A Very Drakey Christmas

Here's the story,

Of a lovely lady,

Who had brought up two very lovely girls.

Both of them had hearts of gold,

Like their mother,

The youngest one in pearls.

Here's the story,

of a man named Drakey,

Who was busy with three girls in his home.

They were four peeps,

Living all together, yet they were all grown-.

Till the days, when both daughters met these fellows,

and they knew that this was much more than a hunch.

That this group,

Must somehow form a family.

That's the way we all became the Drakey Bunch,

The Drakey Bunch- the Drakey Bunch

That's the way we became the Drakey Bunch!

We had an excellent Christmas here in Bartlett with the parental Drakes. Abbey and I got here in time to go to the Christmas Eve service with them at Bellevue. Afterward, we decided that we needed some nourishment so we found ourselves in the drive-thru at BackYard Burger. We sat at the sign for a while when we gathered that we may not actually be waiting on food at an open restaraunt. We drove around and I got out, where this girl nodded that they were indeed closed. So, we settled for Krystal and went home.

Brookie and Ava arrive around 9:30ish and we all went to bed shortly thereafter. Brookie ate his seafood gumbo first, which it looked like he enjoyed very much.

We woke up around 7:30 Christmas morning and opened our presents. Abbey and I got our bed. She got some cookbooks, some other things, and a jewelry bureau which is beautiful. I also got her a CHI straight iron. Yeah, it doesn't sound that great does it, but she has been begging for one. I got some pottery, some great personalized notecards (I've been out for quite some time), a new calendar, and several other things. Abbey got me two ornaments, the traditional Starbucks ornaments, and the cutest ornament from Hallmark called "Parents-to-be." You'll see our main presents to each other on a future blog.

My family Christmas

We had our family Christmas on Saturday at Bobby and Alyson's house. Yes, I've been there ... lots of times, and how many times have they been to our house? None, yeah, that's right. I'm not bitter.
Anyway, they have a really nice house, so it was great to get to have Christmas there. Papa came and my BIG brother Trae was there too. He was with his new fiance` Amy.

We played dirty Santa with giftcards this year for the first time. I think that it went really well, except for some people really didn't understand the game too much. It was fun though and in the end, we all got something that we could use.

This morning, we woke up and got Christmas presents from my parents. Abbey got several nice things such as a Paula Deen cookbook, pepper grinder, McCarty bunny, and a Vera Bradley lunchbox. I got three sweaters, a nail and screw organizer, and we both got pillows to go on our new bed. The real winner was Reed though, who got every bit of his bedding for the nursery! That's awesome!

The Trips

For those of you who don't know, my parents live in Jackson and Abbey's parents live in Memphis. This means that WE get to travel on Christmas. Until we have a baby, that is. We want to make sure that our children open up their Christmas presents at their own house, so we will have to figure out a new travel schedule at that point. Until then, it's pack up the car and head south with a touch of west, then north, then east back home. Abbey and I have developed a great plan for travel. First, she talks and I listen. Then when she is done talking, it is time for her nap. After Abbey naps, it is usually time for a little refreshment. What is better refreshment than Chick-fil-a sweet tea. I always get a large, Abbey usually gets a medium.
After a few sips, it is time for my nap. My, oh my, can I take a nap or what? I tell Abbey she can wake me up when I start snoring, but I think she just turns the radio up.

When I wake up, we usually stop for a meal or something and I take the wheel again. That's what we did on the way to Jackson.

This afternoon, as we traveled to Memphis, we followed the same scenario. I was not thinking though, and didn't grab a shot of Abbey. Just imagine her in the picture below, but cover up with a pea coat and have a KING SIZE pillow (still in the packaging) laid across her.

I, of course, enjoyed my nap immensely! See, what happens when you work together! Everyone gets a nap!

My LITTLE Brother

My little brother Bobby is one of those people who gets offended easily. On a recent trip home to Mississippi, he informed me that he and Alyson's feelings were hurt because they were never on the blog. Well, not wanting to hurt my younger (SPOILED) brother's feelings, I have taken the pictures and am dedicating this blog to him. Although, I have explained to him that there are two VERY convenient ways to get to Nashville, either take 55 to 40 or 20 to 65 and you are set. Visitors ALWAYS find themselves on our blog, and if you didn't know it, EVERYONE is welcome at our house. We have two extra bedrooms and a comfy couch. If we run out of space, we've even got a pretty comfortable air mattress and a really nice Hampton Inn. "I'm cool, I know it."

"Bring it on. I've got my police uniform on." "Jeff, you can't get shot if the gun doesn't have a bullet in it."

"Has anyone seen my bullet?"
We all know who the better looking one in this picture is...the one on the RIGHT!

Homestudy Interview and What We've Up To Today

Our homestudy interview went very well yesterday. Our new caseworker is really excited to be working with us, so I think that they are going to be very efficient at getting our homestudy done. We have our individual interviews next week, and then we have the home visit the next Wednesday, so be praying for us. If anyone would like to come over and help us to child-proof our cabinets, you are welcome to do so.

We made it to Jackson about 9:15 last night. We had an uneventful trip other than a good bit of rain.

Today we woke up and went to Kroger and McAllister's for lunch. Knowing that we always are on the lookout for some great Christmas ornaments, we went to Callaway Gardens for some good buys. Unfortunately, there weren't any. We then went to Target and picked up a few last minute Christmas gifts. Next we traveled to Fads-n-Frames where we were hoping to find a great deal on a Christmas tree. For some reason, they don't seem to think it is time to put their trees on sale just yet.

For supper, we had a delicious meal of Fernando's Tacos! You all know from previous posts that we absolutely LOVE Fernando's and do not miss it when we are in Mississippi. Tomorrow, we are going to Bobby and Alyson's for Christmas with my immediate family.

Adoption Update

We have our first homestudy interview today at 11:00. Yesterday, I received a call from Bethany from a new caseworker. This is number 3 so far that we have worked with. Bethany is apparently going through some reorganization stuff and they are taking us along for the ride. Anyway, our new caseworker seems as aggressive as we are. She told me that when she was assigned our case, they told her that we were aggressively pursuing adoption so she wanted to set up a time for the interview.

She said that she had Tuesday and Wednesday of next week available. I asked her what she had on Thursday (meaning today) and she said that she was completely free. So, I said we'll be there at 11:00. We're excited but we really don't know what to expect.

After the homestudy, we are headed to my parent's house in Jackson, Mississippi. We will be there until Christmas eve and then it is time to go to Memphis. We got our bedroom painted yesterday, it is really pretty. I'll post pictures once the new bed is set up in it.

Springfield Movie Theater

"So, what are we going to do tonight?" Jeff asked in a loving way.

"I don't know, I was thinking of eating supper and just spending some time at home," Abbey responded.

"HOME! OH NO, NOT HOME!" Jeff thought to himself, as he realized that he might have to actually stay at the place he pays so much each month to have.

"I thought we might go eat at 'The Depot' and then go to the movie theater. Springfield has 'Charlotte's Web' showing and I've been wanting to go see that," Jeff quickly rebounded after gaining his breath over being scared about possibly having to stay home for an evening.

"That sounds good," Abbey quiped, "I want to ask you, and I don't mean this ugly, but do you ever want to just stay home?"

"Well, um, well, not, well, I don't mind staying home, it's just that I wanted to go see this movie and I have never been to Springfield theater," Jeff fumbled.

... and thus, the couple headed towards the eatery where they dined and then jaunted over to the theater.

As they entered the theater, they realized that it had raised its prices. Jeff had always heard about the $1.00 theater, and then they heard about the $10.00 date night combo. During the summer, the prices were raised to $2.00 and the $10.00 combo became the $15.00 combo, however, they were stunned to see that tickets were $4.00 a piece and the $15.00 combo was only a memory that stuck to the floor of the theater with everything else.

They went and got a seat, and despite the fact that they had recently gorged themselves at supper, they had to get popcorn because it is rumored to be the best available. Unable to pass up a good deal, Jeff springs for the all you can eat Large popcorn and large coke. At the end of the movie, they discovered that the small would have probably done, because they didn't really eat that much.

When asked, did you enjoy the theater, by Springfield Theater enthusiasts later, Jeff responded, "It's not nearly as bad as people make it out to be." I guess they were never exposed to the Kosciusko Theater back home that had the permanent spot in the middle of the screen from where someone threw a coke and hit it.

The movie was cute and yes, a good time was had by all.

Abbey's Time with Walt

The Sprinkles were so excited, for they were going to have Walt all to themselves this past weekend. Unfortunately, Mrs. Sprinkles' sister-in-law passed away, and so Josh, Ginger, Walt and Evie headed towards good ole Nashvegas. While the weekend wasn't exactly what had been planned, I do believe everyone got to enjoy a little Walty. Everyone, but me, that is!
Seeing the opportunity to get to babysit, because all local relatives would be at the funeral, Abbey volunteered to keep Mr. Walt. I am questioning if she hadn't slipped Walt a little toddy right before she took this one. He looks a little, off-center doesn't he?
Abbey and Walt played for a little while, then Abbey read him a book. Soon, he was off to nap. I was utterly disappointed that I did not get to see him, and I wonder if it is not on purpose. It seems that each opportunity that Abbey has to keep Walt, I am not available. Is this an evil plan by the Sprinkles, or just coincidence?

If you're not familiar with Walty, you need to check out the link to Walt's World on the right.

Announcement

This will come as quite a surprise to most of you LandLife followers our there, but Abbey and I have made a little pre-New Year's Resolution. We have decided that it is time that we stop going to Chick-fil-A every Tuesday night.

We have come to this decision for a variety of reasons:

1. We spend more money driving over there than we save.
2. We have a really nice house and we rarely see the inside of it while we are not sleeping. We need to spend more time home.
3. A trip to Chick-fil-A was rarely followed by a quiet evening at home, but nearly always with a trip to Target. A trip to Target in which we spent 6 times what we saved at Chick-fil-A.
4. The service at Chick-fil-A in Goodlettsville has been TERRIBLE lately. So bad, in fact, that I have been meaning to write a letter. It's been really bad.
5. I bought $200.00 worth of "Super Supper" certificates the other day and we are going to need to eat at home more!
6. We need to put less miles on our cars.
7. It decreases the chances that Abbey will get a ticket in Greenbrier.
8. We are absolutely sure that there is some reality TV show that we are missing on Tuesday nights.

So friends, we have made this announcement, while Church Bulletin Tuesday has been a great, great asset to our family, have chosen to end this tradition. You can stop by our house on Tuesday nights now and see us.

Upcoming posts this week ... Abbey spends time with Walt of Walt's World fame, Jeff and Abbey go to Springfield Theater, and Jeff costars in "A Star too Far."

A Star Too Far

This Sunday night, there will be an unbelievable opportunity for some Robertson County Culture. Our church is presenting the play, "A Star Too Far," at 6:00 on Sunday. It will be a blast. We'd love for anyone who is available to come see it to be there. It is a story of redemption and restoration at Christmastime.

I will be playing the part of Jim. My part is definitely not type-cast, as I am not very much like the character I play. Well, that is excluding the sarcasm that my character seems to enjoy. Anyone that knows me slightly well, knows that I do love sarcasm!

Anyway, we hope that you will come if you are available.

Finally

Most of you have heard me complain that although I live in the home of country music, I have never seen a famous person randomly walking around in Target or the mall, etc. This all changed on Saturday. I was in Rivergate mall while Abbey was buying my Christmas present in Macy's. I have NO idea what she bought me, I just know where she got it.

I was walking out of Finish Line when I looked up and Lorrie Morgan and Sammy Kershaw were walking right toward me. I couldn't tell you a single song that either of them sing, but it was good to finally see someone famous, since everyone else I know seems to see famous people all of the time.

In case you are wondering, NO, I didn't say anything to them. I figured they were Christmas shopping and didn't want to be bothered by a nonfan. Just wanted you all to know that I have finally seen famous people randomly. Maybe it will continue.

The Elephant

Whenever I am traveling through Mississippi by way of Memphis, I am always sure to stop at my favorite shop, "Talk of the Town." They sell my favorite pottery, Peter's Pottery. When my grandmother died, Abbey and I bought a piece of pottery that we decided we would use to remember her with. I thought it would be fitting for me to purchase a piece of pottery to help me remember my friend Jay. I bought a small elephant and we have named him Jay. Why an elephant, you may be wondering? Well, we have chosen our nursery bedding and it has elephants on it, so we are going to put Jay in the baby's room. Jay was never able to have children, but he loved people of all ages. We think he will be a great addition to the nursery.
So, we have this piece of pottery and the memory of an incredible human being who taught everyone who knew him to sieze the day and live to the fullest, loving people all of way.

Getting Ready for Dinner III

This one was on the dining table in the Dining Room. It's in a Peter's round casserole that I bought the other day on the way home from Durant.
This turned out to be a fun arrangement with almost a topiary look. It look fun in front of the lighted garland on the mirror in the brown bathroom.
This one is in the room that will be the nursery.
This arrangement was in our bedroom.

We had a great time at the progressive dinner and it was SO yum!

The arrangements consisted of the following flowers: red gerber daisies, red roses, white gladiolas, green berries, white and red alstromeria, white and green pom-poms, bells of ireland, white snapdragons, red kangaroo toes, curly willow, and fresh cedar.

Getting Ready for Dinner II

This arrangment was on our sofa table right when you walk in the door. It was huge.
This arrangement was on one of the end tables in the Living Room.
This one was on the card table and was in a little Peter's Pottery pitcher.
Another arrangement in the living room in a Peter's vase.
This one was in the corner of the dining room.

Getting ready for dinner

We had a progressive dinner last night with our small group/Sunday school class. It was a great time. We hosted the main portion of the dinner. Abbey did the cooking along with some help from our friend Jillian. I volunteered to do the flowers, since I had a little training at Ava's wedding. We stayed up to midnight on Thursday working on getting ready for the party. I had the flowers and Abbey had the cooking.


The above arrangement was on our kitchen table.
This one was on the island in the kitchen.

Streams of Life

I found out first thing this morning that my friend Jay died. My mom told me that it was coming, so I wasn't that surprised. It is still sad though.

I first met Jay the summer before second grade. He was my first friend when we moved to Durant. We hung out together everyday. I would spend the night at his house a lot. He was an incredible basketball player, baseball player, and karate kid. It was unreal how athletic he was.

He was also very smart and he loved God. I'll never forget laying in the living room floor close to Christmas in fifth grade when Mrs. Glenda, Jay's mom came over. She was visibly upset and she grabbed mom and pulled her to her bedroom. A little while later, she came out and left. Mom told me later that evening that Jay had a massive brain tumor and he had to have surgery.

He had several strokes during surgery and his body was never able to fully recover. I didn't see him like I should have after that, but I did maintain some contact. I saw him last in October and he was as always glad to see me. He had to show me all of his collections and he, of course, forced me to take a pack of chewing gum (that was one of his trademarks. He always had gum.)

He was a good friend and I am grateful for the time that I was able to spend with him. I wrote a book about he and me that I plan to have published at some point. I'm leaving in the morning to drive to Durant for his funeral.

More Christmas at Molly's

My favorite part of the whole night was the time that I got to spend with my little buddy, Brady. He is the sweetest little boy. He fell asleep while I was feeding him. It was funny. I can't wait until I have my own little one that I can hold EVERYDAY. Reed and I are going to have a lot of fun. We'll let Abbey play with us too!
The Covington family was completely represented the other night. It was great to see all of them.I think this is the first photo I have posted of our new family, complete with the BIL.

Christmas at Molly's

We went to a Christmas get-together at Abbey's cousin Molly's this weekend. Don't you just love the power of the camera? Abbey was cooking for our Christmas party at Mollie's and I got to take pictures. She was not really amused, but I finally was able to get a picture of her smiling.
Mr. Roy at the party. He was having a great time.
Ava and Brookie will be a great aunt and uncle. Look how much fun they are having with Brady.
Hugh was all over the place. He and I had a lot of fun with the leftover toilet paper after we played the game.
Brady is wondering what this lady is doing? I understand Kung Maw, I love to kiss babies little cheeks.

The First Snowflake

The news talked about it and we were all excited. My alarm went off at 4:50, 4:58, and 5:06 this morning and when I finally pushed myself out of bed, I wen to the bathroom to look out of the window to see the fluffy white NOTHING! They said that it might snow last night and I was really getting my hopes up.

Anyway, I went to the gym, then to work, and then I left work to take Abbey's car to drop it off at the carwash. While I was on my way to the carwash what did I see, but tiny little snowflakes drifting to the earth. Of course, they melted on contact, but there is just something about seeing those first few flakes.

On the other hand, the wind is blowing so fiercely that it is hard to breathe when you are in it. I probably complicate matters by parking on the roof at work, which is far more windy than if I parked in the garage. However, I can handle the few "Chinese torture chamber" moments of being in the wind for the added closeness and convenience of being able to park on the roof.

Hopefully we will get some substantial snow soon. You know my local, snowdancer (school teacher wife) wants it to snow at least the as many days are allotted for snow at ther school!