Blogging and Praying that I never forget these days . . . .

Cookie Party

December 23, 2010

We had our cookie party before Christmas to make lots of good treats.  The kids loved making their own personal cookies for Santa.  It was a real mess, but they all got to ice, sprinkle, and draw on their cookies to their hearts content.  Abby, Amanda, and I kept it together some how or another, but our kids had fun and that is what matters.  Lots of special Christmas Memories.  I am beginning to see that FFMs (Fun Family Moments) sometimes look different from the parent end of the deal!
Abby, Emerson, Carter, & Kayla

Emerson, Abby, Jack, Max, Tristan, & Amanda

Jack, Tristan, & Max

Kayla, Emerson, & Jack
Sawyer & Mary Kate

Jack, Tristan, Amanda, & Max


Garth Brooks

December 22, 2010

On Wednesday night we got our turn to go to the Garth Concerts that had taken over Nashville. Garth planned on doing one show for flood relief, but because so many people went nuts-o over tickets he added more and more shows on to the schedule.  It was stated that he was going to add shows until the tickets stopped selling. The money raised went to the people of Nashville who were affected by all the flooding in the spring.  The mayor reported at our concert (the last of 9 concerts) that the expected economic impact of the series was close to $15 million for the city.  Un-be-liev-able!  It was one of the best concerts I have been to.  The crowd sang along to every song he sang.  Many times during the night he would just play a single cord and the crowd would start the song and carry it all the way through.  Crazy!  We loved the concert and the night out with some of our closest friends.
Crowds blocking the roads

Shannon, Jess, and Abby

Polar Express

December 4, 2010

Saturday was Max's annual Polar Express Ride.  Bebe and Big Daddy have made this trip a yearly one that he looks forward to each Christmas Season.  It is a fun day for him and my parents.  I think they both look forward to it with equal anticipation.  This year Mary Kate got to go for the first time.  They both got to see and talk to Santa about their wishes for Christmas.  Max met an elf that obviously grew very fond of him.  That elf keeps showing up at our house and dropping off small gifts and notes for the kids.  Max gets so excited when he discovers that Milo has brought another treat.  He even brought a book that told about him and how he returns to Santa to give him reports on behavior at night.  I am so glad that Max met an elf that is now coming to visit.  It has made this Christmas season even more fun.  I wonder who Max will meet next year on the Polar Express.

Christmas Parties

December 17-19, 2010

This weekend has been jam packed with Christmas festivities.  Thursday night we enjoyed Max's Christmas Program at school.  Then on Friday morning I got to do the Mom thing and help out with Max's class party.  The kids had so much fun!  We made stain glass ornaments and glittered ornaments.  The kids swapped gifts with a fun musical chairs game and then we ate all the goodies they all brought.   Friday night, Jay and I attended the Servpro Corporate Party downtown.  It was a nice time, but a fabulous time being just the two of us.  We enjoyed dinner and then went to the party.  Daddy Mike and Sassy B kept our two little ones so we could have a good time with no worries.  Thanks guys, you are the best!!

Saturday night we attended our annual Christmas in the Culdesac Party.  Wowzers, it was fun and late.  We ate lots of good finger foods and enjoyed the company of our neighbors and friends.  We partied late into the night with the Newlywed Game.  I forgot how hilarious and fun that can be.  We are blessed to have such a wonderful group of people to raise our children with here in the culdesac.  The picture shows all the kidos.....what a busy section of the neighborhood.  Hahaha.

Sunday Jay and I hosted my Big Parsons Family Christmas at our house.  It was the first time in many years that everyone could be in attendance.  Bull and Nanny Margaret where here, Tony and Linda and all their kids and grandkids, and my Parents with all three of us and our families.  It was a very full house, but much needed family time as we have all grown up and apart.  We made a new game this year with Parsons Family trivia.  Everyone came up with various facts and questions about the family and wrote them on cards.  Then we put them in a bowl and Dad and Tony read them and with Bull's help answered them the best they could.  It was an interesting time of learning about our history and telling stories that everyone can continue to pass down.

NAPS Christmas Program

December 16, 2010


Max participated in his first Christmas Progam on Thursday night.  The Preschool he attends holds an annual program for all the kids to sing.  It was extremely cute and to the point.  Each age group takes the stage to perform 4-5 songs that they have been rehearsing in music class.  Max's group of 4 & 5 year olds sang 5 Little Fingers, Feliz Navidad, Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, Suzie Snowflake, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.  It was a wonderful performance with minimal skirt flashing, nose picking, and crying.  He had a great time, did a beautiful job,  and a large crowd of family supporting him.
Will Barrett Williams, Max, and Mac Miles

Maddie Floyd, Will Barrett Williams, Max, Mac Miles, & Maddie Tillman

Max and his Best Friend, Kirkland

2nd Tooth

December 3, 2010
Mary Kate got her 2nd tooth this week!

Walking Progression

Mary Kate took some of her first steps back in November and is now wabbling all over the house.  Here are a few quick clips of her steps.

November:

December:

As you can see, she is now independent and moving on her own.  She walks and jabbers all over the house at her leisure. 

Go Flames