Christmas Day

Christmas time at Grandparents
Ellie, Amelia, Jacob, and Isabelle wait patiently before the opening of the presents begin. You can see the excitement just building.

The Sykes Sibiling.

Here Janet, Jason, and Jill snap this shot during a break.

One Last Look

Isabelle, Ellie and Amelia get one last look under the tree for unopened packages before making this Christmas under the tree complete. We are blessed and thankful, let us not forget the true meaning of the season. "For unto us a child is born, unto a son is given..."

From our family Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

We started our Christmas on Friday with a weekend trip to Gatlinburg. Jill and I decided this year to bypass the gifts and spend the weekend in the Smokey's....without kids. A BIG thank you to all the aunts, uncles, and Mimi & Papa for volunteering to care for the girls. We'll make it up to you guys in doing some shopping in Pigeon Forge.

The drive took an unexpected 8 hours from Memphis, mostly because we ran into SNOW. It was awesome when we arrived in Gatlinburg. They had recorded more than 6 inches in just a few hours.

On top of the Sky Lift

Bye Bye to 2009

As we are saying so long to 2009 and hello to 2010. We have captured a rare and special moment in time when the Terry kids and Jacob Sykes are together for a spontaneous photo op.

Jill and I are both amazed how quickly they are growing right before our very eyes. Gone are the days of Christmas gifts simple and basic. Isabelle is amazed with the whole tree, ornaments and the fireplace burning. While Ellie wants a Nintendo DS1 and Amelia, a Ken Doll to go with her Barbie collection..."Barbie needs a daddy!" she says. I don't think Ken is supposed to be the daddy. As for me I don't know anything about the Barbie world. My Sisters! NOT A WORD.

These girls love their cousin Jacob! Isabelle was calling his name last night "J-Cup" on the way to church; they do have a special bond together.

So to all the friends and family that follow the blog (and of course the ones that don't). Have a great Christmas and trust the New Year is full of good memories and blessings.

Bill

Christmas Shopping

With Christmas songs already on the airways, it's hard not to get into the "Christmas spirit". This calls for a girls night out. In efforts to start this season off right, Christmas decorations need to be pulled out. Who's idea was it anyway that we needed NEW ones for the tree? After dinner out... we hit Garden Ridge for several hours.

Just ask anyone of us about a "hairball"

With Aunt Janet, Amy, and Aunt Becky

Memphis Zoo

We took the girls to the Memphis Zoo last Saturday to enjoy the warmer weather. We, of course had to walk through most of the exhibits -- there was so much to see!

What are those?

Tonight Ellie and I were "talking" on her bed as we traced matchbox cars across the sheets. It's in those moments that real secrets are shared. Lying there propped up on my elbow... she asked, "Mama what are those lines going across your forehead?" I didn't say anything at first, more stunned at such a question. Wrinkles, I signed. She proceeded to describe how there were four long lines. Another sign. She wanted to know how I got them and if they'd go away. I mentioned something vaguely about growing older. Ellie is very inquisitive, so there were more questions to follow. She summarized by saying, "PawPaw has lots of wrinkles".

Ellie & Isabelle

Enjoying the cooler weather

The Necessity of Sisterhood

There's nothing better than your mother having a sister. Aren't all girls suppose to have a sister? I mean someone who is still standing there by your side when everyone else goes home. A friend that by default loves you no matter how many times you "rat" them out. A sister who says, you're the best and lets you wear her clothes. Everyone should have one of those. Here's to our sisterhood -- We love you, Aunt Janet!

Hallelujah Night at church

Our baby girl!

57,000 Cowbells

We braved Starkville, Mississippi on our recent road trip (3 1/2 hrs) to see Tim Tebow and the Gators play the Bulldogs live October 24th. To accompany me on this trip, navigator Lamont Jones (who ain't interested in either team), Chuck Brown, the die hard UT fan but confesses unable to find fault with Tebow, the worthy opponent.

The Gators struggled on offense, but rallied during the second half to stretch the lead. Our seats were purchased at the MSU box office, the game a sellout and fold out chairs were opened for additional seating. This was an unbelievable experience for $50 each we were at the 40 yrd line right behind the MSU bench. We could have heard the play calls except for the cowbells!!!! The MSU tradition. The legend is told and retold that it was the game of the century in the early 1900's when MSU played Ole Miss. The Rebels were beating the Bulldogs when in the middle of the game, a jersey cow with a cowbell, walked on the field disrupted the game and afterwards the Bulldogs were victorious. MSU which had a historic record attendance of 57,178 that all stayed until the game was over.

I am sorry but 57,000 cowbells could not stop the Gators.

The pictures were taken at our seats!!! Enjoy.

Lamont seemed quite taken of Erin Andrews sorry folks no video.

Loving the Fall Season

I enjoy the season change to Fall each year, particularly the month of September. Not only my birthday month, but the air seems cooler; trees are changing colors; department stores are putting out their fall selections (which means closet conversions); college football starts; and school is in full swing.

Our household has been busy over the past few weeks. Bill recently had our central AC units replaced. Ellie & Amelia are wrapping up the first six weeks of school. Fall Break starts next week for them. Isabelle is still adjusting to the new daycare she started three weeks ago. What a HUGE adjustment for her. She misses Aunt Becky and Jacob. I spend most of my time trying to keep up with Bill and the girls, which keeps me consumed with many projects and errands.

Amelia's first day of Jr. Kindergarten

Celebrating 37th birthday

Isabelle's first day of Daycare

Isabelle & PawPaw at church

Ellie & Amelia at "Disney on Ice"

Game Day at our House. Gators vs. Vols!

Happy First Birthday, Isabelle!

We celebrated Isabelle's first birthday on Saturday, the 12th. Bill and I made comments to each other unbelieving one year had lapsed since Isabelle came into our lives. Where has the time gone? She is such a joy to us and adds so much to our family of five. Isabelle gets all our attention, especially with Ellie & Amelia. Happy Birthday!

Isabelle loves this rocking chair; mine when I was little.

She loved her cake!