CONNIE????? CONNIE?????? Can you hear me? I don't want to do cooky swap without you.

Please come home.

Don't forget the OPEN HOUSE tours coming up this week. I have my tree up as you can see. But, that's all I'm showing until the 15th. Don't forget to pour yourself a huge cup of hot chocolate and come back and tour all the homes.

COUSINHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING BOOTS

Two little cousins set out on a mission one day. Neenas had given them some special boots so they decided to put them to good use. Their first stop would be to visit Tucker, the puppy, at the dog pen.








DO YOU THINK HE'LL BITE?
Jaxon reassures Avery that she'll be fine. Jaxon has 2 big big big doggie brothers named Petey and Tex. And despite her petititeness, she is not intimidated by dogs at all!







C'mon Avery, laughs Jaxon......you can do it!

"OKAY, Jaxon. If you are sure! I trust you like that. After all girl, you are my peeps and we are tight. Anyway, here comes your daddy and I think our adventure is over."

CHIPS

OFF

THE

OLD

BLOCK.
Have you ever seen anything so cute?
They had found these that I had bought them for Christmas while everyone was here for turkey day. They had so much fun with them. I think they logged quite a few miles on them already.

*****Pictures and idea stolen from my precious daughter in love******

Speaking of my precious daughter in love. OH yes, and my sweet son.

I AM GOING TO BE A NEENA AGAIN! YIPEEEEEEEEEEEE. Keep us in your prayers because come July 3rd Neena's Nest is getting ready for an expansion.

Don't panic. The counter on the side that says how many days 'til Christmas? It's right. Everyday it clicks down one more.

Excuse me a few days while I collect my thoughts. Decorations are as scattered as my thoughts. When I am back to blogging in a few days I'll be ready to post the Christmas Open House tour at Deena's. Maybe then I'll be ready to be jollier. Until then? Slap me if I look merry.

21 years ago we lived in town. Not the city, but in town. Our neighbors were dear people and lived next to us when we had no children and they had a houseful. 5 GIRLS to be exact. As my babies started coming along I had a steady stream of willing and able babysitters. In fact, there was never any grass between our houses. We had a trail for 16 years between our back doors. I just opened up the door and yelled for a sitter and never knew who was coming but knew someone would. It was great. Then we moved to the "country" which is 3 miles away. We stayed in contact of course and still see them around even though they are all grown with families. One of them just finished massage school and today I got to be her client. It was wonderful. I think I got special treatment but it was amazing. She brought her table and set up in my living room and I plugged into the headphones for over an hour. My muscles feel less achy, the headache I was getting went away, and I feel like I could run a marathon. But, instead I am going to catch a quick nap and enjoy this relaxed and renewed body!

I'll start off this post with a toast! Our oldest daughter and her preciousness took off for a few days in Fredricksburg to celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary. They had so much fun just getting to do whatever that didn't involve basketball, baseball, dance practice or a Brownie meeting. Or a science project. Or a scheduled meeting. They had a great time and arrived in time for all the FUN. Happy Anniversary to Heather and Troy!

Anyone that was in this house last week has to admit that it was absolutely wonderfully crazy. We watched the grandchildren play together for hours and hours. The bigger two each had a baby to love on and there was lots of loving. The two little ones, Avery and Jaxon were precious together. It was really the first time they realized that they were family! The last time they were together was in March and Jaxon was so sick with an ear infection she didn't feel like playing but they made up for this time. TOO TOO CUTE. Reid stays with the big guys most of the time watching ESPN and any and every football game that is on. When he gets tired of sitting he hauls out the mower tractor and gives everyone rides around the property. All the little princess pile in the trailer delighted for his attention. Macy baked some with me and did lots or arts and crafts. I have signs and love notes hanging everywhere. All sparkly and girly girl. All that to say this.....we had LOADS of fun. Mom, Dad, Mimi, Jody, Jim, Jordan, all made the pilgrimage back and forth to our house everyday. We had our favorite family guests with us too.....Barbara and Katy came to stay a few days and we love it when they are here. They are our son in love's Mom and sister. They just pile in and make themselves at home. It's like we've known them forever. Plus, we all are in love with and share DNA with Avery! We pretty much finished off any leftovers. Then when it was time for everyone to go, all my kids pitched in and stripped the beds, washed towels, loaded the dishwasher one final time and vacuumed. That was SO SO SO much help. I can't wait to see them all in just a few weeks again.

"There was an old woman......" Remember the rest? Seriously, this is what my house has been like over the holidays and I have loved every minute of it. We have had our own family, children, grandchildren, parents, sisters, nieces and nephews.....plus we always pick up a few "strays" that we love like family and they pile in too. There have been football games in the yard, basketball games on the driveway, Playstation tourneys, EATING, tractor rides, playing in the leaves, swinging on the old rusty swing set, and just in general FUN. The grown ups keep the children all way over stimulated with rowdiness. Next year, our crowd gets bigger with MORE family babies coming in the next year. ( More about that later ) Right now, blankets and pillows are spread out all over the floor in the family room and it's fixing to be movie night. After that, some make it to a bed ( the lucky ones), some find a couch, and the rest just lie where they can. However, I have MY BED. I usually fall asleep these nights to giggles and noise. It's a long time in between these kind of nights. Paps and I aren't near as much fun when we are alone, I think. We are rather quiet and in a routine. But, this week? Not one single routine. No planned bedtimes. Little teeth brushed? Maybe. Occasionally a crying baby. Nothing I can't handle though. Only one planned meal. The rest of the time we just drag all the food out and it's a free for all! Tonight we ate out. Tomorrow night we probably will too. These are wild weeks, you say? They are. And, I always look forward to them. Because after all, Neena's Nest is the happiest when it is full.

Whatever you do. Wherever you go. Whatever you cook. Whatever you eat.

Wherever you wash dishes. Wherever you nap. Wherever you love. Be thankful.

Most of my day was spent at the church building doing whatever I could find to do to help. Any pan I could find to wash. Any tea I could pour. We had a funeral service for one of our members who was such a special man. A very kind, sweet, and loving man who left his sweet family too soon after a very brave fight with cancer. They lovingly had been caring for him these past few months while he was in hospice care at their home. It 's hard to know what to say. Even for someone like me who always says whatever. He will truly be missed by lots and lots of friends and all his family, but tonight when his sweet wife lies down I know that a tear will fall as she realizes that there are many long and lonely nights ahead while God heals her broken heart. Join me and pray for her as you pray. Her name is Kathryn and she is brokenhearted. As are their children. Cancer is from Satan.

OKAY. I admit it. Peer pressure follows me wherever I go. Honestly. I am a middle aged woman who still gets pimples, likes to hang at the mall, loves to try new makeup, adores fashions and fads, and after my sweet girl JD got me hooked on Gilmore girls a few years ago she thought HMMMMM , I'll really hook her now. She'll love this book series Twilight now turned movie. AND I CAN NOT WAIT for the weekend to see it. Sadly, I may have to go by myself. All my comprades are either in a cast or out of town! Sorry girls.......gotta go without you. It's really ok. A bag of popcorn a diet coke and some smuggled in candy and a little EDWARD and JACOB and I"ll be good to go. But, I'll watch it again with you. I promise.

Obviously this is NOT my car but it is my car's twin. My car is in the driveway. But, the reason for this story is simple. I just made my LAST car payment. So, now that this has occurred I am starting to worry about what can happen now. I have taken very good care of her. I want to keep her a long time. I do NOT want another car payment. I want to enjoy the extra little $$$$ each month for awhile. It'll almost be like getting a retirement raise! Pretty good, don't you think?

I've probably been teaching Bible classes since I was 15 years old. This is NOT to brag but it is simply a fact. I like to stay on my "own" mental level which is not usually above 5 or 6th grade. HA ! I relate to them and in return they relate to me. Once we get disciplinary class rules out of the way, also known as bribery, I never have trouble with them. Well, I guess never is kinda strong. Let's just suffice it say, I don't usually have trouble with them and when I do I just throw them out to sit in the hall for a few minutes and that does the trick. They know I mean it!

I love this painting of the Lost Sheep. It's always been one of my favorite comforting thoughts about God's love for us. Last Wednesday night we were in John 10 and there were alot of the analogies about the Good Shepherd and His sheep so we spent quite a bit of time applying those to our lives. They made up some very creative comparisons! They totally got it. Many of these children are our "van" riders who have never been exposed to the Bible, but they, for the most part, are soaking up the Bible stories. They are really learning to put it in their lives, at school and at home. I am so happy that I don't have to be a perfect person to teach a class. That I can enter into that room with those kids and tell them I am not perfect but I love God's word and I want to tell them why. I am not "equipped" to do alot of things in God's Kingdom but I hope that the things I do glorify him in my own little meager way. I don't really want a mansion over the hilltop. I will be perfectly satisfied with a little one room house over that hilltop. Even a sleeping bag. I just want in on the deal.

How many times can you say 'no no' in a 20 seconds?













How serious is this child labor law in America now?

QUICK! Somebody send help. I'm listening to Christmas carols.

I'm actually singing along too. Add to that vision a little holiday swaying. I'm even enjoying it. What about putting all my trees up with pumpkins scattered underneath? OK, maybe not.

To all the veterans....I appreciate the fact that you protect our country and our freedom. For all the generations who served before.....I salute you! God bless you and God bless the USA.

This time last week I was smooching this sweet face. I wish I could smooch it everyday! Sweet kisses for sure. I love the fact that she recognizes me now and remembers all our little private motions and words. She is still my TINY PRINCESS!

I'm not real sure why but I am starting to get a little excited about Christmas.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

After my wild week of travels I am home. I feel like Gilligan must have felt on his "three" hour cruise!

All is well. Tawana is home and tucked safely in her own bed to recuperate.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers!

GOD BLESS AMERICA tomorrow. Land that I love.

Now, EVERYONE get out and VOTE!

Well........where do I begin? Lest you think my life is boring here is a recap of the last few days for my loyal 5 readers. Bear with me as it is pretty newsy.

1.) Wednesday Morning I woke up about 1 AM with my left arm aching. NOT GOOD for a heart patient. In fact, both other HA's have started with that same symptom but the big "explosion" followed soon after. Stubbornly, I stayed in bed and prayed. Can the word stubborn and pray be in the same sentence? Hmmmm. By noon ( yes,10- ish hours later. ) I decided to call the cardio dr. I just told him that I had NO other symptoms other than that. He politely told me to GET MYSELF TO THE ER NOW. I did. All of the cardiac testing turned out negative. THANKS to God. I am fine!

2.) Enroute to Abilene on Thursday I received a call that my BFF Tawana had been in a head on collision on her way to DFW. I had Mom and Dad with me and we redirected ourselves to the TRAUMA center at Brack for the next 7 hours with Terry, Tracy and Becky BFF. God wrapped his arms around Tawana and saved her life that morning. Although her injuries are extensive, painful and will be long healing, she is alive and coming home sometime next week. Lacerations and broken bones can heal. It was a sweet and happy moment of rejoicing when we all realized that! Our trip resumed after her admission to a room to heal. I SLOWLY proceeded the rest of the 4 hour trip my heart heavy with compassion, sad to be leaving her but relieved to know that she will be home soon. LIFE is sweet. Life is precious. Tell your family you love them everyday. We pulled into Abilene at around 10:45 ish. I felt like .... well...... I felt a little tired.

3.) Everyone headed off to school on Friday morning and Mom, Jaxon and I went to Cracker Barrell for breakfast. About 1 we headed up to ACU to watch our own little family STAR soccer player, Jordan, play an awesome game. They lost 2-1. Sniff. I hope I wasn't a bad luck charm. Soccer ....man. How do those girls RUN for a straight solid hour. NON STOP. Back and forth.....And the wildest part was that Jordan had broken her arm the day before and she played the entire game! Not trying to brag but she played an unbelievable game. I am so proud of her. Then Fri. night we got to watch Abilene HS beat Richland Hills, leaving them undefeated and headed to playoffs. ONE more district game. I was grinning from ear to ear watching my sweet son interact / coach those boys. I couldn't help but remember what seemed like yesterday, when he used to sit in the press box with his little helmet on and dream of being a "football boy". Now, he is on the field running up and down being the cutest coach EVAH.....evah. They have a great bunch of boys and my FAVORITE 2 coaches. Another great part of the game was sitting the second half with Connie, Don, Mel, and Rob! We had a great visit. It just reminded what I already knew. We miss them SO much. Our lives both at church and away are VOID without them. They are the most amazing people. If you remember, they were our "family" that was so badly injured in a car accident in the spring near San Antonio. They have enjoyed their new lived in Abilene and being with Mel and her family. They get to watch their grandsons play sports and are enjoying settling in to a new church family at Hillcrest. Does Hillcrest know how lucky they are? They better! We love us some Adams' people!

4.) Things calmed down a little on Saturday. "Our" coaches worked at the field house all day, JD had to work a few hours so Jaxon and I headed out shopping. We both love that. I am trying to teach her a few strategies on bargain hunting. Then we had a big family dinner ( ROAST and all the trimmings ) at Jody and Jim's house. Jordan and Kyle joined us and we had a great time. All the guys and Jordan watched the TEXAS/tech game. We all know now how that turned out. Some were happy ...... some were not. Just saying.......won't say who.

5.) JD and I got to catch up on one of our favorite TV's shows she had recorded and stayed pretty lazy most of the morning. When she left for work I cooked a big pot of veggie meatball soup and a loaf of banana bread and Jaxon and I played with all the toys in the toy box. Then tonight I stood in the dark nursery with the sweetest smelling little bundle of happiness that has grown so much in a year. Her little head was snuggled on my shoulder. I could hear her softly sucking on her finger. We sang and swayed. When I layed her in her bed I realized that tomorrow night I would feel so empty! I've had so much fun here as I always do.

6.) We are headed home in the morning early. My mom's cousin passed away and we are planning to go to the services at A & M church on Monday. She and Daddy were both really sad about his passing. But, we all agreed that his Heavenly homecoming would have been worth witnessing. I know that there was rejoicing from the Lingleville crowd when he arrived. NO sadness for him.

**I think my next 12 weeks will be spent helping by being one of Tawana's nurse/cook/ housekeepers. Between Mom, Becky, and myself , we should have her covered. I know that our church family will pitch in and help with meals too. Because, that is how we all roll....we are close.

**Remember me as I try to continue the library program without Tawana. We had just outlined our next 7 weeks of the year for BookWorms. She had them all organized and books pulled. She had even filed crafts for each lesson. Little did we know.......sort of weird now that I think about it.