Tucker's Trip to the Dentist

Tucker made his second visit to the dentist yesterday. He first watched me get my teeth cleaned and then he was ready for a turn. He sat in the chair by himself like a big boy and was so BRAVE. I was very proud of him. He let her clean them just like she would anyones and she even flossed them. He smiled all day yesterday and wanted everyone to look at his teeth. Sorry no pics...

Our Last Stop

Finally, on Saturday afternoon we celebrated our last 2008 Christmas. We headed to my aunts for some fun with the Russell's. We had a good time and yes Rex, there are more kids than adults! The kids enjoyed the warm weather. They played outside until dark. Thanks, Nannie for a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas with Grammie and Papaw

The day after Christmas we spent with the Lorenz's. We had a fun night eating, opening presents, and eating some more. We also played a new game, Loaded Questions. I am just glad it was Misty who said our mother in law had a big butt. I bet I know who her favorite daughter in law is now, Misty! HA! We really did have a wonderful time and it was even better when Grammie decided to let the grand kids spend the night with her and Papaw. Thanks for the food, fun, gifts, and most of all the memories. We love you all!

Christmas with Santa

This is Christmas morning with all of our Santa toys. Yes, way too much! Tucker loved his Batman cave and Military Island. His drums only lasted about an hour until Rylee broke them. Rylee loved her scooter, backpack, and Princess kitchen. They also liked all of their stocking stuff Santa left. Thanks Santa!

Christmas Tradition

Since Jeremy and I have been married we always stay at my parents house on Christmas Eve and wake up and eat breakfast and open presents with them and my brother. Jeremy and I decided that when we had kids we wanted to keep that tradition alive and we have. The only thing that has changed is, we open presents BEFORE we eat. We had a wonderful time opening presents and eating breakfast with the fam. Nanny Russell and Doc also joined us for the opening of gifts. Tucker and Rylee got way too much stuff. Some of Tucker's favorite toys were, tool bench, Arctic Cat (ride on toy), knight backpack, and much more. Rylee got a baby doll, Rose Petal Cottage, and many accessories to go with it. Jeremy and I got clothes and money. WE had a wonderful Christmas with mom, dad, and Jay! Thanks mom and dad for a wonderful Christmas.

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve with the McNabb family at the Candlelight Service at church and then celebrated at Doc's. We had a great time! We enjoyed a New Orleans dinner and then the fun began! We usually do our traditional thing, carols, 12 Days of Christmas, animal game, and a few other activities. However, this year we decided to do karaoke. It was a fun time! The kids finally got their wish and got to open presents! Tucker got a remote control car, McDonald's set, gun, and binoculars. Rylee Kate got a baby doll, books, and a tricycle. I hope you enjoy a few pictures from our night with the McNabb's.

Our little hunter

Like I have told you all before, Tucker is so into hunting. I mean that is all he thinks about, dressing in camouflage, guns and bow and arrows. One day last week he spent the night with my parents and mom had bought him a pretend bow and arrow. She was picking up toys out of the floor and Tucker shot her in the bottom. He said, "Sorry Doo, I thought that was a Big Ole Buck!" Of course Doo and Gramps could not quit laughing!

Bedtime Talk

The other night Tucker decided he wanted to sleep in the middle (meaning he falls asleep with us and then we carry him to his bed). We were laying there talking about heaven and I told him one day he will ask Jesus into his heart and get to go to Heaven and see his dog Jake. He asked, "Who else will I see?" I told him that he would get to meet Nannie John, Doc's wife, that got real sick and went to live with Jesus. He said, "Oh Boy!" Then he looked at me so seriously and said, "But can I come back here after I meet her?" I said well, no we will all live there together. He was not happy with that answer, so finally I said yes you can come back here and live. What a sweet conversation we had.

Our New Christmas Tradition

Jeremy and I have decided that we want our kids to enjoy Santa and getting presents, however, we want them to ALWAYS remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas. We have an activity set called, "What God Wants For Christmas." It is kind of like the Resurrection eggs that tell the Easter Story. We lit the fireplace last night and the four of sat down and I told the story and the kids each helped hold the box and pull out what was inside. When we got to the last box and they looked into the mirror, we explained to them that all God wants for Christmas is Tucker and Rylee and one day they will give their heart to him.

The Blankenship's Christmas

Saturday night we had Christmas with the Blankenship's(a.k.a. Nana and Papaw).
Becky and Dickie are like my 2nd set of parents and their granddaughters are like my own girls. This family means the world to me and Jeremy and I am not sure what we could do without them!
A big Thank You to Wendy, Bobby, NiNi, Craig, Nana, Papaw and the girls for all the food, fun and gifts. We love you all!

Gingerbread House

Our 1st annual Gingerbread House. Tucker and Rylee had a fun time making their gingerbread house, however, Rylee ate most of her candy before she got to put it on the house.

Christmas Play

Tucker and Rylee took part in the 2008 Christmas Play at our church this evening. They have worked very hard the last few months and they play / music was wonderful! It was so special that Tucker and Rylee had the special privilege to perform with not only all their friends from church, the girls, but Drew and Jess (2 cousins). I wanted to share a few of the pictures I took and hopefully I will learn how to upload video soon and can share that with you. Rylee made it through most of the play but had to be taken off stage about 3/4 of the way through. She first took her halo off and put it over her face and her neighbors face, pulled on Tucker's ears and made them blood red and then she when down most of the front row giving each child a big push. I finally walked up there and got her off stage. I said Rylee you were being a bad girl, she said,"I'm good girl". Whatever.....





Tonight Tucker pitched some awful fit to go home with my parents. He got several spankings and was sent to his room for recovery time. Later on I said Tucker, "Elsie the Elf seen you act that way and guess where he will be flying tonight.?" He said, "Mom lift me up so I can touch him." To find out he knew if he touched him that he would lose his magic and not be able to fly to tell Santa how he acted.

The Lists For Santa

We took Tucker and Rylee Kate to see Santa this past Sunday and it was not very successful. Tucker did as awesome as usual, but Rylee Kate hated Santa. She would just shake all over! We finally got a few good shots of the 2 kids together after asking Santa to leave the room. Log onto
www.express.instaproofs.com and click on Smart Toys and Books and our pictures begin on
set 1. Below is the list they shared with Santa, well Rylee sent the message through Tucker.
Tucker- batman cave, Spiderman costume with a mask, fire truck with a ladder that moves, and an army thing.
Rylee- a babydoll

We also adopted "The Elf on the Shelf" a few weeks ago. Tucker name him Elsie and they both are very excited in the mornings to see where they will find him. The other day while I was at work Tucker said, "Doo (my mom) Momma thinks Elsie is real (whispers) but really he is not."

A Pigeon Forge Get Away

Jeremy had meetings this past week in Pigeon Forge so I decided to take a couple of days off and take the kids up for some family time. Jeremy of course attended meetings during the day while me and the kids played. We enjoyed the aquarium, shopping, some ridesand of course swimming. One night, all four of us got to enjoy the Dixie Stampede . Tucker and Rylee really enjoyed all the live animals. We had a really fun time. The last picture is my favorite!