packed his own suitcase - in pure Dustin fashion. Just look at the neatness! He even asked if he should fold his underwear! I bragged and bragged on him, so Sister had to get in on the act...

Her approach was a little ... shall we say... "different." The hairdo says it all. Not to mention the fact that she is sitting on the suitcase to mash it all in!

Alas, the indoor water park! Riley and Tyler spent most of their time going down these slides.

Reagan spent most of her time on the "lazy ribber". She always had an escort. Allyn and Jenna were a ton of help! Thanks, girls! I got to sit by the pool and actually read. Yes, you heard me right, I read... on vacation... with my kids!!

We rode a chair lift to the top of a mountain to look out over Gatlinburg. It was beautiful! But the highlight of the trip up the mountain for Riley was seeing a groundhog on the ground as we were coming and going. Reagan's highlight was....

finding a stuffed raccoon that she "just loooooved" and a fly swatter shaped like a guitar!! The girl has taste. Both items were left for some other sucker.

The Whole Gang. Notice my two kids are the only two not looking the right way and/or smiling. Oh well. It captured the moment very well!

Then on to Bubba Gumps!! YUM! Again, notice my kids faces.

Then onto the wax museum. The wax museum has changed since I was there 20+ years ago. You can get up close and personal with the characters. Here, Reagan is singing along (real mic) with Britney Spears, Christina Ag., and such. Notice the hip action. I took several shots in a row and when I watch it on slide show, I get the full effect.

Tyler and Dale, Jr.

Allyn and Jenna with Ricky Bobby!

Riley and Tyler playing a little B-ball with Michael Jordan.

The next day was spent at Dollywood. Riley rode a roller coaster that went upside down 3 times! I am so proud. Of course, afterwards he informed me that would be the only roller coaster he would ride that day. Pace yourself, Son.

We all enjoyed the FUNNEL CAKE!! Ooooh, I wish I had one right now!! Reagan mostly eats the sugar. She will put a piece of cake in her mouth and lick off the sugar and dip it again. As mom was taking the plate to throw away the rest, Reagan was pawing at it with both hands and licking her fingers. Yes, she is a delicate princess.

At the end of the day, we rode the rides where you get wet. I rode Thunder River with Riley twice, because the first time I didn't get all that wet. Different story the 2nd time around. I was soaked to the bone. I did remember to pack dry clothes, but left them in the car so I didn't have to lug them around all day. Big mistake. Won't make it again!

Overall, we had a lot of fun. I would recommend the place where we stayed and the water park. The resort is very kid friendly and I loved the way the condos are set up. I booked it on Expedia when it was 20% off and it was sooooo reasonable!

Ok, so I am slowly, but surely catching up on my blogging. It is not for lack of material. I get plenty of that everyday. I just don't take the time to sit down and type it up. Life is busy.

I must tell this one now, though!

Riley came running into the house yesterday, "MOM! MOM!! There is a lobster down in that water behind Mrs. Jennifer's house. Can I go back and catch it?"

Yes, it was a crawfish. A dead one at that, so he had no trouble catching it. He brought it up to the house for Reagan and I to see. It made his day... that's my boy!

So many stories, so little time! Next up.... Easter!

Spring?

Some of ya'll may remember my complaints last year about the whole "springing forward" issue.

Ditto for this year.

Grandma and Granddad were here from Wednesday night until this morning. We had a really good visit. They were able to spend a lot of time with the kids. They dyed Easter eggs on Friday night. It SNOWED on Saturday morning, then Saturday afternoon, we all went bowling! We all had a blast!

I kept asking Granddad, "It's a sorry excuse for snow, isn't it?" You know they live in Montana. Granddad was giving Reagan snowball throwing tips in the picture above.

Riley claims to be an expert. Poor thing had to go around scraping together enough snow for a snowball and eventually a snowman....

Here he is with our neighbors (Jackson, Cooper and Garrett).

Reagan and Grandma having a tea party!

The boy loves to bowl!

Reagan took this stance after every bowl; of course, it took 1/2 an hour for her ball to finally reach the pins. Miss Independent insisted, "I don't need any help! I can do it myself!"

Sunday morning goodbyes. We look forward to seeing you this summer, Grandma and Granddad!

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

Reagan Feb 2004

You are still my baby, even though you cannot stand to be called baby. Goodness, you are a lot of fun these days. You talk constantly and want to be in on all conversations. You spent one night at Granny and Paw Paw's and came back saying, "You better say your prayers, Mommy!" (As in Buggs Bunny and Elmer Fudd, "You better say your prayers, Wabbit!") You love all things musical. You love to be a chee-lee-ler; and my goodness, you LOVE skirts and changing clothes every 30 minutes. This past week when you were sick, I loved it when you would look up at me all sickly and say, "I love you, Mommy."

Four years ago today, I held a tiny 8 pound 3 ounce bundle of joy. It seems only yesterday, and boy, did your daddy love you. He was proud to be wrapped around your little finger, and don't let Riley fool you when he says things like, "I can't stand having a baby sister," because he loves you to pieces, too.

My Friend, Chocolate

I have been on a huge chocolate kick lately. I had several comments about Raisinets from my earlier post regarding the sweet chocolatey morsels, so I began thinking of all my favorite chocolate candies. I decided to do a top ten list of my favorites. Feel free to give a little love to your favorite chocolate in the comments. I will start with number ten in full David Letterman style.

10. Milk chocolate covered marshmallow santas, easter eggs (not the creme stuff, real marshmallowy centers)

9. Milk chocolate covered pretzels

8. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

7. Nestle's Turtles

6. Raisinets

5. Ghirardelli Chocolate with caramel center

4. Dove Chocolate with caramel center

3. Milk chocolate covered strawberries (like the ones at my wedding - where I only got one. But Riley and I made some this Valentine's Day and they were DEE-LICIOUS!)

2. Plain MnM's (heated up in the microwave for 30 seconds and served with a tall glass of skim milk, of course, who would hear of eating them any other way?)

1. Cadbury Mini Eggs (not the big creme filled ones, the candy coated chocolate eggs -- Guess what holiday is next!)

I hope you enjoyed this Bit o Wendy Trivia.

Now my mouth is watering. Did I mention I have none of the above items in the house tonight? Please do not send me any. I am trying to be good; it was just fun thinking about my chocolate indulgences.

Dustin Would Be So Proud

We were lying in bed tonight and Riley toots loudly, laughs, then explains:

Riley: I hold it in then push it out to make it loud.

Me (silently laughing and thinking how Dustin would have LOVED this conversation and would have offfered more advice about the subject): Really?

silence

Riley: Mommy, remember that time Reagan tooted all the way to the bathroom?

Both of us burst into laughter.

Me: Yes! She tooted all the way from the kitchen to the potty.

What is it with boys and bodily noises??

President's Day Project

Can you guess who or what these guys are? Imagination a la Riley had the idea of making the Target box into a dog and it snowballed into making (from L to R) Spike, Tom and Jerry. Reagan helped too. She had a lot to do with Jerry. Technically, Spike is not a beagle, but Riley wanted to make a beagle, because Granny told him that is the kind of dog he should get. I said, "Sure as long as Granny keeps him at her house until you are old enough to take care of him all by yourself." Fun was had by all, but now what do I do with them? :)

Always Loved

Tonight was the kickoff dinner for our new widows ministry "Always Loved" at my church. I shared my "widow story" as I prefer to call it. I think it went well. If I can figure out a way to post it, I will. Ya'll please be in prayer for Autumn. Her husband was killed in a car accident less than 4 weeks ago. Her pain is raw and she is hurting deeply. (She was there tonight.)

I know this is a short post after such a long silence, but I have been busy preparing for this event and with the rest of my life. :) I have so much to say, but it will have to wait until at least tomorrow. I plan on back dating some posts that I started, so be sure to scroll down - not now but in the coming days.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and encouragement as we prepared for tonight. I look forward to seeing how God will use us. What a mighty God we serve!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BIG BOY!!

Today is Riley's "Golden Birthday" - 8 years old on February 8th.

Riley, the Lego Pro, strikes again! He picked out this guy at the Lego Store at Disney World. It has directions for making an alligator and a spider as well. He promised that he would take it apart and do more than one creation with it. He did it pretty much by himself. I did one minor adjustment. He is so proud, because on the box, it states that it is recommended for ages 9-12.

He is very excited about his upcoming party on the 16th. The kids are having a party together at one of those bounce around places. It will be fun.

Now for a story about your daddy soon after your birth day.... I know you have heard this one over and over, but I don't think I have shared it on the blog. I was changing your diaper after your middle of the night feeding (in our bed) and I left your diaper open a little too long. You tee teed over your daddy's head and hit the clock radio on his night stand. He quickly sat up wiping his face, asking, "Wha- what was that??" I laughed so hard my side hurt.

I am so proud of you and I love you to the moon and back!

Run on the Treadmill or Blog and Eat Raisinets?

You see what I chose.

A lot on my mind, so I will type and share the love. Riley has been struggling with remembering to bring home his jacket and homework assignments, etc. I have lectured. I have put a pack of post it notes in his notebook so he can write himself notes (yeah, right, like that'll work!) I have taken away the Wii (gasp!) on the days that he has forgotten said items. He still struggles. I can still remember having to get my mom to take me back up to the school to get my things I forgot, so he gets it honestly. Of course, God is quick to put me in my place. Last Saturday, Riley had a basketball game at 11 am. I kept looking at my watch and thinking, "Game's not till 11. I have plenty of time to shower." Then I looked down at my watch and it was 10:15; we are supposed to be at the game by 10:30. Reagan and I were still in our PJs, so no shower for mom. We made it to the car, but half way to the church, I realized I left my purse and the camera ( I have yet to take one picture of the boy playing basketball this season!). About that time, Reagan realized she didn't bring her pony to play with during the game. She said, "I'll be ok, just like you, Mommy, because you forgot to take a shower, you forgot your purse AND your camera." She's just here to make me feel better! I am impressed she remembered the list. I accused Riley of sneezing on me and giving me "forgetfulness fever." He laughed out loud.

Also, a friend and I are starting a widow's ministry at our church and at the kick off dinner, I will be sharing my "widow story." I am, of course, procrastinating. I have started writing a little of it, but it is hard to make it not sound choppy. I am in prayer over it, so I know God will direct my words. Anyway, I am excited about what God has planned for this ministry, and I look forward to being a part of it.

Here are a few fun pictures from this month. Notice the theme: eating!

Being "sick" isn't all that bad when you get to dress up in your favorite church dress and lick the banana muffin bowl!

Later that day when Riley got home from school, they cut out and decorated green finger jello.

Riley's creation... that is Cool Whip, M n Ms, a gummie worm and some snowflake sprinkles. YUM??

How good the cookies are is directly proportional to how dirty one gets while baking.

Decorating cookies is serious business!

NOT!

MLK Day!

I decided that MLK day would be a day of fun for the kids. I asked Riley what he wanted to do and he immediately answered, "Go bowling!" So off to the bowling alley it was! We were a sad sight, though. I used to be so much better at bowling. If only they let the grown-ups have the bumpers! Riley won and Reagan and I TIED! I have got to get more practice! :)

After the bowling alley, we went to ChicFilA for lunch and to play in the play place, but I didn't stop there. We went on to the bounce around place (you know, the big inflatables). They had so much fun, they decided they wanted to have their party there! Whew - glad to have that decidion made.

Sick Days

I know I am jumping around a bit, but I wanted to share with you stories of our illnesses. We returned from Disney on a Sunday and by Tuesday night, I thought I was dying. Riley had basketball practice, so when I dropped him off, Sallie offered to watch Reagan if I wanted to go to the doc in the box close to the church. I took her up on her offer rather quickly. As I waited in the lobby of the doctor's office, I cried, because, "I can't be sick. How am I going to get the kids ready in the morning let alone tonight?" Mom was at Holly's and was committed to helping her the next couple of days. Anyway, the nurse came to get me and saw that I was crying. She said, "That is never a good sign." After testing me for strep and flu (both negative), he diagnosed me with bronchitis, gave me a steroid shot and a Z pack. All this and basketball practice was not over yet. I called Amy and she came over to help get the kids to bed. Thank you, Lord, for Amy and Sallie! I am so serious when I say that. I am so blessed! I was feeling a somewhat better by Saturday and of course, Saturday night Reagan came down with a fever. Sunday morning I (with Riley in tow) took Reagan to the doctor. assuming she probably had bronchitis too. She had croup, which you get no medication for! She stayed home until Friday. She had a fever everyday until Thursday. BUT, being sick is not all that bad in her eyes. When her fever was down, she was good to go.

Here she is all dressed up to stay home and lick the bowl after I made banana muffins. Being sick has its perks!

Snow Day!

Saturday, January 19 we got some snow in the south!! The kids were BESIDE THEMSELVES with excitement. Of course the boy a little more so than the girl. Reagan is a little more like her mama; she likes to stay warm and dry during the cold weather. (Although she does insist on wearing a skirt.) I could hardly sleep the night before, because I was so excited for the kids. Riley had a basketball game that morning and it snowed the entire game, so it had plenty of time to accumulate on cars and on Ed and Sallie's back porch. That is where we got the snow for "Pat" the snowperson. We ended up spending most of the day at their house.

Snowball Fight!

The making of the snow person... actually we made the snowballs on the back porch and carried them THROUGH the house to the front so that people could see our creation. Notice Reagan's get up!

Riley and Pat. Reagan had headed inside for hot chocolate and peeled off her layers!

Pat and the builders!

Disney World

Day One - Swimming in the heated pool while the grown-ups bundled up beside the pool to watch. They begged, a stranger and his son went swimming, we caved!



Also on Day One, we went to Downtown Disney to hit the Lego Store. I do believe this was one of Riley's favorite parts of our trip. Tyler is cracking me up in the picture below! They had a blast, but once the sun went down, it was FREEZING!!!! We had to pack it in and head to Whispering Canyon Cafe for dinner. We didn't get off to a good start. Our reservation was for 8:20 and we were not seated until close to 9:20!! We didn't get back to our rooms until midnight! Not a good way to start our vacation, but we persevered!

Day Two - (A Very Cold) Magic Kingdom - We started off with breakfast at Crystal Palace. I give this experience an A++! The food was good and the characters were great!






Allyn, Jenna, and Reagan on the Tea Cups!

Reagan watching the parade at Magic Kingdom. Isn't that precious??

Allyn stood in line for Reagan for at least an hour so Reagan could meet her favorite princess mermaid, Ariel. She doesn't look that thrilled in the picture, but she was very excited about talking to Ariel. She was very sweet to Reagan. Reagan told her, "I have a brother, his name is Riley." I am not sure if Reagan was trying to set Ariel up with Riley or what??

Day Three was spent at Animal Kingdom in the morning and Epcot in the afternoon. Animal Kingdom went ok. We enjoyed the safari and some of the rides in the dinosaur part, but Riley did not like the Bug's Life show - he wouldn't stay for any of it. I forgot to mention that one of the first rides we did was Stitch and he HATED IT! He CRIED from the minute they dimmed the light. I am sure some of you warned me about it, but I guess I forgot in the excitement of being there. So from that point on, he did not like the little shows. If the ride was in the open air and was not a roller coaster, he would ride it. It was so cold that we were not able to do any water rides, which would have been some of Riley's favorites too.

Us with you know who at the Garden Grill at Epcot. The characters were great, but the food was really not.

Day Four was MGM. This was by far our best day. By this time I had the hang of the fast pass and we were pleasantly surprised when Holly, Tyler, and Jenna received one free fast pass to each fast pass ride at MGM (as a part of the million dreams come true thing). We really enjoyed the car stunt show and the Indiana Jones show. Mom and Dad took Riley and Reagan to see Fantasmik while Holly, Allyn, Jenna, Tyler and I rode Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster a few times. I really enjoyed the roller coaster!

I am glad that I waited this long to post about our trip, because if I had done it right after we got back, I would have sounded even more like "Debbie Downer." Now that I look back at the pictures, the kids did have fun, but my kids were scared way too much!! I don't understand why a place that is supposedly for kids has to throw in the scary stuff and put emphasis on the evil. Why can't it just be happy? There are more examples of this, but I have funnier stuff to post about, so I won't harp on the negative.

One of the funniest things that happened may be one of those "you had to be there" type instances, but I am going to try to do it justice. Holly was on her way to the restroom when Tyler decided he needed to go really badly, so I walked briskly with him to catch up. He passed Holly and he unknowingly proceeded into the women's bathroom. He quickly noticed his mistake and headed to the other doorway... little did he know that was just the women's exit. Holly and I grabbed him and tried to convince him to "just go here, because look, the potty is RIGHT THERE!" We are laughing so hard we could hardly speak, meanwhile, Tyler is thrashing wildly to break free; which, of course he does. He is one wiry fella!

The day we were leaving it was again "shorts weather" - go figure. After circling Orlando at least once and paying at least $10 in tolls, we were on our way back home! What a wild ride!

The Christmas Story

My friend Shannon gave this cross to me for Christmas, and Reagan was so very interested in it from day one. She had a definite opinion where it should be placed and would ask if she could hold it and look at it. About a week after Christmas, she was holding it and talking to me while I was preparing lunch. The following conversation ensues:

Reagan: The angel came to Mary and said, "Don't be afraid. You're going to have a baby." And the wise men came and the shepherds. Baby Jesus was born. Mommy, I can say the words!

Me: Yes you can! I am so proud of you!

Reagan: Can you say the words, Mommy?

Me: Yes, I think so.

Reagan: Say it.

I gave my best synopsis while my baby girl sat wide-eyed, taking it all in. It was a precious moment.

Christmas

Ok, so January is almost over and I am just now posting about Christmas. What does that say about me? I am a procrastinator! Christmas Day was so much fun! Reagan was again all about the goodies in the stocking. She went through it first... before she opened the huge bag with her princess bike in it! She loves her new bike though. She is very proud of it and she rides it very well. Riley kept saying, "I can't believe I got a Wii!" over and over again all day. He is definitely enjoying it as well.

Reagan and her neck-a-lace and Dora jewelry box. I think she has worn that necklace everyday since Christmas.

Riley and his loot!

Riley and Tyler were not the only ones with matching gifts.....

About a week or so before Christmas, my dad told me, "I know what I am going to get your mom for Christmas. When we were at the accountant's office, we both tried out this massage seat/chair cover. She loved it." I said, "Ok, if you think she will like it." The very next day, my mom calls and says, "I know what I am going to get your dad for Christmas. When we were at the accountant's office......" I huge grin spread across my face. I was so glad she couldn't see me, because I would not have been able to play it cool in person. I calmly said, "That sounds great." I actually kept the secret . I LOVED IT!

Holly got Dad (among other things) pink snowballs. He loves them. Reagan saw them and I am sure thought to herself, "It is pink, fluffy and they say it has chocolate in it. I must try this delightful treat." The pictures tell all....

....and the rest was left for Paw Paw!

I'd rather ride my bike!

I will post soon about Disney World... I promise :)

In the Words of Jerry Clower...

Just shoot up in her amongst us, one of us has got to have some relief!

If any of you get that, please leave a comment. I am curious to know if my readers are cultured enough to understand my Clower references.

I have lots to say about Christmas, the new year and our trip to Disney, but I am getting over bronchitis that kicked my be-hind and now Reagan has croup. It may be a few more days until I get to putting all my thoughts out there. However, I did place an order for our Happy mid-January cards, so I will work on addressing those soon too.

Here are a few short funnies to tide you over until then:

Instead of saying, "Can I go barefoot?" Reagan says, "Can I go bare-feeting?"

Instead of saying, "Actually, I want juice.", Reagan says, "Exactly, I want juice."

She says, "ask-a-dent" instead of "accident."

She says, "Highsical Musical".

I had gotten on to Riley about something and Reagan chimed in: Yeah, Mommy.
Me: I don't need your help, Reagan.
Reagan: Yes, you do!

Reagan: We're going to have Christmas again next year? You are kidding me.

Riley lost a tooth on New Year's Eve 2007... If you remember, he lost his FIRST two on New Year's Eve 2006! I guess he is going to make a tradition out of it! :) What's funnier is I was so busy packing to leave for Disney, I forgot to play tooth fairy. He had eaten breakfast when he went back into his room and got his tooth pillow and showed it to me and said, "Hello!?" I felt terrible, but he said, "That's ok, Mom, you bought me that Pink Panther video yesterday." He is as good as gold!

On yet another night, as we were going to bed, Riley asks the following:
Riley: Can you adopt a boy?
Me: No, you and Reagan are all I can handle.
Riley: A girl?
Me: No.
Riley: A dad.
Me: huh? wha...?
Riley: a teenager?

Holiday Cheer

After church today, I attempted the dreaded Christmas Picture. Here are the better ones. :)

Riley treated Reagan and me to Brunch a la Riley. He took our order on a real order form and proceeded to prepare breakfast for lunch. He asked where the cookbook was. He wanted to follow the directions for scrambling eggs! I just talked him through it. :)We enjoyed scrambled cheese eggs, bacon, grapes, strawberries, and toast. He did most of the cooking. (I did the bacon, so no one got grease burns.) He made himself a "jelly sandwich," but informed me that Granny makes the best jelly sandwiches.

He commented later that he put too much jelly on the sandwich - live and learn, big boy. It is true that too much of a good thing is not a good thing.

Thinking it over in her outfit a la Reagan. Check out the headband with the bow. No such thing as too many hair accessories.

Reagan at her classroom Christmas Party last Wednesday. She was excited to have her mama there. It was the first party I have attended.

Random Funnies:

Reagan calls breakable items, "glassable".

She saw the red circle symbol for Children's Hospital and said, "There are doctors. That building is where doctors are." I didn't know she made that connection!

At lunch today, Riley commented that Reagan should start saying big girl blessings instead of singing, "God Our Father." Bowing his head, he said, "You should say something like this: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this wonderful food that my brother has prepared for us. Thank you that it is so good. Amen."

Santa visit -- Check

We checked off the visit with Santa this morning. Reagan told him she wanted a Princess bike (check) and Riley said he wanted a Wii (check)!!

Vegas, Baby!

I am sorry, again for the dry spell. Please forgive. I have been busy - you know taking care of the kids, helping with homework, Christmas shopping, taking Reagan to the doctor, going to Vegas, baking Christmas goodies, reading, running on the treadmill. Huh?! VEGAS? Yes, I splurged and mooched off yet another good friend. Sallie (Hunter and Brantley's mom)mentioned that she was going to Vegas on business about a week or so before the trip and casually asked me if I wanted to go. At first I said, "No, don't be silly." Then I checked into using my credit card points to get airline tickets and I had plenty. So lined up Granny to keep the kids and I was set to go!

I arrived in Vegas Thursday afternoon, and the trip did not start off well. My luggage was lost and the shuttle was late, but once I got to the Las Vegas Hilton to meet up with Sallie, things started looking up. We met up with her colleagues for dinner at a fabulous Italian restaurant (Trevi) at the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace. Oh my, was the food good in Las Vegas. Everywhere we ate was delicious. On Friday I took a tour bus to the Hoover Dam. Amazing! Of course, I couldn't help but think of Dustin the entire trip. I think he would be proud of me for going on the trip in the first place, but I would have loved to have had him there to say "Wow" to over and over again. Friday night, Sallie and I went to see Stomp at Planet Hollywood Hotel. We ate in the restaurant there - Planet Dailies. Oh my! Some of the best crab cakes and garlic mashed potatoes ever to touch my tongue! Then on Saturday, I took a long siesta - I slept in and then went shopping for souvenirs. Around 12:30, I met up with Sallie and we ate lunch in the Hilton. Tortilla soup and a greek salad - YUM! Next it was off to see Ka (Cirque du Soleil) at the MGM Hotel. Sallie had "connections" and we ended up with the best seats in the house for FREE (a $165 value)! Oh my, it was unbelievable. If you ever have the opportunity to see a Cirque du Soleil performance, go! Riley and Reagan would have loved (most) of it! After the show we went to Emeril's restaurant. Bam! It was good too! By this time, I was exhausted, so we dragged ourselves back to the hotel to get packed up and ready for our 6 am shuttle to the airport the next morning. Flights were good, but my connection in Atlanta was delayed, but I met two very nice ladies and it made the time go by quickly. It is so good to be back home with the kiddos. I missed them so much, but it was a nice little getaway weekend. Sallie and I did not once have to say any of the following:

• turn around
• take a bite
• leave your brother/ sister alone
• let me cut that up for you
• sit down
• calm down
• be quiet
• quit playing with your food

..... and it was lovely. We had grown up conversations, but I must admit, most of them involved something to do with our kids and hubbies.

Here are some photos from our adventures.

Sallie will be much better at telling you which hotel what was in. I put my brain in neutral and let her lead me around. I think these were at the Bellagio. The reindeer are covered with pecans! The trees at the bottom are made out of flowers. It was a beautiful display.

The amazing fountains. I could have watched them much longer, but it was cold!

Dam!

They are building a bridge to relieve traffic over the dam. The tour guide said they have stopped construction for now because they can't figure out how to build the rest of it. The wind keeps breaking the cranes! I would not want that job. It was a beautiful sight, though!

Sallie and I in the lobby Sunday morning at 6 am. Notice the Christmas tree with the slot machines in the background! Thanks so much, Sallie for the wonderful trip and thanks to my mom and Holly for watching the kids!

Christmas Card Disclaimer:



I will not be sending out a Christmas card, but I will be sending out a Happy New Year card once we get back from Disney(beginning of January). I think mom is doing the same, so don't be alarmed when the 25th rolls around and you haven't gotten a card. Expect it around mid January and forgive me. I wanted to do something different and I have put most of my pics on the blog, so I wanted a new picture... blah, blah, blah... there are my excuses, I mean reasons.

Funnies

Reagan-isms ---

I'm shtir-shtee! = I'm thirsty!

Mystery Steak (or sometimes "Miss-aree" Steak) = Mississippi State

"You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pouch, I'm tellin' you why, Santa Claus is comin' to town. He knows you while your awake. He knows you while your sleeping, so you better be good for misery steak!"

It's raining, I need my sunbrella!

Groggily waking up one morning , Reagan notices I am dressed and asks, "Why you not wearing a belt?" I guess she is going to branch out into the Fashion Police, in addition to being a member of the Stink Police.

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I have to tell at least one Riley story, so I will draw upon the past. When he was four we were playing "football" according to Riley's rules. I had to touch the fence while carrying the ball to score A point. When Riley got the ball, he did the same and declared, "Twenty points for me!" When I protested that I only got one point for the same play, he informed me, "Those are the rules!"

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By the way, the Butcher of the English language is walking on two feet now. Her foot is better, but she still limps a little. I guess she pulled a muscle and it is gradually getting better, and I am thankful!

Elf Yourself

I sent this to most of you via e-mail, then I thought I could post it on the ole' blog! Let's see if this works! The kids love it and it is EASY!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9638111121

Enjoy!