Middle-of-January Update

Well, I haven't journaled in a while, so here we go...

On New Years Day we headed up to Jacksonville for the FSU game and to see Bobby Bowden one last time :( It was quite an interesting trip. We left at 6:30 in the morning (which might as well be 3am to me), and drove 4hrs to Jacksonville. On arrival, the temperature was a cold 49deg. and raining. Yes, I said raining. Pretty much as miserable as you can get. I was trying really hard to be a trooper, and the Lord must've noticed, because in the second quarter it stopped raining, and we actually had sun shining on us. It was short lived, but nice while we had it. Anyway, it was a great time, and I know Jimmy will always remember it.

Other than that, not much really exciting has been going on. We did take J.D. to the circus (Mady stayed home - would've been a nightmare!). He had seen a flier in the mail about it, and was SO excited to go. Not that he really knew what it even was, but excited none the less. He would ask every day about 10 times a day, "Is it time to go to the circus, yet?" Note to self - don't tell him until the day before. His favorite part of the circus was the "train" that brought the circus into town. No, not the elephants, or tigers, or motorcycles...he loved the make-shift train they had. Although, I think the popcorn came in close second. He and Kate sat together and shared a box of popcorn - it was so cute. They would take turns holding the box, and they would tell each other to clap at certain points. They are adorable!! It was nice to get to spend some one-on-one time with J.D. I'm sure he's been missing that over the last year! :)

Not much new with Mady. She got her first illness. She had a fever for a few days, but she was acting normal, and no other symptoms, so I put off taking her in. By day four or five, she was just really cranky and still had a fever, so I decided to go ahead and take her to the doctor (did I mention how much I hate taking them? that's another post!) Anyway, I felt like an awful mother because after looking at her, the Dr. informed me that she had a viral infection AND a double ear infection!! No wonder the kid was cranky!! Yikes!! So, antibiotic given, and first major illness done with! Yay!!

She is really growing up too quickly. She's like her own little person, now. She feeds herself completely (won't let me get near it), she plays on her own, she just has her own personality. She is very stubborn. She gets her mind set on something and you better just move out of the way. I have been informed (by my mom) that she is JUST like I was at this age...strong willed, throwing temper tantrums, stubborn. Yikes! I think that means I have my work cut out for me. But look how great I turned out, so I'm sure she'll be just fine! Ha! However, as frustrating as it can be sometimes, all it takes is for her to smile at me, and it's all better. Her smile really lights up her face and she's just so darn cute. She's a mess, but she's a delightful mess and wouldn't change a thing about her.

J.D. is just as sweet as ever, as well. He is so compassionate and has the most tender heart. He struggles when Mady takes the trains he is currently playing with, but other than that, he's a great kid. I really enjoy spending the days with my kids and even though I need a break every now and then, I wouldn't give up one second I have with them.

I love you guys so much and love being your mom.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

WARNING: This a VERY lengthy post. This is more for my documentation purposes, so if you want to keep going, proceed with caution.

I LOVE Christmas!! The cooking, baking, shopping, wrapping, scurrying around for that last minute gift, spending time with family....I love it ALL!! And this year was no different. We started Christmas off by going to the Christmas Eve service at church. Our church growing up never did that, and I've really enjoyed doing it and hope to keep that tradition as the kids get older.
Off to church: (J.D. was not cooperating)

After church, we headed over to Dennis & Mariana's house for dinner. For the past couple years, they've done a "Noche Buena" celebration on Christmas Eve. This is the first year we've been able to go, and I was so excited. It was good to be with all my family, and the food was delicious. Mariana had all the traditional Spanish food - roast pork, rice, peccadillo, yucca...yum yum!!!

When we got home that night, Jimmy & I witnessed one of the funniest things I think J.D. has ever done. We had given him the "spiel" about how Santa doesn't come unless you are sleeping, so when we said it was time for bed, he ran as fast as little legs could carry him to his bed. We tried to do our usual bedtime routine (prayers, kisses, hugs, etc), but he was NOT having it. He kept saying, "Get out NOW. Santa's coming. Get out, I have to go sleep!!" We were cracking up. He's usually the king of bedtime stalling, but not that night! A minute or two after he got in bed, we heard Santa (Nanna) outside his window saying "Ho Ho Ho" and jingling his bells. We went in to see if he heard it, and he was laying there stiff as a board with his eyes closed tight. He was not interested in talking about what he heard...he just wanted us to get out of there so he could go to sleep! Hilarious! Such good memories. :)

The next morning was awesome. They both came out of their rooms and were so excited to see that Santa had been there. And J.D. was also excited to see that Santa and his reindeer enjoyed their cookies and carrots.

They had a great time opening up their presents. J.D. wanted to open up every toy he got before unwrapping the next one - typical kid. After unwrapping one, Mady was pretty much done - thankfully big brother was so kind to help her. Ha!

After they opened all their presents, we found a note under the tree from Santa saying he left one more present in the backyard. So off we went to discover what he left. A playground!!!!

They had such a blast. It was actually sprinkling, and I'm very proud of myself that I didn't let that stop them. I put some shoes on them, and off they went. The look on J.D.'s face was priceless. He was so excited!!

After much needed naps, we headed over to Meemaw's (Barbara's) house to celebrate Christmas with her and Chris & Karen (and Bradley and Sarah Grace). It was a great time. We did presents, then had a yummy dinner, and then we started a new tradition...we played "Gassy Gus"! It's a fabulous board game that fits in perfectly with our family (I won't go into detail). Some families go caroling, some read the Christmas story....we play Gassy Gus. Trust me, you don't want to know! Ha!

The next day we went to my parents house. My family decided to celebrate it the day after so that we could all have a little more relaxing Christmas Day and not have to be running around. Thank you so much, Mom - you're the best. It was actually nice to spread it out a little bit. Two days of eating instead of one sounds like a winner to me! My mom tells the Christmas story and has all the kids act it out with a nativity. She started it several years ago, and it has become a precious time. We then opened presents and had yet another scrumptious dinner. It was a wonderful time.

It was so special to see Christmas through J.D. & Mady's eyes, and I can't wait until next year. We have two of the best families in the world, and it was so special to share Christmas with them. We know from experience that Christmas is not about the presents or the "hoopla" - it's about celebrating the birth of Jesus, and spending time with your family. We often take our families for granted, and it's a good reminder to really cherish them because you never know what the next year holds.

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

"SAY CHEESE!!"

This is so funny, and I just had to share it. So, my sister-in law, Mariana, had a wonderful idea to take a picture of all the grand kids as a Christmas present for the grand/great grandparents. I thought it was a fabulous idea and I knew they would all really appreciate it. However, we did not think through the process of actually getting them ALL to cooperate at the same time. Thankfully, we decided to just try to snap some at Debbie's house rather than go to a studio. (After you see the pictures, you will understand why.) So I get them all dressed up, head over there, and everyone looks great....until I say it's time to take the picture. I don't know what came over J.D., but he had his mind set he was NOT taking this picture. I told him I was going to have to spank him if he did not cooperate, and he quickly informed me that he would take the spanking. I explained that it was not one or the other, but he still insisted on the spanking. So I did what every good mother does, and I gave him what he wanted! ha! However, the spanking did not work. After MANY trips to the bathroom, he still refused to stand there and take the darn picture!! I felt like an awful mother and was on the verge of tears. So, needless to say, we did NOT get a good picture. Not even close. I feel really bad, because every one else did so good, and I just don't know what his problem was. Below are the results of the photo session. Better luck next year?!?

HE DID IT!!

If you didn't read the previous blog, J.D. was asked to be little boy Jesus in the Idlewild Christmas presentation. The first few nights did not go well at all, but after much talking and bribing, he was very excited about his debut appearance last night. Sitting backstage waiting, he kept asking, "is it my turn yet to go on the stage?" He was SOOO stinkin cute in his little costume (of course I'm not biased).

Before he actually went on stage, he had to wait quite a while in this dark "tunnel", and we were concerned he would get scared, so Aunt Karen (dressed as a Hebrew) went with him so he wasn't back there with people he didn't know (thanks Aunt Karen!). We were very worried about the initial "break away", but he did fabulous. They said it was time, and he jumped up and held Aunt Karen's hand and was grinning ear to ear. Jimmy and I stood there and watched him walk away and I felt like I was going to lose it. I don't know what came over me, but I immediately started to tear up and felt this gut-wrenching pain in my stomach. I looked over at Jimmy, and he obviously was having the exact same feelings. He looked like he couldn't decide if he was going to cry, laugh, or throw up! We said to each other that it's going to be one awful day when we drop him off for college! Ha!

So, we quickly went out into the sanctuary on the side so we could see the imag's (which weren't working 2 songs earlier, and I did some MAJOR praying, so thank you Lord for allowing those to work! ) And there he was, out on this big rock with Mary and Joseph ( or as J.D. called him, Jophes) watching the caravan come by and bow to him. He was SO good up there. He just watched and was actually pointing, and talking to them, and of course, smiling :) We weren't sure what he was saying to them, but apparently he was pointing out the kids he knew (Micah) and talking about the animals he saw. Jimmy and I stood there on the side holding hands trying to hold back tears and literally beaming with pride. Our little "shy guy" did it, and he couldn't have done it any better. As I was standing there, I thought of the day he was born, and just how I didn't know at the time how much I could possibly love this new little baby that I had just met. Of course I loved him the moment I saw him, but I can say I love him so much more now than I ever thought humanly possible. God gave us such a precious little boy and I know that He has wonderful plans in store for him - if I'll just let him go! :)

Lastly, I hope God allowed Poppy a front row seat tonight. He would've been so proud of him. After he expressed his concern that J.D. was wearing a "dress" and blush, he probably would've shed a few tears himself. Ha!

p.s. His first words off the stage was, "can I have my truck now?" (what we bribed him with - whatever works! ) :)

"J.D. to the Principal's Office"

Oh my goodness - what an interesting night we've had.
So, recently J.D. was asked to be "little boy Jesus" in the Idlewild Christmas presentation. I must admit that my first instinct was "not a chance", because, well, I know my son. But after thinking about it, I decided that I didn't want to hold him back from a potentially exciting opportunity because I don't think he would do it. I fully believe that kids live up to what we as adults "label" them as (good or bad), and I'm working hard to not make excuses for, or to feed into his shyness. My mom had to push me my whole life to come out of my shell, and I'm seeing that God has given me a child after my own heart. So no better PUSH than to throw him out onto a stage in front of a few thousand people! Ha!
Anyway, tonight was the dress rehearsal, and let's just say it didn't go so well. He was only the backup, and thank goodness the main kid was a rock, because there was no way in tarnations he was going out there tonight. As soon as they gave me his costume he started the drama : the burying his head in my legs, covering his eyes, crying, etc. etc. So, we promptly went to the bathroom and received a "talking to", to which he did not respond well to, as you can imagine. He finally did put the costume on, but was NOT happy about it. (Just a side note - imagine being Mary and NEVER having to spank, or be embarrassed because your child is throwing a temper tantrum in public....just a sobering thought. ha!) Once we realized that he was not going on, I decided to take him into the sanctuary to let him watch the program and see what he was SUPPOSED to do. He thought it was great and was really enthralled by it.
As soon as we walked out of the church he said, "Mom, that was so much fun. Can I have my treat you promised me now?" What in the world????
So, stay tuned to find out if he makes in on stage. We are backup on Friday & Saturday (let's pray that the main kid doesn't get sick) and then the main on Sunday. GOOD LUCK, J.D.

MAJOR MILESTONES

Our Mady-cakes has 3 major milestones to report. Over the last few weeks, she has become quite the "big girl". First (and my favorite), she all of a sudden decided that she wanted to hold her own bottle. One day when I was feeding her, she just pushed my hands down and held it with her own two little hands - I was so shocked, and thought for sure it was just a fluke, but she's been doing it ever since. This may not sound like a major thing, but believe me it is. J.D. NEVER held his bottle, so this has come as such a pleasant surprise. We're having a little trouble transitioning to the sippy cup, but I'll take this little victory for now! :)
Secondly, we were at our favorite place, Chick-fil-A, and Mady climbed up to the second step in the playground area. (Mommies, you know what I'm talking about). I could not believe it - they are pretty big steps, and I was shocked she could get her legs up that high. It's also funny to watch the different personalities - J.D. was fully capable of climbing at that age, but he was too shy and didn't want to get in the other kids way (Mommy's kid). However, Mady didn't give a toot who she got in the way of, and in fact was slinging her leg over some other kid - she wasn't about to let some little rugrat keep her from seeing what was so great up there. Side note - I was in the other room and Jimmy was playing with J.D. in the family room, and he looks over in the kitchen to find Mady sitting right in the middle of the kitchen table. She had gotten up in the chair, and climbed on the table - quite the climber she is. I see many more skull fractures in our future - Ha!
And lastly, we finally switched her over to her big girl car seat. It was becoming almost impossible to buckle her in the old one, so we decided it was time. She looks like a little peanut sitting in that big seat. I had a little meltdown the other day when I looked in the backseat and saw TWO toddlers looking at me - my baby is GONE!! Sniff, Sniff!! I can't believe she's getting so big, and it seems the days and months keep flying by and there's nothing I can do to stop it.

I pray that the Lord can help me stop and cherish and be thankful for all these little milestones instead of wishing them away for a "easier day" (whatever that is?) Thank you, Lord, for my little Mady-cakes and the way she keeps us on our toes.

~Allison

STOMACH FLU = AWFUL!

WHEW!! It has been a crazy month for us. We ended October with our Halloween party, followed a week later by Mady's birthday. I had been "burning the wick at both ends" those two weeks and was so looking forward to a relaxing week with not much on the schedule - Ha! Should've known that sounded too good to be true.
Wednesday night I was awaken around 3am by J.D. throwing up all in his bed - YAY!! Poor guy, he was so sick, and continued to throw up several times throughout the night. I think we both maybe got one hour of sleep in before Mady woke up the next morning. Needless to say, being up since 3, my patience was thin and was just counting the hours until bed time. So, I finally get the kiddos to sleep, and I drift off into oblivion...until 1am when I awoke running to the bathroom. Yep, I got it! So, I'll spare the details, but didn't get any sleep that night either. I felt really awful the next day and did the only thing I knew to do...called Mommy! My mom, bless her heart, was heading out of town, but took time to come over and help with the kids and even made me some homemade chicken soup - yum! I slept for 12hrs that night and felt like a new woman the next day. I thought life was starting to look better, then...yes, you guessed, Jimmy got it the next night - yet another night with little sleep (couldn't sleep with all the moaning & groaning. ha!) He stayed home from work the next day, so I had to play nurse, mommy & house cleaner that day - let's just say it was NOT a good day! On another note, J.D. was so sweet when I was sick. He would say, "Mommy, I'm so sorry you sick, I'm sorry". I kept telling him he didn't have to be sorry, but it was so precious - he has such a tender heart and really cares about stuff like that. Anyway, I think we've all had it now (Mady had a little diarr, so hoping that's all she'll get), and am really hoping we can get back to normal, whatever that is, before the holidays. Although, I better be careful - wishing for normal is what gets me in trouble! :)