Sunset Rock

The weather here is so nice (60 degrees) that we decided to go hiking on Sunday. We drove up Lookout Mountain and parked at Point Park. This was a battle site for the Civil War. The kids enjoyed the canons and monuments. We then decided to hike from Point Park to Sunset Rock. The trail markers said it was a 1.3 mile hike. We decided we could manage this with the boys. What we didn't count on was the wet trail and rough terrain. There were several steep drop offs and many rocks to climb. We ran into some real rock climbers while on our trip. The rest of the time, we tried to hug the side of the mountain. Ethan loved it. He was such a trooper. He ran out ahead to scout for us and tried to find the driest route. I definitely saw the leader in him emerge. After a little over an hour, we arrived at sunset rock. It was beautiful and really high. I made the boys stay back from the edge. We decided to forgo the hike back and walked instead on the road next to the amazing houses. It only took 30 minutes to get back to the car. It was a great day! We can't wait to go back when we are better dressed and more prepared for the hike.

Caldwell Christmas

Chris' parents came to visit us the day after Christmas. It is such a blessing to have family that is willing to travel to see us. The kids were so excited to have them here. The brought Tyler a giant boxing set and a farm set. Grandpa sat and played farmer with the boys. He taught the boys how to take care of the horses.

Ethan got a Chinese Checker set. When we went to visit the Caldwell's for Thanksgiving Ethan played Chinese Checkers the entire time. He loves board games so this was a perfect gift for him. Grandma also made beautiful blankets for each of the boys (Chris included). They will be perfect for those cold nights.

Christmas Day: Wii Wish You a Merry Christmas

Chris and I spent Christmas Day with the boys at our home. This is the first year we were without extended family. I was a little nervous, but it turned out fine. Ethan asked for a Wii and that is what Santa brought him. Chris and I decided to set it up the night before and just wrap the empty box. Chris and I stayed up late playing the Wii by ourselves. The next morning, Ethan and Tyler woke up before us. Ethan ran down and looked at the tree and all the presents, but the Wii was set up in the basement. I yelled down at the kids to not touch the presents until we came downstairs. Ethan replied, "We aren't touching the presents, but someone set up a Wii in the basement." So much for surprises.

Tyler asked for an Indiana Jones Whip. I made him open that last. Every present he opened before that received a "Cool, but I didn't ask for that." We were done opening presents in about 20 minutes. So much planning for so little time. Chris got the first season of Battlestar Galatica. My sweet husband got me a pair of UGG boots. I wore them all day and only took them off for bed.

We spent the day relaxing and playing the Wii. It was very sad to be without family, but it was nice to relax. Chris' parents are coming the day after Christmas and my parents are coming for New Years. It will be nice to see our family.

The Real Reason...



I heard this song on the radio yesterday and wanted to share it with you. I get so caught up in this time of year with everything that has to be done and I was forced to take a moment and remember that Christ is all that really matters. I took the time today and made room for him in our Celebration since He is the reason we celebrate. I hope you will take a few moments and watch this Casting Crowns song:

Santa

Now that I am out of school, I have time to focus on doing all those Christmas things, like seeing Santa. I took the boys to our local mall today. The funniest part of the visit is that the man who was Santa is a substitute for our local school system. When I am going to be out my students all beg me to get Santa as my sub. After Ethan and Tyler talked with Santa, Ethan confessed that he recognized Santa's voice as someone who works at his school sometimes. Chris quickly explained that this may be one of Santa's helpers. I think this is our last year for Ethan and Santa. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

Titans -vs- Steelers

For Chris' Christmas gift, I got him tickets to see the Titans play the Steelers in Nashville. He has never seen the Steelers play even thought it is his favorite NFL team. We all went to Nashville to spend the weekend with my sister. We had a great time on Saturday at her boyfriend's, Brandon, family holiday celebration. His aunt owns 1000 acres in Nashville and the most amazing Log Cabin. Everyone was so nice.

I planned on going shopping during the game on Sunday with Jessie, but Tyler woke up in the middle of the night throwing up everywhere. (Sorry, Jessie) My sister was a trooper. If I didn't have kids and someone elses kid vomited on me twice during the night, I would freak. She was so loving and gentle with Ty. I owe you big time, Jess.

Chris took Ethan to the game on Sunday. The high for the day was 32 degrees. That is freezing for TN. They bundled up and braved the cold. Despite the fact that the Steelers lost, they had a great time. Ethan felt so grown up to get the chance to attend a real NFL game.

Christmas Miracle

Chris' sister, Kelly, gave birth to a girl at 8:34 am. Her name is Kaitlyn Rose Anderson. She is beautiful. She is a blessing and a miracle. Chris and Kelly suffered through the loss of a son. They adopted three children last year and have a wonderful family. Their three children are adorable and amazing. I love spending time with them and my kids do too. Nine months ago Kelly found out that she was pregnant. This was a shocking suprise and blessing. Kaitlyn Rose is absolutely perfect. I can't wait to meet her. Kelly, you and your family are such an amazing testiment to faith, love and hope. We love you and are so happy for you.

Calling All Prayer Warriors

Jeremiah 33:6 "Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security."

Chris and I have some friends who are currently going through a very significant health struggle. Our friends Lance and Anna Starks are facing a very serious situation. This Tuesday Lance is scheduled to have a kidney transplant. For the past several years Lance has been fighting a disease that has destroyed his kidney's. It has now reached a very crucial point and a transplant is necessary. Lance's mom, Lynn, will be giving one of her kidney's to her son. I am asking for you to pray with us for Lance and Lynn. There are so many details and intricacies that must go perfectly for everything to be successful and we are asking for your prayers on their behalf.

Chris and I pray that God will bring abundant health and peace and security to Lance, Anna, and their two children Will and Lily Beth. Lance and Anna are close in age to Chris and me and their children are the same age as our boys. I felt a moment of guilt the other day because I was stressed over getting my Christmas shopping done, cookies baked, and cards mailed. Then, I remembered Lance and Anna and my struggles at Christmas seemed so insignificant. May we all remember how truely blessed we are during this time of year. Thank you for your prayers.

Tyler the Singing Star





Our church had their big Christmas production today. The stage was packed with at least 250 adults, youth, children, and toddlers. Tyler sings in the Cherub Choir and of course, he had to steal the show. To practice for the big show, he went and sang at Life Care. Life Care is a huge independent living facility for Senior Citizens. He hid in the curtains, waved at me and sang much too loud. You can hear him singing in the video and only him. He also gave me a thumbs up signal at the end.



At the actual performance, he kept checking his watch. I think this was a tribute to pastors everywhere (that's for you papa). Eventually, he sat down. He did very well other than trying to take his suit jacket off over his head. He had a chance to wear his new suit. He looked great!

Bowling for Joy

My niece, Joy, had her birthday on Saturday at the bowling alley. We had a great time. Chris and I even bowled. Chris actually broke a hundred (101): He had a weak game. Ok, I had a weak game too. Tyler insisted on bowling by himself. I was suprised that the bowling ball actually made it down the lane. It did get stuck one time. Tyler then started throwing the ball and we had to put a stop to that. Ethan did well. It was a great time!

Tyler posing as his ball rolled down the lane. Yes, it took several minutes...

Ethan's action pose.

Making Stockings

I was so fortunate to get the opportunity to go to Ethan's school on Friday afternoon and make stocking with his class. My planning period fell just at the right time :) I burned my fingers a couple of time with the hot glue gun but overall, it was fun! I am not that crafty, but the kids seemed to be creative enough to make up for it. Ethan was so happy that I finally got to help like the other moms. Oh the joys of being a working mom. I'm sure he won't be so grateful that I am at his school everyday when he gets to high school.

Ethan with his teacher, Mrs. Hilliard. We just love her!

Muffins for Moms

Ethan's school has a Muffins for Moms event and a Doughnuts for Dads every year. Since the breakfast is from 7:00 - 7:30 am, I can make it before school. (Sometimes it stinks being a working mom and missing out on all the school activities.) Ethan wrote a wonderful letter in his journal to me. He is such a sweet and tenderhearted boy. (Ok, I am biased.) He was so excited to show me his desk and all of the work that he has accomplished this year. His teacher is amazing! She was the TN teacher of the year a few years ago. I teach with her daughter at the high school. She understands being a working mom and does so much to make me feel a part of Ethan's education.

I also made contact with another mom in the class who sent me pictures of Ethan's recent field trip to a science center. I love to see that my son has boys in his class that he hangs out with. I think Ethan looks like the class clown. Oh well, every class needs one...