Most Wonderful

This was the best Christmas yet! It had nothing to do with the presents or the snow, but the happiness and health of all of us. And that the snow made us have extra time together that we wouldn't have otherwise.

Well, that and Sister demonstrating her ability to make fart noises with her armpit.  

Merry Christmas!

It's the a week before Christmas! I can't believe it~

The tree is up and becoming undecorated every day~the almost 3 year old thinks he has to ring all of the bells, play with all of the tractors, and throw any 'orndament' that is round.

The treats are made for a few friends/Bible class teachers.

SisterBug is closed til January~although my momma called me this morning wanting something monogrammed.

The presents are purchased and wrapped! And I think I like the outside better than the insides this year.

The rest of the Christmas cards will go out Monday~hopefully.

So, for the rest of this week, we are going to focus on who has already come, rather than who is going to come.  We are going to finish our advent stories each night, make a list of the ways Jesus shows us his love (we already made a list of the ways to show Him our love), sing our favorite church songs, and bring it all back to the one that really matters.

Jesus

May you have a wonderful Christmas!

The Honea Bees

It's Christmas Time!

We are in the midst of Christmas Festivities around here! Sister's Christmas Program was this week at school. She did so good singing the sweetest little songs. Sis was so excited every time they would go in the sanctuary to practice the program because there was a piano in there! She kept saying~"Mommy, we need one of those at our church!" Anyone who's church of Christ knows that will never happen! ha

The music teacher at the preschool is so good! She always searches for songs that are different, easy for the children to understand, and keep the important meaning of the season. God's Love Grows was Sister's main song and it had the sweetest words!

You will all be surprised that I cried~because this will be her last school Christmas program, the last time she will sing or even learn about God at school. I am really not ready for the transition the next year brings.

Buddy LOVED the program and seeing his big sister on the stage...and all of his other friends that go to school there. He will be there next year, Lord willing and I can get him potty trained. That thought also made me cry.

 So, after the emotional Christmas Program, our little family headed over to Nashville to visit ICE! and the Opryland Hotel!

Let me just say that cold does not even describe what the ICE exhibit was. It was even worse than freezing! The kids were done by the second room! WB and I went when we were dating and I don't think I remember my face freezing up so that I could barely move it to speak! My camera was even freezing up! They said it was 2 degrees in there~which is normally my exaggerated degrees when it's cold outside. But, now that I know what 2 feels like, I will be upping my degrees to at least 10. BRRR!

How am I suppose to get my kids to look at the camera when I can't even get my husband to??

They both went down the slide twice then declared they were ready to get out of there!

~The most amazing part of the whole exhibit~

We went over to the hotel to thaw out and this bear was walking around.

Not really sure who he was or what his name was or why there was a bear with a bow walking around, but it seemed appropriate to get another picture of the kids not looking, so why not add a bear. 

After wandering around holding a map that we couldn't understand, we finally found Santa for the 5th and last time this season, I kept WB from wanting to buy some package of pictures with cheap paper ornaments (he is a sucker for a bulk deal), and then...the Heavens opened up and there was this...

A train to ride! Yay! It was the best $6 we spent on the whole trip! And they went around the track over 10 times! Fabulous!

A picture of the kids not looking...add the poinsettia tree!

We knew it would only be a matter of time before this happened~especially when he couldn't walk for trying to pick up the rocks in the walkway. Once the dirt was spotted, it was over.

The hotel hasn't been open that long since the renovations from the flood. There was, of course, no way you could tell there had been water in there. I would say that the decorations were not the same. We did miss the random Christmas paraphernalia sitting around...it wasn't the same Christmas feel as it use to be.

But, overall, we had a blast! If you ask the kids what their favorite thing was, they will say 'Supper at Cracker Bowl and snowman doughnuts!'  And, of course WB bought a whole dozen instead of just 3...because it was the better deal.



Proverbs & Her

As I look through the old photographs, the verses start running through my mind...

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies

Proverbs 31:10

The verses that were written for her~

My Sweet Grandmother

I come upon all of the old newspaper clippings of her accomplishments, and those of the ones she loved.

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

verse 17

All of my memories of our time together start to flood my mind~almost too fast to truly cherish each one. And I start to worry that I have forgotten some.

She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

verse 26

I long to go back to a time~her time~so that I can fully know her~everything about her...

What was it like to be born into such a large family?

To have all of your brothers go off to war and you stay behind to pick up the slack?

To go to college when most women didn't have the opportunity?

And then leave that life to elope with the love of your life and for him to go back to Alaska the next day?

How hard was it to keep such news a secret?

And then for your parents to find out?

Why did you wait 10 years to have your first son? (my father)

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her

verse 28

How hard was it being married to a man that worked so hard in the fields each day?

How did you cook 3 hot meals a day for so many and still have the energy to volunteer in your community?

What was it like to win Woman of the Year?

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness

verse 27

I recall how the two of us would sift through these same drawers of pictures for hours...and you would tell stories of your sisters & brothers, your days on the farm, in the family store, trips to the beach, parties...pictures of the graves of your sister, brothers, your parents.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

verse 25

And I realize I am searching for something~

Something to grasp

Maybe a hand-written note that will answer all of my questions~or just one

Something tucked into this drawer of your life

To bring you back to me for just a short time

So that I can soak you up and never forget.

Because your mind was gone long before you were and I was too young to understand what the years of your illness would mean. Why didn't I write it all down? I still had so much more to experience with you~so much more advise to ask, for you to meet my husband and my babies, to tell me how you made everything look so effortless...

~Instead I have memories~

The smell of your night cream

The positive encouragement-always

The way you loved God

How you would cry at the smallest act of kindness

The way you smiled when he walked in

The respect you received from those who knew you

Your big heart

Your sweet tooth

I cherish them all because I want to be like you~

just like you

The Proverbs 31 Woman

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:29-31

Thankfulness

Over the past week or so I have been posting things that I am thankful for on facebook. I have decided to transfer them to the blog for documentation purposes. There are so many things that I can be thankful for these days, but here are the toppers...

Nov. 18~ I am thankful for some of the best friends in the world! They make me smile, cry, and belly laugh, especially on the days I need them most! God knew what he was doing when he put each of them in my life! I am blessed!

Nov. 19~ I am thankful for the wrinkles on my face and the gray in my hair! It shows that I laugh a lot and have a family that drives me crazy! I am blessed!

Nov. 20~ I am thankful for my little business that I love!

Nov. 21~ I am thankful for God...who is the one that has blessed me so much! Thankful that he is so forgiving...loving...nurturing...and knows how the day will go even before I begin to make my 'plan.' Can't wait to see him face to face!

Nov. 22~ Today I am thankful for my sweet baby boy! He loves tractors, lightening mcqueen, bible class, and sitting on my hip all day. I am so thankful for his laid back personality and his sweet voice that says 'ubb ee too mommy!' Thank you God for my son!

Nov. 23~ Today I am thankful for my little girl who is growing up way too fast! She loves school, driving tractors, all things arts and crafts, and her BB gun. She is such a good helper and loves her brother! Thank you God for my daughter!

Nov. 24~ Today I am thankful for my husband who works so hard for our family! No one can make me mad like he does and no one can make me laugh like he does! I love him~thank you God for my husband!

On Thanksgiving, I will be thankful for sitting at the dinner table with my family, fully bellies, cousins playing in the background,  my daddy's chex mix, lots of love and tons of laughter! My cup is overflowing!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Homecoming 2010

One of our family traditions is to take all the kids to Auburn Homecoming each year. When they get a little older, we hope to stay for the game~but for now, we want them to experience some of the Homecoming festivities that were part of our time at Auburn. Right now, that is Tiger Walk and Ag Roundup.

Our first stop was Tiger Walk~let me tell you how that went...we were right on time! And, by that, I mean we were at the intersection that the team goes through when they shut it down for Tiger Walk. Mom got the oldest 3 out, ran them up there, saw Coach Chizick (said he is short, by the way), then brought the kids back before we had even moved an inch. From the vehicles, we could see the crowd and hear the band. So, I am counting that as a success! Tiger Walk? Check!

(Look, we are working with 5 children, ages 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8-getting out of the house any time remotely close to the goal is a huge accomplishment itself!)

Stop number 2 was Ag Heritage Park for the Annual Ag Roundup! It's sponsored each year by the College of Agriculture and has tons of Alabama grown food vendors set up plus lots of fun stuff for the kids.

Sister's favorite thing was the fishing game. When the little guy asked her if she had fished before, she very matter-of-factly said, "Yes, I go fishing all the time at the lake!" as if she were a little offended by him questioning her experience. He had no idea who he was dealing with!

We saw the catfish man, the catfish car, the milk cow, a few goats, my best friend from AU days, Lex, and his family, tractors~needless to say, the kids were loving it! And, it was freezing! We all were supporting the Tigers under our coats!  But, it was a very fun time! We ended by taking a few pictures, playing frisbe, and rolling down the big hill! I love Auburn!

I love Auburn! I had one of the greatest college experiences that I think you can have the 4 years I was there! I learned so much about myself...I met life-long friends...there is so much about Auburn that I love! I love the atmosphere of football season~the excitement of the games, the stadium, everyone yelling "WAAAAAAAAAAAR Eagle, Hey!" can give you chills, especially if you are in the stands and experience it live! It's amazing! Auburn is a huge part of me and I love that I can share it with my children! I love that Sister says she's going to kindergarten, then she's going to Auburn. I love that Buddy will tell me, randomly during the week, "I wanna watch Auburn Football!" But, I also love that it's not just about the game, or the win, but it's about the place~The Loveliest Village on The Plains. It's pride in my school~

I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.

I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.

I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.

I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.

I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.

I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.

I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God."

And because Auburn men and women believe in these things,

 I believe in Auburn and love it.

And they were...

"The Itchy Witch" (because she says her costume itched)

And Lightning McQueen Pit Crew

Or, as we called him, Ricky Bobby Buddy

*We painted and glittered our pumpkins this year and they turned out really cute...then it rained and there is paint and glitter all over the porch. We will do it again next year, but make sure to put them right by the front door.*

This was the first year that Buddy really enjoyed Halloween! After he went to the doors to get candy, he would run back yelling "Mommy! Daddy! Wook!!" He LOVED it! Sister loved it too of course! She will do anything for candy!

Sis also had her first field trip to the Fire Station. It was fun to see how she interacts with all of her friends at school. It's so much different than last year, for sure!

After she touched the hat, she said she needed germ-x. Must have been gross.

When I asked her what she thought about it, she said "It was fun, but I am very justapointed (disappointed) because I didn't get to spray the water hose!"  Oh to be 4 again!

Fall and all

Fall is my favorite time of year! I guess I love fall because I love harvest time, pumpkins, the trees changing color on the mountains around us, and chilly nights. I also love that it usually is the beginning of my busiest time of year-and the embroidery machine has been smoking every day, let me tell you (and also thank you!). But then, I sound like I have been smoking-since I was born!  There's always a hitch to your favorite things!

Here's our busy month~so far~ in review.

We almost became puppy owners.

Isn't he sweet? When WB once proposed the thought of having a dog, I said "Don't you be bringing home no dog!" (really, just like that) And then he said~it's a free chocolate lab-full blooded, our pick. And I said~you know I love free, but if he doesn't come with a lifetime supply of dog food, a personal pooper scooper, and a free vet, he ain't really free. And, then he said~let's at least take the kids by to see the litter.

So, I saw this little guy with the bum eye, and I was hooked. Buddy said~Mommy, I wub it! The puppy had the sweetest little demeanor. So, then I started thinking about the good parts of having a dog.

Long story short-the Lord stepped in and said "Don't you be bringing home no dog!" and found someone really good for Mister One-Eye and I was ok with that.

Now the kids have moved on to horses. Especially ones with "Barbie Hair" as Sister says.

We had a little time with Mamaw DD (the kid's great-grandmother). Both of them are so sweet with her. She and Buddy 'read' books for about 2 hours.

Our cousins came to town and we checked out the scarecrows.

This was by far everyone's favorite~Buzz-a-ite-ear~as Buddy says.

Christmas card pics should be fun this year. Can't wait for that.

At the beginning of fall break, we headed down to Uncle Bub's with my daddy to see Jay play his last Faith Football game. Some families from their church got together and started a flag football thing kind of like Upward Basketball. There was enough for 2 teams and they practice for an hour, then play for an hour. It was really fun to watch! Jay picked #34-Bo Jackson's number, of course!

Sister had her first experience with a concession stand. She had a ring pop, popcorn, blue sour straws, & gatorade. Not sure how she got all of that with the dollar I gave her. The money was going to be donated to Agape. Sorry Agape, I think you got jipped. I finally had to go get her and make her sit by me-she kept just hanging out over there.

Buddy pushed a truck around the whole time.

Since fall means pumpkins, we headed over to the pumpkin patch. 

The kids loved the 'Cow Train!' (Even though it doesn't look like it in this picture)

WB even got to go with us! Woot!

Sister picked out her pumpkin in no time! I told her to squat beside it so I could take a picture. So, she squatted like she does when she has to go pee pee at the shop. Fabulous.

Buddy took FOREVER to pick his. He couldn't decide-did he want 'BBBIIIIIIIIIGGGGG Big' or 'wee bitty?' He finally decided on this one and then tried to carry it to the trailer.

Mimae came too! I think because she heard there were inflatables!

Buddy always ends whatever event we do with "Mommy, had fun (fill in the blank)" it doesn't matter if it's church, the grocery store, playing with his friends. I can always expect that sweet little sentence coming from his mouth when we leave. I can't even tell you the number of time he said "Had fun punkin patch!" over the next few days. He even told everybody we saw that he "had fun punkin patch!" I guess that rates it top on his fun list! Sweet baby!

Daddy is in full fledge Harvest mode these days, so we went and rode the combine with him last week. He is picking soybeans now (see them behind the kids?).

We rode for about 2 hours and the kids loved every minute of it!

Buddy always cries when we leave the field! This time he cried because he couldn't understand why I wouldn't drive the "purple Mack" home. Bless his little heart.