Our Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas! We went to my daddy and Cathi's house on Christmas Eve, My granBarbara was there as well as Cathi's son, his girlfriend and Cathi's niece. We played bingo and Cathi read a left/right Christmas story, where a gift was passed. We had a great time exchanging gifts. Then we hurried home to get ready for Santa. On Christmas morning, Maximus came running through the house saying "OH GOSH, GET UP SANTA REALLY DID COME, GET UP, GET UP, GET UP... I am going to get River". River didn't know what to think about everything. The kids saw what Santa brought them and then we finished our last day of the Jessie Tree devotion (it was really neat because Maximus was ready to open the last ornament). Then we had a birthday party for Jesus, with cake and we sang Happy Birthday. After that, we opened our gifts and surprised the kids with a wooden swing set. It took Jason (and a friend of his) about 14 hours to build the swing set so we were pretty proud of this gift.
After we played for a few minutes, we went to Jason's parents house for Christmas, had lunch and exchanged gifts. Maximus and River really enjoy this time as they get to spend time with their cousins and make lots of noise.
Later, we went to my mama's house for Christmas, had dinner with her, my brother and his wife and exchanged gifts. We played a game of Monopoly, Maximus's favorite board game.
We all got many nice gifts and wish everyday was Christmas!

We've been flexing for the past two weeks. . .because it's Christmastime.
Instead of doing school, we've played games, read Christmas stories, baked cookies, and just goofed off. Who cares. . .it's Christmastime and besides, this time is much more valuable than any phonics or math lesson!!!
But we've still been very busy so this week, we are just going to enjoy being home and enjoy the rest of the holiday together doing nothing.
Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and may you find comfort and joy this holiday.

While Jason was busy feeling like one of Santa's elves on Christmas Eve, trying to get the kid's big gift ready, me and the kids shopped, ate, shopped, ate and...
went on a carriage ride at Ashley Park in Newnan. This is something that I have always wanted to do and there was really nothing better than riding with my two princes'. We snuggled under a blanket and were all three in awe. It was SO much fun and we can't wait to go again!

Maximus and River petting "Molly".

We love Ashley Park, it has everything! A candy store (although plan to give them your right arm for a lb. of candy), Mexican, icecream, the movies, a video game store, a hairsalon and spa , a toy store, shoes, clothes, waterfalls- just a lot of fun stuff- this time of year anyway!

A sad story...

My baby River got his first haircut and now he looks like a little boy.
I was trying so hard to hold on to that last baby curl, that is- until everyone informed me it was no longer a curl, but a rat tail!!!

He didn't do well either, he cried like the lady was going to beat him. I had to hold him while he got his haircut and Maximus took the picture for us!

Updates on our Traditons and Advents

Here is "Redbell" stuck upside down in our light fixture!!! Well, see Maximus was getting bored with finding Redbell. I would say "lets find Redbell" and he'd say "can we do that later?"... I was so disappointed. Then I thought about the kind of kid Maximus (and River too) is and thought I bet he would like it if Redbell got stuck and I was sooo right! He's been hiding all over the house, in the trees, on shelves, on the mantel in the stocking, and one day he was in the light fixture- no big deal- until the next day he couldn't fly back to the North Pole because he got stuck! That's what did it- Maximus laughed so hard until he almost peed his pants!! So now Redbell gets stuck in cabinets, has kicked my cookbooks all over the place, made huge messes and every loves to wake up and see what our little elf has done this time!! We've also really enjoyed the Jessie Tree Advent. Our family sits down every night (okay I'll admit we've had to do more than one in a night sometimes), but we read the devotion, open the ornament and the book gives you ideas of things to talk about in your own lives. Its great family time- that we too often don't take advantage of. Here is one of my favorite ornaments, the coat of many colors.
I would highly recommend this Advent to all families.

Last night we went to church to see Santa!

I know you are wondering if that is a true statement or not with church and Santa being in the same sentence, but its true!

The church that we have been visiting, Orchard Hills Baptist Church, had their Christmas dinner last night and Santa and Mrs Claus were there to read the story of the birth of Jesus to the children. I can't think of a better way for children to learn the true meaning of Christmas!

I won't go into much about the church because I am new and a non-member, but I will tell you the people seem genuine and real, very warm and welcoming and our family can relate to the sermons. The pastor is someone you would want to sit down with and have a heartfelt conversation with.

I've been tagged....

1. What is your occupation right now? which one???
2. What color are your socks right now? brown
3. What are you listening to right now? Maximus and River
4. What was the last thing that you ate? cereal
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Jason
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes (Jennifer)
8. How old are you today? 29
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? No sport
10. What is your favorite drink? diet Pepsi
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? yes
12. Favorite food? Right now, its BBQ
13. What is the last movie you watched? Charlie Brown Christmas
14. Favorite day of the year? Christmas Eve
15. How do you vent anger? I throw things
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Easy bake oven
17. What is your favorite season? Fall
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries
19. Living arrangements? Hubby, 2 kids and 3 dogs
20. When was the last time you cried? Last week sometime
21. What is on the floor of your closet? clothes and shoes
22. What did you do last night? Went to church to see Santa
23. What are you most afraid of ? Losing someone close to me
24. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Cheese
25. Favorite dog breed? Great Dane's, Rat Terriers and Beagles
26 . Favorite day of the week? Friday
27. How many states have you lived? 1
28. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
29. What is your favorite flower? Tulips
30. Boxers or Briefs? Boxer briefs

What have we been up to?

On Saturday 12/13 we went to Jason's family Christmas (Christmas at Granmama Arp's). Jason's family is so big that they have to hold it at a community center. The dinner is a potluck, and I always make a dessert, this year I made a chocolate cake. After dinner, the kids sat around a sang Christmas carols- that is one precious site!
Later, the kid's exchanged gifts from the names they drew. Maximus and River each drew a girls name and I was clueless when shopping. Everything had a million pieces and was a bit pricey and pink. I was thinking of buying each of them a truck since all they see is pink stuff! Hey- my boys like strollers and babydolls, of course they drive the baby around like the Dukes of Hazard, but that's besides the point. We had a great time! Jason loved this time growing up with all of his aunts, uncles, cousins and granmama- and I think our kids' will feel the same way!

We've been very busy, handmaking our Christmas cards, reading the Christmas story, baking cookies and writing Maximus's letter to Santa. Here is Maximus's letter (if you can read it). It was sooo cute!
When we first started talking about Christmas, he said he wanted Santa to bring him a Plasma, a laptop, a bigger 4wheeler and a tree house. I thought I was going to have to tell the poor kid who "Santa" really was and how broke he really is! But when writing his letter, he wrote an Army set, and I immediately ran out bought one before he changed his mind. I have no idea where he got the idea of a remote control Lego truck, but I am still searching for a replica and yes he is getting a real BB gun.
Speaking of Santa, I know a lot of people question whether they should tell their kid's about Santa not being real and I say "NOT". I was never sat down and told the truth, all I was told is that when you quit believing, you quit receiving. Now why would I have ever told what I really knew. I got presents from Santa until I moved out and was never traumatized by the truth. Lighten up, its the magic of Christmas.

Oh yea, and I got my ears pierced, I am trying to get in touch with my feminine side- and Jason if you are reading this- my ears will be ready (it takes six weeks) for those real diamond earrings by Valentines :)!

We've been busy!

Last Friday, we went to a children's Christmas party with all of Maximus's Eagles Nest friends. There were tables set up as craft stations. Each table had a different craft and supplies for the kids to make. Then the kids stood on stage and sang old fashioned Christmas songs, such as 'Frosty the Snowman', 'Jingle Bells' and 'Rudolph'. To end the party, we had lots of snacks and goodies- which is right up my little sweet tooth's alley. Maximus had a great time!

In Loving Memory of

Michael Shane Meadows

02/10/1976- 12/13/2006

We miss you and you will never be forgotten!!

Last but definitely not least!

I am done Christmas shopping, except for one person, my husband. He is so hard to buy for because he doesn't want just things. He always says "don't buy me anything, there's nothing I want right now". But I like to show my love by giving gifts, so I never listen and I just stress a little until I find the perfect gift for him or at least what I consider perfect... I mean come on, everybody has to want something.

So if you are like me and having the same troubles here is a list of Top 10's and some tips to prevent this from happening.

Top 10 ways to know your husband doesn't like his Christmas gift:

10. He opens it and says, "Wow, I hope you got a really good deal on this. . .I mean a reallllllyyy good deal."
9. He opens it and says, "This will be perfect for the white elephant sale at Aunt Martha's tomorrow."
8. He opens it and says, "This will look good when I clean out the garage."
7. He opens it and says, "Boy, I like this one as much as the other one you bought me last year."
6. He opens it and says, "Honey you shouldn't have. . .and I mean it."
5. He opens it and says, "Where did you FIND this. . .a dumpster, the side of the road. . .?"
4. He opens it and says, " I like it. . .but what is the return policy at the store where you bought
it?"
3. He opens it and says, "Of course I like it. . .what exactly would you call it?"
2. He accidentally backs over 'it' . . .twice.
1. You find him listing it on Ebay before lunch.

Tip #1 - What does your husband talk about all the time: sports, computer gadgets, tools, cars? Go to a store that sells those kinds of things, walk up to a man (that's important) and say, "What's the coolest "thing" you have that is guaranteed to please my husband?" Then buy whatever it is that he says.
Tip #2 - Go to that ladies pajama department and say to the clerk, "What's the coolest "thing" you have that is guaranteed to please my husband?" Then buy whatever it is that she says and wrap it up as a special his-eyes-only Christmas gift.
Tip #3 - If you are still struggling you can buy a 2009 You 'da Dad daily Calendar
and you are sure to have the perfect "thing".

Merry Christmas to me... and hopefully a special child!

I whacked my hair off and donated it to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization who's mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by donating ponytails to financially disadvantaged children.
Knowing that I could donate to the organization made the much needed change a breeze.
I looked so plain and boring and have to admit I started to look like the stereotyped, dull, tired, exhausted, overwhelmed homeschooling mom!

I was afraid I would regret it, but so far I love it! I was worried about Jason not liking it- but he LOVED it!!! My long hair was very healthy, but just didn't match my personality.
I got it cut at w. daly AVEDA Salon Spa and it was scrumptious! I really felt like I was getting royal treatment!

But check this out ($750) ... I may have to grow it back out and sell it next time :)!

Only 15 days till Christmas...

Our Christmas tree!
This is our first official year to have an artificial tree. I was not happy about going from real to artificial, but it was just more economical for us and with two kids, much more convenient. I truly prefer a real tree and do not think our days of real trees are over. I like a fresh cut real tree from a tree farm. I like to go out in the cold, walk around and pick out the best one and cut it down ourselves... till we can do that again, I guess we'll stick to the artificial.
I have a lot of simular ornaments (2 or 3 of a kind) because those are what started our collection, but now I only buy/make one of a kind. My tree doesn't have a theme, just snowmen, santas, gingerbread men, snowflakes, nutcrackers, Christmas balls, anything Christmasy. I like ornaments that we can reminise about through the years.
My mom is very themy, she likes everything to match and one year we even had a tree with country ducks on it, country duck lights and country duck stockings to match- can you imagine that?

The kid's Christmas tree, its not complete we add new things/ornaments to it each day, including our Jessie Tree ornaments.

Here are some of my favorite ornaments:

This one me and Maximus made last year from a light bulb and one of his baby socks :)

I love this one! It was given to me by Tara a few years ago. I love that its personalized with our names (River wasn't born yet).

This one Maximus picked out from the store. He said it looked normal (that's his version of familiar or reminds him of) because I like to bake cookies.

This is one that we made this year from a glass ball, sticky letters and snow. We made a few different ones that say 'Love', 'Hope', 'Dream', and 'Believe'.

Oh and my childhood favorite! I got this in 1986. When I was a little girl I use to pull it out and dream of being a Sugarplum fairy- and I still do!

When I say Only 15 days till Christmas, I don't say it with stress that its almost here, I say it with stress that its almost gone.

I love the warmth that Christmastime brings to our house and am not ready for it to be over!

Whew!

Last Friday we went on a field trip, that was organized by our homeschool group, to E-KA, a Japanese Steakhouse and GranBarbara joined us. Just in brief, before the field trip, we looked at where Japan was on the map compared to America. We'll get more into the culture as Maximus gets older. We had a great time and great chef and will definitely have to go back again! On Friday evening, Cathi was invited to a Christmas dinner at Crossroads Baptist Church by a lady that she works with and she invited me to go with her. The theme was Christmas Around the World. Each table had a host and each host had to decorate their own table- below are a few pictures, but does not do any justice to how beautiful all the tables and decorations were. Dinner was great! We got to choose from Mexican, American and Italian. I chose Mexican and Cathi chose Italian. Then we had, my favorite- coffee with french vanilla cream while we listened to a few speakers from around the world talk about Christmas traditions in their country. The one that impressed me most was the girl from South Africa that said 'it's hot in her country and they have Christmas on the beach with shorts, tshirts and a picnic'!!
I had a such a great time and got to meet some really sweet ladies.

Me and Cathi with our ornaments, these were handmade by a lady for each person attending- was said that she made 500 of them!

What we really wanted was the cheesecake at the next table over :)!

On Saturday, I went to a Christmas Tea- hosted by the ladies woman's ministry at Orchard Hills Baptist Church and was invited by my friend, Pam (thank you- thank you- Pam for all that you have done for me- you have done more than you'll ever know). There were beautifully decorated tables and the most beautiful Christmas music I had ever heard. Each lady- at their own table- was asked to tell about a favorite Christmas memory as a child. It was so much fun hearing everyone's stories and laughing.

The speaker was, the Pastor of Orchard Hills, Dr. Stacy Thomas's, mom. She had such a sweet testimony and seemed to have such a kind heart. She's the kind of person, you wish you could bring home with you, cuddle up to and listen to her stories over and over again!

Here are a few of the decorated tables- I was so inspired that I left and went to Target to get a table cloth, napkins, and a candle centerpiece!!

Cathi (and my dad) kept Maximus and River for me so that I could go to the Christmas Tea.

I emailed Cathi a few days before and ask if she would keep the boys for me for just a few hours and her response was 'I’d LOVE to watch the boys on Saturday, I thought you’d never ask!!!'

Cathi, you have no idea how much that meant to me! Thank you!!

I know the boys had a good time- but I think Cathi was introduced to TAZ when he sprinkled Comet all over their house!

On Sunday, we went to downtown Newnan and met up with my friend Tara and her daughter and watched the Christmas parade. Tara's son, Jacob, is in the marching band for Newnan- so we got to see him too. Both Maximus and River had a great time and loved getting all the candy.

We got to see Santa in the firetruck too- its great to see my kid's see something that I have seen as a child.

Today- I am just trying to play catch up. Jason helped me clean the house and catch up the dishes and laundry.

Do you see this cute kid sitting with Santa Claus... notice he's not mine because mine were clung to my legs holding on for dear life, trembling and praying that Santa wouldn't even look their way!
Yesterday we went grocery shopping and low and behold Santa was there. The store was packed! Throughout the store, there were carolers and hot chocolate sampling- too bad grocery shopping isn't this much fun all year long!!

Well, I finally convinced Maximus to sit in Santa's lap and the only reason he agreed was for a miniature candy cane and he told Santa he didn't want anything for Christmas- he apparently didn't take after his mama who still lets Santa know what she wants each year!!

Bells Will Be Ringing

I am getting so excited about Christmas. It doesn't take much to get me excited or in the spirit this time of year. We've put up our trees and I love to see my boys walk around them each day just staring at the lights and ornaments with amazement.
Me and Jason have opposite memories of Christmas growing up. Most of my memories comes from tradition- things that never changed year to year.
I want my kids' hearts to be filled with wonderful memories- to past down.
When it comes to shopping for the kids, Jason and I wholeheartedly disagree. I grew up many presents under the tree and Jason didn't so he tries to work overtime during the holidays to make sure our kids have a good Christmas. I definitely want them to have a good Christmas, especially since we don't buy toys year 'round, but a few great gifts is perfect to me. One thing that I worry about is not wanting them to expect or be disappointed if the next year comes and we only have money to eat beans out of the can. So I want to keep our Christmas simple and filled with memory where money is not the big factor.
I appreciate Jason and that's one of the things that I love about him so much- is that he loves, truly loves, his family, but I'm trying to teach him too its not about quantity its about quality.
This being said, that's one of the reasons I am so big on tradition (and this comes from someone who starts her Christmas list for the next year in January :))!
Every year we drive around and see the lights- last night we went to the Todd's house on Bethlehem Church Road, you've gotta go see them- they are beautiful.
You know its Christmas time around my house when I start baking- scratch cookies and cakes, but my family begs for buckeyes so I make batches and batches of buckeyes.
On Christmas morning we have a birthday party for Jesus, with cake and we sing Happy Birthday to Him.
Every year we get new pajamas- my whole family Loves pajamas.
This year we have added the Jesse Tree and The Elf on the Shelf to our tradition. Mimi (my mom) also brought the kids over an Advent House where each day they get to open a new door and so far, get out a piece of chocolate- they love this.
I love being home for Christmas and its really the only time of the year that I don't want to be somewhere else. When I was little, me and my brother would pace the floor all day on Christmas Eve waiting to go to GranBarbara's house (my grandmother). I went there for many many years and its a memory I'll never forget.
I hope my children experience some of these same feelings.

Just 22 more days till Christmas!!!

Our New Christmas Tradition

Our family has started a new tradition this year. It's called The Elf on the Shelf.
Have your kids ever wondered just how does Santa know if you've been naughty or nice?

The Elf on the Shelf is a book about about a magic elf who comes to live with you during Christmas time and magically flies to Santa every night to give him a report on whether you've been good or bad. The elf then magically flies back home before you awake and lands in a new spot each day and you have to find him first thing when you wake up.
The Elf on the Shelf book comes with its own elf. Maximus named his elf "Redbell".
I was excited about this new tradition but I had no idea this elf would bring sooo much fun to our house.

Turkey Day 2008

All 7 cousins enjoying Thanksgiving with each other

Granmama Arp and her 3rd generation

Thanksgiving dinner at Pawpaw and Cathi's

I think Thanksgiving and tradition are starting to go hand in hand in our family.
Thanksgiving has always been one of my least favorite holidays. To be honest with you, I didn't know the true meaning of Thanksgiving until I started reading to and teaching my children.
Now I understand why we are supposed to give thanks and be thankful and I hope I can pass on this tradition to Maximus and River.
We had a very peaceful and relaxing holiday weekend. We weren't on a huge schedule to get here and be there just to eat turkey 3 times in one day. We weren't in any rush and was able to enjoy our family and each other. On Thursday we had Thanksgiving with Jason's grandmother- she is 92 years old. She is an amazing woman. She birthed 9 kids and raised 11. She has over 50 (Maximus was the 50th) grandchildren and great-grandchildren... and she still buys Christmas for all of them. I'm glad we were there to spend Thanksgiving with her. On Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, my dad and Cathi kept Maximus (we dropped him off at 6 am) while we went Christmas shopping. It was great to be able to do some of our shopping without having to sneak and separate from one another in the store. After we finished up shopping, we went back to their house and had Thanksgiving with them, Cathi's family and my granBarbara- all the food was soo good, but best of all it was good to have Thanksgiving with my dad again.
Saturday we put out our Christmas decorations and decorated our tree while listening to Alan Jackson's Christmas. We cooked a ham and a few fixings- which I think started a new tradition for us.

This year we have 2 trees, one for all my collected ornaments; snowmen, gingerbread men, Santa Clauses, snowballs, just things I've collected over the past few years. And the other tree is for all the ornaments that the kids make. We love pulling out all of decorations and reminiscing. My granBarbara has given me an ornament each year since 1983.

For mine and Jason's first Christmas I wanted some blinking lights, but we couldn't afford them. We only had 2 strands of lights and some cheap silver balls on our tree. We opened our blinds so we could see our bare tree from the outside and discovered if we jumped up and down, the lights looked as though they were blinking through the blinds. Now, looking back- those were some good times.

Just 24 more days till Christmas!!!