Fall Ball

Baseball this Fall has been a great experience for the boys.  This year they were on the same team, and that was so much easier for us!!  Mason has begged to be on a team with Carson and sweet Carson has tried to show him everything he needed to know.  He has been a neat to watch them learn and grow together.  It is always very heart-warming to see the patience that comes from Carson.

This was our first experience with Fall Ball, and I have to admit that it was a wonderful learning experience.  The purpose was much more focused on learning the necessary skills and having fun while they learn.  Anyone that knows me knows that I am competitive.  However, I want kids to have more fun than anything. I want my boys to look back and remember the good experiences in their childhood.Several times this season, Carson has said "it is not always about the win, it is more about how you get there that matters."  Of course, a win is nice but we all want to just do our best.  Right, moma?"  Um, yeah...I think he got the idea.

Our boys had a great group of coaches.  They were always so patient and kind(this moma bear gets very angry and very impatient with adults that do not know how to talk to children).  I never experienced that once with this group.  I saw other coaches yelling at kids and those kids hang their heads in disappointment.  That seems so ridiculous to me in the little leagues of America.  The single most impressive thing that these coaches did with our boys was pray.  Yep, they prayed with the team before each game.  They also prayed before we had pizza at the team party!!

Carson has grown and changed and matured right before our eyes.  He has such a baseball build about him now and he is so excited to be 70lbs now!!  As for Mason, he has also grown and matured and told us 20+ times that he hates playing the out field and only wants to play on the pitcher's mound.  He was a little discouraged when it came to hitting off the pitching machine during a game.  He could hit off of it at practice and at home, but he struggled during game time.  We tried to continue to praise him as much as possible.  And, he always did a good job of shaking it off.  I could tell by the look in his eyes that he really wanted to prove that he could hit the ball.  Honestly, I doubted our decision a little.  He still has another year of tee ball, but he begged to play with Carson.  Should we have allowed it??  Well, I think we will doubt our decisions as parents sometimes but it did not hurt him.  He wanted to play with Carson and was always excited to at game time. And, we talked with him about it and he said "well, I could just quit."  And, then we discussed joined a team and always finishing, never giving up.  He looked at us and said "then, I need to stick with it."  So, he got the idea as well. 

Good learning experiences, fun times with 10 little boys, great memories!!

Play ball!!

24 hours in T-Town

For the past 2 years, we have tried to make it to an Alabama football game.  Something seemed to always get in the way.  Once, we had tickets given to us and Tony could not get off of work.  We would begin to make plans and something would always happen.  So when Tony came home last week with tickets to the Bama vs. Miss. State game, I was not even sure it would happen.

Anyone that knows me, also knows I LOVE Alabama football, always have and always will love the Crimson Tide.  The experience of walking the quad, the walk of champions, seeing the Denny chimes, and literally saying "ROLL TIDE" to complete strangers has a certian feel and excitement about it.  I grew up watching the games on Saturday and I can always remember good food and fun memories that we would make on family football days.  I actually really enjoy watching the game, especially at the college level(side note I would love to commentate for ESPN, it is on my bucket list).

So, we leave our boys witht the inlaws and head to T-Town.  It was very much needed...a short ride in the car with my significant other, especially in anticipation of Alabama football.  We were able to walk around the university, ran into several people we know, visited the Bryant Musuem, and tailgated with new friends before the game every got started.  And, I visited several vendors and did a little shopping...of course I did, because Tony will say "she can shop anywhere!"

The sun goes down, the temperature drops and the wind begins to blow.  It is a chilly night, but a most amazing atmosphere for football.  We grab yummy stadium dogs and nachos and settle in for pre-game activities. The giant TVs show clip of the the rich history at the university.  A few clips of former coaches and then the Bear Bryant comes on the TV.  You hear his voice and the crowd goes WILD! Homecoming festivities are in full swing, and the Million Dollar Marching Band takes the field while spelling BAMA and RTR.  I LOVE every minute of it!!  Maybe I am a little partial but Alabama football has a beautiful field and the most loyal fans!! 

A most wonderful time was had....watching the TIDE roll right over STATE.  It was absolutely picture perfect.  We leave the stadium around midnight and while we are walking to the truck people are still walking past us saying ROLL TIDE!  It is a way of life in T-Town, and for me there is no other team that I would rather cheer, sing, chant, dance or yell than the Alabama Crimson Tide! Always bleed crimson, fun night of football!

Summertime favorites

Our Summer favorites

In no particular order.....

~watching dolphins jump and play
~jumping from the dock
~swimming in the ocean, pool, lakes, and even the bathtub!
~building super-duper sand castles not just ordinary ones
~making new friends
~fishing...any kind, any where(Carson enjoyed it all, and was the "master" angler on several trips catching snapper.  He says his favorite is fishing for black fish-triple tail.  Mason learned to be patient, set the hook, and was able to reel in his first snapper....he was overwhelmed with joy) and would NOT let anyone help him :)
~riding bicycles, Mason was determined to learn to ride Carson's bike this year and he did and he did it very well
~learning to skip a rock in the water, and then see who can get the most skips :)
~boogie boarding
~jet skiing(thanks to some sweet friends)
~body surfing(Mason Cade will absolutely, positively scare anyone that is watching!!)
~enjoying sweet treats -snow cones and ice cream or BOTH in the same day cuz it is SUMMER!!
~lunch time with my Nanny, eating yummy seafood.....crab claws were the boys favorite treat!!
~rock climbing
~homemade peach cobbler
~visits to Sand Island and to Sand Island Lighthouse
~late night talks around a campfire with some fabulous friends & family
~s'mores ;)
~sleepovers
~attempting to catch birds
~playing with cousins
~music, singing like no one can hear
~boat riding
~catching sand crabs
~fireworks
~Cast netting, catching mullet for my nanny(she only wanted 3) :)
~swimming pools and  slips n' slides
~scooter riding

New School Year

A new school year in in full swing.  The boys are so very sad to see Summer come to an end, and I am sad too.  So I say to them: "all good things must come to an end...for now anyway."

Going and growing seems to be the theme around here,  Carson has grown 1/4 of an inch and Mason now gets us to measure him daily to see if he is catching up to Carson.  We now have a third grader and a kindergartener!!  Growing as I type this......I can see it!  They both have started this school year with an ease about them, and that is half the battle. 

 I have 2 children that seem to feel the need of perfection in a school setting and that feeling makes them a little nervous.  Carson has this tendency much more than Mason...especially when taking tests.  But, Mason's teacher stopped me and said that she sees some of that same behavior in Mason as well.  I am going give Tony more credit for that....I was very busy socializing at school and came home with more than one note for talking excessively...probably just 2 notes. ;)

On a serious note, Tony said something that made me think.  He said think about your mom working at the school where you teach.  That cannot be good, it has to be intimidating to know that your parent is down the hall.  I am not saying that it is true for our boys but Tony said he would have dreaded his mother being at school.  Just a thought.  Of course, always positive praise for all the good and a consequence for any behavior that we do not want repeated.  Both boys understand the consequences they will have to face for misbehavior.  Hopefully, mom being at school is never an issue.

  As always, I read a book to the boys before their first day of school.  It was a book about sibling bears starting school, the youger bear was starting kindergarten.  Half way through the story, my eyes begin to water a wee bit and I realized that I may not be able to hold back the tears.  I did well and held it back and then Mason puts his hand on my arm and says 
"moma, I am going to be okay tomorrow......it is just kindergarten, no big deal."  The water works began to flow in full force.......

this moma of these 2 boys is holding on to these precious moments, she is so very proud of the little people that they are.....

Living, Laughing, Loving every minute of it....even through watery eyes.

35 and counting....





“And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.”

~Abraham Lincoln

 

 

 

Yesterday, I celebrated my 35th birthday.   As it was approaching, I had this thought "oh my word, I am 35, the downhill slide to the big 40....where has the time gone?!?!" And, then my second thought was so what, 35, embrace it and roll with it!!!  Honestly, I had those 2 thoughts back-to-back.  I think that might be a sign of maturity or something like it.  :) 

 

I received so many sweet messages from emails, texts, facebook messages, and even snail mail(by the way...I love the snail mail, it is warm and fuzzy to open a note and a sweet message).  Blessed beyond measure with a wonderful family and the absolute best of friends from all walks of life!!  And, that was truly evident with all the serious and silly but loving messages yesterday.

 

I received a birthday text from a dear friend and I responded "thanks, and we are getting old."  Her response "yep, good thing we don't act old, because that would be BORING!"  I laughed out loud as I read it and then I had this thought.......her statement is so true.  Life is not about how many years we live but what we do with the years that we are given on this planet.

 

So, I am good with 35.  I am grateful for it and all that comes with it!!

 

 

 



Because God gave me powerful blue eyes

Riding bikes in the summertime is much like breathing in and out for this crew.  Both boys learned to ride their bikes while on Dauphin Island, and that is a memory for me that I will never forget.  Carson was almost 6 and Mason was 4 years old.  They both hop on the bike and never looked back. And, they were both so very proud to ride without any training wheels.  We ride several times during the day and night.  At night, we all turn our lights on so that others can see us. Just an extra safety precaution that Tony thought would be good.

So, on this particular evening we all jumped on our bikes to go for a ride.  I reminded Mason to turn on his lights and he quickly realized the battery was dead on his light.  I told him to run in and ask his daddy for a new light.  Without any hesitation at all, Mason responds "mom, I do not need a light." I quickly respond, "yes, I think you do." Of course, this witty little 5 year old had a response and it went something like this......
"mom, what I think you do not realize is that God gave me blue eyes and these blue eyes have a speciality and that is to see in the dark. AND since you do not have blue eyes and you have green eyes, you probably didn't realize the power of the blue eyes."

And with that explanation....how could I argue?!?
And, I have to add Carson was very impressed with this explanation. We all laughed and rode our bikes following the boy with the blue eyes.

a real boy

Just a few days ago, I look down the beach and I see Carson running.  He is chasing birds and then reporting which type of bird he thinks just flew away.  We have spent the majority of our Summer at the beach, but on this day I look up and I see him running and I see a real boy......

Real Boy definition:  broader shoulders, muscle defintion, growing 1/4 inch tall & gaining 7 pounds in no time at all, concern over hair and not wanting it to stick up, whispering to me about needing to go to the bathroom vs. yelling it, embarrassment over the little brother yelling about going to the bathroom, voicing his concerns about his appearance but still wanting to skip a bath!!!!!

So the last one will totally embarrass him and the truth is he really hates taking the time to wash his hair(the bath he does not fight).  He has not quite realized that when he asks EVERY night, my answer is always "YES, wash your hair!"  For any and all that know me and know me well....there is no skipping of daily bathing.  There are only 1 to 2 extenuating circunstances.

This is what I know without a shadow of a doubt:
Carson is a wonderful, amazing kid!!  He thinks of others, and truly cares about their feelings.  He has always listened well and been a great helper.  He is smart, in a scary kinda of "think outside of the box" kinda way.  He is a generous, thoughtful, determined little boy that worries way too much. He is an EXCELLENT big brother.  He has taught Mason more than I can type on this blog.  He is an encourager. But most importantly, he loves God.  He understands scripture, and he asks many questions about the bible and when the trumpet will sound.  He will also share what he knows with anyone that will listen. 

Carson is such a blessing, such a joy to be around and I could not be more proud and I am so very thankful God chose me to be his mom.

Now, prayers for me as he is growing into a real boy....broad shoulders and stinkiness and all :)

Heart wrenching, heart warming

So, I have debated for a while about responding to several issues that are going on in our country.  Several issues that are heart wrenching and very controversial.  I never want to hurt anyone, never. But, there is a time to share opinions and it can be done in a way that is not hurtful.  So, here goes(I think this will do my mind & soul good).

Recently, a young man walked into a Colorado movie theatre and starting shooting. There is no way to understand this, it is not humanly possible. It reminds me of evil, pure evil and that the devil is still hard at work, finding anyway to get into someone's mind and lead them to doing evil! And yet, the lawyers a wanting to plea "mentally unstable." Hmm, you think? It is so very heart wrenching to know that someone is so desparate that taking others' lives is their only answer!! After this happens, the topic of gun control gets underway.  And while I think that having a "machine gun" is very unnecessary, is gun control the answer?? I understand laws and permits. But, should we want all guns taken away? Is that the answer? Just something to think about....I am coming from a completely different perspective.  The one where 2 men broke down my dead-bolted door to steal my purse.  The one where those men could have done so much more, which scares me to death.  The one where now I know how to shoot a gun, hit a target, and defend myself and family if necessary.  The one that makes me feel slightly safer.....and so is taken the guns out of the hands of law-abiding citizens really the answer.....just my raw thoughts and nothing more.
The other issue is social media and the news media taking topics and interviews and twisting words to make headlines across the world.  The latest with the interview of the CEO of Chick-fil-a. His comments were regarding marriage based on biblical standards. His comments flooded the world and began a huge debate on what is a "traditional family." (Honestly, I think it was an interview where he shared his thoughts & beliefs and the media took it and ran).And while I know what I believe, I sat back and saw complete ugliness on both sides of this  debate. The whole time I was thinking this is not what Jesus would want, this is not the love that Jesus would want us to show each other. I read a blog from a girl that said it all made her want to crawl into her basement, I tend to agree. All of the ugliness & hate made my heart hurt. I completely understand stating what you believe but I do know it can be done in a much better, more loving way!
Okay, enough of the heart wrenching and onward to the heart warming......the Oylmpics are here!!! The Olympics are in London this year and I absolutely love watching, I have always enjoyed most sports but it is something special about the Olympics. Both boys have really been interested, they have asked tons of questions and we have had google tab on stand-by :) Mason tends to enjoy the swimming and running. Carson likes it all!! We have watched every night and seen so many heart warming stories.  It has been so wonderful to pile on the couch and talk about each sport.  My favorites are swimming, gymnastics, track & field, beach volleyball, white water, and swimming again because I am amazed at the records being broken and the USA being dominate!! Only a few more days and it will be four more years till it comes again. Carson has figured everyone's ages for the next go-around :) 
Ps: blogging from iPad is very different, please excuse grammatical errors, it would not let me fix it!!! Gotta learn more about it!

Happy Tuesday, beach & boat time!!

Summertime

A life without love is like a year without summer ~author unknown



We are having a fun-filled Summer.  It doesn't take a whole lot to entertain this crew.  Our heart & soul belong at the beach and we just can't fight it.  Days pass quickly busying ourselves with beach visits, bike riding, fishing, and more bike riding and more fishing.  There is very little lounging. 

June brings busy days filled with fishing & swimming and always in that order.  Both boys are so well-adjusted on the boat and they know their roles now. As soon as we hop on the boat, both grab life jackets, Carson turns the motor on and Mason pushes us off the dock. As we head in, it is so sweet to watch them "help" hold on to the dock, put up life jackets, and put the boat on the trailer.  This Summer, I haved learned to launch the boat and pick it up. And, that might not sound like a big deal but it is to me and I have to say Tony was fairly impressed too!!  It makes things easier and much quicker, especially when the boat launch is a busy place.  We have this down to an art. On my first attempt to launch the boat, I was not quite even with the dock.  But, I got it right on the second attempt.  As I got out of the truck, an elderly man said "well darling, you are pretty good at that" and I just smiled and said "it is my first try" and he responded "well, I never would have known, you are a pro!"  And while I know I am not a pro, I was proud of myself for trying. 

Now for the funny part....our boys DID NOT want me having any part of launching or picking up this boat.  They were almost in tears begging Tony not to let me do it!!  They had absolutely NO confidence in me!!!  So, this is why I had to show them that it could be done.  Afterwards, they said "well, I guess moma is pretty good at it too!"  Oh ye of little faith :)

For me, this Summer has been about doing things outside of the "norm."  I wanted to do and show these 2 precious little people that we should do things or try new things.  I have tried my best to show them to do for others and not always think about themselves. This is not an easy task just simply because we naturally are selfish human beings.  We have made lists of things we wanted to do, new things we wanted to try and the boys were thrilled about it.  Nothing major, just little things like jumping from a dock or divng into deep ocean water, riding a jet ski, and going down waterslides that are a little high. This got their little minds to thinking and they have added future things they want to try like parasailing & wind surfing...oh my, hoping I can live through that.  I also realized with live with LOTS of technology right at our finger tips.  So, I purposefully left my phone in our camper.  No need to always have it(not easy, but it did a body & mind good....really good).
Other tasks including doing things for others, and not always thinking of ourselves.  Not a day goes by when I do not think of my grandmother, her age, and the fact that she will not be on this earth forever.  So, we made a point to ask what she needed, take her to get her hair done, stops by the store, and lunch at her favorite(Lighthouse Restaurant).  Again, nothing major just little things.  We have had the privilege of doing this several times this Summer and it has truly warmed my heart.  Just when I thought this would help my mom and her sister with "nanny tasks", it really has proven to be more of my blessing. A blessing full of conversations that will never be forgotten.....

In a few more weeks, we will go back to school and work.  Although, I know it is inevitable and it really must happen.  I have sweet Summer memories that will last forever.  Pics to follow :)

Eight and Five

Another year has passed and the boys are now eight and five, 8 & 5!!! Now matter how I look at it, I still can't wrap my brain around eight and five!They are growing and maturing right before my eyes and while I enjoy them so much, there are moments that I wish I could freeze time. So this year, the boys wanted their party at the skating rink.They have talked about a skating party for a while now and I was not very thrilled about having a skating party.....but they begged and pleaded and I said okay. Mason asked for a Star Wars cake, and plates and Carson agreed to that.I have nothing against skating rinks, I just knew that neither one of mine loved to skate. But this rink allows scooters and that was what my two had on their mind(Mason wanted a zip line too but was happy with a scooter :) They were both so excited about this party. The big day&arrives and the boys are thrilled that so many came to celebrate with them. Carson even stopped to thank us for his party several times, he truly is always so thoughtful. Skating, scootering, pizza, and cake make for a great birthday party. And, although I still cannot believe they are now eight and five, I am so very grateful and I feel so blessed that God chose me to be their mommy. Sidenote: birthday parties are stressful and I try so hard to be sure every aspect is perfect......therefore, I made sure that the music played during the party was kid-friendly. All was well, until the very end of the party....when "the devil went down to Georgia" played loud and unsensored!! I was mortified, but the kids never even noticed! Thank goodness a few of the parents chuckled about it. I guess no skating party is complete without a little Charlie Daniels :-/ All in all a great time for my boys to celebrate another year!

Just to be a mom.....

For as long as I can remember, I have had the burning desire to be a mother.  I have always enjoyed children.  Being around babies within my family & church, helping with the older children at kids church and having a sweet preschool class at Sunday School are just a few things I was always involved in because I enjoyed children so much.  So, after Tony and I were married a few years we started discussing children.  I knew that I wanted to complete my masters degree first and then we could build a house and settle in to begin our family. 
At that time, I had NO idea how all would play out in our lives. Everything was so easy, pregnancy and delivery was so very easy for me.  I truly enjoyed being pregnant and still am amazed in how in 40 weeks this little being arrives, totally dependent on you.  It was just such a natural step in a direction that would bring tremendous joy.  I have said it before and I have to say it again....I am so very BLESSED.  I am blessed beyond measure and I strive to realized this day in and day out.  The little things as a mom are the ones that mean so much to me.  I hope my boys will always know how much I love them, how much I cherish the little things in life, and  how I just want the absolute best for them.
The desires of my heart for these two precious children:
~to know GOD and that he sent his only SON so that we can have eternal life and only through HIM is that possible!
~to always put GOD first
~to know that they have 2 parents that love them beyond any words or measurements(for Carson-a billion gazillion times over and over)
~to live each day to the fullest, taking the time to breath in each moment
~genuine happiness, not materialistic happiness
~to surround themselves by people that want the best and bring out the best in them
~understanding the importance of being or doing YOUR best in everything you do
~to always know that we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being their parents
One of my favorite things are random hugs, Carson is still young enough and Mason is a hug lover and giver....never enough hugs!!
Now that I look back, I would give up everything to be mom to these boys, nothing compares, absolutely nothing......

Top 10 of 2011

Top 10 of 2011

1. Our first family trip to Disney World~it was AMAZING in so many ways...to see the look on the boy's face as we entered the gates, to see their reaction to their favorite and not-so-favorite characters, to get an upgraded room at the Animal Kingdom(no extra charge) that viewed "real, live, animals from the safari" says Carson, to ride all of the many rides for the first time with our boys... all will be sweet memories that will last a lifetime!!

Chef Mickeys

My guys in a tea cup!!!

Dino-Land

BUZZ!!  Mason was thrilled!!!

Carson animal watching-he begged to go back to the room!!

2. Boat fever~we have contemplated for a long time over buying a boat and this year we buckled and bought one :) It will cost us money to buy fuel, service, and repairs...but no price tag can be put on the memories!!!  All 4 of us LOVE it, it is just our "thing" that our family can't get enough of...the boys enjoyed many trips on the boat including their first snapper fishing trip!!!

3. Baseball season~Carson decided to play baseball this year and now I know that I am a very competitive mom!  He did a great job and now I know he is very competitive as well!  I am so glad he wanted to play and he is already talking about next season. :) Mason thought about it and declined once he found out he could not be with Carson, would have to hit off of a tee when he can clearly hit a pitched ball...so he says!

Baseball Buds

4. Camping~Springtime brought on camping time.  We were able to take the boys camping this year, enjoyed Gulf State Park and fishing on the pier.  The boys have thoroughly enjoyed these new adventures.  For me, just have to find the essential camping utensils and decor :)

No training wheels :)

5. Summer spot~for the past 20 or so years my family has spent time on Dauphin Island during the Summer.  It first started off as a week and then a month and now we will stay May through August.  I am not quite sure there is anything that pleases the boys more.  We officially have a Summer spot on the island and on the few occasions we leave to ride ferry across the bay or go home for a few days it never fails....I always hear "when can we go back to the island?" sweet, sweet memories..

Mason learns to SWIM!!!

6.Family~ with fishing, camping, and sweet summertime brings lots of unplanned, no real agenda family time with aunts, uncles, & cousins....and this just makes my heart smile :) absolutely nothing like family!!

7. Jobs~we are grateful for jobs.  I absolutely LOVE my job.  There is NO better place to work, I am fortunate enough to work with some truly amazing people...people I call my friends, real friends that will be brutally honest with you when you need it most...a fabulous faculty that really work together as a team for the best interest of the children.  And even though I witness some children that are sad and/or mad, I know this was what I was meant to do!  Tony has changed positions with his company and is much happier with the change...and even though he doesn't always express it, I can see on his face that for the first time he is really enjoying it(even the challenges that come with it).  Thankful for our jobs!

8. School days~

K4~Mason was thrilled to enter K4!!  He says "I am now a big boy and will learn to read."  And, he has done so well.  He loves it...getting in the car each day ready to show his happy face and all of the work he has completed.  He told me that he can read now, and is overjoyed now that he is bringing home his own books.  Does this boy know how much I love him and his love for books?!

 2nd Grade~Carson has had a HUGE adjustment this year.  He is now in a much larger school setting and was very anxious about it.  Honestly, he is not thrilled at school, never has been.  It bothers me a little because I loved school, but Tony keeps reminding me that he did not like it and survived it(he keeps telling me not to worry).  Carson has true test anxiety, he gets very nervous and anxious before a test.  Recently, he was upset over an end of -the-quarter math test.  I was trying my best to calm him(side note:Math is his subject, really enjoys it) and I asked him why he was so upset.  He said "I just want a 100."  In my mind, I am thinking that he does not get this from me...I was so calm, relaxed and I know I got in trouble more than once for talking during class time.  I was never anxious over a test.  At the end of that day, his teachers stops me to tell me Carson scored a 93 on his test.  So, I tel Carson and he responds "well, mom it was not a 100 but a 93 is not to shabby." Geez.  I am hoping that this anxiety will find another place to live...but we will do our best to cope and hopefully enjoy the second grade!  Carson Lee-calm yourself down and know that I love you to the moon and back 100 times!!!

9. Friends, real ones not ones that pretend~I have some fabulous friends!  Some are acquaintances that are sweet and lovely people.  I may not get to see them much but they are great to meet for lunch or dinner or play time with our kids at the beach.  Every girl needs friends!  But, I have a a few friends( and they know who they are) that will always be there for me through the good, bad, horrible, fabulous, and breath taking moments.  These friends are not jealous or envious at any time, they don't talk about you to others.  They truly want the best for me and my family.  They are the ones that celebrate and cry with me.  For these friends, I am in debt not because of what they have done for me but what I know they WILL do with me and for me. 

10. Christmas~It has to be the last of this list because it just happened.  Christmas is the one time of the year that I think many people stop and realize their blessing(maybe not the Grinch) but most people get to visit family and spend quality time with the ones they love.  My dad enjoys Christmas immensely, it inspires me.  He grew up in a large family(11 children) so they did not get much for Christmas.  As an adult, he always made sure that my brother and I had more than we needed and then some.  He never asks for much either.  A few years ago, he started decorating outside at Christmas.  Each year, it has grown and I honestly think it serves as a gift for others to come and enjoy the lights. 

A good conscience is a continual Christmas.~Ben Franklin



                                        2011 has been so good to us, we truly feel so blessed!!