Sweet Blessings

Monday Madisonisms

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:26:00 +0000

One morning, she was up somewhat early, so she came to my bed and slept in a little bit with me. I'm still half asleep when she pops her little head up:

Madison: It's time to wake up, honey!!

Another morning, when she REFUSED to get up out of bed, I was having to drag her while she giggled. Then I threatened to eat her.

Madison: No, no!

Me: Yes, you look tasty, so yummy. I'm gonna eat you if you don't get up!

Madison: No! I'm not tasty or yummy! hehe

Me: Yes, you are. (I pretend to start eating her arm or leg.)

Madison: No Mommy!!! We don't eat PEOPLE!

I gave her her vitamin with breakfast one morning. She LOVES her vitamins and always wants more.

Madison: Only 1 bite? I said I wanted 2 bites!!

Me: Nope, sorry. We can only have 1 vitamin a day.
Madison: Pooooooor Madison.

Spending plenty of time in timeout lately...I remember standing in the corner a LOT growing up.

Riding in the car with my parents, as they took the kids to my grandparents' house. She was critiquing my dad's driving.
Madison: No, don't stop!
My dad: Are you being a backseat driver?
Madison: No, I not driving this car!!

Monday Madisonisms

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

I'm late getting these up tonight, as Brad and I celebrated our first date 8 years ago today. Amazing how different our lives are 8 years later! It was a wonderful day though, I'm so blessed!

Madison's preschool teacher, Mrs. Kelly, also attends our church, and she told me that Madison came running up to her at church last week and exclaimed:
"Mrs. Kelly, it's a JUNGLE over there!!"
(I don't know where she gets this stuff)

Playing with one of my scarves as I cleaned out my closet, wrapping it around herself:
Madison: I LIVE for fur!! (in a Cruella deVille voice from 101 Dalmations)

This morning, waiting on the rain to die down at preschool in the parking lot, Landon was trying to hit her.
Madison: NO Landon, NO HITTING! DON'T hit me! Throw the baby in the fire! I throw my babies in the fire.
She's talked about throwing her baby dolls in the fire before...yikes..I honestly have no idea.

Walking into a room full of toys everywhere:
Madison: Hey! I made a beautiful mess! I love messes!

On the way home somewhere, she had picked her nose til it was red.
Me: Don't pick your nose, it'll hurt and bleed and you'll be sad.
Madison: (crying) But I'm ALREADY sad!
Come on (boogie), come out please!!

Gave me a kiss.
Madison: I kiss your cheek, I not kiss you on the lips.When I get married, I kiss on the lips like a princess. I kiss my bigger prince. Like Ariel. and her prince.

Told me to be a monster and roar, so I did.
Madison: You a mama monster. and Landon's the baby monster.
Me: OK, well then who are you? Are you a monster?
Madison: Ummmmmm........probably princess monster.

Madison: We going to the mall!! I LOVE the mall!! Woohoo!! I'm so excited!!!
.....Mommy, where we going?

Landon's First Haircut

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:25:00 +0000

This morning we headed up to the same place where Madison got her first haircut. Landon is gradually growing out of that stage where he doesn't like strangers touching him so I wasn't sure how well he'd do. I was prepared with suckers and apple juice in case we had a meltdown, but he seemed to love Mickey Mouse on the TV and loved steering his airplane. I could not believe he sat so still for the girl, even with the razor. She was very good and we had a wonderful experience just like last time!

Here's before pictures--crazy baby curls growing everywhere. The girl said that he is going to have a lot of hair. I guess that's good news!

Once she started, he did great!

All done!! So much better!!

They even styled it for him.

The back looks so.much.better.

Ok I'm all done!

And now he looks even more like a little boy!

Landon is 16 Months Old!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:11:00 +0000

Landon, today you are 16 months old! You have begun that stage where you are practically changing and learning new things every day! You are starting to say more words which is going to help so much. You've always gotten frustrated easily when we don't understand your grunting and fussing! You learned the word "out" the other day because all you ever want to do it go play outside! You can say several other words like ball, bird, baby, byebye, all done, thank you and of course mama and dada. You like to try to brush your hair, your teeth, put a q-tip in your ear, blow your nose and take your own temperature. You are quite the silly little boy and laugh constantly. You are still the main instigator in everything and know how to torture your big sister like a little brother should. You love to chase her around and tackle, but we are working on the hitting thing. You are still very sweet and loving, and love to give good slobbery kisses with a wide open mouth. You are still a momma's boy but you are getting better around others. If I am not around, you are perfect and play very independently! You still take 2 naps a day and sleep almost 12 hours without a peep. Bathtime is your favorite and we have to pull you out all wrinkly and screaming. You NEVER want to get out of the bathtub, regardless of how long you've been in there! The water is usually cold by the time you get out but you don't care!

You have slimmed down a lot, I know you are a little over 22 pounds. You run, run, run all day long and don't take the time to eat as much as you used to! You constantly have places to go and things to do. You're mostly in 18 month clothes (with a few 12 month ones still fitting). You love to eat everything...I can't think of anything you don't like! You are looking like a little boy even more now. You have 11 teeth, going on 17. Yes, you are getting 6 at once...right now. Including molars. You are hanging in there like a champ, though. All 6 are about to break through the skin any day now. Your hair has gotten long suddenly and I can actually put it in a ponytail..yikes. As sad as it will be to cut off the baby curls we are going to have to very soon! You are quite the clumsy kid and it's rare that you don't have a bruise or scratch or carpet somewhere on your face. Especially when you get tired, it's rare that you don't fall every 5 feet when running. You are so silly and just laugh about it.

We had a first yesterday at your cousin's birthday party-someone actually thought you were a girl. A lady kept calling you "she" and "her" several times, even though you were wearing boy clothes and have short hair. I know you are a pretty boy and have perfect little features like your daddy, but there is NOTHING feminine about you! You are extremely masculine looking and even act ALL BOY. I'm not quite sure what she was thinking! I guess there is a first time for everything. Maybe it's because you have an obsession with vacuums and like to sweep. You were sweeping yesterday...haha. Although she didn't see that.

You honestly keep getting more and more fun everyday! I love it that you and your sister are so close. The older you get, the more stuff we can do and places we can go all together! It's going to be a blast. I love you so much and am so privileged to watch you grow up. You are our sweet baby boy!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:29:00 +0000

It's been awhile since I've done Wordless Wednesday. We're all trying to get back in our routines, with everything starting back. Busy lives, here we come again.

Finally able to do another hairstyle with Maddie. Her hair is getting long but you can't tell because the bottom curls up sometimes. When it's wet in the bath, it actually lays on her chest in front and down her back. Amazing. And the longer it gets, the redder it looks/the more she stands out. People pay good money for that hair color!

But check out the little curl at the ends. This child has perfect hair and I'm kinda jealous!

I took her out for some Mommy/daughter time while Brad kept Landon. We had a playdate with some friends at DacKids then hit the mall to exchange something. We indulged in a little Chick-fil-A before we left.

Here's my sweet baby boy. Notice the bruise on his head. That's normal these days. He was dancing with Madison and suddenly they hit, face to face, HARD. His forehead looked like it had a golf ball poking out. Luckily his carpet burn scab on his nose was already gone, but then he got another at the top of his forehead later on. A few scratches here and there too. I am beginning to learn what it's like to have a little boy. Someones going to think we beat our kids or something. (we don't, I promise!)

He's still pretty stinking cute though. My kids are blessed to inherit their good looking Daddy's genes.

Some Pictures of Landon

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:19:00 +0000

Since I put up some pictures of my little photoshoot with Madison, I took some pictures of Landon the other day too. He was much more difficult being a 1 year old boy. Instead of playing outside and in the grass, he was trying to go up and down the front porch stairs (which he cannot handle going down yet), play with the outlets on the front porch (anything dangerous or electricity) and try to make a run for it to the neighbor's yard to see their lighted reindeer and cars. Then he decided he just wanted to be held, so I couldn't do a whole lot with that. But, these are a few of what I did get. It's so sad how he's looking more and more like a little boy...and not a baby anymore!

New Year and Photoshoot with My New Camera

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 04:48:00 +0000

Looking back on 2011, one of my goals was to learn some new hobbies. At the beginning of 2011, I bought a sewing machine and taught myself how to sew. Then I sold that and bought a combo sewing/embroidery machine and learned how to do cute little embroidered shirts and all for the kids. I learned a little how to make some jewelry, did a lot of cute crafts around the house (mainly from pinterest), found some awesome new recipes and desserts, and found new ways to save by making my own laundry detergent. I've now learned (somewhat) how to take pictures with a really nice camera! I have a long way to go, but I'm so grateful for my cousin Belinda, who does her own photography, who came over to teach me some stuff. Reading the manual got really overwhelming and boring, so she was awesome! I've been doing some research online too, and so far I'm happy with what I've been able to do! I wanted it to be able to take good pictures of the kids as they grow up, because I LOVE looking back on old pictures. Brad was so good to me and got me what I wanted, the Canon Rebel XS, along with a super nice 50mm lens. I got some other little accessories too and can't put it down.

So here we are, closing out a good, fun year of learning! We've been very blessed with God's provisions and blessings this year, for health, wonderful new friends and family, and precious moments with our babies. I can't wait to see what 2012 brings. Happy New Year everyone!

Here's some practice photos I took by myself. Madison was a (somewhat) cooperative little model :) Landon is next when his little carpet burned nose finishes healing!

And just for kicks, here's a comparison picture of me and Madison. Maybe I actually have a kid that looks like she's my kid? Same shape face, eyes, nose, mouth...weird. Just a little different coloring! (excuse my bangs!)

Carnivore in the Bath

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:37:00 +0000

Completely forgot to post these! I feel like Landon will forever be in the oral stage...here's the little carnivore.

A Child's 10 Commandments to Parents

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:11:00 +0000

This was just another Pinterest find and I thought it was really good so I had to share. I have to remind myself of these sometimes. Even if your kids are grown, it still applies to any parent!

A Child’s Ten Commandments to Parents.

1. My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely: don’t restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there. I’m only little such a short time—please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don’t nag me all day long. (You wouldn’t want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement, but not your praise, to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I’ll be prepared to make the kind of decisions life requires of me.

8. Please don’t do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t quite measure up to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but please don’t try to compare me with my brother or my sister.

9. Please don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

10. Please take me to Sunday school and church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.

Christmas 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 02:47:00 +0000

much better.

We had an absolutely wonderful Christmas this year! The kids are so much fun and I love watching them open their presents. We are so blessed to have wonderful families all around us so we can spend Christmas with everyone each year. On Christmas Eve Eve, we had my extended family's dinner and gifts. On Christmas Eve, we got to spend some time with my parents and brother and sister-in-law who were in from Athens. Then later we attended our church's Christmas Eve Candlelight service. After that we had gifts and supper with Brad's parents and also made cookies for Santa! On Christmas morning, Landon was up early but we had to wake Madison up! Because Christmas was on a Sunday this year we of course had to get to church. We opened presents, ate our breakfast casserole and then got ready. It was SO nice having Daddy home to help us get ready for church on a Sunday morning! He is usually at church before we even get up, and I have to get the kids and myself ready, fed and in the car on time each Sunday. It was much more relaxed going to church as a family. After church we headed out to Newnan while the kids napped in the car. We celebrated with Brad's family and opened gifts and even more food. Then we headed to my parents' house for dessert. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives.

I loved celebrating the birth of our Savior and I love how Madison is beginning to understand that Jesus is really what Christmas is all about. She can tell you that Christmas is when Jesus was born in Bethlehem (and that Mary and Joseph rode a donkey and Jesus was born in the hay in a manger, etc.) She loves talking about "Baby Jesus" all the time. We are so proud of her! She loves to teach Landon everything she knows too.

I have a TON of pictures so I've just chosen a few from each day. I got my number one thing on my list, a nice new camera! Brad is soooo good to me, and I am having so much fun taking pictures of my babies. I got it on Christmas morning, so the pictures may look slightly better starting then! (although i am clueless about it and am having to teach myself! and the first 4 I stole from Belinda so those are always awesome)

Big sister helped little brother open all his presents.

In case you're wondering why he's pants-less, Landon has the most pee of anyone I know. It's not uncommon to pee through his pants, and waking up wet overnight is typical too. His pants were in the dryer. It's ok, he's cute.

Downright wild child.

Madison's #1 thing on her was a Tinkerbell doll. She got 2 different ones!!

Blending in with the wrapping paper...

Cookies for Santa! (In her Dora birthday dress, which later was switched out for her Tinkerbell dress)

The kids got hand me down power wheels from family...how awesome is that? They love them!

Brett and Madison

Green icing from a cupcake

Supposed to be just Brad and I but someone else snuck in because she can't resist a good picture....

Yes, she is a ham.

And of course you knew I couldn't resist a few pictures from my new camera...

She was outside feeding the birds with her princess houseshoes on. That's the way to do it.

Lots...of...Stuff....

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:52:00 +0000

I just bombarded this blog with lots of posts. I normally like to do just one at a time for reader's sake, but I had a lot of catching up to do! I am FINALLY done with all Christmas preparations and wrapping, so I got caught up. Enjoy the next 5 or so posts below!

Madison's Preschool Christmas Party

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:51:00 +0000

I love the fact that Madison is in such a great preschool with fun Christmas parties, birthday parties, etc. We got to experience our first Christmas party and it was so much fun! (It doesn't hurt that we LOVE her teachers!) They had yummy food and ice cream, and presented us with gifts and a song.

Saying the blessing with Ms. Kelly

Pizza, chips, chicken nuggets, cheese, etc. And what is the only thing my kid wants to eat? Carrots.

Singing and playing their Jingle Bells. The only kid missing was a little boy who Madison loves to talk about. I think he's her boyfriend. He IS adorable. Too bad he wasn't there!

A short video of Jingle Bells.

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They also made a craft with the parents. I'm so glad Daddy was able to get off work and come too. She is blessed to have such an involved daddy.

Her teachers gave them all a gift too.

The book she got!

This is the present they made for the parents. So sweet!

A better view. I love this.

Picture with Santa 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:50:00 +0000

We typically do Santa at the mall each year but this year we decided not to spend a ton of money on a picture of our kids screaming. Madison screamed in 2009 and we got a good shot of her open mouth. Landon doesn't like strangers so I knew for sure he'd be screaming. The kids went to a candy cane hunt and made gingerbread houses, and they also had Santa at this place. So, they got a free picture with Santa. Madison did not want to smile or look at the camera or talk to Santa. She can be so unpredictable. Landon, on the other hand, was just as I predicted. Enjoy.

So classic. I kinda like it. Ha!

Pre-Christmas Happenings and Pictures, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:49:00 +0000

Here is a ton of pictures that I should have put up a long time ago. We've been so busy (story of our lives) but I finally have everything done so I was able to get some pictures up.

Some of the crew in our Sunday School at our Tacky Sweater Christmas party.

I got a hula duster thing as my white elephant gift. Funny since I never dust! (I'm a terrible housewife, I know)

Me and my sweet girl

I made this in MOPS one day. A little nativity we painted and glued out of clay pots. So cute! (We used Madison's preschool teacher's idea, hers were the model)

Maddie brought this home from school one day. She was very proud now that's it's on our tree!

Madison and Audrey after church one Wednesday night. BFF's! They are supposed to be the flower girls in our friends' wedding next year!

Doing a little curtsy in her dress.

She was watching Beauty and the Beast: Enchanted Christmas, eating red velvet cookies and chocolate milk. Oh so rotten! But that is the life of a princess.

We went to see Christmas lights one night...yes, these are only a small part of just 1 person's yard...

and more in their yard...

Then we went to eat some Yogli Mogli...

We spent some time imitating statues at the Avenue...haha

And getting our picture taken with reindeer...

We like spending time with Jon and Chelsea too! The babies love them.

Me and Chelsea in front of the HUGE Christmas tree at the Marietta Square. It was very cold though...so we got ice cream..haha.

We made some homemade gifts for preschool teachers and fitness instructors...

And Madison made homemade cards for her preschool teachers. She drew each one of them all by herself. Her little people crack me up.

Landon has just been hanging out enjoying the ride. My kids love their veggies and noodles.

This concludes all the stuff we've been busy with lately...I think!

Even Bigger Big Girl Bed

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:47:00 +0000

We decided to surprise Madison yesterday and put a full size bed in her room. She's been in a toddler bed since the summer of 2010 but I was tired of checking on her before bed and her legs hanging off or something. We had 2 full size beds just sitting in the basement/garage area so it helped clear some room. The princess now has room to spread out and have ALL her babies in bed with her! She loves it!

Now we just need to get her some princess bedding instead of what we just had laying around....

And still plenty of room to play.

It is seriously the most comfortable bed...Daddy said he might have to sneak in one night!

Christmas Card 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:47:00 +0000

Landon is 15 Months Old!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:50:00 +0000

Landon, you turned 15 months old Friday! And you are the cutest stinkin little thing. Your middle names are destruction, trouble, mischievous, etc. But you are so sweet too. You are a little cuddle bug when you are not running around busy. You are obsessed with vacuum cleaners (real and play) and bellybuttons. Those are your two favorite things. Balls can be pretty fun too. You love your sister and love to play with her, but also love to pick on her too. I can't believe that when your sister was your age, she started going on the potty every day. I don't feel like you are anywhere close to that but you at least sat on it for a minute tonight!

Love! ALWAYS someone to play with!

You just got your first molar this past month and prefer food you can feed yourself. You typically eat more than your sister. I know you have at least 9 teeth but I haven't examined lately to see if there are any more coming in. I think there are but I am not going to risk losing my finger, little piranha boy!

Daredevil!

I say "smile", this is what I get:

Your hair is getting long and thick, but hasn't quite filled in all the way on top yet. As soon as it does, you're gonna have to get a haircut. It's crazy looking 99% of the time.

You've been sick with a cold from your sister for almost a week now. We had your 15 month check up today and surprise-the doctor said your cold gave you a mild double ear infection! We had no idea since you seemed fine and happy, just congested. This is a first for our family-you nor your sister have ever had an ear infection before. So we started Amoxicillin tonight. You are also a little peanut. Your formerly 90th percentile in weight has decreased to about 7-10%! You weigh 21 pounds and are 30 inches tall (formerly 50th percentile now down to 17th). Your head size is still slightly above average. The doctor said it's completely normal to slow down in weight at this age and it is also due to genetics. Your sister did the same thing! You are busy, busy, busy, even running around the exam room in the doctor's office opening cabinets and knocking down trash cans while Mommy was trying to talk to the doctor. You are overall a happy, healthy boy and we love you so, so, so much!

Monday Madisonisms

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:40:00 +0000

I'm behind on these, but these are some of the best from the past couple of weeks. This kid seriously cracks me up.

After disobeying me, she looks at me and notices my serious face.
Madison: That's not happy. Make a happy face!!

After watching 101 Dalmations, I was singing Cruella De-vil.
Madison: I don't like it when you sing, Mommy. It makes me saa-ad. (southern, 2 syllable Saaaa-ad)

Me: Whatcha doing, Maddie?....... Huh?...........Whatcha doin?
Madison: BABY'S ASLEEP!!! SHHH!
Me: Oh, sorry.

Pointing to Landon...
Madison: This is my prince. I got a..a...I dunno what it called........I got a ring pop for Landon. I bought it at Walmart.

Sitting on potty doing her business.
Madison: Poopoo hurts.
Me: What? Are you hurting?
Madison: Yes, poopoo hurts and peepee tickles.

Riding in car, looking at her finger.
Madison: No, no!!
Me: What? Your finger?
Madison: Yes, my finger. He was hitting. He in timeout!!

Driving home from the store, I turned and we could hear the groceries slide.
Madison: Ohhh shoooot! We just drop the groceries!!!
(We can blame the "oh shoot" on Daddy)

Madison: My tummy hurt, I need chocolate to make it feel better.
Me: That's because you didn't eat your breakfast! How about a banana?
Madison: Yes, I want a babana, like a macaw. A macaw from Diego.
(apparently macaws eat bananas, I mean, babanas)

I was in kitchen, Brad disappeared.
Me: Where's Daddy, Madison?
Madison: I dunno.
Me: Is he upstairs?
Madison: Yea, probably. Probably goin poop.

Madison: I want tea.
Me: We only have chocolate milk and apple juice. What do you want?
Madison: Butter.

Madison's First Choir Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:17:00 +0000

Last night at church, Madison had the opportunity to sing with the 3 year old choir even though she's only 2. She was the only 2 year old up there but she did such a good job!! I was a proud mommy and started tearing up...she's getting so big. Of course she was the only one to pick her nose (classic, I know) a couple times, lift her shirt, etc. Of course I recorded the entire thing because it was such a big deal. She was kind of shy up there but got warmed up a bit. The last song they sang was the B-I-B-L-E, and she normally shouts it as loud as she can but didn't in front of all the parents. Overall it was so much fun and we got to share in refreshments afterwards. Too cute! Enjoy their Christmas concert. (If you get bored, it gets more interesting around 4:40 I think.)

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Having a snack afterwards.

Also, today is my parents' 32nd wedding anniversary. I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents who show us the example of a godly marriage. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Southern.

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Over the last few months, Madison has turned all 1-syllable words into 2+ syllable words. She's a good little southern Georgia peach for sure. For example: my ba-yack...Ji-Ill...and of course, right ther-air. I love it.

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Thanksgiving 2011 and Christmas Prep

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:49:00 +0000

I'm afraid you won't be seeing much of me updating here this coming month...I just wrote down 11 more things on our calendar for December, and that does not even include family gatherings or a few church Christmas parties! I feel like I am already losing my mind, trying to keep my brain organized. I've been busy getting together/buying outfits for Christmas pictures, Christmas cards, Santa pictures, party stuff, etc. We still have yet to buy a single Christmas present. Yikes. I realize we have plenty of time, like Brad would say, but we are opposites. He is the king of procrastination, I am a get it all done early type of girl. I hate waiting until the last minute because I get stressed out so easily. I can't go to bed at night without my mind racing about what I need to do. Staying up til midnight last night trying to find some decent Christmas outfits for the kids was bad. (That is super late for us.) I feel like I've completely neglected housework and laundry...poor Landon is on his last clean sheet. Anyways we'll survive this coming month like we always do. My exercise class is good for de-stressing me and so are chocolate chip cookies :)

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. I realized I had completely forgotten to take any pictures at all that day. Oops. My side of the family has a Thanksgiving reunion type get together once every few years and this was the year. We all got together in Cumming for some good food and playing. We had close to 50 people there and were missing about 15. Brad only knew a handful! Big family fun. We then headed to Newnan for his side of the family and played. We were so stuffed but dessert is always good. We dropped in for a surprise visit at my parents' house to see my brother and sister in law who had just gotten in. The kids got good naps in the car all day, especially with a little turkey in their belly. The day after Thanksgiving we did our traditional decorating/putting up the Christmas tree and then we got to visit and watch football with some more family. Saturday we had some good friends come over for the evening and Sunday was church as normal. It was a great week/weekend and we have so much to be thankful for: big families, wonderful friends, yummy food, and most of all our Lord and Savior who blesses us with so much.

Now for my phone dump of our latest stuff...these are the only 2 from Thanksgiving:

My peanut butter fudge brownie pudding Reese's trifle...or something like that. No more sweets for me for a long time.

Daddy was getting down all the Christmas decorations from the attic. I was able to capture Madison's excited face as she was jumping up and down!

Getting out the ornaments. (well, one of them-the other is bent on destruction)

Our Santa hat pictures each year.

What's wrong with this picture? Yeah, she came downstairs wearing her bathing suit. The other day it was her bikini. You know, it's good for chance of snow weather.

Nativity time.

"OH NOOOO!!!! Landon throw baby Jesus!!"

Yikes. Landon's been naughty this year.

Our Christmas tree.

Color changing ornaments on the mantel. Always been my favorite.

(Notice this is the first year we have not added another stocking!!)

Our 2nd Christmas tree in the dining room. Ornaments and fluffing still to come. Brad can't resist a good after Christmas clearance deal. We have a 3rd tree in our room upstairs.

Another nativity.

Fiber optic church and lighthouse.

A video is long overdue!

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Madison's Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:31:00 +0000

Yesterday was Madison's big day to get her cyst removed. Poor girl couldn't eat or drink anything before general anesthesia so that was her one complaint-being hungry and thirsty. That's what killed me most I think, my little bitty girl asking for something to eat or drink please :(

We got to the surgery center next to Scottish Rite and did paperwork. Madison played with some other kids in the waiting room and got to pick out some stickers. She of course picked 3 princesses: Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, and Belle. We then went back to check all her vitals, which she did so well with. She loves to play "doctor" so she cooperated great-the nurse was amazed at her for only being 2 years old. We then went to her pre-op room where she played with some toys including a basketball goal. We were visited by a nurse, her surgeon, and anesthesiologist. She got into her little bitty hospital gown and she drank all her pain medicine ahead of time. The nurse was so impressed that she took her to pick out a special toy for doing so good. She of course picked out a princess castle immediately.

I then got dressed and went with her to the operating room while Daddy waited on us in post-op. It was a big room with a few nurses, anesthesiologists, and her surgeon. I think it was a bit intimidating but Madison didn't seem phased. They had her sit in my lap for a second then told me to lay her down on the table. They covered her with a warm blanket and she rested her head on a styrofoam "O" pillow. They asked her if she knew her letters and she said it was an "O" and it looked just like the clock! She kept asking questions like "what's that?" and "what they doing?" She held her little baby doll and I held her hand while they put the gas mask on her. She quickly started to fall asleep, they told me to kiss her cheek so she knew I was there and then I had to leave.

After 45-50 minutes, the doctor/surgeon came and told us she had done great. He was able to get all of the cyst and it was all in one piece (that had been the only risk-coming back if he couldn't get it all.) He had it sent off to pathology to make sure it was ok, but said it was almost completely characteristic of the typical dermoid cyst, nothing to worry about. Interestingly enough, several people we talked to yesterday have had a kid or they themselves had the same exact type of cyst in the same spot. She got a few stitches on the inside and her incision was shut with some type of skin glue. We have to be careful to not get it wet for 48 hours.

A few minutes later we heard a bunch of nurses down the hall practically squealing "look at how cute she is! what adorable little red hair! the pigtails!! eeee!" etc. Brad said, "that's gotta be Madison." Sure enough, our baby girl was back! They rolled her bed in and she was still not quite awake. She stared into space awhile while I held her, but perked up when she got an apple juice box in her. She then downed a popsicle pretty quickly and got her IV taken out (She had also had a breathing tube put down her throat which they had taken out already.) After that we got her dressed and headed out to the car. She fell asleep immediately but had requested "coke" and "chicken" and "Arby's." We let her sleep awhile in the car til we got to an Arby's closer to home. She sat in my lap with her head on my shoulder the whole time I fed her. So pitiful! After getting a full belly she really perked up and we headed home. Aunt Vicki was at home taking care of Landon all day and we are so grateful for that. Thank you, Aunt Vicki!!

All you can see is a little line where they cut, all the purple is purple pen that they used to mark it. Sweet girl!

We are so thankful everything went so well and so relieved to finally have this done. Even though this wasn't that big of a deal, we are so thankful for all the many people who were praying for our baby girl. I was not comfortable with them putting my baby girl to sleep, but all turned out well. I am so proud of her because she never fussed or cried a single time through the whole process! Such a good girl. I think she is glad her "bump" will not hurt her anymore and the doctor said we probably won't be able to see much of a scar within a year. We were given a prescription for pain medicine for her or we could use Tylenol or Motrin, but our tough little girl has yet to complain of any pain! She has been playing like normal like nothing ever happened. Such a big girl!

Monday Madisonisms

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:32:00 +0000

*First of all, please keep Madison in your prayers tomorrow as she has surgery to remove her cyst. I am dreading it and wish I could just cancel it and forget about it, but I know it has to be done now while she's young, before it grows anymore. Please pray the surgeon gets it all and that her little body does well under general anesthesia :(

Well last week consisted of a nasty stomach bug. Madison started it, Landon then got it, and since I spent a good 5 hours cleaning up nasty "stuff" (I'll leave the details out), I ended up getting it too. It only lasted a few hours for the kids, but I had it for several days. Not fun. The bad part about being a mommy is you can't call in sick...I still had to do my regular job with the kids, 24/7, nausea and all. I am very thankful for good health right now!

Me: Mommy doesn't feel good right now.
Madison: That's ok! I can fix you!!

Trying to sit behind me in a chair and bumped me:
Madison: I sorry honey!!

Madison: I want a baby sister.
Me: Well maybe one day baby.
Madison: No, I want one RIGHT NOW!!
Me: I'm afraid it doesn't work like that, Maddie!
Madison: I want a baby sister!
(she's always asking for a baby sister)

Reciting her Bible verse:

Landon is 14 Months Old!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:21:00 +0000

Landon, you are 14 months old today! You are SO full of personality! You constantly have a mischievous look on your face but you are so sweet too. I feel like as a second child, you are a little tougher to handle because you have to constantly "share" your stuff. You can get very angry in a hurry and grunt, yell, and sometimes try to hit--I have never seen such a temper in someone so young! On the other hand, you can be the absolute sweetest, most affectionate little boy. You sometimes just walk up to us and kiss us all over our face with a open, slobbery, mouth. You give big hugs and surprise kisses to your sister too. It just makes my heart melt to see that and to see you two play together. You love to imitate her too, if she screams, you look up at the ceiling and scream too! You've added some new vocabulary words including "baby" and "ball." You also love to take my phone, put it up to your head and say "Heddo? Heddo???!" as loud as you can. Whenever we talk on the phone you like to start making noise and yell into it, even if you're not near it! You are too funny! You have a blast in everything you do and I can see the joy on your face when you play and learn new things.

You are still a Momma's boy with some stranger/separation anxiety but you are getting better. It's hard for me to walk by you without you making a fuss about it somewhere like the church nursery. However, you do great when I go to my exercise class at Madison's preschool. You don't even look back at me when I drop you off-you're off to dive into the toys! You still come running to me yelling "Mama" when I pick you up though :)

Your cuteness is overwhelming...you're looking like such a little boy instead of a baby now...

You and your sister are pure joy to us. We are so blessed!

Monday Madisonisms

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:16:00 +0000

As we're riding in the car and I'm trying to talk to Brad...
Madison: Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! 'SCUSE ME!!!!
Me: What baby??
Madison: What you doing? Hahahahha
(reminded me of this)

Madison: Can you go get my Cinderella baby? I'll stay with Landon.
(gee, that's reassuring)

Madison: I found Barbie's dress! Haha it has boobies!

She wakes up with super messy hair every morning...
Me: Here Madison, let me do your hair. I'll put a bow in it.
Madison: I don't want a bow. Just crazy hair.

Daddy: Landon, use your words.
Madison: He's a baby, he doesn't have one (word).

In my room, getting ready for church, she comes running to me.
Madison: There's a polar bear growling!!
Me: What? A polar bear?
Madison: I was sitting in my room putting on my shoes, and I heard a polar bear growling RIGHT OUTSIDE my window!! (then proceeds to show me which window)
Sounds like someone has seen that Dora/Diego episode too many times!

One day this week she came downstairs with her bikini...and wore that, that day. Another day she decided she needed a dress with gloves, winter hat and boots. Here she is using one of her toys for....deodorant. Monkey see, monkey do!