First Snow!

Yesterday we had our first snow. It seemed to pour down out of the sky as if in buckets and it was beautiful to watch. The boys were very excited to get out in it and play.

Collin, Ted and I worked on a snowman (the snow was a little powdery so this was a challenge) and both boys got to sled down the neighbor's yard (our yard is a little too steep to attempt. They might not have been able to stop).

I liked Ted in his uniform so I had these pictures taken.

Last week, Ted took me target shooting. I have a pistol that I haven't shot in years. I love the gun with the scope. I don't know what kind of gun it is but aside from it being too heavy for me to hold (had to prop it on the side of the pick-up) it was great fun to shoot.

December's End

Christmas Eve, all four of Ted's children came to stay with us. We ate, we chatted, we opened presents and we watched "The Dark Knight." The biggest surprise was our gift from the kids. They had had their picture taken together and a blanket made from that picture. It's awesome! They are an attractive bunch!

Both of my boys were in Birmingham with their father, so the day after Christmas, we headed South for a few days. I took Ted to the Vulcan Statue. Birmingham was known for it's Iron Ore production many years back. Vulcan is the Greek God of Iron. It's a huge statue that sits atop a pedestal that you can go in and overlook the city of Birmingham and it's surrounding area. We lovingly call Vulcan the "Moon over Birmingham." You'll understand when you look at the picture.

The highlight of the trip for me was seeing my sister, Tamara. I tried to think back to the last time I had seen her and the last time I could actually remember was after our sister's wedding two years previously.

She is working as a manager and event coordinator at The Garden Cafe at the Botanical Gardens. She really loves her job and is good at it.

We also enjoyed a dinner and an evening with my longtime friend, DJ Berney. Ladies, he's single.

Let's Hear it for North Carolina!

The weekend before Christmas, Ted had Coast Guard duty at MSU Wilmington. He was the gent in charge of CDR May's retirement party. This particular event carried a lot of pomp and circumstance and was very detailed in it's presentation.

Here is Ted with me and also alongside his Commanding officers CDR Nadeau and LCDR Dostie. They are great men to work with.

After several days in Wilmington, we headed to the outer banks of North Carolina. We had a 2 1/2 hour ferry ride to Ocracoke Island. Here we saw one of the unique lighthouses that sit along this beautiful coastline.

We continued our travels up the outerbanks where we spent the night in Kitty Hawk. I had mentioned an interst in seeing the Wright Brother's Memorial and Ted made it so. After which, we stopped by the Lost Colony of Manteo (me by this beautiful moss covered tree) and ventured through a little aquarium in that town. The best part of the aquarium where the silly pictures we had taken.

Our last stop this particular trip was Jerry and Evelyn's home (Ted's father and step-mother). We had a wonderful dinner provided by Evelyn and enjoyed some wonderful gifts and conversation. Ted's sister, Paula, and her family were with us as well. Paula performed a little "surgery" on me while there. I think it's called Microderm Abrasion. She literally scraped the top layer of dead skin off of my face with a razor.

Ok, I made that sound scarier than it was. Afterwards, my face felt so smooth but a little tender. She warned Ted not to startle her during the process but we all laughed because she is very professional at what she does. Thank you Paula!

Here are some photos from that fun family gathering.

It's A Wonderful Life!

I got myself involved in a local theatrical production of "It's Wonderful Life." While at auditions, my son, Blaine, surprised me with a desire to participate as well. We both walked away with parts. I obtained the part of Mrs. Carter - bank examiner (it's a Mr. in the movie) and Blaine became young George Bailey and the newspaper boy.

Along the way, Collin and Ted were added to the mix. Collin became a caroler and was in the first and last scenes of the play. He was very proud of his part as you can tell when looking at the pictures. Ted, bless his heart, helped out back stage by moving props and then was an extra in several scenes. All in all, it was a wonderful experience and we are all so glad that we did it but also glad that it is over. I had forgotten just how much time and energy it took to participate in something like this.

Here are some photos from the play:

Many of our friends from church as well as several of the boy's teachers from Icard Elementary school came to support our family in this production. We were also blessed to have several family members drive from Cookeville, TN, Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL and Pulaski, VA to be there. Here are some photos of family members that came and stayed with us. We loved having you here and please come again!!!!!!

Christmas at Amy's

The first of December marked the beginning of many activities for the Brothers family. We had a wonderful get together at Amy's house (Ted's sister). All the family was gathered including a few extra special folks. Judy, Ted's mother, put up a tremendous spread of food all by herself! She is an excellent cook.

Some of the extra curricular activities included some rides on the dirt bike. The boys really enjoyed that, including me!



Blaine was very excited to meet a new cousin, Jackson. They hit it off very nicely.

Here we have all the gang together.















Siblings! Ted and Amy

L-R: Anna, Caroline, Marlena, Miranda and Jackie with Blaine in the front. I think the boy likes being surrounded by so many pretty girls. :)



Caroline, Judy, Marlena and Miranda

Miranda, Marlena and Trey

Go for Gatlinburg!

Ted and I took a spontaneous trip to Gatlinburg, TN in November. Just one full day and a night of fun. Ted had never been and I only once. We both decided another trip was going to be necessary. Here are some of the pictures that we took that trip.

That's me out there on that rock.

I met an Elvis Impersonator at the Elvis Museum and Gift Shop in Pigeon Forge. He has been doing this since 1971. I saw a clip of him and went Wow! I asked him if I could get my picture taken with him. He said, "Like this?" He suggested we put the picture of him as Elvis in the photo with us. His name is Tim Turney if you are looking for a good Elvis impersonator.

(Ted and I overlooking the city of Gatlinburg)

(There's a parrot on my head!)

Hey! There was a Blaine's Grill and Bar!

Poor Ted - always on the phone!