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!

Trick or Treat

Halloween has come and gone! The boys had a great week filled with lots of trick or treating!

On Thursday, we went to the library for storytime and trick or treating at each librarians' desk.

Have a mentioned how much we love Miss Val???

On Friday, Philip's class had their Halloween party. The day before, the boys and I made 4 dozen cookies for the party. I have tried many different sugar cookie recipes...this one was the best!

They trick or treated through the halls of Trinity...stopping at each office. Miss Pat was so sweet to share her treat bag with Daniel...although he became quite confused that the name on the bag didn't have a "D".

Here a few shots with Philip and his friends...

Philip and Pape (well supposed to be Philip and Pape...Claire snuck in!)

Philip and Mary

Philip and Miller (who play firefighter together at school everyday!)

Daniel did not go to school on Friday because his class had six kids out with RSV, one with viral pneumonia, and one with swine flu. I'm keeping him out for a week!!!

After school and naps, we went to the pumpkin patch to get a pumpkin. Kind of late, huh? Oh well...did take some pictures, though keep in mind getting a decent shot of three kids 4 and under is difficult!

On Saturday, the boys went to Butler with Daddy and PopPop to ride the "Big Red" and tour the grounds. While they were gone, I made William's costume.

That night, we headed to the neighborhood party for hot dogs. Then off to trick or treat! By the end of the night, William was done...can you tell???

Rainy Day

Well it was rainy here yesterday. William still had a nasty cough, so we decided to spend the day at home. Have to admit, we don't do it enough. I got sheets changed, laundry done, and then we worked on making some apple butter.

While I did this:

Philip and Daniel did this: Have a mentioned that we love blocks!! Philip is finally getting to where he can build things with these Trio blocks by reading the directions. He will build things over and over with them!

They were very patient while I peeled and chopped. Then they help me pour in the rest of the ingredients. The apple butter is still cooking in my crock pot...can't believe how good the house smells right now! Can't wait to try it in the morning!! I got my recipe from here.

Then we played some games and read some books (and a Toys R Us catalog) in the Thomas tent!

There was a lot of crying, fussing, etc. too, but that's not worth recording. Finally, we went to the doctor's office...Philip's 4 year checkup and William's 6 months. Philip did great. He weighed 34 pounds and was 38 inches tall. He got four shots in addition to the flu mist. I was so impressed with him....took his shots so well...no tears! William didn't do so great....turns out he had an ear infection. He weighed 15 pounds 4 ounces and can't remember how long! He was very fussy, had a low fever, so he did not get his shots. We'll go back next week.

Today we stayed close to home. I did take the younger boys to the playground to play and have a picnic. We also got a walk in. All because William slept until 8:45 this morning. Of course, he, and his brothers, were up in the middle of the night. I was considering making a pallet on the floor in the hall to shorten my trip to each room! We also delivered apple butter to the Carothers and Dee and PawPaw. Hope they enjoy!

Hope all the germs are gone by Halloween!

Can We Build It??

Yes, we can!!

This morning we headed to the Bob Builder exhibit at the Exploreum. First, we dropped of William at GranGran's. He's battling a bad cough, so we thought it best that he get a good nap and stay away from the crowds. He ended up sleeping for four hours over there...may drop him off more often!

Next, we stopped at the Farmer's Market. It's always nice to walk around and see what's for sell. We bought a loaf of Breakfast Bread and a jar of homemade mayhaw jelly. Can't wait to have it tomorrow with the best coffee ever...love our new French press!

Finally, we made it to Bob the Builder. The boys had a ball at the exhibit. Philip was thrilled to see his friend, Claire. Claire's mom informed me that she says that she will one day marry Philip!

Daniel was not thrilled to see the live Bob!

We finished the morning up with lunch at Hero's. Unfortunately, there wasn't a whole lot of napping going on this afternoon. We held our breath through the Alabama game, and put boys to bed.

Time to relax! Tomorrow will be busy. I give the stewardship address at both services...Chris will stay home with William. Then Chris is off to work in the afternoon.... :(. Oh well, at least today was a blast!

Have to end with a picture of the newest nephew, Russell! I think he's perfect!!

Five Little Pumpkins

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate.

The first one says, "Oh my, it's getting late."

The second one says, "There are witches in the air."

The third one says, "But we don't care."

The fourth one says, "Let's run and run and run."

The fifth one says, "Isn't Halloween fun."

Then Ooh went the wind and out went the lights.

And the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!

The boys have both learned this poem at school this year and have loved it! Watching Daniel "run and run and run" is hilarious.

So here are my three little pumpkins before school this morning.

Good week. We welcomed a new cousin, George Russell Watson, into the world on Wednesday the 21st. Haven't gotten pictures yet, but we hear he looks like Daniel! Enjoyed a birthday celebration last night for Daddy...35. Dee and PawPaw joined us for dinner and we thanked them for having and raising such a good guy!

Speaking of grandparents....aren't they great!! Daniel got a day with Dee on Wednesday all to himself. He had a ball playing Candyland and bowling on the Wii. He also enjoyed his trip to Chick-Fil-A. Philip spent Thursday afternoon with GranGran. They watched cartoons and ate PopTarts. How fun! I don't know if the grandparents realize it, but one on one time for the boys is really special. They rarely get it at home with two other brothers, so these times are precious. I so remember my afternoons spent drinking Sprite (never allowed at home) and playing Go Fish with Mammaw. I am grateful that the boys will enter adulthood with their own memories!