Logan tells the car "No No!"

Logan and Eli have fun with the r/ c car.  Watch Logan set the car straight at the end.                                                             

Christmas 2008

Please ignore the date-I forgot to reset the date on my camera.  Christmas went by so fast this year.  All my family was well and really enjoyed being together. Logan loves his new Radio Flyer car.  My big boys are having fun playing Rock Band on their wii.  Tony and I hope to instill in them the truth that Jesus is the greatest gift.  

Tony in Hartsfield

I have been married to my best friend for 16 years.  We dated for over 4 years, so I feel like we have always been together.  He is the kindest, smartest and funniest person I have ever known.  What I love the most about him is the kind of Christian daddy he is.  He is gentle but firm when he has to be.  Not afraid look silly nor afraid to discipline; weather playing or teaching-he is a pro.   A harder working man I have yet to meet.  He works 6 days a week-often not getting home until 8 o'clock at night.  If you think all car people are shady and untrustworthy, then you have not met Tony.  See for yourself, he works with Bosch  in Valdosta, Georgia.  He will treat you with the respect and honesty you deserve.  I know God blessed me with a rock of a husband.  We are very different and that is a good thing~we  balance each other out.  I am always amazed at how supportive and patient he is.

of course there are some days I could wring his neck, he will always be the great love of my life... and I am his. 

Logan dancing in his car seat.

Logan

 

Christmas fun

Click on the Collage to enlarge images..

Christmas Eve family brunch

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Every Christmas Eve for the past few years, we load up the boys and drive south to Tallahassee.  In about half an hour we arrive at our favorite breakfast place, the Cracker Barrel.  We really enjoy this time together each year. Since Tony works long hours and rarely has a day off, it is special for us to be together for a simple meal. Zach is a really big breakfast lover, and I always impressed at him finishing the Mamma's B'fast.  Eli is my child who really loves to go anywhere, so he practically pushes us all out the door.  I think Logan's favorite part of the trip was riding on the horse in the gift shop.  I take that back...he kept looking around at Mama, Daddy and his brothers; grinning from ear to ear.  He was thrilled that his whole family was together. Me too, Logan. Me too.

Logan and our Lab, Jazz

           Logan loves his big doggy and Jazz loves Logan!  

Logan in the Leaves

Logan (17mo) playing in the leaves...watch for the feet action!!

Who needs toys when you have leaves?? :P

Friendship Tea

My Mama used to make this for us every year.  Great for teacher gifts.  Yummy !!!

 Russian (friendship) Instant Tea

Ingredients:

18 ounces Tang drink mix

1 cup instant iced tea

2 cups granulated sugar

1 package powdered lemonade mix

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

Mix and place into a covered jar or other container. For hot tea mix 2/3 tablespoon to 1 cup of hot water. For iced tea mix substitute cold water and pour over ice.

Made a great soup tonight. Creamy and filling. Good for you too!

You got to try this soup.  Its a great way to use leftovers and a few fresh ingredients.  I used leftover ham and creamed corn I had in the fridge.  My boys lapped it up..I bet it will be even better tomorrow for lunch!

here's the how-to

2 Tbsp butter ( I used 1 T margarine and 1 T EVOO)

4 cups thinly sliced leeks, white and light green parts only (chop small if your kids are picky)
4 cups chicken broth-try the "box" with no MSG and low sodium
2 large (or 4 small) potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2 inch pieces-used what you got!
2 cups ham, diced-I didn't measure-just add what looks good to you.
1/2 cup milk-(original recipe called for 1/4 cup half and half)
Salt/garlic powder/pepper to taste
note: I added a rutabaga and creamed corn cause it was in the fridge-and I like the flavors-be creative and add what you like. 

METHOD

Directions
1 Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks, cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth, potatoes and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. ( I added the chopped rutabaga here-it really made the yummy)

2 Reduce heat; cover and simmer 25 minutes or until vegetables are very tender. Using a blender or food processor, working in batches, process until smooth. OR just use a potato masher for a chunky soup.

3 Stir in diced ham-I let my soup simmer a bit longer-I also added a big ham bone at step 2.

NOTE: I added the creamed corn at the end-it scorches easily.  The last 5 minutes-add the milk-makes the soup creamy.

you can top with a little sledded cheese-or a sprinkle of fresh chives/dill or parsley.  I hope you enjoy!!

Being a parent is fun. I keep saying that to myself. Not that it isn't because it is, it just is much tougher than I thought it would be. The loving them, the taking care of physical needs, having fun with them- those are things I am good at. The saying no (and meaning no), the heartaches of preteendom, the trying to convince them to not kill their brother-that is what I struggle with. Sometimes Daily. I have realized that if I want to live in a somewhat peaceful home, I have to start doing a little better. Somehow. I know you will tell me to get tougher-I'm workin on it. Maybe like me , there are days that start out pretty good and then around five in the afternoon you start looking down the road for good ole Daddy to drive home. Yep. A little help would be nice.

Let me introduce the boys.

First there is Daddy Tony. My car selling. sometimes hard to communicate with husband. Seriously, Tony is a wonderful father and husband.

Then there is Zachary. He will be a teenager in the Spring. His voice has changed but he is still a sweetheart.

My middle child is Mr. Eli. He is a one of a kind high maintenance child. Big hearted and loving with a definite wild streak, he is 10.

Our baby is Logan Clyde. He are all madly in love with him. A smart, funny baby who loves being out doors. He is almost 16 months. Constantly I am kissing on this one.

I hope I haven't bored anyone. I hope to give some insight to being the only female in a house of 5. I love my life. I love my family. I just need a vacation at a luxury spa. Soon. Please.

Boys, boys, boys