2010

Modern Cranberry Noir Christmas

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Christmas shopping coming to an end

 I like to do things early and avoiding the crowds associated with Christmas shopping. Bryson had a 4 day weekend this week, so we headed out Thursday to start our shopping. We took both babies and had a great day! We started at Shogun for lunch (you know it's going to be a good day when you start by eating out), :) then hit TJ Max, Academy, the mall, and Walmart. We were blasted by the end of the day, but successfully got 3/4 of our list checked off. I think the kids had fun too, but they were exhausted when we pulled into the garage.
  I realized on the way home that day that we had gotten everyone on our list at least one thing...except for our own 2 kids! Ha, we hadn't gotten a single thing for our own, but I did remedy that today.  One of my friends gave me an early pass to the Just Between Friends consignment sale they have at camp jordan. It was so nice getting to go in before the general public. There are so many good deals offered at a consignment sale. Some things are brand new and the used things are, for the most part, in pefect condition. You get the cutest clothes and neatest toys and furniture, but not the huge price tag. I'm sorry but if you have kids and you don't do consignment shopping, you are a fool. I got absolutely everything for my kids Christmas there today (clothes, shoes, and toys) and it cost me $103.00. It feels so good to be done. I only have Bryson left on my list, so I am all but finished with Christmas shopping altogether; and it's only Novemeber 13th, woohoo!
 Today was also nice in that it was my first day since having Kade to be baby free. I had 5 hours of down time. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids dearly and even missed them while I was out, but I was in serious need of  a break.  Bryson chilled out at Chris and Marianne's with the kids. I didn't feel too bad leaving him with them since he had pleanty of help. With Mammie, Inga, Brodie, Brilee and Pappy around I seriously doubt he had to worry much about either of them.
 I'm so ready to get back in the saddle, literally. My horse, Sohie, is going to be 6 years old this coming spring and I've only been on her back a handful of times. Usually horses are broken in at age 2, so we are way behind. It's been extremely tough to find time to work with her over the past 4 years; in part because we've lived either in Tuscaloosa or TN during that time (while my horse lived at home at my parents house) and in part because I've been pregnant with three back to back pregnancies (my first pregnancy was a tubal) over the past 3 years. So, on my Christmas wish list is a few things I need tack wise to get back started on my horse. I guess my new year's resolution should be to officially get Sohpie broke to ride. It shouldn't be too much longer until I have a little girl who's ready to saddle up.....at least I hope she shares my love for horses and riding.
 

Kade's first trick or treating adventure

 Bryson and I had such a good time taking the kids trick or treating (and no it wasn't just because we get to eat the majority of their candy either. ;)). They were both adorable in their costumes. Elliana was a ladybug and Kade was a red hot chili pepper. Elliana, this being her second trick or treating experience, was showing baby Kade the ropes. He slept through the majority of the day, but Elliana seemed to really enjoy it. She was very sweet telling everybody please and thank you. :) She loved her 'nummy nummies.' We mostly went to our family's houses and the the trunk or treat at both Ebenezer and Canaanland. I think we went 7 places Saturday night and it took us 4 hours to make those rounds! Everybody was thrilled to see the babies, so we had to stop and visit a while at each house. I so look forward to these special memories we are making as a family of 4 now. I truly cherish each day I am blessed with my husband and two wonderful babies.
 We are planning on putting up our Christmas tree this weekend. Yes, I know it's only the begininng of November, but the Christmas season passes so quickly that I want to start celebrating as early as possible. Besides, it's a lot of work decorating and I'd like to have a little time to enjoy all the hard work. I can't wait to see how Elliana responds to the tree once it's up. I bet she'll love the lights and all the 'baws.' I just hope I'm not fighting her about leaving the ornaments on the tree. I have an inkling I will be though.
 Bryson is finishing up on Kade's toy box. He's has all the boards cut and sanded, so he only has to put it together and add the finish. It looks really good already. He decided on a toy box for Kade since he did a cradle for Elliana. I think it's so special that he's hand making each of his kids a keepsake for when they are older; not to mention they are useful now. My dad made a cradle for us when we were little. The problem was he only made one cradle and he had 7 kids! Amberly eneded up with it since she had the first grandbaby. Anyhow, Elliana and Kade will both have something to take with them when they get married that their daddy made for them. I'm thankful Bryson is such a handy man and that he wants to do this for his babies.

Kade's first Halloween 2010

My sweet babies

She wasn't thrilled about being in costume at first, but she decided it was o.k. later on

trick or treating at Popie and Granny's house

Trunk or treating at Ebenezer

                                                         So sweet together