Tacky Christmas Party

Memaw's Grandkids:


Dylan and Braden wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas:
my'>http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=48687809">my peeps

Mine and Wendy's very tacky footwear:


****Attention all readers... if you attended any of these events, PLEASE send me pictures. I don't have a camera so I'm relying on you. Thanks!

Santa Beware!

Our trip to see Santa was not a success. Dylan loved him until she had to sit in his lap. After this picture Braden stayed in his lap to tell him he wanted a Speed Racer Snowsled... Where in Florida is "Santa" going to find that? Geez...

Braden's Very First Football Game

On November 22nd of this year we took Braden to see his very first Gator Football game. We chose to take him on this day for many reasons, one: it was his 4th birthday (don't even get me started on how crazy that is), two: it was a perfect game to go to (The Citadel, I mean how guarunteed a win can you get?) and three: we got enough tix for both Gary and I to see his reaction (thanks Tom and Dee Dee) plus an extra ticket for a camera man (thanks Rita).
First we tailgated a bit with Jon and some of his buddies. While we were there the Jets flew overhead with no warning and scared Braden half to death.
Then we made our way in to the stadium and I think Braden was a little shocked at the crowd. He's been to the stadium when it was empty so I think that's what he was expecting. Our seats were great. 30 something rows up around the 50 yard line, right outside of the tunnel no having to walk up or down the stairs. They were also chair backs so, yay!
I think he had more fun watching the jumbo-tron instead of the actual field. He quickly made friends with the ladies behind him and they told him Happy Birthday.
We also were blessed with tickets to the Bull Gators. So Braden and I went up and ate free popcorn with hotdogs and drinks. Topped off with brownies and cookies. Keep in mind that they also served a very gourmet meal of cheesy mash potatoes, shrimp with rice, sliced pork tenderloin,

rolls, a wonderful salad... blah blah blah... it could have been friggin money on a fork and Braden wouldn't touch it. He demanded popcorn.
We went back down and watched the half time show. Braden stood on my lap (he already had the women behind us wrapped around his little finger). He really enjoyed the big alumni drum.

All in all, Braden had a good time. It was his first, but it is certainly not his last. GO GATORS!

4 yr olds & Dentists don't mix

Today I took Braden to the Dentist.
He's been before for a routine check, and it went amazing. He sat still, he was polite and quiet... today was a whole different story.
We went in because he has a tooth that's a problem. A tooth that needed some serious attention and was beyond our help at home. Braden had never complained about it, it never seemed to hurt him, however it was obvious that it wasn't healthy.
The first part was taking the "picture". He didn't want the X-ray clamp thing anywhere near his mouth. Finally, as I helped, the dentist held his cheeks and forced it. This caused us to only be able to look at the one tooth instead of getting a good look at his whole mouth.
Then came the REAL fun part. The chair... dun dun dun. At first he was OK. We were able to talk him through everything. But the longer his mouth was forced open, and the longer "Mr. Slurpy" had to do the swallowing for him, the more anxious he got. It got so bad that I had to pin him down and hold his hands. He was so squirmy the assitant had to get harsh and inforce the rules . "You're going to hurt yourself!" she said at one point.
I know he wasn't in pain, he was just so afraid of not knowing what was going on and why this was happening to him.
Afterwards he calmed down and I was able to focus on Dylan who had emptied an entire bag of crackers on the floor and instead was eating my lipstick.
Oh the joys of motherhood!

I survived!

So Thanksgiving is over. Most of you are all out shopping right now. Getting in fights over the last tickle me something. Not me. I'm in my PJ's sipping on coffee being "thankful" for the fact that I survived my first hosting of Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong, I had a TON of help. Mainly my mom, who is probably still sleeping because she has to be worn out. I now know how to make lots of things that I don't even eat, including one untouched cranberry jello mold. I have to say the best part of Thanksgiving is not having a wonderful family together, it's not seeing your kids love every minute of the togetherness... and it's not even watching Wendy squish a whole pie on her lap... the best part is having SO MANY leftovers!!! Mmm all of my favorites in my fridge as we speak. Maybe I should install a combination lock?

Thankful

It's that time of the year where we all gather to give thanks... ok, not really, it's more like the time of the year that we eat and eat until we can't eat any more. Regardless, we're together as a family, which is what I look forward to.
This year my tiny house has been nominated as the site for stuffing our faces. And although we'll be a tad bit smushed, it will be fun.
What I am thankful for:
My mom who has a great heart and a strong spirit, who is often misunderstood but is always warm and inviting.
My dad who never quits and always surpasses. His heart is golden and intentions are always for the better.
My brother who has such a magnetic pull that everyone can't help but want to be near him. He lights up a room and never hesitates to give a helpful hand. He's who I go to for advice in all that is hip.
My husband who loves his family more than anything and is a never ending source of knowledge.
and finally my children... my son is the most comical, imaginative, energetic person I have ever met and my daughter has a beautifully bright personality. Both are smart, open, and loving.

To all of my family and friends, this list is too short, I know. I love each and every one of you. And if my kids were not literally crawling on me, I would list all of you as well. I only surround myself with those whom I love and care for. Chances are, if you're reading this, you're one of those people. I hope every one has a wonderful Thanksgiving. Don't forget to thank those around you.