We made the conversion... finally

I think we have done a good job in our little monkey boy. He starting climbing out almost a year ago and we have been able to reign him in and keep him in his bed... we no more! Using a sheet over his crib worked great for a long time, until he destroyed all my extra sheets by using them as hammocks. Then I just stopped using sheets (mainly because I didn't have any more to waste on his "hammock"). He seemed to have "forgotten" how he could get out of bed on his own, but like all good things, that came to an end when he remembered what a good climber he was. So, long story short, after finding him like this (picture below) last night, I made the big leap and converted his bed to a toddler bed. He seems very pleased with his "new" bed and I will feel better knowing that he can at least get back in his bed after reading books and whatever else he does when he should be sleeping. Just another reminder that my babies are growing up.

First snow fall of the year!

What a perfect holiday weekend that wouldn't be complete without SNOW! Lydia wouldn't sit still for a picture, she was determined to catch a snowflake on her tongue. Eli, of course, wasn't that excited. He was mad about having to wear a hat and gloves, plus it was cold, all things Eli does not like.

This is Eli giving me "attitude"... so stinking cute!

Finally!

I can't even tell you how many trips we have made to the mall and look at Santa from afar. We are probably pretty good contenders to qualify as "stalkers" since all we do is watch him. However, on our trip to "Holiday on the Square" we finally did it! We visited Santa, then went for a horse drawn carriage ride, then went back to Santa. I took Eli right up and plopped him on his lap (yes, I know I probably traumatized him), but after a quick little cry, and having Lydia join him on Santa's lap, the kids actually got their picture taken. I took this picture while Lydia was busy filling Santa in on what she wants for Christmas... which just so happens to be something that doesn't exist. Santa was great too! For some reason our "Mall Santa" is a bit creepy and never encourages or even talks to the kids, but this Santa was so great. I almost wanted a turn, my list is quite long and I'm sure Santa could have helped me.

Knoxville Christmas Parade!

Initially I really wanted to go to a parade in Chattanooga, but they canceled the "big one" due to lack of sponsors. So, since Michael was gone to his military drill, we packed up and headed to Knoxville for the weekend and had lots of "holiday" stuff to do. On Friday we went o the Christmas parade, which the kids LOVED. Eli ate during the whole parade and though the parade had his undivided attention, he didn't really perk up until he saw some dogs walk by. Lydia of course was shouting "Merry Christmas" every 5 seconds to anyone that would listen and waving like a true beauty pageant winner. When I asked Lydia what her favorites part were they were "the scary guy" (AKA the Grinch.. which I agree he was scary), the fighting guys (think WWE wrestlers), and "The frog" (a mascot). Not really what I thought she would say, but ... I don't really know how to take it. If I were to ask Eli, I'm sure the answer would be the food, the food, and the doggies. Any way, below are some of the highlights of the parade.Lydia at the parade

The Beauty Pageant Wave

The "Scary guy" and he really was, he moved weird!

I know I'll get in trouble for posting this one, but I only got one of the group!

Eli and I!

This one is for Michael... it was very cool!

The dreaded chair....

Let me set the scene for you. Michael and I got this wonderful leather recliner one year for Christmas and it is wonderful. Very comfortable, reclines, rocks... everything you would want from a recline. Little did I know when we got it, that I would soon come to loath it's existence. You see, Michael has come to find that it is a VERY comfortable place to sit and SLEEP... at any time of the day. I know when its coming because he "assumes the position" as you can see in the picture. Not only does Michael love it, but the kids have discovered how comfy it is to cuddle with Michael while he sleeps and they watch a show. Now, you would think, "What's the big deal? You get a break!" NO! That is not the case... it actually turns me into a maid. "Everyone is comfortable"... so can I get ______ for ______. I am telling everyone this so they don't make the same mistake that I did and get a nice comfy recliner this holiday season. Instead I suggest wood chairs, not the least bit comfortable.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is ready for the Christmas holiday right around the corner. For Thanksgiving this year we went to Knoxville to Little Mamaw's house (Michael's grandmother...on his mom's side). It was great to see everyone and I had two added bonuses this year. First, Michael was actually able to come and enjoy it with us. Originally we thought he had to work, and he actually drove to work then found out they had taken him off the schedule on accident. So, much to our delight, he was able to spend the day with us. The second surprise was Aunt Tatey got to come!!!! (Courtney, my sister). It was so nice to have someone from my family there to help me celebrate and bring some of our family traditions.


Lydia having a blast throwing leaves at everyone that stood still long enough.Eli was kind enough to help Papaw Mark (actually Uncle... but I won't get into that)

Lydia and Bryson hamming it up. They knew exactly what to do with a camera pointed at them. Bryson even came over after wanting to check himself out and then exclaimed "Yep, that's a good one". Do you think Eli looks a little protective of his big sister? LOL (Lydia, Eli, and Cousin Bryson)
Cousin Rachel taking a turn with Eli as the pusher... hopefully soon he will figure out what those peddles are for.Lydia, Eli, Grammy, and Little Mamaw enjoying the beautiful day... and Lydia admiring the lovely garden gnomes (Michael's favorite!)

Lydia lost her first tooth!!!

Lydia has had a wiggly tooth for almost a year now, thanks to Eli. Lydia and Eli have a knack for bonking heads together... usually its Eli's head and Lydia's mouth. When we went to the dentist recently and had X-rays done, we found out that there were NO roots left on either front tooth. The dentist gave her 3 weeks until they were gone... it's been over a month. I knew last night that the tooth would be gone very soon thanks to a tootsie roll chomped down on just the right way. Then today, while changing the sheets, Lydia couldn't resist jumping off the bed onto the down comforter on the floor. She landed just right and her tooth popped out! Lydia hadn't realized at first, she was just screaming that she was bleeding. When I got her calmed down she said her tooth was gone, which I had already noticed, but I was afraid I would upset her more by pointing it out. She is anxiously awaiting her first visit from the Tooth Fairy now.

Happy Halloween!

Lydia and Eli kept raising there arm and saying "Yee Haw"! They were so stinking cute!

Awww, my sweet Woody!

I don't really understand why Lydia was doing, but it looked kind of like a Sumu Wrestler entering the ring?!?! LOL, but she sure was cute!

Meet the pumpkins! Lydia's is the one on the left, then Christy's, followed by Eli's on the right.

Woody (aka Eli) was very upset he didn't have a hat, Jesse (aka Lydia) was very upset she didn't have boots.... an almost perfect outfit.

Woody needed to test out his horse all dressed up... while it look like Lydia is being a watchful sister, she is actually about to push him off because she wanted to test out her costume too.

Aunt Christy and Lydia!

This year we were all excited of Halloween because Lydia knew what was coming, and her excitement was infections. We have had our costumes picked out and bought for months! (Seriously, ever since Toy Story 3 came out... which was summer time for those of you that don't keep track) Lydia picked out everyone's costumes, you didn't have a choice. Lydia, of course, was to be Jesse. Eli was Woody, I was supposed to be Barbie, and Michael was given a choice between Ken or a Soldier Guy, even Grammy was supposed to be Buzz Lightyear. We were lucky enough that Grammy and Aunt Christy were able to come down to go trick or treating with us. First though we had to carve pumpkin, have snacks, then dinner, and pig out on candy. While trick or treating was a bust because it fell on a Sunday this year, and being in the bible belt, there was so much talk about moving it to Saturday that there were trick or treaters both days. For those of you that don't know, Sunday is church DAY, there are 3 different masses, two in the morning to choose from and then another in the evening. So, when we started out we came to about 8 houses before our first door was opened. After that thinks picked up and by the end of the night our pumpkins were full (thanks mostly to all the candy that I was going to give out... but we didn't have a single person come). As we were approaching home Lydia started to whine that she wouldn't get to trick or treat for a LONG time. All in all, everyone had a great time.

Our song bird

Lydia has been blessed with many of my "gifts". One of those that she loves to let people know about is her ability to sing (and dance... but we'll save that for later). She has a current favorite song, "The Only Exception" by Paramore. She breaks out into song ALL the time. Just like her momma, she only sings the chorus and is always in tune, so it really makes for a wonderful song. This is one time that I had my camera handy for all to witness.

Caution: when watching this video it may make you nauseous! I was standing perfectly still, but my subject wouldn't stop swinging.

Getting Settled

Eli has decided that he strongly dislikes swinging the "traditional" way and this is the only way he wants to swing. So, needless to say, Lydia sometimes gets the same "dislike".

Our house is very close to Harrison Bay state park, and they have a great playground and then a stage! What better way to work out the afternoon giggles than to run around acting crazy on stage?

Lydia with her hair up (she is getting much better about getting her hair done on a regular basis so she looks less homeless now) ;)
I tried for about 10 minutes to get a good picture of both of them looking and smiling at the camera, this is the closest I got before my subjects got restless. Really, what was I thinking trying to take pictures at the park before they got to play?

So, now that we are all moved in, mostly everything unpacked, and ready to befriend our new community... what better way to do it than to make the rounds of all the parks and libraries! Already we have a couple friends that we meet out to do things with, which is really nice.

Our House!

I still haven't taken a front of the house picture, but this is part of it. Once we get landscaping in and grass I'll post again
Our escape artists bedroom (AKA Eli).Lydia's Bedroom
Family room (please ignore the box on the ground)
Dining room (still no pictures up... but soon I hope).
Part of the kitchen... I REALLY want an island in the middle for more counter space!This is where all the magic happens ;)

Bithday party!

The birthday boy himself!Eli and his Cookie Tray :)

Lydia trying out Eli's new bike... really, she just needed to make sure it was safe.Lydia wasn't left out either. Papaw Mike (Michael's father) and Mamaw Barbara gave Lydia a computer!

Lydia getting some much needed Grammy time.

Michael and his grandmother Vivian, It's like pulling teeth to get a smile!

To celebrate Eli's second birthday we wanted to throw him a birthday party. We weren't sure how the turn out would be since we had just moved to Chattanooga, but thankfully Knoxville isn't that far away and many people were willing to make the trip for our special boy. Everyone may know that Michael can put the cookie monster to shame... well Eli has the same genes apparently. After attending recent friends birthday parties it became apparent that Eli was not a cake guy (I know... hard to believe). So, what better to give Cookie monster junior than a "cookie" cake. So after mingling, Lydia opening Eli's presents (Eli wasn't very into the unwrapping, more about the playing part, so he was more than happy to have Lydia do the honors), we did his birthday "cake". The party was a hit and Eli ran himself silly that night. Happy Birthday sweet boy, we all love you very much.

Happy Birthday Elijah!

Today our little boy turned 2! To celebrate I want to tell everyone all about our sweet little boy. He is the sweetest, most docile little boy. He plays hard, sleeps hard, and gets so dirty all the time. It is a running joke on how long he can wear a shirt without getting it dirty. Everyone says that its just boys, but I really think its just Eli. He is so "boy", Michael and I are fascinated in how boy and manly he is. Michael jokes that he is more manly than him. He is automatically driven to cars, trains, tucks, lawnmowers, and all "ball" sports. If you flip through the channels and happen upon a game, any game, then Eli will scream and throw a fit until he gets to watch an appropriate amount. He loves to eat! Eli's favorites are cookies (he's my little cookie monster, while Michael is my big one), but he also loves fruit. Eli has grown VERY attached to his blanket and insists on having it with him almost all the time in the house. However, he has very strict rules that all of us must abide by. For example, we are only allowed to touch the blanket when holding him, Lydia is almost never allowed to touch the blanket, and as soon as Eli sees the blanket, his thumb goes into his mouth. I could go on for hours gushing over our sweet boy. Happy Birthday Eli, we love you dearly.

Beach Time!

We just got back from a great vacation where we went to mom's house. There was only one requirement of the visit, Lydia HAD to go to the "Big Beach". Nana didn't want to disappoint, so on the second day there, we took off for the beach.



Uncle Michael with his buddy EliI got to meet my niece Taylor

Very brave to be photographed in my bathing suit!
Eli was a Beach baby... while Lydia couldn't get enough of the water.

I can't remember if Eli did this to himself, or if Lydia helped.
Lydia had her fair share of beach time too.
Lydia's first look at the "Big Beach"