The McElyea family.......

We have PIGTAILS!

2012-01-26T15:30:00.000-06:00

She's such a big girl now....95% pottytrained AND pigtails! Where oh where does the time go. (trust me, I'm not going to miss buying diapers!)

Potty Training....take 1

2012-01-14T15:44:00.000-06:00

Yes, we have started potty training Allie. She's all excited about "big girl panties". This one will be different...I am soooo not going to stress over this child being potty trained. If I think she's not getting it in a couple of weeks, we will try again later. We will see.....

Luke's new room

2012-01-14T15:37:00.001-06:00

We decided to get rid of the 'ol racecar bed and get Luke in big boy bed. Well, we just remodeled the entire room. Batman. Yes, Batman. Pottery Barn Kids had it all!

National BCS Championship game

2012-01-14T15:34:00.000-06:00

Bama won ANOTHER National Championship on Monday night. The Tide won 21-0 over LSU. Man, what a game. Pure domination! It was so nice to see the coaches trophy head back to Tuscaloosa. ROLL TIDE!

By, By Buddy

2011-12-31T21:30:00.000-06:00

Buddy (or Elf on the Shelf) left us Christmas Eve night. This is what he did the day before his trip back to the North Pole...

Luke was actually very sad to see Buddy go. Who knows, Buddy just may appear in the summer to see how the kids are doing......

Christmas morning at the McElyea's

2011-12-31T21:27:00.000-06:00

It was a wonderful Christmas morning! The kids were so excited to see what Santa had left. Cory and I were excited to see their faces. I think Luke and Allie give Santa 2 (or 3, or 4) thumbs up this year!

Allie's stash...

Luke's stash...

PRICELESS!

By the way, the day after Christmas, Luke asked when Santa was going to come again......yes, 2012 is going to be a long year!

Christmas trees

2011-12-31T21:23:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve traditions at our house

2011-12-31T21:20:00.001-06:00

We have had our own Christmas Eve traditions at our house. Something that I look forward to every year. Especially now that our kids are really "into" Christmas. We always get the kids new pj's (a tradition we had when I was growing up....actually until I moved out!).

And we make and decorate Christmas sugar cookies for Santa.

Christmas Eve at Mom and Dad's

2011-12-31T21:09:00.001-06:00

We had our annual Christmas breakfast at mom and dads on Christmas Eve since Christmas fell on a Sunday this year. It was actually very nice to not have to rush around on Christmas morning to get there. We all got to take our time eating and opening gifts and had NO where else to be! Once again, Mom and Dad to way to much for us....but it was REALLY great! I think we all got what we wanted/needed. Cory even got a wheelbarrow!

Luke got his "Trents Richardsons" jersey

I always love seeing mom and dad's faces when they open their gifts from us.

No matter what it is, they always seem to love it! This year, we did good. A Vera purse for mom, Bama dress shirt for dad, gift card to go out to eat and....

a calendar with past events pictures....(this always brings tears)

and...THIS for the courtyard!

silly, silly kids...

All the kids got sleeping bags

Luke's sleeping bag is....get this...Batman

Christmas at Grammy and Poppy's 2011

2011-12-31T21:01:00.001-06:00

We had our annual "Christmas Mexican fiesta" at Cory's parents on the 23rd.

As usual....we all got a lot and we had a blast.

Allie entertained us with "Jingle Bells" most of the night

Little Tots Christmas party

2011-12-31T20:43:00.000-06:00

Luke's Christmas party at school was on December 22nd. It's always fun to go into his classroom and see him with his friends at school. They got to decorate cookies and make an ornament.

The activity of the day was the "musical books"...kinda like musical chairs!

Not sure books are what they were expecting!

Christmas card 2011

2011-12-28T13:39:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas from the McElyea family!

Santa's Village 2011

2011-12-17T15:40:00.000-06:00

We went to Santa's Village last week to see Santa. This has been such a "magical" time for Luke. He totally "get's it" this year. So, he was so excited to go see Santa at his Huntsville workshop. Allie, well, not so much. She stood by Santa, but that was it.

We welcome Buddy....our Elf

2011-12-17T15:37:00.001-06:00

We welcomed Buddy, our Elf on the Shelf, a couple of weeks ago. He was "delivered" to us on December 2nd 2011 by Santa. Let's just say he has been a very important member of our family over the past few weeks. If Luke gets in trouble, he totally panics! It's so sweet to see the kids talk to him and tell him what they want for Christmas. When the kids get up every morning, they are so excited to see what Buddy has done the night before. I only wish they made a "Spring/Summer/Fall Elf on the Shelf"!

Soccer season comes to an end....

2011-11-24T19:52:00.000-06:00

I so feel ashamed for not taking a lot of pictures of Luke playing soccer this year. Well, to say the least, it wasn't such the "winning" season we all hoped for! But, for Luke's first year, he did very well. They all were a little "rusty" (I guess you could say that) at the beginning, but the last two games, they all perked up and did very well. Luke actually scored 5 goals the last game!
We decided to have a little get together at Ci-Ci's pizza last Friday night. 3 of the 5 came. We missed Maddie and Cooper. Here are Jacob, Logan and Luke with their trophies....

Needless to say, I do think Luke wants to play spring soccer. I am actually looking forward to it!

Little Tots Thanksgiving feast

2011-11-24T19:36:00.000-06:00

Luke had his Thanksgiving "feast" at school Tuesday.....at Burger King! It was adorable. They all dressed like Indians and ate their chicken nuggets/cheese burgers. Love it.

Luke's first Bama game

2011-11-21T19:48:00.000-06:00

We've been wanting to take Luke to a Bama game this year. Well, we just happened to have 4 tickets given to us for this past weekend's game in Tuscaloosa (plus and AWESOME parking pass that allowed us to park about 5 minutes from the stadium!). Bama vs. Georgia Southern. We didn't tell Luke until the morning we left. He was super excited. He loves #3 Trents...as Luke calls him...Richardson, and got to see him warm up at the game. My mom and dad plus my niece, Meagan, also went with us. We love going to the Bama games. Hoping this rubs off on our kids!

Luke got a great view of the team coming out of their bus into the stadium

Watching the team warm up

I think this was his favorite part.....eating chips and cheese!

We all had a great time! Definitely a memory in the books!

Happy 33rd to Cory

2011-11-21T19:39:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Cory's 33rd birthday....well....about 2 1/2 weeks ago. November 7th actually. Birthday's just aren't as big as they used to be....especially since we have 2 kids. Happy 33rd, hunny! I love you!

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-11-04T14:11:00.000-05:00

The kids had so much fun trick or treating this year. Since Halloween was on a Monday night, we didn't get to stay out too late.

Here are Captain America and Minnie Mouse

I had to dress up at work and Luke wanted me to keep my costume on while we went out!

I let the kids paint their pumpkins from Tate's farm.

This is what they (well, I painted Mickey) came up with.....

Luke's Halloween party at preschool

2011-10-30T20:30:00.000-05:00

Luke's first official Halloween party was Thursday at Little Tots. He has been looking forward to this day for sooooo long.....he got to wear his Halloween costume to school!

Birthday celebrations!

2011-10-24T19:02:00.000-05:00

We started off our weekend with Allie's 2nd birthday. A Minnie/Mickey party to be exact. Family came over to celebrate with us and to eat pizza and cake. Allie got tons of great gifts. She got her first baby, stroller and swing for her baby, books, pj's, clothes and money.

Cake....courtesy of April Webb....

blowing out her candle and making a wish....

Then, tonight, we celebrated with cupcakes....

Happy birthday sweet girl!

Happy 2nd birthday, Allie!

2011-10-24T18:52:00.000-05:00

Today is Allie's 2nd birthday. Wow....can't believe she is 2. Here are some things Allie is doing at age 2:
1. She LOVES her blanket. Everytime she gets in trouble, she calls for her ni-ne.
2. She is SASSY! Something I never went through with Luke.
3. She is a talker. She is putting 4 and 5 words together....and you can actually understand her!
4. She loves to sing....especially Bible class songs.
5. She loves french fries. If it weren't for fries, I don't know what we'd do.
6. Mickey Mouse is her hero.
7. She calls her shoes "princess shoes".
8. She is now getting her finger nails painted....and doesn't touch them until they are dry.
9. She is a great sleeper. Loves her nap (and I do to!).
10.She loves Bible class.

Allie has a wonderful, sassy personality. She tends to put her hands on her hips...a lot! We love our little doodle-bug.

Tate's farm 2011

2011-10-15T08:09:00.000-05:00

We took the kids to their first trip to the infamous Tate's farm yesterday afternoon. Needless to say, we all had so much fun! We went to Lyon's farm last year, but in our opinion, Tate's was the best! Plus, we got a living social deal for $5 per ticket..BONUS!

Luke's first soccer season

2011-09-28T13:22:00.000-05:00

Luke is having a ball playing soccer this year. Cory is having fun coaching, too. His team is the "Super Heros".....go figure. The first game didn't go so well...lots and lots of confusion! The second game was MUCH better! Luke actually scored 2 goal during this game.

Happy 5th Birthday, Luke!

2011-09-28T13:18:00.000-05:00

Well, once again, I have fallen behind on my blogging. Last Wednesday, Luke turned 5....yes, 5. 5 seems so much older than 4. To me, 4 is still "toddler", help me mommy, and hold me. 5 is Kindergarden, sports, doing things by themselves....UGH. He's not supposed to be this old! But, boy oh boy, is this a fun age! We started off the birthday celebration with cupcakes at preschool on Thursday. Luke just thought this was awesome! It was fun for me, too!

Then on Friday, we had Luke's Batman birthday party at home....just what he wanted.

We played stick the symbol on Batman....

The traditional family picture...

Luke got lots of goodies. From money, Geo Trax toys, Captain America costume, Batman raincoat and umbrella and Super hero shirts. He had a blast! Happy Birthday Luke!

2011-08-25T13:34:00.000-05:00

A very in depth conversation between me and Luke on the way home from preschool today....

Luke: "mama, I don't need to be at home"
Me: "what? why?"
Luke: "since I'm a superhero, I need to be out saving people, right?"
Me: "well, you can't leave home now....you're still a little boy."
Luke: "ummm....mama, I'm a big boy, and I need to go save the world."
Me: "you're not old enough to leave home. Me and daddy need you to stay at home until you get older."
Luke: "I still need to save people"

How do you explain this to a 4 year old....who thinks he really is Superman/Batman? I had no idea parenting would be this difficult.

Luke's first day of preschool

2011-08-16T11:07:00.001-05:00

Wow, I can't believe I just typed that....Luke's first day of preschool. I know I say this a lot in my blog, but seriously, where in the world does time go?

Luke was super excited to start Little Tots preschool.

He wasn't nervous at all.

He popped right up out of bed and got dressed.

I LOVE THIS!

I had to ask him to slow down so I could get a few pictures......

SOOOOO excited!

This is where I about lost it.......

If time goes by any faster, I don't know what I'm going to do. I have blinked and Luke is almost 5 years old. The Bible tells us that "life is a vapor". The older I get, the more this is so true. If any young parents are reading this, hold your babies as long as you can.

They will start preschool before you know it!
Some parents have told me "don't blink, they'll be in college before you know it". I just can't imagine.

Look....no training wheels!

2011-08-13T20:18:00.000-05:00

Yes....Luke learned to ride his bike with no training wheels today.

And he did great. He even started a couple of take-offs by himself! GREAT JOB, LUKE!

Happy 4th Birthday, Kinley!

2011-08-06T10:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we went to Chuck-E-Cheese in Decatur to help celebrate Kinley's 4th birthday. This was our first time taking the kids there. They had a ball!

Happy Birthday, Kinley!!!

I think Cory had just as much fun as the kids.....

2011-07-26T06:44:00.000-05:00

Just had to snap this picture this morning before I left for work....

Jamie, Cynthia and the kids went to Six Flags a few weeks back and brought Luke a new Superman cape along with a snazzy Superman hat. Boy, oh boy, does he ever love that cape (and the hat). I think this picture proves that this may be one of Luke's favorite gifts!

she loves her Minnie Mouse....

2011-07-10T13:27:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th of July 2011....

2011-07-09T15:55:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful 4th weekend this year. Dinner and fireworks at my parents house on Saturday the dinner at Cory's parents on Monday...along with celebrating my sis in law, Holly, birthday. I am so proud to be a Christian AND an American! These are a few pictures from my parents house....

Allie with her Cheeto mouth...a

playing football with the kiddos

me and Sydney

my mom and Allie

me and my favorite Superhero...

Allie and papaw playing

BFF's

OK, OK,....my 2 favorite Superheros!

Luke loved the fireworks this year! Not scared one bit!

Some of my favorite people...my wonderful dad and mom!

This has to be my favorite shot of the night....my sister and Syndey...

me and the hubs...

PIGTAILS!

2011-06-30T09:49:00.002-05:00

Allie's first dental visit

2011-06-16T20:46:00.000-05:00

Allie had her first dental visit today at my work....Alabama Pediatric Dental Assoc. and no, mommy doesn't clean her kids' teeth! I let the other girls do it! I only clean their teeth at home.
Anyhow, Allie did pretty good. A little drama, but all is well!

Luke's swim lessons

2011-06-16T08:34:00.000-05:00

Luke had his second season of swim lessons last week. They were given by Hannah Marsh this year.....let's just say she was MUCH better that the girl he had last year! I thought they had traumatized him last year. This time, he did GREAT! So, he's not going to be swimming laps any time soon, but at least he went in the water without tears this time!

Brittany graduates!

2011-05-23T20:17:00.001-05:00

Today was the big day for my oldest niece, Brittany Black. She graduated from Sparkman High School. Not only was she in the top 10% of her class...but she got a FREE RIDE to UAH for 4 years. We are so proud of not only the smart person she is, but the wonderful young lady she has become. Congrats Brittany! You have a very bright future!

the kids killing time before...

man, that's ALOT of students!

Allie has had enough!

Just got her diploma

Ready for the Booster seat...

2011-05-22T13:27:00.000-05:00

Yep, it's time....to put the high chair away. She's ready for the booster seat. **snif, snif, tear**

Alabama tornados April 27, 2011

2011-05-01T17:49:00.000-05:00

I debated on writing about this or not. The reason I decided to is so people (if any) that read my blog not from North Alabama could get a tiny glimpse of what all we have see the past few days. On Wednesday, many tornadoes ripped through Alabama leaving, as of now, about 300 people dead. Here in Limestone county, an F4...almost and F5 tornado came through my hometown of East Limestone leaving pure devastation. I was in awe of what all I saw. People's homes totally demolished.

Going East from Mooresville Rd down Hwy 72

More of Hwy 72

What used to be channel 48 Doppler Radar

Bethel Church of Christ

House beside Bethel Church of Christ

Heading East on Chapshaw Rd. from Mooresville Rd.

Capshaw Rd.

What used to be Treemont subdivision on Capshaw Rd.

Going East on Pepper Rd. from Jones Rd.

Magnolia Terrace on Pepper Rd.

combine...on it's side

Entrance of Magnolia Terrace

Heading North on East Limestone Rd. from Pepper Rd.

This is something that I think about every hour. This is my hometown. This was my way to school...now my way to and from work. Trees that I have seen change with seasons....gone. Homes that I have been in...gone. Thankful to our dear Lord that nobody we know was killed. Homes can be rebuilt, not people. Please continue to pray for our community.

Easter at aunt Holly's and uncle Brandon's house

2011-04-25T20:16:00.000-05:00

After church on Sunday, we went over Holly and Brandon's house for lunch and another egg hunt. This one had about 90 eggs!

Easter morning 2010

2011-04-25T20:14:00.000-05:00

Both kids had a wonderful Easter. All together now...."Thank you Easter Bunny"!! He found Luke an AWESOME swim trunks/rash guard....SUPERMAN! Plus a few other things. Allie racked up, also! She got books, hairbows, and a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD...and some surprises.

Two thumbs up from Luke....

Allie was a little...ummm...agitated with the whole picture thing this year!

Our wonderful family....

My mom keeping my dad in line!

Easter at Grammy and Papaw's

2011-04-25T19:57:00.000-05:00

We had a fun filled Easter weekend...FULL of EGGS!!! Wow, I think total, out kids hunted over 300 of them! And had a blast doing it!!

We started the festivities with a HUGE egg hunt at mama and daddy's house. 250 eggs there....
We always have a wonderful time letting the kids (all 4 of them, with the help of Brittany and Cody!) hunt all those eggs. I think they always leave one for grammy to find with the lawnmower! Here are just a few pictures....

READY, SET, GOOOO!!!!

Allie gets out first...

Yes, there were so many eggs hidden, the kids carried the re-usable shopping bags!

Papaw helpin Luke out....

Allie finally getting the hang of it....

Grammy giving Allie a "little" help!

Count 'em up!

Cynthia counting Sydney's (while she was out trying to find more!)

Well, if you are wondering who won the "Great Egg Hunt of 2010"....it was Dawson!

2011-04-06T14:47:00.000-05:00

yet another event by the famous Allie McElyea...

Allie is officially feeding herself

2011-04-06T14:45:00.000-05:00

....and she doesn't want ANY help....at all!

This is her April 1st....

Happy Spring!

2011-03-20T19:52:00.002-05:00

Sleepy, sleepy Allie...

2011-03-19T20:14:00.000-05:00

Thank you, wonderful spring weather, for helping my kids go to sleep.....

Allie's BIG bo-bo

2011-03-17T18:14:00.000-05:00

Should we have gone to the ER??? You take a look.....

Well, we didn't. I guess as a parent, we always seem to second guess ourselves....right? She fell while drinking out of her sippy cup. She was running and playing almost right after it happened.

2011-03-15T20:27:00.002-05:00

just looking at the pictures in my blog....do you find it amusing that a lot, i mean A LOT of pictures in here are of my kids....in their pajamas??

Allie's nightly ritual...

2011-03-15T20:17:00.000-05:00

Just about every night when I say "OK Allie, time for bed", she will run and hide behind her curtains. It is the funniest thing to see....

A blog to share

2011-03-15T20:13:00.001-05:00

A girl at work (thanks, Sherry!) shared a blog with me yesterday. You have to read this woman's blog. I'm not real sure where she is from (our internet hasn't been working really well here lately, so it won't let me click on certain things?!?!?), but the strength of this family is outstanding. I know they believe in God, it is obvious by her posts. They lost their 4 mont old daughter in February, by what they think is from SIDS. As I was reading SOME of it last night, it really made me think of what is really important in this life. Not money, not fashion, not big houses, not fancy cars, but Christ and what He teaches us. It made me not only want to wake my kids up and hold them, but it makes me put things into perspective; important things. I hope you are touched by this story as much as I was.

By the way, make sure you have a box of tissue on hand...you're gonna need it!

www.kandjstaats.blogspot.com

Our little superheros

2011-03-03T19:30:00.000-06:00

They now have "matching" Batman/Batgirl pj's.

Happy 7th Birthday Sydney!

2011-03-02T08:39:00.000-06:00

I'm a little behind on my blogging here lately....had a lot of sickness in our home! We celebrated Sydney's 7th Birthday a couple of weeks ago....and my birthday last weekend :) So happy Syd got to celebrate in "full force" this year!

I can feed myself!

2011-03-02T08:34:00.000-06:00

Allie is becoming so independent here lately.

Goldfish

2011-02-09T15:28:00.000-06:00

She will do ANYTHING for her Goldfish....or "shish" as Allie would say!

Mama's littler helper

2011-02-09T15:26:00.000-06:00

Yes, I have taught him how to vacuum! He's pretty good at it, too!

Our little fashion queen

2011-02-03T14:46:00.002-06:00

Splish, splash....

2011-02-03T14:45:00.000-06:00

What can I say...our kids LOVE bathtime.....

finally, a pretty day

2011-02-03T14:43:00.000-06:00

Saturday was a beautiful day to get outside and play! We all finally got a good dose of vitamin D. This was actually Allie's first day since she's been walking to get outside and play. She had a ball. Didn't get a picture of it, but a one time, she was covered in mud....and it didn't bother her a bit!

The groundhog said we'd get an early spring, but today it is 32 degrees.....what do you say about that, groundhog?

We remember Will.....

2011-01-16T13:57:00.001-06:00

Will Haney's memorial service was yesterday. Wow...the people that showed up for it....unbelievable! It was a very touching service. We all know Will is in heaven with the Lord. What a comfort. We will continue to pray for the Haney and Page families, as we know there are many rough days ahead.

Sissy Brown put this together...just had to put it on my blog.

Neannie and Grandaddy's 60th Wedding Anniversary

2011-01-09T15:57:00.000-06:00

Today, we helped celebrate Neannie and Grandaddy's 60th (yes, you read it right) wedding anniversary with a tea given by family. Wow, what an accomplishment. When Cory and I heard they had been married 60 years, we kinda gave each other "that look"...you know, the "wow, can we do that??" look. Cory and I have been married almost 8 years...I can't even imagine 60 years! I know with the good Lord's help...Cory and I will reach that 60 year plus goal!
So, congratulations Neannie and Grandaddy! May God bless you with many many more wonderful years together!

Praying for Will Haney

2011-01-07T19:44:00.000-06:00

Will Haney has been a part of our lives for the past few years. He was diagnosed right before Sydney with the same type of cancer...Rhabdomyosarcoma. Unlike Sydney, Will had the cancer in may places in his body, while Sydney's was contained to one single tumor. He was referred as the Giant, while Sydney was referred as the Gentle Giant. Will really loved Sydney....and, she kinda thought "Mr. Will " was cute! Cynthia and Jamie always kept close touch with Will and Emily, Will's wife. They would often talk about what each other was going through with the different chemo treatments, mouth sores, and foods they would eat. We all have enjoyed the past few years getting to know Will and Emily. I guess we have always known them, but really got to know them and their families more while Will and Sydney have gone through their journey together. Will and Emily are such wonderful people that you can't help but love. They are such compassionate, loving people, but, most of all, they are Christians that love God.
Many fundraisers and benefits were done for this wonderful couple to help raise money for them to travel back and forth to Texas. Will had his cancer treatments at MD Anderson.....the top cancer center in the world. Here recently, Will has found out that there is nothing more his doctors can do for him. His cancer wasn't backing down to the chemo treatments. His body has been through so much for almost 2 years.
I ask for your prayers for this wonderful family. Pray for comfort, strength and understanding. Will knows the Lord and is ready for whatever may come.

Will and Jamie

Cory, Will and Jamie

***WILLpower***

2 cute kids

2011-01-07T19:08:00.000-06:00

yeah, i'm a little partial....but you gotta love these smiles!

Happy 2011!!!

2011-01-01T15:27:00.000-06:00

Happy 2011 everyone! Can't believe 2010 is in the books. WOW! Last year flew by! We had an awesome year. Just a quick year in review.....

Sydney cancer-free

Luke turns "4"

Allie turns the big "1"

BIG celebration at Disney World

upstairs bonus room started and finished.....

What a year! I can only pray that 2011 is as successful as 2010 was. We are so blessed. We have such a wonderful God in our lives, we have our family, our health and many, many more blessings.

It is finished!!!

2010-12-29T15:17:00.001-06:00

Our bonus room/addition is finally finished. We have worked so hard to re-orgnaize, move toys, move rooms that we are worn out! Except for hanging blinds, closet organization and replacing 3 tiles in the kitchen we are DONE!!!

the new office...was Allie's room....was lime green, now fabulous CRIMSON!

the stairs...was an office "nook" and closet

Allie's new room...was the playroom....was tan, now purple!

the bonus room....was the ATTIC!

also has a new bathroom!

Day after Christmas fun....

2010-12-29T14:17:00.000-06:00

It was so good to be snowed in for a few days! We still had tons of snow (and still falling!) left the day after Christmas...so we all made the best of it. Daddy got the 4-wheeler out and made a homemade sled....a big shovel. I just thank the dear Lord in Heaven that nobody broke a bone!

time for some hot chocolate!

Girls night out....

2010-12-29T14:14:00.000-06:00

It's been so long since I've gotten together with these girls. We all go WAAAAAY back!! Loved getting to see them last night and catch up!

Candace, MaKenzie, Jennifer, me, Lindsey and Dusti.

Snow much fun!

2010-12-27T20:05:00.000-06:00

We all enjoyed our snow time these past few days! If our winters here in Alabama are going to be like this, we are going to have to invest in some more gloves and some new boots!!

Christmas at Grammy and Papaw's

2010-12-27T20:01:00.000-06:00

We always look forward to Christmas breakfast at mama and daddy's house. This year was a little different than the past.....we had no electricity for a couple of hours after we got there!! But it turned out to be great! We opened gifts, enjoyed time together...then the power came back on! We all pitched in to help mama cook breakfast. It was fabulous! We all had a WONDERFUL Christmas! Thanks Papaw and Grammy for a SUPER time!

Here is Luke super excited about all the gifts he sees....

Cory got some snazzy undies...just like Luke's!!

Grammy and Papaw led the kids on a scavenger hunt to get their bikes...or in Allie's

case, her new Cozy Coupe!

Sydney found hers!

Luke's was in Papaw's closet...

Dawson's ended up in the room where Allie sleeps...sorry Dawson, I didn't get a picture of you!

Christmas at the McElyea's 2010

2010-12-27T19:52:00.000-06:00

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas this year! Yes, the best ever! Not only were we blessed with each other, our health and gifts, but we had a WHITE CHRISTMAS!! Yes, put it in the books, it snowed! Not just a dusting either. We had a good 2-3 inches! It was beautiful.

Luke had a blast this year. He totally "gets it"! He was so excited about Santa this year. Here are just a few pictures of our Christmas...

Luke got up first, so we let him have his "moment"...

Then, Allie got up....

Christmas Eve traditions

2010-12-27T19:42:00.000-06:00

We have our own traditions here at our house. Christmas cookie baking and new pj's for the kids. Opening new pj's was a tradition at my house growing up...so Cory and I decided to make it a tradition here also.

Cory and Luke patting out the cookies....

As you can see, Allie is VERY interested....

I think the new Superman pj's were a hit!

Christmas at Grammy and Poppy's house

2010-12-27T19:37:00.001-06:00

Our Christmas festivities began on the 23rd with our traditional Mexican dinner at Grammy and Poppy McElyea's. We all had fun getting together, stuffing our bellies and getting a good laugh. I think everyone was happy with all the gifts!

Here is a picture of all the grands....

Luke just getting started....

Allie digging right in....

Grammy and Poppy got a new video camera...

Gracyn and Allie being silly....

Mamaw McElyea enjoying Allie

so happy together....

2010-12-25T20:20:00.001-06:00

just love it!

2010-12-25T20:19:00.000-06:00

Yes, this is us....trying to get a good family photo...the kids in Christmas clothes all dressed up after church. It is so difficult to get a picture with 2 kids!

And then I tried to get them to sit by the tree for a good photo.......this is what we got.

Finally I just gave up!

the worst haircut ever....

2010-12-25T20:14:00.000-06:00

OK, I've got a lot of blogging to catch up on! Since we've had to unhook our internet (the remodeling project...remember that....pictures to come later!) I haven't been able to share pictures/stories, etc!

Well, last week, I decided Luke needed a bang trim. He wasn't due for a haircut for another week and a half. How hard could it be...you know, just to trim some bangs....and maybe a little trim around the ears. Well, lets just say I'll NEVER do that to my son again! He assured me that it looked fine, but I begged to differ with Luke on that one! Yes, I know Lloyd Christmas....you know, Jim Carey off Dumb and Dumber. Just say it...you know he looks the part! BAD MOMMY!

Yes, we took him for a "fix" 2 days after this disaster!

Christmas card photo 2010

2010-12-25T20:08:00.000-06:00

For those that didn't get a Chrismas card from us this year....this is the picture. Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Love to you all!!

Santa visit 2010

2010-12-04T07:16:00.000-06:00

Yes, this is the "classic" Santa picture.....one kid happy as a lark, the other, well, you can see by the picture. Luke was so excited to see Santa this year!! He told him EVERYTHING he wanted; Batman and Superman. Allie, well, she didn't want anything to do with the jolly one.

The lady taking picture: "Are you sure you want me to take the picture?"
Me: "Yes, this is a memory!"

I'm Batman.....from the 60's

2010-12-01T06:42:00.002-06:00

Uncle Jamie and Auntie Cynthia have found Luke a new show.....the OLLLLLLD Batman (like from the 60's) on the HUB channel 179 from Dish Network. If you've never seen some of the shows on this channel, you so need to check them out. Anything from The Happy Days to Strawberry Shortcake to Laverne and Shirley comes on this channel! It is truly a family station! By the way.....we can't peel luke away from this Batman show. It's so corny...but he loves it. I guess that's all that matters! And....a total bonus....it's rated G.

We have ourselves a walker.....

2010-11-26T13:14:00.000-06:00

Yep....it's here. Allie officially is a walker. She really started Tuesday when she was at my mom's for the day. She sits, stands and walks all by herself. If I do say so myself....she is so stinkin' cute when she walks!

Here she is walking to uncle Jamie....

And to auntie Cynthia....

We have sheetrock!

2010-11-26T13:10:00.000-06:00

Looking great!! The sanding part starts tomorrow. Yay! (enter sarcasm here.....)

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-26T13:08:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!! We had two wonderful meals yesterday! It is always a blessing to spend time with our family, and it is something that I really enjoy doing. We got to spend time with Cory's grandmother McElyea yesterday, along with his parents and Holly and her family.

Then, we went to my parents house yesterday afternoon to spend time

with my parents and Cynthia, Jamie and the kids.

I always cherish time with Cory's grandmother McElyea. She is such a wonderful woman (and cook!). I could go on and on about this lady. You never hear her complain about ANYTHING! If she doesn't feel well, you will never hear about it. She is always concerned with everyone else...not herself. She is the perfect example of what a Christian woman should be.

I admire her so much and always enjoy being around her.

Here is a picture (somewhat) of Mamaw McElyea and the great-grandkids.

MaMaw and Luke

Sydney, Luke and Dawson....being silly!

I could go on and on about what we are blessed with. God, yes....Family, yes, ....our jobs, yes....our health, oh yeah! Thank you Lord for everything you do for me. Thank you so much for healing Sydney! You are such an awesome God.

Allie gets tubes!

2010-11-24T20:10:00.000-06:00

Finally!! After about 8 rounds of antibiotics since August, Allie got tubes in her ears today! Thank you Dr. Castillo!!

this was on our way to The Surgery Center.....

in her little hospital gown....

waiting with daddy, watching Curious George....

The surgery only took not even 10 minutes. She was really fussy when she came out of surgery. She cried a lot....until we got her a Hardee's biscuit!! That hit the spot for her!! Overall, she did great!

Praying for no more ear infections!!!

and we came home to this....

2010-11-16T19:45:00.002-06:00

STAIRS!!! Yay!! It was so good to come home to most of the construction done while we were gone. I probably would have stroked out having to clean up everyday. Thanks to the Laxson construction company for taking such good care of our home while we were away....and thanks for cleaning up your mess!!

Walt Disney World 2010

2010-11-16T19:41:00.000-06:00

We left for our trip to WDW on Wednesday, Nov. 3rd and came home on Saturday, Nov. 13th. This trip was mainly to celebrate Sydney's battle with cancer this past year. We were so blessed to be able to take this trip with Sydney well! We had planned a trip the year she got sick, but was more than willing to cancel since all of the family wouldn't be able to make the trip. In our family, Disney is THE family vacation. We always go in a group (or herd!). The Parvin family, Newton family and The McElyea family...along with Brittany and Cody, all got to go this year! We have been dozens of times, but it seems like every trip is so magical. This was Allie's first trip and Luke's second trip. We all had a blast this time....except for a stomach bug that hit our bunch pretty hard the last 3 days of our stay!

Allie started taking many steps on this trip...

on the plane...

one of Luke's favorite rides.....Spaceship Earth

Finally....at Magic Kingdom!!

Allie slept through the ENTIRE princess signing!!

Luke FINALLY getting to meet Mickey and Minnie

He only thought he was going to get that sword out

one of our FAVORITE rides...the new Toy Story ride at Hollywood Studios

Luke and Cory going into Epcot

since we decided to stay 10 days (and not 7), we had stayed at Pop Century for the first 3 days....the we FINALLY arrived at the BoardWalk! There were balloons and Mickey's waiting for the kids!

So magical!

Luke and Mickey at The Garden Grill at Epcot

Allie LOVED all of the characters....see the big grin....

Cory got to celebrate his birthday while we were down there. Mom and Dad got him this neat cake...

The Tucker House for breakfast at Animal Kingdom

The Luau at The Polynesian....right before the stomach bug hit!

Luke gave this trip a BIG thumbs up. He keeps asking us when we are going back!

our view from our room at The Boardwalk. Love it Love it!!!!

Yes, I could go back tomorrow!

happy halloween 2010

2010-10-31T13:23:00.000-05:00

wow....a post that is right on a holiday! don't get used to it!

yesterday evening was full of parties, trick or treating and lots of food! here are a couple of shots we TRIED getting before we left for the evening!

our first stop...mr. frank and ms. debra's house...

rhett and heather daniel had an awesome halloween party for the kids.

dawson and samuel...

dylan, luke and cooper

sydney

rhett...AKA...an alabama FANATIC

then, off to grammy and papaw's house...

then, last stop, aunt holly's house where we saw TONS of trick-or-treaters!

update on the house....

2010-10-28T20:14:00.000-05:00

so...they've made some progress on the upstairs in the past week. walls are framed up and floors complete.

i was actually leaving while they were doing this...yes...cutting a hole in our roof (for the window). pictures to come of that later!

looking good! can't wait to get all the toys UPSTAIRS!

2010-10-28T20:02:00.001-05:00

happy birthday to allie!

2010-10-28T20:01:00.002-05:00

seems like yesterday allie made her way into this world....at 3 a.m. where has the time gone? we had allie's party the friday before her actual birthday....so on sunday...we celebrated again with some homemade cupcakes! so allie actually got to dig into a cake 2 times!

birthday morning...

she's getting excited....

oh yeah, digging right in!

she did some damage!

happy birthday sweet angel! mommy and daddy love you so much!

allie's first birthday party

2010-10-28T20:00:00.000-05:00

we had allie's birthday party on october 22nd with close family. allie isn't one for crowds right now so we made it fairly simple!

the cake...made by ms. april

allie digging right in!

giving mommy a bite

happy birthday....sept, oct, and nov....

2010-10-15T20:09:00.001-05:00

mama does birthday dinners, well, quarterly. so tonight was the september, october and november birthdays. so, happy birthday luke, cody, daddy, allie and cory.

just a side note....my nephew, cody turned 16 on october 7th. wow....i really do feel really really old!

cookie cake for the kids

daddy and cory had their own cake...a homemade carrot cake!

happy birthday, daddy!

2010-10-07T20:35:00.000-05:00

today is my daddy's __ birthday (going to let you try and fill in the blank!). we got together this afternoon to celebrate with a cake made by yours truly!! duncan heins makes a pretty good cake mix if i do say so myself!

after a long day with sydney at children's hospital, i think he needed a good "Happy Birthday to you"!

i think he got his wish....sydney's MRI was all clear! happy birthday daddy!!! much love to you!

what are we thinking????

2010-10-07T20:30:00.001-05:00

"footprint" in the ceiling in the dining room

our plumber almost came all the way through in our computer room....

as you can see.....we are having construction at the McElyea household. yes, we are adding the upstairs! ask me in about 2 months if it is worth it. i'm sure i'll say "yes", but as for now....not so sure.

fiddler's convention 2010

2010-10-05T20:41:00.000-05:00

it was a gorgeous weekend for the Athens Fiddler's Convention this year! we decided to head out and go Friday night. great food, crafts and good 'ol music! here are just a few pictures from the night. didn't get to get many....my battery died!

we also got to see the bad that plays "Woody's Round-up" off Toy Story. pretty impressive.

look what i can do....

2010-10-05T20:27:00.000-05:00

i can hold my sippy cup all by myself!

more birthdays.....

2010-09-30T07:07:00.000-05:00

sunday, anna had a surprise get together for david's birthday. david had no clue. props to anna! we had so much fun visiting with everyone. the kids had a blast, too!

the guys

it's not very often we get this group together!

thanks anna for getting everyone together. and, happy birthday dave!

luke's superman birthday party

2010-09-24T21:25:00.000-05:00

luke decided to have a superman birthday party this year....shocked, hu?? he wanted friends to come this year. so, we had luke's first "friend birthday party" this year. we all had fun! we told everyone to bring the gators and other riding toys and we just let the kids at it! hot dogs, birthday cake and good company! i say luke had a wonderful party this year!! happy 4th luke! we love you very much!!!

the birthday boy...

cory directing traffic....

allie rode her riding toy, too!

sydney and braden

elijah and tucker....

cooper and dylan....

THE CAKE....

luke's first time to see the cake....

it's a tradition to get (or try to get) a family picture with the cake....

thanks everyone for coming! we all had a blast this year!!!

happy 4th to luke!

2010-09-21T21:40:00.001-05:00

happy birthday to my little man....wait, your not a baby anymore....what, 4 years old. REALLY???? where did 4 years go? wow. what a blessing these past 4 years have been. happy birthday, luke! mama and daddy love you more than you'll ever know!

the traditional "happy birthday morning song" from dada.....

and auntie T, uncle jamie, dawson and sydney....

we had family over for some cupcakes

birthday boy!

gracyn

ian and dawson

allie loved the cupcakes!

the family...

more family...

superman and batman silly bands....who would have thought???

superman cards....with money!

the batcave!

Hartselle Depot Days

2010-09-18T20:05:00.001-05:00

we decided to go to Hartselle today for Depot Days. we had a blast. tons and tons of vendors with arts and crafts and tons and tons of people! luke's fav was definitely the tractor show.

we had lunch at the old Hartselle train depot. two thumbs up from us!

here's a shot of the car show. from this picture you really can't tell, but there were tons of old cars.

fun day. on the list for things to do next year!

Art on the square....

2010-09-15T08:23:00.001-05:00

or in the Athens State collage gym. they moved Art on the Square inside this year since there was a small chance of rain. it was crowded, but luke had fun. he kept asking us "mama, did i just do an art?" "da-da, did i just do a craft?". so, he's not the artsy type!

face painting.....yes, luke was probably the only kid asking for the superman symbol.....

then it was off to eat lunch at Village pizza.

syndey trying to feed allie.

da-da and allie...

luke and syd enjoying the cookies they decorated...

cynthia and syd ....

dawson, enjoying his cookie, and uncle jamie...

peek a boo!

2010-09-09T09:40:00.002-05:00

we are sick!

2010-09-09T09:37:00.000-05:00

live together, play together, get sick.......together! yes, allie and luke are sick, together. sinus infections for both of them. luke has had more fever and has been a little bit more pitiful than allie. please pray that this isn't a sign of what is to come for this fall/winter!

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

2010-08-25T11:21:00.002-05:00

she loves mickey mouse clubhouse!