United States Map Game

Jacob, you are a very smart boy, and will never be one of those ignorant yahoos who cant find Florida on a map. I know that you already put map puzzles together, and maybe you already know where Florida is. If you do, you're ahead of the game.

Here are two map games that will help you learn. Since you may not be able to read all the names of the states yet, your mom can help you. I'm sure she can already fill in a blank map of the U. S. She's a very smart mommy.

First Map Game Here.
Second Map Game Here.

Merry Christmas, Sassie!

What a difference a year makes!

H and I received this beautiful photo of Lindsay. It was in our Christmas card from Matt and Christine.

We're amazed by how much she has grown since last Christmas. You can see for yourself. This is her 2007 Christmas photo with Mommy and Daddy.

Thank you Matt and Christine. You are very fortunate to have such a beautiful and healthy little girl. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

The Many Sides Of Sassie

I'm ready for my close up, Mr. DeMille.

The pensive and introspective side of Sassie !
The suspicious and cynical side of Sassie ~



The purposeful, I've-got-places-to-go-and-people-to-see side of Sassie.

The eager to please side of Sassie ~

The I can't be bothered with you right now, woman side of Sassie ~

The fun, playful, I-Get-Around-Town, party girl side of Sassie ~
...and last but not least - the don't mess with me or I'll kick your ass side of Sassie ~

Boys and Big Machinery

Some boys from the neighborhood showed up and started climbing on the big equipment the City is using to raise the road. Jacob joined in as if he'd known them their entire lives.

The Weekend after Jacob's Nickle Birthday!

Jacob and his MamMa and Mom came down to visit the Sunday following his birthday. I've been so lame that I'm just getting around to publishing the photos. I started looking at them today and they're great.

Herman and I gave Jacob a minnow basket and a few other things that a boy needs in order to catch fish. He and Herman spent the day catching minnows and fish and throwing them back.

Is this thing really gonna catch fish, Herman?~
Let's go, Herman!

But first, let's wisely consolidate all the fishing equipment.

Going for the big catch ~

You should'a seen the one that got away!

The Catch ~
What a great place for a boy, and what a great boy!
Happy birthday, Jacob!

I Can Ride My Bike!

Herm really looks forward to Jacob's visits. I look forward to them too, but Herm can hardly wait for him to arrive. The man loves him with giant love, and they do boy things together.

As usual, the girls went to lunch, and then a little shopping was in order for Mamaw. Victoria's Secret is a religious experience for her. She was fitted for a new undergarment. Mom got a few new things also. Why not? She was there and there were things to be bought. What else can a girl do?

While we were gone, Jacob and Herm caught a big fish and lots of minnows, and two blue crabs that were hard shells. I think the minnow trap that we got Jacob for his birthday was a good investment. It has already paid for itself in fun. Mr. M. got into the act too, getting Herm to bring his tackle box upstairs, he shared some of his tackle with Jacob.

Jacob had a big surprise for us. He brought his bike with him, and showed us how well he could ride it. He was fantastic. Look out Lance Armstrong!

It was another great, fun filled day. They had to leave before five because Jacob goes to kindergarten now. He has to go to bed early so he can get up early in the morning to catch the big, yellow bus and ride three blocks to his school.

Herman told me that Jacob said, "Herman, I think this is the best day ever. We caught a big fish and two crabs.

We love you, Jacob!

Jacob's Trip To Avon

Jacob and his mom vacationed in Avon this summer with some great buddies - Ellie and Lindsay. They had a few ups and down. One bloody incident and scattered illnesses plagued this intrepid group, but they still managed to enjoy the Outer Banks. I have more photos but they're still on my other computer. When I get them, I'll post them here.

The Man!
Ellie, just after shooting the curl.

I love this angel-faced photo. If you look closely, you can almost see the horns.

Sweet Ellie hydrates after a long day of hanging ten.

The Nickel Birthday

Look who's turning five today. Happy birthday, Jacob, and many more. You're the best.

Jacob and Herman Go Fishing

Jacob and his mom and mamaw came for a visit on Sunday. They brought cup cakes, a beautiful hanging basket, and cards for me. It was my birthday celebration. Jacob and Herm stayed here and did a little fishing and swinging while Patsy, Bek, and I went to lunch at Outback.

If you'll indulge me, I'll wax philosophical for just an second. I once had a friend who told me that life is very hard and gets harder as we get older. She said that the trick is to recognize joy when it arrives and take note of it. It's a simple principle and can change your life if you let it. Jacob brings joy to us - simple as that.

Gone Fishin'
Teamwork

A Man Recreatin'
The Catch

Time To Return Them To Their Mommies
A Little Help From A Friend

In Need Of A Bath


Kisses For My Favorite Girl

This is what you will look like if you drink lots of bottled water.
A Swing That Needs A Boy
Two Happy Spuds
Purple Passion ~ 'Nuff Said

Pingu Goes Fishing

Bek and Donna'sTrip To Turks and Caicos

Bek took a business trip to Turks and Caicos a few weeks ago. Her trusty buddy, Donna, accompanied her. Wonderful photos follow.
The following falls under the heading of, "Let me think. Could I really enjoy myself in a place like this?" Duh!Does this look like a fun place, or what? More importantly, do these look like a couple of fun girls, or what?
Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of a fateful trip
That started from this tropic port
Aboard this tiny ship.
(These ill fated souls are attempting, in vain, to get the attention of a rescue helicopter.)
You must admit, the guy in the baseball cap, tan shirt, and green shorts is way too cool for the rest of this group.

Two bathing beauties!
And the sun sets on a beautiful trip, and Donna in her grownup dress.









Herman and I decided to fly down to join them for the last couple of days. As you can see, the beaches were beautiful. Thanks for inviting us, guys. We made some great memories, didn't we? Memories that will roam the corners of my mind forever and ever.