January

As it turns out, Jacob is not only a talented speller (round 2 baby) but he also can churn out quite the Native American Dwelling.  The students had 4 options to choose from.  Then they had to bring the supplies with them to school to actually construct them there.  Then a couple from each class were chosen to be in the exhibit held at the town museum. 

I'm pretty sure that is supposed to say "NortheasterN."  My little speller.

 You can't see but inside is a little fire made from tissue paper.  And he tiered the sticks to make it look like the picture.

 You see the rock in the bottom right corner?  He had collected small rocks to put by the river, but that big one was "to make it more interesting. An because I like rocks."  Ok.

The cutest part was that he was REALLY proud.  He normally could care less about grades and all that, I don't think he was even impressed with himself for making it to the actual spelling bee by beating out all the other kids in his classroom.  But this, I could tell he was happy.  He didn't want to leave the museum.

 These are a few of his friends' projects.  Above it Jonathan's.

Below is Julian's.

And Taylor's.

We got Jacob tickets to see the Globetrotters for Christmas.  It was really perfect: first, there was a Groupon about 2 weeks before Christmas for 40% off, and second the actual game was January 10.  

As we were riding to the game, I wanted to make sure that Jacob and his friends understood exactly the Globetrotters did so that they wouldn't be expecting a serious game.  They scoffed at me and Jacob informed me that they had seen the Globetrotters on Scooby Doo and Kickin' It (a karate tv show they like).

Then a couple days later, that episode of Kickin' it actually reran.  That big guy on the right? We got a pic with him.  

We actually only bought 4 tickets-one for Jon, Jacob, a friend, and me.  But then that day leading up till time to leave a 2nd friend was over playing (our neighborhood is crawling with boys).  And Jacob asked me if I would stay home so he could go.  Since I have been the mom of a boy for 10 years now, and since I am NOT a huge basketball fan, I actually didn't get my feelings hurt at all and was willing to do this.  But Jon would not have any of this and insisted we would make it work out.

 So here we are in our really good seats (way to go Groupon).  Where is Jon you ask?

Well he bought the cheapest ticket available because we knew we wouldn't get one together anyway and he sat up there.  

I have to say though that I don't think he minded...

After half time we went up there and sat with him.  The boys actually were glad for the change I think because they had more room to move.  Nicole, if you are reading this, I seriously feel like this could be a conversation between you and Hughes.  First, just the mere fact that he was PERFECTLY fine sitting alone.  Second, I asked him 4 frantic questions and he answered exactly 1 of them...  #garzolispaz

 So then after the game, they set the timer for 30 minutes and took pics with and signed autographs for fans!! How smart is that?!  Genius.  The boys were thrilled. For documentation purposes, that is Julian on the left, RJ on the right. And the player is Flip. 

 Big Easy, the guy on the tv show :)  It's kind of like we know a famous tv person now.  

They actually had little stands STRATEGICALLY placed near where the players were standing for you to purchase things to get signed. We did not purchase anything, just got pics, but look how cool this one looks with everyone holding their balls out?   Haha suckers.  Joke's on you.

 My second basketball game of the year.  And it's only February.  It's amazing really because I am sincerely not a fan.  

Sonic buys season tickets (or is given them since they sponsor the Grizzlies??) and then the managers can use them.

 We got 4 and let Jacob bring a friend.

 Selfie fail...

 Selfie success.

 The Fed Ex Forum has this weird "Money Man" next to it's ATM.  

**See how his friend has a boot thing on his foot? Well that is because a couple weeks prior, the two of them were over a 3rd boy's house playing tag capture the flag or something else equally ridiculous inside the house when he fell and broke his foot.  Yuck.

Oh, and see the hoodie the friend is wearing? Jacob bought that for him with his OWN money for Christmas.  Michael is his "best friend" and he said he wanted to buy him a "good hoodie.  Like, a real name one."  It was really sweet because Michael is from a lower income/daddy not around kind of situation.

Peeling peanuts.  No sugar, and it kept them busy.  And they were allowed, encouraged even, to make a mess.  Highly recommend.

4th Annual Twas the Night Before Christmas-Sonic Style

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the store,
Nothing was stocked up, and trash littered the floor.
The orders were made by the cooks with care,
In hopes that closing time would soon be there.
The carhops were nestled all snug in the jackets,
With coats from SONIC, NOT from their closets.
And Keina in her scarf, tucked INTO her coat-
When Jon fussed at her, she took the note.
Out in the front, there arose such a clatter,
Men working on the doors, something was ALWAYS the matter.
Away to the fountain Sindia flew like a flash,
Because Jon was yelling, "Speaker!" so into the table she crashed.
The moon on the new asphalt in the new parking lot
Gave the luster of gravel to the skaters thoughts.
And as if she needed another reason to fall,
Taysha fell to her knees and started to crawl.
With picky old customers so grumpy and mean,
Miracle knew what they wanted, a fine dining cuisine.
"3/4 sweet and 1/4 not!"
"And make sure my food is 'phresh' and hot!"
Leanna called out demands from customers so extra,
And Kedabrean made food with delivery by Tamera.
Just then Jon stepped in, the big guy himselft,
And he shouted and yelled, and slammed trays on the shelf.
"Now Kelsi! Now Dorothy! Now Jasmine and Old Deja!"
"Take off those nails and lose those earrings!"
"You know old men don't like that bling!"
As hair not contained by a hat will fall,
Crandon put on a cap before Jon started a brawl.
So on with the orders Will continued to make,
As Spencer strolled in, his time he did take.
And then in a twinkling they heard from the kitchen,
"What's the 'ask me'? Did anyone mention?"
When no one answered, Nelly continued to yell,
And Deandre called out, "I can't close the clam shell!"
Suddenly it started to go very wrong,
When Shae saw visors on Arshoen and Kelon.
"Jaylan!" She yelled. "You are such a mess!"
"And girls with tight britches cause me stress!"
"Ayriel! Claim your tipe!"
"Jamal! No you can't switch!"
"Heather! Walk faster!"
They all thought, "Geez, what a....snitch."  :)
A stack of write-ups she held close to her chest, While Shakorra said, "Shae-zer, be blessed, not stressed."
Daniel called out, "Come on carhops, 5 more scans."
Raven shot back, "Shut up Daniel, you're an irritating man."
Two o'clock had come and Kelley disappeared,
But Mischler skated in with a caffeine-high cheer.
Miss Cathy arrived with her happy "Hello!"
And Tasha said, "Count me down, I gotta go."
Chanel, Katie and Corey were missing all the confusion.
They were home with their babies, probably in happy seclusion.
But at the store it was business as usual-
Making money, whoops I mean happy customers, is crucial.
Owen and Briana (that's Wardlow not Ross)
Had come in early to pleaser her boss.
Ivana did temps, Fatima took thte courtesy tray.
B Ross swept the lot,
And Cordarrius didn't play.
As they ended the night and fought over the hot water,
The new guy Milton called over his shoulder:
"Guys, let's not forget the meaning of this time.
To let your heart harden would be a crime."
They all knew then that even though the blender was broken and the grease trap smelled bad,
The ice cream machined leaks, and chopping onions made them sad;
They should be grateful and happy for the blessings in life.
Like haveing great co-workers to help you through times of strife.
Wiping the tears from the cheeks of their faces,
Jon and Shae thought "We're glad to work here, instead of those other places."
To the crew they gave a smile,
And with a heart filled with love,
Said, "You guys are great,
Beyond and above."
And Kenny was so moved
That he exclaimed by the wall,
"I'll made grilled wraps for everyone!
Merry Christmas to all!"

Finally, the last Christmas post plus some misc.

Christmas with Jon's family

 Abby with Maveroo and cousin Joe.  He and his wife Jessie are the ones who live in Chattanooga near the university.

 Our niece Bianca and her boyfriend we love-Bradley.

 Our nephew Conrad had a baby, Brooke.

 Brooke with the lamb Grandmother gave her, it plays the tune to Jesus Loves Me.

 Conrad and Brooke.

 Hallie with Mav on the floor and cousin Joe holding Brooke, Jennifer in the middle.

 That is my eye on the right, Jon's sister Pam's on the left.  She and I were sitting in the dining room, her two kids were in the living room.  They randomly took a goofy selfie and texted it to her, even though she was one room over (we couldn't see them though, seperated by a wall).  So she and I took this one and sent it to them. 

 Jon's sister Donna, me, Bianca, and her grandmother.

 The studs.  Mav totally poses for pics #ham

Niece Jennifer with Mav

 Jessie (Chatt niece) with sister in law Judy

 Mav with his lamb

 I mean. The cuteness. I can't even take it.

 Jon's sister Pam, sister in law Judy, nephew Tim.

 A regular selfie of Pam and me.

 Bianca, Jenniefer, Jessie with photo bombs by Tim and Brad

 Jon's sisters Donna (left) and Pam (right) were helping their mom clean some stuff out and came across these hats.  Why does a person have 3 red hats???

 Jacob LOVES his cousin Reed.  And that is brother in law Rodney in the background.

 A happy Shae-Shae holding the cutest grandbaby in the world.

 Rodney and I have been taking selfies from the beginning, even when I just took it with a regular camera.  It's a tradition now.  Hey, maybe we started the trend!!

 Nephew and niece Tim and Jennifer

 Nephew Joe, Jon's brother Brad, and brother in law John.

The whole clan.  Missing a few still though :(

 The amazing publicity my genius son received in the school bulletin :)

 Watching a football game at Buffalo Wild Wings.  We have been there before, but I think we've always managed to sit outside somehow.  This night we sat down, ordered, and then Jacob literally squealed.  Squealed.  When Jon and I looked over at him he said, "I guess I am just overwhelmed by all the tvs."

 Have you been to Chili's lately?? Mom took me out for my birthday and they have these new little tablets on all the tables.  You can look at pics of their food AND for a DOLLAR  your kid can play games.  A DOLLAR.  GENIUS in every sense of the word.  

 Hallie followed my lead and got Josh TN Titans game tickets for his birthday.  His fave team is the Colts, so that is the one they went to.  

 Christmas Day Jon and I were channel surfing and came across an Anthony Bourdain show.  We like him so we decided to watch.  The show was about places to eat in Las Vegas and all of a sudden he was at Oscar's-the place Keith used to work.  THEN Keith appeared!!! It was pretty crazy.

 Just a lot of cuteness.

 Jacob and I had to share an extension cord. #modernfamily

This rock sat on my table for several days before I finally asked why.  Jacob kindly explained: "in case we are near water sometime soon, I will have a good rock to skip."