Air...

That's what we've been doing ..
getting some air, taking a breather, slowing down to smell the coffee.

We went to the Montgomery Zoo and watched the animals, who all had Spring fever (if you know what I mean). I think the kids even got a little sunburn it was so nice out.

We spent a day exploring the Tuskegee National Forest, had a picnic in the woods (which David packed all on his own) and enjoyed the total peace and quiet of a simpler time. As Aidan put it-"getting some nature air in our noses".

It's been a week of reflecting back on what this year has been for us, both good and bad. We've been working on our resolutions, ones that are realistic and unselfish. Aidan will have chores for the first time, Camryn is potty trained, I'm cancer-free, and maybe David will use all his vacation time in 2009. I'm definitely working on that one. If anything 2008 has taught me, it is that time is priceless, you can't get it back once it's spent, so spend it wisely. David, the kids and I will toast in the New Year together and there's no place else I'd rather be. So... cheers to living your best life in 2009. We'll be right behind you!!

Don we now our......

Gay bowling apparel and hit the local alley for some heated competition. There's nothing like snack bar food, a couple of cold beers and a raucous crowd to make it feel like Christmas!

Look out Fred Flinstone.

Praying to the Bowling Gods.

Camryn took a team effort.

Did I mention that team "KIDS" beat team "PARENTS" in total pins competition? We want a rematch soon! After muscles I didn't know I had stop hurting.

He's Just Seven (teen???)

WATCH OUT JONAS BROTHERS.

We love Santa!! Why? Because Santa brought Aidan an ELECTRIC guitar.

He must have taken one look at the hair and thought it would be perfect.

Apparently there are lessons in his future...... and a maybe a video!

Sorry this is sideways, but it's really the sound that counts.

All is Calm, All is Bright....

Christmas Eve was a little different this year, but a lot was the same. For the first time in a long time, we had no company. It was just us and a box of gifts from Grandma Janet.

Thanks for shipping them all the way from Michigan!

For the 41st year of my life, the elves left new PJ's on our beds which we had to put on immediately (it was 6:30). It's amazing those elves have never missed a year.

For the first time that I remember, we went out to dinner instead of cooking. We weren't the only ones at Outback!! Aidan wouldn't give me a serious face, so after giving up, his Dad did the same thing to him. At least Camryn and I were camera ready.

After dinner, we drove around to enjoy the lights and the kids complained they were bored (like they do every year). They were both in bed by eight, which is another first. Overall, it was one of the quieter Christmas Eves of our lives, but it gave us a chance to miss our friends and family far away and appreciate "just us" at home for the Holidays.

Aidan is Seven

We finally pulled it off. Aidan had more than three people (not including restaurant staff), sing Happy Birthday to him on his actual Birthday. From his reaction, I think he was overwhelmed with emotion at the enormity of it. We've always worked hard to make his Birthday special, but due the proximity to Christmas, it has never happened on the day of his birth. Thank you to all our friends who took time from your busy schedules to join us in song. We truly enjoyed ourselves!! I was even blessed with one of those priceless moments that remind you why it's all worth it. Aidan came into the kitchen during the final preparations for his party and said (in these exact words) " Mom, thanks for all the work you've done for my party. I know it's been a lot of shopping and cleaning, but I really appreciate it. I know it's going to be great". I'd do all over again for you Aidan. You're the best!!

He got a Lego set and a scooter from us. We hope he doesn't break his leg before Christmas!

Here is the Birthday song with 24 voices strong!!

Oh yeah, the cake was homemade, not as light and fluffy as I hoped, but the kids and I still ate it for breakfast this morning, another tradition in our family. Yes , even cake tastes better the next day!

Thanks a Lot Washington! (as in D.C.)

It's finally happened. David and I need a Bailout. At Aidan's holiday party yesterday, one of the Mom's asked David if she should submit our family to Toy for Tots (which we contribute to every year I might add.) David was confused of course, until she told him how Aidan answered when she asked what he wanted Santa to bring him. Aidan responded " Well, I 'm really not going to get much this year, because the economy's so bad that even Santa's had to cut back. My Mom and Dad aren't even getting anything." I don't know whether we should laugh or cry. It's all my fault..... but after being handed the eighth Santa list this year, I just had to put a little perspective on the situation, manage his expectations. I guess he got it!! Rest assured, Santa is visiting our house this year. I'm also proud to say that it's much more about the spirit of the season, than the loot for Christmas 2008. We're not really stimulating the economy much, but I feel like one of the richest people on earth. Thanks George W., for helping us get our priorities straight!!

"Grandma Claus" Came to Town

You better not shout , you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why.... Grandma Claus is coming to town and she'll spoil your kids no matter how much you protest. Thanks Mom, for all the special things you did with the kids. You always manage to make so many silly memories that we laugh about until your next visit. I'm still smiling every time I open the fridge and see that awful fake snowball. Oh yeah... can't forget the presents. Camryn got another installment for her Dress-up trunk and we all had fun being her models. Aidan got an Erector set that he and David will tackle over the break. Our annual visit with Santa didn't go so smoothly, as Camryn decided hugging Santa was less scary than sitting on his lap. She decided to let Grandma fill-in. We'll try the Santa Picture again next year. Grandma also helped me with lots of projects for Aidan's school, like Birthday cupcakes and a Holiday craft for the kids to make. Everything was more fun and much quicker with Grandma's help. I'm sure she slept better at home without Aidan to snuggle with and Camryn's witch to keep her company. More about that in another blog. Thanks for making the trip Mom. We missed you before your plane even took off and I promise I won't make you work so hard on your next visit.

Aidan's Nutcracker Debut

After months of rehearsals, several costume fittings, dress rehearsal, technical rehearsal, first run through, and cast pictures,.. Aidan was finally on stage "for real". He (and the rest of the crew) were fantastic. It amazes me how he made it through all the hard work, time away from friends, and all those days surrounded by "girls" and didn't complain once. Oh.. and did I mention the make-up? That poor kid had to wear A LOT of make-up. His performance was perfect, without an ounce of stage fright, not even nervous. I was more worked up about being a backstage Mom.. He reassured me I'd do fine. He's ready for the next production - Snow White , but I need a hiatus. Here's a few pics from rehearsal. The use of recording devices was prohibited during the actual ballet. This ain't no small time production!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Well maybe a little like Christmas. It just isn't the same without snow! Well, this is our house in Alabama, with fewer lights than last year, because we vowed not to buy any new decorations this year. Of course, we jinxed our light supply into not lighting up. Oh well, less to take down in January. So from our home to yours, Merry Christmas!!

Dinner with Friends (or idols)

Friday night, our dear friends had us over for a delicious dinner. As always, the kids had a ball chasing each other around while the adults tried to carry on a full conversation. We finally got them corralled to the counter (popcorn as bait), where Aidan led the gang in Christmas carols. "Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the..... WAIT..... Batman smells, Robin laid an egg.... "Stop, stop. Aidan you know I don't like you singing those songs"... even though Mom knows all the words because I sang all those same songs when I was little...."C and Camryn really look up to you. You need to set an example." Yada, yada, yada. Check out these pictures I unknowingly captured that make my point exactly!!

Auburn Christmas Parade

Last night Aidan and Camryn ( and myself out of fear of them falling off the float) were thrilled to ride in the Auburn Christmas Parade. Aidan and I both decided we liked being in the parade more than watching. Camryn only cared about the candy canes. Unfortunately, David got held

up at work so my beauty pageant wave went to waste. The kids thought it was the best, so I better start looking for a float to crash for next year. Oh yeah, I know Camryn is sideways, but I couldn't figure out how to turn her. I decided to skip Aidan until I can turn him right side up.

Keeping it Real

I've always loved this picture, taken on Aidan's first day of school this year, but I hated the fact that Camryn had her pacifier (Abuu). When I decided to start a blog though, I vowed to keep it real and the fact is, Camryn loves that pacifier and has it much of the time. That's who she is. That's why her eyes are happy and we all look happy. Hopefully her little teeth don't stick out from having that thing in her mouth all the time. Regardless, it is what it is. I've created this little monster, so why not show her off. Mainly, my goal is to portray my life as it is, not how I dream it to be. I've often visited other blogs and thought "This isn't the family that I see in real life. They're just posing for the camera (blog)". So if you see a lot of pacifiers, dirty faces, messy hair, and clutter in the back ground, rest assured, what you see is what you get! Oh by the way, you may have noticed the proper cases of my words now. When I tried to read my own posts, I had a hard time, and I knew what I had written. I decided for easier reading, I'd stick to the rule book and practice my two handed typing. It'll probably just shorten my ranting. Stay tuned for my first official post about my kids, which is what this is all about anyway. At least I know how to post one picture at a time.

Goal Accomplished

can i tell you how long i've been wanting to start a blog? since i discovered that i could share the good, bad, and the ugly about my private life with billions of strangers (and the people that know and love me best). the first thing you may notice, is that i've chosen to use no capitals (because i'm such a slow and awful typist). this just lets me get my thoughts out more quickly and i'm always looking for short cuts. what you can't tell yet , is that i'm computer illiterate, using the trial and error method for anything i do get right. thus the delay in my blog set-up. i was waiting for my completely computer genius husband to do it for me. as of today, i was still waiting. when checking out one of my favorite blogs, i noticed a little"start a blog" icon and thought, "how hard can it be". twenty minutes later, here is my first official post. goal accomplished. now if i can figure out how to add pictures, i'll be all set. time is going by so fast, so i hope to capture some of our best living here. wish me luck or at least don't laugh when i get it wrong.