"Are you ready for this?"

I have fond memories of a former co-worker who always said,'Are you ready for this?' Well, we didn't even give Mac the chance to answer that question. We have "rocked" his world in 2009. Bart first took away the 'bobbies' then to the "big boy bed" all while getting his two-year molars. Poor little guy. We initially wanted to ease into all of these life changes, but it just didn't work out that way.

We took away the pacifiers and then he started to climb out of his crib. He loves his "big boy bed" and gets so excited to get in and out of it. This has been the most challenging thing for me. Sydney never got out of her "big girl bed", but Mac is a different story. The problem is, I feel slighted when it takes him a long time to get to sleep for his nap. I really need/want some time to just sit there by myself. It is getting better, but there are days when I think I am going to lose my religion! Then I think, "I am battling a two-year old and he is winning!"

The boy is a joy and I love him to pieces! He is lucky his mommy thinks he is the cutest little boy ever!

Pantene Beautiful Lengths

I did it! I cut eight inches off my hair. I was able to donate two ponytails to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. They will use it to make wigs for cancer patients and others with hair disorders. I was so ready for a change. Bart really loves long hair, so I am a little sad for him. I will grow it out some, but I am enjoying the new style. It is something fun and fresh.

I was relieved when Mac recognized me in carpool. He even said he 'liked it.' He then tried to lick it, so I am not sure how he really feels!

Half

Mac is my little funny boy. He just turned two in Dec. and we are always asking him 'how old are you?' Sydney is four and a half and don't forget the half. So when Mac is asked how old he is, he replies 'HALF!' Either he is a genius and knows that two is half of four or he is just being funny.

I know you are not supposed to gloat about your children, but I just have to. The other day Mac and I were at the table having lunch when he looked at me and showed me a piece of watermelon and said 'triangle.' And darned if it wasn't a triangle! I said 'let me call your daddy and tell him what you just said!!' Of course, Bart agreed with me that he is a genius! I mean he knows not to mess with momma about the baby boy.

As the day continued, I was reminded that the "genius" is still a little boy. Well, let's just say the "genius" did not so genius things. At one point I had to pull a wad of toilet paper out of his mouth! Yesterday he put the doorstop and his shoe is his mouth at the doctor's office! Gross! Maybe Harvard can wait for now.

Merry Christmas

I am sorry this is coming after the New Year post, but we just got our pictures loaded from Christmas.

We had a great Christmas in Alabama! Yes, we leave our home and travel to where we originated from. We have only stayed in SC one year - the year Mac was born on Dec. 17th. In anticipation of Santa granting the wishes from the children, we pulled a Uhaul. I know it sounds like a lot of trouble, but it is worth it and the kids have a blast. The kid's love nothing more than seeing their grandparents and cousins.

Well, Santa granted every wish! And when I say every wish, I mean every wish! This was the year of Barbie and the train. They had so much fun. During breakfast on Christmas morning, Mac summed it all up by saying, 'happy happy Sydney Mac!' What more could you ask for?






We had a great time with this book this year. Each page has a screen that you can project onto the ceiling or wall with a flashlight. Sydney loved using the flashlight and really learned the story.

Happy New Year!

As many of you know, once you are a parent it is hard to stay up past 10 o'clock sometimes. Bart and I actually stayed up to ring in the New Year. We were watching The Dark Knight and it happened to be long enough to keep us up. As we close 2008 we are looking forward to 2009. There will be many changes this upcoming year, with Sydney turning five and starting big kindergarten! Bart and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage in August. Those events are so hard to believe. They really did fly by. It will be exciting to see what else is headed our way.

We started the year off with good friends and a 'Panini Party.' My Cuisinart panini press is one of my favorite Christmas gifts this year, along with my red Kitchenaid mixer. I have coveted both for a long time! When we get together with our neighborhood friends, we just have a casual, relaxed time with no less than six kids running around at a time. I attempted to make my first batch of collard greens. The feedback was very good and the pot was empty. So I guess I am a true southern cook! Yeah! I figured with all of the husbands working in the financial world we needed as much green as we could get. We also had a black-eyed pea dip that was delicious.

I had a great time just hanging out. The kids played well and had a lot of fun. We even brought out the Wii and bowled. My four year old bowled a 175! Bart was so proud, but challenged her the next day and outscored her. I don't think he could handle her having the high score. They have a lot of fun on that thing!

I think we are going to have more of these low-key dinners this year. I sure enjoy a night out, but there is something special about having friends over and just kicking back.

New Blog Design

As you can see, I have a new blog design. Jenisa at Once Upon a Blog designed the layout. She is so easy to work with and does a great job! I highly recommend her. Check out her website for more information: www.onceuponablog.org

Hollywild

We took a family outing to see Christmas lights. Not only did we see Christmas lights, but we also saw and fed animals. A zebra, camel, reindeer, deer, goats and some others. I think Bart had more fun than Sydney and Mac!


This is the zebra and the zebra/donkey we fed out of our car. Bart and Sydney had the best time. Mac had to stay strapped in the car seat so he wouldn't jump out the window!



What could be more fun than feeding a reindeer at Christmas? We found a new family tradition.