Vacation, Part 2: It's Chattanooga Baby!!!

So, after a fun filled weekend at  MeMe and Poppy's, and after much thought and advice, we loaded up the truck, and headed east! I was so excited about going somewhere different, just the 4 of us!

Chattanooga was amazing!!!

We got there around 6pm or so, and checked into the hotel, and then hit the town!

First, we grabbed a quick bite to eat at Krystal's on Lee Highway, which was by our hotel, then we asked them some downtown info. They told us a way helpful shortcut for going downtown without hitting the interstates! Speaking my language for sure!

We checked out our destination locations, so we'd know what was what for the rest of the week, and while doing so, found this pedestrian bridge. It goes from Downtown Chattanooga to the North Shore Part of Chattanooga! It used to be a regular bridge then, (insert story here that I forgot) , and voila, it became a pedestrian bridge!!!

Everything was so pretty!

Getting ready for the big walk!

Love Noah in this one!

It's better in person! I was in awe really!

One of the driving bridges.

Thanks for standing by while I bored you to death with bridge pictures. I have more, but maybe later. Oh yes, and the picture behind the "All Things New" title is from here also. I absolutely loved that. I told D I would love to live at North Shore (the other side of the bridge which starts downtown) and walk downtown everyday! He was like, "whatever!" hahahaha.

I was also happy that the girl from Krystal's told us about this.

It's a set of steps, with water coming down it, and it represents the Trail of Tears (before the pale face came and stole the land from our people, and all that jazz), so that was cool.

Ross Landing written in Native American (can't remember which dialect, Cherokee maybe?)

After our splash party, (keep in mind it was almost 9 pm by now, and still daylight!) we were leaving and this percussionist caught Noah's attention. He sang a lovely rendition of Sweet Home Alabama, complete with me yelling Roll Tide Roll at all the appropriate times while everyone stared at us! I only felt bad that the only cash on us was $1. I really am much more of a supporter of the fine arts!

He's originally from South America.

Then it was regroup, rest, and relax time. Right here.

Keep watching for Part 3!

MaMa Mia Pizzeria!!!

Noah's favorite food of all time happens to be Pizza! None compares!

Well, I have been telling him forever that we could make our own, rather than eating those store bought ones, which are probably not the best things anyway!

So, I finally remembered to get the dough and sauce, cheese and pepperoni, and here we go!

Dough was in the oven, bell pepper came fresh from the garden!

 Noah said, "Mom, you can take pictures of me, and put it on the computer for everyone to see!"

I do apologize for the quality of pictures, I used my cell phone.....I wasn't planning on taking pictures!

Spreading the sauce!

Adding the cheese!

A few pepperonis!

 We were making a half and half pizza, because I wanted onions and peppers, and Noah didn't....so he said, "Mom, you better do your half....now where's your camera?!?" Luckily, he just got my hands!!!

Onions and Peppers!

He said he only wanted 3 pepperonis on his side!!! Ready for the oven!

Noah's pizza!

My pizza!

 

It's a winner!!!

I'm sure we'll be experimenting lots with this sort of thing this summer.....we had the best time, it didn't cost much, and Noah loved it!

Oh, and if you are observant enough to see that Noah didn't have his glasses on, his glasses broke, and they tried to fix them, but they are so tight now, and cannot be adjusted, so he was taking a break! His new ones will be here next week.

Where was Nicholas? In his high chair, eating left over green beans and watching us! I wish I would've snapped his picture...he was patient!

Anyway, Here's to more summer cooking projects!!!!



Happy Summer : Vacation, Part 1!

Happy Summer!

Our summer began on Noah's last day of school, May 25th!

All A-Honor Roll, All Year Long!
See my 2nd grader?!?!?

 After Noah's award ceremony, we left out for Tennessee. First stop, Waverly!

We wanted to spend the weekend with D's folks, and May 25th happens to be their wedding anniversary! What a romantic way to spend 49 years together....waiting for your kids and grand kids!!!

We arrived late on Friday night, but first thing Saturday, Noah had one thing on his mind!

They had just had the hay cut and baled.....I love when it's freshly mowed!

This is what he had on his mind! This is what's behind the trees in the above picture! The creek! Nicholas and I opted to sit on the shore this year.....that water is cold!

And we had our chicken grilled!

 Derrick's sister had on old basket ball goal, without a pole, that she had sent to Waverly with D's parents. Derrick talked a neighbor down the road into giving us this pole. In return, D had to help him load and unload some heavy things around the house! I love the simplicity of trading with neighbors!

Noah was in heaven!

Can you see where Poppy was! He did help a little, before sitting in the shade! Noah made that basket!

 This next picture marks a tradition Noah is almost too big for!

He's done this for 5 years now!!!

 And where was Nicholas all this time?......

Eating grits.....when Putt Putt the Puppy wasn't trying to still them!

I love that smile!

And the many faces he makes!!!!

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Vacation Ramblings! 

Mother's Day Twenty-12

So, it was Mother's Day weekend....and here's what I captured! 

We started the weekend with Friday night dinner at my place for my folks. D's parents were coming, but came down with colds; they opted to rest! We had ham and the fixins, complete with gardenias, paper plates, lawn chairs, and good times!

One of the few pictures I took of that evening includes my mom holding a cake. Can you tell she's my mom?

This is a clothesline. I have been begging for one for years, but had not mentioned it lately. Then in walks Noah carrying this, saying "Happy Mudder's Day!" The "th" sound is his last speech sound before he's through with speech. Anyway, I was thrilled! As I am typing this, my clothes are hanging on it!!! D always knows when to get me the right things, for which I am thankful!

Sunday I tried to get a snapshot of my two boys, the "big brother/lil brother" shot....this is what we got!

Nicholas looking down thinking ,"What is this I am sitting on?" Noah's thoughts are more like, "How long do I have to sit here before she gets it right?!?"

Lil bro checking with big bro for approval!

Then lil bro getting the grass and leaves in his hands and keeping big bro in laughs!!!

So, I moved them to the front porch (we were at my in-laws house!) to see if that would help.....her front porch has a rug that was almost as interesting as the grass....

Nicholas kept fussing because I was trying to get him to smile and look. Poor Noah smiles on!

Finally a little laugh from lil bro! Big bro however was saying, "Hurry up mom, the game is on!" (Basketball that is!)

This is my favorite....it speaks for itself!!!

Then we finished off the weekend at my NaNa's, visiting for a couple of hours! We did our "feed the fish" routine we always do at her apartment! Good memories!

Nana, Noah, me, and Nicky Brees!!!

Overall, I just also want to say thank you to my mom, for always being simply the best!

Thanks to my maw-n-law for teaching my hubs to be the best!

And to God, thank you for trusting me to raise two boys for your kingdom....I sure hope I don't let you down!!!

And to any mom reading this, do not take your job and calling lightly.

Consider it the honor that it is to be a mother.

I'll leave you with this:

A good mom has sticky floors, a messy kitchen, laundry piles, a dirty oven, and happy kids!!!

A day with Dusty

Recently,  I got to spend time with our cousins' oldest son, Dusty. He has Autism. I've been his cousin for 8 years now (Derrick's side of the family), and over the years, I have learned lots from this guy.

First, I picked up Dusty from his mother, and he already knew what he wanted. He wanted to sit in the back, not up front!!! He sat back there and looked at Nicholas, who was sleeping, and busted out laughing. He took Nicholas's toys that were laying in the back seat and put them so gently in the carseat with Nicholas. Then on the last toy he picked up, he stopped and stared at it, then begin smiling so big! I was happy he was happy!!! It started raining, and Dusty watched out of the window. Then I remembered having a sunroof. I slid back the inside of it so Dusty could see up, and he kept watching and watching. It amazed me that he was so amazed. When we got out at my house, it was still raining, and I said, "Come on Dusty, hurry!" He just pulled back my hand, walking ever so slowly, and smiled. He wanted to feel the rain. The simplest aggravations to me were the biggest pleasers to Dusty. We should be pleased with the simple things!

 I also learned that Dusty is an excellent babysitter! He played side by side with Nicholas for 2 hours!!! Nicholas enjoyed watching him, and everytime Dusty got a toy, Nicholas wanted it...and vice versa!!! haha.

 Another thing Dusty taught me is simple  is good. I was showing him all of these different toys and things I thought he'd enjoy, and he went for the simplest things, and was the most entertained.

 Also, we are creatures of habit. After I picked Noah up from school, which thrilled Dusty, we went back to our cousins' house to wait for their return. He walked in the door, changed from pants to shorts, went back to his room (which is where I saw these signs) looked around, and walked back to the living room, plopped down on the couch, and watched Tom and Jerry....laughing almost as loud as I was!!! I'd say he has his own little "home" routine!

Lastly, I have said this numerous times, but if Dusty had any other parents, he probably would never be as well off as he is. Autism is a serious, difficult condition, but his parents (and younger brother!) have made sure he's always had the best care, attention, and love. His mom stepped up to the plate, and made sure he'd have every opportunity as any other child. Of all of the mom's I know, she is at the top of the list for "most admired." His folks are so good  to him.

If you never do anything else for me ever, please watch this 6 minute video. It features Dusty, and his teachers and parents! You can see his smile, and see why my heart melts everytime I see it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC0sVC686bM&amp

Happy Monday!!!

Too cute not to share!!!!

Happy Monday!!!!

Adventures in MS

This past weekend, our family of 4 ventured to MS to D's niece's cookout (mainly for us to see their new house all pieced together!!!) and D's sister's birthday! 

The couple of honor and their lovely home

These boys were present as well!!! Those are D's nephews with our kiddos.

I cross-stitched them an "M" on a hand towel (their last name initial!) and they couldn't believe Aunt T made that!!!

D's family (minus D's head!! hahaha)

 And anytime these two ladies are together, we are scheduling a photo shoot.....here's a few of the many we came up with!!!

Partners in Crime! (She's my age!!!)

The kiddos!

Noah insisted we be "America's Next Top Model!" Please don't ask how he even knows about this show!

And of course, this couple (almost 3 years of marriage) is all smiles!!!

And these kiddos don't look too bad!!! :)

 Then it was time for Gina's birthday. She cannot stand when I take her picture, so I only will post a little!!!

 All in all this family had a great time.....and cannot wait until our next time together!!! 

T and her boys!

I may decide to post on Jessica's pretties from her house.....stay tuned!!!