The 12th hour

AG loves her new castle. She plays with it constantly. On Christmas day, she played with it for almost 12 hours. I am thrilled that she loves it so much. 

Yesterday...

First thing this morning...Notice, that she also has on her princess attire.

Finally, I got her to play with her new Cabbage Patch friend.

Christmas 2009

We had a fabulous Christmas with Graham's family. We only get to see some of the family a couple of times a year, so it was good to spend some time with one another.

AG (as Belle) in her beautiful gown.

Christmas morning 2009...let the fun begin.

Graham and Truman playing Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots!

We all love our new Snuggies!

Like mother, like daughter! I LOVE THIS!!!

Each year, we stay in our pajamas all day long. We also open CRACKERS with our evening meal. Everyone gets a crown, a toy, and a proverb. It is a lot of fun!

We had a wonderful Christmas. I love the time that we were given to spend with our family. Next year at this time, we will have a three year old and an 11 month old! It seems so surreal, but wonderful!

Christmas Eve 2009

Every Christmas Eve, Graham's family goes to his grandmother's house for a meal and a couple of gifts.

The table looked beautiful, Mamaw.

We had a fabulous salad, brisket, and a strawberry trifle. It was delicious.

AG never lets me hold her like this...So, I was soakin' it all up!

AG loves to go to Wal-mart...

She is going to love pretending with this shopping cart and goodies. Thanks, Mamaw!

Christmas with Gaga, Tat, and Kelsey

Pictures from Christmas with Gaga, Tat, and Aunt Kelsey...

Gaga and AG

This was funny...Mom and Dad thought that they had really bought the perfect gift for one another. Turns out, they both got one another the same gift, but it WAS the perfect gift. They both received new laptop computers.

Mom opening her laptop.

Dad opening his laptop.

Now, they have to learn how to use them!

Barefoot, pregnant, and vacuuming! I love my new Dyson vacuum!

Traditional Christmas Morning Breakfast

Don't stare at my yucky looking cookie sheet. The sweet rolls were great, though!

Our Christmas Morning

Yesterday, we had our Christmas morning. It was so much fun this year! Ava Grace loved getting up and running into the living room to see what was under the tree.

She stopped and stared for a while..."Is this stuff mine!"

And then, she noticed Cinderella's castle...No other gift compared!

Back to the castle...Playing make-believe with Daddy.

AG's favorite thing to do is knock on the castle door and say, "Somebody's at the door!"

I am so excited that my girl likes her gift.

Christmas Kid

Here are some sweet pictures of our little Ava Grace. She is at such a fun age and is so excited about Christmas. She keeps saying, "Happy Day Jesus!"

Love the curls!

Melts my heart!

Love that Christmas smile!

We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and has some time to rest and fellowship with friends and family. We are looking forward to spending some time with our family as well.

Please take some time to read the lyrics to the song "Joy to the World." It is such a popular hymn at Christmas and we often don't take time to meditate on its message. Thank God for sending His son to the world so that we might receive Him and spend eternity in His presence.

34 weeks and Counting

The countdown begins...

I am getting slightly nervous...there is so much to do before little Edy arrives. Yes, I have her nursery all ready and her clothes washed, but I didn't realize how stressful a January baby could be. I have written 9 weeks of lesson plans, although I am only planning to take 6 weeks off. I have planned for all the weeks leading up to ER's arrival and one week in March after I return back to school. I still have my weekly newsletters and some copies yet to finish. It doesn't help that our school is in year six of school improvement and that we are "under the microscope." I'm only required to write 2 weeks of maternity plans, but with state testing just a few weeks after my return, I can't give over that responsibility to a long-term substitute. It is a long story and probably boring to most, so...I won't get into it. "Don't get me started, right?"

Also, we have Christmas, taking down Christmas decor, and my sister's wedding all happening before our second daughter's arrival. I have told MANY people that Edy has to cook until January 10th. That way, I will be safely back in Fort Smith and better prepared to be a mother of two. I know I don't have a say in the matter, but I'm trying to take it easy, if possible, and remain optimistic!

Anyway, I'm 34 weeks...19 lbs heavier...and REALLY down in the back. I'm gonna make it, though. I'm still hanging in there and getting ready to meet my new little girl.

Church Shower

This past Sunday, the ladies in our church were so kind to give Edy a shower. Me at 33 weeks pregnant!

Fabulous cup cakes!

My friend, Whitney, make these adorable flowers for Edy's hair.

Leola always makes these cute burp cloths and bibs for all the babies in our church. It was exciting to see little Edy Rose's name monogrammed on some burp cloths and bibs. After all, AG had her name monogrammed on a ton of items.

The shower was so much fun. I love time to socialize and fellowship with the ladies of our church. Can't wait until our upcoming Christmas party.

31

Tomorrow is my sweetie's birthday. He will be 31 years old. I've enjoyed looking through his baby book and learning things about his actual birth day. His mom kept good records--a woman after my own heart!

Graham was born just after noon on December 4, 1978. He weighed in at 10 pounds, 6 ounces, and 22.5 inches in length. WOW!!! Surprisingly, he was a little earlier than his expected due date!

Graham,


Thank you for being such a good father, husband, and friend. I am proud to be your wife! Happy Birthday!


I--LOVE--YOU!


Leslie

Santa Claus is Coming To Town

AG learned a new song and I catch her singing it all the time. She is definitely in the Christmas spirit!