Merry Christmas and God bless us everyone!!!!

Merry Christmas from our hearts to yours!

Happy Christmas Birthdays!

Ben, you really make 13 look good!!!

Happy Birthday to the dearest man in the world!

Emmy's new pics!

Josh's Monster Buck!

Check out that rack!!!!!

Gotcha!! It's really just a three-pointer! Josh found the beautiful skull and horns in some brush while he was out tracking that Monster Buck. Needless to say, I'm glad my boys had some success in the woods this year. If only good old Dad could have been as fortunate.

The great hunter in a moment of hilarity. Believe me, this is rare!!!

Efficient ???? or just plain "ole" LAZY!!!!!

My dear son, Caleb, wanted to bring a pile of toys to the living room tonight so that he could play in front of the fireplace. Normally, I wouldn't care but we were having company this evening. I acquiesced under one condition, everything had to be cleaned up when he was done. (He's not well known for his work ethic, I must admit.) He promised me he could handle the job in one load.........as you can see he nearly made it. I couldn't resist grabbing the camera!!!!

It's always important to take advantage of every available option.......

This cleaning stuff has really messed him up!!!!

Here's your smile for the day.........

Here's a funny video from last year's blogs. The guys were target practicing and Zach tried to shoot Dave's old 12 guage. It sure provided a lot of redneck entertainment for the rest of the gang. Hope you enjoy!!!!

A Slice of our Life!!!!!

A couple of weeks ago, my kids disappeared into the woods for hours. Here's what they were doing. Ben built Emmy a really awesome fort. They are two of a kind when it comes to the great outdoors.

My little "Amazon" woman!

Here is Alex Truitt babysitting himself while his parents and the Boardmans solve the world's problems.

Is this fun or what?

Holly and I took Josh, Shallen and Lauren Truitt to Youth Challenge last month. After we dropped them off, we headed to Cinci to hang out with the sister-in-laws for a couple days. Sarah, so graciously opened her home to us and we had a blast! This picture just cracks me up! Holly told us to snuggle up for the picture and some of them took her seriously!!!!

The sis-in-laws after their shopping and feeding frenzy. Don't we look rejuvenated? ( Sorry for the candid shot of Sarah's dog, Lucy. Didn't see it until after I loaded the pic.)

The proud hunters!

This is a special moment for Ben. He and Zach are dedicated sportsmen and it was so exciting for him to shoot an eight-point buck for his first deer!

Oh be careful little Mom what you say.....

Last night after church, a group of adults were discussing their concerns about the upcoming elections. Emily was listening in, as usual. When I tucked her into bed, she wanted to know "who is Obama?" How do you explain Obama to a five year old? I tried to explain the ideological differences between us and Obama. It didn't work! The only conclusion she drew from my explanation is that OBAMA is a "bad guy". "Well Emily, let's pray for him tonight". So she did. Minutes later after turning out her light, I heard yelling from her room. "Mom, I'm scared Obama is going to climb in my window!!" I give up! No more political discussions with a kindergartener!

Fall is in the air!!!!

Pumpkin Bread Trifle
Layer upon layer of yummy pumpkin bread, vanilla cream, caramel sauce, and praline pecans

It's one of those perfect fall days. The guys are in the front yard playing football. Emily wore a turtleneck and tights to violin. We've mowed our yard for the last time this season (hopefully). Chicken noodle soup is simmering and I tried a new recipe--Praline Pumpkin Bread Trifle. Come on over and I'll brew you a nice cup of hazelnut coffee to go with it.

Happy Birthday, Zach!

Happy 10th!

Girl Scouts!

We have embarked on a new adventure! Girl Scouts!!! Emily and Andrea joined the Daisies yesterday. This Troop is made up of girls from the home school group. I am going to help with the meetings. I think it will something fun that Emmy and I can do together!

"I sure wish Mom would let me try this at home."

Yeah! We get to do messy stuff!

Princess Andrea!

Love those eyes!!!!

Emmy loved the guinea pig that someone brought for show and tell.

Gatlinburg Vacation 2008

We took our first-ever vacation to the Smokies this month. It was awesome! Our days were filled with fellowship with good friends, a day at Dollywood, delicious food at the Apple Barn restaurant, shopping at the outlets(That was just me, of course), riding go-karts, playing mini-golf, attending a show at the Comedy Barn( They had Emily up on the stage during part of the show. Needless to say, she freaked out and ran and jumped off the 4ft high stage. It was definitely a show stopper!), bear sightings at Cade's Cove, white-water rafting, and many happy moments hanging out at the cabin.

Our cabin was beautiful! I think I'm ready to go back--tomorrow!

Doesn't this look inviting?

Paul, Sarah, and the kids came to the cabin and spent a day with us after visiting Memaw. We had several pots of coffee and plenty of "rocking chair" time on the back porch. The bonus is we almost got all the problems of the world solved. Thanks for coming, guys!

The girls have to stick together. Jessica and Emily

Best buds-----Josh and Paul

Our dear friends, the Bollig family, drove over from Bryson City and spent the day with us. We have known them since residency days. Some friendships are just made to last! We took the kids to Ober Gatlinburg. In the winter it is a ski resort and an amusement park in the summer. The alpine slide and the ice skating kept everyone happy. Robbynne and I remained the faithful cheerleaders through it all.

Are we having fun yet?

Here's Ben trying to help Emily learn to skate. I think the "Princess" was more into looking cute for the camera!

Emily tried to milk this cow statue at Old McDonald's Mini Golf. Trust me, an 18-hole course was a little bit too much for a five year old attention span.

Having fun at Dollywood!

Playing in the creek at Cade's Cove

Goodbye to dear Memaw Brown

We said goodbye to our Memaw Brown last week. She has been a shining example to all of us. I have wonderful memories as a new bride being entertained at her house. She welcomed me into the family with open arms. Her delicious blueberry muffins, homeade rolls, cheesy potato casserole, and chicken and dumplings are just a few of the recipes that sealed her to my heart as a precious lady and an outstanding cook. It was our privilege to spend some time with her on our way to Gatlinburg a couple weeks ago. She was so frail and sick that day. Emily just hovered over her so much that I was afraid it would make Memaw nervous. She seemed to enjoy the "dedicated" care. I had tried to prep the kids before we got there. I told them that this was probably Dave's last time to see Memaw and they needed to be sensitive to their Dad's feelings. Our visit was going fine until Emily announced to Memaw , "You know this is the last time I'll see you before you die." Luckily, Memaw couldn't understand her.
We bade her a tearful goodbye and determined in our hearts that we are going to follow her example. Memaw, we will meet you in the morning!

Dave's sister, Sarah Holden and her family

This picture represents to me the journey of life. Our days are but a vapor and the only thing we can leave behind when we go is the memory of well-maintained relationships. Memaw left her family and friends the security of her love.