Merry Christmas!

We are patiently waiting for Santa and the reindeer to stop at our house. We hope you all have a very Magical Christmas! We love you all! Love always, Rob, Jill, Joshua, Bradley and Emmalee

Santa & Mrs. Claus

Friday, December 14th Emmalee was able to meet Mrs. Claus (she met Santa last year). She was not sure if she wanted to go to either of them but Mrs. Claus won! Emmalee just sat and stared at Santa and as they listened to the Mommies and Daddies and the other kids talk to them Emmalee just sat and watched and listened as if she was supposed to be there. Santa and Mrs. Claus come to visit a very nice house about 5 miles from here, there is a very nice house that is always beautifully decorated and Santa and Mrs Claus come to visit and allow pictures for a food or toy donation. The donations are then given to an orphange. Hunter came prepared.....
Hunter had already written a letter to Santa telling him everything he wanted for Christmas. Hunter gave the letter to Santa and then Santa asked him to put it in the mail box. Hunter appeared to enjoy his visit with Santa.
Our friends Jana and Skylar came to see Santa and Mrs. Claus with us and Skylar actually hugged them both. This is the first year she has gotten close! She received a scroll with some crayons so she could write a letter to Santa to tell him what she wants for Christmas.
It was a wonderful night! Sarah and Hunter - again, Thank you for letting us tag along!
Love Jill and Emmalee

Zoolights 2007

On Wednesday, December 12th Sarah, Hunter, Jana, Skylar, Sue, Sheri, Emmalee and I did our annual trip to the Phoenix Zoo for Zoolights! It had rained all weekend and all day Monday and Tuesday so we were a little nervous about the weather. It was a wonderful night, there was a chill in the air but it was not as cold as it had been. We walked the zoo and looked at all of the lighted displays. There were zebra's, flamingo's, lots of penquins, frogs, butterflys, and even trees that danced to music. I took Emmalee out of her stroller near the trees to see what she would do, she danced with the music and then decided it was her turn to walk.... walk..... and walk.
The time flew and before we knew it, it was time to get the three youngsters home, bathed and in bed (to their respective homes of course).
I beleive Sarah, Hunter and I have been for the last 5 years and Emmalee for the last two. I think we hooked Jana, Skylar, Su and Sheri!! Thanks for joining us and Sarah and Hunter thanks for another wonderful year.
Love Jill and Emmalee

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPAW!!!

I wanted to take a minute to wish "My" Papaw a wonderful 86th birthday! Papaw is an amazing man who has taught me patience, love, trust, loyalty and friendship. I have many wonderful memories with my Papaw but one of my favorites is when Papaw and I went on a road trip to Kentucky for a family reunion and to find some genealogy information. Papaw was patient enough to listen to my music as we drove and even more patient when I woke up and thought we were going to run straight into the side of a mountain.. the song playing was something about Money!!! Papaw, as Jodie said you should be up for sainthood. You are an incredible husband, father, brother, grandfather, Great grandfather and friend. We all love you more than words could ever express. Thank you for being "our" Hero, mentor and friend!!! May this year be a Happy one filled with love. I am proud to be your #2 doll. and I have to say... we are so wonderful because we "Take after our Papaw." We love you! Happy Birthday!

Love, Rob, Jill, Josh, Brad and Emmalee

City of Chandler Light Parade and Tumbleweed Tree Lighting

Sarah and Hunter invited Nana Phyllis, Emmalee and I to join them in Chandler for the light parade and Tumbleweed Tree Lighting. The weather here has been very wet and cold so we were not sure if we were going to go. We made it down to Chandler (just about a mile south of my old house.) We enjoyed the Parade and then watched the 51st lighting of the Tumbleweed tree!!! It was really cool to actually see the tree light up since we have never seen it live in all the years we have lived in Arizona. To some I am sure we have some strange traditions, but we have to do something since we don't have any tall pine trees in the Phoenix Metro area. Enjoy the Pictures! Sarah and Hunter thank you again for inviting us!!!!

Santa Cow... yes, I said Santa Cow

Today we decided to go meet Santa Cow. The Chick-Fil-A restaurant in town had an unexpected visitor. He is Santa Cow and he came to town to take pictures with the kids. Emmalee was not sure what to think... she would not sit on his lap and she would not get close to him unless I was holding her. We got close to have our picture taken and Emmalee decided she wanted to kiss Santa Cow right on the nose! She did it a couple of times. Hunter and Sarah told us about Santa Cow so we met them and had lunch with them. Nana Phyllis joined in on the fun. Hunter really wanted a picture with Santa Cow and Nana Phyllis. Here are some of the pictures. I was asked to sign a release to allow the picture of Emmalee to be used in publications... If it is I will share!

Thanks for letting us know Sarah and Hunter we enjoyed meeting Santa Cow with you guys!

Love, Jill, Emmalee and Nana Phyllis

Phoenix Suns!

On Wednesday, November 28th I was given 2 tickets to go see the Phoenix Suns take on the Houston Rockets. Rob and I attended the game and had a great time. It was a good game but the Suns Lost 94 - 100. It was neat to see Yao Ming who is 7 feet 6 inches tall. The half time show was an exhibition game by the Banner Wheelchair Suns and the Banner Wheelchair Mercury. I know several of the players who were there! It was great to seem them play!

Love, Jill and Family

Attack!!!!

It finally happened.... Papagaya and Emmalee had a battle and Papagaya now has a new name "NO-NO" Emmalee was playing in the bottom of Papa's cage after being told numerous times "No". Papagaya had enough and came to visit Emmalee in the bottom of the cage. Papagaya bite Emmalee on her right wrist - scratching her on both the top and the bottom of the wrist. Emmalee screamed and Papa Jim and Nana came running..... Following the incident Emmalee looked at Papagaya and said "No-No" in a really pitiful voice. When I got over there and Papa Jim and Nana told me what happened I did not think Emmalee would walk by the cage. I was in the kitchen and Emmalee was standing at the stair calling for me... I told her it was okay and she could come into the kitchen... it took her a couple minutes but she made a very wide berth of the cage and said "No-No, No-No, No-No..." as she passed the cage starring at Papagaya the whole time. I think Papagaya was just trying to tell her not to play in her cage.... I know she is capable of doing a lot more damage then she did!!! We did not take pictures right away so I don't have any to share! Sorry.
Love Jill and Family!

Emmalee's November Adventures

Emmalee is a very curious and adventurerous young lady. Above is a picture of her wearing one of her favorite t-shirts! Of course it is always her brothers fault (the question is which one). I am just worried about the day when they take the blame so she does not get into trouble!!!!



Emmalee decided she wanted to make some soup... so she got out the smallest pot I had and put her stuffed bunny rabbit in it and carried it around for a while... Then she decided she needed to have more pots to play with. It was very funny to watch her she got the first two pots out and then the third and then with all of her might she achieved getting the fourth pot out of the cabinet. After she had all four pots out of the cabinet she went about trying to figure out how to stack them.... She was having a difficult time stacking them smallest to biggest so she got frustrate. With all of her might she picked up the largest pot and carried it into the living room for Nana. Pay close attention to the look on her face in the picture below.

She is actually carrying 2 pots in the above picture, but she is a very determined little girl!!!! She wanted to take the pots to Nana and she did not care how heavy it was!!!! She played with the pots for almost 45 minutes. I really enjoyed watching her and seeing the little wheels inside her head turning.... I don't know if she wants to be a cook or a builder!!! On to more stories!!!

Love Jill and family!

STAY OFF THE ROADS!!!!

Josh finally asked his Dad to take him to the Department of Motor Vehicles so he could take the test and get his driving permit. So we know have a new driver in Arizona. I have actually taken him out a couple of times!!!! He is doing really good! I am very proud of him!!! Joshua also has joined the work force. Tonight is Josh's 2nd night of work at a new Pizza place that opened up in the same shopping area as Safeway. He seemed like he really enjoyed it when he came home from work last night! We will keep you posted as to how things are going!!! We are very PROUD of you Josh!
Love, Jill, Dad, Brad and Emmalee

Birthday Celebration

We celebrated Bradley Birthday at Papa Jim and Nana's house. Bradley chose to have Papa Jim's Steak, Nana's Mashed Potatoes and Papa Jim's gravy for his birthday dinner. Following our delicious dinner we also had birthday cake. Emmalee really enjoyed the frosting... I think she is begining to really like sweets!!! Bradley received a new cell phone and a fully decked out skateboard. I think he really enjoyed his 14th birthday! Happy Birthday Beezo, we Love you!!

Love, Jill, Dad, Emmalee and Josh!

Happy 14th Birthday Bradley Paul

Today is Bradley Paul's 14th birthday! We want him to know that we love him very much and we are proud of him. He is a very intellegent young man with a great sense of humor! I have watched him grow into a very handsome young man! We love you Beezo! Love Dad, Jill, Josh, and Emmalee

Thirteen Months and 10 days.

Emmalee and I spent the whole day together. We had a lot of fun playing. She really enjoyed her doll today and sat on my lap hugging and kissing her and wanting me to do the same. Following Emmalee's nap we went shopping with Nana. We had fun running errands and buying dinner for Bradley's birthday! When we came home Emmalee wanted to do a little exploring.... she decided she wanted to try and climb into the lazy Susan. Here are the photo's. After figuring out she could climb behind it she decided to get out and try and empty it!!! She is a true blessing!!!

Long Weekend.

We had a very eventful weekend. On Saturday sometime Nalla (our Lab mix) got out of Papa Jim and Nana's backyard. We were not sure she was missing until Sunday morning. We all searched the neighborhood and came up empty handed. . Nana, Emmalee and I even went to the pound where I thought a dog was Nalla, the dog looked just like Nalla did when she was younger (without the graying muzzle). Disappointed we came home and printed up signs and hung them all over the neighborhood. We even listed her missing on several "lost dog" sites on the internet and on Craig's list (a want ads on line). Mom and Justin (Kelly's husband) searched more on Monday. It wasn't until 11:30 p.m. I rec'd a phone call on my cell phone that a gentleman had found her on Saturday around 5 p.m. and he just happened to see the ad on Craig's list. He was planning on taking her to the pound on Tuesday (Monday was Veterans Day). She had ran about 1 1/2 miles North and he saw her crossing a very busy street, when he opened his car door and said "come here girl" she jumped in willingly. I am very grateful to this kind gentleman who took her in. Nalla is now safe and sound at home and very glad to be there. Emmalee walked around both houses calling "Nalla"....."Nalla". I am very glad we found her.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

We were not sure what we were going to dress Emmalee up as for Halloween. Daddy (Rob) and Nana got into a discussion as to which team was better. Daddy for LSU and Nana for Mississippi State. Nana brought Emmalee home a Mississippi State Bulldog stuffed animal from one of her earlier trips to Mississippi. Daddy called Grandma Rosemary and told her about the Bulldog..... we received a package in the early part of October which included LSU t-shirts for Rob, Josh, Brad and myself and an LSU cheerleading outfit for Emmalee. So, thanks to Grandma Rosemary we now had the perfect Halloween costume. Emmalee was not really sure of what all was going on but I know she enjoyed being out and seeing everyone. We went and saw people in the neighborhood we knew. Grandma Diane and Grandpa Tom were out on their front porch so Emmalee got to play with Katie and I can't remember the new puppies name because they keep calling it Dumb dog. We had fun and enjoyed the night, we did not have very many trick or treaters though. It definatly has slowed down in our neighborhood since we were young. We hope you all enjoyed your night!! Love Rob, Jill, Josh, Brad and Emmalee

Mother Natures Farm

Sarah, Hunter, Joshua, Bradley, Emmalee and I went to Mother Natures Farm the weekend before Halloween. Emmalee and Bradley decorated a pumpkin while Hunter decorated his pumpkin. The farm has an area where you can go and play and pick your own pumpkin. I think it is the only place I know of that the cost of admission for children is more than it is for adults. (If you are going to decorate a pumpkin it is $7) After the kids decorated their pumpkins the boys and Emmalee played in a little fort. Then the boys took Emmalee into the bouncer. Josh and Brad bounced Emmalee back and forth. It was rather funny to see. Hunter bounced with her. We then went and saw the pigs. You were not allowed near them but you could look at them. We then headed out and Bradley picked a pumpkin from the Pumpkin patch so that he could turn it into a Jack-o-lantern. It was a very fun day!! I really enjoyed having Josh and Brad join us and I know Emmalee enjoyed it too!

Catching up! Our trip to Louisiana/Mississippi

I am not sure where the time goes but it has been a couple weeks since I have updated the blog. Rob, Emmalee and I flew to New Orleans on October 22 so we could attend my Uncle Jimmy's funeral. Rob's Mom and Step Dad picked us up from the airport, there was a bad storm in the South so we were a little late getting in. My Dad flew to Gulfport, MS and was also late getting in. Rob, Emmalee and I got up early on the 23rd and drove to Biloxi, we met the family at the funeral home. It was a very bittersweet time. It was the first time Mamaw, Papaw, Kelly, Justin and Aunt Margie would meet Emmalee and we were there for such a sad occasion. Emmalee looked beautiful and played and smiled with everyone. It was wonderful to see the friends and family who came to show their love and support. Uncle Jimmy touched many peoples lives. The Masonic Lodge perfomed a beautiful graveside service. I know it was not easy for them to do but it was incredible. The three of us returned to New Orleans that night and came back to spend more time with my side of the family on the 24th. Mom, Dad, Mamaw, Papaw, Rob, Emmalee and I went to a restaurant called "The Orleans Cafe" to have sea food. Emmalee had her first taste of Gumbo, shrimp, oysters and redbeans and rice. She really enjoyed the gumbo. We spent most the day at Mamaw and Papaw's it is amazing the changes that are taking place with the building of the school. The land looks so small now that you can see Big John Road from the backyard. In the afternoon we decided to go to Pascagoula to see if we could find Rob's Dad. After about 45 minutes of driving around we found the house. Rob's Dad was home so we stopped and said hello. We had a very nice visit with him and we went down to the "Annex" where his Dad was meeting some of his family for dinner. We saw Rob's Grandma, Aunt, Uncle and a Great Aunt. We went back to Rob's Dad's house and he should us the garage he built on the back of the lot. I now know where Rob gets his tool fettish.

We spent the 25th in Mandeville. Rosemary, Al, Patty, Rob, Emmalee and I had lunch at a neat restaurant on the shore of Lake Ponchetrain. Then Rob drove Emmalee and me around and showed us some of the hangouts and I finally got to meet Burt and Virginia. It was nice to be able to put places and faces too where I have heard so many stories. That evening Rosemary cooked a wonderful dinner and had family over so we could see everyone before we returned home to Phoenix. It was really nice to see everyone, I just wish we had had more time. We had the pleasure of meeting our Great Neice Mia. She is a beautiful little girl, Emmalee was a little jealous when I held her. Here are some pictures from My Uncle Jimmy's grave. My camera jammed and I was not able to take any pictures of Rob and his Dad. We used Rosemary's camera (Al's camera) and took some pictures of the family on our last night. We are working on getting those so I will add those when I can.