A Real Office

Chris started working from home a couple of months ago. I absolutely love it! He takes the kids to school in the morning and does laundry during the day! There is nothing sexier than a man folding laundry. (I stole that from my friend:) Chris has been so patient. We purchased a desk and filing cabinets, but he didn't have an office chair. He has been working from a folding chair for the last few months. How miserable! We finally found a real office chair on Craigslist and I broke down and got it for him. Tyler loves to come in the office now and read in his daddy's chair. I'm sure that Chris is a little more comfortable during the day now.

Proud Mama

Ethan always does well in school, but has not been a straight A student this year. He always manages to earn at least one B each six weeks. Chris told him that we would get him a new DS game if he could earn straight A's. I never thought I would be a parent that bribed my kids. I was always in favor of earning good grades for the sake of good grades. Oh well, I guess you never know until you are in the situation. Ethan got in the car the other day after school with a sad look. I asked him what was wrong and he mumbled that he got his report card. I started to get a little nervous as he continued to sulk and pout on the way home. When he arrived home, he pulled out the report card and shyly handed it to me. He started dancing around the kitchen singing, "Gotcha!" Of course, we had to head straight to Game Crazy to pick out a new DS game. Hopefully, he doesn't put me in the poor house with this agreement. I may have to renegotiate for the future.

Over the River and Through the Woods...

Grandma and Tyler

Grandpa and Tyler

When we pulled into Ohio on Friday night, our SUV said the temperature was -22 degrees. Yes, that is 22 degrees below zero. I was beginning to think that we were crazy for coming up from Tennessee. (Although it was 8 degrees on Friday morning we left the great south.) I figured if it was going to be cold, we might as well go where there was snow. The boys had so much fun. I had to throw my caution to the wind and let the boys play outside with Papa. He took them each on the four wheeler. He then proceeded to hook the sled to the back of the four wheeler and pull them through the woods. Chris and I hiked through the woods following them. We ended the day with hot chocolate and a movie. Now that is my idea of fun! Anything to stay warm.

Time with the Cousins

We drove to Ohio for the weekend. Chris wanted to take the boys and play in snow. We spent Saturday evening with my brother's family. It was really nice to get the kids together to play. Ethan had a great time hanging out with the older cousins even though they are girls. Ireland and Riley dressed up in princess outfits and convinced Ethan to dress up like a knight. Ethan teamed up with Aiden to form an unstoppable team of Spider Man and the Red Ranger. Little Cade Russell just wandered around to find group. My mom celebrated my birthday by making gumbo. I was really happy about this. My sister-in-law, Virginia, was so sweet and got me a cake from Cold Stone. It was a nice time. We ended the night with a little Rock Band on the Wii.

Weekend with the Douglass'
Tyler singing with Papa

My parents came down from Ohio to spend the weekend and New Year's Day with us. I am so glad that they made the trip down. I was dreading the drive up there. Papa bought Tyler High School Musical for the Wii. The boys love it! (Ok, I secretly love it too; swing choir flash back days.) I invited my brother, Chris, and his wife and kids over to spend the day. Everyone had to take a turn with the mikes. I definitely see rock band in our future. (So jealous that you got one, Beth). I think Tyler was definitely more into the dancing then the singing.

Joy singing with Aunt Amber (I had to do the motions:)

Joy and Ethan (Don't they look like they could be brother and sister.)