Christmas Recap

Where do I start???

Okay, how 'bout at the beginning...

What is December without a school Christmas program, right???

Each child in R.J.’s 2nd grade class was assigned a letter of the alphabet and a Christmas word that corresponded to that letter.

Ironically, R.J. got the letter “R” and the word REINDEER.

The children were then told to decorate a piece of poster board depicting whatever letter/word they were given and they also had to recite a short little rhyming ditty about it as well.

“R” is for reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh, to your house, to my house, they know the way…


And you know they had to do some Christmas caroling too!


Aside from school Christmas programs, many of you with smaller/younger children are probably aware there is a Christmas craze that has been around for awhile called the Elf on the Shelf.


The Elf on the Shelf story was inspired by one family's tradition and over the years the idea has caught on and many homes (including ours) have let it become a family tradition as well.

In our house, beginning on the eve of November 30th, we secretly perch this little elf around our home during the weeks before Christmas.

As the story goes, the elf (who is officially named by your child/ren) magically returns to the North Pole every night to report your child/ren's good (or bad) behavior to Santa and by morning, he's in a new place to offer a daily hide-and-seek ritual for kids and adults alike.

We got our elf back in 2007 when my oldest son was 5 years old.

R.J. named him "STRAIGHTY" because the elf (which was packaged in with the book) was (to my son) really long and "straight" looking.

Ever since then, Straighty has been visiting our home during Christmas time and we have had so much fun "searching" for the elf every morning with R.J.

Thankfully, neither Michael, nor myself has ever forgotten to move Straighty to a new perching place and so the belief in the elf has remained intact over the years.

Likewise, so has the belief that if you (your child/ren) ever touch the elf, his/her magic disappears and he/she won’t return again.

Come to think of it...thanks to Straighty, I believe it’s the ONLY time that R.J. has ever adhered to the words, “Don’t touch!” LOL!

As the story details, Straighty heads back to the North Pole for good on Christmas Eve and I must say I am already missing the daily "hunt" for the little guy!

Here's Straighty Perched On Top

Of Our Advent Calendar One Morning

When it comes to decorating the house for the Holidays (and although I love to see how it all looks once everything is up and in its place) I must admit that I absolutely dread the putting it all up and taking it all down part.

Here are a few pictures of some of this year's Christmas decor…

Our Main Tree

The Mantel

R.J.’s Tree

The Baby’s Tree

(I know, I know, the ornaments are a bit sparse on his tree, but Hey, he' s only been here for a little over 6 months and that didn't give me a whole lotta' time to add to his Christmas tree ornament collection yet - -LOL!)

One of the things Michael and I have always enjoyed the most about this time of year is reading various Christmas books to R.J.

We have plenty to pick from and every Christmas we put them in a big bin on the living room floor and let R.J. choose what he wants to read and/or wants us to read to him.

This year, I came into our living room one afternoon to see that the “Reading of the Christmas Books” torch had been passed on…

I have to confess, walking into this scene was absolutely heartwarming as I witnessed R.J. reading to his baby brother, Colton.

Of course, no Christmas is complete without the annual trek to the mall to visit Santa Claus.

This year we piled up the kiddos and headed off the visit the Big Guy at Eastdale Mall.

R.J. had his Santa letter in hand and couldn’t wait to put it in the “official” Santa mailbox that is set up right next to where we get the Christmas photo taken.

This is what R.J. wrote to Santa this year…

Dear Santa,

You probably think I’m going to ask what to get me, but I’m going to tell you about me first. I have brown hair and I live in __________, Alabama. I am 8 years old. I am 4 feet 9 inches tall. I am in the 2nd grade. I bet I know what you are thinking? I have never been held back a grade. Finally, the greatest part, I get to tell you about toys! First, I want an X-BOX. Second, some Nintendo games. Third, some Wii games. Fourth, some Transformer toys. Fifth, a big Nerf gun. Sixth, all the Jurassic Park movies. Seventh, all the Star Wars movies. Eighth, a bunch of AUBURN stuff. Ninth, a lot of Goosebumps books, and Tenth, a real puppy.

Thank you! Love, R.J.

I can attest that Santa brought him everything on his list but the X-BOX (like he really needed another electronic gizmo…LOL!) and the real puppy.

Seeing his baby brother crawling on all "fours" in a few months is just going to have to suffice for awhile. LOL!

The best part of our visit to the mall was watching Colton as he discovered who the guy with the long white beard was sitting in that great BIG chair.

Who the, what the . . . is that?!"

Hey, This Guy Isn’t So Bad After All!

You Know What? I Like The Man In The Red Suit, I Really, Really Do!

The 2010 Official Santa Photo

Aside from photos and school programs, Christmas 2010 also brought with it some sickness too. The week of Christmas R.J. was diagnosed with strep throat and a bad sinus infection and the baby got his first ear infection and the flu (welcome to daycare). UGH!!!

Since the kids weren’t feeling so hot, Christmas Eve was very casual and laid back.

My Mom and Dad (a.k.a. Mimi and Boppa) came over and we ate sandwiches, pigged out on some yummy desserts and watched “A Christmas Story” for what is probably like the 900th time since it first came out in 1983…LOL!

Watching Ralphie’s escapades as he convinces the world that a Red Rider BB gun is THE perfect Christmas gift still makes me laugh like it’s the first time I’ve ever seen the movie. Get to the part where they wind up having to eat Christmas dinner in the Chinese restaurant and get serenaded by waiters singing Deck the Halls with Boughs of Hawry, Far, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, 'Tis the Season to be Jawry...and it makes my stomach hurt from laughing so hard!

Even now, just thinking about that part in the movie makes me want to chuckle out loud!

Here Is Santa’s Little Helper Elf on Christmas Eve

Wearing Santa’s “Official Seal” Stamped Where All Could See!

If you have been reading my blog, you know that we are a big fan of the AUBURN TIGERS (college) football team and R.J. is no exception.

If you recall, in his Santa letter he stated he wanted AUBURN stuff, but to us at home he specifically said he wanted "Cam Newton" stuff.

Why?

Well, because R.J. really, really likes/liked watching Cam Newton play football, he won the Heisman Trophy this year, and even better, because (thanks to Cam Newton and other outstanding Auburn football players) they beat the University of Alabama in the Iron Bowl (on R.J.'s birthday no less), and they won the 2010 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Now, the Auburn Tigers (#1 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) ranked team) are on their way to Glendale, Arizona to play against the #2 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) ranked Oregon Ducks in the BCS National Championship game on January 10, 2011, which is the finale of the 2010 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)/Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football season.

If Auburn wins, they will get to claim the title of NCAA National Champions.

Okay, now say all of that 10 times really fast…LOL!!!

AN-Y-WAY…

Let me just say that Santa delivered…BIG TIME!!!

Not only did R.J. get a #2 team jersey (Cam Newton’s number), he also got an Auburn football signed by Cam Newton himself!!!

Yep, this proud 8-year old is now in possession of a football personally signed (To: R.J. Meyer) by the 2010 Heisman Trophy Winner and he couldn’t be happier!!!



And, because we are trying to raise our children up right and properly thank others for gifts they receive.

Here’s a copy of the thank-you letter R.J. sent to Mr. Newton…



So although Christmas morning was cold and dreary outside, it was certainly bright and cheery inside (especially for one very special Auburn fan)!

Aside from the Auburn stuff...

Look What Else Santa Brought!

Gifts-a-Plenty!

In the picture above, the note from Santa says...

Dear R.J.,

Your mom left me the snowman cookie you wanted me to have tonight. It was by far the best one I had in Alabama! I saved you a bite because as you know, I like to share and you are such a good and very nice boy. Merry Christmas to you and Colton too!

Love, Santa

Gotta' Love the Snowman Drool!

Wait Santa, How Do I Make This Thing Go?!

And always, always remember...

The Family That Wears ….

Matching Christmas Pajamas Together…

Stays Together…

Runny Nose and All!

So my friends, that about sums it up.

2010 has been a year in which I have been truly and humbly blessed, and I am so thankful to God for all that He has bestowed upon me and my family.

Moreover, I am so glad and honored that for a better part of this past year, you chose to share my miracle pregnancy journey with me.

As we are about to enter another year and another chapter in our lives, please allow me to share with you the following New Year’s wishes for 2011.

I wish you Health...
So you may enjoy each day in comfort.

I wish you the Love of friends and family...
And Peace within your heart.

I wish you the Beauty of nature...
That you may enjoy the work of God.

I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...
For those things that really matter in life.

I wish you Generosity so you may share...
All good things that come to you.

I wish you Happiness and Joy...
And Blessings for the New Year.

I wish you the best of everything...

HAPPY NEW YEAR and GOD BLESS!

~Tracey

Baby Stats - 6 Months

Taken Today At Doctor's Office

6-Month Well Baby Check-Up

Age: 6 months and 2 days old (on date of blog entry)

Weight: 19 lbs. 2 oz. (75th percentile)

Length: 26¾ inches (75th percentile)

Head Circumference: 44 cm (50th percentile)

Diaper: Size 3 –Pampers brand

Clothing: Wearing size 6-month comfortably, but about to graduate to some roomier 9-month sizes

Formula: After the Similac recall on powdered baby formula [we were using Sensitive Isomil Soy), we switched to the Enfamil brand of soy formula. Colton did not seem to mind the switch, but mommy did…the Enfamil ProSobee smelled DIS-GUST-ING!!! Seriously, it did…think old, moldy shoes (get what I mean?!!). Anyway, we did the Enfamil for as long a mommy could stand it and until Similac got their act together and “okayed” the powdered formula again. When I prepare the Similac powdered formula, it has a faint pineappley smell (much, much better than old, moldy shoes) remember now...I said when I am preparing it… after it’s been ingested and spit out…well, that’s a whole ‘nother story…LOL!

Amount: He drinks approximately (4) 7 oz. bottles a day (for a total of 28 ounces of formula). We are still using Dr. Brown's bottles and we still put a dropperful of Mylicon drops in each bottle.

Solid Food: We tried solid food (rice cereal) at about 4 ½ months old. In fact, I chronicled his first experience with it here. Colton was not so hip on cereal, so we waited a few weeks and then tried veggies. Here’s what he thought about those. Anyway, from then on, we progressed veggie by veggie and then fruit by fruit. Outcome??? He likes the “yellow” veggies i.e., sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash (favorites are in that order although truth be told; he could totally do without the squash). He absolutely grosses out over peas and green beans. With regard to fruits, in order of favorites…apples, bananas, pears, and he will tolerate prunes if mixed with apples or pears. Forget about peaches…those are a nasty no-no to him. As far as veggies and fruits go, I have been adding about 2 (baby-sized spoonfuls) of powdered infant oatmeal to them. I find that he will not spit any of it out when I add that to the food and it also prevents less spit up afterward too. He is currently eating First Foods (#1) and he takes a fruit w/oatmeal in the morning and a veggie w/oatmeal in the evening. Together it’s a total of 5 ounces of baby food per day. Each container is 2.5 oz. Doctor said at his appointment today that we can start introducing Second Foods (#2) and even try super, duper mashed up table foods (with no salt).

Sleeping Habits: The only thing that has changed as far as his sleeping habits is that he now goes down for the night earlier (around 7:30/8:00 p.m.). He does still tend to wake anywhere between 3:30/4:30 a.m. to take a bottle though. Right now, he’s getting a bottle at that time and then he goes back to sleep for another 2 to 2½ hours. Needless to say, I am definitely going to be working on getting him to skip that really early morning feed and encouraging him to sleep straight through instead. He still takes an early morning nap (lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour), a much longer afternoon nap (2 to 3 1/2 hours), an early evening cat nap (about 30 to 45 minutes), and then he goes to bed for the night.

What He's Doing/How He’s Progressing: He LOVES attention and does not like it when you are out of his sight. He blows raspberries (and especially likes to do this when he is being feed solid food). He “talks” up a storm and loves to do this little happy “scream” noise. He really likes it when you mimic the noises he makes back at him. He giggles when you tickle him. He turns in the direction of who’s talking to him and when you ask him, “Where’s Dada, Mamma, Bubba?”(our silly name for brother), he will look to that person and recognizes each. He grabs and passes hand-sized play things (like rattles and such) back and forth to each hand, and of course then aims them all right for his mouth! He’s able grab onto and “pop” his pacifier in and out of his mouth. He’s a tummy sleeper. He’s able to do a mini “push up” with his head, chest and forearms. He loves his crib and crib gadgets (i.e., mobile and lighted musical crib toy). His head/neck is very sturdy when he is sitting up/being held upright. He’s almost able to sit up unassisted (right now he still falls forward when you let go). He has rolled from back-to-tummy and tummy-to-back (one time each), but he hasn’t done so again. He grabs at his feet when laying on his back and rocks to one side or the other. He reaches for and pulls toward him the items he wants to get. He LOVES being in his exersaucer. He smiles ALL THE TIME! He doesn’t yet mind being held by a stranger (well, you know what I mean…someone who is a stranger to him, not a real stranger). He tends to favor his right hand. He loves to be naked, on his back, kicking and moving his arms and legs. He doesn’t mind getting a bath and squeals in delight when putting lotion on him. His stools are much more solid and (stinky) and not as frequent (Gheesh, is he ever gonna love me for this sentence later on in life...LOL!). He likes to hold and rub his “softie” blanket against his head when he’s tired or taking a bottle. His hair is starting to fill-in more. He has two (bottom) teeth. Oh, and he officially starts daycare next Monday.

Vaccines He’s Received To Date: Hepatitis B, DTaP (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type b), IPV (Polio), Prevnar/PCV 13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate), RotaTeq (Rotavirus), and Flu

All I Want For Christmas...

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Is My Two Front Teeth!


Well, my sweet Colton turned 6 months old this past Sunday and got tooth #2 to mark the day!




Hold on baby boy...you are growing up way too fast!!!!

Heart Melter

R.J. (my oldest child) had a school break during the week of Thanksgiving.

Evidently, prior to the break his teacher asked the students to write a letter about what they were thankful for.

As is usual before a break, I'm sure the teacher was busy trying to get things done before sending the children off for a "school-free" week, and she forgot to send some paperwork home.

Just wanted to share what came home in my son's work folder yesterday...

"Dear Mom and Dad, I am thankful for you. You give me a lot of stuff. You spend a lot of time with me. You are very, very, very considerate about me. Even though we have Colton you still do a lot of things with me. You never stop helping me. I am glad I have parents that take me on a lot of trips. I hope you write back. You are the best parents a kid could ever have. Love, R.J."

My dearest first-born...you are the best child a parent could ever have!

Your son will hold your hand for a little while,

but will hold your heart for a lifetime!

Thanksgiving Milestones

Hello all!

I hope that everyone had a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving.

This year was especially poignant and memorable because I have sooooo very much to be thankful for!

Last Thanksgiving, I was electric scootering my way around Disney World in an effort to be extra cautious and careful about protecting my then 9 week old fetus.

Fast forward one year later and that precious life I was carrying around and protecting in Disney World is now here with us in person to love and adore.

Together, with his older brother, they are both filling our lives with more joy and happiness than I could ever describe.

My family is finally complete and for that I am truly and humbly thankful.

This year, we decided to head to my mother-in-law’s house for the Thanksgiving holiday.

She lives in Tennessee and it is about a 5 ½ hour trip from our house to hers.

Unfortunately, we don’t get up there as much as we should/would like to, so we were all looking forward to the visit.

We headed out at about 8:30 p.m. last Tuesday night and drove straight through.

We were a little leery about being on the road late into the night, but when we weighed that versus trying to entertain an almost 6-month old who had to be restrained in a car seat the entire time...sharing the highway with 18-wheelers in the dark of night actually seemed like the better thing to do.

Guess what?

Our gamble paid off!

MILESTONE #1 – The drive went off without a hitch! Colton slept the entire way there and even R.J. dozed off half-way through the trip, which was very upsetting to him because as he said, “He only got to watch 1 DVD before he fell asleep!” LOL!


Let me back track just a bit...

For about a week prior to our trip, Colton developed a really stuffy and congested nose and even ran a bit of a fever for a day or two.

Combine that with the fact that he was just a wee bit irritable at times and this second time around mommy should have known that something was up.

Know what?

It was!

MILESTONE #2 – Colton cut his FIRST tooth at Grandma Ruth’s!

Okay, now let me share some history about our first-born son...

In 2002, R.J. was born via emergency c-section on November 26th the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I vividly remember Michael and I sitting in the hospital room eating turkey and dressing brought to us from home…not exactly how we thought we were going to be spending the Thanksgiving holiday that year (R.J. was actually due Dec. 15th), but it was a memorable one nonetheless.

In fact, my mom saved the wishbone from the turkey, tied a blue ribbon around it and marked it with R.J.’s date and time of birth…we still have it and every year since then it hangs on R.J.’s Christmas tree as a very special “ornament”.

This year...

R.J.’s birthday fell on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Even though we celebrated it with a big party the weekend prior with his classmates and friends, I didn’t want the actual day to go by without doing a little something special for him at Grandma Ruth’s house.

I wanted to officially celebrate him turning 8 years old, so I decided to have his very own birthday cake prepared in Tennessee rather than traveling all those miles with a cake from home.

Bad idea.

Some background info...

For those of you who don’t know anything about living in the south…it’s all about college football.

Being that we live in Alabama, it’s all about the SEC (South Eastern Conference).

Well really, it's more about the University of Alabama and Auburn University football teams.

It’s a really BIG rivalry…you are either for one or the other.

You show your school/football spirit by wearing either crimson and white or orange and blue.

In fact, these two schools have such influence over the way of life here that at birth you have to declare what football team your baby is going to be pulling for…LOL!

Long story short…we are HUGE Auburn football fans, and YES, we brainwashed our oldest son very early on.

During the Fall, most every home game Saturday, you can find R.J. and Michael in Auburn, AL at Jordan Hare football stadium routing on the Tigers.

I’d be there too, but (A) I am the Mom, and (B) we have a newborn, and (C) if I’m going to buy season tickets for a family of four, then by golly all four of us are going to be of the age where we can sit through an entire football game.

Back to this Thanksgiving...

Okay, so I decided that when we got to Tennessee, I would sneak out to the grocery store and have a small birthday cake decorated with my son’s favorite football team's logo on it.

It's the same logo that here in Alabama adorns EVERYTHING from food to clothing to cars, etc.

Well, I quickly found out that my brilliant idea was about to be deflated.

On Wednesday before Thanksgiving, we all ventured out to the GIGANTIC store conglomerate that begins with a WAL and ends with a MART.

I instructed Michael and Grandma Ruth to take R.J. and the baby to another part of the store to divert R.J. away from the bakery department.

With a big smile on my face and birthday cake decoration sheet in hand, I walked up to the counter and in a very chipper voice told the girl that I was interested in getting a birthday cake done for my son that we would pick up on Friday.

I then handed her the sheet of paper with the Auburn logo on it and the wording I wanted the cake to say...

After I handed the paper across the counter, a ditsy hair-netted girl (with a not so chipper voice)says to me, “We can’t do that, it’s against state law.”

Excuse me???

Against state law???

WHAT???

Ditsy hair-netted girl: “Yes, M’am it’s a logo and it’s trademarked and we cannot put anything with a trademark on a cake, it’s state law.”

She says this to me as I am standing there looking at the dozens of Disney-charactered, Dora the Explorer, Shrek, Batman, Spiderman and Superman logo, etc. adorned cakes and treats (which I may add are equally “trademarked” I'm sure).

Me: “You’ve got to be kidding me. All I want is an orange and blue letter “A” and a letter “U” on a birthday cake for an 8 year old that is going to be eaten privately in a home.”

Ditsy hair-netted girl: “It doesn't matter.”

insert [okay, I graduated from law school...there is a thing called trademark infringement, but...]

Me: “This is crazy! It's not like we are trying to mass market Auburn birthday cakes for sale on the street corner in Tennessee.”

Ditsy hair-netted girl: “I’m sorry M’am, I can’t do it. I could go to jail if I did.” (she says this to me as she proceeds to disappear into the baking room off to the side of the counter, which I was thinking she did in an effort to run for cover because she probably figured out that I was ready to pummel a few hundred of the mini [WAL-MART is famous for] cupcakes at her!!!)

After this alien exchange of words, I walk stomp on over to my husband, mother-in-law and my two sons absolutely fuming (seriously, I think that actual smoke and flames were shooting off my head), because (A) ditsy hair-netted girl's response is RIDICULOUS, (B) I am a Type A personality and when I set my mind on certain things going a certain way, I get all thrown off course if my plans get foiled, and (C) my birthday cake request does not violate state law...do you hear me ditsy hair-netted girl?!!!! It's my son's 8th birthday and all I want is two freakin' letters from the alphabet on a cake for goodness sake!

Needless to say, in my frustration and without thinking I blurt out what all has just happened at the bakery counter (in front of R.J.) - - great Tracey, you just killed your own surprise for your son.

UGH!

Michael who is now equally perturbed with what just transpired (and who I might add is an attorney licensed in four states…including Tennessee) decides he is going to head over to the bakery counter and give this request a whirl.

As my mother-in-law, myself and the two boys stand back in another section of the store, we can look over toward the bakery counter and see a heated discussion taking place between my husband, the ditsy hair-netted girl, and a man who we later found out was the bakery’s assistant manager.

Michael to ditsy hair-netted girl: “Please cite me what state law this birthday cake request violates.”

Ditsy hair-netted girl: “Tennessee state law.”

insert [DUH!!!!]

Michael: “So you are telling me that you can't put these letters on a cake because it violates some state law? There is absolutely no Tennessee law this request violates. I want to speak to a manager.”

Ditsy hair-netted girl: “The phone in the bakery is not working right now so I can’t call him.”

Michael: “Where can I find him?” (coincidentally, the bakery manager happens to walk up as Michael is asking that question)

Bakery Manager: “Is there a problem, sir?”

Michael: (explaining the situation to him) asks again, “What state law does our birthday cake request violate?”

Bakery Manager: “Well, it’s not actually a state law, it’s WAL-MART policy. We don’t reproduce anything that is trademarked.” (he says while standing in front of the same dozens of Disney-charactered, Dora the Explorer, Shrek, Batman, Spiderman and Superman logo, etc. adorned cakes and treats)

Michael: “So you are telling me that the WAL-MART stores in Alabama are violating company store policy when they put an Auburn University “A” and a “U” or a University of Alabama “A” on a cake or some other treat?”

Bakery Manager: “Yes, sir.” (as he too starts to walk slither away probably also looking for cover because after all Michael is a tall guy, who can throw and the produce section - with some heavy looking fruit - is just within arm's reach of him)

After we witness the exchange between Michael, ditsy hair-netted girl and the manager, an equally as frustrated and fuming Michael approaches us.

As he comes closer, my mother-in-law says, “Why don’t we try Kroger’s?”

God love her! [ it's a southern expression ;0) ]


Did Kroger’s make the cake?

MILESTONE #3 – YES!! They did.

One other thing...

I forgot to mention that November 26, 2010 - R.J.’s 8th birthday - (but you know that by now don't you?) also happened to be the day of the Iron Bowl which is the annual season-ending football game considered to be one of the best and most hard-fought rivalries in all of sports between the University of Alabama and Auburn University.

The winner of the Iron Bowl gets bragging rights until the following year’s game.

Who won?

MILESTONE #4 – AUBURN!!

In the biggest comeback win in the school’s history!

The WINNING Touchdown!

AUBURN 28 ~ ALABAMA 27

And, what did R.J. have to say about it all?

MILESTONE #5 – “Auburn winning the Iron Bowl on my 8th birthday is the best present I ever got!”

And, my sweet child…you and your little brother are the best presents I ever got!

THANK YOU Lord for blessing me this family so abundantly!

The Best Swing EV-AH!

My sweet, precious son #1 could not stand to be put in a swing.

Seriously!

He would see it and put his feet straight out in front of him as if he was putting on the brakes.

His body language was definitely saying, "No way Mommy! I am NOT getting in that thing!"

So what did I do??

I got rid of the swing.

Fast forward almost 8 years later to my sweet, precious son #2, who I might add (just like EVERYONE said) is nothing like my first other than bearing an uncanny and almost identical resemblance to dear son #1 at times.

And, guess who loves his swing???

YOU BETCHA' I LOVE THIS THING!
I mean, just look at how relaxed and sleepy-eyed it makes me?!

Yep, it's the best swing EV-AH!!!

Graco Sweetpeace Soother Swing

Thanks Graco!!!!

You Da Best!

Political Hurricane Hits...BIG TIME!

For those of you who have clicked on my profile, you know that I am a Legislative Liaison (translate: lobbyist).

No, no, no, trust me (and yes, you can) I am not one of those high powered, highly paid consultants you hear about. Heck, just check out my tax returns and you'll see what I mean...LOL!

Quite simply, I am a public servant who, as my occupation, does governmental relations work on behalf of the state agency for which I am employed.

As you can imagine, I have been knee deep in election stuff since yesterday and as it turned out, it was a very late night for me watching and keeping up with election returns for our state.

Thank goodness at this stage/age, Colton is well into dream land for at least 7 hours when we put him down for bed at night or I definitely would have been dragging even more than I already am.

Needless to say it has been a busy, busy day here at the office - - the day after the general election.

Long story short...Alabama (as well as the nation) faced a once-in-a-generation political hurricane...and it hit big time if you were on the Democratic ticket.

As you know, the mood of the electorate around our country has been one of anger, change and frustration for quite some time now.

We are experiencing perhaps the worst economy since the Great Depression. We are faced with having to deal with a national health care plan that most people don’t want and don’t understand. And, we have been dealing with many incumbents who have been around for far too long, with far too much baggage.

Voters voiced their disdain for those who are currently in charge and for those who have been in charge for way too long.

The message that was being sent (very loud and clear) was that a win in this election cycle was going to be almost insurmountable for any Democratic statewide, legislative or congressional candidate.

Of course, the mood was intensified (here in this state especially) due to the rising unpopularity of President Obama, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and the United States Congress in general.

So what happened???

Our entire state (in fact ALL statewide offices, but for one) went to Republicans.

As far as the legislature goes, well Alabama has not seen Republican control of the House and Senate for 136 years...until yesterday.

Lots and lots of upsets.

In my opinion, some are good, some are bad.

Let me just say that although I tend to vote Republican, my "all-around-the-ticket" voting habits would prove to be confusing to many if not most people…LOL!

No matter what, I have ALWAYS voted for the person (not the party) I align with/agree with/like the most. Sometimes that’s a Republican and sometimes that’s a Democrat.

Having said that, neither Republicans, nor Democrats for that matter have all the answers or solutions just because at any given time they are in charge and/or are "popular" for one election cycle compared to another.

Now more than ever I feel certain that people (myself included) will hold ALL of their elected officials accountable for the things they do/don't do and I think it's high time we forget about titles and party lines and fix the crap that is hurting us all as a nation as well as here in my state.

I guess only time will tell what the implications of yesterday’s results are and in the meantime I'll have the next 4 years to deal with this new batch of legislators and find out.

The elections are over...now there's work to be done. Let's see what happens.

And as for me?

Well, let's just say that I've got a bunch of brand new names to learn before I stomp on over to our state Capitol come this next legislative session...LOL!

God Bless Us All!

Brotherly Love...

Happy Fall Y'all!

For those of you who know me, you KNOW that I usually go all out in most everything I do…heck, you should just see R.J.’s birthday goodie bags…LOL!

So why would Halloween be any exception?!

And, besides, I have a hubby who is a really good sport too!

See what I mean…






May The Force Be With You!


Luke Skywalker


And, Yoda (of course!)


Luke and Yoda


Darth, er, um, I mean Daddy and Yoda


Princess Leia and Yoda (even Yoda had a mommy, right?!)


Ready for Trick-or-Treating
(I think Skywalker saw a ghost…lol!)

Who Needs a Light Saber When You’ve Got a Pacie?!


And, the Family Behind the Masks (R.J. with a new haircut too!)


We had a really great weekend trick-or-treating with some dear friends of ours on Saturday night and then at our church’s Fall Festival Sunday evening.

I must say, fall is one of my favorite times of the year (even though it has been in the high 80s here in Dixie) Ugh! However, this week promises some cooler weather (low 60s) and I can’t wait.

One of the things I totally miss about living up north (New Jersey is where I grew up) is having very distinct four seasons. Here in Alabama it seems as though we go from hot to hotter…LOL!

Nevertheless, whether it’s 80 degrees or 50 degrees, this family is always ready to have some fall fun!