Under Construction

I updated the format function of this site today, which means I will have to re-enter some information- particularly links. So if the site changes its look several times in the next week, you'll know why.

The Alamo Wins!

This afternoon I took Schaeffer to buy a set of Alamo action figures (with the likes of Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and Gen. Travis, and the Mexicans under Gen. Santa Ana). Actually, he bought the set himself with money he has been saving. Way to go Schaeffer! Anyway, since we have been studying that section of history in school (and since Schaeffer LOVES history), we thought it would be good "hands-on" learning. :0) In his re-enactment of the historic battle, the Alamo wins!

View from the front of the Alamo.

The view from the rear.

Kristy on Women's Retreat

Kristy left us today around 1:30 for a weekend retreat at Callaway Gardens with women from Perimeter (our church). She has a very fun crew to hang out with (many of the wives from our home group are going and rooming together). So I've got the chilluns for the weekend, which means take-out city! :0) In the mix will be an overnight b'day party for Ann Ferris to attend, and then she participates in a piano festival tomorrow (Sat.) morning.

Some Azeleas at Callaway.

Memphis Tigers

After a great evening with friends, we went home to watch Memphis lose a heart-breaker to Tennessee. Memphis is my birthplace and childhood stompin' ground— I used to go to Tiger games back in the 80s when they were top ranked and had players like Baskerville Holmes, William Bedford, Keith Lee, Bobby Parks, Andre Turner and Philip "Doom" Haynes (backboard specialist). Not to worry, March Madness is right around the corner, and I think Memphis may be better off having lost than trying to win the championship and go undefeated. Click here for a nostalgic article on going to Tiger's games in the 80s. Brought back great memories.

Hanging at the Lee's Home

Saturday night Kristy, the kids and I enjoyed a cookout at Amy and Brian Lee's home. The highlight had to be playing Wii using a projector and big screen.

Dinner with Friends

Tonight we enjoyed supper at the home of Brittany and Joe McDonald. Here is a pic of the kids posing in front of the fireplace and of Sarah Wynn with buddy, Gillian.

Elachee Nature & Science Center

Today I took the "big two" to the Elachee Nature and Science Center for a class with about ten other families to learn how to read topographical maps and use a compass for hiking navigation. I was in Schaeffer's group. Thus, the pics on the trail (and often off of the trail) are of him rather than Ann Ferris (who was in an all-girl group).

And, of course, tonight after our home group Bible study we went outside to view the lunar eclipse.

Here are some pics of the day hiking at Elachee (1500 acres of wooded hills, trails and creeks).

The gang...

Ann Ferris and Schaeffer with the naturalist. He is holding a fallen weather satelite of some sort that we discovered in the woods. It had fallen from the sky and had a return package with it addressed to the NOAA Weather Service. Pretty cool!

The boys ascend a rock outcropping.

Schaeffer charts our course on the wet-erase topo map.

Reading on the Trampoline

Today Ann Ferris took advantage of a rare, warm Saturday in February to read on the trampoline in the backyard. Tonight Mom and Dad are going Ballroom dancing for Valentine's Day, Part 2!

Valentines Day

Here is a picture of our family Valentines Day Breakfast. This is a big deal at our house, since i is a great opportunity to remember the love of Jesus for us. We read John 4:7-12, and discussed how the love of the Father is most clearly seen in the propitiation (absorbing of justice/atoning sacrifice) of Jesus for our sins. The Gift that glorifies the Giver. Anyway, as a way to apply the "since God so loved us let us love one another," I took Kristy to her/our favorite Atlanta restaurant (actually in Cumming, GA), Tam's Backstage. Reasonable prices, great atmosphere, awesome wife.

The kids enjoying cheese eggs, Vermont chicken sausage glazed
with maple syrup along with a side of sliced apples and bananas.

Party at Cici's

We joined some friends for another birthday party at a new Cici's in Cumming, GA, on Saturday night. This is the kid's table.

Ann Ferris' 12th B'day Party

On Friday we held Ann Ferris' belated 12th b'day party at our house. The girls from her Classical Conversations class joined us for the festivities. We played LOTS of fun games, ate LOTS of junk food and watched a LITTLE of Anne of Green Gables.

Kristy's "from scratch" b'day cake!

Having fun after Guesstures and Pictionary.

Posing after the wrapping paper fashion design game.

Old Pics Unearthed

Here are a few pics that my cousin from California unearthed and sent to me this week. These are from days on the mountain in Monteagle, TN, when I was around 9 years old. Wow, how time flies. And for those of you who know my son, Schaeffer, you may notice a resemblance. :0)

Super Bowl Party

The Castons are celebrating the Eli-led NY Giants 17-14 victory over the NE Patriots. We began the evening with a group of friends at Julie and Chri Melendez's home. At the end of the 3rd quarter we headed home just in time for the "fantastic finish." Here are a few pics from the evening.

Eli Manning getting ready to lead "the drive." And in case you didn't know, "the escape" and "the catch" are now officially (according to ESPN) "the greatest play in Super Bowl history."

Watching first half action. Who could have dreamed....?

The ladies in the other room. But back at home for the fourth quarter, Kristy bravely watched the final drive with our impassioned kids while I hid in my study. Schaeffer would run in to give me the play by play. Overcome with nerves, I couldn't watch "the drive" live. As an Ole Miss grad, I'm too used to being let down and fully expected NY to come up short.
Thankfully, I had the game recorded. :0)

Father-Daughter Dance

Friday night, after I drove in from a church planting conference in Orlando, FL, Ann Ferris joined me for dinner and a dance at Perimeter for our CHEER homeschool group (about 200 families). We learned the Waltz and Swing (adding to the Charleston that we learned last summer). Here are some pictures of the evening. So much fun!

Daddy and Ann Ferris enjoying a Waltz.

Some of the girls hanging out between dances.

Fathers and daughters enjoying the Swing.