Christmas Time Already??

All I can say is WOW...my Christmas baby is almost 4 years old. Where does the time go??

Putting up the Christmas tree almost did me in this year, our easy "pre-lit" tree came out of the box with one strand not working. Instead of putting another strand on right away (THAT WE HAD RIGHT THERE...sigh), my Mr. Fix-It husband had to unscrew every bulb in the affected area to try to locate the one that was bad. After about an hour and no luck, we finally put the extra strand on the tree and moved forward. Sigh. But it is up and looks beautiful, smells wonderful too even if it did come from a spray can and not the real thing. My OCD does not like real trees. Too much mess, so we'll stick with a fake tree and evergreen spray - same thing, right?

Thanksgiving 2009

The Boyles and the Odoms had Thanksgiving in Smithville, TN this year. The house we rented was perfect - so spacious and lots of places for the kids to play. Nate had a great time playing with his cousins and snuggling with one of his favorite people in the world - Mimi (not to discount Paka, Aunt Amanda, or Uncle David, but Mimi is A#1 most important when she is around, even above Mom & Dad!!)

Nate loves him some Gavin...warms my heart that he is so sweet to him.

Part of the Thanksgiving dinner table...Nate is on the other side loving on Gavin.

Hunting for salamanders at Burgess Falls on Friday. They did find 2 salamanders, and one was a baby - so cute.

Plentiful sunshine, gorgeous day!

Nate's "do you like it when I smile like this" face -

The big boys - they have a great time together.

Mimi & Paka with their boys...

I think I taught Gavin the "how big are you" game - here is he saying "sooooooo big!" I might just get a nod in his baby book for this one!

We were trying to get a picture of Mimi, Scott & Nate, but Nate didn't want Gavin to leave the bench...what can I say, again, he loves him some Gavin!

We had a wonderful time - lots of fun, lots of laughs, and even a Black Friday trip to Wal-Mart! My first time ever to grace Wal-Mart's doors the day after Thanksgiving. But it was worth it! Great deals and not crowded in Smithville, TN - who by the way has a spotless Wal-Mart. If you are ever in the area the day after Thanksgiving, I recommend it - ha ha!

Now on to Christmas - this year has flown by!

Think Someone Misses Me?

I don't think my kitty is ready for me to leave again...

Leaves & Monkey Joe's

A few pictures to show how we spent the last few weeks - besides being crazy busy. I think I will spend more nights away from my bed than in it during this lovely month of November. Over scheduled, over committed, something like that.

I enjoy the leaves leisurely falling to the ground during Fall. Not so much this year. Heavy rains and strong winds blew all the leaves down in a very short timeframe. Scott raked leaves in the dark one night - seriously, has it always gotten dark so early?? This year seems worse.

Last Friday, Nate & I went to Monkey Joe's with Jane Ellis, Peter, and George. It was our first time and Nate is going to have his birthday party there. For the most part, he liked it once he got used to all the bouncy things. Here he is going down the big slide. He did it exactly one time. I was just impressed that he did it at all.

Acting silly in the baby bouncy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mom & Dad's 60th Birthday

Wow - what a great weekend. My Mom & Dad celebrated their 60th birthdays this weekend. I am so thankful for both of them. They are truly wonderful parents, friends, and counselors. The weekend was made very special by all the people that celebrated with us.

Sarah and I worked very hard on the decor - we decided we might just go into business together. I am self-admitting not a very crafty person but it all came together and I think it turned out nice. I really enjoyed hanging out with Sarah, even though it makes Hamil nervous when we spend too much time together!

The centerpieces with berries picked from the farm.

The walkway that my Dad made over the flower bed - I think a smaller version will be a permanent fixture!

The wine table and Sarah's perfect flower arrangements complete with red tinted water :).

My favorite boy being very cute! He enjoyed the party until about 20 people got there and then he said he was ready to watch a movie. He hung out in my Dad's office with a few other kids that were there. He went to bed promptly at 9:00 PM, even with the band blaring right outside his window. That part of him is not my kid - those of you that have lived with me know that I need QUIET to sleep!

The Corse children...

My good friends Jackie & Aaron made the trip all the way from Jeff City to celebrate with us!

Hamil, Sarah and Sarah's parents, Bob & Cathy.

I so enjoyed catching up with my dear, dear friend Brandi!!

Me & Jackie...

Dancing with my Dad!

Shame on me - this is the only picture I got of my Mom & Dad at their own party. And actually, didn't take it, Jackie did! I guess I was too busy having fun!

The birthday toast with some of my parent's dearest friends.

On Time vs. Late

I look forward to going to pickup Nate every day. It is one of the best parts of my day.
Yesterday morning he asks me, "Mom, do you have a meeting today?" No. "So you will be picking me up on time?" Yes. "Okay then."

This morning he says to me, "Mom, can you be 20 minutes late picking me up today?" Ummmm...sure, why? "Because I need to go outside with my class to do bird watching."

Apparently something he can't do if I pick him up on time. From the moment Nate started going to childcare outside our home, I have made it a point to pick him up ON TIME every single day. If I am 2 minutes late, he might be scarred for life. It is really hard for me not to pick him up on time.

Well, apparently, he enjoys school so much that on some days, he wants me to be late. So I'm killing time so my little bird watcher can have fun with his friends. I don't know who this growing up stuff is harder on, him or me??

Halloween

The littlest fire fighter...