This morning I got up around 6AM . When I checked on Ryan, he was already awake. He had also had trouble getting to sleep last night. He was excited because Matthew was coming to spend the day. I told him he couldn't get up until 7:30, so went back to sleep a while.
Matthew came around 8:15, and they started by playing on the computer while I fixed their breakfast.

After breakfast we went to get my liscense renewed and pick up some groceries. (Tonight I was having Andrew, Nikki, Nana, and Papaw for supper to celebrate Mark's birthday.) You should have heard those boys laughing and giggling in the car. They were listening to Matthew's MP3 player, and I think it was something he recorded. (I kinda' think it had something to do with bodily functions--you know what boys think are so funny.) They were laughing the whole time we were in the car.
When we got back it was still so cold outside. I think the high today was 30-40*. They wanted to play outside anyway. They rode on Ryan's new scooter and had a blast. One time I saw them throwing the football, and I thought they were playing football. (of course) When I went outside one of them was riding the scooter and the other one would try to throw the football and hit the one riding the scooter. (boys, boys, boys) They seemed to be really enjoying it. LOL

After awhile they wanted to go in the woods. I gave them my camera and told them to take some pictures. I was grilling hamburgers so I was right out there with them. Once when I went in and came back out, they were gone. It really concerned me because with it being winter, you can see a long way, and I couldn't see them. I started yelling, and they didn't answer. I was thinking, "were they abducted?' (I have been watching too much TV) I decided to get my jacket and go looking for them. We always go to the left in our woods because that is flat land. I decided to go to the right around the hill (I have never been that way before). I went just a little way, and yelled for them. They answered immediately. I guess the hill was blocking my voice.
I was kinda aggravated at them for going so far without telling me. Matthew said, "I told Ryan we should be going back." LOL Anyway, they were so excited and told me they had gotten some great pictures of the creek. After I saw the pictures, I forgave them. The pictures were great. I didn't know how pretty it was back there.

They didn't cross the creek, but they took a picture of a great place to cross.

See the tree? I think I would like to go back sometime and cross over. I'm really surprised they didn't try it. LOL
They came back with me and as soon as they got out of the woods, they started wrestling in the leaves.

Boys, boys, boys! I told them to get up. They were going to get sick wrestling in the leaves in the cold. (Of course I waited until I had taken several pictures LOL)
They came inside to eat lunch and then went right back outside. I guess kids can handle the cold better than adults at times. They asked if they could go back to the woods. After seeing the pictures they took, I gave them the camera and said ok. Ha Ha Ha
They came back soooo excited. Ryan kept trying to tell me about a place in the woods that was so cool. He said it was where a big tree had been. I didn't understand until I saw the pictures. I can see why they thought it was so cool.

You can see where it goes back in on the left behind Ryan. Ryan said I would not believe it.
While they were outside I was vacuuming the kitchen and bathroom, and steam mopping. I was so excited about how it looked. When they came back, they were muddy--espcially Matthew. I had to give him some of Ryan's clothes to change. He said he got stuck in the mud. LOL This is how my floor looked AFTER they came back inside.

I had to reclean. But you know what? I didn't mind. I was thrilled they had a good time. It really wasn't that bad. I did feel a little stressed about getting everything done for tonight though.
I took Matthew home around 4PM. We had to stop at the store AGAIN. I discoved the slaw dressing I was going to use was out of date.
I had to work really fast to get everything done, but it all worked out fine. We had a great time tonight celebrating Mark's birthday. Tomorrow, Jan. 1, he will be 54. I left everything on the stove and we ate buffet style.

I had broccoli casserole, creamed potatoes, rolls, turkey, slaw, cranberry sauce, and deviled eggs. We had wonderful fellowship and food.

After supper we were too stuffed to have cake, so Mark opened his cards. He got money from all of us this year. Andrew loves to get him funny cards. Well, actually Ryan does too. Mark got a good laugh out of their cards.

We all asked Andrew to play Ryan's new electric guitar (that he and Nikkie got him) after that. Oh my, we all enjoyed it. It wasn't christian (which is my favorite), but he did play "Ode to Joy". I loved it too.
.
Prayer: Thank you God for a wonderful day and a wonderful year.
Note: I forgot to say that Nikki didn't get to come. She was so disappointed and we were too.

Merry Chrismas Susan!

Dear Susan,

We hope you have the best Christmas ever! We hope you like this present we put together for you. It may not be much but we hope God blesses you tremendously with an awesome Christmas! You have been a great remodel for us. We hope that you write the many things that you want to on your blog. Never give up. We love you so much!

Love,
Matthew & Ryan