Update on Rocktop

Well, Rocktop was sent home from the hospital AGAIN today. Still without confirmation of anything. After another MRI, the neurologist doesn't believe it is the mad cow thing. They are once again leaning toward some type of auto immune deficiency. They are going to begin treating him with steroids (sometime) to see if it helps. It can't hurt to try. I just wanted to update you all. Thank you for all your love and prayers.

Christmas Caroling

Today we took the boys Christmas Caroling at a nursing home with a group of our friends' children. What a teachable moment!! It is so wonderful for them to be able to experience the giving of Christmas. They sang about four songs and behaved like such gentlemen. I was a bit nervous before we went in because Mason didn't have the happiest of hearts. But when the music came on he was ready. Afterward I asked the boys if they wanted to go wish the people a Merry Christmas and Nathan was in. He shook everyone's hand and said Merry Christmas. The first lady couldn't hear him so I said, "say it so she can hear". So he proceeded to yell "MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!" Oops. I was so proud!! We get so caught up in the busy-ness of the holidays and I have enjoyed taking the time to slow down and teach my kids about the real reasons for celebrating.

On another note...we have a special prayer request to ask of you. I mentioned David's Grandfather (Rocktop) recently about how he was sick and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. Well last week they released him from UAB without finding out an illness. At that time they tested him for "mad cow" disease which was to take a week to get the results back and they would not continue testing or treatment until those results were in. We all felt like that was the biggest waste of time. There have only been like 5 reported cases in the US. The test came back today and they are positive. The test has an 80% accuracy level and a brain biopsy will be done to confirm. They admitted him back to UAB tonight to get that done. We are praying for that 20% chance that it isn't mad cow because that is fatal. From what we have read the time between onset of symptoms until death can range from a few weeks to a couple of years, but the median is 4 months. We have already been dealing with it for a month. We have been praying for the doctors to figure out what was wrong so they could begin treatment, and would never have thought it was this. The picture I've posted is of Rocktop and Mama Gina after one of the Bama games this year. David have enjoyed going to the ballgames with them for about 12 years now. It is so hard to watch a man who was completely fine 2 months ago become a different man. He was at our house yesterday and I asked if they got their Christmas tree up yet and his response was "hmm, I don't know ask Regina". Please keep him and the family in your prayers during this time. And I'll continue to post on his condition.

December 1st -- and we're off!!

We officially kicked off the Christmas season by attending our annual local Christmas parade. David's Grandfather is in the hospital so our numbers were down this year. His Uncle Bobby and I took five of the kids by ourselves. Luckily, the kids are getting old enough to know not to run in front of the vehicles to get candy. As always we had a great time. The weather couldn't be more perfect.

Please keep "Rocktop" David's grandfather in your prayers he as been in the hospital for over a week. Something is affecting his brain functioning and the Doctors can't figure out what it is. The unknown is wearing on everyone, especially Mama Gina. Thanks for your prayers!!

Thanksgiving Weekend

This was our year to spend Thanksgiving in Tennessee. David refers to it as the year we wear our away jerseys. We had a wonderful visit with my family. My mom recently had a major surgery to remove part of her colon so we all tried to step in and help in the kitchen. David teased that the green beans would be his job, but he didn't even do that. He did, however, carve the turkeys and chicken. As always we had way too much food, but enjoyed the time together.

A highlight of the weekend was playing wii. If you haven't played before, it's great!!! The youngest to the oldest members of the family all play and have a blast.

Friday morning was shopping day. Darby, Penny, and I headed out at 5am and since the others were meeting us later we decided to stop at some stores outside the mall first. After six stores without any entries we headed to the mall (we knew it was open). It was worth getting up early for me. I purchases several "door busters". No big screen TVs or anything, but things I needed none-the-less.

One of my mom's Aunts died before Thanksgiving so most of the family left Friday night to go to the funeral on Saturday. It was good that there were early departures, because out of 12 adults, 8 ended up with a stomach bug by Monday. It was a great weekend with a not so great finale!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Last Wednesday was the boys Thanksgiving Feast at school. The fours invite their parents to lunch and sing a couple of songs. As you can see the boys were pilgrims. Mason was much more into eating than taking pictures. They are having such a wonderful year at school. Their teacher is wonderful. They have learned so much and are excited about going everyday. Now they are looking forward to the real Thanksgiving feast. Nathan's requirement is mashed potatoes and Mason's is pumpkin pie!! I hope each of you have a wonderful and safe holiday!!

Nemo on Ice

Nathan and Mason got to experience their first Disney on Ice yesterday when we took them to Finding Nemo. I didn't tell them about it until yesterday morning and when I did, thinking it was a great surprise, Mason's response was, "That's going to be boring. All we get to do is sit in seats and watch!!!" Not exactly what I was expecting. I told him he wasn't allowed to say that until after it was over. At that point he could either say, "Thanks that was great" or "That was boring". Of course they loved it. Boy do they milk you when you go to those things. It was $10 for a snow cone which included a souvenir cup and $10 for cotton candy which included a nemo hat!! I took our own lights so I wouldn't have to pay $20 a piece for those. Especially since we already have some! It was worth it, everyone had a good time. They are wanting to go to the circus now. Guess that will be our first adventure in 2008.

Ah, the things kids say!!!

I had to share a funny story. The other night the boys and I were riding in the car and the boys were in the back playing the "raise your hand if...game". You know the one, "raise your hand if your shirt is red", "raise your hand if your eyes are blue", and so on. After playing for quite some time, Nathan says, "raise your hand if you are big and fat". Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Nathan then says, "hey mom, that's you!!!" Mason laughed like that was the funniest thing he had ever heard. I on the other hand didn't find it that amusing. I felt like I was in the car with a group of preteens, not four year olds. My, oh my, what my future holds!!!

Trick-or-Treat time

We had the most fun trick-or-treating last night with the boys. This was the first year that we haven't had to push around a stroller and deal with whiny, tired kids! They loved it. They knew just what to do. They even went to the scarier houses...anything for more candy!! Nathan started out the night in the costume you see, a sheep that Gigi and Nanny made for him. But it was too hot so he changed into a blue power ranger. Mason stuck with the spider all night. David said one day Mason was going to hate him for letting me put that hat on him!!! Nathan took a tumble at one point in the night. He got pretty scraped up, but Mason got his candy for him at that house and it was back to work. Nathan also got choosy by the end of the night. If the people weren't giving something he liked he just said no thank you and turned away!! I thought that was hilarious!! As soon as the night was over they started talking about Thanksgiving dinner. No rest for the weary.

A pumpkin patch tradition

This weekend we took the boys for our annual trip to the pumpkin patch, and this time Gigi was able to join us. It is always an eventful day, but this year the boys were the ones pointing the way to the activities in the order they wanted. After enjoying some lunch it was full speed ahead for the hayride to the pumpkin patch. It never fails that Nathan picks the first available pumpkin and Mason is quite choosy. Unfortunately, for Nathan, we realized his pumpkin had a large crack in the bottom. Thank goodness we were still in the patch. He quickly found another "perfect" pumpkin. The rest of the day was spent riding the tractor train, playing on inflatables, and EATING, EATING, EATING!!! We had a great time and look forward to going again next year. The boys asked Gigi if she would come again next year and she said she'd have to wait and see. It may have been too much fun for one day for Gigi!!!

More weekend pictures

I forgot to mention that we saw Santa. The boys told him the rough draft of their Christmas wish list. He also came to the hotel on Saturday night to sing. That was great!! The hotel has a clock that rings every hour that is amazing!! That is what is going on in the picture of the boys laying on the ground. I know it is only October, but it is never too early for the Christmas spirit!!!

What a weekend!?!?

This weekend we traveled to Pigeon Forge with David's family (with a quick stop and Gigi and Pop's house). We stayed at the new Christmas Place Inn (which was fabulous). The boys LOVE staying at a hotel...expecially the continental breakfast!! Saturday morning David and the boys visited a helicopter museum and then we took them to the Nascar place where they could ride rides. Our next stop was a picnic at The Chimney's. However, Mason got sick on the way. David took the two of us back to the hotel and he and Nathan went on to meet the family. Mason and I spent most of the day resting and watching football. Luckily we could walk to a couple places because we were without a car. He wanted to get out so we went to get some soup for lunch and get a small treat for his missing the picnic. He ended up napping which is highly unusual. David came back for us to go to dinner...we left...had forgotten the cell...turned around...boys decided they didn't want to go...David went on...he came back because traffic was aweful. It was crazy!!! I can't say that we really spent much time with the family. Enjoy the pictures!!!

funny story

Just a quick story from the weekend...On Saturday we were headed home to watch the Bama game and the boys were asking who we were playing. I said Florida State and they asked if that was the gators. I said no, the seminoles. Not two minutes later Nathan said, "Did you say the Cinnamon rolls?" We thought it was hilarious and referred to them as the Cinnamon Rolls all weekend. Too bad we lost to a bunch of Cinnamon Rolls!!!

celebrity look-a-likes

Nathan's look-a-like meter

look-a-like meter

The Big Game!!

As most of you know, soccer season began this morning at 8am!! A bit early for my gang. The boys were very excited and ready to play, on team Chaos. They did a great job listening to their coaches and doing what they were told. There was no whining and when they fell down they just got back up and kept on going!! I was so proud. Those had been my concerns!! They are playing on the church upward league which is great for this age. Everyone gets equal playing time and everyone wins!! Luckily the boys don't have a clue that the other team took them to the cleaners today!! There were several times when Nathan just stood and looked at the ball -- but he wasn't alone. Mason made a good stop one time, but quickly lost control to the other team. Oh well...they looked great to me!!
I had to include in this blog a picture of my sweet boys the day I brought them home from the hospital. Time has flown by. I have made it my goal to saver each and every moment of their lives because it passes all too quickly. When I found out I was having two boys people often said, "You'll be a great soccer mom". Well here we are at 4 1/2 and I'm giving it my best shot. I have loved motherhood and I can't wait to see what the next 4 1/2 years has to offer!!

Starting School Tomorrow!!

I guess you never outgrow that anticipation of the "first day" of school. Tomorrow is my first day as a Kindergarten teacher, and I am a bit nervous. I have 16 students in my class (11 are boys!!). I have everything planned and ready to go, now I just pray that it runs the way I have it worked out in my head!! I'll post soon with an update on how it is going!!

As for the boys, they are so excited about school starting. They tell everyone, "You know...I'm in 4 year old kindergarten now." Very proud. I think they have "grown up" a good bit over the summer and I think they will do well. Their teacher is new to the 4's and is showing a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm as well. I think she is going to be good for them. I'll let you know how it goes!!

Bama Game

Yeasterday was the first Bama home game of the season and David and I were excited to be there since we sold our tickets last year to help justify our trip to NYC!! We had a great time. The weather couldn't have been better for a first game. And the score was acceptable too. We hope the rest of the season is this great. Gigi (and Pop sometimes) usually come down to keep the boys on game weekends, but this was their 35th wedding anniversary so they decided not to plan on this one. So my friend Allison (aka Alli to the boys) and her "friend" Gavin spent the day with them. They had a great time baking cookies, going to Chick fil a and wearing the grown-ups out!! Needless to say, I didn't mention to them where we were going. That wouldn't have gone over well. Maybe we'll brave taking them to one game this year?!?!

Roll Tide!!

This picture was just too funny not to share. We have HUGE elephant ears growing in our backyard and David cut some so the boys could "be elephants". As we in the William's House are preparing for football season we talk alot about elephants!!! Roll Tide everyone!!

Gigi's Visit

Mom will probably kill me when she finds out that I put this picture on here, but I thought it was too cute, and too perfect as a photo description of her visit with us. She came in last Sunday afternoon to spend the week helping me out because I had two work meetings and needed to work in my classroom some, and also Mason had a proceedure done on his pee-pee. So it was Gigi to the rescue. Well, while she is here she barely has a moment to potty without the boys. Nathan slept with her every night and Mason was in there too all but three nights I think. And mind you, it is a full size bed!!! Well, as the week progressed Mason told different people he was going home with Gigi and we didn't pay him much attention. On Saturday morning he was talking to Pop and said, "Gigi is staying one more night and then I'm coming home wtih her." Needless to say bright and early this morning the bags were packed and the kids were in the car (long before it was time). They have gone to visit with Gigi and Pop (and hopefully Uncle Stan and Aunt Darby) until Thursday!!!

Batter Up!!

After our weekend in Georgia we headed straight to Nashville to spend a few days with Nanny and Buddy. While we were there we were able to go to Buddy's baseball tournament. Although it was 100 degrees, everyone had a great time. The boys caught a few plays in between much playing of their own. There was an empty field that they played their own games on. We were there for three hours because Buddy's team won twice. The boys were filthy by the end. Thank goodness they stayed awake long enough for a quick bath.

Another thing we enjoyed while in Nashville was going to the YMCA to swim everyday (for three hours)!! The boys love it there. The water slants down like the beach so they can swim around without their floaties on. It was great!! We enjoyed our time with Nanny and Buddy(and Paula and Jim too).

Girls (and Kids) Weekend

What a wonderful weekend it was at R-Ranch outside Dalonaga, Georgia when I met up with my College friends Cindy and Katie and our 6 kids!! We stayed in a cabin (with no TV) for two nights. Two of the boys were 2 1/2 and my boys are 4 so there was a lot of excitement and tatteling!!! We went swimming, played putt-putt (I use that term lightly), and just hung out!! On Saturday night Katie's parents were sweet enought to watch all the children so the girls could go to dinner...ALONE!! It was just like old times, you'd never know we hadn't seen each other in years. We can't wait until we can get together again. Next time we will leave the kids at home!!!

A Week At Camp

I had the opportunity to spend last week as a family group leader at middle school youth camp. My brother is a middle school youth pastor in Knoxville and for the second year I went along to camp. It was so wonderful to watch a group of 220 middle schoolers worship the Lord. Sure they enjoyed all the recreation that camp has to offer, but it was the times of worship that they couldn't get enough of. What a blessing to be a part of such a wonderful event!!

The pictures need a bit of explanation...the first one is me in the the mud portion of the Adventure Race (which my team finished LAST!!!). I am wearing the mask because last year the smell made me gag. I thought the mask would help, but I ended up getting sick anyway!! The second picture is my group of girls after the race. And the third picture is Stan and I right before we did the zip line. This is definitely the most adventurous week of my year!!

Beach Boys!!

We took a quick trip to the beach over July 4th week. We were only there a couple of days, but enjoyed the time we had. The boys had not been to the beach since they were two so it was fun for them to be reintroduced. We went with David's mom and stepdad who have three young children of their own. David's brother and his daughter were also there, so there was no lack of entertainment for the boys. Neither of the boys just loved the ocean. They both got in for a very short time and tolerated jumping waves for a while. We spent most of the time at the pool, but it is always nice to have the option. I can't wait to go again!!

We LOVE ice cream!!!

One of our favorite things to do on hot Alabama summer days is get ice cream. Saturday after dinner we ended up at Ben and Jerry's and it was YUM!!! As you can see the boys enjoyed themselves. They may have made a mess, but they really did eat a majority of their cones!!

Swim Lessons

While we were in Tennessee last week for bible school, the boys took swim lessons with Mrs. Mildred. They went into it unwilling to go under and by day four they were jumping off the diving board and swimming to the side!! It was amazing. Since being home we have gone swimming 3 times and Mason is doing great at going under (he doesn't want to swim, but he willingly goes under). Nathan doesn't even want to go under. I feel peer pressure will get him eventually. I don't want to push. At least I have the pictures to prove it happened!!

Scary Moment!!!

These pictures were taken this morning after Mason fell off the top bunk onto his HEAD!!! I have always heard that if they don't get a goose egg, but it dents in, that's bad. And that is what happened. I called the doctor and he was more upset about the possibility of going to the doctor than anything. After answering all their questions they just said to keep an eye on him. He has been fine, thank the Lord!!! In the pictures you can see all the kids trying to console him, and the other one he was using the hat to hold on ice!!! All in a day with boys...I guess!!!