New Puppy!

Meet the newest member of our family- "Bones" Bowman. Bones (named by Noah himself) is a half Shih Tzu half Yorkie- a "Shorkie". Noah has been asking for a puppy for a long time now, so we decided to take the plunge. So far so good. Both of the boys are having lots of fun with him. He's a really sweet little puppy that loves to play, but also loves to have somebody to sleep with. He's doing real good so far on housetraining, too.

He loves to give Jackson kisses- I think he likes having another little person around.

Jackson and Bones made a Congo line yesterday.

Bones and Noah taking a snooze together on the couch.

Snuggled up to watch a movie together. Noah is definitely enjoying having a puppy around. They make good playmates.

Thanksgiving at the Beach

We just got home last night from a not so typical Thanksgiving celebration. We went with my parents and sister's family to the beach to meet up with the extended family (Charlie's kids and grandkids from Texas) to celebrate the holiday. All total we had 24 people (11 kids) in an 8 bedroom beach house. It was a little crowded at times, but all in all we couldn't have asked for a better trip. The kids had a ball. Most of the time it was perfect weather. It got a little cool in the evening, but a jacket or sweatshirt made it fine. We did have one day of rain on Saturday, but that turned out okay, too since everybody wanted to watch the Iron Bowl anyway. Roll Tide!!!

Noah and Jackson hanging out on the beach. Jackson enjoyed playing in the sand more this time than he did during the summer. Something about being out in 70 degree weather instead of 90 degree weather seemed to make it more enjoyable!
All the grandkids (and some great grandkids) in their custom made beach t-shirts. We had a little craft session one night and decorated them. They had fun with it and we were all really impressed at their creations. They weren't too happy with us when we took this picture though. It was pouring rain and we made them go out on the porch to take it. Noah in particular got very upset at getting wet and having to take his new t-shirt off! By the way- I'm thinking about doing a girls night here at the house soon and thought we might could make some shirts for the kids- let me know if you're interested. They are very cheap and easy to make.

Even though we celebrated a little differently this year, it was fun getting to go the beach again and to see everybody that we don't get to see very often. I know that Charlie enjoyed having everybody together.

It's funny that just yesterday we were at the beach looking at the beautiful sunshine, and today I've been watching snowflakes fall from the sky. We're all a little tired, and the kids are borderline sick, so it's a good day to stay inside anyway. Jackson was actually more than a little tired- he went to bed at about 8:30 last night, and slept until 10:30 this morning. I decided to wake him up then because I was getting worried that something might be wrong. He's fine other than a runny nose- I guess he just missed his bed and was glad to be home. I think we all are!

Noah's Thanksgiving Lunch

Today Noah had a Thanksgiving Lunch at school and all the parents were invited to come eat with them. Before eating, his class lined up to sing some Thanksgiving songs. He looked so cute in his little pilgrim hat. He has really learned this year what Thanksgiving is all about. He said they read a book at school that told about the people coming to the new country on the Mayflower and how they made friends with the Indians and had the first Thanksgiving. I was impressed with his first real grasp on history!

All the kids had made some Thanksgiving artwork that we brought home with us today. One was a leaf that he had colored and told about how he would cook a turkey. Noah's said "by cutting all its body off, putting it in the oven to cook, and then eating it." I don't know whether to be disturbed or amused at his graphic description! I guess since he's only 5, we'll just laugh about it!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

10 years ago today David and I said "I Do!". This picture of us was taken after our wedding on the porch swing of our very first house. We look so young and skinny!

It's hard to believe all that's happened over the last 10 years. We've grown from a family of 2 to a family of 4. We had lots of ups and some downs along the way, but I think we can both say we've had a pretty good 10 year start to our marriage. Wonder what life holds in the next 10 years for us? Can't wait to find out!

Happy Anniversary David! Thank you for being such a good husband and daddy for our family!

I Love You!

Sewanee

Yesterday Becky, the boys and I took my parents on a fall color trip to where I grew up in Tennessee. One of the places we always stop and visit for a while when I go home is the Memorial Cross in Sewanee. It is an incredibly beautiful place on the campus of The University of the South that overlooks the valley from Monteagle Mountain. This place has been very special to me over the years for many reasons. Now, it reminds me of more than just home and childhood memories. It represents an especially symbolic meaning it never before possessed for me. In the summer of 1998 on the steps of this cross I asked Becky to be my wife. I decided what better place to start our lives together as one than at the foot of the cross. Physically, we were at the base of a monument in Tennessee. Symbolically, and more important literally, we were at the beginning of our new life together as two Christians soon to be joined as a Christian family. Now we take our sons to the cross and make new memories each time. I began my life just to the east of here; my life with Christ began just a couple of miles west; and between the two at the foot of the cross in Sewanee I began "Happily Ever After" with Becky. What a perfect place.

Happy almost 10 year anniversary, baby. I love you!!!

P.S. I know I am in trouble now for sneaking onto your blog and posting this without telling you.

Election Day

As everybody on TV keeps reminding us, today's election is definitely going to be history in the making, no matter how it turns out. Watching the way things are going at 8:45 tonight, I must admit I'm getting a little discouraged that things are not going to turn out as I had hoped they would. A better way to describe how I feel would be scared and a little nauseated when I think about how the next four years will go if the election goes the way it appears that it is right now. I really hoped America would have better sense than to elect Obama, but it doesn't seem that the general public has much sense. I have a CD playing in the van everytime I get in right now that helped me put things into perspective a little bit. It's an Amy Grant CD- Hymns of Faith and Praise. The song "This Is My Father's World" is on there and a couple of lines caught my attention and I've been replaying the song over and over again because it does bring a very peaceful thought. "Though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet," and "God reigns, let the earth be glad." The lines in this song helped remind me that no matter what happens in our nation and who our leader is, this is God's world, and he is ultimately in control and will be with us no matter what. We have to trust that whoever gains the presidency is there for a reason and God will reveal that reason in His own time. He's our King and any earthly leaders who are put into power will fall away, but He will always be there.

Halloween Pics

Noah and Jackson had a great Halloween! We went to a Halloween Bash at Danny & Marian Cook's house with lots of other people from church. They had lots of food, fun, & games planned, plus a hayride and Trunk or Treat for the kids. On our way out, we stopped by Wendy & Scott's to let Noah and Jackson trick or treat at their house first.

Superman Jackson's ready to try out some trick or treating!

Isn't Noah a cool looking Batman?

Treak or Treat Uncle Scott!

Noah's saying "That's it Jackson- you just knock on the door and they'll give you lots of candy!"

Is it cool for Superman to be caught sucking his thumb?

Mommy with her little Batman and Superman after we wrapped up Trunk or Treating.

Noah got Mummy wrapped!

The fam!

Checking out the loot! Jackson was intrigued by everything he got. Unfortunately for him, but fortunately for Mommy and Daddy, there were several things in there he couldn't have!

We had a really fun Halloween night, but were all tired out when we got home. I didn't have to talk anybody into going to bed! Thanks Danny and Marian (and Sheila and Tanya) for planning such a fun night for everybody! We enjoyed it!