Did I mention...

that not only does PopPop diagnose ear infections...he can tell if a nose is broken. Thankfully this one is not.

Note to self: bridge of nose + edge of stool = ouch!

Giving Thanks

I haven't updated in awhile because really nothing exciting has been going on. Things have been slow and that's been nice.

We had dinner with Mom, Dad, Susan, and Rob last night. Rob fixed shrimp creole...delicious! The older boys were so well behaved. William was very fussy....ear infection. Today has been lazy...just doing housework. Later we are off to dinner at the Gill's, then Dan, Karen, and kids come over tomorrow for the Iron Bowl. So fun to have family around!

I am thankful for....

These boys....

for Chris who works hard and plays harder. Despite long days at the office, he always comes in ready to wrestle and play with the boys. His love for us is obvious in the way he lives his life...such an example for his sons.

for Philip whose little mind never ceases to amaze me. He's bright but more importantly a truly caring soul.

for Daniel who makes me laugh every day. His smile lights up a room! His heart is big...a peacemaker in this wild house.
for William who is adorable and easy. He smiles at anyone willing to look back. Can't wait to watch his personality develp more.

for my in-laws who love the above boys as much as I do!

for my Dad who listens, offers advice, and diagnoses ear infections at any hour of the day!

for my Mom who is always up for a trip to Chick-fil-A and who is able to be still and listen to me unlike any other person in this world.

for sisters that share a bond of family that is deeper than any other relationship

a brother that has a great sense of humor and understands life with three little ones

for old friends....

and new...

There's so much more....my church, our health, our extended families...I could go on. Hope you and yours have a good Thanksgiving!

Thanks, Ida...

It's 7:30 here...I just traded in last nights pjs for tonights. The boys and I never got dressed today, and it was wonderful! Believe it or not, I don't think we've done that since William was a newborn. Just loafed...inside all day. So thank you, Ida, for being a non-event and allowing us that luxury!

So, what did we do....

played with blocks

made pumpkin bread

did puzzles

played with trucks

fixed this for lunch

(Crimson Tide pasta...given to us for Christmas by Dee awhile ago!)

made up stories with pictures using Philip's vocabulary words from school

splashed in water puddles

Not much to report over the last week. On Thursday, we went to Dreamland to see Big Al. Philip did great...Daniel was skiddish. Didn't scream, just didn't want near Big Al. The real Big Al was sick...his stand in looked a little feminine! Oh well, a good time was had by all.

Chris and I left the kiddos and went to T-town for the day to watch the AL v. LSU game. It was great to get away and spend time with Chris, Susan, and Rob. The victory made it all the better! Wish I had a picture, but we didn't pack the camera.

I missed the St. Anne's art sale at church for the game...too good of an opportunity! I was pleased to find out, though, that all of my burp cloths, bibs, kitchen towels, and gowns sold. Such a good feeling to know your work is worth something to someone! I donated over $150 to St. Anne's and that feels good too!

Philip had Mary over to play last Friday afternoon. They had a great time...played and argued like old friends. Here's a picture of them in the Gator...cracked me up how Mary instinctively got in the passenger side and said, "Drive me, Hup." Hup is how she says 'Philip'.

I like Mary...she's got some spunk. She kept knocking down Philip's snadcastles and smiling afterwards! She's also extremely sweet. In the atrium on Sundays and Mondays, she comes to me, grabs my hand, and leads me to her work. She has had the lesson...just wants me to sit with her while she works with the materials. I think it is so sweet!

Speaking of Mary, we went to her birthday party on Sunday. Both boys were supposed to go, but Daniel had been such a handful that morning. Chris and I decided that if he wasn't up from his nap in time, then we would let him sleep. He didn't wake up, so Philip and I went alone. Afterwards, Philip told me, "I'm glad it was just me and you at the party, Momma. I liked having some quiet time with my friends." So sweet!

Mary dressed as a bride at her 4th birthday party! She's playing "Pin the Veil on the Bride."

GranGran and PopPop are in Cincinnati visiting with the Watsons. I really wanted to hideaway in their suitcase, but my people wouldn't let me. I hope to get up there before Russell is big. Anyways, we miss them! Hope GranGran and PopPop are having a good time and drive home safely!