Christmas 2008

Christmas this year was so much fun! Hunter had a better understanding this year of the whole Santa Claus ordeal. Stephen and I thought that we were never going to get him to go to sleep. Christmas Eve we went to my in-laws to do our Christmas and Paw Paw and Maw bought Hunter a smart cycle. He is amazed by his "motorcycle". He actually went to sleep whispering "I'm gonna ride my mocycle tomorrow", repeatedly. It was really cute, regardless of how tired Santa and Mrs. Claus were. We tried everything to try to get him to fall asleep and he was so anxious that it was almost 11 p.m. before we succeeded.

Christmas morning he was up extremely early, but we finally got out of bed at 6:19 am. We are terrible, but considering it was after 2 before we went to bed, we were a little exhausted. Before he could come out of the room I had to go and wake up Brian and Austin for the excitement. When it was finally time I had the video camera all set up and Hunter appeared. He peaks over the couch and says "WOW", and runs straight to his John Deere gator that was full of goodies. He got everything that he asked for plus some. He really wanted a shotgun, hungry hungry hippos, and a bow and arrow. All of our kids received everything they asked for plus some. We are very thankful.

For the rest of the day we just relaxed and napped until around 6 when my family came over to our house. I was so glad to see my nieces and nephews and the joy in their eyes. Hunter received two bow and arrows, one from Grandaddy and Noni, and one from his sissy. He was overwhelmed and wanted to immediately shoot them both. Santa Claus brought me a new camera and I was to busy video taping Christmas morning that I did not take any pictures. So I made up for the pictures at Maw's house and Christmas evening at our house. Santa Claus is the sweetest man I have ever met, I love that fat man!

As we head into 2009 I am forever grateful for all of the blessings in my life. I have an amazing husband, 4 healthy and beautiful children, a beautiful house, and the list can go on and on. I can only hope that 2009 will be as wonderful as 2008. May you find peace and blessings in the new year!

I have finally finished my Christmas shopping and I'm so relieved. Brittaney and I headed out to the stores this afternoon with a plan and we conquered it. I can not believe that Christmas is already here, how time flies!

I was wrapping gifts tonight and Hunter was sitting on the couch behind me and he says as serious as ever "Mommy, we have a serious problem." and I said "we do, what kind of problem do we have?" he replies " Where is Santa going to leave all my presents...there no room under the tree." I kept a serious face, but I'm here to tell you that I was laughing so hard on the inside. So I told Sissy that we had a problem and what the problem was and she immediately arranged all of the presents so that Santa will not have a problem. Now, Hunter is content knowing that when Santa Claus comes down the chimney he will have a whole floor space beside the Christmas tree and on the fireplace to put his presents.

Stephen and I are really excited about playing Santa and waking up to the excitement of Hunter on Christmas morning. I love this age. On this Christmas I'm so thankful for all of the blessings in my life...My wonderful husband and the most amazing kids ever. From our family to yours Merry Christmas!

It's a reindeer!

On Wednesday Hunter had his Christmas program at school and the class came out dressed as reindeer. I was able to snap a picture of the class as they patiently waited in the classroom to make the grand entrance. I think Hunter was the cutest reindeer that I have ever seen. The entire class was so adorable and performed so well. They sang a few Christmas songs and the children were so excited to see their family members. Throughout the entire performance children were waving to their mommies and daddies, and mine was no exception. Hunter shouted "Aunt Ashley" in the middle of the program, he wanted to make sure that she saw him.

Hunter had an entire audience there to watch him perform. Mommy, Sissy, Noni, Aunt Ashley, and Uncle Lyde. Sissy was able to come and help me decorate for the party because she had made all A's and was exempt from taking her final exams. We all had a really good time, and I finally remembered to charge my video camera. My pictures were not that great, but an elf informed me that Santa was bringing me a new camera so we will see.

Our Christmas tradition.

For years now one of our Christmas traditions is to paint an ornament for our Christmas tree. We put the kids name, age, and year on the back of the ornament. When the kids are grown and move out on their own, they will receive their ornaments that they have painted over the years. They love to paint these ornaments and look forward to it year after year.

This year Hunter had his best friend Toby over and each of them painted an ornament. Hunter is 3 and Toby is 2 and they were so serious about their painting. I captured the seriousness on their face and I could not help but laugh as they were painting. Have you ever tried to make a 2 and 3 year old keep still for just a minute? It usually does not happen. These two boys were no exception. Put a paintbrush in their hand and paint in front of them and they were as still as ever.

And the results were:

Toby's ornament is the top one and Hunter's is the bottom. I think they did an amazing job!

Update on our precious children

On Monday December 1st Brian received his class ring. Back when I received my high school class ring the school representative just handed you your ring at lunchtime and you might have gotten a congratulations. It has been so long ago that I can not remember, but I do know they never had a ring ceremony. Now they have ring ceremonies and go all out for the up and coming graduates. Herff Jones, which is the company that we purchased the ring from, explained the purpose of the ring, acknowledged each individual student, and presented the student with a rose for their parents. After the ceremony they provided a southern dinner complete with barbecue sandwiches, coleslaw, potato chips, a cookie, and it is not a southern meal without the sweet tea.

I'm sure that the cost of the ring covered the meal, but none the less, the ceremony was really nice. Brian gave me an orange rose that was quite beautiful. I wanted to cry when they called his name. It was just a ring ceremony! I'm sure those emotions are nothing compared to what I will feel when he actually graduates high school. Then college graduation will be worse than high school. I guess I should start stock piling the Kleenex now. We are very proud of Brian and the accomplishments that he has achieved this far, and are looking forward to his future achievements. I love this kid so much!

Brittaney called us yesterday and she informed us that she has all A's. WOW! She has always had A's and B's and her Daddy rewards her with money for every report card. She is in the 9Th grade, her first year of high school, and she has all A's. Now that is something to brag about! Because of her grades she does not have to take final exams next week which means she can start her Christmas break early...on Wednesday. Britt keep up the good work, Daddy and I are so very proud of you girl!!!

Austin is still hanging in there. This year has been really tough for him in middle school. He explains to us that it is this one particular teacher who continues to give him such grief. He still has A's and B's though and we are proud of him for that.

Hunter is gearing up for his Christmas program that he will be performing next week, on Wednesday. He is the most adorable little boy that I have ever seen. He is 3 year's old and to hear him sing the Christmas songs makes me giggle just a little bit. He has grown up so much and is so sweet and loving. Here lately he asks me some of the most serious questions and I wonder where he learns this stuff from? There is no telling where he learns some of the things that he learns. The other day I was laying in bed with him and he just starts hugging and kissing me and says "Mommy I don't want to lose you". Wow! I was stunned, I did not know what to say much less how to respond. I acted on my first response and with tears in my eyes I grabbed up that big brown eyed, loving angel and wrapped my arms around him as tight as I could and said "Honey you are not going to lose Mommy, I love you to the moon and back and always will". Where does a 3 year old get these idea's from? Then last night as I was in the bathroom preparing for bedtime, I told him to go and get in bed and I would be right there to say his prayers and tuck him in. He grabbed my leg and said again in that sweet little voice " I just don't want to lose you". I assured him that he was not going to lose me and I would be right there. The most rewarding job that I have ever had is being a Mommy and as I am working hard to get my education to start my career, I do not think that any career will ever compare to the lifelong career that a woman has when she becomes a Mommy.

I love my kids with all of my heart and I am so glad that I am someone in their eyes. Brian, Britt, and Austin I just want to say thanks for allowing me to be your "Heather" and Hunter I am so proud to be your "Mommy". I am very proud of each of you, and keep believing in your dreams! Much love!