More Christmas!

I'll just say it... it's impossible to NOT have the Christmas Spirit with Violet in the family.  She's two years old now and just fascinated with everything Christmas.  Except Santa Clause, who she's afraid of.  

She goes nuts whenever she sees a Christmas light.  No matter how many times we've driven by any particular house, she'll scream "Oh, Mama!  Christmas!  There's more Christmas!". Every time, and her level of enthusiasm has not lessened with time.  She's so joyful!  The same thing happens, but on a more down-to-earth level, when we see Christmas decorations in a store.  

A few weeks ago our church had it's Wednesday night service at the amphitheater at Lake Lanier Islands.  We did this last year, too, and the weather was so warm and muggy that we didn't need jackets. This year, it was COLD! Freezing!  Luckily Chris was smart enough to stop and buy blankets and chairs at Wal-Mart because I forgot to pack ours.  The boys ran off and sat with their friends during the service, so I don't have any picture of them.  Chris and I spent most of our time running around after Violet, but hey, we were at church together!

First taste of hot chocolate.  She's now a fan!

We wandered around during the music and found this.  She was in Heaven being this close to "Christmas"!

Here's a shot I took of the service, from the top of the seats.  Beautiful, and a sweet time, even if the weather was frigid!

After church was over, we drove through the Magical Night of Lights, or whatever they're calling it now.  The boys weren't that impressed but Violet sure was!

Memories!

Lately... What I've Read/Watched

The Way the Crow Flies by Anne-Marie MacDonald.  This book was good.  Forget that it took me almost two months to finish it... the fact that I renewed it from the library and then sweet-talked the librarian into checking it back in and then checking it back out to me again instead of sending it back to it's library home in south Georgia proves just how good this book is!  It's long.  Probably one of the reasons it took me so long to finish it.  It's a murder mystery, set in Canada just after the end of World War II.  That's the main plot, but oh my goodness at the many sub-plots.  For once, I actually figured out who the murderer was.  I have to say though, that some of the content was really difficult for me to read.  One of the sub-plots deals with child abuse by a teacher.  

When Joy Came to Stay by Karen Kingsbury.  I know, I know, I've said that I was finished with Karen Kingsbury so many times.  I was over at my Granny's and noticed a copy of this novel on her table.  I read the back cover and decided to give it a whirl because it deals with a subject very near and dear to  my heart:  depression in Christian women.  The book was a typical Kingsbury, in my opinion.  I  pretty much knew what was going to happen before it happened.  Very predictable and cliche.  But, a good story. Also a very informative read for those who think that Christians shouldn't suffer from depression.  I could actually relate to the main character.  A lot!  More than I care to admit.  

Gilmore Girls.  Oh, how I love this show.  I was SO excited and was counting the days until it became available on Netflix.  It's just so good!  The first day that it appeared  on Netflix, I was having a bad day.  I remember thinking to myself, during one of Violet's temper tantrums in Target, "It's gonna be okay.  I'm gonna go to church tonight and then come home and watch Gilmore Girls.  Just hang on.".  Ha ha!  I watched the whole series really quickly and loved every minute.  I had forgotten how hard the last season was to watch, though.  It was torture watching Lorelei screw up her relationship with Luke over and over and over!  Still so good, though!

Parenthood. It's the farewell season and I'm so sad!  I love this show, too.  I have a weird obsession with Lauren Graham, I guess. One of my favorite parts about this season is texting my friend Joanne during each episode.  We watch it together and commentate... "Oh  no.  Zeke's gonna die in this episode!"  and "What in the world is Amber thinking?!?!"  and "No Joel!  Fight for Julia!".  Those sorts of things.  I'm gonna miss it when it's gone.  

American Horror Story:  Coven.  Not impressed.  Totally a waste of my time.  

The Walking Dead.  I finally jumped on this bandwagon and I'm officially obsessed.  I'm on Season 3 right now, on Netflix.  Trying to get caught up by February.  My family is so  happy!  

Thanksgiving 2014

Thanksgiving 2014 is in the books.  So much food!  We ate 5 Thanksgiving meals total.   Not all in the same day, thankfully, but I'm scared to step on the scale.  It was worth it, though.  We had a very nice holiday spent with our friends and family, counting our blessings.  

I didn't take many pictures, but here's a rundown of our many Thanksgivings, if you're interested!

1.  Thanksgiving with my dad's side of the family.  This was held last Sunday at my parents' house.  We usually have this get-together at Granny's house, but we've outgrown her home!  All of us 4 cousins are either married of have a significant other, and 3 of us have kids.  So we upgraded to mom's house.  My contribution?  I went in with my sister and purchased the ham.

2.  Thanksgiving lunch at Chris' work on the Tuesday before Turkey Day.  A very nice time and lots of good conversation with our church family.  I was a little nerve-wracked at the idea of my kids eating in the office-  no one spilled anything on the carpet, though.  Ha!  And I had the best turkey I've ever eaten.  It was cooked in a crock pot.  I must get the recipe.  We brought cheesy mashed potatoes!

3.  Thanksgiving Day with The Shadburns at Chris' Granny's.  Again, a very nice time.  The kids all played with their cousins and we adults caught up with our family that we hadn't seen in awhile.  There's always lots of craziness going on over there.  The good kind, of course!

Goofy cousins.  Ha!

Violet finally warmed up to Cousin Terry.  She was scared of him but finally allowed him to hold her!  And Shaun is now the proud owner of that hairy hat.  Don't ask!

I'm thankful for him!

Oh, and I brought some chocolate pecan brownies to this meal.  Store-bought but still a big hit!

4.  Thanksgiving night with my mom's family. This was held at my "baby" cousin Lindsey's new home.  She was so gracious to open it up to our brood!  We spent lots of time admiring, laughing, catching up, and of course, eating.  I love my cousins!  I made mac and cheese in the crock pot.  My first time making this recipe and I just winged it.  It was good!  

5.  Friendsgiving at Elia's house.  My friend Elia decided to start a new tradition this year, and I'm so glad she did.  I had never heard of Friendsgiving before but it's a great idea!  Chris wasn't feeling well on Friday so he and Shaun stayed home.  Jordan, Violet, and I had a great time.  After we ate, the adults talked and the kids played.  Very relaxing and low key.

Jordan and Halle.  I hope they're friends forever!

For this last Thanksgiving meal, I brought fruit and a veggie tray.  

As I type this up, it hits me just how blessed we really are!

Christmas Tree 2014

Today, for the first time ever, we decorated our tree before Thanksgiving!

I know, I know.

I am a huge boycotter of all things Christmas before Thanksgiving.  But today, it just seemed right.  Chris was off.  We didn't have church.  So we just did it.  It was even my idea.  And I listened to Christmas music in the car.  What can I say?  I'm just feeling especially Christmassy this year.  

Even though we didn't get to go to a tree farm this year, I still took pictures!

I'm sure the employees at Lowe's thought we were the biggest dorks.  Ha!

These pictures remind me of The Brady Bunch... some of us are dressed for winter and some look like it's summer time outside. 

Chris remembered that we needed some new lights and a few more ornaments this year, so we went shopping first.  We each picked out a new ornament.  Violet picked a pretty pink purse.

She really liked it.  I thought we were going to have trouble actually getting it up on the tree, but we didn't.

We still need to get a new topper and a tree skirt.  I'll post a picture once the tree is completed.  In the meantime, just be assured that it's very pretty.  

I think we might have started a Smith Family Tradition this year.  

Halloween 2014

Better late than never, right?

Here are Jordan and Violet at our church's Fall Festival.

The fact that Violet is in this pig outfit is a Halloween miracle.  Ha!  She was so scared of it that she wouldn't even try it on.  My mom bought it for her weeks before Halloween and Violet loved it.  Then, all of a sudden, she was afraid of it.  I think she made an adorable pig.  Jordan wanted to be a football player.  Again.  

Here are all of the cousins before we went Trick-or-Treating.

Shaun wrestled back and forth about whether or not he was too old for Halloween.  He came through in the end, though.  And he even ran into some of his friends while we were out.  Jordan decided (about ten minutes before we left the house) that he didn't want to be a football player.  He constructed his own costume.  "J Man".  He's also wearing a cape and a jet pack that our talented friend Ginger made.  

We went with my sister and her kids to a nearby subdivision.  It was COLD!  But this subdivision was perfect for Trick-or-Treating.  No big crowds and lots of houses participated.  The police also kept the traffic very orderly.  

We will definitely go back next year!

We were all worried that Violet would be terrified of all the scary costumes, but after she caught on to the idea that she got candy at each house, she hardly noticed anything else.  

It was a nice night. 

Bedtime

Oh, I promised myself that I would blog more and I'm failing!

Since it's on my mind, I'm going to write about Violet's bedtime routine today.  

First of all, Vi loves animals.  She has a menagerie that she carries around with her.  Her favorites are:  Bun (The Velveteen Rabit), Monkey (a Build-A-Bear the boys made for her before she was even born), and Bear (I don't even really know where Bear came from).  There are more, but these three are her favorites.  

Violet is usually pretty good about going to sleep.  She's starting to give a little attitude, though.  Last night, for instance, it was time for bed and I asked if she was ready.  Her reply?  "No thanks.  I'm fine.)  I swear.  Sometimes she sounds like she's already a teenager.  

She doesn't usually put up a fuss.  We tell her it's time and she says, "My animals!" and begins to gather them up.  Last night, Shaun was nice enough to go out to the car and retrieve Bun for her.  Then, when all animals are accounted for, we kiss them all goodnight.  Yes, you read correctly.  I cannot really believe it myself.  I never thought I'd see the day when I would kiss stuffed animals goodnight.  I'm not the only one... the boys also participate.  So does Chris!  Like I said, I never thought I'd see the day.  

So, we all kiss whatever animals Vi is sleeping with and then I carry her to her room.  She still sleeps in a crib.  She's never tried to climb out.  If you've ever been around my daughter, you'll agree that this is a small miracle!  She lays down on her pillow that my Aunt Nancy made out of my Mamaw's old nightgowns, flanked on both sides by her buddies.  Then comes the covers.  Her favorite pink blanket comes first.  This used to be the only cover, but a few weeks ago Violet stated that she wanted two blankets, and more recently she needs three.  (I do go in and remove some of them after she falls asleep.)

I kiss everyone goodnight one more time.  Usually I'll say something like, "See you guys in the morning".  Don't judge!  And usually Violet and her friends go right to sleep.  

I took this picture a few weeks ago.  So sweet.

  

As you can see, only Bun and Monkey made the cut.  

I am just so glad she's mine. 

Boring!

I think it's safe to say that this blog of mine has officially become boring.  I've been so busy.  In my case, a busy life leads to a boring blog.  A whole month without a post?  Boring!  Not that my life or my posts are super exciting, but you know what I mean.  

I miss writing.  I want to do it more.  

So, here's an "update" post.  

We are currently enjoying the last few days of sports hiatus.  Football is over.  The 8U Junior Trojans didn't have the best year.  They were 2 and 6.  Most of the boys are looking forward to next year, though.  I know Jordan is.  He starts wrestling next week.  Something new.  His football coach, who just happens to be the wrestling coach, thinks it'll be good for him.  I admit that I'm a little apprehensive.  

School is going really well for both boys.  Shaun is at grade level for everything except math.  I'm so proud of him!  He works so hard and he's dealing with some issues that make schoolwork even harder for him.  And he still presses on.  He tries so hard.  And he's proud of himself, too.  He graduated from physical therapy yesterday.  Funny thing-  he's been working with the same therapist that he had when he was a baby.  She's the sweetest lady, it was great to get to know her again.  She said he's met all of his goals and that our time together is over for now.  It was a happy and a sad day!  Occupational therapy is going great, too.  He's learning a lot and gaining confidence.  

Jordan is loving his new school.  The "adjustment" period seems to be over and he's doing really well.  He loves his teacher.  She has that special way of tough-love about her.  She knows when to be stern and when to let the boys be boys.  Truly an answered prayer for Jordan's first teacher.

The boys are still singing in their church choirs.  Shaun is also learning how to run sound.  He's following in his dad's footsteps.  I love that Chris is teaching him to do this.  

Violet is scared.  Ha ha! She's scared of everything lately.  This includes loud noises, anything Halloween related (including her own cute pig costume), bugs, pulling the plug in the bathtub, etc, etc, etc.  When she's frightened, she'll quickly let everyone know by saying, "that scared me!".  This will pass and one day and we'll laugh about it when she's older.  Honestly, we're already laughing about it a little bit now. 

I'm still trying to lose weight.  Not seeing the scale move, but my clothes are loose and people are saying I'm smaller.  Frustrating, but at least I'm making some progress.  

Chris is still working hard.  He coached Jordan's football team and is training Shaun to run sound at church.  He's been getting more and more ministry opportunities.  Which is another reason our life is so busy!

More later.  For real.