Last Stop...

We might just make more stops than Santa but seeing our loved ones on Christmas is worth it! Christmas Day night we straight from Matt's parents house to my grandparents house in Marietta! All of my mom's side gets together and celebrates Christmas- by now there are 24 of us so it's quite a crowd! At first Davis wanted to go home after leaving Matt's hometown, but once I told him Granna & Papaw would be there and there might be a gift or two for him he perked up and said "Oh, that will be so much fun!"

Once again, Davis passed out presents which was very interesting and rather entertaining since there are so many of us! He received some playdough, a Lightening McQueen pillow, a puzzle, train, and a basketball goal! All have received good use! Also, Noah got a big barn that he can sit and play at in a few months- right now Davis is breaking it in for him (because, you know he doesn't have anything else to play with)?!!

Davis passing out presents.... quite a job with this family!
Opening up Lightning McQueen... And of course, the basketball goal! Thanks Tate- He LOVES it! Perhaps you can show him some moves? Basketlball moves that is- nothing else troublemaker :)

Four years ago I gave my Grandmother a book that asked her questions about her life & beliefs in hopes that she would take a little bit of time to write down a few answers! I had completely forgotten about it honestly... that is until I unwrapped it this year! Inside is pages of her beautiful handwriting answering questions about our family history, her childhood, raising children, faith, etc... This alone is such an amazing treasure! But even more astounding is the original 4 page letter, written on April 4, 1956, that my grandfather wrote to my great grandfather asking for her hand in marriage. It is incredible and deserves a whole post on it's own! I'm so touched by this family heirloom and it's such a fun piece of history to read! To think that one letter started it all... amazing!
Another highlight of the evening (but still pales in comparison to the above mentioned book & letter) was the dirty Santa game the adults play! It's always nice to bring a gift that is fought over (it's playful fighting, not bad fighting)! Matt made these beautiful boxes (primarily as a gift for our fathers) and made one of the extras a humidor with a few nice cigars inside for a "guy gift". The dark ones are made out of walnut that my grandfather collected long ago but never got to make anything out of due to deteriorating health. So needless to say, this was a popular item and stolen a few times! The "girl gift" I brought was cute apron with a recipe box that Matt made. It too was fairly popular! It's nice to have such a talented husband that loves to create such beautiful things! A homemade gift always adds a special touch!

A few recipes boxes....

On a different note, I ended up getting dirty and stealing a beautiful tilted pitcher from my aunt as the last play of the game! I do love it (even it makes my name mud) :) Love you Lesley & Jennifer Foster! You really can borrow it anytime!

Christmas Day...

After we did Christmas morning at our house we loaded up the boys and headed to Matt's parents house. We had a great time with Papa, G-Mama, and the rest of the gang! It was so nice to finally have the cousins together at Christmas time! As always Matt's family was so generous to each of us! Davis did fairly well most of the day but was really tired due to waking up earlier than usual. Therefore, he asked (I kid you not) to go take a nap around lunchtime! So he went and took his nap and once he woke up he was his happy energetic self- dance moves and all!

This is our nephew Turner- I might just start calling him "Heart Breaker" due to those beautiful blue eyes & great hair! I do believe our family makes some darn cute boys!!!

Christmas Morning- Take 2

The items most requested by Davis this year were Bertie the Bus & James the train (both from Thomas & Friends). Occasionally he would mention Lightening McQueen & Mater from the movie Cars. Also @ the last moment he added a blue & red bike. We told him he already had a red & blue bike in the garage that he got for his birthday. To this he replied "Santa go gets my bike out of the garage. Ok- simple enough- Santa can do that! I think Davis was thrilled to see that Santa got him everything he wanted eventhough he would never sit on his lap! Noah of course was pleased to with his classic baby toys! Matt got a worksharp (a tool) for his workshop in the basement from me & the boys that got delivered Christmas Eve- shew, that was a close one. I recieved a 2 night get away for later in January & I'm greatly looking forward to some great quality time with my thoughtful hubby! He knew exactly what this mommy of two needed! It was a great Christmas (minus me being sick by the end of the day with a sinus infection & an ear infection- ouch)! I literally had no voice the next day! Despite the minor ailments this was a Christmas that will be cherished for years to come- afterall young kids make things so much more fun! Well, at least Christmas things!

Christmas in our Home....

Our fireplace in our den...

Our fireplace in our Keeping Room with the handcrafted Ho, Ho, Ho, Banner that I made this fall. A view of our den after Santa came...

We didn't separate out the gifts from Santa and Mommy & Daddy this year but will in years to come. For some reason I didn't ever get around to wrapping them and Santa said he didn't mind! Also, Gigi at the last minute decided to donate some goods to the cause because she had overbought for Davis and wanted it to be fair to Noah. So it ended up being a bigger Christmas than originally intended but we've put up a few items to save for a "rainy day"! At first Davis was a little bit hesitant to come downstairs when we first woke him up! We had to explain that yes, Santa came but he also LEFT!!!! He is no where around here anymore! Oh how he doesn't like the man in the big red suite in person!!!! After we were able to convey that to him, Matt escorted him downstairs! The video below picks up about right here...

I have one more video to share but can't get it uploaded! I will keep trying and hopefully post it in the next entry!

Happy Christmas!

A video of Noah from Christmas Morning before the day really began! I'm terrible with a video camera but Noah certainly makes up for my inadequacies! I have watched this video countless times and it still hasn't grown old.... I love moments like this!!!

Christmas Eve Day...

On Christmas Eve Day we went over to my parents house and celebrated Christmas with my parents, Jennifer & Jimmy! This is always a special time to just relax and have some fun! We ate some GREAT steaks & opened presents! Davis passed out the presents and had the time of his life while doing it! His eyes would get so big anytime there was a big present!!!! Noah was looking as cute as ever and almost slept the afternoon away! Here is Noah after Davis delivered his first present on him- oh I mean to him....

Having a young child at Christmas time automatically ups the Christmas spirit!!! Even the simplest of gifts are exciting! Noah received a bouncy seat & many clothes because he is already wearing 3-6 month clothing! Davis' favorites from this day are his lightning McQueen suitcase, his Thomas the tank engine backpack, Disney reading books, and his new 4-wheeler (courtesy of Jennifer & Jimmy). I don't think it gets much better than this in the eyes of a 2 year old! I don't think he could fathom that there would be even more presents the next day! And in a way neither could I... this whole Christmas I keep thinking of just how fortunate we are. I was hoping and praying that all these gifts wouldn't overshadow the true meaning of Christmas- Jesus' birth! I think Davis gets it as much as a two year old can but I hope in years to come we slow down and really savor the saviors birth! We were suppose to go to a Happy Birthday Jesus party at the beginning of the week but had to cancel because Davis was running a slight fever and not feeling quite up to par! Hopefully we can join the fun next year!

Ok, enough with the rambling! All that to say we had a great Christmas Eve with my side of the family! Oh, and one last thing..... my parents gave Matt & Jimmy these mini-remote control helicopters. If you ever need a random gift for a guy this is great! For $30 bucks you can see your husband revert back into a child! My husband doesn't "play" a lot, he is much more task oriented, but he has gotten a kick out of this!

Christmas Party At School....

Davis had a Christmas party at school this year where the parents got to come @ lunchtime and watch the festivities! At first Davis didn't know what to think about all the additional people in his classroom but overcame his reservations fairly quickly. The children ate lunch, watched some carolers who came to sing to them & then gave handmade presents to their parents & received presents from their teachers! Davis loves his teachers and talks about school a lot! It is going to be a long Christmas break without them!


Davis with Ms. Patti & Ms Kathy...
Right outside Davis' classroom is this mural of a train.... we pause and look at it every day I pick him up! It's as if God just knew that Davis would be in that classroom.
Our present from last year & our present from this year! I adore these treasures!

Merry Christmas From Our Family to Yours...

I wish I could send a Christmas card to everyone who reads this blog. Unfortunately, I can't but I do hope this counts for something- a virtual copy of our Christmas card! Merry Christmas sweet friends!

Message from Santa...

Davis received a message from Santa! He watched it but only from across the room! Just not quite sure how to ease his fears!

http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/bb6bb1d40a202e680cdda5b6eb68eff4

The Nativity Scene....

Odd, I don't recall a dinosaur being a part of the story! Davis later told me the Dinosaur ate a wise man as he preteneded to scream. Rest In Peace Mr. Wise Man!

Naughty & Nice...

Naughty...

We went to see Santa last week and Davis started screaming the moment we stepped out of the car! And I mean screaming! He talks a lot about Santa and gets so excited when he sees him on TV or in books- however anytime he sees him in person terror sets in! I didn't force him to see the jolly red man this year because I think it would almost be physically impossible and perhaps scar him for life! However, we did want a picture of Noah with Santa so we went to our local avenue to see the jolly old man. My mom took Davis inside Barnes & Noble and this was the closest Davis would get....

Inside B&N watching from the glass window...Smiling at Noah and I as we waited in line outside...

Nice...

Noah did great with Santa and told him all that he wanted for Christmas!Once we were done Davis was just glad to get as far away as possible!A few pictures of the boys after our adventuresome outing...

A little Something For Your Sweet Tooth...

Noah 6 weeks old... (12lbs. 3 oz)Davis didn't want to be left out of the photo shoot...The Men of the House...
Disclaimer: we are not responsible for any cavities that may have been incurred during this viewing!

Santa Baby...

Christmas card/Birth Announcement Photo Shoot for Noah- 3 weeks old...