Best Christmas EVER, a Mary one!

Where do I even begin? It was so amazing! Baby's first Christmas was more than I ever hoped for! Let me start with pictures explaining how we revealed his presents. One of his gifts we could not wrap so we just put it under the tree with the other presents. 

 

  

 

So, we waited  until his second time to be awake to open presents. Otherwise everyone would have to get up at 5 a.m. Yuck! It was around 9:30 when we started the festivities!  We decided that I would carry baby bear into the living room and show him his car! He was so excited to see all the gifts. I think he enjoyed the wrapping paper as much as anything. 

 

  

He really enjoyed us putting him in the car. He knew exactly what to do! Hands on the wheel and go! Must be a boy/male thing. =0)

 

  

 

He got so excited that he giggled! I love these pictures. We also got him a swing for the outside porch. We really wanted to buy him some outside toys that he could play with. A swing and a car seem to be our best choices. You can't go wrong with a radio flyer! Anyway, the bucket swing was a hit!

 

  

Grandpa and daddy held the chains up on each end so baby would know what it was for. He thought it was funny being swung by his daddy and grandpa. Then we opened all the other gifts. From the pictures below you can see he had a big Christmas!

 

  



  

  



 

I know what you are thinking. We went overboard! Just remember we had grandparents there too with all their gifts. I have always loved Christmas. It is not about the gift giving or receiving. It is all my family together in one room! Singing, laughing, telling funny stories, enjoying each other's company, and just the love that fills the room from each person. It makes me feel all warm inside. The world is right for a few moments. However, this Christmas meant more to me than words can even express on paper or verbally. I loved watching my son open all his gifts and seeing that beautiful smile, smile back at me. It makes me melt!  I turned to hubby after baby had open all his gifts to say ," My Christmas is complete. I don't need to open my presents that are under the tree. The best gift of all is sitting right in front of me." Hubby leaned over to kiss me and nodded his head in agreement. The scripture that came to mind is found in Luke 2:19 " But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart." This was right after Jesus was born. I now know how Mary felt. Just like Mary this momma was storing treasures in her heart on Christmas day. 

 

Merry Christmas y'all!!!

Mommy & me

 

I just love my boy!

A Fall, A Roof, and Tagged...

not just once but twice I have been tagged. So here goes! 

 

First an update. We have a new roof! They came Thursday and did it all in one day. I did have to stay away from the house all day due to the constant banging. All we have left is fence work and new screens to replace the ones in the back. We are planning on solar screens! The fence may take a few more weeks since my neighbors to the west of us want to see what their neighbors to the west of them want to do as well. Which would be awesome if we all 4 got it done at the same time. It means a BIGGER discount! 

 

I had a bad week. For varies reasons that I won't get go into detail about. Anyway, baby fell on Wednesday. It was pretty scary! It could have been prevented even though my friends have told me that it has happened to all of them and it is a child's plot in life to fall at least once on their momma's watch. I felt(and still do) guilty. We called the doctor and she explained how they are like rubber maid containers. They bounce back since their bones have not finished growing together.

 

On to the first Tag: Crazy 8...this is actually what happened sat.

 

Eight shows I watch: um when I have time....

1. Pushing Daises

2. Private Practice

3. Amazing Race

4.  Lost

5. My Own Worst Enemy 

6.?

7.?

8.?

 

Eight Favorite Restaurants

1. Wendy's

2. Jason's Deli

3. Sweet Tomatoes

4. Chik-fil-A

5. Pei Wei

6. Genghis Grill

7.Any Steak Place...Outback, Texas Land & Cattle, Cagle Steaks, Saltgrass(my fav.)

8. Egg & I

 

Eight Things that Happened to me today:

1. woke up at 6 am to feed baby

2. made coffee for hubby and myself

3. went to swim class

4. made homemade kolaches for breakfast

5. went to a friends Christmas brunch

6. shopping at Barnes N Nobles (had to drink more coffee)

7. found a neat gift for hubby(something to do with jazz)

8. baby went to bed early so hubby and I could have some alone time =0)

 

Eight Things I Look Forward to:

1. This Christmas..baby's first

2. Time with baby( I love those early morning cuddles)

3. Weekends...I get to see hubby

4. Fun Family Time..just the 3 of us, nothing sweeter

5. Seeing my friends and their kiddos

6. Having hubby's parents and mine all together 

7. Young Wives get together at church

8. I love Thursday..that is my weekly Wendy's drive thru..they know me now! 

 

Eight Things I Wish:

1. That baby wasn't growing up so fast....you turn your head for a second and they are on to the next stage

2. More time with hubby

3. Full time housekeeper so I could have more time with family

4. That my brother lived here with his boys and could see his nephew grow up

5. My friends could have a baby and know the joy that I know

6. Get together with extended family members more often

7. My best friend lived here so our kiddos could grow up together

8. I want my son to know & love God and marry someone someday who believes the same(I really want more than that like a good daughter in law that keeps me updated on things...(sigh, attachment issues)

 

Eight People I Tag: some will be repeat but maybe they will do it! 

1. Amy Toombs @Amy's Wandering

2. Misty @ Brinley & Braden

3.  Erin Helm @ At-the-helm

4. Erin Lonard @ Erin Lo

5. Mr. E & Mrs. E @ Euphrony Rambles

6. Kelsey @ Judd Stuff

7.  The DeCarlos @DeCarlo News

8. The Robbins @Rkrobbins

 

Next Tag...I am suppose to show pictures of my  Christmas decorations. I am kinda of laughing because it really is no big deal. I have nothing special and well no one would go "oooo aaaaahhhh, that is sssssssoooooo beautiful." However, I will show you anyway.

 



I think I need to paint our living room. Our tree looks really dull against that white wall.

 



I love snow people!!!

 



Sorry it's crooked. I was in  hurry!

 



Yes, that is a giant snow man that you see next to the best decoration ever...my son! 

 



 

Alright, I think that is it!!! Now, I need to finish wrapping presents!!! 

My Thoughts

I have wanted to post something but my thoughts just seem so jumbled lately. I either have a  thought about how fast my son is growing up or wondering when I am going to complete my "to do" list or just little things that are happening in my life. None of these really require a full post so I am going to just list them.

 

1. I tried a new exercise video  called "jiggle free arms."  Pretty good video but why do I feel it more in my buns? (incase any of you ask a step is required for the video)

 

2. I can not get enough of the claymation Christmas movies. I have no idea which one is my favorite. Jack Frost is certainly in the top 5. Now, I honestly have a reason to watch them. I am doing research for my son =0)! 

 

3. I have had my Christmas Cards for 3 weeks so why are they still sitting on my desk? It could possibly be that  I only ordered 60 and trying to decide who doesn't make the cut is harder than I thought! I would love for everyone to have one but that would require 100 cards for me to order. Can we say Cha-Ching! 

 

4.  Why can't I find a decent Christmas stocking for my son? Seriously, have you seen what is out there? I think I may have to bribe a friend to make one for me =0)! The ones I have seen either have a pink bear on a blue stocking or odd colored buttons on it or just writing that says "baby's first christmas." So, what do I do with that after the first Christmas? 

 

5. I promised myself that hubby and I would not adventure out on a Friday night ever again and yet we did! It has nothing to do with baby bear. It has to do with the loons out driving on 1960. Sorry, if you are one of those loons. It seems they mutliple at the Holidays!

 

6. We are done with Comcast! We will be switching all our services to ATT&T! I am more than thrilled. Hubby says now we can say " we are no longer comcastic." If you know anything about their dorky commercials then you know what I am talking about. It has nothing to do with cost. Honestly, we will be paying the same. Just a much better internet service. 

 

7. I keep getting invited to FaceBook and I refuse! I love y'all but no is my answer for now! Oh, I have peaked. I have to say FaceBook is sneaky! They only let you view a list of names for 2 pages after that you must join! OH I FEEL THE PRESSURE! 

 

8. Baby Praise by Kenneth Copeland Ministries is hands down the best dvd bought for my son. He loves it! He will jump in the jump-a-roo and clap his hands for 20 minutes. Just enough time for me to_________(fill in the blank). Plus, all those cute babies with beautiful Christmas Songs playing in the background is just precious! 

 

9. I have seen 3 movies in the past 2 months. Only one did I honestly like. The other two I give a thumbs down. Fireproof was the good one. I have a single friend that did not enjoy this movie and I can see why. If you are married, you will see that there is a need for a movie like this. Especially, when so many people I know are struggling in their marriage. This movie could provide a stepping stone to a better path. Sorry, Wall-E fans this did not make the cut for me. Too much politics throughout the movie. I am wandering if Al Gore was on the board for this movie. If you are confused by my statement give me a call, I will update you on the facts! I must admit cute robots. X-files(sigh)! Very very very disappointing!!! Even hubby said it was not true to form. One word for this movie...gruesome! I understand they closed the alien chapter when they ended x-files but come on did they have to go in that direction. I guess I value my time so much these days that the movie better be worth it. I am finding it to be more of challenge these days to find a quality movie. Any suggestions?

 

10.  It has been a rough off/on month here at our house. Hubby working some long hours. Baby teething and not sleeping well. He has been waking up between 4-5 a.m. He is not consistent with his naps. Last night we were on our way to the store and sure enough he fell asleep. We get inside, he sees people, and he is entertained or is it the other way around for the next hour.  I seem to be more emotional this Christmas than any other. I believe it is all about my son. I just love Christmas but now it means 10 times more to me than ever before. He is growing up so fast. I turn my head and he is on to the next stage. That is too fast for this momma. I keep telling him it is okay to stay at this stage or that stage a little longer but he won't listen. It is hard to believe he is eating real people food or table food, clapping his hands, says "hi" & "dada", can sign a word or two, and working on tooth number 4! Yeah, he crawls but it is backwards and prefers to make himself stand. For those of you interested in numbers. Almost 3o inches long, 97% for height. He weighs 20 lbs., 50% weight. His head is 18, 75% for head. 

 

Now for a few pics....you know I can not resist!

 



I love this face. I think bath time is one of my favorite "bonding" times. 

 

 

LOVES to play with this reindeer that we have for the Hoildays. If you press the right arm it will play "jingle bells." Over and over and over again. 

 



"CHILLIN"

 



I must have my turkey bird with me at all times!

 



We prefer cups with straws! 

 

This is all the pics for now. I will post more later. Many blessings to you!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

From our Turkey to yours.....

 

 



 



 



 



 

I think we have more of ham than a turkey!  He tried to take the camera out of my hands. He was studying the flash button and the lens. He really wanted to understand how this camera thing works. So funny watching them try to figure out how things work. Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Outside Toys For a Tot

Well, I need your help! I have no idea what to get baby bear for Christmas! He loves being outside and I am trying to find something he would enjoy. I thought about a little tyke slide, turtle sandbox, and other varies items. Nothing seems to be the "it" toy for Christmas. We have a porch that is semi closed in for playing. I say semi because of the screen damage that needs to be replaced. Anyway, I just need ideas from experienced moms! Please give me your ideas!!! Thanks!!! 

 

a roof roof here and a roof roof there, here a roof, there a roof....

Sorry for the silly title but that is what is in my head after talking to roofers off and on today! We have had one estimate for our roof so far. Only 4 more to go! Anyway, I am ready for our family to put Ike behind us. We are in need of a new roof, fence, and screens. We are actually in need of more than that but those things the insurance will "cover." It has been a hectic time around here trying to decide what to replace first. I know y'all are saying a roof! Yes, I agree. However, I share fence area with neighbors who need to get their property fixed just as much as we do. We did decide to move on with the roof first and get estimates from several different recommended roofers. That alone to set up appointments has been a 3 week process. Yuck! Obviously the cost of materials has gone up because of the demand. Which means to get a new roof cost a whole lot more. Can you say "cha ching!" We all know this thanks to our economics class. Just to give you an idea here are a few pics....

BEFORE





AFTER

 



this is a view from my kitchen window to my neighbor behind me =0)

 



this is a view into our neighbor next door to us and on down to the next neighbor

 





this is a view from my neighbors backyard to ours

 



the front of our house...bushes gone...

 

Anyway, we have work to do! Please pray for us! Thanks!

Splish, Splash!!!

My son has learned how to really splash the water out of his duck tub! Here are a few pics.....

 







 

I love bath time. We have soooo much fun! I get to hear a grown man bust out into hysterical laughter all by a 7 month old and some water! Life is good.....

Lil Pumpkin

What else is there to say? I thought he made a cute pumpkin! We stayed home with grandad and grandma for Halloween. Hubby and I took our lil pumpkin to a few neighbors to trick or treat. After that we came home to receive trick or treaters. It was soooo much fun! Here are a few more pics....

 

 

 

  

 

He only lasted an hour and then he crashed! We really enjoyed his first Halloween.