Last Minute Shopping

One red Christmas dress - check

Candy cane striped leggings - check

Silver sparkling shoes - check

Big brown coat - check

Purple sequin purse containing 3 quarters, Little People Mary & Donkey - check

Pink newsboy hat - check

She is making a "check" sign with her hand. We met Steven at Chick-fil-A for lunch yesterday, did a little Wal-Mart shopping, and took Grady to the doctor all the while in our Christmas Eve-Eve outfit. I think she has the makings of a fashion designer.

I did manage to get my homemade gifts done and am excited about them all. I made Elle a princess superhero cape and cross-stitched both kids an ornament. (Not to mention the 12 gift bags of goodies we put together for Steven's work?!) Hope everyone has a very blessed and Merry Christmas!

The Short on The Shack

I don't want to give too much away because it is just too intriguing of a book, but here's a short summary. Basically, this guy's 6 year old daughter is abducted during a family vacation and he struggles in his relationship with the Lord after. Four years later, he returns to the place where his daughter was lost and has a weekend encounter with God.

Here is one of my favorite quotes:

"Mackenzie, I am neither male nor female, even though both genders are derived from my nature. If I choose to appear to you as a man or a woman, it's because I love you. For me to appear to you as a women and suggest that you call me Papa is simply to mix metaphors, to help you keep from falling so easily back in to your religious conditioning.

She leaned forward as if to share a secret. "To reveal myself to you as a very large, white grandfather figure with flowing beard, like Gandalf, would simply reinforce your religious stereotypes, and this weekend is not about reinforcing your religious stereotypes."

Great Holiday Reading

Have any of you read this? I know it's been out for awhile, but mom just let me borrow it and I read it in one day. If you are a reader, or even if you're not for that matter, you should try this one. I'd love to know your thoughts. I'm not going to bore you with all of my thoughts about it, but I will say it was an incredible book.

I also wanted to give a plug for this book. My friend, Kristin, gave this to me last weekend. It has some wonderful information and ideas in it, especially for those who at times struggle with the Santa/Jesus thing at Christmas. You might hate it and you might love it, but it's worth checking out. "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." -Colossians 1:16-17

One more along those same lines. My friend, Stephanie, gave this to me for my birthday this past summer. Also has some great ideas for Christmas traditions. I found all of these online at Barnes & Noble.

Mini-Golden Birthday

Is there such a thing as a mini-golden birthday? If there is, then today is Grady's. He's 16 months old and today is the 16th. He is such a joy. He is trying to say so many words. One of my favorites that his father has taught him is "foosa" (from Madagascar). He definitely loves to throw himself on the floor for a few minutes and scream if he doesn't get his way. And forget about strapping him in to his car seat if he doesn't want to sit. I know we make for some good entertainment to people getting in their cars. Good luck changing his diaper. You're in for a few ninja kicks and somersaults before he will actually be still for a minute. He will drink milk, water, juice all day long but isn't much of an eater. And you can forget vegetables. He did eat a slice of cucumber tonight so there is hope. He likes to sit down with a good book in the rocker in his room. He loves to snuggle with you and wrestle, especially with Elle. She doesn't always like it. His hair is wild and you never know what it will look like in the morning. Trimming his nails is an incredible task. It's a miracle that his finger tips aren't permanently scarred. He loves his right thumb, but sometimes any finger will do. He has the most beautiful eyes. It really is hard to believe that it's been 16 months.

The Polar Express

Elle and I went all the way to the North Pole last night on the Polar Express. She had no idea we lived a short 20 minute train ride from the North Pole. On the way there, we listened as the story was read and then we sang Christmas carols until we saw the lights of the North Pole. Elves came aboard and gave each of us our very own jingle bell. Santa and Mrs. Claus showed up next, taking pictures with us all. When Santa and Mrs. Claus ventured on to the next car, the chefs boarded handing out chocolate milk and cookies. We sang more carols as we waited for Santa to visit with all the children on the train. The elves came back around with a souvenir ornament and then it was time to head home.



Our very good friends, the Goodes, journeyed with us. Kristin and I joined in the fun wearing our Christmas pajamas too. The Polar Express was one of my favorite Christmas stories growing up. I was probably more excited than Elle to be doing this with her this year. Although, you can tell from the video that she had a pretty good time too. Steven and Grady had their own special time at home.

Just Because

This one is for you Kellie.

8 TV shows I watch:

**I don't watch 8 shows, but here are the ones I do watch:

1. Heroes
2. The Office
3. LOST (can't WAIT for the new season!)
4. Extreme Makeover Home Edition
5. HGTV (every now and then)

8 Favorite Restaurants:

1. Chic-Fil-A
2. Olive Garden
3. Cracker Barrel (one of the few restaurants we have)
4. Outback
5. Most Mexican places
6. Panera Bread
7. Jim & Nick's
8. Ruth's Chris (only been twice)

8 Things that happened this week:

1. Took Grady to the doctor for an ear re-check and he has bronchiolitis (3 more medications)



2. Both children hysterically received the flu shot

3. Our bathroom got cleaned (finally!)

4. Washed, dried, folded and put away 6 loads of laundry

5. Stayed awake for THREE hours one night, not with my sick child, but because the other one just didn't want to sleep but wanted to cry about it

6. Ordered some maternity clothes as an early Christmas present from mom

7. Developed yet another fever blister on my face

8. Watched as one more pair of pants cannot be buttoned


8 Things I look forward to:

1. Heaven
2. Being able to read a good book
3. A nice roaring fire
4. The beach in the summer
5. A date with my husband
6. Traveling to new places
7. Becoming a family of five (although some days more than others:)
8. Christmas

8 Things I wish for/pray for:

1. To be content no matter my circumstances
2. A wonderful babysitter who lives close and works very cheaply
3. For my kids to know Jesus
4. For a church we can call home
5. A part time job that doesn't take me away from home much
6. Our country/economy/job losses
7. That I lived closer to family and friends
8. A healthy baby

**Here is the family picture from last weekend:


And if you really want to see the whole family picture from Thanksgiving, check out my cousin's blog here. (because nobody has sent me a group shot yet, hint, hint!)

Christmas in Dothan

We had a really good weekend in Dothan. The 5 hour round trip was significantly better than the 14+ hour round trip we took a week ago. Plus, my husband was with me this time! Saturday morning we went to my brother's office where they were having a Christmas fundraiser complete with an inflatable bouncer, food, music (courtesy of DJ Mark), and Santa himself. Elle jumped up in Santa's lap and gave him the biggest hug. The picture turned out great--unfortunately we were missing a child as he was back at the grandparents' napping.

Sorry for the quality--it's a picture of the picture--no scanner

We spent the middle of the day playing outside at Dad's. They have two swingsets, a little playhouse and a couple motorized riding toys (I promise you can still see yard). The kids love playing outside there.



That afternoon, we went to my uncle's house to get together with my Dad's family. It was the first time in several years that everyone was there. I'll post the big group shot when I get it from my aunt. My grandmother already has 6 great-grandchildren and will be gaining three more this spring/summer. My cousin and his wife are due with their third child three days after me! There was great food again and this time, I was able to keep it down.

Sunday was pretty laid back. We hung out at Dad's with my brother, SIL, and my nephew. I raked a big pile of leaves for Elle and Powell to play in. I think my brother had almost as much fun as they did. We went ahead and opened presents from Dad and Sandi because we probably won't see them again until sometime after Christmas. Both kids racked up on clothes and toys and books. Thank you Poppey & GiGi for a fun weekend and for all the gifts!

O Christmas Tree

It took a full week but we finally got our tree decorated. I had every intention of coming home from Savannah last Sunday and finishing off our Thanksgiving week by decorating our Christmas tree. But as you can imagine, not much happened Sunday night besides everyone going to bed early.

Tuesday, Grady and I picked out a tree before picking Elle up from school. It was the first one I touched! And it was perfect. It wasn't until Thursday morning that I was able to put the lights on it. We had three strands left that worked (and about four that didn't) and all three strands went on the tree. Finally, Elle, Steven and I put on the ornaments last night. Elle really had a great time. She got every ornament carefully out of the boxes, wrapping, bags, etc. and placed them delicately on the floor. We had a fire going and some good ole Bing, Nat, Perry Como, and Dean Martin serenading us in the background. We finished it off by roasting some marshmallows in the fireplace. Anybody have any ideas for a creative and inexpensive garland for our tree?

Thanksgiving in a nutshell

Before I start, let me first say that I am extremely grateful for all the Lord has given me, my precious family and friends, my needs are always met, and that He promises to never give me more than I can handle. I recount my Thanksgiving week with this in mind, knowing it could always be worse and that you have to laugh or else you'd make yourself crazy...

I left Tuesday after Elle's school program heading 411 miles to Savannah, Georgia.

I was by myself with both kids.

Not sure what I was thinking.

It took me 8 1/2 hours to get there.

We stopped three times.

Once, just to hold Grady so that he would stop screaming.

They slept a total of a hour. Combined.

We stayed at mom's house that night.

Wednesday, we pack up to head here where the 17 other family members were joining us.

Steven got in around midnight with my uncle and cousin.

It was a great house, built in the 1790's, split in to three units (we rented the whole thing), and right across the street from the river.

Thanksgiving morning, I make this delicious praline french toast courtesy of Super Suppers for the family.

Grady would not let another soul touch him besides me. The entire trip.

And if someone even got near, he screamed.

If I left the room, he screamed.

We go out for a walk and my brother gets a call that my grandmother has been put in the hospital.

She is on a ventilator.

My dad's family is in the ER instead of eating Thanksgiving lunch at grandma's.

That afternoon, Grady breaks out in a rash all over his entire body.

He had gotten the MMR shot 10 days ago. He basically had the measles.

We gather together to eat a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. And it was wonderful.

My mom took Grady to another place in the house so Steven and I could actually eat.

Steven did not feel good most of the day.

We retired for the night.

The four of us were in one room together. Elle in the king size bed with us and Grady in the pack-n-play.

Plenty of room for us.

But not if one family member won't sleep.

Grady cried about every 15 minutes.

At one point, it's really bad but instead of getting up to console him, I run to the bathroom and have Thanksgiving dinner backwards. (I puked).

Finally, at 3 AM, I sit up in bed and put Grady on my chest. Felt really good to my worn out tummy.

My poor brother had been upstairs on the couch all night. Without sleeping.

He even knew how many times I threw up.

I get up with the kids and Steven stays in bed until lunch when we take family pictures (Notice the beautiful one of my immediate family at the top!).

Elle starts running a fever.

Steven leaves with my cousin to come home.

He had to work Saturday.

Friday night is a replay of Thursday night, minus the puking.

Saturday everyone heads home before lunch.

Elle is still feverish but the ibuprofen is managing it.

Steven, back home, spends most of his work day in the bathroom.

The kids and I head back to mom's for one more night.

I slept downstairs in mom's bed and she slept upstairs with the kids so that I could actually sleep some.

I hadn't slept in 4 days.

We leave Sunday morning around 9 AM.

I am thrilled about doing the drive again.

I go a different way because I will not drive through Atlanta ever again.

My step-mom calls on my way home and my dad is in the ER with chest pain.

He and my grandma are in the same hospital.

We make it home in 7 hours and 15 minutes.

Elle slept 20 minutes.

Grady took two 30 minute naps.

My dad gets out of the hospital Monday. His heart is in great shape. No heart attack and everything looks good.

My grandmother gets out Monday. She apparently had a grand mal seizure reaction to an anti-nausea medication (Zofran--which I am currently taking).

We think she had a mini stroke (TIA).

She is still very confused and is unable to be by herself as of now.

Monday, I can't find my credit card.

I call the restaurant in Savannah where I last used it on Friday.

They have it.

They tell me to bring my ID when I come get it.

Did I mention we are having another baby?

Hence, the throwing up and the Zofran.








Can't wait to see what Christmas has in store for us! We are heading to Dothan to celebrate Christmas with my dad's family this weekend. Hopefully, that will end our traveling for awhile. Mommy needs a break!

Is it really December?

I am so far behind in posting that all I can do is just pick up where I left off. Thanks for bearing with me.

The Saturday before Thanksgiving, we journeyed to Greenville for the day to have Thanksgiving with the Salters (in-laws). And when I say Salters, I mean 70+ Salters! Steven's dad is one of 10 children, eight of which are still living. And they know how to multiply. It was pretty crazy having all those people together, but it was a lot of fun and I know Gran Gran (Steven's Dad) loved it. I'm glad we were able to be there. I didn't take a lot of pictures because I wasn't feeling very good, but here's what I did take:



Sad, I know. That's about all I have. Elle is playing with one of Steven's cousin's twin boys. She has four boys. I told you they know how to multiply.

On Sunday, we went to Lucy's 4th birthday party. There was a princess castle inflatable jumper and Elle had a blast. We did have one minor meltdown because I wouldn't give her more cake after she had already eaten one piece of cake, a package of gummies, a juice box, half a cupcake and some pretzel mix (that was similar to the very hungry caterpillar's Saturday meal?!). I am a terrible mom, I know. For pictures, click here.

Tuesday brought Elle's Thanksgiving play at school. And, of course I am biased, but she was the best little Indian around. They sang about 5 songs and then we had pumpkin pie and milk afterwards. Steven was able to join us, although he actually spent the entire time corralling Grady so that I could film. The best part was during a quiet transition between songs, Elle shouts out, "Mommy, Lauren gave me a ring!" complete with her hand stuck out as far as she could reach.




I'll have to save my actual Thanksgiving post for the next time. I promise it will be worth your wait. Seriously.

There's A First Time for Everything

It was probably silly to think we would escape all of childhood without at least one ear infection. But I suppose going three and a half years with two children is a good record. Elle has yet to have one. Grady is experiencing his first one now. He had his 15 month check up today. When the doctor tried to examine his ears, you would have thought we were sawing his legs off. By the time she was able to see a little of the right ear and most of the left, the paper on the table was ripped to shreds, every instrument she had lying on the table was on the floor, Elle was hysterical, I was sweating from trying to hold him still and of course, Grady was miserable. She ended up doing a tympanogram (which also involved a lot of restraining and screaming) and decided that the right ear did have a little infection. He did run fever on Saturday and Sunday morning but I really thought nothing of it because he had no other symptoms and it was never over 100.5. Everybody always says that kids have trouble sleeping with ear infections. I can count on one hand the number of times Grady has woken up at night since he was 10 weeks old. He is my rock solid sleeper.

Now we have journeyed in to the land of antibiotics.

All other parts of the check-up were great and he is a happy and healthy 15 month old. I did have to escort Elle out while he received his two vaccinations (the third round of restraining and screaming). She just can't take thinking Grady is really hurting or in pain. For those who care his stats are:

Weight: 25 lbs (~50%)

Height: 31 1/2 inches (~50%)

We have to go back in two weeks for a follow-up and I think I'm going to get them both flu shots. I'm not against vaccines by any means, but I'm just not sure about the flu shot. Elle has never had one and has never had the flu. But, she is in school this year so I'm a little more concerned. Although, I'm also a bit weary of having to give both of them shots at one time. I'm not sure which would be worse--Elle actually getting the flu or the appointment where they both get the flu shot?!

Since we are talking about firsts, we had our first fire of the season over the weekend, which was delightful. Elle also got to partake in her first cup of hot chocolate complete with mini marshmallows. >

A Night Away

I have to say an enormous thank you to my wonderful husband and my wonderful mom. I had my first night away from my kids in 15 months this past weekend. I met my mom in Atlanta on Saturday and spent the night. We shopped, ate, went to see The Secret Life of Bees, ate some more (IHOP for breakfast!), shopped some more at IKEA (amazing!), and relaxed. I wish I could say I slept in on Sunday, but alas, I woke up at 6:43 AM Atlanta time and did not return to my slumber. It was a fun getaway and one I desperately needed. I even got to listen to an entire book on CD during the drive! The kids were here with Steven and I think they had a fun time. I returned home to find this in the window:

and this on the garage

definitely made me feel loved and missed
we (I mean Mom) also picked up some fun treats for the kids at IKEA

Oh Well

Maybe I was a little over confident about the job thing. I talked with the nurse manager yesterday and it's not happening now. The good news was she said she would hire me in a minute and it was nothing to do with me. I was pretty specific and limited with the days and times I wanted to work (to minimize time away from the kids and childcare costs--I'm not working to pay someone else to keep my children). Apparently, the need is not there right now. And I think she didn't want to hire anyone with the holidays coming up. So.... she said to check back with her at the first of the year. And besides, with our new President we'll be getting back our tax money so I probably won't need to work anyway! HA!

Really, I am excited to see what the next four years bring. No matter if I agree with everything Obama stands for (I don't!), the American people spoke and elected him. And the office of President deserves respect. It is certainly a job I would NEVER want to have. I don't know if you have watched this John Piper video, but it gave me great perspective on the whole thing. Watch it if you have 4 minutes to spare.

Random Thoughts

Why do parents insist on not using common sense when dressing their children? Why, when it is 40 degrees and Dad has on sweatshirt, pants, SOCKS, shoes, hat does 6 month old baby in stroller not have on SOCKS? Why does Mom have on shorts and a short-sleeve shirt and baby is dressed in snowsuit? Please, please, please dress your kids as you are dressed. If you are cold, they probably are. If you are hot, they probably are too. It's really not rocket science. Sorry, but it's a little pet peeve of mine.

The other morning I made biscuits and I said, "Elle would you like jelly on your belly?" I had every intention of saying biscuit. (For those who don't know, it's pronounced "El-ley" not "L".) I guess I needed to rhyme.

The leaves have really hit their highs this week I think. At least where I am. I am loving all the bright yellows, and vibrant reds and oranges. It really is just beautiful. Makes me think about Romans where Paul says God has made His invisible qualities understood by what has been made. His Creation is divine and leaves us all without excuse.

So there are my deep thoughts for the day. Hope you enjoyed.

Fall Festival Fun

Last Friday was a busy day for most people and we were certainly not left out. Elle went to school on Friday (instead of Thursday) and the whole school had their Fall Festival. Notice Elle's beautiful spider and spider web shirt she made. I went to school with her and "worked" the room with the obstacle course. It really was fun to see her there and watch her with the kids in her class and her teacher. The funniest part was I had been talking with the other moms in the room with me about how Elle loves school and never cries and never has a hard time leaving me (their daughters were the opposite!). Who's daughter started crying when it was time to leave? Not theirs, but mine. As soon as her teacher reminded her they still had to make cupcakes, she was golden.

That night, we went to the Fall Festival at church (same as Elle's school). I wish I would have had the video camera. Elle was mesmerized. She was so excited she could hardly contain herself. The first thing she did was enter one of those huge inflatable things. It was a one-way route and as soon as she slid down the slide at the end, she took off running. She didn't even look for us. Only after a few seconds did she start yelling, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!". We just knew we would lose her before the night was over. There were games and candy and toys and treats and inflatables galore. Grady had to be held most of the time. The few times we did put him down, he also took off like a flash, running wherever his little frog legs would take him. We laughed at this picture, saying it looked like a spotting of some creature in the forest?! (Thanks for the costume Powell!) I did take Elle around to a few houses on our street after we got home and got Grady in bed. She talked about the candy she got for three days straight.



My mom sent the kids these cute cards that played the theme from Ghostbusters and the Purple People-Eater song. They have loved singing and dancing to them.



I hope everyone has exercised their freedom and right to vote today. It seems like there has been a massive turnout so far. We shall see what the next four years will bring?!

Ha Ha

So this is what happens when you trustingly give your husband your blogspot password so that he can "change the link to his work website" as you settle in bed for the night. Not only did he change my page, but see how he moved his work stuff up to the top of the page. Hmmm... times are tough as I'm sure most of you know and I guess a husband's got to do what a husband's got to do. As much as I love pink and leopard print, enjoy it while you can. It won't be here long.

On another note, I had my interview today. All went well and hopefully I will start having a few evening shifts on the mother/baby unit, after general hospital orientation (1 week) and after unit orientation (about 24 days)?!

Here are a few pictures from our weekend in Dothan:

Elle and Powell in Poppey's chair

Poppey with 6 of his 7 grandkids (That's the best we could do!)

Grandma with 4 of her 6 great-grandkids

(notice my granny has on a leopard print shirt! She's still got it at 85!)

while you were sleeping

I've secretly changed Lindsey's blog colors. She's going to hate me, but I thought this would be funny...at least for me. I LOVE YOU LINDS!(I saved all your old settings, so don't freak.)

-steven

Birthday Weekend

We are heading to Dothan for the weekend to celebrate my grandmother's 85th birthday and my Dad's 60th birthday! Two pretty big milestones! Elle is excited about seeing her cousins and playing on Poppey's playground. Grady, of course, has no clue. He just goes with the flow. I should have some pictures to post on Monday. On another note, I have an interview for a job next Thursday. Haven't done one of those in about four years. Should be interesting! **Happy Anniversary Grammy & Gran Gran!

Pumpkin Patch

Last Sunday we rode the train to the pumpkin patch. I was a little upset when I realized that pumpkins cost extra, so I made sure we found a HUGE pumpkin. Elle, not being hindered by price, chose a pumpkin that was just her size (too small to cost $6?!). I did my best to put aside the tight wad in me and everybody had a great time. Elle and Maddie got their faces painted. They rode the hay ride along with Mae (my mom). Elle jumped in one of those bouncy things where the kids basically kill each other but have a blast doing it. And Steven chased Grady around the field for 45 minutes.





I finished my last day of class yesterday and received my beautiful certificate of completion. I have put in one application and am hoping to put in a few more soon. I cut my last day short because Elle was running fever. Thankfully, it's back to normal today. I have to say a big thank you to all the family and friends that helped keep the kids so that I could do this course. We appreciate each of you so much!

**I just tried for 30 minutes to do a slide show and couldn't get it to work right. I'm a little frustrated that I wasted 30 minutes doing this?!

Meet "Super Buddy"

Elle loves to play dress-up. She generally rotates between two outfits: a Cinderella gown (which really is just an old princess looking dress from Aunt Maddie) and "Super Buddy". I'm not sure where the name originated or even how the outfit did, but when this ensemble comes together, "Super Buddy" appears. The ensemble consists of my old competition gymnastics leotard with coordinating leggings and a sequin dance skirt of Aunt Maddie's with the matching head band. And because I am such a great mother, I let her wear this in public. And I love every second of it. Grady, as you can tell, is always on guard when "Super Buddy" comes out to play, because although she is technically a super hero and should save people, he usually gets knocked out by a flying arm or leg.



Both Elle and Grady have colds this week and thus I am skipping my nursing class. Thankfully, no fever just a lot of runny noses, coughing and congestion. We just bring out the usual remedies [humidifier, saline nose drops, elevate the head of bed (Grady) and inhaler (Elle)] and count the days until it ends. Everybody is hanging in there and thankful it is just a cold. Maybe "Super Buddy" can develop a cure for the common cold...