Warning: Sweet, but Sad

My grandmother joined us for Christmas this year at my parent's house this year. She seems to be with our family for every holiday, but I think she enjoys it. I think she loves watching her great grand children run around. I think it exhausts her, but I think she really enjoys it. It makes her happy to be with her family and makes her smile. I wish our ENTIRE family could get together and spend some time with her. I think it would make her smile and it would be good for everyone else to get to see her. She is so very sick and I'm not sure how many more holidays we have with her. I could be wrong...she might have 20 more years, but she just seems tired.

It is so sad to watch her like this knowing there is not a thing you can do. Remember.... I'm not her favorite and never have been, but none of that matters now. She needs us more than ever. She needs us to listen to her ramble, a hug, hold her hand, dress her, walk her and most importantly we need to let her know she is loved. Of course she is and we tell her, but she has Alzheimer's for God's sake people...she might need to be told that more than once or several times. She also needs people to be patient with her. She tries SO hard, but there is a lot she can't do. It can be frustrating, but as she always says "Patience is a virtue and virtue is a grace. Put them both together and get a smiling face." She is the matriarch of our family and none of us would be here without her. I love her so much and what she is going through breaks my heart.

Here is her Christmas gift to Declan that she made for him...






A pen, toothbrush, Halls, and a paper cup with a Christmas napkin taped to it. If that doesn't bring tears to your eyes I don't know what will.

What a sickening disease. Please continue to pray for gma and our family.

Christmas 2011

Another Christmas has come and gone! I think I have said this since Declan has been born, but this was definitely my favorite Christmas. It was pretty much stress free and EVERYONE was in a great mood. That is a Christmas miracle itself. We had a wonderful time with our families. Declan was spoiled as usual!

I will have you know that he was very aware that it was Baby Jesus' birthday and that was what we were celebrating. His favorite decoration was the nativity scene and playing with it and naming everyone. I'm reminded that we need to find a church to attend as a family!

I cannot believe that we will have 2 kids next Christmas! What fun!!!

Christmas Eve









Someone was a good boy! Christmas Morning.














Christmas Day (Woods)














Christmas Day (Woodsides)

Best Friends

Declan informs me on a daily basis that Hans is his best friend. It is so very sweet to watch them together. It makes me forget about the sofa he ate...Hans...not Declan:)






Pardon the chocolate mustache! We were making brownies:)

Cookiepalooza and the Drive-In

My sister and her BFF, my other big sister aka Big Kara invited Me and Declan over to enjoy in the festivities of their annual Cookiepalooza!!! We had so much fun!!! Declan ate more than he decorated of course so he was happy to be with his cousins! Thanks for the fun time!!! Declan is still on his sugar high:)

Jason decided to take us to the drive-in movie theatre that night. I love nothing more than when my husband comes up with something fun for us to do and plans it. We went out to eat and then headed to the drive-in. I had never been to a drive-in before and it was SO fun!!! It was a great idea and the perfect night and will definitely be something we will do again! It was not relaxing, but it was fun for all 3 of us!

Relax and Enjoy the Season

I look forward to hanging out with The DEW (Jace will be working of course) family and friends the next two weeks! I will enjoy the simple things that working mom's don't get to partake in like sleeping in a bit and not having to rush to get out of the door! I get to snuggle with Declan as much as I want and we can do what we want on our time! I love being a teacher! I get to have the best job in the world and get the perfect amount of time off to spend with my little boy!!!





This is the outfit he picked out to wear to run an errand! Love it:)

I'm a Little Snowman

Declan had his first performance on Friday at school. It quite possibly was one of the cutest things I have ever seen in my life. He had been singing the song and practicing all week. Of course when it was time to perform...his whole class just stood there looking at the audience (50+ people). He did dance a little and Jason caught that on video. It was just absolutely precious and hilarious! I was really impressed with his school and teachers and how much work they all put into the Winter Program. Just another reason I LOVE his school! Here are some cute pictures!

Tyson

I had my work party today which was great and then Declan and I headed to Gi Gi's for a party at the nursing home. Grandmama looked beautiful tonight and was so happy dancing and listening to Christmas carols. Declan had fun dancing and singing along too. I love to bring him to Grandmama's because he seems to put a smile on everyone's face. It was a fun night with the family.

You might be wondering why this is titled "Tyson?". Well, my grandmother kept calling me "Tysie" tonight which is her cat's name. No, I did not correct her. What's the point? Plus, he is her favorite thing on earth, so I just took it as a compliment;-).

She is still having good days and bad days, but the bad days are outweighing the good ones. Luckily she has the world's best children and their support!

I'm glad we could make another memory with her tonight!


Off to bed now! One more day and a big meeting and I'm off for 2 weeks! I can't wait! I haven't even started my Christmas shopping!!!

Nights of Lights

We went to Lake Lanier to see the Christmas lights last weekend. Uncle Chris and Aunt Lauren came with us and we had so much fun! The 4 of us have the best time together!

Declan LOVED looking at the lights while sitting in the front seat with Uncle Chris. He also loved the carnival rides at Santa's Village. We definitely have an adrenaline junkie already at the age of 2!!! He is scared of the dark, but will ride ANY ride and wants to go on the tallest, fastest, and scariest. I have a feeling this is a glimpse into the teenage years!




Aunt Lauren and Uncle Chris


Uncle Chris acting crazy in the petting zoo!


Playing games



On The Scrambler with Jason and Chris



End of the night roasting marshmallows. Do you think he was tired?