Country Roads...

We made it to West Virginia...mountain momma...country roads take me home! And yes, the kids sang good ole John Denver the whole way here.

It was a great trip and the kids were champs...I mean really they did better with the 7 1/2 hour trip than we did. :) They were so excited to see Nana and Grandad.

The cabin we are staying in is very nice...it's new which is a plus and beautiful. But there is one slight issue with this place. The only heat source is a gas fireplace in the living room and base boards in the two bedrooms downstairs. Now let me put this in perspective...this house is a 4 bedroom house, two bath...has a loft upstairs...it's not a small little cottage. It's a big ole log cabin people! And this is WEST VIRGINIA...it's cold. Like the high is 27 degrees and there's snow on the ground...how in the world did they build this beautiful house without an adequate heat source is beyond me!

But...on the bright side of things...we are having a great time with James' parents. It's going to be a wonderful weekend and what can I say...we're making memories!

We hope all of ya'll have a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm excited to see what 2009 brings.

Christmas 2008

It has been an interesting Christmas season...for the record...I'm pretty much over Santa. A few days before Christmas the kids received letters from the big guy himself straight from the North Pole. In Abby's letter it said Santa was bringing her a special gift. My daughter looked at me with eyes the size of quarters...and said (grinning from ear to ear)..."Mom, I think I know what Santa's bringing me..." Oh, really...what's that dear (thinking doll, pet shop, maybe a pink ds...) "Mom....he's bringing me a KEY TO THE NORTHPOLE...so I can go visit anytime I want..." Jumping up and down...she believed she was getting the key....my thoughts....ARE YOU KIDDING ME? SERIOUSLY...how in the world am I going to pull this off. I thought about at that minute sitting the children down and telling them the ugly truth...but with just a few days till Christmas I couldn't do it...luckily, Abby is still at the age that we can sway her thinking...so just like any good parents would-that's what we did.

Hayden had changed his mind and decided he wanted the new Sonic Unleashed game and that was the only gift he talked about. The problem was..we found out about this game only a couple of weeks ago...and we'd pretty much finished his shopping. We tried to tell him that he may not get it because it wasn't on his list...his response, "Mom...Santa will know" so what did we do...yep, on the Monday before Christmas we bought the last one at Target.

All in all though...it worked out perfectly and the kids were so excited about EVERY gift they got. They were so funny unwrapping gifts, even the clothes...it was hilarious. "Oh...this is the BEST gift..no, THIS is the best gift...oh, wait...I just LOOOOVVVEEE this."

My dad (Grandpa Jim) and his wife (Donna) celebrated Christmas with us. The kids were so excited to see their "Silly Grandpa Jim"...they think he's hilarious....pretty much because he's a big kid himself. :) We did have a great time with him...I have to mention this because my dad is extremely competitive and he can normally beat me at pretty much everything, until now...I "cleaned his clock" as he would say playing tennis on the wii...it was a very proud moment for me! :)
On Christmas Eve we went to our church's service and then home to open gifts from the family. (Side note...gotta brag about James for a second...he had a calendar made for me with pictures of the kids from when they were little(r)...it was so precious and yes I cried)...We also had a Birthday Cake for Jesus which has become our family tradition.

I usually make a Red Velvet Cake...but this year I cheated and bought a Publix Cake...(I LOVE PUBLIX) I think the kids actually liked it better.


Our other tradition...new pajamas for Christmas Eve...the first gift they open!

Looks like a tornado hit, huh? Nope just the kids opening gifts from all of our family...we really didn't need Santa to visit but the kids wouldn't hear anything about that.

Hayden with his favorite Sonic Unleashed game!

Abby with one of her many Santa gifts-the camera is one of her favorites...we've already had over 100 pictures taken of us...woohoo love those pictures...no key to the North Pole, though...and thankfully she didn't even say a word about it.
I'm going to make a plug here for Leapfrog Tag...which Santa brought to Abby (I just didn't get a picture of her opening it)...the tag is one of the coolest things I've seen. I'm hoping they come out with more books...but it's awesome. Abby plays with it for extended periods of time which is a big thing for her because she gets bored very easy.

Here's a video of Fluffy's Christmas gift...

And the fun is not over yet...we're heading out on Wednesday morning to go to West Virginia. We're renting a cabin and meeting James' parents there (aka Nana and Grandad)...it should be a lot of fun! We're so excited to just get a way and not have to do anything but play some 42...eat good food and hang out together.

We hope that you all had as wonderful of a Christmas as we did...and without being too "churchy"...we pray that the true meaning...the "God loves us so much that he sent his ONE and ONLY son" resonates as the center point of our family and of yours not just during this season but everyday. We love ya'll...friends and family, near and far, old and new...we are so blessed with the people God has placed in our lives...thank you for your love, support and friendship.

Chrstmas Version of 1 Corinthians 13

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchens, carol in the nursing homes, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the tree with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.


Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.


Author unknown

12 years ago...

James sent me a cd from a group called 'Nouveaux'...we were just "getting to know eachother" long distance style (like 2,000 miles apart long distance)...and there was a song called "Maybe Tomorrow", well we dubbed it our song.

Isn't it funny how a song can bring back memories? I don't know what made me think of it but last night I googled it (I no longer have the cd). And it seems like just yesterday I can remember being in Texas driving my car blaring my stereo full blast...yes, I know...corny. I remember having all of my friends listen to the cd because this 'cute guy' from Washington sent it and I thought he was the "bomb" as we used to say in the late 90's. And then I remember sitting in his red truck and listening to it with him when I came up to Washington the summer of '97 as a summer missionary (it was all a cover, shhh don't tell anyone--I just wanted to find out if this thing with this cute guy was going to go anywhere)....I had no idea two months later I'd be engaged to the cute guy. It's funny how a song reminds you of those feelings...and who you were before kids...before marriage...responsibilities...work...before the day in and day out grind got in the way...it's funny how it reminds you of who you still are. That sometimes those things get pushed aside but there still there.

James Jackson...I'm probably going to embarress you (again)....but I still think you're one cute guy and I'm so glad you picked me....I'm so glad that my good friend Dori told you I thought you were cute (even though I thought I was going to DIE at the time)...I'm so glad you sent that first letter and the 40 or so after that (which I still have--boy, we were corny)...I'm so glad you picked up the phone and we ended up running bills that cost us $150 or more. (Which I had to pay all of mine, I still don't think you did)...I'm so glad Garry Benfield let me come to Washington as a summer missionary--even though I think my dad may have helped out in that area...and I'm so glad I told my dad I wasn't going home not to stay anyway. I'm so glad you put the ring in fridge on top of a root beer...and asked me to get you a drink...even though I was thinking "Get off your lazy rear and get it yourself"...but thankfully for once in my life I kept my mouth shut. I'm so glad you were on your knee when I turned around...and I am so glad you asked...I'm so glad you picked me. I know it's not our anniversary...there's no special occasion...but hearing "our song" again...reminded me of all these memories.

For the rest of you...I know this seems corny...I get it...but I did add "our song" to the playlist just in case your interested in hearing a little old school Nouveaux. Here's to memories...

Snow Day!!

It started snowing last night while I was driving home. School was cancelled, the kids were excited...I, on the other hand, not so excited...because unfortunately work doesn't close for snow days! But surprisingly the drive in went very well for me (some others were not so fortunate)...

What I thought was funny is that we live exactly 24.3 miles from LifeWay (where I work) and there was absolutely no snow on the ground downtown, although from where we live it was covered in white...here are some pictures from this morning...

Leaving LaVergne....

Even the dreadful I-24 looked pretty...(and hardly any cars on it...wonderful day for the interstate!!)

At work a whole 'nother story...see no snow! How crazy is that?! (except on my windshield of course)...

Olivia

Please check out The Common Bond....we have added a new family on there...Olivia Wells was born premature this past weekend.

For those of you that follow from the Tri-Cities...this is Matt and Anita Hall and Scott and Renea Well's grandaughter...and she is just precious.

Please check out TCB link on the side and pray for Miss Olivia.

Prayer Request

**Update as of 3 minutes ago...I just talked to James' Mom, Joni (aka Nana to the kids) and she said that the doctor's have released Aunt Debbie to go home! Wooohooo!!! Needless to say, we're super excited. They seem to think it was just a virus that was doing some crazy things to her, but we're just thanking God it wasn't something more serious. Aunt Deb, if you happen to read this...we're soooo thankful that everything turned out okay and we love you! And to the rest of you...thanks for saying a prayer for our family, we do appreciate the support.**


I thought about sending out an email but thought it would be easier to post this on the blog...

James' Aunt, Debbie, who I claim as well
(because she's wonderful...James' whole extended family are the salt of the earth kind of people--I'm blessed to be married into this family...but I'm chasing a rabbit so I'll get back on track now)
...was hospitalized due to some heart issues this past week. She has had numerous tests run without any conclusive results so they are now doing a little bit more of an exploratory procedure. Please pray for the doctor's guidance and wisdom as they perform this procedure. Please pray for her family as well...everyone is pretty much on edge (common sense, I know)...but it's a scary thing when it's your wife or your mom or your daughter in the hospital and the doctors can't pinpoint the reason this is happening. And of course pray for Aunt Debbie...this was not apart of the plans for the Christmas season...I mean we women have shopping to get done, and lists to complete...and it goes on and on...there's just no time to deal with health issues that may arise...but unfortunately things do not always play out like we say they should...so please pray that her health will be restored, that she will regain strength...and maybe even a little patience in dealing with this. Actually, don't pray for patience that is never a good idea...leave that part out. :)

Weekend Update

We had a great weekend...on Saturday night we went to our Christmas program at church called Imagine Christmas and it was wonderful. The kids loved it...Hayden laughed until he cried at one point when they were doing a "new" version of The 12 Days of Christmas. It was hysterical just watching him.

On Sunday night, James built our first fire of the season...and can I just say I love the smell of a wood-burning fireplace. I know gas is so much more convenient and at times I'd love to have a gas fire place for that reason, but there's nothing like the smell of burning wood it's great for the season. I made hot chocolate for the kids and they thought it was so cool to sit in front of the fireplace drinking cocoa.

Two funny quotes from the kids as they sat by the fire:

1.) "I'm a HOT CHOCOLATE DRINKING MACHINE, MANNNNN!" (Hayden)

2.) "Mom, is my back on fire?" (Abby) "No, Abby you're back is not on fire...if it was, you'd know it!"

It was then time for bed, but since football was on Hayden wanted to stay up and watch the game. (He's definitely his dad's son) The thing is Hayden loves watching football...but he always falls asleep within about 3 1/2 minutes from when he lays down to watch it at night. So we told him he could make a pallet on the floor of our room and turn the game on up there...his sister felt it was within her rights to sleep in our room as well as long as Hayden was going to get to. When we went to check on the kids, this is what we found:

Abby made a cardboard box bed...complete with bedding and sleep toys as she calls them.

And this would be Hayden's pallet...except on OUR BED instead of on OUR FLOOR. He got moved.

It was a great weekend.

The Downhill Slide...

Yep, it's official we are on the downhill slide to Christmas...can you believe it? It feels like we were just ringing in the New Year yesterday...where has the time gone?

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and this year I was just reminded of all the things we have to be thankful for--we really are so blessed.

My Mom (aka Mimi to the kids) came to visit from Florida. They had a lot of fun with her...we braved black Friday and hit the stores...but to my amazement (and delight) it really wasn't all that bad. Now, on Saturday--we went to Opry Mills...that was the worst shopping mistake I have ever made and I will never do it again. I thought I might have a nervous break down right there in the middle of the mall--it probably would have cleared people out faster if I had.

Let me throw in a quick little blurb here...Mom and I went shopping...James and kids stayed home...all was quiet in the playroom as the children were so nicely behaving (or so it seemed)...

We had ordered a Christmas gift that came in a box that was taller than me (I know that's not really saying much but you get the idea...it was a big box). James had taken the gift to the attic but had left the box full of styrofoam peanuts in the play room...while the kids were being oh so quiet it seems they may have destroyed the box and flung peanuts ALL OVER THE ROOM!! Notice the two garbage bags...this picture was taken when I got home which the kids were trying very hard (to no avail) to get it all cleaned up. James said that you couldn't see the carpet...did I mention how glad I was that Mimi was there? She and Abby cleaned the whole room while I was taking a nap (no, I did not know she was doing it)...although, I'm still finding styrofoam popcorn around the house-I don't think it will ever completely go away.

Here are some pictures...

James and the kids put the Christmas tree up on Thanksgiving morning...they had been itching to get it done.


Did I mention the kids had fun with Mimi here?

Fluffy will only let James hold him...and yes that's Abby's beloved Pink Nite Nite...but for Fluf she'll share.

James' two little girls...okay, just kidding...Abby's still crowned princess, Fluf hasn't taken that role yet. Of course when we hit the teenage years he may favor the cat over the girl. :)

Just on a side note for those of you that live here in the Nashville area...the Hope Clinic is having a benefit tomorrow night called the Cider Carols. It's a great cause that I feel strongly about and hope that if you're able you'll consider going. Check out their website at www.hopeclinicforwomen.org and choose the link Upcoming Events. I think tickets are $10 per person or $30 for family. They are having a silent auction as well (which I submitted a few pieces of jewelry for...so if you're there place a bid!!) :) I wish I was able to go but James is out of town and it's a school night--you know how that goes! Let me know if you do get to go, I want to hear all about it.