Pump It Up

On Wednesday, November 26, 2008, we took the cousins and Xander to Pump It Up. We had a great time!

Nolan



Xander



Brianna



Pam, Xander, Chris, Dillion, Joseph, Brianna



Pam and Nolan







Emily and Nolan



Brianna



After Pump It Up Brianna and Nolan went home. Joseph, Chris, and Xander went to meet Jared and some others to go out to eat and watch The Dark Night again. Church was on Tuesday this week so don't think we skipped! :) Pam, Erica, and I went shopping til 10:30. We had a good time and got a lot done. We ate at Zaxby's per Erica's choice. She loves hot wings!
Thursday was Thanksgiving and we went To my cousin Jeff's for lunch. Andy and Jenny met us there, so it we got to have both our families there, or some of them at least. :) Friday I got up for the Black Friday mess.It was fun, I guess. I ended up going alone which was ok, but I was on a mission for two things and they both ended up not the what I wanted. First, I wanted to get an mp3 player for Erica, but I accidentally got the accessory pack instead of the actual player and when I went back they were all gone. A lady actually got the "player" for me so I could get the portable dvd player. So, secondly, I did get the portable dvd player, but it is junk so it's going back. So I ended up not getting my two big items; however, I still get the silly rush from being up that early to shop. Later that morning mama, Pam, and I started to Ga with Dillion and Erica to take them home and have Thanksgiving with my grandparents and Aunt Kendra and Uncle Eric. Jared and dad came later when they got off of work. We had a good time in Ga. We played games, shopped a little and ate a lot! Fun! Fun!

Cousins

Sunday night (11-23-08)I had four great guests spend the night! My cousins Dillion (13), Erica (9), Brianna (10), and Nolan (7). We stayed up until 1 am. Well, when I say we, I mean they stayed up and I was on the couch coming in and out of sleep! We woke up Monday morning, had breakfast, played checkers, computer games, and Wii. Next we made crafts, those little plastic bead things that you put on a template and then iron to make them fuse together. Then we went over to Pam and Joseph's to play Disney Scene-It, eat popcorn and ride the rope swing Joseph made. Next we went to see Joseph at KB Toys and let the cousins pick out their Christmas gifts. After that we stopped by and picked up Xander and went to eat at Mama's for dinner. At first Xander announced that he would be sleeping with Jared that night. He was SO excited and kept saying it over and over. Jared came in the kitchen and said would someone tell that kid that I am not joking when I tell him that he is NOT sleeping with me. It was funny! Mama told him that he should sleep with Erica because she sleeps wild like he does. He quickly changed his mind and said he would sleep with her. While at Mama's the girls started chasing Xander around the house and treating him as though he were a baby. If you know Xander, then you know he usually thinks girls are pretty gross, but that night he fell in love with Erica! We headed on to my house and I went from 4 to 5 kids (remember we added Xander, he would not be left out of the madness!) We stayed up til 1 am again, playing the computer and Wii and watching movies. Erica had been having fun "taking care of" Xander. Erica had got Xander's pj's out of his bag (he insisted on putting his pj's right before he went to sleep. I guess he thought when he put them on then he would have to go straight to bed!) Anyhow, in his modest ways, he shooed everyone from the room while I changed his clothes. I was finishing up putting his pj's on when he grinned sheepishly at me and said, "Emily, I just can't stop hugging and kissing her (Erica)!" I replied with, "Oh goodness, what does this mean?" He yelled back, but grinning all the while, "Nothing! We're just friends, OK!" And then ran from the room. Well, I finished putting his things away and then started back to the livingroom when I noticed the dining room door closed. I opened the door and found Erica and Xander. Erica said that Xander wanted to tell her a secret. I told them when he was done they were to leave the door open and come in the room with the rest of us. I went and put the movie in. Erica came up to me and whispered, "Do you want to know what Xander just said to me?" "Sure," I said, I mean I was curious and figured it was something silly anyway. She said, " Xander said, 'If you marry me, I'll give you $50 bucks!'" Now we all realize he is in love! Erica said that he was NOT sleeping with her, so he slept on the floor between me and Dillion. Erica slept on the other side of Dillion! Bri slept in the bedroom and Nolan on the couch while Jared snoozed in our bed. We were gonna go to Pump It Up, but I got the free play times mixed-up and besides, Bri and Nolan called to ask their mom if they could stay one more night. She said yes so we decided to play for the day and go to Pump It Up the next day. We made more bead thingys and Pam had sent foam picture frames and foam shapes and paint so they all made one of those. Pam and Joseph stopped by and brought what they called "reinforcements"-in the form of Chris! The guys played Wii (Alex brought some more controllers and stayed for a short bit) while the kids painted plaster of paris figurines.


This is the cat that Xander painted for me!



That night we had church and then the kids spent the night with Pam and Joseph. They had Chris stay, too, for reinforcements! I told them that during the day it was just me with all five and that they are three to five- no fair! They said I was crazy and they were smart enough to out number!

Xander's Birthday Party at the Church

Sunday, November 23, 2008, we had a birthday party for Xander after evening worship. We had so much fun getting it together. If you know Xander, then you know he loves any and all super heroes! Mama cooked spaghetti, corn, and garlic bread. Jared and I did the decorations. We had Batman, Spiderman, and Transformers streamers hanging from the ceiling and running down one of the tables. We had a giant scene of Marvel comic characters on a picture on the wall that said "Happy Birthday" and a Scooby-Doo inflatble that said "Happy Birthday." We had him a Spiderman birthday hero badge and had Spiderman and Optimus Prime masks for the kids. Mama had candy everywhere for the kids as well. Pam and Joseph baked and decorated a conglomerate of super heroes including Transformers, Superman, Spiderman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Batman. It was too cool! Dillion and Erica were here and they helped Jared decorate. Everyone was so generous! He received a ton of fun gifts! Thanks friends!


This is when he first came into the fellowship hall. He was running and jumping and screaming in surprise and excitement! It was worth all the work at that moment!







The cake

Xander's 5th Birthday Party at Chuck E. Cheese

Last Saturday the Little Man had his 5 th birthday party. We all had a great time at Chuck E. Cheese!

Xander playing a game!


Me and Hannah playing Deal or No Deal

Pam playing Deal or No Deal

Hannah playing skee ball

Ian

Joseph playing skee ball

Jared

The Spiderman cake

Addi

Levi

Pimp Yo

The Friday before Thanksgiving, Pam, Jared, and I went out to eat at Olive Garden and run some errands. We stopped by Burlington Coat Factory because Pam needed a new coat. When we were on our way out of the store, Jared spotted this pimp fur coat (for men) and had to try it on. This isn't a great picture (for many reasons :) ) because it was taken on my cell phone.

Sunday's Blessings

Last Sunday we went to Friends and Family Day at Roebuck Church of Christ. My dad's family all go there. My uncle said if we come, then we'll all get to get at the front of the food line at the fellowship meal! lol He's silly! My parents couldn't come so it was Jared, me, Pam, Joseph, and Xander. Xander thought the church and everything about it was "awesome!" He was especially excited to get to see Chandler. As we were walking up the stairwell to find a class for Xander, he was fascinated with his echo and proclaimed that it was the "coolest thing ever!" He went right in to class like the big boy he has become and we were so proud. Chandler was not there yet and Xander didn't know anyone there, yet he was happy to be there. It is our prayer that he will always think the Lord's church and people are awesome and will grow into a christian young man. As Jared told Sister Cagle later that night in reference to bringing Xander to church, "Well, we love him and we want him to go to heaven!" AMEN! Anyhow, after class we sat in the balcony (Jeff sits up there because Chandler is a little loud you might say!) :) When we stood up to sing Xander yelled, "Jojo, I can see my house from here, can you?" lol We were facing towards some windows. He even sang along with the worship songs and it was the most beautiful sound to hear! He had a blast and I was near joyous tears all morning as Jared, Pam, Joseph, and I would give each other looks- we were all proud of the little man!
Wait... as I type Xander is sitting next to me on the couch watching SpiderMan and he says, "Emily...I love you!" It doesn't get any better than this!
Anyhow, Xander wanted to go home with Jared until the youth devotional. We listened to the "Secret Agent Man" theme song, btw, Joseph told Xander that morning on the way to church that the song was about him. Joseph told him his secret agent name was "Secret Agent X." Then he would sing the song to him. I have the theme song on a cd in my car so we listened to it a gazillion times from Roebuck to Adamsville! He thinks the singer is Joseph! Nice compliment, eh?? :) So, if you see Secret Agent X, do not blow his cover! He is out to fight the bad guys of the city! So...shhhhh...his identity is TOP SECRET!
Well, we stopped by to pick up Keri for the youth devotional, (she got to hear Secret Agent Man, the lucky duck!) and Xander accidentally let it slip who he was, but Keri promised not to tell anyone!
Xander got to ride the church bus for the first time and really enjoyed it! He started off sitting in front of me next to Keri. At one point he turned and looked at Keri and said, "Why is this bus going so fast?" lol We had a great time at Logan Martin Church of Christ! John Rice did a fantastic job, as always! Xander did GREAT! The crowd maxed out at 262 people!!! The ladies at Logan Martin C. of C. had prepared sloppy joes for 200! They ended up having to go out and get pizzas as well! There were chairs in the aisle and the singing was BEAUTIFUL! I am so glad we went! While we were there, Jared told Keri that she had to introduce herself to one person she didn't know before we left. He reminded her of this when we were on our way out and told her she could not get on the bus until she met a new person. So Keri walked up to a lady and said, "Hi, I'm Keri, he's (pointing at Jared) is making me meet one person before I can go home." Nice Keri! lol Jared told her that she did not fool him and that next time she had to meet two people and they had to be her age!
Monday, during the faculty meeting at work, I get a call from none other than David C.! He was letting me know that Mark Wylie was gonna baptize Keri that evening at the church! We were so happy for her and the big decision of becoming a christian! Several of us got to witness this important step in Keri's life! I pray that Keri continues to be a great example to others! We love you Keri!

A Blustery Fall Day

I just love this time of year when the air gets cooler, the leaves are changing, and fun times with family. I love my drive to and from work. My drive is mostly lined with trees on both sides of the road. I really enjoy my fall tunnel as I drive! It is so beautiful to see God's handiwork and a great reminder of all He's made. The last couple of days have consisted of a nice wind that stirred the colorful leaves up. As the leaves fell it looked like confetti being thrown up into the air and again, it was so beautiful!
Today Jared and I went over to Pam and Joseph's to visit and have lunch. Pam made a delicious meal of chicken picatta. Then we went outside and played on the rope swing that Joseph made. He would hook us up to his rock climbing harness and then attach it to the rope. Then he and Jared would toss us around as we swung in the air. It was so much fun! They really had fun pushing Pam so that she would slightly hit the bushes and then come flying back. It was funny because she would just laugh and laugh. We had fun goofing off like the big kids we are!
Jared, Andy, and Casey are here now watching the Alabama game. From the sounds of the hooting and hollering I conclude that they must have won...yep I just went to ask Jared and they did indeed win! Roll Tide!

Book Character Day

Yesterday was Book Character Day at school. We were to dress as our favorite book character and bring the book in with us. I went as Harry Potter. I had fun pointing my wand at my students when they walked up to me and yelling, "Expecto Patronous!" at them. They would laugh and give me a look like I was strange weirdo. They had no idea what it meant. I told them it was a force that kept them from coming any closer to me. They would laugh and then go sit down so I guess it worked! FYI, it is the spell that keeps the death eaters from Harry Potter. Ok, so I am a big dork and I know it! Joseph told me I was made to be a teacher because I enjoy doing these kinds of things. lol




Several of the other 2nd grade teachers dressed. We had Harry Potter, Johnny Appleseed, Puss in Boots, Fancy Nancy, and Amelia Bedelia!

My 5th Grade Scholar

Monday night Jared and I went to see my sweet cousin, Brianna, receive an award. The program was called the 5th Grade Scholars Awards. To qualify you must have a certain score on your SAT's as well as have very good grades. I am so proud of Bri and can't wait to see what her future holds!


Here's our scholar!


You may not recognize her without her curly locks!


Nolan annoying his sister!

During the program they honored the veterans in that were there and had them stand. This included my uncle!
Afterwards we had dinner at Pizza Hut with Brianna, Nolan, Stuart, Dawn, Uncle David, and Aunt Edith.

Pictures of the Bent-N-Dent Store

Here are the pictures I promised from the previous post, Redneck Tour of Alabama!

Redneck Tour of Alabama!

I woke up bright and early this morning to join Mama, Daddy, David, & Susan. We went to the redneck capital, Collinsville. We got several good deals, laughs, and some fresh produce. Then on to Catfish Cabin for lunch. Next was our bent-n-dent grocery tour. I really find these stores very interesting! You just never know what you'll find or where you'll end up! My favorite bent-n-dent was the one where we are driving through a residential area and then pull up to a single-wide trailor that has a banner hanging on the side that says, "SALVAGE GROCERY"! Do, what? Yep, only David would find a place like this! When you walk up the front porch steps there is a handwritten sign (on white copy paper) that says, "Not responsible for any accidents." I asked Mr. David what kind of place is he brining us to? The whole place just cracked me up and I found some bargains! While waiting for the C.'s, I sent Jared a text about the place I was at. He asked me to take pictures. I will try to get them off of my phone later. I loved my redneck tour! I better go. I got Jared some purple hull peas that need to be shelled!

October

Well a lot has been going on, but none of it too interesting to post about. Also, I have been a lazy blogger! I want to do better!
Oct.2- I had a good birthday. Jared and I went out to eat and to exchange the alarm clock. I needed one with bigger numbers on it. I'm practically blind, you know! :) I had two students get me a gift. One got me a candle that smells so good you could eat it and another one gave me a generous gift card to Ruby Tuesday. How thoughtful!

Oct. 3- We went out with the regular Friday night crowd at The Fish Market. Pam and Joseph gave me their gifts. Both gave me one of those sentimental, bring a tear to the eye, picture frames. I love them both! Pam's says "Sisters, There is a special friendship shared only between sisters." Joseph's says,"Some people come into your life and end up changing your world." What great siblings! My parents gave me some money, a sterling and gold bracelet, and a scarecrow.

Oct. 4- Jared and I got up early to travel to Brundidge. We got there in time to eat Crowe's chicken. Crowe's is only found in Brundidge and Troy and it is better than Guthrie's and Zaxby's! They have their own sauce that is also delicious! Then, the Davis's all came over, and Jared's Aunt Kay, to watch Alabama football. We basically ate all day and had great fellowship. Adie is a doll and just beautiful!

Oct. 5- Homecoming at Hamilton Crossroads Church of Christ- We had a super day! We were fed til we couldn't eat no more :) Jared's mom made her famous, delicious spaghetti. We got to see Jared's Uncle Joe, cousin Samantha and her husband Richard, and their three kids who are adorable! We also got to see other "family" too, Rena and Jace (I think he was born smiling and laughing), as well as, Brian, Jennifer, Adie, Reba, and Frank. We traveled back to Sylvan Springs for church only to find out that Josh and Katie were expecting! Yay! They are such good parents to Hannah and will definitely continue that with the new baby!

Oct. 10- We visited with the Courington crowd at the hospital. Mary was doing awesome so all were joyous and boisterous as we visited! way to go Mary, you are amazing!!!

Oct. 11- Jared said that this could be my day because Alabama had an off week. We went to the Mazer's tent sale, just cause we like looking, then on to Sam's (had to renew that membership- love the place!) Next, we went to target to get Lila a birthday gift and some type of furniture to hold dvds. We found both and headed over to Andy's. I had not yet seen their apartment. It is very nice! We visited with Andy for a while and then ate at The Cheesecake Factory. Honestly, the food was nothing to write home about, but the cheesecake was! That evening we came home and Jared put together the video tower/bookcase/whatever you want to call it.

Oct. 12- Lila's first birthday party! It was a nice event!


Oct. 13- We had a professional day at work, no kids, but classes for the teachers! I got another birthday gift from a student, several of those new pocket hand sanitizers from Bath and Body Works. They are so cool! I had to sit all day through a medication dispensing workshop. Boring! Like I want another thing I could be liable for??? Anyhow, now I am a Medications Assistant, for whatever that is worth!

Oct. 14- I got another birthday gift from a student, a clipboard and pen that are pink polka dotted with my initial on them. Very Cute!


Oct. 17- Jared's parents and Granny came to visit. We ate with them, as well as, the regular Friday night crowd, at Dale's. Jared's family stayed with Andy and Jenny. Jared and I both were sick and ended up coming on home. We were exhausted!

Oct. 18- We woke up early and headed to Starbucks for some fuel before going over to the church for a door knocking campaign. Jared and I were paired up with Josh, Katie, and Hannah. We worked hard and Hannah brought much entertainment. At two years old, she has knocked on doors inviting others to church, both of her years of life! Awesome! At a young age, she is learning what is important in life as well as other Biblical principles! When we were finished, we met the Sanders at Newk's for lunch. Then we went back to Andy and Jenny's to watch the Alabama play some football. My favorite part was the scrumptious brownies Jenny made! We ate supper with them all at Logan's. Jared's family stayed with us. We came home and got settled and began cooking for the fellowship meal on Sunday.

Oct. 19- We got up early to get the whole crew showered and so Jared could cook his dish. Today began our fall revival with Kerry Richardson. He did an outstanding job, all week long! It was so cute how Kerry's son, Sawyer, and Xander hit it off! It was an instant friendship! That night, we hosted the Area-Wide Youth devotional, as well as our Gospel Meeting. BUSY! We fed and hosted 178 people!

Oct. 20-22- Our very uplifting Gospel Meeting!

Oct. 24- I am posting now so I can hurry and scramble to be ready! It's time to go eat with the regular Friday night crowd!!! Have a good weekend!

Sweet Husband

Today my husband got me an early birthday present! Earlier this week my alarm clock died and I have been having a hard time picking out a new one. I'm very picky with an alarm clock. Anyhow, I got home from work today and found the Sony i pod docking station alarm clock, already set up! The best part is that he's the one who read all the firections and figured out how to work it. Now he can fill me in on what I need to know! Anyhow, we will see if it is too complictaed for my taste or not. :) I feel lucky!
Last night Jared and I went to eat at Logan's for my birthday. I've been craving the cajun shrimp. Delicious! We did a little shopping, but not much. I just wasn't in the mood to buy anything, nothing was that appealing; however, we did buy 2 Christmas gifts.
Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!

We had our house painted this week. Jared has always hated the yellow house with green trim. Well, we needed some places fixed on the exterior of the house, so we had it repainted rather than try and match the old paint. We like the new look, although we wish the blue trim were a littler darker. Overall, though, we are pleased and the house looks "like new!" Enjoy the before and afters!

Before:






After:

A Relaxing Saturday

Today has been a nice day, no plans, just diddle dallying around and doing what I want. Jared has been in front of the tv all day watching football game after football game. Casey is here, too. They make me laugh listening to them cheer and holler, not for every game, just The Tide; however, they enjoy all football games, they just really get into Alabama games more.
Joseph called to see if I wanted to go to the bookstore and I said, "Sure!" He, Pam, and Xander came and got me and off we went. We had a nice time. Joseph got a book more on his age level, while I spent my time in the kids section with Xander the whole time. Pam was with us most of the time, but she did visit her age group of books and the cookbook section. We got coffee/hot chocolate/frozen cappucinos at Joe muggs before stopping at Wendys. I bought a Halloween tape of silly songs and we rocked out to that. I let Xander borrow it for the night because he was really enjoying it. It was a relaxing evening with my siblings and our man, Xander!
Looking at all of the Halloween books really got me ready for the holiday! I love Halloween! I want to play fun games at our church Trick-or-Trunk this year, especially because you can only get away with doing so much for Halloween in the public school system. I've read about several fun games and things to do. When I was little, we always had Halloween parades to go to. We also got to wear costumes to school and have a Halloween party and a costume contest. Now we have none of that and I have to get real creative to celebrate the fun with my students.
Tomorrow we have a Lads-to-Leader/Leaderette work day at the church followed by the Area Wide Youth Devotional at Hoover Church of Christ. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Yay Alabama, Crimson Tide!

Saturday Jared, Andy, Casey, and I went to the Alabama football game against Western Kentucky. We left early and got there around 1 PM. We found a parking spot and walked around looking at the booths and booths of Alabama stuff to buy. Jared got me a visor because it was sooo hot. Then we went to the Paul "Bear" Bryant museum where Jared read everything there was to read. The best part was it was air conditioned; however, I did enjoy reading about the history of the team. Andy walked through fast, but not Jared, like I said, he read everything and he goes about once a year! There was a CW tent outside the museum giving away free hotdogs, no catch! I'm not a hotdog lover, but I was hungry, so I partook. Then we began making our way back to the stadium trying to find Casey. He had to come later because he had to work. The game was good and we had excellent seats- 50 yard line 6th row back! Casey got his seat cushioned autographed. He was so excited! Jared asked him who signed it and grinning as big as day said, "I have no idea, but it's an autograph!" We deciphered that it was a former AL player who was visiting. The weather turned cool and breezy after the 1st quarter which was nice because I was feeling a little dehydrated. I had to give in and buy a $4 water. Money well spent! After the game, we went to eat at Chili's and then came home. Great company and good fun!

Happy Birthday!

I cannot let the day go by without saying Happy Birthday to my daddy! Today is his birthday and Kent's too! Happy Birthday Twins! Also, while I was on blogging hiatus, I missed telling my mama happy birthday; however I did tell her in person, we did celebrate it! So... Happy Birthday Mama!

This is cheesy, but I like it!



Two GREAT parents!

Ladies Day, Faulkner Football, and Hannah

Our Ladies Day was a huge success! Mrs. Fletcher did a terriffic job! Her talk was encouraging and interesting! That evening, Pam, Joseph, Jared, and I went to Samford to see the Faulkner Eagles play. They were being slaughtered! Needless to say, we left after the third quarter. Oh well! Sunday, as we were leaving church, I told Hannah bye. She looked up at me and said,"I wanna go with you." I just smiled at her and told her bye again. She, again, took her cup from her mouth and looked at me with those gorgeous blue eyes and said, "I wanna go with you." I looked over at Jared and then told Hannah to ask him. She walked over to him and said, "I wanna go with you." Jared told her to ask her mommy. She went over to her mommy and said, "I wanna go with Jared." So, we put her in the car and took her home with us! We first had to make a stop at Wal-Mart for some toilet paper or as Hannah called it, "paper." On the way there she started saying she wanted to see Barney. Since we don't have any Barney movies we told her she could get one at the store. So, she walked in to Wal-Mart calling for Barney (loudly) and then looking at us and saying, "Where is he?" We finally spotted a Barney movie, but then Clifford caught her eye and we ended up taking him home instead. We had a good afternoon with her, watching Clifford, riding the play horse, playing ball in the yard, singing "God is So Good" a dozen times on the kareoke machine, and playing her games she made up. She fell asleep on the way back to church and slept all through church. I wish I had taken pictures of her, but we were just too busy playing with her! Jared and I love our little friend Hannah!

Labor Day Fun

It would be crazy of me to recap the last two months, so I will blog as if I have been updating regularly.
This has been a very relaxing and fun weekend. Friday night we ate with our regular crowd at Logan's and it was delicious and the company was delightful! Saturday I ran some errands and then went with my parents to the Butterbean Festival. I did not eat any butterbeans, but did partake in the delicious roasted corn. It was worth the trip! Saturday night we got together at Pam's to work on the Ladies Day our church is having next Saturday- PLEASE COME: SYLVAN SPRINGS CHURCH OF CHRIST, BIRMINGPORT ROAD, SYLVAN SPRINGS, AL, 9 AM til lunch! Sunday we had 5th Sunday fellowship meal. Sunday night after worship sevices we stayed and had a game night. Lots of fun, especially to me because I love playing games! Today we got together at Pam's with my dad's family. As always, we had a great time. I love seeing my cousins! We played two games of Apples to Apples and laughed the whole time. Now we are at home just relaxing and enjoying the rest of our Labor Day. God bless the USA!