Fantasy of Trees 2010

We had a blast at the Fantasy of Trees this year. Highlights for Lucy...seeing Santa (the line was rather long, so we just yelled and waved), playing on the "Choo Choo Chain", eating a hot dog, seeing the gingerbread houses, and watching the carousel. I say watching because she was THRILLED to stand in the line and get on a horse, but after about two go-rounds on that thing, we had a scrunched up face and were calling out, "MOMMY!" So...I took her off and held her for the remainder of the ride. Thank goodness that was free.

Thanksgiving 2010

Lucy's Thanksgiving # 2 was a success!

Well, she (much like last year) did not actually eat much Thanksgiving food, but she didn't pitch a fit while we ate, so I'm counting it as a success. For those of you who know me, you aren't surprised by the fact that I did not cook dinner for the family. Thanks to Ingles, we had a lovely meal-Turkey breast, broccoli casserole, sweet potato casserole, dressing, and lots of pie. I forgot to cook the rolls and slaw. I don't know what is wrong with my brain lately, but it is not dialed into my inner "Betty Crocker". I think having a house husband for all these months has completely hindered my ability to do anything domestic. Not a super bad problem to have.

As for Lucy, she's got some sort of respiratory infection, so she's on a MAJOR antibiotic (first one in 6 months!). Her blow-out poop diapers have not been my dream come true, and she's not really eaten in days. In fact, her last good meal was in the Walgreens parking lot on Moday, and consisted of "chicken wuggets and pinch pies" (that is chicken nuggets and french fries for all you non-toddler speaking readers). Feel free to nominate me for mother of the year. But seriously, she's eating about 2 bites during each meal. I got a few bites of broccoli casserole in her today, along with a couple of bits of turkey. She enjoyed a little pumpkin pie, but we are just thankful for what we can get down her right now.

After we ate, I began my annual Christmas decorating. Bryan wouldn't let me begin until AFTER Thanksgiving, so pretty much as soon as the last dish was washed, I unloaded boxes. I must admit, for the past two years, I've not wanted to decorate much of anything. Two years ago I went into pre-term labor near Christmas, and last year, well, I was just TIRED. Lucy LOVED helping out, and E Ee-uh (Aunt Leah) took some AWESOME pictures.

Tomorrow we are heading to the Fantasy of Trees and will hopefully see SANTA CLAUS!!!! I can't wait...

I am THANKFUL for...

Today is November 1st. How did that happen? As this month's big holiday approaches, I am reflecting on the things I am thankful for. There are so many things, and when I start to feel sorry for myself, I try to keep it all in perspective. I remember a 26 year old aquantaince I know who has breast cancer (and two kids), a friend who has a terminal illness and is praying for a miracle, people with wonderful homes that are waiting to adopt...we really are lucky.

A few of the things I am so very thankful for are:

Jesus and His grace and mercy

My Family-all of you are loved! I would not be me without you

Bryan, my best friend and one of the funniest guys I know

My Home-apartment, townhouse, or home, wherever B and Lucy are, I'm home!

Health-currently, yes, my voice is gone, but that's not so bad according to Bryan!

Friends-good ones, old ones, new ones, and crazy ones (you know who you are)

My Job-what on earth would I be doing if I weren't teaching????

Reliable transportation-seriously!

The sound of a sweet little girl, humming songs in the back seat of my car

And the more minor things...

Fall in East Tennessee-it is INCREDIBLE!

Leaves crunching under my feet

Pumpkin EVERYTHING.

Sitting on the front porch-usually with one of my crazy friends :)

The automatic coffee pot

College roommates who gave me enough memories to last a lifetime

St. John

Wine

Tornado detection systems (That one is for you Emily!)

Diamonds (I'm just being honest people!)

Currently, Mucinex

Romantic Comedies and movie theater butter popcorn

Brownies

And last but CERTAINLY not LEAST...sweet Lucy, who before she existed, I only THOUGHT I knew what love was.