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.