Archive for December, 2008

Wishing you…

Amy December 22nd, 2008

This past weekend Michael and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary.  We went to Macon, GA to hear Jim Brickman in concert while my sister and her family watched the boys.  The concert was wonderful and if you don’t know who Jim Brickman is, he is an exceptional piano player.  His music is beautiful romantic uplifting compositions.  He has written “The Gift” (performed by Collin Raye) and “My Valentine” among many others.  His concert featured him, Tracy Silverman on electric violin, Pam Cochran and Mark Masri on vocals.  The concert was in the Grand Opera House which is and old restored 1800′s opera house.  It is small and intimate and the concert was a lot of fun.  He is very entertaining and enjoyable to watch and I would recommend him if he comes your way…  for you guys, Mike would recommend him too.

I found myself relaxing and sinking into his wonderful renditions of Christmas favorites.  I felt rejuvinated and relaxed.  And at this particular time in our lives, these are feelings that are hard to come by.  Mike was recently let go from his job and we are facing uncertainty around every corner.  Uncertainty in our income source, uncertainty in where we may be living next year, uncertainty in the job market (if any of you need a GREAT Network Administrator, let us know), so stress is high this Christmas season.  So this concert was a wonderful treat. 

One of the songs that was performed was called Wishing Well and it made me think of the things that I wish for my family this year…

To my mother,

I wish you limited home repairs, doors with knobs and hinges, friendships that continue to grow, precious moments as GiGi, an outlet for everyone to experience your wonderful writing, moments of great fulfillment, and cups of coffee enveloped in great peace.

 

To my wonderful husband,

I wish you a new job that gives you a great sense of accomplishment, a continued role as beloved father and “tickle monster”, my unending love and admiration, and enough projects to keep you happily playing in the garage with your tools.

 

To my wonderful children,

For you, I wish the world.  I wish you a lifetime of happiness with few disappointments.  Friends that are true and a tie of brotherhood that is stronger than all of your foes.  A childhood filled with memories of family and love.  A sense of right and wrong and an appreciation of honor and citizenship in this great country.  Camden, I hope that you never lose your exuberence for life.  Continue to cheer and say “YEA!” even when everyone around you is silent.  Jackson, I hope that you always are able to smile your sweet smile and laugh at your brother.

 

For all my friends and family,

I wish you well….

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS.  I love you all.

Internet Problems!

Michael December 18th, 2008

There have been some issues with our connection to the Internet going down alot lately.  Especially when it rains.  I’ve had several calls into our provider and they have dutifully sent someone out each time… after it quits raining.  Today I finally got a technician who says he was able to find the problem and correct it.

Let’s hope he has.  And for those of you keeping tabs, sorry for the problems.

M.

Jackson’s Growing Up!

Michael December 18th, 2008

Since Camden has moved to his “bigboy” bed, and doing nicely in it, Amy and I finally moved Jackson over to the crib tonight.  He is growing so fast that the cradle is now too small for him.  Both boys are now sleeping in the same room.  We put them both down at the same time and both fell right asleep.

On a side note. I had just finished reading Camden his nightly story books when Amy came up with Jackson to put him down too.  Camden got up from his bed and asked mommy for a kiss.  He’s hasn’t asked before.  How sweet!

M.

Youth and Video Games!

Michael December 12th, 2008

Everything you ever hear about kids these days is that they are so much easier to teach technical things.  Can’t program the DVR? Call your young nephew and he’ll do it. 

Now, I’m no slouch when it comes to video games, but I was humbled today.  My son, Camden, who just turned two last week, beat me at bowling on the Wii.  It was his first attempt and he had to have some help, but HE BEAT ME!

Now, those of you who don’t know, I’ve been a bowler since I was eight. I’m the president of my bowling league.  I average 200 in real life (about 180 on the Wii).  So I consider myself good.

He wasn’t a fast thrower. It took his ball a good 45sec to get to the pins, but he was consistent, and that paid off.

I’m so humiliated!

M.

Christmas Parade

Michael December 12th, 2008

Amy had a “girl’s night out” , so her mother asked us Boys if we wanted to go to the Christmas Parade tonight.  It was a really good parade, but a little long for Jackson’s taste.  Camden made me so proud!  Every time someone would throw candy to us he would shout “Tank you!”

M.

Joyous and Busy Weekend

Amy December 8th, 2008

We had a very busy weekend.  It started Friday night when Mom stayed with the boys and Mike and I went to a Christmas party.  It was nice to have a night off and to get to spend time with friends.  The food was wonderful and we had a good time.

Saturday was…  CAMDEN’S 2ND BIRTHDAY!

I cannot believe that he is already 2.  He loves Blue’s Clues, as previously mentioned, so we decorated in that theme.  Lots of family (and Christi) showed up and we had fun grilling out, eating cupcakes, and watching Camden get very excited over all of his gifts.  He threw down his doggy towel and body slammed it first and then he showed everyone how much he enjoyed his other gifts by clapping, saying Yea!, and dancing.  He also really enjoyed his singing birthday card from his Maw Maw and Paw Paw.  Last year that was by far the hit gift.  A day late he got his gift from GiGi and has been “Pay with Hanny Manny and Tools” all day.  I think his biggest gift though was all of the family and friends that he got to play with.

Sunday was… Jackson’s Baptism. 

I was so glad that we got to have his baptism yesterday because it meant that my sister and her family were able to attend since they were already in town.  Mike’s brother and sister-in-law also came down for the occasion.  It was really special and went superbly.  Jackson could not have behaved better.  It was also the Sunday of our church’s Christmas Cantata, so the church was full and the mood was festive.

Both of our boys make me so proud and they are both growing so fast.   If I could save time in a bottle…

A Visit to GiGi’s House

Michael December 3rd, 2008

Today I picked Camden up from MDO while Amy and her mom (GiGi) went Christmas shopping. As per his usual routine, I took him to the park to play afterword. He brought home a stick.  As we were going up the steps (Camden going “big steps, one, two, five, six, nine!”) I told him he had to leave the stick outside.  To which he stopped, dropped the stick and said, “GiGi’s house, no sticks lowwed!”  I just had to laugh and I said, “That’s right, no sticks allowed at GiGi’s.

M.

Let it SNOW!

Amy December 1st, 2008

It snowed today!  It is the earliest that I can remember it snowing since I moved here about 8 years ago.  We usually get at least one snowfall during winter, but it is usually around February.  So, we got about 1/2″ of snow today and it was beautiful.  Big fluffy white flakes.

I told Camden that it was snowing and he repeated “Snow?”.  I said yes and told him to look outside.  He said, “Snow fall.  Brrrr.”  He then got to go out and play some and eat the by then icy snow.

But the best part of it snowing today was that we were putting up the Christmas tree.  What a wonderful gift to see the white snow flakes falling outside as we listen to Christmas music and put up the tree by the fire.  Camden was awed when he came down from his “nap” today and the tree was up.  He loves all the balls and calls the reindeer and moose ornaments “Cows”.  Reindeer and moose aren’t in his animal books yet.

Happy holidays to all!  I am blessed that I get to see this season with a fresh perspective through the eyes of a 2 year old and I hope that all of you get to see it through new eyes as well.