Preparing for Thanksgiving!!!

Everyone knows what its like getting ready for Thanksgiving. A whole lot of planning, cooking, and for most families, some traveling. Our plan was to go to my Grandmother's house for lunch and play in the Sequence tournament. Anyone who knows anything about my family knows that we love to play games and it always involves MONEY! Whether it's Bingo, 99, or the game "guess which one of Papa's hand has the gold dollar in it". It has been a tradition since I can remember!

When I was thinking about what I was going to bring to G-ma's I had to think about it for a couple days. I finally came up with a 2 dishes. The first thing that I offered to bring was Green Bean Casserole, and the second thing was Turkey Cupcakes!!! So I went to my local friendly grocer and purchased all the ingredients that I needed. Once I got home I realized that I was over my head with the cupcakes. So I started thinking on how I could get someone to come over and help me. That morning my baby brother Scotty called me and asked me what I was doing and I told him I was making cupcakes. Being the sweet eater that he is and a district manager of Baskin Robins Dunkin Donuts...he was not hard to convince to help me. So we worked hard on them and in no time we had a whole flock of Turkey Cupcakes.

After all the food and games at my G-ma's house we headed to the beach for the Bluegrass festival that Paul goes to every year. I do not participate in these cultural concerts because it just isn't my thing, but Paul looks forward to it. All in all it was a great day and we made it to the beach in one piece without anyone ripping out their hair. It was an awesome day and we will do the same thing next year!!! I am thankful that we have family to spend the day with and share our accomplishments of the day! I can't wait till next year!

Adam and Lucy's Pre-School Program

Tonight was a fun night. Adam and Lucy had their Thanksgiving pre-school program at Next Level Church. They sang songs and showed off their dance moves in front of all the parents and grandparents. Mark watched in awe...

Lucy's class was up first...they sang 3 songs, and she only had 3 days to learn them before getting on stage. Its amazing how fast kids can learn things. She was front and center on the stage and was loving every minute of the spotlight. After each song she had to point out her Daddy to the girl sitting next to her. "That's my Daddy." She did an awesome job and I am so proud of her.

Our very good friend Tina is Adam's 4 year old teacher. He loves her tons and she does a spectacular job with all of the children. Adam has always called her Mrs. Teeny and her hubby Mrs. Rusty. I am sorry Rusty we have tried to fix that, but no luck so far. It makes me feel good to know that he loves to go to school and learn because he loves Mrs. Teeny. The four year old class sang 4 songs. At first Adam was shy, but by the end of the program he was showing off a little bit. Considering that the last time he was on stage he threw up everywhere!!! I was so excited to see him enjoy himself in front of the crowd.

All in all both of them did GREAT and it was so adorable!! They should sleep good tonight. Thanks to Chick and Teeny for all of their hard work. It was worth every minute spent on it!

Mark's 1st Birthday!!!

We recently celebrated Mark's 1st Birthday on November 13th. The big guy has changed so much over the year. All I can tell you is how he has grown and developed his loving and carefree personality. I think he is going to be our comedian out of the 3 kids. He thrives on laughter and smiles. If there is ever a time he is not smiling then something is wrong. When ever someone needs a hug he is your guy. I don't like to talk about him turning the Big 1 because it makes me so sad to see my baby growing up. While we were singing Happy Birthday to him I had to stop so I could choke down the tears. I know I usually never cry, but when it comes to the kids I am very emotional.

When Mark was born he was 10lbs. and 8 oz....for his one year check up he is up to 26 lbs. He is a big guy, and is always going to be big. Every morning when he wakes up I go in his room and pick him up and get a HUGE hug and I always squeeze his thighs. He laughs and then we go about our day. I hope that through the next year none of this changes, and I hope I will always get Marky hugs in the morning....thats the best way to start a day!!!