We Wish You A Merry Christmas...........

Oh, what a wonderful day! When we woke up around 7:30am for Corbin's "Ba-Ba" (bottle), we found Tucker laying on the floor asleep beside the chair where his gifts were laying. Nolan was sitting on the couch watching television. He got up at 4am and somehow managed to bring Tucker along. They didn't mess with any of the presents. They simply looked at them and then Tucker passed out and Nolan watched t.v. until we woke up. What children would actually wait for their parents to wake up. I know I didn't as a child! We began our day by discussing with the boys the TRUE meaning of Christmas in which Nolan quickly said, "Jesus was born!" and then Tucker replied, "Yeah, Happy Birthday Jesus!" We are so thankful they have such wonderful Sunday school teachers to help us guide them in the right direction. The boys enjoyed all of their gifts from Santa. Tucker got a Smart Cycle video game system. Corbin was content with his Reese Peanut Butter Cups. Nolan enjoyed lots and lots of clothes, his very own colonge, and some new movies. We went over to Ted and Gloria's for a wonderful Christmas dinner and a little more Guitar Hero. We ventured over to my family's Christmas gathering with Mama, Brad, Daniel, Andrea, Granny, B.F., and Darryl. We had a great time watching and playing with the boys and their new stuff. This was a wonderful Christmas for our family. We are so greatful to have all of our friends and family in our lives. We are thankful for all that God as provided for us.


...........And a Happy New Year!! From our home to yours!

Twas the Night Before Christmas....

...and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. YEAH, RIGHT! Not in this house! Christmas Eve~We started our afternoon by letting the boys open their presents from Richie and I. We gave them Bible's. Nolan had one but it was becoming pretty ragged so we got him a new one. Tucker had been asking for one to take to "his" church. He'd been taking his bedtime Bible with him to Sunday School. He was very proud of his new one. Santa would later bring them covers for their new bibles. We ventured over to Nanny and Paw-Paw's house for some chili and lots of treats. The boys were anxious to get to their presents. Nanny bought them Guitar Hero: World Tour. It has two guitars, a drum set, and a microphone. I think Richie, Tracy, Ken, Bebe, and myself had more fun with it than the boys! Probably because we kind of took over! Grandma, Aunt Barbara, and Jerry came and really got a kick out of the kids. I'm sure they wanted to take them home at the end of the evening. :) In all we had a great time with the family. Once we got back home and put the kids in bed, Richie and I settled in to watch A Christmas Story. This is Richie's favorite Christmas movie. I guess he is still hoping to get his Red Ryder BB Gun! Santa made his visit earlier enough that mom and dad actually got a decent night of sleep. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!

Corbin posing with one of his presents.

Tucker always likes to stop and smile for a picture.

Nolan playing the drums for "the band."

Tucker striking his rock star pose at the end of the song.

Grandmama and Aunt Barbara with all the kids.

Our New Birth

Richie and I were baptized Sunday, December 21. We are so excited about this new journey we are on in our lives. We were so happy that our families were there to witness our special moment. Richie and I have grown so much as Christians and have been surrounded by so many great people at First Baptist Church. We have had some strong influences in our lives that will help us to continue to grow. We are so thankful for the people God has intentionally put in our lives and we look forward to our spiritual growth. We wish you all could have been there to witness this occasion but since you all could not be there, we have pictures to share. God Bless!

Richie and I waiting to be baptized.

Jason, our preacher, leading us in prayer.

Listening to our testamonies.

Richie taking his dip!

Me taking my dip!

Nolan's D.A.R.E. Graduation

The fifth graders at Nolan's school took part in a 9 week program called D.A.R.E. It stands for Drug Abuse and Resistance Education. The program was led by Deputy Benton from the Newton County Sheriff's office. She spent 9 weeks with these kids a couple of days per week teaching them about drugs and the effects of using drugs. They also learned about peer pressure and how to say no. They completed various activities related to self esteem and other things. They had to write an essay in order to graduate from the program. Nolan really learned a lot during this time and enjoyed every minute of it. We attended his graduation and listened to some great essay's written by some of Nolan's peers. Each student was presented with a certificate. Deputy Benton put together a slide show of pictures of the students during the program and the students enjoyed watching it. We are very proud of Nolan and we pledge to help him stay drug-free and trouble-free.

Our speed walker going across the stage.

Darren the mascot.

Nolan with his best buddy Trey.

Our trip to Bama-Bama!

Richie and his daddy have taken a trip to Alabama for the past 16 years. They visit their friends, well I guess I should say family, the Salters every year during the Thanksgiving season to go deer hunting. Richie started taking Nolan on the trip last year. This year we made it a family affair. Gloria, Ted, Nolan, Brayden, and Tucker left Friday morning and Richie, Corbin, and I left Friday evening. The guys went out hunting Saturday morning and Nolan shot a doe and Richie shot a spike. Saturday evening, Nolan shot another doe. Sunday morning Nolan decided to sleep in so Brayden went with Richie. Brayden shot his first Alabama deer with Richie. Sunday evening Brayden came back in and told Nanny and I he shot two more. In all the boys shot 5 and Richie shot 1. We should be set on deer meat for a good, long while. Tucker didn't care much for hunting. He'd rather stay inside with Nanny and I so he could eat, watch television, and play his DS. We had a great dinner at Butch and Stephanie's house Saturday night. We were able to visit with Johnny, Shannon, Hunter, Ansley, Drew, and Anden. It has been a while since we have seen them. We enjoyed making S'mores on the back deck of Butch's house around the fire pit. The kids had a great time playing. We were able to visit with Joey, Lark, Conner, and Bailey also. They came by the cabin for a visit. I can't believe how much the kids have grown. Bailey is the cutest, sassiest little girl I have been around. We wrapped up our trip grilling hamburgers with the Salters on Monday night. We enjoyed getting to visit with the extended family and look forward to next year. Gloria took a view more pictures than I did. When I get a chance to upload hers, I will post again.

The boys playing at Butch's and Stephanie's.

Butch and Ted grilling pork chops and telling lies!

Corbin enjoying his 1st S'mores!

Tucker and Corbin taking a bath and loving their new Mohawks. Tucker says he wants to wear his hair like this "EVERYDAY!"