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.)

Sunset Rock

The weather here is so nice (60 degrees) that we decided to go hiking on Sunday. We drove up Lookout Mountain and parked at Point Park. This was a battle site for the Civil War. The kids enjoyed the canons and monuments. We then decided to hike from Point Park to Sunset Rock. The trail markers said it was a 1.3 mile hike. We decided we could manage this with the boys. What we didn't count on was the wet trail and rough terrain. There were several steep drop offs and many rocks to climb. We ran into some real rock climbers while on our trip. The rest of the time, we tried to hug the side of the mountain. Ethan loved it. He was such a trooper. He ran out ahead to scout for us and tried to find the driest route. I definitely saw the leader in him emerge. After a little over an hour, we arrived at sunset rock. It was beautiful and really high. I made the boys stay back from the edge. We decided to forgo the hike back and walked instead on the road next to the amazing houses. It only took 30 minutes to get back to the car. It was a great day! We can't wait to go back when we are better dressed and more prepared for the hike.

Caldwell Christmas

Chris' parents came to visit us the day after Christmas. It is such a blessing to have family that is willing to travel to see us. The kids were so excited to have them here. The brought Tyler a giant boxing set and a farm set. Grandpa sat and played farmer with the boys. He taught the boys how to take care of the horses.

Ethan got a Chinese Checker set. When we went to visit the Caldwell's for Thanksgiving Ethan played Chinese Checkers the entire time. He loves board games so this was a perfect gift for him. Grandma also made beautiful blankets for each of the boys (Chris included). They will be perfect for those cold nights.

Christmas Day: Wii Wish You a Merry Christmas

Chris and I spent Christmas Day with the boys at our home. This is the first year we were without extended family. I was a little nervous, but it turned out fine. Ethan asked for a Wii and that is what Santa brought him. Chris and I decided to set it up the night before and just wrap the empty box. Chris and I stayed up late playing the Wii by ourselves. The next morning, Ethan and Tyler woke up before us. Ethan ran down and looked at the tree and all the presents, but the Wii was set up in the basement. I yelled down at the kids to not touch the presents until we came downstairs. Ethan replied, "We aren't touching the presents, but someone set up a Wii in the basement." So much for surprises.

Tyler asked for an Indiana Jones Whip. I made him open that last. Every present he opened before that received a "Cool, but I didn't ask for that." We were done opening presents in about 20 minutes. So much planning for so little time. Chris got the first season of Battlestar Galatica. My sweet husband got me a pair of UGG boots. I wore them all day and only took them off for bed.

We spent the day relaxing and playing the Wii. It was very sad to be without family, but it was nice to relax. Chris' parents are coming the day after Christmas and my parents are coming for New Years. It will be nice to see our family.

The Real Reason...



I heard this song on the radio yesterday and wanted to share it with you. I get so caught up in this time of year with everything that has to be done and I was forced to take a moment and remember that Christ is all that really matters. I took the time today and made room for him in our Celebration since He is the reason we celebrate. I hope you will take a few moments and watch this Casting Crowns song:

Santa

Now that I am out of school, I have time to focus on doing all those Christmas things, like seeing Santa. I took the boys to our local mall today. The funniest part of the visit is that the man who was Santa is a substitute for our local school system. When I am going to be out my students all beg me to get Santa as my sub. After Ethan and Tyler talked with Santa, Ethan confessed that he recognized Santa's voice as someone who works at his school sometimes. Chris quickly explained that this may be one of Santa's helpers. I think this is our last year for Ethan and Santa. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.