Christmas in Alabama- 2010

Christmas in Alabama
December 17-22, 2010

We had a wonderful trip to Alabama over the Christmas holiday. We got to spend time with all our family. Although each of the kids was sick or got sick while there, we pulled through it and still were able to fit in everything we wanted. It was also a hard time for me. Seeing as this was my first Christmas without my momma. There were a lot of differences. Even in the small things. It was all noticed. Daddy and I went to her grave to put some solar lights on a tree that was on her grave. It was heart wrenching to know that was the only way we could "include" her. My heart still aches everyday.

While we were in town, my daddy and I got to spend a lot of time together. I am a daddy's girl. Have been since I was born, probably. And to be able to spend any amount of time with him is always a good thing in my book. I love to stay up late and just watch HGTV and talk. We took a late night trip to Wal-Mart, got his shopping done and just all around had a good time together.

While the trip was great, going back home to South Carolina was good too. If it weren't for the 4 hours from here to there, I would go back home everyday.

Snow!

Merry Christmas

From our family to yours.

Merry, Merry Christmas Eve

At least it wasn't Santa's lap

Nathan,

Oh my dear, dear Nathan. You my son are one of a kind. And I don't say that clichely.. (yeah, your momma just made that word up). You are just your very own person. There is no one even remotely like you.. well.. besides your daddy when he was your age. But let's not split hairs here.

Tonight was a prime example.

It probably started while we were in line to see Santa. It took forever to get to see him because it was also "bring your pet night". Which was cool. It gave you and your siblings something to look at. You wanted me to "hold chew". While holding you, you kept grabbing "yourself" and I asked what you were doing. "Just holdin' my 'googi' (that's what we call your little penis.. as do you and your siblings and the last few generations on your Gramsie's side of the family.. digressing...). We finally get up to the front and your picture was taken. You smiled wonderfully. We get the pictures and go to play at the indoor playground inside the mall. You were running around having a great time. Your daddy called you over to tie your shoe. So you climbed in his lap. While he was tying your shoe you grabbed yourself again and said you had to go potty....

And not two seconds later you say.....

Wait for it... wait for it..

"Oh well!" (in a long drawn out southern drawl)

Your daddy gets this confused yet shocked look on his face.. turns to me and says...

*side note here: I am laughing uncontrollably while typing this.*

"Did he just pee on me???.... Yes.. he just did."

And you did.

I held it together all through the mall. Kept my mean mommy face on and told you that you really knew better than to wet your pants. I kept it together while getting you and your brother and sister buckled into your seats.

But when I looked at your daddy as we were driving off to head home (no change of clothes were found) I couldn't hold it together anymore.

I laughed and laughed.

Your daddy found no humor in the situation. Even questioning why I was laughing.

I will probably laugh about that for a good long while. The priceless expressions on your face and your daddy's will keep me smiling for quite some time.

Thank you for the laughs!

Love,

Momma

'tis the season..

To be busy. And apparently that means too busy to keep up with the blog. It's been good though. We had the kids' birthday party last weekend. Had Kent's family in town that same weekend. This weekend my daddy was in town. He actually just left. I love having family in town. It's a nice and cozy feeling. Kent and I got to go out this past Friday night while my daddy watched the kids for us. We went to our Sunday school's couples Christmas party. It was a good time. We did dirty Santa or whatever you call it with Christmas ornaments. Afterward we went to Starbucks for a late night treat.

Also, last week started the Upward basketball/cheerleading season for our church. We were all busy with that last week. I am hoping this week will be better since we will know more of what to expect. I am coach K-2 grade cheerleading. So far they seem like a great group of girls. They were really eager to learn and paid really good attention. I am hoping for a good season.

As for this week, whew. A lot going on. Tomorrow I am helping get together a meal for a family in our church who just welcomed their 2nd boy to the family. We are also going to go visit Santa. Tuesday Kent and Jon Kent have basketball practice. Church is Wednesday. Thursday Zoey and I have cheer practice and then Friday we leave for Alabama for a few days of visiting with family before Christmas.

So as you can see.. very busy. Good busy though.

Happy 5th Birthday, Zoey

How is it that 5 years have come and gone so quickly? How can it possibly be true that you are 5 today. I can still see you so tiny and perfect. I can still remember the exact feelings I had when I saw you. It was pure joy. And over the past 5 years you have added so much spice to my life. You are the perfect "middle" child. Sandwiched right between your brothers to keep them both straight. And girl you do keep them straight. Five years.. wow. I am just so very thankful for every minute of it. Thankful for your health, your development, your generosity and love. I hope you have an absolute amazing 5th birthday! I love you, baby girl!!