Today was just a day to get out of the house. It looked so nice and warm outside our window with big blue sky, and Britt loves going outside. So, I suggested that we have a sandwhich for lunch down at the park. We stepped outside and it was a nice temp so we loaded up and off we went.

Of course when we got there the wind really made it too cold for me, but Britt seemed to love it. He went all over the place - back and forth over the blanket, trying to squash my sandwhich; round and round us, all over the grass trying to eat leaves and playing with sticks. Gary put him in a tree at one point, but he didn't like that. We had a really nice time, even if I did have to go and find Gary's suit coat in the car to put on.

Oh and by the way, we determined this evening that this was his first time to walk in shoes, so not so bad little man!

So this weekend we treaked over to Wintergarden to attend the Florida Fellowship Meeting. It was a great weekend of visiting with new and old friends, eating great food, and best of all enjoying worshiping the Lord.

Friday morning we picked Bro. John Yadamec up from the airport, it was a fun trip. Especially when Gary missed our exit and just kept driving on the toll road. It was a nice time to catch up, the only down fall was that we missed the morning service. However, by all reports Brother Ben Winslet preached a very blessed sermon on John 3:16, and then Brother Marty Hoskins followed him. Everyone said that it was a wonderful way to start the meeting.

After lunch was more serious. Elder Randal Cagle preached on sucide. He talked about it not affecting the Lord's work and where we spend eternity, but gave us encouragement to not follow that route or for those who had family members who had. Next, Elder Charles Kitchens preached on having comfort for those who had pasted or had family who had pasted.

Friday night was closed with Elder Tim Montgomery preaching on peace. He talked about being at peace with the Lord, because of the work of Christ and then discussed four points of having peace of the Lord here. I'm eager to get that sermon on tape, because it was very interesting and I missed the tail end of it taking Britt out. Next Elder John Melvin talked about the old man, the new man, and what we should be as one of the elect. He made the comparison that the old man is Windows 1.0, and then when the Lord changes us, calling us and giving us the new man that we are now Windows 2.0. He said that we are still windows but we have a new facet, we now have both within us. Then he said we are to strive to be Windows 3.0 more perfect, more Christlike, in our walk. He preached it in a way that I had never heard or considered.

Saturday morning started out just as strong. Elder John Yadamec preached on Good Works, not only that we were created that we SHOULD walk in them (Eph 2:10) but also what those good works are. They aren't only the public things like giving to the poor and care for others, but the more difficult things of being a better more Christlike person in our attitude and actions and thoughts. It was a very good sermon. Then Elder Ronald Lawrence got up and talked about the power of God. It had already be preached during the meeting that we needed to do good works and to do them we needed a passion for the things of Christ, the peace of God to walk here, and the love of Christ, but he pointed out that we also need to lay on the power of the Spirit. He went to many good scripture but the first one, and one that sticks out because I learned it many years ago is in II Timothy 1:7, "God hath not give us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." He said we need to know something about the power that God has given us.

Saturday Afternoon I got almost none of. Britt was pretty fussy that service, oh so tired, but wouldn't go to sleep (he also got in two new molars the night before), but Elder Hall from Mississippi preached and Elder Shannon Whipp from Nashville. There was a speaker system in the nursery, but there were several sleeping babies with Mommas in there, and we didn't go in to wake them.

Finally, that night Elder Jon Mizell and Elder Doff Payner preached. They both had very powerful sermons about the guilty of transgressing the law. Bro. Jon talked about how when we break the law we are guilty and sentenced to death, and that we often choose wrong ways to deal with the guilt - blame, denial, realitivism (where we say there is no wrong), or flat out saying there is no God to judge me, just myself. He showed us how we are wrong, but that 1) Jesus not cancelled our debt but satisified it so that we have no eternal consequences, and 2) that we can even get rid of that guilty feeling here when we own up to our mistakes and ask forgiveness that he extends it in a timely fashion. Then Bro. Doff preached on being set free from that feeling of guilt. He drew a very good visual between us and Barabbas. How Jesus was before Pilot and had been found blameless and so Pilot asked who would they have him release and the people yelled "Barabbas, Barabbas" and then he asked what they would have him to do with Christ and they yelled "Crucify Him, Crucify Him!" He told us to imagine Barabbas sitting in his cell and that all he would have heard was "Barabbas, Barabbas" and "Crucify Him, Crucify Him" and would have known he was guilty and deserved it, and thought they meant him. Bro. Doff then told us but the good news of the gospel is that as he thinks he's going to die, and the soldiers come clinking to his cell and open they door and say "you are free". He told us that we should be happy to share our knowledge with others, because many of God's people are out there struggling with burdens like trying to be good enough or make up for our past mistakes. But we can lift that burden with the good news that Christ took care of it, "you are free."

Finally on Sunday morning, Elder Carl Stanton preached on the missing link. He talked about Acts 3 where Peter and John are walking to the temple on Monday morning after a fantastic Sunday where the church got tons of members, and as they walk up there is a beggar. They tell him to "look on us" and tell him they don't have any gold to help in his situation, but they are about to change his situation, and they tell him to get up and walk, give him a hand and hoist him up and immediately he is healed. That this beggar all of his life could go no further, he couldn't enter the temple and worship; but now he goes in leaping. He told us that we have the same ability as the Church of Christ to change lives, that we can tell them to come and look at us, that our Church is different and give them a hand, encourage them to join, and that this walk is life changing. But that too often we don't know who is lame, who just needs us to reach out. He said that there was a good probablity that Peter had walked by this man many times on his way to the temple, but that today he made the effort to reach out, and the power of God changed this man's life. He encouraged us to be more aware of one another in the Church and of those we meet that we could share something that could change their life. It was a wonderful sermon, but one hard to follow.

It was a very good weekend, with many thought provoking messages. It has been wonderful to hear men that last heard a few years ago, and see in amazement how the Lord has blessed them and how they have grown in their gift. We left feeling refreshed and encouraged.

We really enjoyed being able to stay with Bro. Luke and Sis. Mary Lawrence over the weekend. They have two adorable kiddos Lorianne 2 and Nathan 2 weeks that Britt just loved. It was wonderful to be able to visit some with these folks. Hopefully next Little Union Meeting, we can have them over our way.

Last Friday, Gary and I had a for real date. We had our very on Valentine's Day on Friday instead of Sunday. I can't remember the last time that we actually went out without Britt. It was SO VERY nice! We really enjoy the little stinker, don't get me wrong, but it's nice to dress up, go out and have dinner and watch a movie in the theatre instead of juggling him at the drive in, and trying to keep him from either climbing out the window or pushing all the radio buttons.

So Gary carried me to Red Lobster, my favorite resturant in the whole wide world. We actually got to sit side by side again, that's been a while too, as usually we now sit across so that we can take turns convincing Britt that he really does want to eat. But so we got to sit side by side and talk about all kinds of non-Britt things, and have a nice quiet meal together. Then we wandered around the mall for a little while, window shopping and talking, once again without having to push a stroller, drag a diaper bag, or pick up a dropped shoe, book, cup, you fill in the blank. Ahhhh, so nice. Then Gary picked out "Dear John" for us to go and see. I have NO earthly idea what the last movie we saw together in the theatre was. I'll have to think about that a bit, but it was once again wonderful.

We are so glad that Amanda agreed to watch Britt for us for the evening. Gary did buy her a steak and got her salad stuff, so she did get some good payment out of it. haha.

Hey everybody, Granddaddy politely reminded Momma that they like to hear from me on Tuesday, so I had to be sure and blog. We haven't done much, but hang out this week. Momma keeps following me around with the camera trying to get some interesting pictures, but everytime I see her with it I rush the camera and laugh. She can't catch me walking or climbing or anything fun, AHAHAHAHAHAHA.

I got to eat a little bit of dark chocolate. It was super bitter at the end, but I kinda liked it. Then we played outside with the cat. We took turns being sweet and then me chasing her. I think she likes me. Other than that, just lots of playing outside as much as it is warm, and inside the rest of the time.

Gary spoke to Aunt Joanna on the phone for a few minutes this morning, and Sis. Ann is about the same. She doesn't have much of an appetite and is very fatigued most of the time. Right now they are getting ready to make some hard decisions about what route to take next, and I'm sure they would all appreciate your prayers. We hope to be able to go by one afternoon and sing for her and encourage her, since they aren't able to attend Church right now, but we'll just have to wait and see when she feels up to it.

We were able to go and visit with Bro. Charles Carlton last week. After Church we went by and sang for him, he seemed to really appreciate getting to visit and hearing the songs. It's very evident that he misses being able to attend Church, and we miss him as well. He is still very thin and weak but seems to be recovering from the burns. Right now he has a staff infection, they have shown Aunt Patricia how to give him a daily injection and iv to help out with this so that they don't have to drive so far to the doctor's office every day. They are a little concerned that these shots may not completely clear up the staff, because several years ago when he had heart surgery they used wire to close him back up and hold several bones in place. If the staff has gotten into the wires, they may need to go in, open him back up take all the wires out and scrap the bone to get the infection out. We hope that isn't the case and that these shots will take care of the problem. Please continue to be in prayer for him.

Dad was able to come home from the hospital on Thursday. He is doing pretty well other than one minor complication. He has an infection around the incision site, they belief it was caused by the colon rubbing against it when they pulled it out. They are cleaning out the site twice a day at home now, and feel like it should be just fine. Needless to say, he's very glad to be out of the hospital and eating real food again.

Sis. Gayle Smith is doing really well. We talked with Bro. Phil a day or two ago. Since she has given up the experimental program she has had alot more energy and her counts seem to be coming down faster. She's about half way to their target numbers now.

I've not updated on little Nate in a while. He has had a few colds and a few hospital visits over the winter. Right now he is doing well, but he lost alot of the weight that he had managed to put on over the summer. He is roughly 22 lbs, and they really need him to gain alot more weight, however the mito keeps his cells from breaking down the nutrients in food very quickly. Remember to keep him in your prayers. He is a happy little man full of laughter and was constantly on the move when we saw them at MacClenny a few weekends back. Too stinkin cute!

I've also not mentioned Parker Allen in sometime. Parker is able to communicate very limited manner with his family now, and they are able to go out some. He especially enjoys getting out and watching the local high school basketball. He has hit a platto in his recovery and while they are still very hopefully that he will regain much of what was lost in the accident each new gain comes more slowly now. My understanding is that Mrs. Allen is no longer teaching and is home with him full time and that makes things a little more difficult for them. Please continue to remember them.

Finally, as for us. Gary got word late last night that the position that he so wanted has been filled. He made the top two candidates, but apparently they have chosen the other individual. We appreciate all the prayers that have been going up, especially about this particular job. We are once again looking at all the options and hoping that something comes along soon. Please continue to keep all of us in your prayers.

Ann Tucker had a stint put in today to help keep her lung open. It went very well and they let her travel from Shands in Gainesville back down here this evening. She is staying with Aunt Joanna right now so that she can better take care of her. Please keep them in prayer.

Brother Charles Carlton is doing really well. Several members from the church plan to go down to see him Sunday afternoon and sing for him. He's been unable to attend for over 6 months now, and sure misses it. We hope to cheer him up and get to visit with him a little bit.

Dad came through his surgery really well today. They seem to think that they were able to get all the cancer, since they saw no signs of cancer on the outside of the colon or on the tissue surrounding it. To be safe they took some biopsies of his lymph nodes, and expect to get the results back early to mid next week. But if they come back clean he shouldn't need any follow up chemo or radiation. Dad was still a little groggy and tired when we saw him, but he still thinks he will be home in time to see the game and go fishing on Monday. The doctors however expect him to be there 3 or 4 days, until he can eat some solids and they can be sure that everything is working the way it should be again.

Finally we have some good news on the job front. Gary had an interview today with Sunny Ridge Farms, and felt like it was a really good position. When he talks about it you can see dream job written all over his face. He would be working in a position mostly with farmers and growers to help out in any way he can and to be sure that the quality of berries is up to standard. This would be a position where he could utilize his degree in that he would also be looking for new growers to bring on to the company, and the nearly 7 years of experience in chemicals and fertilizers would be an asset in helping farmers keep a high quality crop. He wants to be able to help people and work in agriculture and this seems to be a good fit. He's most excited about the idea of getting to travel alot. They have blueberry and blackberry growers all the way up in Michigan, they have strawberries in South America, and they also do business in Europe. You know me, I like Gary here all the time, so I'm a little nervous about all the possible traveling but Gary is so very excited, and it seems to be such a good job, with good people, and good benefits, that we are really hoping something good comes from this interview. Please continue to keep us in prayer as well.

I like balls. I like to chase them, and bounce them, and roll them back and forth with my friends. I think they are funny, and they make me laugh. Uncle Benji got me one that is especially bouncey and BIG last time I was in Alabama. It keeps me entertained for a while!

That little stinker is moving like he's been walking for a month. I told you he could do it, he just wouldn't. We finally caught a little clip this morning, since last night he has been walking starting and stopping all over the living room.

Yesterday we spent alot of the day running around in town and then we went and had my 1st birthday pictures made, so then it was dark and nearly bedtime, when we got back home. So Momma said I could blog today. First I played in the yard a while, and then it was nap time, and then it was time for supper and then I had to rip up the last of the newspaper that I hid so that it wouldn't get thrown away, and now, before bathtime and then bedtime, I have to hurry and blog. So here is a video from me in the yard today.

And since Ahna and Grandmother requested (really demanded it), here are a few pictures of my haircut.

Yesterday was Britt's first birthday, and last night we had a party here at the house. It was a perfect night for a party: cool but not too cold, a breeze but not too windy, and crystal clear skies. We had plenty of yard to the side for folks to park, and plenty in the back for the kids to run and play.

We ate way too much, and Little Union will get to see the other boot (only one got eaten) again tomorrow for lunch at Church. We had a good time visiting and everything went pretty smoothly. I was only slightly panicing that morning, when there was still so much to do. You can talk to Gary for that story.

Britt spent the first part of the day in the kitchen with Gary, he was a bit confused by the baby gate since he's normally on the other side of it. I was working on his scrapbook, and trying to get the living room picked up. Then after his nap he was in the living room while I was picking up in the kitchen. Gary got most of the food ready and did alot outside. But it was all worth it. Britt had a ball playing with almost all of his favorite people, and the adults had a great time visiting.

The video is lengthy, but really I hated to cut out any more video and pictures. Enjoy...

Britt,

It's so hard to believe that you've been with us for a whole year as of this exact moment. It seems like just yesterday that we were secretly sneaking up to the hospital to be induced. We barely kept our trip there a secret till noon, but thankfully you had arrived by then. You were the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen, and when they took you to weigh you and stuff, it felt forever until they gave you back to me, to hold all snuggled up. I have had many blessings in my time here - but nothing compares to the wonder of God giving us you, for however much time we are given.

Over the last few nights I have been looking through all the photos and video from the last year, wondering how I could possibly only choose 3 1/2 mins worth. I have wondered where that tiny, completely helpless baby went. This has been such a fast year, and wow, how you have grown. You went from barely being able to inch over in your crib, to rolling, to crawling, to nearly walking. You went from crying, to cooing, to all out babbling. You went from nursing to eating chicken nuggets, crackers, and any fruit around.

You have become a very adventursome, curious, independent little man. I tell your Daddy quiet often that we are going to have to quite calling you baby. You know exactly what you want and will climb or rock any piece of furniture to knock it down. No only deters you when you think I'm watching, and you are determined to figure out how ever remote works and where ever wire goes in our house. You are a boundless fountain of energy and boy do you wear me out! You never tire of playing outside whether it's climbing in and emptying my flowerpots, or just laying on the swing. You are truly a joy who has never meet anyone but friends and who readily laughs at everyone and everything.

We cannot express how much we love you, silly little man, but we like to think you know. Happy 1st Birthday!

Love,
Momma

Gary Sr had his appointment with the doctor today. They have scheduled his surgery for Wednesday, January 27. After the surgery they will determine whether or not he will need radiation or chemo to follow up. However, they are hoping that they caught things early enough that they can get everything with surgery.

Sis. Ann, Aunt Joanna's mother, was transfered to Shands in Gainesville. They were able to meet with another doctor who did surgery to remove the portion of the mass that was in her lung. They are planning to do chemo for the portion of the mass that is between her lungs. Testing on the portion that they removed, has indicated that it is the lung cancer and that its stage four cancer.

I've been taking a break from blogging around here, but there are several little updates that I can't put off updating on anymore.

First Prayer List Updates:

Dad had his CAT Scan and they have finally scheduled him an appointment to have it read and to meet with the surgeon to determine exactly when they will have surgery and what all he can expect. This appointment is on Monday, January the 18th.

Also, I have tried to get in touch with A. Joanna to get an update on her mother, but haven't been able to reach her. Over Christmas Aunt Joanna noticed that her mother was weezing really badly again, and made her an appointment to see her doctor when she got home. The doctor said that she only had 20% of her breathing capacity and ran a scan to see why. A fast growing mass has formed in between her lungs and is slowly choking her. The doctor (who A. Joanna and her mother really haven't liked from the get go) told them that she had a week or so to live and that all he could do was make her comfortable because it was inoperative. Aunt Joanna has dealt with alot of Granna's doctor's with her bouts with lung cancer, and just didn't feel that this doctor was doing enough, so they are seeking to transfer her to the UF hospital in Gainesville or a hospital in Tampa. So far with steroids the mass has shrunk some and she is breathing easier. All this happened last weekend, and I've not been able to get more up to date information, but when I find out I will post it.

Finally a random tidbit of information:
Remember our totally awesome chicken coop? The one that Gary built and I entered into an online contest. There were a total of nearly 300 coops entered and guess what. We were part of a 4 way tie for 1st place! Isn't that something? I'll link the other coops of you are interested in taking a look. By far ours was the cheapest constructed and poorest quality in our opinion as the others mostly have insulation, heaters, lights, and the works; but hey, we are in Florida we aren't suppose to need all of that.

The Feather Factory, Athol Coop, Built in Coop, and finally our coop Biddy's Barn

As custom here at Little Union we have a New Years Eve meeting. On the 31 we get together and have a normal night service and have some snacks afterward. We then gather back into the sanctuary and sing the old year out and the new year in. Its a great time of worship and fellowship and what better way to start off the New Year. You can take all that ball drop and fire works and whatever this is ten times better. It was a custom when I was younger for us kids to camp out down at Bro Leroy Carlton's place all night long after the meeting. As we got older we stopped the camping out. So this year a few of us decided to start camping out again and this time we were going to do it down at our church property. We are blessed with over nine acres at our church building with plenty of area to camp out and a large area to to play in. So on the 30th and 31st of December we gathered down at the church with a fire pit and our tents. We cooked right on the fire with supplies that we brought. For the first night we had hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst cook with grilled onions and peppers, fried okra and other little stuff but for desert Dad made peach cobbler with his dutch oven that topped everything. Peach cobbler never tastes the same after you have had peach cobbler in a dutch oven in the woods. That morning we got up and we fixed a large breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits and sausage gravy with coffee and hot chocolate. We then spent the day doing various things outdoors: we went down back behind our property to Hurrah creek which a river that sits about a half mile behind the church., some of the kids got to try out their new BB guns and had target practice, while a few of us just sat around the fire and enjoying the moment with friends in the outdoors.

Then on New Year's Day the rest of the Church joined us. For great fellowship, games and food. We played a game called corn hole toss which will be in the slide show and for me a new card game called hand and foot. Its just a wonderful time we get to spend with church family and friends.

I was a little disappointed to hear Momma tell Daddy this morning that when I took a nap that the Christmas tree was going to come down that it had been up too long. But when I woke up, something even better had taken it's place. All of my toys were together, and I have my own place to play in the living room. It's the best. I mostly played in there all evening, though I did have to drag a few things out into the rest of the house.

So I've been giving this a bit of thought, and think that some how, for some reason, that we should do something on our little bloggity home to mark the passing away of 2009 and the beginning of 2010.

Does anyone remember how when we were 7 or so that the day passed so slow? I distintly remember this one day in the early summer, when we still lived in our old house. I had been given a journal for Christmas from Grandmother it was purple with little cats all over it, and I had stopped and put it up against the wall to write something down. I asked Mother what time it was, and she told me. And then I put the journal back in my room, and after what seemed like years I asked what time it was again, and not even five minutes had passed. I remember how in grade school weeks dragged as Christmas break approached, and then when it finally did the count down began for when Daddy would be off with us. Then in high school when everyone was looking forward to prom and then of course graduation... those months dragged it couldn't get here fast enough. But somehow time passed faster and faster and faster, until now this year has become a blur.

I mean seriously did someone dump some miracle grow on Britt? He's not suppose to grow this fast is he? He's not much of a baby anymore. Has it really been nearly a year? Last night Gary and I thought back to 3 years ago, the night we got engaged. Then he went wait a minute has it been 3 years, are you sure about that? Yep dearest, it has indeed been 3 super fast years. However it seems to me as the days are swiftly passing by (swift as an indian arrow flies), that maybe for once I should make some resolutions, I mean with no goals how do you get anything accomplished?

~ Journaling, I'm going to start it again for me... even on days I have not too much to say. My writing skills are getting rusty from lack of real use, and besides, Mother got me this BEA-U-TI-FUL green journal just begging to be filled.

~ Lose 30 lbs, this is my big one. 15 of that is still left over from Britt and 15 magically appeared when I went from the college diet of daily raimen to the married diet of oh-so-delicious-oh-so-much-butter-and-wow-look-at-all-that-sugar.

~ Just one more and that would be to recapture Mary and kick Martha out of this house, I am finding that more and more often I am getting caught up in the stresses of daily life and forgetting to really enjoy all the little daily blessings. I need to gather as much from the sermon as possible, and stop wanting to kill my son when he interfers. I need to take a chill pill a little more often. Not that I am cool with the house going to disaster zone or anything, but maybe I worry a little too much about keeping everything in order at the sacrifice of just being crazy and fun, more like I use to be. I want to do more than survive this year, I want to really live it. So look out world, 2010 has arrived!

Just a few updates today...

Bro. Charles Carlton has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home now. He still has a long way to go, but he has come so very far. The Lord hears and answers prayer. Please continue to keep him and the family in your prayers.

Gary's father was diagnoised with colon cancer earlier today. They will be doing a CAT Scan on Jan 8 to determine the extent. They feel like they caught this very early though, and hope to do surgery soon. Keep the family in your prayers especially Mom and Dad.

A few have asked for an update on our job situation. The plan is first thing on Monday the 4th for Gary to go around and put in applications at places like Walmart, Lowes, Winn Dixie, etc. We are hoping perhaps someone can hire him full time, even if it's only something like stocking shelves, for enough money to make more than unemployeement. If he can get something we might be able to stay in the house a little longer. We feel that it would be unfair for our family and the Church to continue to support us after 5 months, when we could give up paying rent. Keep us in prayer not only that we might find a job, but that we would know what to do, until the Lord provides a job.

On Saturday we headed up to Tennessee to visit with Grandma and Billy and all the Mallard side of the family. We ate way too much, laughed even more, and visited for the longest time. I always love hanging out with that side of the family. It's the only place where there are as many red-heads as every other color. haha. Everyone went on and on about how happy and playful Britt was. They kept asking us, if we knew what a blessing he was to be so good and such little trouble. We told them that we sure did, and no that they could not load him up and carry him home with them. Britt had a ball playing with everyone, and especially trying to chase Emily around. She didn't want to play with him, but kept us laughing talking to us in her super country, West Tennessee accent. It was a great time!

We've had a really good trip so far. It's been great to be a part of Christmas with my family, I have missed our laughter, games, and general laid back time together. Leading up to Christmas this year, Benji and Britt have had a lot of fun together playing with the trains and checking out all the decorations everywhere we went. Christmas Eve we always spend over at Grandmother and Granddaddy's. We get together and eat an early dinner/late lunch with all the trimmings. Then after alot of conversation when we are all stuffed we usually break out some game. This year we played spades for a while. Then when Maghen can't stand to wait any longer we do presents. This year she wasn't the youngest anymore so she didn't get to go first. Haha Mag-wen Haha! All three of us got some very nice gifts in books, clothes, a new still camera, and for Britt lots of toys.
Then Christmas day we always spend at home. We we were just a few years old, Mother and Daddy decided that it was rediculous to rush through Christmas and then make us as kids leave everything to drive somewhere else for another Christmas. So, she told everyone that they could have any other time on any other day, but that we would be home for Christmas. This is something that I would very much like to do one of these days. Mother is a pro at dragging out Christmas to last as long as possible. We always get our stockings and a book bag first (a gift bag full of book, because you know, in this house every holiday is an excuse for more books). Then Mother has a huge breakfast that she cooks and we eat and eat until we can't hardly move, and everything is most gone. Then we do presents, one at a time and very often we can streach things out till noon or 1, around which Grandmother and Granddaddy often swing by with leftover, or for finger foods for lunch and to visit a little while. We spend the rest of the day playing the games we got, or watching the movies we got, and just laying around the house together. It's a really special time of year, and I can't express how thankful I was to be home this year, at best we might be able to come home again next year since Christmas would fall over the weekend, but by the time that Britt is (about to be) 3 I want to plan for us to be at our home for his Christmas. So it was extra special to me to be here.

Today we will be traveling up to Tennessee to see Daddy's side of the family. So see you again later!

Britt,

You have grown so much in the last month. You are cruising more and more, but really you are walking with your hand trailing along the furniture. You still immediately stop if you realize that you are walking or standing without touching something, but your balance is better and better these days. You like to play giddup horsey, except we don't have to bounce you, you bounce yourself. At first we thought you had gone crazy, but now we just sing it to you when you get started and want to play. Oh and climbing, you climb on everything: on boxes, in and out of baskets, over anyone laying in the floor going back and forth laughing the entire time, now you have twice moved things around in the floor in order to be able to climb onto the couch. Sneaky little boy.

You pretty much insist on table food now days, we are hoping to convince you that you want the last of the baby food that we have, but after Christmas we have decided that you win and will be table food all the way. You love to eat what we are eating when we are eating. I don't suppose I'll be able to hold off all the family members who want to feed you coke and candy and then give you back very much longer. But for now we are trying to convince you that meat and veggies and fruit really are good.

You are still the most joyful laughing kind of person. You are starting to be a little more heisatant about people that you don't know. Not scared, just not overly smiley like normal. You don't really like to be left alone, if everyone leaves the room, you follow them into the next room. You just like the company of someone else there with you while you play. Everything is a toy, and boy are you curious. You need to know what everything is and what it does and what you can make it do. Your favorite thing to do these days is pull all of something out of a box, dump truck or other stashing place, and then fill it all back up again.

Every day is an adventure together and I love you.

Love,
Momma

Yesterday Ahna and Grumps carried me and Momma and Daddy over to Santa's Village in Huntsville. It was a really neat place. When we first walked in we saw two of Santa's reindeer in training. They weren't really practicing flying at the time, but one was napping and one was eating. We also got to meet a gingerbread man, a bear dressed as a nutcracker, and a very big penguin. We got to go into the woodworking shop where elves were making wooden toys (a few of which Momma and I tried out). Then it was snowing, Momma and I spun around and caught snow flakes and I laughed and laughed, and then Daddy walked up and said that it wasn't REAL snow, and Momma shushed him, and said to stop spoiling our fun. Next, we stopped by to hear Mrs. Claus reading Santa stories. After that we walked around and saw all the decorations and colors and lights and presents. It was cold but it was alot of fun. Everyone took turns holding me and pointing out various things for me to look at. Ahna told me that there is a Santa Claus and that we might go see him later in the week when he goes to the mall, but the line was too long in the cold to see him tonight. Momma and Grumps kinda snickered and said there's no such thing as Santa Claus. As for me I don't know since I never met the guy, but we did have alot of fun at his place.

Last night late after the rush of the weekend of Christmases, we had our own little family Christmas. Britt loved his presents, most especially the blocks that Daddy made for him. He also got some handmade cloth books for Church, and some clothes (especially for the cold Alabama winter that we will be heading up for in a few more hours).
(Again, this is a bit long and is mostly just a video of the evening. More for my journaling records and any Grandparents that wanted to see. So watch at your own risk, haha.)

This weekend has been like a holiday - since we are going home for Christmas this year, we have spent this weekend doing Christmas with Gary's family. On Thursday night we went over to eat dinner with Granna and Granddaddy Garland. They then gave Britt his two gifts - a jack in the box and a dog figurine. He was most interested in the dogs, but he would try to turn the handle for the jack in the box, it didn't make him jump at all though. He also got a puzzle from Aunt Joanna and Uncle Quintin that night. He likes dumping out all the pieces and then banging them together, but he doesn't really get that they are suppose to go back in there yet. Then on Friday night we did Christmas at Mom and Dad's and then we all spent the night. We had crab leggs and we all ate till we were about sick. He got a Tonka truck that revs up from Mom and Dad and some little trucks that he spent alot of time driving around. Aunt Joan got him some big legos, which he seems to like the best of all of his gift, he puts them in and takes them out of their heliocopter shaped home. Then Aunt Amanda got him a little tool set, which we pulled out for him to play with a little tonight. On Saturday, much earlier today, we went over to Grandmaw Bea and Poppa J's for Christmas. We had more seafood and alot of fun visiting.

(the video is not only a view of the speedy weekend, but it covers pictures and video from all the funniest moments: Britt learning to tear open presents, Dad at a tea party with Brystal and Lilli, Britt tackeling toy bears, Aunt Sharon sleeping, Uncle Matt and Julia doing the twist, just to mention a few.)

This post is just for Kelly, since she wanted to see what I was talking about when I said Britt really loved on pillows. Maybe you'll enjoy it too. The very best part might be at the end when I try to share his pillows.

Last night, after it got dark, Momma and Daddy took me to Christmas Lane. Mr. Lane is strawberry friend of Daddy's and every year since 1980 (basically forever) he has been decorating out infront of his house. They operate solely on donations and everything is free - parking, to get in, and best of all the train. They have a wishing pond that all the change goes to a look orphanage, and Momma and I threw in three pennies. They have all of these neat moving bears and reindeer, and stuff, and they play Christmas music. I really liked all the lights and sound. Someone even said Santa Claus was there, whoever he is, I didn't see him though, I was too busy watching the train go round and round. I really wanted to ride it, but they said I was too small, maybe next year. They did let me stand on the cabouse though and Daddy took a picture. You should go if you get the chance, it's on Dover Road in Plant City.

After much begging and pleading I got Gary to hang some lights last Tuesday on the house. We already had a long strand, and Amanda had a bunch of lights that she wasn't using, so Mom used some on the house, and let us take the last 4 boxes. Britt really likes them, he just looks and looks at them and tries to grab them.

or "This Climbing is Going to be the Death of Me"

So Britt has been doing much better today, his fever is about gone, and this medicine makes him crazy hyper, so since Daddy was finished sanding his blocks I thought he could play out in the yard for a little bit in front of the steps while Daddy stains his blocks. I come out to say something and what do I find, but baby has playing in my potting soil. The kid has climbed into the pot. So I took a picture, took him out, and grab the video camera to see if he would do it again. Sure enough he did, and then promptly tried to crawl face first out of it, so we moved the pot on the steps and gave him a ball to play with instead. Poor baby though, snuck up behind Daddy and climbed those steps, and managed to fall and bump the back of his noggin. So in for a bath, a cup of milk, and a late nap. Poor fellow, he's ok, but I had to cuddle him for a few minutes to convince him.

A few updates and new one's to add to the list.

One of Gary's Uncles L.A. Varnum passed away on Monday, the funeral was today. Please keep the family in your prayers.

We also found out late yesterday that Bro. Obey's wife Sis. Mary from Tanzania passed away on Monday. She never really got over losing Bro. Obey. She had maleria and was in the hospital and a few days before she passed away she seemed to be doing better, but then she had a stroke and died. They leave behind 6 children: Jenny is 18 years old, Barnabas is 16, Gift and Given are 12 or 13. The youngest set of twins are 9 or 10 and their names are Nikolas and Grace. They had just about finished up a house near to the Church. Right now they aren't sure what's to happen with the children. Some may go to Obey's brother - Rejoice, some may go to his parents, and they would rent out the house to help provide some money for the children; or they may see if they can get a few members from the church to live with them, as they live just a few minutes from the church. Please keep this family in your prayers. Brother Same Bryant will be traveling over there again, early in the year. If you wish to help them he would be the one to talk with.

There is also some good news to report.

James Mizel had a visit with the doctor, who examined him and thought he was much improved in his leg, then his mother Sis. Amanda pointed out that it was the other leg that they were having trouble with the CP, the doctor was amazed at the improvement, and little James now only has to wear the brace a few hours a day instead of 24/7.

Also, Nathan Ferrel has had several bouts of sickness (it is that time of year) and has lost all of the weight that he had put on over the summer. He's lab results have come back stronger than before and he is growing. The O2 has helped him alot, but now they just need to fatten him up a bit. Keep praying for this family, as the Lord has heard and answered many prayers on Nate's behalf so far.

Sis. Gayle hasn't been doing very well on this new experimental drug and chemo, so they took last week off. On a nice evening we got to visit awhile outside with them and she is feeling better now, they have dropped her numbers quite a bit, but still have a ways to go.

Bro. Charles has been doing better and better, he will be coming home to Aunt Patricia's house in the next week or two, to finish recovery. There have been many times where they thought he was down to his final hours and the Lord has blessed him to get stronger and stronger. He still has a long, long way to go before he is back to his self, but the ability after 6 months to come home is a big step in that direction.

As for our job situation, there is currently only one position that we are waiting to hear back from in the Bartow area. There really isn't alot to apply for right now, so we are trying to enjoy the holidays and not dwell on the situation. We ask you to be in prayer, as we think we are going to stick it out one more month before we look into other options.

Also, Merry Christmas to all. Never forget that this time isn't about what all we get, but what all we have been given in a Savior who wanted us enough to come and die for us, who saves us despite what we have done and continue to do, and who one day will return to carry us home.

Last Monday, Momma got a big box in the mail, and I was excited, it looked like a fun box, to be played with and I thought something fun might be inside of it because she was excited too. Then Daddy got home from helping Poppa J rake up all his leaves, and opened the box, and what was inside wasn't fun at all! It was a baby gate, and though I have tried to find a way under, through, over, or around the thing for over a week now I haven't had any success. To top it all off, Momma threw the box out with the trash not two days later. Thank goodness we are going to visit Grumps and Ahna soon, where there are NO evil baby gates.

Well now that it's the Monday after Thanksgiving, we can officially start talking about and celebrating Christmas! I did a really bad thing last week, before Thanksgiving... since we were working on Britt's closet, and the attic space is through the ceiling in there I had Gary get down the tree and all the Christmas stuff. Then because it was just sitting in my floor getting in my way, I thought I needed to clear out a spot for it and go ahead and put it up. But I thought we wouldn't decorate it till Friday after Thanksgiving... but then it looked so lonely and wrong, so we just had to decorate it.

Britt helped out a little, and since then surprisingly enough, he hasn't terrorized it. He just sits and looks at the one little ornament that hangs so low, and flips it back and forth. No pulling up on or pulling over the tree, and no pulling off, rolling around, or eating ornaments. So far I've been really surprised. So enjoy the Christmas season with us...

There isn't much new to report on the prayer list.

Bro. Charles has been moved to a nursing home/rehabilation center. He continues to have several good days, and then bad days again. Please keep him in your prayers at this time.

As for our job situation, there seems to be very little to apply for right now. However, there is a job opening (same thing one in Walchula and one in Bartow) that seem to be a very good fit, which Gary has applied for. They will begin setting up interviews this week, and we really hope that they will call Gary back. Please keep us in your prayers.

Ok, so I don't normally do these sorts of things. But take a look at this a moment won't you?
Over here, they are doing a contest in which they are going to be giving away a $30 gift certificate for the Brass Hussy. I thought it was a little bit different, and very cool. I don't wear alot of jewelry, but this is definately something I might like, so go and take a look.

Today for Thanksgiving we went over to Grandmaw Bea and Poppa J's house. We had a really good lunch and then while the kiddos played together (14 mons, 10 mons, and 6 mons), us big kids played several rounds of Scattagories. We had a load of fun, then several of us sat around and talked about Church, politics, and raising families. We vented frustrations and solved all the problems just hashing them out around that big round table. We all had a wonderful time.

Hope you and yours had just as good of time gathered with family and friends. And most of all I hope you all remember to thank our Heavenly Father from whom all good and perfect gifts come. We have so much to be thankful for, even in these difficult times.

Britt,

It's so hard to believe how much you have grown and how fast this year has been passing. I can't imagine how we made it without you.

You have always been a personable little man, but you have really decided what it is that you like and that you don't in the last month. You don't like veggies of any sort now, unless they we are eatting them and then you'll eat all the green beans I'll feed you. Daddy wants to hold off on table food till Christmas time, but I got news for him... you aren't going to wait that long. We've had to double your cereal in the morning because you are still hungry when we are done. On that note, my adventuresome eater has decided to boycott all cereal except oatmeal with real bananas or rice with apple flavoring. You are a real pro with your cup these days. You lounge off to the side and hold it with one hand so that you can see what I'm doing off to the other side.

I'm not sure that there is anything that you don't like to play with. Balls and my coasters are at the top of your list of favorites, and you are always dragging around either your prayer bear or the little on that Grandmother gave you. You had a real ball at Sis. Andy's the other day playing with an old barbie car and the tractor that came on Kelsey's b'day cake. I think for your b'day we are just going to ask for clothes since you have no 12 month clothes, and tell them that you like cars and tractors.

You are all but walking, I'm sure you'll be following Lilli around by Christmas. Just yesterday morning while you were standing at the tv, I called you and you took a step without holding on with anything, kept your balance, and then realized you weren't touching anything, promptly sat down and crawled to me. Rotten child. We are going to need to move things around some more soon! You love crawling on the boxes that I have to keep you from going out the front door, you lay on the shortest on your stomache and crane that neck to see Mara when she's on the far end of the porch. Anytime she walks by you grab her fur and pat her (entirely too hard in my opinion). She lets you do that a time or two, before heading off for some peace and quiet. Then you look around to see if I'm watching and pull those knees up on that box to climb out. I tell you "No, Britt" and you look around and grin and get off - at least till you think I'm not watching again. You are going to ask Santa for a screen door for Christmas.

Speaking of things you aren't suppose to be doing. You love to go over to the boxes that I have blocking you from the kitchen and dinning room, and pull out all my yarn. Every day this week I go and wash dishes for about 15 to 20 mins, and come back to yarn strung out all over the house, rolled under all the beds, wrapped around chair legs, and you sitting there with the biggest grin on your face. Rotten, I tell you.

I had a dream a few nights ago that you grinned at me, got up, and ran in the other direction, and looked all grown up. I woke up, and went to check on you, just to be sure that I hadn't been asleep for 10 years. So, when you trash my very neat house, I try very hard to remember that you will only be little so long. And laugh with you instead of beating you to death. But seriously little dude, you are going to have to start learning to pick up your messes soon. Do I look like your servant?

We all love you so much, me and Daddy, your whole family, and our Church family. The girls can't get enough of your laugh, and we hope you will always be able to find such joy and peace in life even when things are difficult.

Love,
Momma

So guess what me, Daddy, and Momma did yesterday! We went over to Cape Canaveral to see the Shuttle launch. It was a surprise for Momma since Daddy knew she has always wanted to see a shuttle launch. We didn't realize how busy it would be silly Momma and Daddy, and since it was last minute, you had to have a ticket to get into the view station at the Kennedy Space Center. We couldn't go see all the stuff over there, Momma said maybe another time. Instead we sat next to the water in Titusville, and got to watch it take off across from us. There was so much to see there, lots of trees and waves splashing, and stuff. Before Atlantis took off, I had to eat lunch, and I really didn't want to since there was so much to see. When it got ready to take off it glowed really bright red, and then off it went. It took us nearly 40 secs to hear it, so it must have been about 14 miles away from us. Momma really liked and was amazed, but I liked the water best, it's so fascinating. It was over so fast and then I had my cup of milk and we loaded back up. It took just under 2 hours to get there, but 4 to get back, there were so many people there. It took one hour just to go 7 miles to get out of Titusville. Then we hit Orlando at rush hour and lost another hour, and I really wanted out of my carseat, I yelled but no one listened to me. Momma was really excited, and said maybe we can go again next year and take Grumps with us, cause he would really like that, and he would be fun to go with, cause he could tell me all about all the space stuff. Well it's supper time, so I have to go, but watch our movie.

You must forgive me for abandoning you all this month, but in my defense it has been rather crazy as of late. There was the fair, and then I sold some scarves, and then there was Church clean up day on Saturday before our meeting, and then I sold some toboggans, and then I temped for a few days at this little shipping business, and then I sold some slippers, and then there was our big weekend meeting. My time, when I've been home has been filled with trying to get this house clean, laundry done, chicken coop built, talk Gary into letting me have some sheep (I know it's not going to happen), and oh yeah we do have a nine month old. Wheew! Tiring just thinking about it. Well, lunch is going off in the microwave, and Britt is insisting that it isn't fair to not let him blog again this week, and I really need to finish mopping. So I will bid you adiou and promise you a blog from Britt this week.

Little Man went as a turtle for Halloween today. Let's just say he was a big hit...

I've been having alot of fun in Alabama with all the family, but we are getting ready to head back home tomorrow evening, Momma says. So here is a little video with some of the highlights from the last week.

Everyone I meet is so funny. Grumps lays in the floor with me, and reads to me, and makes funny noises with me. Ahna holds me and feeds me. Grandmother taught me to play "Patty Cake." Granddaddy tells me that I'm his little buddy and lets me climb all over the place and play with his pens. I got to see A. Maghen and A. Melanie, and U. Matthew, U. Nicholas, and U. Benji. We've had lots of fun.

I can't wait to see everyone at Christmas and to play with all of Grandmother's sparkly things.

Ann Tucker is at home and doing well. She had a doctor's appointment yesterday and everything came back clear. Aunt Joanna is back home, and I'm sure the boys and U. Quintin is happy.

Bro. Charles Carlton has just had the trek removed. He is gaining strength.

Sis. Gayle Smith has been having some trouble with her new chemo. They had decided to try a new experimental type of chemo, so it may be rough for a while before it gets better.

Sis. Kerry and the baby are doing very well. They have made it past the scare zone, and will be released from the specialist to her regular OB very soon. Keep them in prayer that baby and momma will be healthy.

Nathan Ferrel has seen great improvements since getting on O2. They went to Houston to meet with a Mito specialist to manage Nate's case and that gave them alot of direction and alot of help. They have even decided that he doesn't have to be on the O2 all the time. Happily he is still growing and doing very well these days.

Sis. Melissa is doing very well. She is starting back subbing this week.

Finally, Jim and Gary are still job hunting continue to remember all of us in prayers.