Fun time with old friends

Occasionally we are able to spend time with some wonderful friends we made from our old neighborhood and church. Jenna is such a dear friend and we don't get to see each other near as much. She has children almost the exact same ages as mine, give or take a couple months. Only she is ahead by one and will eternally remain ahead for those that wonder. Ally and Molli Beth have been best of friends since they were 5 months old and will always consider each other best friends. However, after moving to Pleasant View and them to Brentwood it makes it more difficult with busy schedules to see each other. Jenna also has a daughter, Carrie, Harrison's age. She likes to hang with big sister Ally and Molli though. Then along came Bobby who is actually a year or so younger than Harrison, but they have an incredible resemblance to one another. It is kinda scary how alike they look. However, Jenna and I favor a bit. We were able to meet up only one time this summer, but maybe it's about quality not quantity. Molli went to Bible school with Ally and we went to their neighborhood for a swim after. We had a great time and Molli begs for Ally to come over. It is really hard to explain distance sometimes. Hopefully they will be able to see each other more.

Summer Vacation

In the midst of baseball we managed to fit in a summer vacation to the grandparents. We love having a "low cost" vacation destination. My parents live in South Carolina and the kids LOVE going to MiMi and Granddad's house. There are so many fun things to do there. We enjoyed the beach, the Children's Museum, downtown Charleston, fishing, and hangin with the grandparents.

We're Back!!!!! Summer happenings.

Even though it's been, oh, many months I thought I would just catch up a bit. Baseball pretty much consumed our spring and summer. Harrison's Al-Star team did a fabulous job. It is amazing that 5-6 boys can have such an instinct in baseball. They won their sub-district, went on to win their District against Goodlettsville, and finally placed 3rd in the state of TN in their age category at state. We were all very amazed at their endurance and hard work.

We spent most of our extra time at the pool for some R&R, between games of course. Then it was time for school to start. Molli Beth has done an exceptional job at her behavior, which is an area that we have struggled with up to last year. She has improved dramatically. Harrison had a rocky start, but is now getting the hang of it. I think the shock of having to go "every day" was a bit much for him. He had the same preschool teacher for 2 1/2 years. Change is not something he does easily. However, it only took him 3 days of pulling cards and mastering the "rules" for Kindergarten. He has not gotten in trouble in 2 weeks. We thank God for answered prayers when it comes to Harrison. When looking back at how desperate we thought the situation was last year, we wonder if we have the same child. He is truly a joy (and I didn't think I would ever be able to say that). God has really blessed us with patience and unconditional love in that department. Mommy has had to fill her time so that I don't miss him so much. The first week or so was VERY difficult for me. He had grown up so much and I enjoyed being with him so much. I wished for just a bit more time to spend with him, but now he's a big boy and I have to let him grown up.....as hard as it is.

Well, until next time.......hopefully it won't be 9 months.

Harrison's Bday

Harrison is 5, I can't believe it! My baby is 5 years old. It seems like yesterday I was rocking him to sleep or he was crawling around. Time really flies by. We have had a really rough year this year with Harrison. He has come so far in his behavior. I am so proud of him working so hard. All of the time and effort we put forth has truly paid off.

The boy loves Chucky Cheese. Honestly, I had rather do just about anything else, but it was his birthday and we let him pick the location (within reason of course). Most of his friends were able to come, some couldn't and some got lost, (jk Windee!) He loves his birthday and milks it for all its worth. He got great gifts from great friends and loved being with them.

It is really hard to believe that he will start Kindergarten next year. I hope he's ready.

Children's Christmas Program

Molli Beth was involved in the Christmas program at church again this year. Although her favorite way to participate is to sing, there were not solos this year. She, as well as several other children, had speaking parts. They all did great. MB loves attention and loves the stage. Maybe we can use this to our advantage one day. It was a good program. It helps the children to focus on the true reason of Christmas. With all of the commercialism that is a hard thing to accomplish sometimes. God Bless

2nd Annual Christmas Party

December 5th was our 2nd annual Christmas party. We had a smaller turn out this year, but it is all about quality, not quantity right? We played adult games and had a great time of fellowship and EATING! Dirty Santa did get a bit dirty this year, hence the name! We really did have a great time. Now it's time to start planning for next year, and not waiting until the last minute.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving seemed to sneak up this year. With the Disney trip it came a bit quicker than I was ready for. It turned out fabulous and we had a great time visiting with family. My parents came from South Carolina and my sister and her husband were here from Atlanta. Even though my house is a bit on the small side we all got along reasonably well.

On Thanksgiving Day we went to Travis' family in KY. We had a bit of drama while at his mother's house. Harrison and MB decided to climb a tree, however could not get down. Harrison decided to just jump out of the top of the tree. Well, on his way down he was injured by a limb. That led us the the rural Emergency Room of Russellville, KY, BLESS! They did a great job giving him his 4 stitches. Harrison, of course, would not be Harrison if he did not pick one out on the way home, goodness! Saturday we had Thanksgiving with my family on Saturday, at my house, that I cooked, for 25-30 people. WHEWWW!

Molli Beth's birthday

Molli Beth chose not to have a party this year and instead have a night out with her mom, how sweet! We started the day by having cupcakes at school for snack time. Then after school she got a big girl, 7-year old hair cut. Actually I was hoping to get that baby look to her face like this haircut produced when she was 5, but this time it had the opposite affect. Oh well. We then headed off to Opry Mills. She got a moose named "Holly" at Build-A-Bear Workshop. If you know Molli Beth at all you know her love for stuffed animals. Then we headed to Libby Lou to get her all done up. She also got a Jonas Brothers CD from Carah and a Jonas Brothers t-shirt! She had a blast and so did I. It was nice having her all to myself.

Playdates

The kids enjoyed having some friends over to play, different days of course. I can't handle that much at once. Molli Beth had a great time at the movies and playing with Maddie. Having friends over seems to get easier the older they get.

Harrison and Graham don't get to spend near enough time together. They are best buds and love being boys together. They were rockin on Guitar Hero. Perhaps they will be a new "boy band" of the future. The park was fun but it was freezing.

Basketball

Molli has embarked on a new adventure, basketball. She has a great time and has potential. Her first game was today, Saturday. Unfortunately they did not win, but winning isn't everything. They are teaching fundamentals and Travis is thrilled with that. She also loves the social hour! She looks so grown up out there playing on the High School Court, :(