Landon's First Christmas

Deep Thoughts....

..... By Landon.

Monkeys are delicious.

The Grandsons

We were actually able to capture a picture of the 4 grandsons tonight! That's a Christmas miracle in itself!

Let's Read

I love how David and Tyler so quickly volunteered to read Wes' new book to him. They are already practicing for Landon.

I did it!

When I was pregnant with Landon, I decided that I was going to at least try to make my own baby food. I am in it for the organic factor. It's all about the budget. I made a batch of bananas this weekend and did a sweet potato and some green beans tonight. It's so easy! I probably filled 15 jars for about $1.25, which would have cost us $9.00 or do. Yay!

Oh, and as a perk, it looks so much prettier than the store bought stuff!

HP 2

Tyler decided a few weeks ago that he wanted to start reading the Harry Potter books. While he is a great reader, I know a lot of adults who haven't taken on this challenge. The books are long and take commitment (the dub kind of course). Tonight, Tyler asked to stay up a few minutes past his bed time because he was almost done with. Ok two, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. How could I say no?! I love the look of pure enjoyment and pride when he finished. David keeps asking him why he reads like Mommy :)

Oldies and Goodies

While we love adding a new ornament or two to our collection each year, it's important to know that this tradition wasn't started by us. As a child, my grandparents, Grandpa Lefty and Grandma Punce, always made sure that we had a new Christmas ornament each year, too. These, like this one from 1982, still make it on to my tree each year and it's a blast to share these ancient relics with our boys.

Merry Christmas from the Hines' Boys

Tyler's First Christmas

Tyler's first Christmas ornament can't be forgotten either! 2003 was a busy year for us!

David's First Christmas

I found David's "first Christmas" ornament on a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. I remember that the line to get it personalized was a mile long, so I just did it myself. I guess it's a good thing that I have pretty, elementary teacher handwriting. We also have a few "twins" ornaments to celebrate their shared first Christmas in 2003.

Tarheel Christmas

Davy and I love sharing our love for the UNC Tar Heels during the Christmas season. Of course, Santa is a Tar Heel fan, so this obviously makes sense!

The Grinch

A few years ago we picked up a Grinch t-shirt for Grandpa, and it quickly turned into a bit of a joke. If you aren't in the Christmas spirit, or worse, you are stealing others' spirit, you are confined to the shirt. This picture from 2007 is still one of my favorites.

Landon's First Christmas

Each of our sweet boys has their own "first Christmas" ornament. We had a great time picking out Landon's on a trip to Pigeon Forge, TN, this fall.

Go Cubs! Go!

What would our tree be without a Cubs ornament?

To be honest, one of the many reasons that I knew Davy was "the one" was the fact that I'd found another Cubs fan here in North Carolina!

Nativity

As a wedding gift, my parents gave us our first Nativity set, made from olive wood from Israel. We were blessed to receive a second set as a gift from Lois & Wilfred Schrag, mom's brother and sister-in-law. It's always a favorite moment to set up our family set to remind us of the true reason to celebrate Christmas.

Our First Christmas

Davy and I received these two ornaments in 2001, just after we were married, to celebrate our first Christmas together. I guess technically, it was our second, as we were engaged in November 2000.

Christmas Countdown

Grammy made the boys their own Christmas Countdown a few years ago. They love counting down the days by moving a toy into the train each day.

Special Ornaments

Over the next few weeks, I hope to highlight some of the Christmas ornaments, decorations and traditions that our family shares as a way to document them and share them.

I got this ornament when I was pregnant with the twins in 2002. It's hard to believe that it was 9 years ago. It was extra special last year, in 2010, when I was pregnant again with Landon. What a special way to remember these moments!

My First Rudolph

Family Tree

It's Beginning to

Look a lot like Christmas!

My Papaw, Reverend John H. Pace, Sr.

Tyler chose to write his elders essay about his great-grandfather, Rev. John H. Pace Sr. We wanted to share that with you all also.

     My papaw's name is Reverend John H. Pace, Sr. He was my dad's grandfather. He is from Pickens, South Carolina. He lived in Lexington, North Carolina and worked at Reeds Baptist Church. 

     Papaw was important to many people. He taught people to help each other, and he taught them about Jesus. He had many roles in the community. He served in the Army. He was a pastor. He had four children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. 

     Most of all, John Pace was a preacher and family man. He was a beautiful singer. He taught about Jesus and to be kind to one another. For fun, he liked to fish, do crossword puzzles, sing and garden. He also love to read and write. He was interested in war history and studying about God. 

     Papaw taught me many things. He taught me how to pray. He taught me to always be kind to other people. I also learned to love singing from him. Even though he died when I was seven, my life is better for knowing him. I have learned to be strong in my beliefs and love my family.

     My papaw is special to me because he taught me many things. My life is better because Papaw taught me how to talk to God. He taught me lessons to be kind. 

My Grandpa, Bill Wade

This weekend, the twins were assigned Elders Essays to write for a class assignment. This is a tradition at Cherokee Elementary School and helps our students focus on honoring and respecting their elders. David chose his grandpa, Bill Wade. Tyler chose his great-grandpa, Papaw, John H. Pace. Today and tomorrow, I decided to allow them to publish those essays here for us to always remember.

From David...

     My grandfather is Bill Wade. He is my mom's dad. He grew up in Goshen, Indiana. Now he lives in Whispering Pines, North Carolina. He is a retired teacher.
     Bill Wade is important because he taught lots of people lots of things. His role in the community included being a basketball coach, a special education teacher, and a person who sticks up for kids who have learning problems. He is the head of the Wade family.
     Bill Wade is always busy. Since he is retired, he plays a lot of golf, and he travels. He has been to Scotland and Florida. He fishes a lot and comes to visit us in the mountains. For fun, my grandpa likes to fly fish, swim, golf, and kayak. He also likes to help other people. He is interested in golf, the history of golf, fly fishing, and learning new things.
     My grandpa has taught me many things. He taught me to play golf and to slow down and take my time. When he taught me to fish, he also taught me to be patient. My life is better because I know him. He makes life fun, and the lessons he teaches me will help me my whole life.
     Bill Wade is the best grandpa in the world. I learn new things from him every day that make me a better person.

Harry Potter & More

Having a baby in the house again is bringing back so many memories of when the twins were babies. It's a lot different this time around. The obvious difference is that there is only one baby, but there's more. We are older. There are 2 big brothers. We know some things to expect. We realize how much we weren't able to just sit back and enjoy when there were two of them at the same time. It's definitely a whole new adventure. Yet, amid this baby adventure, there is always the joy of the ride with David and Tyler. With Landon so dependent, there are things we have had to adjust to, for sure. One thing that was not lost on me was the emotion behind watching our boys develop as good readers. Tonight, Tyler sat down with the first Harry Potter book.  He's already a few chapters in and just wants to be left alone. It warms my heart in such a special way to see David and Tyler curl up on the couch with a book, purely for the enjoyment.

Skype

Landon chatted with Nana on Skype tonight!

My First Babies

I found this picture of the twins as little ones, almost the same age as Landon. I can't get over how much all three of them look alike! They might as well be triplets... heaven help us all. :)

5K Fun

All fall, the boys have been training with Cherokee Choices on Mondays after school with Boys on the Run. Today, they ran their first 5k. Tyler completed the course in just under 40 minutes, while David's time was just over 50 minutes. He wasn't feeling well today but wanted to tough it out! We are so proud of them and were all there to cheer them on.

Elk-Tastic

I don't care how long we've been here or how many times we've seen them, the elk are just awe inspiring as they move in and around Cherokee.

Because every day is not a perfect one

It's a Zoo Out There

Today we took the boys to the Knoxville Zoo as part of our family get-away weekend to Pigeon Forge. It was a bit chilly to start with, but we had a great time! And, yes, the twins ARE riding a camel.

So Stinkin' Cute

Rolled Over

Landon rolled over all by himself!

Daddy Too

We can't forget all four of my favorite guys together, too! 

That time of year again!

Me & My Boys

It's not very often that I post pictures of myself, but we snapped this one today with all 3 of my sweet boys!
I had to share...

WCU Game

Today we took the boys to our first WCU football game, which was Kids' Day and Hall of Fame Day. And who would have guessed, but a childhood friend from Wilmington was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Way cool! It was a beautiful day for football for sure, and we even had a yummy lunch at McAllister's Deli (my fav!).

Foggy Morning

Foggy mornings over the mountain are eerie and beautiful!

Happy Halloween

This year the Hines boys descended upon downtown Cherokee for some trick or treat fun. Of course, despite the cold, they had a blast. I got to hand out candy and see lots of my students, which is always fun!

First Fortune

Tonight Landon got his first fortune cookie. I would have to say that it is already true about him! He definitely steals the show when we are out and about.

Go Braves

Fall Colors

What a beautiful fall day!

Promises

Tonight we rushed out the door, rather resentfully I must add, to make it to Tyler's soccer practice in Cullowhee. Just as we got about half way there, my phone rang and it was the coach canceling practice. At hat moment, the sky filling with light from a break in the clouds of the coming cold front. A full 180 degree rainbow appeared right in front of us. Wow! What a beautiful reminder, amid the chaos, of God's promises to us!

Tired Boys

Sunday Afternoon Naptime