2008 coming to a close

Saturday night we had a storm in our area, or at least that is what I'm told. Because I slept right through it. Kyle came over Sunday morning as we were getting ready to go to Jeanette's for X-mas with the Lindsey's. When he came in he asked if we sold the trampoline. I said no, why? I looked in the back yard and sure enough there was no trampoline. Now up to this point I was in the Christmas spirit. Then i started to loose my jolly cheer and started to think I can't believe some#$%^$#@ would steal our trampoline. We went out into the back yard only to realize our trampoline was at our neighbors house. Apparently during the night the wind pushed the trampoline up against the fence and then over the fence into our neighbors home. Upon further review we also noticed a damaged gutter broken window and a ripped screen.

Monday I called the insurance company and was told I'm not insured for damage to my neighbor's home, only my home. The cost of the Trampoline is about the same as my deductible. Even though my insurance doesn't cover their house I told them I would pay their deductible. So to put the world back the way it was before the storm will be about $1000. I'm thinking seriously about going to the bank and asking for a bail out.

The kids had a pretty good Christmas. They seemed to enjoy spending time with our family. Our lives get so busy that we just don't get together like we used to.All and All I guess I should count my blessings that we all still have our health. I was informed the day after Christmas that a friend of ours lost his long battle with cancer. He was only 34 years of age. He left behind a wife and two kids
The above picture is my Vegetable pizza. I made it into a Christmas Tree for the holidays. Tomorrow I get to go to the store and get the ingredients for our traditional New Years Day meal: Corned Beef, Cabbage & black eyed peas. Yum...Yum

Merry Christmas from the Lindsey's

Well dog gone it's Christmas

Twas the DAY before Christmas and our National Security K-9 patrol agent is checking all the presents for contraband. I think she has figured out which one has the dog treats in it. Everyone have a safe holiday, an make sure you don't get the designated driver and the designated drunk mixed up.

December in The Smokies

This past weekend we went to the Smokies. Jennifer had a cheerleading competition, so we left Friday morning and came back Monday. We spent most of the morning shopping at the Outlet Mall Then went and checked into the hotel. Gatlinburg had a HUGE Christmas Parade Friday night. The weather was cold and it was very crowded so we decided to take the kids up the mountain before it got dark.The mountain had some snow this past week. We have been to the Mountains in the summer before, but never in the winter. I'll have to say it is a little bit colder.

We made it to the over look before dark. The kids were so impressed we decided to get up early the next morning and cross the mountain. Jenn didn't have to compete until 3:00 so we had plenty of time.

We got to Cherokee Saturday morning. They should call it Ghost town in the Skies. I think the only people that was there lived there.

On the way back across the mountain we stopped for a few photo opportunities

It was a little nerve wrecking driving near the top of the mountain, but is sure is a thing of beauty with all the snow!

We wanted to drive up to Clingmans Dome, however it is closed in the winter.

If anyone is looking for a place to hike, I think # 3 on this list would be a pretty good work out.

After the kids took a few pictures, they were ready for the warm car.

Now I've been to the mountains a few times and have never seen a bear...........Until now!

As we were driving along we came upon some cars stopped on the side of the road. Everyone was looking off into the woods and sure enough there was a Black Bear with a small cub. Linda and the kids got out and took a few pictures.

This was creating quite a backup of traffic on the road cause there wasn't really a place to pull completely off the road. As I was sitting there, EVERY car that passed would look at me and ask whats everyone looking at. To which I would reply, "BEAR". This went on for a few minutes. When Jonathan got back to the car I told him I needed a sign, so he grabbed his trusty notebook and said, "Here's your sign".

Jennifer really likes her Ribs

The Girls possed for a few pictures at the hotel.

After the competition Jenn and a few of her friends went up the hill on the chairlift.

The city is so pretty this time of year. A photo oppurtunity everywhere you look.
Life is like a box of chocolates!

As always we had a good time in the Smokies, it really is a special place.