Christmas: part two

Christmas morning at home. The kids all had a great time checking out all that Santa had left for them. Avery was beyond excited about his telescope. Most of the pictures of him were of his back because he was always looking at the telescope!! He was a really good sport too, because we headed out for the next phase of our Christmas before lunch time, so he didn't get to really play with it until we got home. Brady was excited about his skateboard and roller blades. I think he's glad to have his own, and not always have to ask Avery if he can borrow his. Chloe was very excited about her bike and scooter. Just a week or so before Christmas, she decided that she wanted a car like her cousin Kiley. I was a little worried, because I was pretty sure Santa wasn't going to bring her a car. She actually did mention it that morning, but I haven't heard anything since then. Here are some pictures of our morning.

Christmas: part one

We had a great time with my family at a cabin at Tims Ford. We were there for only a couple of days, but it was great to all be together. The kids enjoyed playing inside and outside, even though it was very cold.


Emma is such a natural with Chloe and Ethan. They had so much fun playing with her and Tessa. Chloe never wants me to put her hair up, but she wanted Emma to put it up for her. If Emma and I walked into the room together, Chloe ran to Emma!! It was so cute to watch them interact. I wish we lived closer because I would pay Emma whatever she wanted to babysit!!


I love this picture of Chloe. She was so tired, but such a trooper. She decided this coffee table was her bench from the very beginning.

You have to look at everyone in this picture. I love Keith's smile, but everyone else has a funny look on their face.

Chloe was so happy to get to sleep with Emma, but she had trouble being quiet long enough to go to sleep. She also woke her up in the middle of the night talking to her. I think she told Emma to be careful and not hit her head, or something like that.

I think this is one of the cutest pictures of the whole weekend.

Okay, so this one has a story behind it. Chuck is known for being willing to do just about anything for the right price. Lance is known for trying to get him to do stuff. Chuck accepted the challenge and ate a plate full of onion. (It had to be at least half an onion.) I'm not sure whether or not it was worth it. He seemed a bit miserable even the next day.

From our family to yours...

Merry Christmas!!

We hope you all have a wonderful time during the holidays. We're thinking of you all, and wishing you the best. We've had a wonderful time so far this Christmas, and we're off today again. We love you all!!

Good movie

Yesterday we went to see National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. I don't think I've ever been to a movie on the opening day, but it was worth it. We had originally planned on going at 1:00, but the first two shows were sold out by the time we got there, so we saw it at 4:00. The kids all really enjoyed it, even Chloe. We've never taken her to a movie, but I think she's been with Granny and Pops. She wasn't very excited about it at first, but after sleeping through the previews and the very beginning of the movie, she was ready to watch it. I think she just didn't know what to expect, plus it's so dark and loud. She was so good during the movie. We didn't have to go out with her once. Avery and Brady loved it of course. They were talking about it nonstop on the way home, when Chloe would let them talk!!

Ahh, it's finally Christmas break!!

I'm so glad that we finally have a break from school. Technically, they should be in school right now, but today is a two hour day. Two hours? That seems pretty silly, especially considering their parties were yesterday. The kids said that all they had to do today was go to school and be counted, then they could go home. We decided that it wasn't worth getting dressed and going to school just for that, so we're having a lazy morning at home. I'm enjoying it more than I can say!!

Just don't look at the laundry!

Okay, I know by mentioning the laundry that you're going to look at it. I just have to say that it looks like more than it actually is, and it really does multiply in there!! I just love this picture too much to not put it on here. Chloe wanted to wear a hat, and that's what we found. Keith figured it might be his only chance to get a picture together while they're both wearing Florida stuff. (I'm hoping for at least one Tennessee fan.) I love the way Chloe has her hand on Keith, and they both have great smiles.

Good morning

My mornings seem to start very early lately. Chloe has been waking up several times a night since Friday, and when it's so close to time to get up, it's hard for me to go back to sleep. She woke up around 3 something, and I don't think she's really been asleep since then. I don't think I have either. I finally decided to just get up and start my day. I have piles of laundry to fold and put away, but of course, I'm blogging. Oh well! Anyway, I'm not sure anyone is asleep right now. Brady was up a few minutes ago, on his way to the bathroom. Avery just got up also with his stomach bothering him (lovely). Chloe was just in her room singing Santa Clause is Coming to Town. This is one of those days that could really crumble at the very beginning, but I'm hoping to make it through. Oh, I can't forget that I have to make bacon and biscuits for Brady's class this morning!! The boys have their parties today, so I get to drag Chloe to those this morning. I see everyone having a nap time today!! I would be so bored if I didn't have kids.

I just have to add something. Just a few minutes after I posted this, Avery came in and told me that he wouldn't get to go to school today because he has chicken pox. Oh my! He's been worried that he wouldn't get to go because it seems that he's coming down with a cold. He doesn't have many opportunities to go to school and have fun, so he started crying as he told me. I don't think he has the chicken pox, but he does have some itchy rash. Maybe we won't travel after all.

Just in time to travel...

It's only natural that we have a sick child, since we're going to be traveling in a week. It doesn't really surprise me anymore. Poor Chloe has a cold. It's so hard when the kids are sick because I feel so helpless. The night before last, Chloe woke up coughing. When Keith went in to her, she said, "I did something in my bed." She had choked on all the drainage, and thrown up in her bed. She doesn't seem to feel that bad, but she's got a pretty nasty cough, and her nose is constantly running. Thank goodness for tissues with lotion!! Now I can only hope that no one else gets it. Chloe does not like having to stay away from her brothers. :)
We took Chloe to the doctor on Friday because I knew that her fever would spike that night if I didn't. Anyway, they said it was just something viral, which means there's nothing they can give her. The doctor also said that he didn't use over the counter medicines with his kids, but we could if we wanted. We've used them when we felt it was necessary for their comfort, but lately I've read that several things about them that make me hesitant to use them. I've read that they're not effective, and not safe?! It's so confusing to know the right thing to do. I wasn't going to give her anything other then motrin or tylenol, but the poor girl's nose was running constantly, not to mention the frequent coughing and sneezing. All of this pretty much meant that I was wiping her nose constantly, so I finally gave her something. It's already helped her, so I don't regret the decision. Anyway, any thoughts on using over the counter cold medicines for little ones?

Clingy stage...

Last night I went to a cookie swap with some ladies at from church. I've had several things going on lately where I'm not home at night, and Chloe does not like it. Keith said she's fine until bed time, and that's always when she wants me. I remember the boys going through a stage like this, but girls are so different! She was still awake when I got home last night, (because she took a nap yesterday, she wasn't as tired at night), so I went in and told her good night. One of the first things she said to me was, "You left me." It was so pitiful! I was like I just left her on the side of the road somewhere! Anyway that really killed me! I figure I have to do one of two things to help this situation: either never go out(not going to happen), or go out at least once a week so she can get used to me being gone for a few hours!!

Hand sanitizer

My parents got the kids some of this hand sanitizer from Walgreens, and they love it! I like that it sprays, because it's so easy to squirt half the bottle into your hand the other way. This way you don't have to worry about that. I think it's a very cool idea, and they can take it to school easily. I like to think that they might actually eat with semi-clean hands this way! Even Chloe liked it, but then again she loves any way she can wash her hands. She's very opposite of the boys in that manner!!

New truck

Here is the new love of Keith's life!! JK! Anyway, this is his new truck. (I know it's both of ours, but it's still his!) We have been talking about getting a small truck for a few years, but we knew that we would need one that we could all ride in. I don't want a second car that can't carry us all. Everyone is very excited about it, as you can see. Keith took the boys to school this morning, and it made their day. They're going to be disappointed to see me this afternoon in the van. It's still foreign to me that he can take them to school and still get to work on time. (It's really nice, because Chloe is still asleep this morning!) I know we'll take it to church tonight. Chloe's going to be upset when she finds out the boys got to ride in it without her!! I'm sure we'll have to keep it home one day soon! I'm feeling the need to haul something! :)

Goodbye old friend...

Tonight we said goodbye to our car of 11 years. It had seen better days, for sure, but it was a good car. I'm always emotional about stuff like this, but even Keith thought about it. This was our first car together. We brought home two of our babies in this car. It was with us in Georgia, Alaska and Tennessee. I'm kind of sad to see it go, even though it was a little frustrating to drive lately. The air conditioning didn't work, which means neither did the defrost. The gas mileage isn't as good as it used to be, and it leaked oil. The lights work about as well as holding a flashlight in front of the car, maybe not that well!! After you turn the car off, it squeals like it took it's last breath. It was pitiful. Farewell friend!

Coming soon: a photo of Keith's new truck.

My wild child