Made It

Moore, SC to Opelika, AL 4.5 hours
Opelika, AL to Ozark, AL 2.5 hours
Ozark,AL to Dothan, AL .5 hours
Dothan, AL to Montgomery, AL 2 hours
Montgomery, AL to Opelika, AL 1 hour
Opelika, AL to Moore, SC 4.5 hours
I'm not a mathematician but I am pretty sure (and my nerves will attest) that we just spent 15 hours in the car together. Wow. That's a lot when you have two children who are potty-training, two extroverts, two introverts, a compact car, and too much stuff.

I love my family and it was wonderful to get to see everyone. At the end of the holidays, I can say if I had to do it all over again for and with the same people I wouldn't hesitate.

Let me add one closing thought, though. This year, as I did last year, I resolve to continue to pray about a way to make it more about JESUS and less about eating, shopping, gifting, etc!

Up Too Late

This post is going to be rambly. Here's what's been on my mind:
1. I joined facebook tonight. Wow. It's fun and very overwhelming.
2. Everything is going in reverse at my house! Emily is now back in her room in her crib and no toddler bed. Daniel and I had to put a stop to some late night sister craziness. Emily was wandering around the room, playing in the curtains, and tearing down wallpaper and I had to end it. I guess I rushed her--at least that's what the advice I've found online says.
3. I am so thankful as I realize how much guessing is involved in my parenting that I have a heavenly father who only gives me what I can bear.
4. I have realized that being tired and being able to sleep are two different concepts! Hah!

Creating a Monster

Sorry I always sound a little corny on this blog but if I don't type the cute things my kids say here they evaporate!

I got Hannah all dressed this morning, mind you in a l/s t-shirt and sweat pants. She goes to the mirror (also known as our tv) and studies herself.

"Mommy, do I look beautiful?" she asks. Before I have a chance to answer she says, "Gorgeous. White shirt, black pants--that is gorgeous," and off she went to play with toys.

Later, we spilled milk twice on the white shirt and I promised to let her change. "But if I take off my white shirt, will I still be gorgeous?" she asks.

"Always," I said. :)

Birthdays

Yesterday was my birthday and it was so fun to watch Hannah celebrate. Here are my two favorite conversations:

Me: Hannah, I saw your friend Casey (our babysitter) today. She's coming to play with you on Tuesday.
Hannah: First we have to eat our cake on Tuesday.
Me (smiling): Oh, are we eating cake on Tuesday?
Hannah: blank stare
Me (laughing): Did Daddy say we're going to have cake on Tuesday?
Hannah (softly): We're not supposed to talk about it.

Then, yesterday morning I woke up and Daniel said he and Hannah would go pick up breakfast. He threw on a sweatshirt and said it was okay for Hannah to wear her pajamas. As he was gathering a few things, Hannah came into my room and I put her coat on.

Me: Have fun with Daddy.
Hannah: It's okay if I have on just my 'jamas.
Me: Oh, yeah, that's fine if Daddy says it's okay.
Hannah: I'm just going to sit in the car while we get the doughnuts.
Daniel (from the other room): Hannah! Come in here and stop telling Mommy the secrets!

Teenage Treasure Box

I've decided to store some things away in a treasure box for later when Hannah and Emily are teenagers. This way, when they are whining for cell phones, in love with teenage boys, and completely disenchanted with me I can whip a few of these out for comfort. :)

Last week, we went to Publix and rode around in one of the big car-style grocery carts. (Let me just insert a shout-out to stores that have carts that accomodate more than one child). Emily was grumpy and tired so she just leaned her head over and laid on Hannah's shoulder for about fifteen minutes. Hannah LOVED it. And the whole time we were in the store, Hannah was singing, "I like my Mommy. I like my Mommy. I like my Mommy."

Yesterday we had a lounge around day so we could recover Hannah from sinus/allergy stuff. We were snuggling under the covers and watching PBS before Emily woke up. She looked over at me, smiled, and said, "Mommy, your my best friend. I could snuggle you all the days."

Aww!

The Wedding

Thanks everyone for praying and asking about the wedding. Daniel's mom was married the day after Thanksgiving. It was a beautiful, sweet ceremony and a lot like a family reunion. Daniel's youngest sister (polka dots) lives in Hawaii and his middle sister lives in Nashville (turquoise). The oldest sister lives in Alabama, so it was wonderful to see them.

Christiane (in black sleeveless, Daniel's oldest sister) has one boy, Brent. He didn't get to toss petals, but he did get to kiss the beautiful bride.


The princesses did a great job. Sarah and Lizzie, the two oldest cousins were absolutely angelic. Hannah was a very big girl. Emily was the best her little nineteen month old self could be! I was in charge of them and had to go down the aisle so the petals would get tossed. They did great, though!

Enjoy the pictures!