Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

The Elves Are Back In Town!

My girls look forward to this time of year each year. But not because Santa is coming but because their ELVES are! Santa sends their elves to them each year when they are done making toys for all the good little girls and boys. They usually come and visit for about 8 to 10 days. Their names are Caroline and Elliott and they can stir up a lot of mischief at our house. The girls LOVE it! They showed up this past Friday wrapped in Frosty the Snowman wrapping paper and each one had the girls favorite candy. Since then they have been ringing in the Christmas cheer. Here are some of a few things that they have done already. I'm sure I will have more to share later...stay tuned!



Caroline & Elliott always come bearing gifts.




This prank might not have been so bad if they would have actually washed some clothes while they were sorting or slinging clothes all OVER the laundry room!!!



We left for Cullman Saturday morning and while we were gone the elves thought they should go into Ashlyn's room and play tic-tac-toe on her bed. That is where we found them when we got back that afternoon.






Last night Elliott & Caroline thought it would be fun to watch a movie (8 Below & The March of the Penguins) while they had a popcorn fight in our living room! It was all over the furniture and the floor. Needless to say, Miley (our dog) couldn't control her sniffer even after Ashlyn picked up all the popcorn! Thanks Caroline & Elliott!!!

Sunday Morning Pics

Here are some pictures we took this morning before church. We didn't have time for a group photo!

Raise your right hand...

and repeat after me.

"I solemnly promise that...

• "I will not hit, act like I am going to hit, shove, punch, push or lean on my sister."


• "I will not call her names, look at her wrong, tell her that her breath stinks, or that her teeth look like the Grinch's Who Stole Christmas (because she has braces)."


• "I will not fight about who Mom loves the most or who she thinks is the prettiest."


• "I understand that if I DO NOT abide by these rules, I will not be included in the family Christmas picture."

This actually worked...haha! So here is a look at our little photo session.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!!

This last picture was staged by the girls. They had to let out all of that pent up sisterly aggression that I made them promise not to bring out in our photo shoot.

Must We???

Ok, every Sunday after church we get in the car and it starts. I want to go to Posey's. No I don't want to go there AGAIN. Well it was my turn to pick because Lizzie got to pick last Sunday and we went to POSEY'S. I wanted to go to Red Lobster, but Lizzie thought that if she leaned to the right side of the car it would automatically switch to the right lane and be able to turn into Posey's parking lot. Well I switched to the right lane and she was doing CHEERS in her seat. I told her just because I switched lanes doesn't mean that we were going to Posey's. She seemed really confident that she would prevail. Lizzie LOVES Posey's buffet and Ashlyn just likes their chocolate cake (me too!).

I look at Todd and say, "I really don't want to eat here either, but it would be quicker." So I slowed down and turned in. At that very moment, Ashlyn pulled out something that she learned in church, but I'm not sure you are supposed to use it in this manner. It was HILARIOUS!! She said, "Lead us not into temptations, and deliver us from Posey's." There isn't much to say after that... We like Posey's but not EVERY Sunday!!! Sorry Ash!

Our Thanksgiving Day

We couldn't wait to get over to my Mom's house this Thanksgiving. The girls have wanted to see their cousins for a while now. Needless to say when I stopped the car in the driveway, we all jumped out and tried to be the first one through the door and snatch up baby Wyatt. We all look like we are at the front of the line when they open the doors of your favorite store on Black Friday. Just to get to where we think the goods are and they are already out...Wyatt was asleep!!

We wanted to see Loren too of course, but you know what a sweet little 6 month old can do to ya. My girls didn't leave his side except when he was sleeping and even at that Ashlyn kept going and checking on him. She was really good at hearing him cry (probably because she wanted to hold him when he got up). He is an angel with the sweetest blue eyes. He is a good baby and you just can't get enough sugar from those sweet chunky cheeks.

Lizzie loved rubbing Wyatt's sweet noggin, but if she keeps it up he might lose the little bit of strawberry blonde hair that he has! Then it was time to feed Wyatt and he had three Mommas begging to feed him (Ash, Lizzie & Loren). Ash is the oldest so she got to do the honors. Lizzie and Loren whined so they got to wipe his mouth (one with a wet cloth and one with a dry cloth). Poor baby Wyatt he had sweet potatoes wiped from his chin to his hair line, but the whole time he just smiled.

My Dad (Popa) promised the girls that if they cleaned their plates at lunch he would take them outside to swing in the tree swing. That was all the incentive they needed and they didn't let him forget it either.

My Grandmother was also with us and she enjoys all of her Great-Grand babies. I also had to get my hugs and kisses from Wyatt and it almost makes me want to have a baby boy of my own...almost!

Be Thankful

We hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

If You Post It...

Lizzie will give you another smile!! I showed Lizzie Grace the post I did because of her sweetness. She thanked me for putting her in my blog. Once again after she got on the bus this morning, I went to get ready again, and SURPRISE...

PRAISE a child and they will give you a smile and their HEART!!

A Smile From My Baby!

After Lizzie Grace got on the bus this morning, I walked into my bathroom to get ready for the day. There on my bathroom counter was another sweet smile from my baby! It MADE my day!!! Lizzie is the love note writer. She writes me love notes and thank you notes almost everyday.

I had told Lizzie Grace to go and put some chap stick on her lips, so she goes into my bathroom. It took her a little longer than I thought it should and when she came out I said, "Everything ok?" She said yes and gave a little smile...I thought nothing of it. She must have known I needed another one of her sweet smiles after she left for school. THANK YOU LIZZIE & I LOVE U 2 !!

(I had cleaned out my bathroom drawer and found

lots of safety pins that Lizzie used in her artwork)

Where are the Kleenex?

I had a WONDERFUL morning sitting among some of our country's finest Veterans. Ashlyn's school has a Veteran's Day Program every year and this year I wanted to go and see it for myself. My Dad went last year and it really touched him. Mr. Headen (Assistant Principal) welcomed us and then we had the invocation. After that, Mr. Phillips, who is a teacher at the school and a Vietnam and Gulf War Veteran, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Glee Club sang the National Anthem. They had a guest speaker, who was retired U.S. Army and Alabama National Guard (Sergeant First Class), Mr. Carney.

He did a terrific job showing our kids how to respect the flag, the National Anthem and our Veterans! Mr. Carney involved the kids in his speech and let them have a voice. Ms. McDonald paid a tribute to the Armed Forces by showing pictures of the faculty's and student's family members who had served or was still serving our country and fought for our freedom.

My favorite part was when my Dad got to stand when he heard his song being played by the band. He knew immediately when the first notes started what he was listening to. I have to say at that very moment I couldn't have been prouder of my Dad!! I never knew or saw him as a soldier (only through pictures) and it is hard for me to wrap my head around the battles and the heartache that he had to go through and still be Army strong!

At the end the band played Taps and if you weren't in tears before you were now. I can say that when I turned around to look at Ashlyn (who had to sit in the bleachers, and not with us) I could see the tears and I was thankful that her heartstrings had been pulled today just like mine. I hope she realizes how proud she should be because she has two Grandfathers (Alvie & George) and one Great-Grandfather (Pa Croft) that fought for the freedoms that she has today.

You are a lucky girl, Ashlyn!!

We Are Grateful

My Dad (Alvie) at the Vietnam Memorial


I would like to say thank you Dad for serving this great country of ours! My Dad was drafted into the Army and was sent to Vietnam. I am proud of your bravery and dedication to our freedom. But you know you are always my hero! My Grandfather (Pa Croft) served in World War II, he is no longer with us, but he is thought of on this day. We have so much to be thankful for. We should be most thankful that there are men and women that put their lives on the line everyday so we can enjoy this wonderful country we live in. Take a moment today to thank our Veterans! I LOVE YOU DAD!!!



Arlington National Cemetery



The World War II Memorial

They're BACK!!

I love the vibrant colors of Fall, and I enjoy the warm weather that we have had and probably shouldn't be having at this time of year. I think that when the leaves fall off the trees that it is just as beautiful as snow falling, but then I walk out my back door and see this...

YIKES! This is one battle that you just can't win at this time of the year. I can stand out there and get every leaf out of the pool and go back in and I promise those leaves wait til the door shuts and jump right off the tree...taunting me...haha.


Lizzie came home today and I was vacuuming and I notice that she wasn't in the den. I stopped and went looking for her. She said she didn't feel good when she got home and wanted to lay down in my bed. I said ok, and told her I would be done in a minute. When I went back to check on her, she looked like this...
As much as I LOVE Spring and Fall, they are usually very short. If this is any indication of what's to come, I think Old Man Winter is on his way to town! It's time to get ready for a couple of months of my stomach hurts, my nose is running, it hurts to swallow, my head hurts, and any Moms all time favorite, I think I am going to throw up!! Here's wishing you a healthy holiday season!! :)

Everyone Deserves...

a CHANCE. That is what I told my children this morning when they came to me upset that the person they "VOTED" for at school didn't win the election. I was glad that they got to "participate" in this historical event in our lives. I do hope that with this election comes the change that has been promised to us. We should be proud of this country, and the people that have fought to give us the freedom to have a voice and to give someone a chance.

Never A Dull Moment Around Here!

Go EAGLES!!

Last week Ashlyn started her basketball season with a tournament at Buckhorn. They won all 3 of their games beating Central, Madison Academy and New Market. This Saturday they had a tournament at her school and they beat Gadsden (38-5) and Davis Hills (39-17). They play so well together and I LOVE to watch them. Their first regular season game is tonight against Hampton Cove. I will post results on all her games. Here are a few pics of her and her teammates.

UPDATE: Ash's team actually played Madison Academy instead of Hampton Cove (found out Hampton Cove doesn't have a 7th grade girls team). They won again and that makes 6 in a row!! Way to go Ladies!

Then yesterday (Nov. 2nd) Lizzie Grace wanted to get her ears pierced. She has asked since Spring, but she has been in ball and that wasn't a good time to get them done so I took her yesterday. She was such a big girl and she absolutely LOVES them! Again, where does the time go? One minute you are coming home from the hospital with a sweet bundle of joy and then the next thing you know they are asking to get their ears pierced!! I love you girls!!

My Happy & Sad Halloween

It has finally happened! The day every Mother knows is coming. The day your first born says, "Mom, I think I'm just going to dress up and hand out candy this year." Ok I say, as I remember when I wanted to do the same thing at that age, but also trying to hide my disappointment. She is growing up too fast for me, and I DON'T LIKE IT! We carved pumpkins on Halloween after Ashlyn got home from having her basketball team pictures made, and then they got all gussied up for the night. We even dressed up our dog Miley (not that she was too happy about it). Ruthane came over with Emma and we went trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. We called Todd twice (he was with Ash). Once to bring us some socks (for Emma because you know a girl has to have on the perfect shoes w/ your outfit, but they hurt your feet) and then again to come and get us because it got really cold, really fast and we were at the other end of our neighborhood (which is a long way from our house when you are walking!) We had a great time and Ashlyn did a great job scaring the kiddos and then giving them candy. I hope you and yours had a wonderful Night of Fright!!


Ash calls her "Yo Diggity Dog"


Lizzie & Emma

Lizzie's 1st Field Trip In 1st Grade

Chillin' in the Corn Crib

It's that time of year again, time to load up on the bus and head to Tate Farms to pick out the perfect pumpkin. This is Lizzie's 2nd time to go since she has started to big girl school, but her 1st field trip in 1st grade. Todd and I went with her and had a great time! Their class got to play in the hayloft, playground, corn crib, in the hay maze, pet some farm animals, took a hayride to the pumpkin patch, and had a picnic lunch. After lunch they played duck, duck, goose before loading back up on the bus. The weather was perfect and we brought home the perfect pumpkins. What more could you ask for!

Just JUMP!

Can I get a little help here???

Mason, Maggie, Lizzie & Bella

Gem Dawgs Ball Party

Coach Jean & Lizzie Grace

Lizzie Grace's ball team had their end of the season party at our house on Saturday (25th). We had a really good time, well it's hard not to have a good time with 15 giggling girls!!! Our party was a Halloween Scavenger Hunt. They came dressed up and then we all loaded up on a trailer and went from house to house searching for the items they had to collect to get their trophies. They got everything on the list and then headed back to the house to eat. After we ate we gave out trophies, and this is where I have to brag a little bit. The Gem Dawgs went 10-1 and came in 2nd in the county! But to make it a little sweeter, our girls were playing up in an older division against older girls because we had 5 girls on our team that were older. So they did an excellent job! WAY TO GO GIRLS!!! After trophies we had cookie cake and handed out goodie bags. It was a great season! I love to watch Lizzie and her friends play ball. I have told her and Ashlyn many times that I could watch them play all day everyday. It amazes me what my babies can do, because it wasn't that long ago that they were just babies :)

Lizzie Grace & Abby

The Gem Dawgs

As I promised...

here is an updated since my last entry. Ashlyn had a real experience while trying out for her middle school basketball team but in the end she MADE it!!! YEAH :) She has practiced everyday and afternoon since. She starts her games at the end of October and finishes up at the end of January.

We had a great Fall Break in Disney, but a break is NOT what I would call it!! We were up everyday at 6:45 and and at the park by 8:15. We usually stayed at the parks all day or we would jump from park to park. We made sure we saw all the park openings and all their closings. We thought Fantasmic was the best at MGM! It became a ritual that it had to rain every evening before the finale at each park. So we would sit for 2 hours or more in the POURING rain (with ponchos on) waiting for ending. As soon as it was time for the show it would stop raining (every time!) But I told Todd that at some point there came a time when the poncho became useless and we were all soaked even though we still had our ponchos on. For $7.00 a piece those WDW ponchos should have been soak-proof!!

I almost forgot, the girls got to open the park at Animal Kingdom. They were picked out of the line and asked to do the countdown to open the park. They got to shake tamborines and wear shirts like the employees. They thought they were something :)

I do have to admit that some of my most memorable moments were when we were sitting in the rain and the girls were dancing and laughing and trying to make the most of the situation. That was fun!! I was also impressed that my girls LOVED the ride "It's A Small World". That shows the innocence's of children. Lizzie rode her first BIG girl roller coaster "The Rockin Roller Coaster". She was so excited that she was tall enough!! This roller coaster went upside down and in a corkscrew. I was proud of her! She loves to ride and that is great because we all love to ride too!

We finally got the nerve (or should I say me and the girls got our nerve) to ride the Tower of Terror. I can ride any roller coaster, but I am not a huge fan of having my stomach come up into my throat! This ride is supposed to take you up 13 stories and drop you at random times. Well it was time to prove that we were real women so we stood in line and acted like we weren't nervous. After the first drop we looked at each other and said the "Rockin Roller Coaster" was better than this! So we went and rode it again...haha.

Todd thinks that we walked about 80 miles while we were there and we probably did, but I didn't see any drastic weight loss...haha. Needless to say we had a blast and we would love to go back (maybe in a few years) or when Todd and I get the feeling back in our feet!

Slacking...

or should I say packing! We are getting excited about going to Disney, but boy is there a lot to do and think of! The girls have been counting down the days. I just wanted to update everyone on a few things.

First of all, Ashlyn tried out for the basketball team last week for 3 days and was supposed to find out Wednesday if she made it. Well, there was a girl that was sick 2 of the 3 days so the coach is making them try-out again this Monday & Tuesday so the other girl can join them. Needless to say, there were a LOT of unhappy girls, mine included. Todd and I both told Ashlyn to leave everything on the court and she did just that! Now she will have to leave it on the court this week too...bless her heart!

Next to our little slugger. Lizzie's little coach pitch team has gone undefeated this fall season and we are thrilled about that since our girls had to play up in an older division. Our tournament starts when we leave for Disney so Lizzie will miss it. I know she would love to be at both, but Disney has won out this time...haha

Stay tuned for updates on Ash & Lizzie Grace and pictures from Disney!!!

Picture Day

This past Friday was picture day at Lizzie's school. She picked out the outfit she wanted to wear, but she also remembered that her P.E. teacher's said that if you went to the Autumn Chase Fun Run and got a t-shirt you can wear it to school! So when I sent her to school she looked like this...

When I went to school to eat lunch with her (and before P.E.) she looked like this...

(Ok, maybe not that bad!) She still had her hair down and in those cutesy curls. And instead of the jeans she had her CUTE pantaloons on (see pic on the right) but she was sporting the Autumn Chase Fun Run shirt (left). I can say she listens to her teachers!! And for those of you that know me well...I didn't say a word to her about her change of clothes. I have learned a lot over the years of raising kids and this just didn't deserve a comment. I actually laughed!!!

Run Girls Run!

The girls and I, along with their Nana (my Mother) went to our first Autumn Chase Fun Run (sponsored by Huntsville Hospital). Boy, we were not prepared to see that many people there! Lizzie's race started at 4:15 and we were in a LONG line of traffic at 3:45 trying to get into the event. Finally, after wondering how we were going to get registered and Lizzie to her event, my Mom said, "just stop here and get out and I will park the car". So, like any good daughter, I did what my Mom said and got out with the girls and ran to register them. Lizzie made it to her run with about 5 minutes to spare.

Ashlyn ran with Lizzie (keep in mind this is a mile long race) and then she ran again for herself around 6:35. After Lizzie's race we sat in the shade, ate, and soaked up the beautiful afternoon. I was so proud of the girls! Lizzie came in 8th and Ashlyn came in 17th. There were A LOT of kids in both races but Ashlyn had a lot of competition from the track teams and soccer players.

This was such a great cause and we will definitely be there again next year (just a little earlier...haha)