A Journey Through The Fields

FEBRUARY Photo A Day

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

Starts tomorrow! Link up here.

Here's how to play: per Chantelle {fat mum slim}

1. Use the list above as inspiration and take a photo everyday. For example for number one on the list, 'your view today' you'd take a shot of whatever it is that you can see today. This would be a wider shot of your office space, where you went for a walk, or whatever it is that you can see!

2. Share on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, your blog or where ever it is you want to share. If you're sharing on Instagram or Twitter use the hashtag #FEBphotoaday so everyone can find them. There's a great community around the photo sharing, so do share!

3. Check out everyone else's pictures. I do it before I go to bed each night and it's so fun to see how different everyone's photos are. There are people from every corner of the world playing.

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Today's Braid

2012-01-30T14:18:00.000-06:00

Here are the chosen braids for today. The large braid in the back starts from the left ear and follows the hair/neck line around. The small braid starts about the peak of the forehead and comes straight down to meet the other. We are getting so adventurous! I certainly won't win any awards on neatness or consistency but this 6 year old sure does think I am spot on! The real key is how long it stays in. How do you braid? Are there any tips to help me be the best mom on the block?

Also, suggest the best product that helps with the fly away hair?

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Regular Ducati Children

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Just look at this form! Ladies and gentlemen, you had no idea Bama and I have been raising future street racers of America!

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Making up!

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

A missed school on Monday, K5 that is. Needless to say we had 3 pages of make up work sent home on Tuesday. Really?

What I should say: I am so thankful for the things that they are learning and A has progressed so much it is unreal!

What I am saying: Come on people K to the 5! Calm down already......

What needs to be said: Mrs. Jan (A's teacher) is A-Mazing! Her patience could easily give Job a run for his money. She is the kid whisperer. Mad skills people. Even when she is punishing the kids it almost like you can't be mad, she is so slick with it. The kids feel the pain but it doesn't hurt! Does that make sense? Probably not!

PS: Mrs. Jan, because you gave A the take home work, I was irritated unrightfully. On the positive, I did manage to find Dumplin's sock hiding place just there, in the pic, under my bed. So thanks from all of us for making things match!!!

Billy Graham~

“A child needs both to be hugged and unhugged. The hug lets her know she is valuable. The unhug lets her know that she is viable. If you’re always shoving your child away, they will cling to you for love. If you’re always holding them closer, they will cling to you for fear.”

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Boo Boo Bandit

2012-01-25T21:21:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I reported on this season's basketball practice and that a game was soon to follow. The game was nowhere near Addison's picture but Kadence was pumped. She got up quick and put on her jersey shorts got her little pixie hair pulled up, it was presh.....

With Daddy Do in tow, she was headed out to christen the new bball shoes!

Addison and I got our lazy on and just as I drifted off the dogs started barking. Crap, what did they forget?

Nothing, Nada, no forgetamundo!

It's what they brought back that was pitiful. The team coaches had not opened the gym yet and K and her boy BFF went to check the side door. On the way back, they raced. Both tripped, skin and tears were lost that morning. Kadence is a TERRIBLE patient by the way. Everything burns! "Mommy, don't look at it, it burns!" " Really Kady, my looks make it burn?" After getting all patched up, she desperately wanted to go back to the game. Daddy Do was the bad guy and said no, so she sniffled, whined and walked with a stiff leg all afternoon and told him it was his fault for not watching her close enough and that is why she got hurt! Kids.....everything is our fault!

Warning: Cuts in picture appear less deep as in real life!

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Tooth Fairy Blunder

2012-01-25T09:20:00.000-06:00

Keep in mind that we have been battling the war of virus McMake Rounds-A-Lot. Totally not my fault.....I swear!

Addison has had this loose from tooth for two weeks straight. Right in the front, cocked to the side, dangling by a thread, loose tooth. Problem is her mouth is so tiny that Daddy Do and I couldn't get our chubby fingers in there to fetch it. Finally, this past Saturday night A had tolerated enough incessant wiggling and had come to the end of her rope, literally. We tied a sring to the little nugget and slammed the door. She was standing there so brave and bubbling with excitement. Tie went the string, slam went the door and POP went the tooth, right out of her mouth, into the floor.

Not twenty minutes later we were giggling and deciding how much the TF might bring for such a courageous girl and one mighty fine tooth. "Mom, my tummy is cramping."says A, with a little scrunched nose. "No, you are fine....totally fine. It's just your nerves from all the toothy excitement!" says unsuspecting mother. Little whispers "I don't think I want to spend the night with Mammie? I want to go home, now." Mommy's mind "HO-LY fiddle hockeys, star crunch!"

We get home to severe stomach cramps and one sick little puppy. All night long kinda sick. My brains (all of them) were completely focused on this itty bitty's beck and call. After spending the majority of our time in the bathroom we where exhausted and the Lysol can was embedded into my palm. Lightening cracks, thunder shakes the house and the rain sounded like a full on hurricane. Stay with me people, we have made it to Monday morning. At least I get a bright eyed girl, still with a pale face but improving, "I guess my tooth wasn't good enough?" pouted face. What no visit, no dough...... "Sure it was baby, you know that TF didn't want to catch that virus. I am positive she will visit tonight." screeches the Mom with scrambled eggs for memory.

Scene: Tuesday morning, Dad gone to work early, littles in bed, Mom catching a quick, HOT shower before work. Knock, knock! "Come in sweet doll, I'm in the shower!" " Well Mom, it happened again!" " What did?" " The TF was a no show." "UHHHHH, you are kidding?" " Mom, do I look like I am kidding?" "Well no, no you don't" "I know Mom, She must have been scared of Dumplin (harmless chihuahua)!" "Addison you are surely right!"

Here we are and it's Tuesday night, tooth under pillow, fairy website visited and money in hand. Fourth night is the charm around here folks. Parenting is tough!

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Media Minutes

2012-01-24T19:45:00.002-06:00

Image source http://www.kliou.com/what-not-to-wear-on-an-interview/

If you are like me and have been with the same company for a few years there might be something you don’t know about scoring a new job. While perusing the news, this article struck my attention due to the fact that I haven’t had to scramble through a new company interview in the last seven years. Man, have the times changed! No really, have they changed that much? Most of us are well aware that you don’t go into a corporate (or any) interview sporting your Saturday night pick me up skirt. What I was shocked to find out where the things, that seemed minor to me, listed in the top ten. Like a purse with a busy pattern, when did that reflect negatively on your work skills. How about the color of you polish and the neatness of your nails. Ladies we all know that keeping those finger tips in shape is the key to putting the position in the bag. Check it out and tell me what you think! I may be totally off base, in thinking some of these are odd, you decide.
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Important enough to share

2012-01-22T19:00:00.005-06:00

I know that a lot of us are looking to streamline our lives a bit in 2012. Most of all people are realizing the time they throw away that could be spent with family or friends. Secondly, considering some individuals comment that the economy is rising, people on or around my intake level aren't really seeing the benefits yet. Have you eve heard the saying " it takes a second to loose trust but years to gain it back"? I believe this is true with economy and even right down to personal finances. The past week I have been thinking a lot about ways to improve the quality of life for my family. Most everyone is addicted to pinterest, myself included, and I came across a blog that provided some tips to get me going in the right direction. If you are one of the many people trying to get back to the basics and enjoy things that are important, please take the time to look it over. It helped me to gain a new perspective without overwhelming my mind. There are printable charts and lists on the particular organization post, they are very trendy and helpful at the same time. So here's to us trying to make things simple again!

1 Corinthians 14:40

But all things should be done decently and in order.

BBallin it!

2012-01-17T16:00:00.000-06:00

It is basket ball time. This is Addison's 3rd year and she has made tremendous improvement. I was shocked to see her throwing it up for two.

Kadence has never attempted any sport or athletic class. Poor little thing she has alway been so shy but this year is her year!She might not be the strongest on the team but it is such a blessing to see her out there making an effort.

We have only had practice so far. our first game is coming up, so excited to be a ball mom!!!whoop whoop!

Back it up

2012-01-15T19:10:00.010-06:00

Here is a little project the hubs and I did last month when it was a bit warmer. I didn't get any try before pictures but I am sure we can paint it in your mind with words. We started with an older entertainment center, walnut brown if not darker? It had yucky brass pulls and was in desperate need of a makeover. Although there are a few more things that I would like to add doors with centered chicken wire, in the large mid section.

The wood was dark, so we primed the piece first. This took the longest to dry and sand down a bit. Then we coated it in eggshell.

The fabric has a light pattern and I though it would be great for the inside. We used standard fabric glue to adhere to the inside of the top two sections. There was no need to do this on the bottom. One slot is for a drawer and I purchased woven baskets for the lowest slot.

This is the "almost" finished product. I got the wrong size pulls, even after measuring twice. I wrote it down wrong on my list, oh well. This just leaves room for another post. I think it looks much better even now.

What happened to the past 6 years?

2012-01-12T16:23:00.009-06:00

Jan. 11th, 2006 - I got out of bed and preformed my normal routine. I felt fantastic to be 39 weeks pregnant. Getting ready for my (fingers crossed) last pre-delivery OB appt. I thought about what our baby girl would look like and eagerly anticipated her arrival. Waddled out the door and endured an hour long drive the Dr.'s office. My progression was less than to be desired but my Doc was always so great at planning. She quickly told me to choose a date and we would get this train rolling. Of course, the word tomorrow shot out of my mouth like a steaming bullet. I returned to work that day, got my affairs in order and tried to pass the time.

Jan. 12th, 2006 - Sleep had been out of the question for many weeks but somehow I managed to get the most complete rest the night before. I think it was the fact that we new where, when and how this would be happening and all of the sketchy pre-term labor scares where out of the way. So at 3:30 am, all bright a bushy tailed, we got ourselves together and the car packed, met up with my mom and headed to the hospital. We arrived around 5am and it was still pitch dark walking through the parking deck. I can remember walking to the glass door and stopping because I was shaking so badly. I was scared and Bama was scared, a good scared I guess. Here we where the day we had a waited for 9 long months. With 1000 cords and monitors hooked up, we waited and waited. "Please Lord don't let me be one of the unfortuntate ladies to lay here in labor for 25 hours!" It was like watching concrete dry, the hands on the clock would round and round but nothing was producing. About 5pm the go ahead was given, okay a green light to push. We got this! Bama looking weathered by that time, had almost given out. The anesthesia had made me deathly sick and I had nothing to eat but liquids from the iv drip. It looked like an excerpt from the exorcist. When I looked at him and his face was pale and green tinted, I knew to give him the signal to bow out. He was precious that day and I knew he felt terrible for leaving me but at that point there where three of us and he knew he was the bottom of the totem pole. Not long after Bama exited this little baby decided that she would not make an entrance without a scene and it ended us in the emergency C-section room. My mother went in with me as Bama stand in. It didn't take long and I felt terrific. Those drugs I would recommend 10 fold. After the panic this baby had caused just minutes prior my mind was on high alert of what difficulties could be headed our way. I don't remember taking a breath the entire time but once that terrific scream was let out, all I could do was cry. At 7:02, weighing 7lbs 2oz, 21in. long in all her beauty, we had an Addison to take home.

Jan. 12th, 2012 - To Addison, your spirit and attitude are a lot to handle at times. You have always acted twice your age and made us feel twice ours. You told today me that I was the best mother and snuggle buggler in the world. For once I agreed with you. We may not always make the right choices or be the best parent but we love you and we need you.

7 weeks

1 year

2 years

3 years
4 years

5 years

6 years

You will always be our Boozle!

Love Mom & Dad

Making a change

2012-01-06T19:47:00.003-06:00

For a while now Bama and I have been wanting to make some changes in the girls sleeping arrangements. They both start the night out in their own beds fabulously. It's just around 2am they end up in the bed with the parentals. A, started out in a bassinet beside our bed but back then Daddy Do worked the night shift and Mommy got awfully lonely in the bed. So she would sleep with me until Bama got home around 3am. K, has NEVER been one to sleep in the bed with us. She would always fight and become restless until we tightly swaddled her and put her back into her crib. Once we moved into our new home, almost 2 years ago, they both slept famously and enjoyed their new rooms. Within the last 6 months they get up and move to our bed. A, has been begging us to either sleep on the family room couch or in Kadence's floor on a pallet. This has been going on for the last 3 months. I am thinking that if we put them in the same room that it might help out?

Right now A has a full size bed, dresser w/mirror, side table and tall boy that all match. K has a twin bed and a few pieces that coordinate. One room would be to

o cramped with both of those beds and bunks are still a little dangerous for my taste. We are probably going to go with two twins? Know I am on the hunt for a few gems. I am really in love with the color schemes below, what cha think?

I am going through a gray phase and think that these would be great accent pieces for some solid bedding. Quilts are pretty expensive, I may try my hand at these rag styles. Hopefully, I will have some before pics soon and maybe ask for some decorative ideas to restyle some furniture. Get your thinking/designer caps ready!

Momma Learns...

2012-01-04T16:07:00.015-06:00

Stages are a big deal. The girls have gone through some many I stopped counting and documenting all of them. So this is just for the sake of my mind. A likes her hair long, shiny, soft and smelly good. Those are her main requirements. A recent hair-ism is the bump, teased bangs with strands of hair pulled back over it and "body pinned". Oh and don't forget that pony goes on the side. Yey, for still getting a bow in every now and then. "Momma bows are for babies!" (Rip Sound) that was heart being torn from my chest.

Then we have the most recent faze with braids. I have never been a good braider. What I'd like to know is when did a regular braid go out of style. I have watched so many you tube tutorials my eyes are crossed. Now it's the french down one side, around the head and down the opposite shoulder, waterfall, fishtail......SHEW, my stubby fingers are aching. I have learned that I can braid wet hair much easier and neater that dry. I guess because my chubs can't hold onto dry floaty hair?

At least I have it pretty easy with K, she detests having long hair. Her head is so sensitive that brushing her hair is a nightmare. We did decide on a new little cute to make her little cuteness pop. She calls it her pixie hair do.

NO resolutions.....promises maybe!

2012-01-01T22:22:00.011-06:00

I am soooooo bad at resolutions that I can't even utter the word, well at least after this post! Here is the vow to make and keep promises this year. We will call it promises cause I feel much worse when I break a promise, don't you? So here are my promises for 2012!

-get right with God! Not just me but all four of us. 2011 was by far our worst year at staying in touch religiously. We decide early in the year that our little home church was wonderful and full of precious family members but it just wasn't a good fit for us anymore. We visited many fantastic churches over this year and just haven't settled on a more permanent faith home. So we will probably do a bit more visiting and then choose. After all I don't want to timeline this one cause the Man upstairs is sure to let us know when we have hit gold.

-be in tune with the hubs! Bama and I have made it through the seven/eight year itch and are headed to the nine. We do work great together when we are

not broken. Okay, so I won't say we are broken, just rusty. This means making the time to pamper our marriage and remembering why we got married and what the institution stands for (refer to #1, reference The Book!)

-successfully maintain our household! This means to me, have everything in order not just do the "someones coming shuffle". That's what we call throwing everything into mom n dad's room and slamming the door shut, haha! Alright, so that's at least having things presentable, yet not interfering with the girl's right to have fun. After all a slightly messy house is a happy one....please don't burst my bubble, we have to start somewhere!

In order to not stress out completely, these are the first few promises that I can keep. Once these have been smacked out of the park, we can move to new ones. Yeah, how'd you like that, smacked out of the park, baseball reference, look at me, I am so sporty. I think that is on the hubs promise list. #1 make wifey more sports affiliated, check!

And of course in all randomness here is a pic from our very last Cmas gathering. We will call it the 2nd Annual Husband's Immediate Family Christmas. GN

(pictured L to R, Addison, Alston, Kadence, Nanna & Kenzie)

Christmas

2011-12-29T21:23:00.004-06:00

What a whirlwind! Every year Bama and I promise each other to slow things down and yet that never seems to happen. The girls got way too many toys. Next year the plan is to get a few small items and then a couple of large fun but non-toy items. We'll see how it goes. Pictured here is one of the most disgusting hits that made it's way to our home. Doggie Doo, yep that's the one. We have played it a few thousand times now. It gets cruder every time but the kiddies, they loves it. Only our children, I swear! Play-Doh was another unruly hit a the ponderosa. We are trying to save it for a nice sunny day, for outside play where it can't be careened into the carpet. So as usual everyone got everything their hearts desired, well that was manageable and we are looking forward to 2012 and what will unfold. We hope that all of you had a Merry Christmas or Happy whatever you would like to celebrate!

Gee....It's here!

2011-12-23T21:07:00.005-06:00

Christmas already? This set of Fields were extremely unprepared. We had no Christmas cards this year, which = frustrated mom! I have run out of time. Finished our last bit of shopping today, so not like me! This year has been overwhelming. My organization button has been broken all year. Hopefully 2012 will be better?

A few weeks ago we had breakfast with Santa, well we had breakfast. Then Santa came through for a hot minute. I did manage a few pictures aside from the mass chaos of spilled juice and milk. That is right, two spills in 30 mins. I was frazzled! The kids had fun and their pancakes were scrumptious.

We have already had the Fields Christmas gathering. Good food, great company and a round of bad gifts via Mom and Daddy Do. So the deal is that we bring a gift for each of our own children to open. Which I think is a great idea cause we can choose something they would like and it's just plain simple! I LOVE simple.....this year K wanted horses with wings to open specifically at Maw Maw Fields Cmas. See K is SUPER specific which makes things simple, well not so much all of the time because she goes into deep affliction if things aren't just right. Okay, Horses with wings, my little pony should suffice...um, NO! Specific horses with butterfly wings.This little gem below. Extremely hard to get unless you order two weeks in advance, which I did not. Needless to say Mammie saved the day and scored us a few "wind dancers" the day before. Now as you can see by the pic they are fairly cute, just not durable. Before we knew it, wings had been plucked from the poor horses back and we had a sad little girl flung into rage! Daddy Do and I are still hearing about it.

A hadn't mentioned anything that she might want that would be good to open there. So I thought it would be fun to get her a friendship bracelet maker. She like crafty stuff, like me. Here we are walking around chest poked out for the awesome gifts that our children where about to receive and little did we know fail #2 was lurking. The bracelet maker was a bust. It was impossible for a room full of adults to figure out, much less an easily distracted 5 yr. old. OUCH is all I can say. Hopefully there will be better gift luck from here on out!

October

2011-12-10T08:41:00.006-06:00

Addison and I went on our very first K5 field trip. The initial stop on the ride was a fire station. They let us look at all the cool equipment and their living quarters. We learned that even though firemen get all dressed up and may look like scary aliens, that they are really not so scary and are there to help us. Our next stop was the Children's theater in New York City (aka downtown Birmingham). Addison tells us that is where we are every time we go into town that far.

The girls and I also decorated for Fall. It is my second favorite season. Only because (winter)CHRISTmas takes the lead.

By that time Halloween had gotten here and the girls dressed up as Lady Superhero's. Perilling from home to home in search for evil candy to incarcerate and devour.

Well that was most of the month!

September

2011-11-15T20:46:00.007-06:00

The month was good to us here at the poderosa (nicknamed by PawPaw). We spent a LOT of time outdoors swinging and grilling. Our social calendar began to slow a bit since the end of summer got closer.

My cousin Brittany got married and of course she was a beauty with that striking Auburn hair against her gown.

(Mammie's side of the family pictured.)

This set of Fields added a new member to the family. Meet Dumplin, she is tiny and too smart for her own good. We are all wrapped around her....... dew claw? (weird)

(Daddy Do is a little scruffy but we can see where K gets those baby blue eyes!)

Cheers to catchin up!

School Year is Here!

2011-08-01T18:07:00.002-05:00

Once more we are so close to the school year. Addison and Kadence are pros at school and enjoy every second of it. They have both attended the local private school for the last few years but this year is special because they have finally reached the ages that they are moving into their correct classes. Addison will start K5 and Kadence in K4.

I'll admit, even though we have been doing this for a while now, I still shed a tear thinking about it. We have been rushing to get the house in order so that everything is organized again before school starts. Backpacks have been ordered and monogrammed, I just haven't made time for the pick up. Closets have been raided to see what fits and what doesn't. Luckily both girls will have most everything they need to begin school in the warm months. This will leave the majority of the shopping til Sept. or Oct.? Now all that looms over my pocket book is the thought of two long lists of cleaning and school supplies. Bring on the tax free weekend!!!!!

So for a recap, Addison played baseball this year and enjoyed it. Mom and Dad not so much, I mean it was fun and cute to watch and we will do it again if she wants but sitting in the heat and making those practices wasn't my cup of tea. We have spent most of the summer on the lake with family and friends. Little Kady learned to ski this year, big sis was a "Weenie"! Overall, we have enjoyed some great times and experiences, sorry that I haven't had time to share!

the Fields......

Legacy

2011-04-28T22:15:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to share this story in hopes to inspire others as it has me.http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2011/04/9416/

I Make Pie Like a Samurai

2011-01-19T22:23:00.003-06:00

Well at least that's what the lil'chicks say around here when I make ANY kind of pie. THANK YOU Backyardigans!

I am trying to get this set of Fields to eat better meals and that means I need to cook better meals. Below is my very first shot at Chicken Pot Pie. I know it may seem amateur but believe me it was sketchy at times. It turned out not so pretty but my was it tasty!!!!

Piercing Pain

2011-01-16T22:23:00.003-06:00

Let's go back about two years for just a sec. Most people know that Addison has always acted a lot older than she is "in some ways". So at the age of 3 she decides that she needs her ears pierced to be beautiful. Bama and talked about the request thoroughly. He and I decided that when she turned 5, she would be able to take care of them and clean them properly. So we sat her down and discussed the agreement and she was okay with it. Trust me folks this kid never forgets anything! On Jan. 12 she turned the big 5 years old. I ask myself over and over can it really have been that long ago since we first met our Boozle? Unfortunately the answers is always Yes, it has been that long!

The night before her birthday she was so excited because Daddy Do was baking cupcakes for school. I was sitting at the table and she told me that she was cold and it was a bit drafty. Then a few mins later she was hot but shivery. Of course she was running a fever but never had any other complaints. She ran it all through the night and we fought it with cold rags and Tylenol. The morning of her birthday she was so exhausted that Bama said it was best for her to stay at home and oddly enough, she agreed. I got ready for work and leaned in for kisses, Happy Birthdays and goodbyes and she said "Momma, you know I am 5 today and when you get home I get my ears pierced!" I knew it must have meant a lot to her to remember after all this time. She had patiently waited TWO years, which would be a decade to a kid. So Saturday after I got in from morning work we went to Claire's at the Summit to get them done. I was more nervous than Addison was. I could hear Kadence discussing with her how bad they thought it would hurt and Kadence told her that she would never have it done. Addison assured Kadence even though it might hurt that she was brave and would do it anyway! And she did........no tears, no screams! I think I was freaking out more than she was. My eyes began to well with tears just looking at her in the chair all grown up and taking a big step in life. I really could have pulled her out and ran from the store like a mad woman. They do look so pretty on her and she is so proud of them and doing so great cleaning them. She amazes me everyday with the smallest of things.

the Fields.....

A resolution circa 2007

2011-01-13T21:39:00.003-06:00

In 2007 Bama and I had a heart to heart about me going back to college and trying to complete my degree. I was determined, of course not to let "Us", as in a new family of four, down. Yet of course I did! The day never came that I attempted to register and those thoughts got pushed out of my mind by the thoughts of mounding bills and two babies squabbling for my time. No doubt these days I have a lot of irons in the fire but I have done it this time.

Last Monday I was accepted into the Walden Univ College of Social and Behavioral Science. My major will be Psychology with a concentration in Human Services. So now I am in it, there is no backing out and no failing. I am proud to make this step in 2011 and finally put an end to one of those numerous resolutions that I never pull through.

Just a little funny!

2011-01-02T17:52:00.003-06:00

Since the weather has been really sketchy in Alabama lately, Halle has been spending a LOT of time indoors. A & K absolutely adore her and want to make it a full time gig. Bama & I don't really mind because she is really well mannered. Obviously this Holiday season has been a little overwhelming for her too! I walked into the living room yesterday morning and this is what I saw. How funny, right? Needless to say she didn't even acknowledge that I was in the room, she just kept snoozing.

the Fields....

Christmas Recap (TV Guide version)

2010-12-30T22:38:00.014-06:00

I had heard about a place in Calera, Alabama that is called Santa's Fantasy Land and thought it would be fun to ride out there and have a look see. It was a lot cuter than I expected considering there where no paved roads for about three miles before we got there and I was beginning to hear banjo music. Santa was present and jolly of course. There was lots to walk through and see. If you don't like odd looking dolls don't bother going (FYI)! My little chicks thought we where for sure at the North Pole which was awesome.

This one display caught my eye quite quickly! only in Alabama folks!!! Only in Alabama.

Our first actual Cmas celebration of 2010 was with The Fields clan on Dec. 18th. This also marked a big day in our Daddy Do's life. He turned 30!!!!

Both girls where super excited about the gifts that they received. Kadence got a princess castle for her ZuhZuh pets, which are fantastic! All of the perks of having a little pet but none of the mess and feed. They are a little creepy when they run across the kitchen floor and you just get a glance out of the corner of your eye (yes, my counter has now been tested for proper weight capacity). Addison got a gift that I thought would be a fly by night fancy. You know, something your child begs for, touches once and then it collects dust before making it's way to the Hannah Home box! Well it was a guitar......not a "BABY PLAY GUITAR" the real deal strings and all, just pint sized. She has played that thing at least twice a day minimum since she opened it, I was impressed.

Pictured below with her BFF Tyrone ( AKA Jamey Sorgee)

Later that same day we enjoyed a get together with friends. We played games, opened gifts and snacked til our bellies almost burst!
Next came Christmas Eve and for some reason it brought out the attitudes in my two Divas? Don't be fooled by the sweet picture below. Right after the flash they where pinching and pulling hair. The thought of Santa passing us by didn't seem to phase them one bit. I blamed it on lack of sleep and the anticipation of things to come!

Around 3:30 we headed to the Brasher Family gathering for more good food. Addison gets sick EVERY time we go to Vandiver. She and I seem like one in the same. If I don't drive there, I would be terribly sick. She got over it with a few stops and felt better once we arrived. They got pretty princess dolls from Maw Maw Bull and loved them.

On to our next stop at around 7:00. This year the Wallis Cmas was held at my Aunt's house. It has always been at my Grandparents home but this year my grandfather came down with the Shingles and was very contagious. Poor thing! he is doing much better now and we all had a great time.

My cousin Tabitha reading to Addison.

Gangsta Rudolph : enjoying his Dirty Santa Gag

We scrambled home around 9:00 and immediately checked the NORAD for Santa's whereabouts. We had been tracking him all day and he was getting close to Atlanta, GA. So we got our cookies and choc choc placed. A to go sack was filled with carrots for the reindeer and we shuffled to bed asap.

Much to our surprise, considering the previous day's interesting behavior, Santa came! He brought so many things it was hard to choose what to play with first. There was a dollhouse that is taller than Mammie, tons of Barbie's to go with. Little Woodzees like I used to play with as a child, their houses and furniture. Baby Alive for each girl ( one all gone and one doctor baby ) and tons more items that I can not recall at the moment?
After each toy from Santa had been played with, we headed next door to Mammie and Paw Paw's for a WONDERFUL breakfast. Mammie is the best breakfast cook EVER and her kitchen is open every Sat. & Sun. morning beginning around 8. She loves a crowd....hint!

Of course the girls where again lavished with gifts. Clothes galore and two new shiny bikes. Although weather has prevented much of the outdoor play, we should soon be out there tearing up the turf.

Lunch on Cmas day was held at my Grandfather's (Davis) house on my Dad's side. We played Dirty Santa and enjoyed time with family that we don't get to see very much.

After that we had the rest of the day to relax, nap and enjoy the snow.

Dec. 26th marked last Cmas event for the 2010 season and it ended with a bang. The company was well needed and the gifts where great. All in all this was a Christmas to remember and I pray that there are many more!

See you all next year! The Fields......