Love These Boys

We had the pleasure of hosting Cohen and Ryan one afternoon this fall, and  I could see them eyeing the pluff mud from the moment they arrived.  Ryan assured me over and over that his daddy would not mind if he got dirty. 

I tried a few distraction techniques.  Turns out boys aren’t so keen on craft projects – not when there are trees and mud just calling their names.  They did jump into the task of helping me hang some garland outside, but that only brought them closer to the mud. Okay guys, but stay on the trees!Next thing I know Ryan comes running up with a fist full of clams.  Apparently if you stick your hands all the way in the mud and dig around you can find clams! and lots of them!  I’m pretty sure Lily and Sarah Ellen never would have discovered that on their own.     And no, that would not be black gloves, socks and shoes.  That would be hands and feet caked in mud.  Ryan was right all along, however – his daddy was not mad.  Love these boys.

A Buggy in Motion

Sarah Ellen simply cannot sit still.  Even in her sleep, she is in constant motion.  I came in one morning to find her watching TV like this…

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving this year up in Virginia.  I wish I could say I have no pictures because I forgot my camera, but no I just forgot to take pictures.  
We spent the week relaxing and catching up.  Doncie was still recovering from surgery so we took it easy, ate in, and enjoyed each other's company.
Both our mothers have had a very rough year and it really puts life in perspective.  Despite these difficult times, we are all so blessed. I have so much to be thankful for and here are just a few (in no particular order):

• grandmothers
• my healthy children
• my loving and supportive husband
• modern medicine
• friends that are family
• family that are friends
• 6 and 4 year old giggles
• sisters
• diet coke
• my church family
• cheese
• electric blankets
• heated seats
• running water
• yarn
• laughter
• my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

Roller Derby, Here We Come!

The girls had their first roller skating experience at a friend’s birthday party.  It was slow going at first, but they got the hang of it and had a great time.  Mamma had fun dusting off the old skills too!

4K Thanksgiving Program

Sweetest little pilgrims around.  Cute as can be.  Sarah Ellen is on the front row third from the right.     After the program we shared a feast with all the little pilgrims.   My little turkey was thankful for:  food, mamma and daddy, sister and sleepovers.  This was not long after she and Olivia had their first sleepover together. 

Happy Thanksgiving my sweet little pilgrim.

Full Circle Moment

   

Sarah Ellen after raiding Gigi’s jewelry drawer(s).   I remember Kami and I spending hours playing in Grandma's jewelry, make up and perfume. 

Crazy High Tide

Field Trip

Lily’s class went on a field trip to Sea Island Savory Herbs.  This was Lily’s first time to ride on a school bus.  She has been begging to ride the bus and was very excited.  I think she quickly realized it is not all it is cracked up to be.  She said she was crammed and hot and one girl got sick.
On to the field trip.  We learned the process of planting and planted our own lettuce.  We learned the many uses of herbs and even tasted some .  We ate ice cream flavored with lavender and mint. 
This was a fun and educational trip and I am so thankful to have shared it with my first grader Bean.

Say Cheese!

Thank you Ashley Warnock for these great pictures of our family

Here are some fun then and now collages that Ashley put together for us.