Transitions

So looking forward to spending New Years with friends. this is usually the post where people reflect on the past year, listing all the things they did and things they will most likely do in the next... so here goes:

I would call this past year a tremendous transitional year! Mati Claire transitioned from 2 days a week Mother's Day Out to a 5-day week Preschool...at a different school. Had to make all new friends and teachers. Began ballet. She also transitioned from crib to 'big girl bed' and was potty trained the week of her birthday. But the biggest transition was becoming a big sister. She's really had a huge year. No wonder she's grumpy most of the time. ;) I kid - gotta love the terrible 3's though.

We welcomed baby Mattox in March. It was a rough start, but we have survived. Things are really great as far as schedules and 'getting to know' him. if that makes any sense. He has transitioned from my serious-fussy baby into a little ham-cheeseball. He sleeps all night (yes 12 hours!) and is slowly getting weaned. Poor thing isn't enjoying that change. I am accepting the fact that he is growing up - I have completely planned his first birthday party already. I wish he could stay about 6 months old forever.

I am moving from the nursing old mom back to my 'real self'. I can't wait to get back in the gym (nursing and exercise doesn't work for me) and get back in my favorite jeans. We didn't get to go anywhere this year - so we made several vacation plans next year!!!!!!!!! I also went from thinking I could never love another child as much as the first, to absolutely proving myself wrong. Went from thinking that I was completely happy with 1 child to thinking I want about a dozen now. I also found a reignition of my faith. This was huge for me this year. Transitioned from a routine 'lets get this over with' church going Christian - to an 'on fire'- inspired - God fearing - and God loving Christian. Just when I thought I didn't have time to do anything else except care for a newborn, God has made alot of changes in me.

Matt's year hasn't really changed that much only if you can add more work to it. If that was even possible...he found a way. He works A. LOT. But he is becoming a DEACON this weekend. I am so proud of him...(and who would have ever thunk it ;) ???) He is the best person I have ever met and is truly my better half.

So! Happy New Year to everyone! We have a fun-filled year planned already. But I can not start it until this house is cleaned up...

Twu wuv

I Y this little boy.

wuv...twu wuv.

We had an awesome Christmas! Won't bore you with all the details, but a good time was had by all! Luckily we left TN when we did or we would have been snowed in!

If the shoe fits...

MC wore her pj's to school to watch The Polar Express. This is a picture I snagged from a friend on FB...i missed her Christmas party and visit with Santa. :( bah-humbug

This put a smile on my face today. My DVD player is not working at the moment, so I'm missing Clark W. Griswold. Matt is the only person I've ever known that ACTUALLY has a cousin Eddie. Obviously, not like this one.

I hope everyone has a VERY Merry Christmas! Won't be posting again before then. Be safe, be healthy, be happy, and remember the real true reason for Christmas. God bless!

You Never Know

I had a big prayer answered this past weekend. It's trivial, but it was a nuisance nonetheless. As a mom, you want your child to be absolutely perfect (and they are). We had taken Mattox to the eye doctor at 6 months to check on his tear duct. Well, I believe it has FINALLY opened on its own at 9 months!!!! He was going to have surgery at 1 year if it hadn't opened, and we were not looking forward to putting him through that. I haven't had to clean it out in 1 week! Like I said, most people would say 'oh whatever--that was no big deal', but it was such a pain to fight with him to keep it clean multiple times a day. In the big scheme of things, no, its not a big deal. But all the same, a prayer answered. It wasn't in my timing, but God's timing. He was teaching me a lesson on patience.

He actually has had a big week! He is 9 months old! He started crawling Friday, and then he can sit up on his own as of Sunday. Tear duct opened. Man, I don't know what to do with myself I'm so excited. I was also going to start cutting down the breastfeeding, since I have a freezer full of it. But Mattox is obsessed. I wasn't blessed with being able to push a baby out but boy can I feed one. I didn't think cutting one feeding out (and substituting a bottle with breastmilk) would be that big of a deal. Yeah, Mattox isn't crazy about that idea. He handles a sippie cup pretty good, so I'm hoping to skip over the bottle phase completely. I give him a few every now and then to get him used to the idea of milk coming from somewhere else. But I have to get through the holidays first, then start tapering off in January. Some of yall might think I'm crazy for going this long... to each his own. I never knew I would have a baby as dedicated to it as I am. Don't worry, I'm sawing the cord... just not cutting it yet. I'm having a hard time with this because when he quits, or I quit, that means he doesn't "need" me like that anymore. That means he's growing up - and nope! not my baby boy! He will never grow up and never date! He's going to be one of those creepy old men who still lives with his mom when he's 40. heehee ;) I kid. this mommy is having a hard time letting go.

I never knew this bib would come to mean so much. We got it when I was pregnant with MC in Hawaii in 2006. If he could talk, that's what he would say:

Doesnt' he remind you of Jim Carrey in Dumb&Dumber here? Something about the hair.

MC has had a great time hanging out with her friend, Miss Sarah lately! She went to her first Christmas parade and loved it! Then she got to see the Nutcracker! oh, this mommy was in heaven.

We opted out of the ballet float in the parade this year. But Sarah is rockin' the Cindy LouWho hair!!! They were so cute!

oh how i love these two. let me count the ways...

Chris Tomlin

Love him! If you ever get the chance to see him in person - do it! I cried through most of it... very awesome night! I'll keep this short and sweet.



"And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?"

These are a few of my favorite things!

Christmas spirit! I know everyone says this, but I luuuuuuvvvvv Christmastime! I love the music, the lights, the excitement, decorating, buying gifts, giving gifts, and watching Christmas movies! (Don't care for the traffic or the crazy people but everything else makes it ok --heehee).

We will be out of town a good bit of December, so I'm reigning myself back in when it comes to decorating the house. There is so much stuff in the attic that I am not even getting out because its that much more stuff to put away later! Terrible, I know. But I got out the basics. I've already posted a pic of our new tree... this one will NOT fall over in the middle of the night. I collect Lenox ornaments and I finally got brave enough to put them on the tree. Out of Mattox's reach of course. He has become a force to be reckoned with now that he's in the walker.

I finally got the Elf on the shelf!!! I figured December 1st was a good day to start it since we start the advent calendar too. MC was SOOO excited over the advent calendar (each day filled with a Hershey kiss or piece of chocolate of some kind)... she couldn't get past the chocolate to really get excited about the Elf. So I spent HHOOUURRSS trying to read the book to her, and explain how it works. She didn't really care. Figures. Finally, I told her that Santa would not come see her if she did not name the elf. Her first choices: God, Jesus, Santa, and Elf. As creative as she is, I was a little shocked. Really? I told her there was only one God, one Jesus, and one Santa. and so she came up with Chocolate (remember she just ate some I let her try hot chocolate yesterday)... ok, that didn't work for me either. So I said "Coco"?? and she died out laughing. She thinks Coco is the funniest name in the world. So lets welcome Coco to the family!

My mantle is nothing to write home about this year, but here's a picture of my favorite things! First, the stockings. My grandmother made them. You can see mine is the longest because it has stretched out over the years. A few years ago, when my sister and I were pregnant, we asked her to make more for our kids. Matt didn't really have a stocking (that I know of) so I got her to make him one too! (Its a secret but I have 1 extra for later). I love these stockings.

Then my other favorite thing: the Christmas book. My mom gave me this a few years ago when I was pregnant with MC. Its wonderful. It has a story every couple of pages about how Christmas traditions came to be (like how/why we got Christmas trees, but the entire purpose is to fill the pre-form pages with your descriptions of Christmas dinner, Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, etc for that year. There is a space for that year's card and family picture. Love this. I already look back to the first year and read about what special presents we gave and how we celebrated at church. Again, can't wait for 20 years from now to look back at every year!

I know I know I know I keep posting pics of the kiddos, but who could resist this?? They can put you in the spirit everytime I look at them!

Thanks

Indian Pow-Wow at school:
Next year I will be better prepared...I didn't realize it was such a production! They were ADORABLE! My little indian, Princess Sunflower, did pretty good for her first program!

What am I thankful for?

1. Jesus Christ and His awesomeness!

2. A healthy family!

3. After Bible study the other day, I realized just how lucky I am. So I am thankful for the many blessings that don't make themselves known outright: I really haven't lost any loved ones, I've never suffered a miscarriage, generally speaking we don't have any financial troubles, we have a roof over our head, food on the table, yeah...call me spoiled like that. But I don't take any of it for granted.

4. A great marriage!

5. These 2 precious babies:

On a more superficial level, I am thankful for online shopping, bikini waxes, 2 babies that sleep all night, aaaannnnndddd especially Thanksgiving dressing!!! Yum! I am also thankful to be a gym member come January! Until then, we are busy decorating and getting ready for Christmas!!!!! I can't believe its here already!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Matt had to work, so I was a little bitter this morning when he came home 3 hours late... nothing that sweet potatoes can't fix.

Mental Notes

Who remembers this???






redeem \ri-dem\ 1. to change for the better 2. to remove what distresses 3. to extricate from or to help overcome something detrimental.

Yes, redemption is nice. Don't get me wrong, Mattox has his bad hair days too....but SO FAR its not near as bad. I still have to wet it down and absolutely not touch it until it completely dries, but still way better. Of course, it may "turn" on me in the future according to the in-laws. But my mind went straight to this picture earlier today when I caught MC brushing Mattox's hair. She's already pretending he's her doll... at least he had on camo.

Also, Mattox's eating habits are WAY better. And I've come to realize that I wouldn't have appreciated the simple things in life like that (i.e. a good eater) until you don't have one! I have to tell MC to eat every bite she has ever eaten in her life. I find that strange. You would think a person would WANT to eat... nope, not her. But now Mattox will eat everything in sight.... in seconds! Redemption again. Now someone might think I'm trash talking MC - on the contrary. They can't all be good sleepers like MC. I've come to appreciate her sleeping habits even more!

Here's a few mental notes I've been making the last few days for my Christmas list:

1. Twilight Eclipse DVD. It should be coming out any day now. Feel free to laugh it up... you know you like it too.
2. LV purse. Hey. A girl can dream right?
3. Patience. Can anyone transfer that and sleep over to me? Still dreaming I guess.
4. New ta-ta's. Well, after breastfeeding 2 babies mine are just aged and like old tires: worn the slap out.
5. Gray Ugg boots. any style will do. Size 9 to be specific.
6. New perfume. not picky. ask matt what he would like to smell.
7. New earphones for my iPod. They have cute ones at Walmart for cheap.
8. Drying rack. I find myself draping clothes over odd things around the house to dry.
9. Steamer. for clothes and such. I am still borrowing one from a friend and I love it!
10. Gift cards for a new computer. BestBuy I guess. We need a new one bad!
11. New tennis shoes. Probably New Balance. Again Size 9. Bought a pair of Nike's and I have had knee problems ever since. I wear my old worn out NB's and I feel fine!
12. This list is pretty insane. I won't get any of it, but I'm dreaming aloud.

What's on your Christmas list???

Mold me like Play-Dough!

I love how every day is new around here. Mattox turned 8 months old yesterday, and he learned to WAVE! Oh I love it. With him, I always see the wheels turning. He's always thinking...always learning... looks like me -- but I think he got more of his Daddy than what meets the eye. He scoots and rolls all over the living room now. I couldn't find him yesterday, then I finally saw a head sticking out from under the chair. He eats his food in the highchair too. He is such a sweetheart...my 20 pound bag of sugar! but still loves to be held. Thats hard when you chase a 3 year old, cook, clean, or whatever. So I let him fuss alot. He also likes to dance! and above all he dearly loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. If I wasn't already planning a golf birthday party, it

would be a Mickey Day-Day.

MC also has been coming home with a few firsts. First time to get hit by a 'friend' on the playground, first time to make play-dough, and first time to have to share her toys with her little bother oops i mean brother. Now that he's mobile, the toys are up for grab!!! lol I feel like I am always having these 'grown-up' talks with her lately. Where did my little girl go? She missed the western day at school, so I let her wear the outfit to Miss Sarah's birthday party.

Making play-dough for the first time was an adventure! Can we say MESSSS-YYYY?? I let MC pick the colors. We experimented with 3 different recipes - if anyone needs one, just ask me! My biggest fear is that I am not a good enough mother. I'm afraid that I'll reach a point and say "I wish I had done more of this - or I wish I had done this better..." I pray that God molds me like play-dough into the best mother I can be and that He gives me strength to deal with all the trials of being a mom. Mom, I can't think of anything you could have done better! or Dad for that matter.

Revelation

I'm going to talk about something that I don't do enough of...my Bible study class! It. Is. Awesome. My church, MHBC, was offering a Bible study a few weeks ago and I was VERY hesitant to add my name to the list seeing as I consider myself a newbie to this church and I don't really know anyone outside of my Sunday School class. Matt grew up with everyone there so he knows alot of people, but I don't. So its hard for me to step into a new class (no offense, but especially when everyone in that class is much older than me). I was so glad to know that my friend Carly would be in there too, and I have made some wonderful new friends since then.

Anyway, we are studying the book of Revelation. That book has always intrigued me...and scared me. I remember reading it when I was younger when the preacher bored me. It was that exciting. Of course, I didn't understand what I was reading - I just knew it talked about dragons and angels and crazy creatures. That would keep anyone awake for a 1 hr sermon. ;) I had already done 2 Beth Moore studies, and when this one came up, I HAD to do it. Here are 2 links FYI that are good. The pic above is the study guide book.

• Living Proof Ministries Website


• Living Proof Ministries Blog

Some of yall may already know about all this, but its just been so amazing that I have to share. This study is unlike her others: there's hardly any homework! Some though. And I have learned SO much that it would take me days to talk about it. So if you get the chance, please do it! It really shows you just how big our God is. I'm not even through with it yet, but it has explained pretty much the entire Bible (in a way). I get chills every Wednesday morning when I learn something new about how much God loves us. I am just on fire, and want to spend every minute reading something new now.

On a side note, I have like 3 Bibles....but I always end up stealing Matt's. I like his. So my sweet hubby went today and bought one JUST like his today and................wait.................its PINK!! Oh I'm so excited!!!! He's the best!

It aint over til its over!

ok. who stole my child and where is she? seriously. mati claire has been a NIGHTMARE the last 2 weeks. lately, she has been a textbook case of children i only read about. i'm talking, throwing tantrums - while hitting the walls - flailing her arms and legs - screaming like an out of control psycho - backtalking - you name it. i mean really, where did my sweet little miss priss go? matt and i feel like all we have done is either spank her or put her in the corner. today, i withdrew all tv and sweets (not that she ate that much sweet stuff anyway) until she straightens up and acts right. we are at our wits end. we think it could be any number of things: 1) obviously her age --anyone out there with a 2 year old beware that the 3's are worse! 2) her antibiotic -- as a pharmacist, i know that antibiotics can cause behavioral changes in children. 3) her Gigi left and she is lashing out. geez, mom, get back here asap! or maybe its a combination of all 3. who knows. i just know she is acting like a crazy person.

I honestly believe God only gives you what you can handle...because on the flip side, Mattox got not one, but TWO teeth!!!!! Oh they are so cute (now that they're in). Its not so cute when they're actually coming in. But he has been darn near angelic the last few days. agh! i love it. he's only fussy when he's tired or hungry. and did i mention he can sit up too? he can't get there on his own, but you can leave him in that position and he can hold it for awhile. he's even started scooting backwards. i'm actually looking forward to him getting all of mc's toys. she needs a little lesson in sharing and not being the only child in the universe. yes, i'm showing a little favortism today. bad mother right? oh who am i kidding, they are both my favorite people in this world after matt. i am just exhausted.

despite mc's UTI and fever since wednesday, we enjoyed saturday morning at the pumpkin patch in brandon. then headed over to a birthday party. then i held a baby shower for our friend Tiffany this past Sunday. i just love baby showers. i love babies too, when they aren't punching my walls. then our first day back at school was the 50th day of school, so they celebrated by having a sock hop! mc was feeling a little better by then so you can see the smile returning to the pictures. needless to say, we had a busy weekend and i'm looking forward to doing absolutely NOTHING this week! So while my war wages on with a 3 year old...i am reminded of Rocky's quote: 'it ain't over til its over!' This too shall pass i know.

Pics from Pumpkin Patch

Pics from Kaytlin's Carnival/Fall Festival themed birthday party:

Pics from Tiffany's baby shower (Kaytlin's mommy)

Pics from 50's Day:

Mattox sitting up watching Mickey Mouse:

Oktoberfest

October may be the busiest month of the year. I managed to squeeze in a few work days (which is done now until next flu season), then the rest of the time has been spent with field trips, birthday parties, halloween hoopla, doctors appointments, canton flea market, church, bible studies, and a baby shower! Bring on the holidays! Whew! But oh so much fun...and making wonderful memories with great friends and family. Here's a few of the latest pics (I know mom will want to see some of these) so sorry to keep posting pics of the same kiddos over and over again.

Payton's 4th Birthday Party at Pump-It-Up :


MC rockin' her party gear! Sitting with her sweet cousin Kendall



She doesn't understand that most of the fun happens INSIDE the jumps, not just at the door.



Oh my goodness! Mattox and one of his first "girlfriends", Miss Hadley! They are about a month apart.


Winborne's Annual Halloween Party :

There are so many kids, I can't even begin to name them and some probably aren't even in it.

For some reason, MC has a total meltdown during this part of the party every year.

Princess Belle (mom made the dress! Thank you, Mom!)

Such a sweetie. He behaved SO well! guess he had to pick up the slack where sister was failing at good behavior.

My little golfer. I'm so glad Matt got to join us before headed to work. Mom made Mattox's knickers. thanks again! I've got about a thousand more pics...but you get the idea.

Hope everyone has another great and wonderful and busy week!

Things I've Learned

The past 2 weeks have been trying. I am exhausted. Isn't it always that way though?
Its been busy with as many field trips packed in as we can and as many trips as I can make to Hobby Lobby in a month! Really. I'm tired. However, I've learned alot of new things:

1. Never - EVER - give Mattox sweet potatoes. Ever again. He will be awake all night long with a tummy ache. 3 times you're out. never again.

2. Never give your credit card to your mother...she will lose it and force you to cancel the card. ha! love you mom. no worries...its all ok.

3. Never stand too close to a goat that you're feeding. He will try to eat the food AND you. Don't worry, MC is a little traumatized by goats now.



4. How to make a diaper stack cake thingy. See pic. Its still a work in progress, but I think its a good start.



5. Pistols are wonderful. Cajun pistols at the Canton Flea Market: shrimp, crab, and crawfish drowned in a cajun cheese sauce stuffed into a bread pistolette and then FRIED. To die for. Everyone should try one before they die. Or three.

6. I've learned to have patience. Mattox had his eye appointment this past Wednesday for his blocked tear ducts. Matt and I have decided to wait it out until he turns 1. Long story short, we don't want to put him through surgery over an elective problem. His vision is great however. Dr. McVey has inspired me to take MC in for her first eye checkup too.

7. Never use Pyrex cookware ever again. I have had 2 casserole dishes break either in my oven or on my stove after taking them out of the oven. guess i'm just a terrible cook!



8. Never ever wash a diaper in the washing machine. It makes for an awful mess.

9. I RE-learned why I quit my job at a pharmacy. I can't learn to say no.

aaaand #10. Top thing that I've learned in the last 2 weeks: GPS systems don't work!

New Cheese

We've been working on MC's 'smile' for the camera which has improved over the last few days. Then we have a new little ham in Mattox. He worships the ground MC walks on, and she barely gives him the time of day. Figures...isn't that just like an older sibling?? ha ;)

I know yall are tired of seeing these peeps, but I have to say I never get tired of looking at 'em! (except at 5:00 everyday). We are getting over a virus or flu-like symptoms this week. I was still running fever this morning...I haven't felt that bad in years! I hate it because we are missing all the beautiful weather! Matt has been an enormous help! He takes MC to school every morning, grocery shops, and even cleaned the kitchen! All so I could sleep.

And I would love to tell you all the crazy things MC has been saying lately, but that would take too much time. Let me just say that kids say the darndest things. She amazes me everyday with her innocent/honest/sarcastic/practical answers. I just have to laugh when she answers me correctly (but not quite the answer I was looking for). She has learned her ABC's finally! But she loves to repeat them over and over - seriously, all day long.

It actually looks a bit frightening on camera...but its really hilarious in person.

I am busy already planning his 1st birthday party!!!!!! oh I am so excited! It's PAR-TEE time! Yes, you heard it: GOLF theme! This will be an incredible party and I can't wait! See he's already into it:

Watching golf on TV

Dr. Whistle

Preschool has been learning about 'Community Helpers' this week. They have had a baker, pastor, vet, coach, and doctor come and talk to them. They have had/or will take field trips to the fire station, police station, and library. On the way to school this morning, I was trying to explain to Mati Claire what daddy does at work. No, not the first time we've had this conversation...but she still doesn't understand. For all I know, she thinks her daddy just dressed up like a doctor today...the only doctor she knows is Dr. Russell "Dr. Whistle". It was alot of fun. They made doctor bags/kits and got to use all of Matt's 'supplies.' Here are some pics from today.

Most of the entire preschool...i was sitting too close to get them all in it.

MC is 2nd from left with the orange bow in her hair.

Matt and MC's teacher, Mrs. Courtney. Mrs. Courtney doesn't know it, but she goes EVERYWHERE with us. "Mrs. Courtney come too?"

Our neighbor Jack was the first volunteer! Matt took his blood pressure!

I was told the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Miscellaneous Pics! These were too cute to pass up:

My funny man.

His cousin Kendall came over to play!