Such a Cute Wiseman!

Last Sunday night we went to Paris, TN to see Clayton in the children's Christmas program at their church. He was such a cute little wiseman. He told me that the wisemen wore lots of bling bling. But I was also assured that he knows what role they played in the story of Jesus. I love that kid! Jack was proud of his brother. After the show he said, " Good job, Cotten ( Jack talk for Clayton)" and gave him a big hug. Jack really enjoyed the program, especially when Mimi ( his other grandmother ) broke out the fruit snacks. I loved watching all the children remind us in such a precious way that we are celebrating the most valuable gift ever given - our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas to all!

He's not a dog?

Well, this is a post about Poco who is a member of our family. Poco is a yorkshire terrior who has been around for nearly 5 years. Clayton and Jack love him and the feeling is mutual. Clayton once introduced him to my dad with, " Grandad, have you met my friend Poco?" The other day a dog ran too close to Jack and he said ( in his cute 2 year old voice) " I not like dogs." His dad ( my son, Fred) said," Yes, you do. You like Poco. He's a dog." Jack looked at him like he was the silliest person alive and said ( again in his cute voice), " No he not. He not a dog." Fred asked him what Poco was if he wasn't a dog. Jack said, " He's Poco." It just goes to show that when you really love someone, it doesn't matter what they are or what they look like - you won't notice how different they are. They will just be Poco - or whoever that is to you.

Zoo Lights

Friday night we went to Zoo Lights. It was so much fun. There were cookies to decorate, a train to ride, animals to see, and the most beautiful Christmas lights. We met Lee's family there and had a lot of fun hanging out with the Smithermans.


Clayton loves his Uncle Zach!

Tori and Lee

Liz and Zach

Tori and Jennifer

Fred and Renee

Fred and Zach

Clayton

Jack loves his Uncle Lee and was not happy about the

fact that Lee's other nephew ( his brother's son , Landon)

was getting Uncle Lee's attention.

Fred, Jennifer, Clayton, and Jack

October Birthdays

We celebrated October birthdays Saturday. Jennifer's birthday was on the 10th., Liz's is on the 20th, and our friend Christy Brawner's was today - the 12th. It was a lot of fun having everyone over for roast, mashed potatoes, corn and biscuits. Of course there was strawberry pizza and a new recipe that Liz found for pumpkin crunch for dessert. I love hanging out with my family.




Beulah ( aka Grandma) and her "friend" Ray. It was his
first Shackelford get together. Hopefully we didn't scare
him off.

Birthday girls Jennifer and Liz.

More birthday girls.

The other birthday girl ( Christy ) and Jeff.

Lee and Zach

Tori and Lizzie

Run, Jennifer, Run!

Yesterday was Jennifer's 30th birthday and she celebrated by running in a splash and dash here in Memphis. Fred and her good friends Cory and Melody ran with her. We all went to watch. I was very impressed with all four of them. After the race we all went to eat some yummy barbeque.

And on a side note, this morning Zach and Liz had a birthday party to go to for a friend of theirs. It was an 80's skating party and they dressed for the occasion. They were really funny! Jack was actually scared of them--with good reason!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Friday was my dad's birthday. He is 75 years young. I tried to tell him that he was 76 because he was 19 when I was born and I am 56. But after doing the math I realized that not only is he 75, but I am only 55. That was a nice present to me. But it did make me wonder - who is getting old and senile? It appears that it isn't dad!

Soccer!!!

Friday night I went to Paris to spend the night with Fred and Jennifer. Liz and Tori went too. Liz had 5 photo shoots in Paris on Saturday, and Tori went to help. We had a good road trip up. Saturday morning Fred and Lee came up ( Zach came after work). We went to watch Clayton's first soccer game of the season. They won and Clayton scored a goal. Who knew that soccer could be so exciting! Better than the Olympics!



Clayton enjoyed having his aunts spend the night. He woke them up Saturday morning for some snuggle time.


Jack enjoyed the game. Well, the dirt at the game anyway.

Go, Clayton ,Go!!

Soccer is great fun!

!

You don't hear from me (Fred) on this site very often. I starteded this blog about a year ago, but it's been Renee that's kept it up and running. But tomorrow is a very special day for us, so Honey, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR OUR 35 YEARS TOGETHER. I love you sweetie. I hope you have a GREAT day. I'm looking forward to our weekend away together next week.

August Birthdays

Last night we had a birthday party for Fred and Tori. They both have birthdays in August. Fred grilled burgers; Lesa made her famous " cowboy beans" and peach salad; I made the favorite desserts for the birthday honorees - chocolate cheesecake for Fred and hot fudge cake for Tori. We had a good time visiting and playing on the Wii. We were very pleased that mom and dad ( aka Nana and Grandad) got to come and that she got a good report from the doctor this week. All the siblings ( except Dan and Tami ) spent the night and this morning Beulah fixed breakfast for everyone. It was such a wonderful evening and morning. I am so humbled that God has blessed me so much with my family. They are all the greatest - the parents. the mother-in-law, the kids and kids in laws, the grandkids - not to mention the best husband ever! I get choked up just thinking about them. Here are some pictures from the night.



Jack is having a good time!

Stephanie trying to do the Dance, Dance Revolution steps.

The birthday people getting ready to open presents.

Nana and Clayton

Liz, Zach and Jennifer enjoying their dinner.

Landon ( Lee and Tori's nephew) trying on my reading glasses. Too Cute!!

Lee and Adam with some Mario Cart.

Colley /Sellers Wedding

Tonight we attended the wedding of Lindsay Colley and Kyle Sellers. Lindsay is the daughter of our good friends Dennis and Lainie Colley. We had a great time. There was good food and lots of fun dancing. Brad Colley designed the layout and decor for the wedding and reception. It was gorgeous! We wish the newlyweds a long and happy life together.


Kay and I had a good time on the dance floor. Fred even danced with me too.


The flower girls were the hit of the dance floor.

Lindsay and Boppa ( her grandfather) had a special dance.

Michael, Sharaze and Autumn

The entrance to the reception hall.

The reception hall. Brad did a good job.

Lainie and Lauren

The beautiful bride!

Dennis and Alex Sanders having their dance.

Gorgeous Sharaze and precious Autumn.

Mightymite Triathlon

Yesterday Fred IV and Lee participated in a triathlon in Forest City, AR. They had a 500 m swim, a 15 mile bike ride, and a 5K run. They both did great. It was a good time of bonding as well for Fred and Lee. After the race the whole family went to Grandma Beulah's where she fixed a good lunch of fried chicken, fresh vegetables and blackberry cobbler.