Christmas 2008

It wasn't a white Christmas this year in norther VA, in fact it was about 50 degrees and sunny.  That evening the sunset was gorgeous.  

We had a great Christmas together!  And this was the first Christmas with Annie!  Santa brought Mommy a new kitchen island complete with a red bow and all, Dad got a new griddle, Austin got Martian Matter and Ash got a doll that goes potty.  Wow.  

Most importantly, it was so nice being together as a family and with the kiddos 6 and 3, they're realizing more and more the importance of Christmas.  

Santa 2008

And no one cried.

First class travels....

"Now I aint first class, but I aint white trash, I'm wild and a little crazy too...."

It's the Most Wonderful time of the Year!

This week was busy with last minute shopping errands, a wonderful Christmas party for ladies, a super-fun preschool Christmas party for Ash, a Mtn. View Christmas party for Austin which I was able to lead a few carols with the kids, the Bull-Run Festival of Lights, and to top it off tonight we saw Santa in  Piedmont once again this year on the decorated fire truck!  We love seeing these things each year.  Traditions.  Things to look forward to year after year.  That's what makes Christmas the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Santa Claus

Ashley already had a little kitchen she cooked with, but for her birthday her buddy Gavin got her the coolest Princess oven that makes little cupcakes!  And the cake cooks by cold air so you use ice!  Amazing.  We've had so much fun with it!  Thanks to Aunt Jodi, she also has kitchen apparel for all of her culinary fun!

So we went to Fair Oaks Mall to see Santa this year!  It was the whole Polar Express theme.  After waiting over an hour and 15 minutes, we saw the big man.  I felt like we were waiting in line like on the movie a Christmas Story.  Ho ho ho.  Austin requested Martian Matter and Ash requested a doll that goes potty.

Steamers

So we LOVE having a dog.  Annie is definitely a cuddler, loves to snuggle, kiss, and thinks she's a human.  That last part is causing us a bit of difficulty recently.  Yes, she thinks she ranks right up there with Ash and Austin.  Because of her smooth transition, we've spoiled her and she's starting to think she's on our level.  In dog terms, that's not good.  So, we're working with her on letting her know she's the dog and everyone else is more important than her.  I've been attending obedience classes with her and she's really taking well to it.  Although on a leash I feel like she's a horse and I'm saying 'whoa nellie' as my shoulder is about to pop out of socket as I'm struggling to pull her back, but we're working on it.  Plus, I haven't gotten used to picking up 'steamers'.  Steamers are what my family calls doggie poo.  Steamy because it comes out hot and it's cold outside...therefore, we've got a steamer.

The kids watched the movie Annie a while back when it was on ABC Family.  We love that musical.  Anyway, I told the kids that I loved them and my sweet daughter retorted back to me, "We love you Mrs. Hannigan."  

Austin is starting to 'swap' things at school.  On the bus, recess and lunch.  He takes trinkets and little toys of his and comes back with new trinkets and toys and books.  I ask him if that's what he really wants to do and that he should hold onto the stuff he has.  But he loves his new goods.  I honestly can't blame him.  I would probably like to do that too--take some of the stuff I have that I would like to get rid of...(clothes, makeup, shoes, purses) and trade them with someone else.  Anyone in?

Jonathan came back from the Panama Canal on Thurs to leave today for Palo Alto.  Adios mi amor!  At least we have him for Christmas.  I must say too, that I am a spoiled wife.  He is gone quite a bit.  Okay, a lot.  Actually, a TON.  BUT, when he is in town?  Let me key you in on my sweetheart.  He first brings me something back from everywhere he goes.  Not necessarily jewelry or something indigenous to that country, but maybe an exquisite little box of chocolates or some special body cream.  Then, he cleans the house.  Oh yes ladies, he CLEANS my house!  Maybe he's too used to what the maids do in his hotel rooms everyday and when he comes home it's not quite to par, but regardless, I don't argue.  Then he does any laundry that's in the basket along with his clothes.   I love it when he's home.  A treat, clean home, laundry done, trash out, puts the kids down and on dog duty.  What the heck am I going to do when he's gone for an entire YEAR in July?!?!?  Anyone want a job?  

Christmas is only 11 days away.  I wish it would snow.  

Feliz Navidad!

Angie

Ashley's Birthday

Birthday girl is now 3.  I cannot believe she's 3.  We had a great day of Cracker Barrel and Cold Stone.  She also celebrated with some of her little buddies at her Princess Party.  I think she really thinks she's Cinderella.  My mom and I even made her a Princess cake!  

I can't believe how time is flying.  My kids are now 6 and 3!  My sister in law Jodi told me to enjoy the kids now, and that even though some days seem sooooo long with having busy youngsters around, that "the days are long, but the years are even shorter".  So I'm trying to remember that when I have my long days with my kids....the days are long, but the years are even shorter.  Sniff sniff.  Quit growing up!

Boobie fixation

I turned around and what to my wandering eyes did appear?   Ash found a better place for her play microphone than on her mouth!

Caged

I found it was easier to keep the dog out and the kids in.  Why didn't I get a crate sooner?

ANNIE

We are proud to announce the newest member of our family.  Annie Toler.  She was born June 14, 2008 and is 5 months old.  She's an American Kennel Club purebred Vizsla dog.  We have been in the market for a dog for about 6 years and finally we found the breed we loved!  We adopted her from Palmetto Vizslas in Charleston, South Carolina last weekend.  She's great with kids, no shedding, we don't have allergy problems with her, and grooming her is near nothing.  And did we mention she doesn't bark?

Annie is fitting in just fine with the family.  She's sweet, active, housebroken and crate trained.  She cuddles so sweetly and plays with the kids!  We are so happy for our early Christmas present.  

Welcome Annie! 

Austin's Party

To bring in 6, Austin had a non-sleepover pajama party.  Including his favorite characters Ben 10 and a Bakugan ice cream cake I managed to make.  We did all the stuff you'd do at a slumber party, but the kids moms and dads picked them up.  It was a great time!

 

More ta-ta talk

This week Austin had his 6 year wellness appt and as the Dr. is asking him about how life it, school, how he feels, etc and he suddenly blurted out with a smirk, "I like touching my moms boobies."  What on earth?  I was horrified.  Dr. Edy looked at me and his face was all contorted.  I shrieked to Austin, "what on earth are you talking about?"  He replied "remember that time I poked your boobie?"  The Dr. went on to tell Austin that they're called breasts and we don't touch anyones.  As if wierdo mom here was letting her son touch her ta-tas.  How embarrassing!!!  I looked at Austin and he smiled with content that he'd done his job to say something for total shock value. It worked.  Little turd.  No lollipop for him after that appt!

My Baby's 6

Austin turned 6 today.  And today was a hard day for me.  Not when he turned 4 or 5, but for some reason this year.  Maybe because he's gone all day long?  I don't know. But he was born at 11:20 am in 2002 on this day.  So at 11:20 today, I was in tears. I called Jonathan and he was equally as touched.  It's just amazing that little face that looked at me at that minute we met 6 years ago, is now such an independent big boy.  

Tonight as I was tucking him in bed, I stayed a lot longer to talk to him and cuddle.  He asked why I don't just sleep in here with him.  My heart panged as I thought how it won't be too long before he will never ever say that again!  Who would want their mom sleeping with them?  So I snuggled in, and started to doze.  I savored his sweet arms wrapped around my neck and the sound of his purr as he slept.  

Why can't time stand still?  I'm trying to savor every second.  And I feel like I'm really good at it.  But still, life seems to go by even faster.

Birthday boy

November 13!  At an eye cracking 5:59am, Austin was ready to announce to the world that he was turning 6 today.  He got to open one present before school and I felt like a hag because we didn't have time to play with it I told a child who just opened a great gift that "you can't play with that"  Poor guy.  Although we made up for it after school ten-fold.

6 was pretty great for Austin.  He and I had a date for lunch at McDonalds, a free pumpkin milkshake, and he got to wear a crown all day long at kindergarten. Then at snack time he passed out mud and bugs to the kids!  Then he got to leave school early.  What could be better? 

For dinner he wanted macaroni and cheese.  So instead of serving him the standby Kraft box, I decided to make homemade mac and cheese. You know, the kind with butter, cheddar and cream?  Paula Dean's mac and cheese?  Well, one bite of this delicious comfort food and he said, "Oooh.  What's this?  I want the orange stuff!"  Hats off to you Kraft. 

Boobies

This week we heard music playing in Austin's room for a long time.  We checked in on him and he was jamming out (dancing)...to Brass Monkey.....alone.  I had to get a picture of him in action.

With the new President Obama, we were explaining some gentle politics with the kids which included a race talk with Austin about no matter what someone's skin color is, we're all the same inside.  And Austin said, "No, we're not.  Some people don't have the holy ghost with them.  And when people do bad things, it leaves us."  

Ashley is so sweet.  Each morning when she wakes up, like a little old woman with her routine, she gently turns on her little bedside lamp and stretches.  And waits.  Then comes into our room and greets us with a 'good morning'.  I love it. 

I've told Ash to hurry as we're trying to get into the car or hustle anywhere and she's stated to me a couple times this past week, "I can't run.  It makes my boobies hurt."

Presidential Election 2008

Today, November 4, 2008 I had the opportunity, right and freedom to vote.  I am so thankful for this freedom.  Although candidates in different years have varying degrees of qualifications, I am still thankful that my opinion is being included.

On the Saturday before the Presidential election, Austin was at a birthday party of one of his little football buddies, and the excitement turned from opening presents to talking politics.  These 5 and 6 year old boys were discussing Obama and McCain and what they "thought" their beliefs were.  I was so amused and surprised!  At 5 years old?  I don't even remember who the President was when I was 5, or 10....

But these are different times....trying times....and I'm praying that whoever wins tonight will be lead and listen to a higher power to lead our country.

Football

Austin finished his final Grizzlies Football game on Saturday.  He LOVED this season!  His team's score was 6 wins and 1 loss.  He took pride in his offensive center position and really felt like he was part of a team with this sport.  We had a great tailgate party after his last game where the players sprayed the coaches with silly string after the trophy ceremony.  See you next season Grizzlies!  

Dentist

I must say that I love Austin's dentist.  Gainesville Pediatric Dentistry.  They are state-of-the art and completely kid friendly.  More than that, they donated a few thousand dollars to Mountain View Elementary school to buy all of the children there a "bully-free" T-shirt to wear each Friday on spirit day.  They always come to do presentations at preschools.  I've heard they donate money per pound of candy post-Halloween to send to the troops in Iraq.  They are very fair and the Dr.'s are very talented.  Austin has always been cavity free, (knock on wood) and has lost two teeth so far with his 6 year bottom molars coming in!  He loves going there and it's all kudos to the amazing staff.  Chomp Chomp!   

Happy Halloween