Five on Friday!

It's been a wild week around here. I was expecting that getting back into the routine would be good for all of us except Mother Nature changed our plans. We had a light snow on Monday causing our first day back to school on Tuesday to be canceled. That change got us all out of sorts!

Birthday Preparations: Lots of birthday prep going on for our almost 5 year old! YIKES. Still cannot believe that my Evie is turning 5. I cry about it every.single.day! Not sure why because this has not been my reaction to any other birthday. I think it is just the idea that kindergarten is looming and that there are no more babies. Evie has really enjoyed crafting, wrapping and choosing her birthday supplies. She's definitely my daughter because she always has an opinion. We are really looking forward to her gymnastics party this weekend and really loving that it is not at our house!

New Year's Resolutions: We are working on reducing screen time at our house. That includes all screens even Mama's iPhone which if I am honest is the biggest problem! Ordered Hands Free Mama - got it, lost it -how appropriate. Bought another one and the lost one showed up! Life sure throws curve balls every chance it gets. Can't wait to really get into the book. Finished The Big Disconnect over the weekend and it really struck a chord. I knew it was time to work on this when Henry's favorite sentence became, "I watch show."Warmer weather and being back on schedule have drastically helped us all!

Gracie: My parents sweet dog, Gracie, passed away this week - 3 months after my grandmother. We have all been sad and it has brought up lots of questions about Heaven. Evie asked if Mamaw and Gracie were in the same Heaven. She also said that she is never going back to Nana and Ipop's again but changed her tune after a few hours. I think she was just really sad that Gracie is gone. Me too. Gracie was a rescue dog had the best temperament. 

The Painted Pearl: Rush over to The Painted Pearl on Facebook and check out Courtney's blog for more information. Be sure to enter the giveaway for some darling jewelry. I have been friends with Courtney for over 25 years and she is the real deal! One of the most genuine people you could ever meet plus she makes amazing crafty items! Sure wish I could have just a touch of her talent! The Painted Pearl was under our Christmas tree and it was a favorite gift for sure. 

Lost Luggage: Carl flew to Tampa with two colleagues on Tuesday. Their entire flights luggage was lost. Luckily, Carl received his luggage within a few hours of landing but some people were not so lucky. It was a good reminder to pack those necessary items such as medications and important documents in your carry on bag. 

2.5 Henry!

Dear Henry,

  You are 2.5 years old today! Time is really flying by with you.  I often still think of you as a baby but you are not a baby anymore. It's hard to believe that Evie was 2.5 when you came home from the hospital and now here we are with you. WOW! 

You are still a little peanut but have finally grown out of your 18 month clothes. All of your 2T fits for the most part and your feet are still about a 6.5. You'll grow one day! At least you are portable - that makes carting you around a lot easier. That's one thing that is very different about you and Evie. She always wanted to walk in public - you prefer to be held.

Even though you are tiny, you certainly eat plenty of food. Some of your favorites are bell pepper strips, hummus and of course chocolate. You are still a big snacker but are doing much better eating your food at mealtimes. One morning last week you had three different breakfasts - sleeping must make you super hungry. Daddy and you love to eat popcorn together. You can eat your weight in popcorn.

Your vocabulary has exploded in recent weeks! I had been thinking about taking you to see a Speech Language Pathologist but there is no need for that anymore. God always has perfect timing and you are speaking in complete sentences. You say some of the funniest things! You along with your sister have decided you would like a baby to come live with us. A real baby! It's funny to hear you say, "Baby come live at my house." Of course, "I love you Mama" is my favorite. You say "sorry Mama" all.day.long because you are always getting into things that are supposed to be off-limits. You get yourself into some real pickles and it's a good thing you are so adorable.

I know my days of jon-jons are limited so you will be sporting them as long as I can. The good news is that we know a 4 year old at church that still wears them so at least everyone is used to it. I just love a baby boy in a one piece suit. Precious! You have quite an opinion about your clothing and dictate which shirt would best suit you for the day. That's why I have to be sure that I like all of your shirts!

You are really into robots, monsters along with Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Jake has become a regular member of our family. He sleeps with you and watches tv with you. Even your vitamins and yogurt are Jake themed. 

Blue is your favorite color and you refuse all pink. That might be a problem because there is a lot of pink around here. 

 You are a cuddle bug and will sit on my lap reading books, watching shows or eating snacks. You are a big kisser and always have a kiss to pass out. Sweet Boy!

You love playing outside except when it is too cold. You have mastered climbing, jumping, kicking balls and you are learning to ride your scooter.

You are quite the Mama's boy right now. I am the only one that can get you out of the crib, get your drink, get you out of your carseat etc. It's a phase and I will certainly miss this adoration. 

Speaking of adoration, you truly adore your sister and play with her, fight with her and love on her all day long. She gets lots of hugs and kisses too! It is heartwarming to see you love her so much and the feeling is mutual. You look for her when you wake up and you always have to tell her goodnight. Sisters are good to have around and I am so glad you have such a strong bond with your Evie. You even call her, "my Evie."

It's hard to imagine our life before you were here! What an amazing little boy you are - the perfect one for us. We love you from the top of your head to the tips of your stinky little toes. We thank God for the love and laughter that you give us every day. What an incredible blessing you are in our family. Looking forward to the journey to 3 but you will always be my baby boy.

Love,

Mama

Christmas Round 2

 

My parents arrived on Sunday for Christmas Round 2. They were kind enough to come later so they could babysit for us during a NYE party. That saved us tons of money - babysitters were charging BIG BUCKS to babysit on NYE.

Evie and Henry were super excited to see Nana and Ipop and of course to open more presents. Henry really got into the present opening this year. Both kiddos scored some super fun presents. Evie carted everything up to her room to organize it at bedtime. LOVE that about my sweet girl.

 

We had a wonderful visit with my parents. My Dad loves cars so we decided to check out the Lane Motor Museum - it was pretty amazing although every.single.car was foreign. They had an incredible play area for the kids and we had a lovely morning checking out cars. Picked up some Edley's BBQ on the way home.

 

My mom and I went to the mall with Evie that afternoon. Evie sure is a terrific shopper. Carl better hold on to his wallet as Evie gets better at shopping.

Carl had to work for a bit on Tuesday but the rest of us headed out for doughnuts and to run some errands. Everyone loves a doughnut especially Ipop. 

Carl and I headed out to our super fun New Year's Eve party. Our sweet friend Phaedra turned 40 and celebrated with a swanky soiree at McConnell house in Franklin. Delicious food, amazing friends, flowing drinks and free babysitters. What a night! It was a wonderful way to ring in 2014!

New Year's Day is always a low-key day around here. We took down some Christmas decorations. Our tree was completely dead and left a horrible mess. Oh well, my little helpers swept up the needles and everything is back to normal now. We enjoyed a traditional New Year's Day meal of pork, Hoppin' John, collards,and cornbread plus M&M bars for dessert. Those  have to be on the tradition list, right! YUMMY - the dessert was the best part.

My parents headed out on Thursday and all of a sudden our house felt very quiet after all of our Christmas company! We sure had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope you did too!

Christmas 2013

Christmas Eve was a special day. We went to church to celebrate with a beautiful service. Our church looked gorgeous and the music was spectacular. I always enjoy the Christmas Eve service and get a little teary with memories of Christmas from years back. Not to mention holding my precious children while singing Silent Night. We were proud of Evie and Henry for sitting in church so nicely because it was a long service. We stopped for Thai on the way home. That might be a new tradition! Some of these pictures are repeats but wanted them all in one spot.

After dinner, it was time to put out cookies for Santa, read Twas the Night Before Christmas and put on the Christmas pj's. Christmas Eve is filled with so much expectation. We were all so excited and looking forward to Christmas morning.

 
 
Henry woke up first on Christmas morning and we waited patiently for Evie. What a wonderful Christmas! Evie and Henry were at the perfect ages to enjoy it all and they were both well. Carl and I were so excited to see their reactions to their Santa gifts. They sure were impressed. Evie received a suitcase, a pink teddy bear, a doll with a stroller and a talking globe from Santa. Henry was thrilled to see a parking garage, a blue scooter with a helmet (safety first) and his favorite gift a pirate ship. Evie has always loved her stocking and was pleased as punch with all the treats and trinkets. Henry was happy to see a new movie. He loves to chill out with a good movie.

We had a delightful Christmas morning hanging out as a family of four, opening our gifts to each other, trying everything out and enjoying a delicious breakfast. It was exactly how I imagined Christmas with children. Low-key and focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Carl turned 40 on Christmas day too so that made it extra special.

She She and Poppy, Carl's parents, arrived after lunch and we enjoyed another round of present opening with them. Henry loves his new car track with battery operated cars. He has already blown through two sets of batteries. 

We celebrated Carl's birthday with filet, potatoes au gratin, salad and of course some birthday cake. It was such a special day filled with lots of memories. Looking forward to Christmas with my parents next. 

Visions of Sugarplums Danced in Their Head

                       Everyone is asleep. Gotta run so Santa will come. Merry Christmas!