A Surprise . . . A First . . .

Saturday night, we were gathered around Damon's brother's dining room table talking about football.  Carter mentioned that he really wanted to go to a Titans game - one day.  Dustin (being in on the secret) told him that maybe when he was 30 or 40 he could go to a game.  Carter, in turn, told Uncle Dustin that maybe when he was 10 he could get to a game.   . . . and the conversation ended.

Sunday morning after Bible class and church, Damon was trying to get Carter to hurry.  

He looked at Carter and said, "Come on, we need to get going!"  

Carter asked him where they were going and Damon asked him, "Where do you want to go?"  

Carter said, "To the Titans Game!!"

Damon replied, "Then let's go!"

This was the reaction we got!

Taken with my iPhone and the fact he was jumping around - the reason it is blurry!

 The Welch men (minus Johnathan) hit the road and had a great time at the game.  Damon was a trouper and took a camera so I could have pictures of this first for Carter!

The Titans scored as soon as the guys got to their seats - on the 5 yard line, 6 rows from the field, on the Titans side.  Don't feel too sorry for them!!!

 One SUPER excited boy!!

Final score wound up being 31-17!

A BIG win for the Titans!

(and then the camera battery died so no more pictures were taken!)

Thanks to Dustin's friends at church for the amazing tickets!

CrAzY cOuSiNs

They may look sweet . . . .

 They may seem cooperative for pictures . . . 

 They may show that sweet - not fake smile . . .

 They may stand still just long enough . . . 

 But AFTER church, things are a LOT different . . .

 They turn a little crazy . . .

 They don't cooperate as well . . .

 The smiles are a little more forced and fake . . .

 There is no such thing as standing still . . .

 However, these are the moments we will remember . . .

 These are the pictures that will become our favorites . . .

because this is who they really are at this moment in time!

Aren't we thankful for cousins?

Now, you may wonder why Carter did not make the "after church pictures" . . . .

Check back to see why he was out of these priceless pictures.

Merry FHU Graduamas

It is that time of year - where you try to cram a lot into not much time!  Friday was one of those days.  We had Christmas with the Whittle side of the family.  Mom held it at her house and we dined fine on soup, salad and Dad's homemade bread!! YUM YUM!!!  We enjoyed being together, but missed Damon, Richard, Amy, Chuck and Walker who could not be there for one reason or another.

The two red headed ladies in the family

That night, we all met up to see Freed Hardeman's graduation.  The family always enjoys being together and can get a bit loud, but we have fun!!!!

Sweet Andrew - I love this picture of him!

Jason and I were the photographers!

Our first graduate of the night - my cousin, Jonathan.
He got his MBA from FHU.

Our Second Graduate of the night - Garrett

We are so proud of Jonathan for going back and getting his Masters.  We are also so proud of Garrett.  He became just one of the family over the past few years.  He will be missed more than he will ever know!

We love both of you

and

are so proud of you!

A Trip to Find the Perfect Tree

A few years ago, my aunt and uncle (RoRo and Bub) took the kids and me to the Christmas tree farm to help pick out their Christmas tree. We had a great time with them.  This year they asked the kids to go with them again and, of course, the kids said, "YES!"  So, one Saturday morning (it was the day of the cookie swap - I can't believe I forgot to blog about this!) they loaded up in Grandad Willis' truck - it really is a family effort - to go get

the perfect tree!

Outside Ward's Christmas Tree Farm cabin

with RoRo and Bub inside the cabin

on the wagon ready to go get the tree

with THE tree!

Jim and Kate - the mules who pulled the wagon

Thank you, RoRo and Bub!

They had a great time!

Polar Express Day

" . . . This is the Polar Express . . ."

"The train was filled with other children, all in their nightgowns. We sang Christmas carols and ate candies with nougat centers as white as snow. We drank hot cocoa as thick and as rich as melted chocolate bars. . ."

"The North Pole.  It was a huge city standing alone at the top of the world, filled with factories where every Christmas toy was made.

. . . Santa will give the first gift of Christmas.'"

"I knew that I could have any gift I could imagine.  But the thing I wanted most was not inside Santa's giant bag. What I wanted more than anything was one silver bell from Santa's sleigh."

"At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them."

"Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe."
- Taken from The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer . . . .

 . . . is singing loud for all to hear!

- Buddy the Elf

The kids had their Christmas program at school the other day.  Each grade got up and sang different songs they had learned this year - including Christmas songs.  They did a great job and enjoyed singing! (For anyone who knows my kids, I am sure you are surprised at that!!!)

Carter singing with friends Noah and Katie

LB can't help but sing along with them!!!

LB was so excited to be on the TOP row!!!!

 . . . also just to be with friends who are dear!

Typical Carter

Much better . . .

with friend, Noah

LB was a tad bit embarrassed by me with my BIG camera!!!

with friend, Hillary

with friends, Madlyn, Shelby, Hillary, Laura Beth and Makinley
(they look so much older than third graders in this picture)

May your holiday season be filled with
LOTS of Christmas cheer
this year!

Christmas Cookie Swap Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Photo from Family Fun Magazine

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. peppermint extract

• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• Red food coloring

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and beat well. Stir in the peppermint and vanilla extracts. Gradually mix in the flour.
2. Divide the dough in half. Color one half with red food coloring and leave the other half plain. Roll out a tablespoon of red dough and a tablespoon of plain until they are each 6 to 8 inches long. Twist them into a candy cane, pinching the ends. Repeat.
3. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not brown.
   Makes about 25.
   
   
   Here is our recipe that we made for the cookie swap.  I can't seem to get things in order right now. These cookies were a hit - with all ages!!!!!  Thank you, Family Fun!