Santa, STOP here!!

And he sure did! Things started off a little bit iffy, but it all worked out in the end--funny how things have a way about doing that! Here's the skinny of the situation we were facing. Anderson had been fighting this weird digestion issue for about 2 weeks leading up to Christmas. It finally got the best of him and lead to a Christmas Eve visit to the pediatrician--we were literally the last patient before they closed up shop for the holiday. I was concerned b/c it was becoming more difficult to get him to eat/drink anything which is very unusual for buster. We were told he had a virus, we had to let it run its course, and it should get better. It did, but it got worse before it got better. Christmas Eve, just as Brad's parents arrived, he threw up about a gallon all over me and him and anything else unfortunate enough to be in the way. Coupled with the digestion issues, the little fella just was pitiful. Needless to say, there was no Christmas Eve service for us. Christmas morning he tried his best to play with his presents, but ultimately he sat in my lap with his taggie blanket and sucked his thumb. The pictures I got from the morning were all taken in about a matter of 5 minutes. By some miracle, he bounced back after an afternoon siesta and was a new child! We had considered cancelling our plans to go to my parents and then grandmother's house, but we were able to go after all! He really did rally and did not fuss the entire time we were gone and even stayed up until 9:30 when we finally made it home! I was so thankful that he was feeling better and could enjoy some Christmas!

First smile of the day!

We enjoyed spending the holidays with just about all of our family! We had a dinner with my dad's side of the family on the Saturday before Christmas, enjoyed time with Brad's mom and dad, my immediate family, and my extended family as well! I hope y'all had a Merry Christmas!

A Saviour is Born!

Our Christmas did not go at all as I thought it would--more on that later. As I read all my friend's blogs, it seems as if I was not the only one that felt a little sad that things did not go as I had planned them to or had a similar experience as I did. What it did allow me to do was remember that it was the day of the birth of our Saviour and think less about all the other "things" that go along with the Christmas season. Recognize these people from last Christmas? Not anywhere near close to the original (AT ALL!!), but I think it illustrates the point I am trying to make here!



I say all that to say this, I hope that you had a moment to remember why we celebrate Christmas!

Need a Little Christmas!

I have felt like this (and every other year I guess!) December has slipped through my fingers and we have not had as much time to enjoy the season. I am sure I am not alone in this one! Brad has been putting in late hours and not getting home until after 7 and also working some on the weekends--as a result we didn't even get a Christmas tree until about a week ago! The nausea really hit me hard this time and it lingered around until nearly the end of 14 weeks (I am 15 weeks, so it only finally left a few days ago). With that, I have been a bit of a scrooge and had a bah humbug attitude. Mostly to Brad's credit, we did get a few Santa's out, got the tree decorated, managed to put some garland on the mantle, and hung the stockings. The outside garland for our railing, not so much...maybe next year. I haven't even hung the wreaths! Perhaps that will get done today (maybe). Oh, and thank goodness for online shopping and free shipping! Anderson has not been as curious as I though he would about the tree. He will go over to it from time to time and touch it. I thought he would try to pull it, grab the ornaments/lights, etc..but he hasn't. We did only put ornaments on the top 1/2 of the tree, but he hasn't even made an attempt to try and reach any. I know I should count my blessings! The first night we had it, he was feeling it with his hands and then decided to put his face in the limbs. That was fine until it poked him in the eye! Bless his heart y'all, but his reaction and facial expression was priceless. Almost like he was betrayed by the tree. He never did cry, which is good b/c it would have made me feel horrible for holding back laughter!

Sunday we went with Richard, Ansley, and little Jack to see the Dove Street Lights. It is a short street on the south end that every house decorates to the max! It literally took us .5 seconds to walk down the entire street, but it does put you in the Christmas spirit...especially when you get to bundle up and even see Frosty!

Frosty didn't bother him a bit, but we are taking him to see Santa tomorrow and I am hoping for the same cool as a cucumber attitude...we shall see!

He was all snugged up in there!

Dear Santa,

I know that Christmas is not at all about giving and receiving gifts. We have done a lot of giving this year to various worthy causes, Anderson and I made a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, and participated in adopt-a-family with some of Brad's co-workers. It truly is better to give than to receive--and I mean that! But, alas, I can't help but make a list for Santa...hey, it's all in good fun...and fun it is, I do not expect to get any of these things!!!!!

This would be a great addition to my collection...they have an adorable loop as well..

Only problem here...I do like the green, but do I want black?


I NEED THIS! Toss it in the above purse and I can get some fantastic footage of little Buster while we are on the go!

Brad is famous for getting advice from David on gifts (he sure has it figured out!). I have the hematite pendant and would like one in yellow or blue....or both!

The Boy of Many Names.

We have come up with so many nicknames for Anderson that I can't keep them all straight! It all started when he was just a newborn and he would "squeak" while winding up to cry. It was the cutest thing ever and that is how the name "squeaks" was coined. From there there have been many variations like, and you can't laugh, "sir-squeaks-a-lot" and "boo squeaksly". Silly, I know but very funny at the time! And we can't forget "sweet baby" and "boo"! Well, he has a new nickname that is probably going to be the one he loves the most.........

BIG BROTHER!

That's right---around June 14th, 2010!

Starting Christmas Off Right!

Saturday we went to a breakfast pre-party for the Christmas parade! Andrew and Ginger were brave enough to host a crew of people and the mess of kiddos as well. Everyone brought a dish for the feast---certainly the best breakfast I (and my family!!) have had in quite some time! It really was a great way to kick off the Christmas Season and Andrew and Ginger did a great job reminding us of what the season is really all about. It is a real blessing to celebrate with others that appreciate the real meaning of Christmas!

We did not make it to the parade b/c Brad had to go into the hospital. We were in such a rush to get out of the door that the thought the drive separately did not even come up! I was sad to miss it b/c I really enjoy parades (no matter how cheesy)..but the good news is that there is always next year!!

A few of Anderson's pals



Anderson wishes he had a playroom!

Perhaps the only time most of the kids were in the same place!

Um, must be nice!!

My sweet boy!

Who are these people?????

Later that same night Brad and I had the hospital Christmas party. I got to hunt for a new cocktail dress and get all dolled up for the event....I was sweating it when it was time to zip up that dress, but that is another post!

A Season to be Thankful!

This time of the year makes it easy to remember what all we have to be thankful for. I have a list in my head that grows by the minute--more than I deserve, that I am certain! We went to BFT for the afternoon to have lunch and stuff ourselves beyond the point of return! We had a small crowd of the 3 of us, my mom and dad, and my 2 grandmothers. We do not have a large family so when just a few people are missing is seems like so many more. Paige and Charlie were in St. Louis with his family and now everyone has to go a million different ways to be with spouses families, boyfriend/girlfriend's family, etc...the opportunity for everyone to be in one place at the same time for a holiday is nearly impossible! We were grateful to spend time with those we could and hope to see everyone else real soon!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to share one thing I am thankful for. It has been a rough month for little Anderson and I am just thankful that my little buster is 100% healthy and back to his cheerful, happy self with smiles, laughs, and squeals of delight!

This was my fall display...soon to be replaced w/ all things Christmas!!

Loved all the treasure in Big Daddy and BG's backyard!

I love, love his Where the Wild Things Are t-shirt and I make him wear it all the time!

It was a Graveyard Smash....

It is almost too late to post this I think, but some things are better late than never! Halloween night we had some fun of our own dressing up! Our friends Emily and Evan hosted a party that started out as just a Lowcountry Boil but then after Emily had a conversation with our friend, Babs, it turned into a costume party. I balked about it b/c I hate dressing up and did not want to participate in the least!! Emily hounded me to make sure we got costumes and did not pull the "we couldn't get a babysitter, sorry!"....not that I would ever do that...well, maybe!! After it was all said and done, I have to admit that it was fun!

What says Halloween better than eating utensils??

A few of the gals..note: Marge, Babs as Rainbow Bright, Emily as Richard Simmons!

**Jennifer**

My makeshift signature b/c I accidently deleted mine and have no clue how to get it back!

Giraffe with an Identity Crisis!

Our church had its annual Trunk or Treat Carnival the Wednesday before Halloween and Anderson had a hayday. There was so much to see, the little guy did not know where to go first! His giraffe costume was made for nearly sub-zero weather, it seemed, and I was afraid he was going to be hot---especially with the fast speed he was moving! Cute costumes for little boys his age were hard to come by in this town. I wish I would have been able to find a lion costume instead b/c right before Halloween he caught on to respond with "ROAR" when asked "what does a lion say?"

The roaring giraffe!

Carnival Games!


Learning Cornhole!

He found out when you touch the shoes, the ghost dances!

Brad playing Bible trivia with Dr. Keller!

He got 3/3 correct!

The new fire chief after a brief visit to the firetruck--there was and emergency so they had to shoo us away!

His buddy Jack (Batman!) as fire chief w/ momma Ansley