The Kerbela Shrine Circus

We went to see the Kerbela Shrine Circus on Saturday. My granddaddy is a Shriner and he always gets us tickets. I've been going since I was a little girl. It's a good show, but what I really love is the parade at the beginning of the circus. I love to see all the Shriners in their hats, little cars, dressed as hillbillies, etc. because it always reminds me of my grandparents. I have heard stories and seen pictures of different Shriner events throughout the years: my grandparents dressed as hillbillies, the Oriental Band, my Granddaddy dressed as a Shriner clown. But the most important thing is to hear about all of the good that the organization does for children. My grandparents have always been so proud of the help that they provide to crippled and burned children. We had a great time, Uncle Brian and Aunt Beth went with us. Evan's favorite parts were his light sword and his cotton candy! We liked the elephant.

Family Matters

The kids and I went to the Scandlyn Family Reunion today. This reunion is held every October for my Granddaddy's family. We had lots of good food and got to see many relatives that we don't see on a regular basis. It was a little bittersweet this year though because several people were missing, either unable to attend or gone on to Heaven. Someone especially important to our family was missing today, my Grandmother. Her beautiful smile, conversation, and macaroni and cheese were all painfully absent from today's event. After we got home, I put on a "kettle of beans" for dinner and the smell of them cooking reminds me of her. She frequently made a "big kettle of beans" and cornbread in her iron skillet. She would often bring us some for dinner when my parents were working. I miss her very much.

No Way Out

So, as I've mentioned before, Evan has had some nightmares lately. The other night Matthew was putting him to bed and Evan asked what he should do if he has a nightmare. Matthew said, just say "Daddy, I had a nightmare" and I'll hear you (we still have a monitor in there). Evan said, "Well, I'd like to just run out of here and go downstairs, but you've got that "turny" thing on the doorknob and I can't get out!".

And Mom and Dad say.... Exactly.

A New Friend

Chloe made a friend today! She spent a good 15 to 20 minutes playing with and talking to this friend all by herself (and that's alot for a 3 month old). Finally, she got the friend to talk back and her face is priceless!
(Remember, you can scroll all the way down to the bottom and pause the music player to hear better even though there's not that much to hear on this one).

What a Sneaky Little Thing!

She did it! Chloe rolled over from back to front for the first time last night. The problem is the sneaky little thing did it behind my back! She's been getting close for about a week now and I've been following her around with the video camera to catch it on film. Well, last night I laid her on the middle of the bed and then went in the bathroom to get her bath ready, I turned back around and she was on her tummy! I tried to get her to do it again, but she never really made it all the way back over again last night. Don't worry, I'll get some video of it as she perfects her skill. Now, I'm just waiting for her to start practicing in the middle of the night :} I can still remember that stage with Evan... go to sleep, then you hear grunt grunt, fuss, fuss... get up turn the baby back over... go back to sleep, fuss fuss grunt grunt... you get the picture!

Fall Fun

Go Vols!
Matthew took Evan to his first University of Tennessee football game on Saturday. They had a great time! Evan loved playing in the kids playground at Volunteer Village. He got to give all of the football players a high five and meet Smokey (both the big one and little one) during the Vol walk. He's a bit like his mom, though, because once the game started he was ready to go, LOL! They stayed for one quarter and then headed on home.





































































The Power "T"... Evan does a great impression of the Drum Major aka "the guy with a big orange flower on his hat".

Fall Bon Fire

Matthew cleaned out our garden yesterday and Evan had been begging to have a "weiner roast", so we decided last night would be a good night. Grandmother and Granddaddy came over and we had roasted hotdogs and S'mores for dinner. It was delicious! Evan told us how to make the S'mores. We said we were going to make them and he said "We need graham crackers, chocolate, and we already have marshmellows". I'm assuming this is something he learned from tv... see he does learn from it! Evan's favorite part was the Hershey bars. He ate about three pieces of pure chocolate and then was running around the yard like a mad man!

Pray for Savannah

Many of you may remember when I sent out an e-mail last year about a student of mine with leukemia requesting prayer. She has been undergoing treatment since then. She is doing really well and has been through so much. She has ups and downs. Right now she is fighting an infection which could become very serious for her. You can read about her story on her Caring Bridge page. She and her family are such an inspiration. Please lift them up in prayer.