Health Issues & the Unknown

The week before Christmas, I went to the Dr. in Houston (2nd visit) because of some health issues. I am scheduled to go back for more tests on Feb. 15, 2008! We are believing for a miracle of complete healing!!!! I will post what it is when we find out ourselves. The unknown is the scariest part for me right now! Please keep me in your prayers!

No Longer in the Single Digits

On December 21st, Ricky celebrated his rite of passage to the "double digit age" of 10. He is so proud of this fact that he started around September reminding me. It is hard to believe that we are parents of a 10yr old.

A good looking 10!

Ricky wanted just a plain chocolate cake with chocolate icing! So, that is what he got! I am not real good at cake decorating but I gave it my best! Kensli had to help him blow out the candles!

Ricky had friends over for a slumber party, and they built a castle made of Lego's while together!

Better Late Than Never

I am not sure where Christmas went! It came so fast and so much happened during that time that I am behind on my blog posts! Sorry, to all who read regularly!

Toby was in Bro. Anthony's illustrated sermon as a wiseman. Here he is with his beard! I told him he looks like an author! Can't you see this picture on the back of a book?

The weeks leading up to Christmas were filled to the brim with baking, Imagine Christmas, Christmas music, decorating, sharing Christmas joy, family, laughing, and just enjoying our time together. This is Kensli's second Christmas with us and the 1st year she understands what presents are all about! Last year she was sick and screamed bloody murder when we tried to take the wrapping off her presents. So, this Christmas was so much fun!

Elli Mulan sitting under the Christmas tree.

Graycie, our big baby cat, went missing around Halloween. Mother gave us this older kitten as a replacement. She is beautiful!!!! She thought the tree was her personal playground this year. Between Kensli and Elli, I feared that the tree wouldn't make the season! Thankfully it did!

Kaitlyn doing a little graham cracker dipping!

Nicholas waiting on the goodies!

Kensli all smiles because she thinks she is getting some of these! Of course, she got her fill!

Imagine Christmas Pictures

Kensli was in Sleigh Ride in the pre-show! She had so much fun! She walked a little dog with J.

Nicholas was in Sleigh Ride, too, but somehow I managed to miss taking a picture of him.

Kaitlyn with Imagine Christmas friends!

Ricky in sheperds costume.

Imagine Christmas friends

Kensli told everyone, that would listen, she had asked Santa for a "doghouse." She really meant doll house and Santa knew what she meant! She was so excited!

On Christmas Eve, Toby's family came and we enjoyed spending some time with them. Then, Toby and I were up until 2 am putting together and wrapping all the presents! Boy, what you will do to make sure their faces light up on Christmas morning!

My family came for Christmas morning and spent two days with us! It was very relaxed and loads of fun!

The night after Christmas, we had our Annual Family Gumbo Supper for extended family! We always have so much fun visiting with those that we haven't seen all year! Some of the family comes from as far away as Tennessee!

Kaitlyn's 8

It is hard for me to believe that Kaitlyn turned 8 this year! Kids grow up FAST!!!!! Kaitlyn was up at 7am ready to open her presents. We got her a CD player, CDs, and case. We have been listening to music ever since...........!

7 am and all smiles!

Admiring her music.

Kaitlyn wanted to go to Chuckie Cheese for lunch! Toby and I tolerate going there on occasion! The noise is unreal and the kids usually leave hyper and irratible! The day was hers, so she got to go where she wanted! Just look at her smiling in the picture below to see how happy!

Kaitlyn wanted her best friend to come and spend the night, so A. came. We had Imagine Christmas practice and we didn't get home until 11:45 pm. It was a real SLUMBER party! Poor girls, they were so tired they couldn't stay up and giggle, talk, etc. and Ricky couldn't annoy them!

Kaitlyn and best friend!

Kaitlyn wanted me to make her birthday cake this year. We went to Kroger and she picked out a strawberry cake with butter cream icing! It was YUM!!!!

Gingerbread House

For the 1st time, we made a gingerbread house for Christmas! It was quite the adventure, trying to get the thing to stand up and keeping Kensli from eating the icing! We had a lot of fun and will make this part of our Christmas traditions every year!

Kaitlyn and Kensli clowning for the camera while waiting for the house to dry!

Nic had to wear his Superman suit for the construction job.

Guess he thought we might have to call on a Super Hero to get it done!

The finished product turned out better than Mom expected!

A Visit to Santa

The Christmas season is here and I have very excited children! Nicholas and Kensli are really into the whole Santa story for the first time. Last year Kensli didn't understand and Nicholas was scared of Jolly Old Saint Nick. This year they both marched up to Santa and told him what they wanted for Christmas. Nicholas could hardly contain his excitment!!! He told Santa he wanted a "gee-tar!" It was so cute!!!

LSU Wins SEC and They Were There to Make Sure

Toby won tickets to the SEC championship in Atlanta, GA. LSU was playing which made the trip even more special! Ricky was so excited that he didn't sleep much the night before they left! Toby and Ricky are such huge LSU fans that it was a dream come true!

Here is what Ricky had to say about the trip and some of the pictures taken.
"The trip was awesome, but I didn't enjoy the ride! I got to see the CNN headquarters and the World of Coke. We saw where the Olympics were held in Atlanta. We spent time with Jeremy, Sam and friends. Atlanta was beautiful.

My favorite part of the trip was the Fan Fair. There I played 3 on 3 football, Xbox football, and a lot of other things. I really enjoyed all the activities!

After the Fan Fair, we went to the game. LSU beat TENN, 21-14!!!! We sat near the band, so the game was really loud. I am glad I got to go!"

Ricky and the tickets.


Playing the newest version of Xbox 360. He beat the guy next to him!

Toby kicking the ball. He made a field goal.

Ricky catching the ball in a game of 3 on 3.

Jeremy getting ready to throw.

Jeremy in action!

Ricky throwing!

Ed and Ricky--TENN fan meets LSU fan!

Ed is a dear friend of the family!

The BAND!

One of Toby's play shots!

(Looks like the same play to me!)
WooHoo! Geaux Tigers!!!!

Toby, Ricky, Jeremy and Sam

The SEC trophy