Getting ready for XI CHI

Tomorrow XI CHI DELTA officers will be here for their officers retreat. I remember my conversation with Doug a month ago when he asked if they could be here following EU. At the time I truthfully had to reply, "If you were Chelsea I would say yes, but she would help big time and have all the work done for XI CHI" He asked about the work that would be needed. And then clarifying said, "So you mean I would have to take all the sheets off the beds, wash them, dry them, AND put them back on the beds? Hum, I'll just tell everyone to bring sleeping bags!" lol:) Instead he talked sweet Allison (Bo's cousin and XI CHI officer) into helping him. Bless her heart, she is wonderful!

After working TONS they are sitting here:


Well, actually sitting here enjoying a movie:)

EU arrives....and leaves...

This weekend the long awaited and long planned Evangelism University arrived and has now, for 2011, departed. For our family it brings Chelsea and Bo home (along with about 7 of their youth group kids). It also brought the Milan Church of Christ youth group and a couple of extra fun friends. I love this time of visiting, of fellowship. I love having my children all home. I love working in the kitchen with Chelsea and Sarah...what joy!! I cannot express my appreciation to God for the gift of these two girls. What incredible examples for my little girls, for all who know them. I am always always blessed to have them close and be able to bask in the fun:) On Saturday I cooked for the evening meal, feeding my crew (plus a few extras), the Milan group, the Peachtree group and the Madison group...about 90 wonderful souls entered our home and visited with us. I LOVE IT!


Along with my Chelsea came my Bo (I can call him mine as he married Chelsea and her family). He is an incredible big brother!! I took these of Mercedez and Carlton with Bo:




These are of the Peachtree City kiddos and one with some of my kiddos too.



I have neglected my blogging as Caleb reminded me today. My camera is broken (well, the lens) and I am terrible about liking picture stories! But, I broke out my phone to take some pictures to share with KK. He laughed today on the phone and shared that he never ever thought he would be addicted to reading my blog. In his defense, he is far from home and I suppose very very bored!

Kind Reminders...

So often Tasha and her wittiness remind me of Sarah (lol...the Good and the Bad!) While cleaning for EU I saw this on Tasha's wipe board. I had to laugh, it reminded me so very much of THIS ONE which was written long long ago!

Although Tasha was a bit sweeter in talking to herself....she signed her note with "Love Tasha Smotherman".

Yep...definitely ...Two peas in a pod!

Not a normal sight!

I love Sarah and her hat! That is actually a normal sight. But scraping snow? That is not usual! Sarah had to go back to school today. We are still home:) It should be a fun day!

Bringing gifts!

When my biggies come home the biggest gift is truly their time. We are just glad to have them here! Stuart and Hannah have popped in and out this week (so much fun for us!). Last night they called and came...why? To make cookies for the kids.



This kids crowded and several times I had to clear the kitchen....I think this was crowd number three!


They made DOZENS of cookie and this morning only about a dozen remains...for the moment.



Along with those cookies they brought Nanny McPhee. We pulled down the big screen and enjoyed! Love the special time with my kids!!

Sports for every occasion?

I know of people who using fishing analogies, hunting analogies and sports analogies...Sports seem to encompass about all of life (of course there are LOTS of sports to reference!).

We had some friends over the other night and they brought their youngest, Mr Knox. Ryan wanted to hold Knox and Sarah told him, "Ryan, put one hand under his bottom and one on his back, and DON'T let go!!" Ryan did as directed and immediately said, "ohhhh, just like a football!" To which Sarah laughingly replied, "yeah and you better not fumble!"

Sweet pictures! My kiddos sure do love babies:)

SnOw DaYs!!!

Snow Creme:


Snow Men:


Snow shoveling:


and LOTS of fun:)













We love snow days! It's been many many years since we have had this kind of snow! Today has been a great day. Tonight we are snuggled in watching Auburn play Oregon. Sure is nice to be able to have these memories with my kiddos!

These are from around the house.....

My dinner bell, which obviously had not been rung:


The front of the house:



The baseball field:



The swings (the kids loved this one and of course sat in it):




The picnic table, where we intended to get our snow for snow creme until "not me" let Bronte in the little fence and he laid on all that clean white snow!



And in a not so funny picture? This is my mailbox, BEFORE someone ran off the road and hit it!! :(