3 weeks ago
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Mitch's Birthday card
I forgot to mention the birthday card that Will made for Mitch. He made it with his Speech Pathologist, Suzanne, on Wednesday as their activity during his therapy session. Suzanne wrote "Happy Birthday Daddy - Love, Will" in the middle of a piece of construction paper and then let Will draw on it. Then she dictated what Will had to say about his drawings and about Mitch's birthday in general. They included: "These are Daddy's balloons" (black scribbling), "Daddy wants to be a football player", "Daddy needs a cake. This is his cake. It's a green cake", and "This is his present. It's toys. Will wants Daddy to have a green boat and a baby dog". Ha! What an imagination! That kid cracks us up; he really is funny!
Friday, February 12, 2010
What we've been up to
January started with a laid back New Year's Day - watching football, eating some "good luck" dishes and relaxing after a busy month. On January 6th, Will had surgery at ACH. His ENT recommended doing another set of tubes due to several ear infections and chronic middle ear fluid that just would not clear up on it's own, despite giving it several months time. We also decided to have him circumcised since he would be under anesthesia anyway. That was never done when he was born, due to the circumstances surrounding his birth, and we had never been given the green light from Cardiology until recently. So Mitch, Will and myself drove to Little Rock late Tuesday night since we had to be at the hospital at 7:30 am. Ainsley spent the night at the Colvin's. He did really during the 2 hour wait until the procedure started. He was really funny after the nurse gave him the "goofy juicy" - versed - to relax him. He was swaying around from side to side, slurring his words, giggling uncontrollably! Both surgeries went well. The ENT was able to put T-tubes in his ears, which are larger and more permanent, so hopefully these will last us awhile! The recovery from the tubes was pretty easy. He fussed some when we had to put drops in his ears, but it was not too bad. The circumcision, on the other hand, was a totally different story. He had a difficult recovery from it that lasted a long time. He didn't want anyone touching him the first night. He became terrified to use the bathroom or take a shower. It took both of us holding him down to put the antibiotic ointment on him. The doctors acted like it would not be a difficult recovery or set him back with pottying, but it did. It took several weeks until he was confident enough to use the the bathroom by himself or pull his pants up and down. Poor little guy. It was rough for all of us! I'm glad it's behind us now!
The rest of January we were all pretty much sick off and on. Ainsley had a really high fever for days and we finally took her to the on-call pediatrician, which was a mistake, as it resulted in a 3 hour wait. We left the doctor's office at 8:15 pm! Never again! She got better only to get sick a few days later. Will had a sinus infection and missed another day of school. Knock on wood, we have been well since.
In February, I participated in the Service League's Dental Health Play that we perform each year for kindergartners in the county. I played one of the "bad snacks" - Carly Cookie. Mitch told Will that I was going to be a cookie in a play and Will laughed so hard at that! I tried on my costume for him and he really got a kick out that!
We also celebrated Mitch's birthday on the 10th. We had my mom's chicken spaghetti, salad, bread, orange "fluff" and his mom's yellow cake with chocolate icing (which he requests every year). She even brought 36 candles. Will was very talkative and he and Ainsley both enjoyed the attention of all their grandparents.
On the 11th and 12th, El Dorado actually got some snow. It started snowing Thursday afternoon and continued lightly until Friday morning. Mitch and I went to the MercyMe concert which was held at the Auditorium Thursday night. The snow was really pretty. El Dorado schools were open Friday, so Will got to have his Valentine party. He took "Toy Story" valentines and pencils. He helped me make sandwiches and then use a cookie cutter to cut them into hearts. He was proud of them.
By the time he was out of school at 11:30, all the snow on the ground and trees had melted. There was only a little on the bushes and patio furniture in the back yard. Ainsley was a little scared of the snow at first. We went outside mid-morning when there was still a little on the ground. (she insisted on taking her book!) They did scoop up snow and throw a few snowballs.
The rest of January we were all pretty much sick off and on. Ainsley had a really high fever for days and we finally took her to the on-call pediatrician, which was a mistake, as it resulted in a 3 hour wait. We left the doctor's office at 8:15 pm! Never again! She got better only to get sick a few days later. Will had a sinus infection and missed another day of school. Knock on wood, we have been well since.
In February, I participated in the Service League's Dental Health Play that we perform each year for kindergartners in the county. I played one of the "bad snacks" - Carly Cookie. Mitch told Will that I was going to be a cookie in a play and Will laughed so hard at that! I tried on my costume for him and he really got a kick out that!
We also celebrated Mitch's birthday on the 10th. We had my mom's chicken spaghetti, salad, bread, orange "fluff" and his mom's yellow cake with chocolate icing (which he requests every year). She even brought 36 candles. Will was very talkative and he and Ainsley both enjoyed the attention of all their grandparents.
On the 11th and 12th, El Dorado actually got some snow. It started snowing Thursday afternoon and continued lightly until Friday morning. Mitch and I went to the MercyMe concert which was held at the Auditorium Thursday night. The snow was really pretty. El Dorado schools were open Friday, so Will got to have his Valentine party. He took "Toy Story" valentines and pencils. He helped me make sandwiches and then use a cookie cutter to cut them into hearts. He was proud of them.
By the time he was out of school at 11:30, all the snow on the ground and trees had melted. There was only a little on the bushes and patio furniture in the back yard. Ainsley was a little scared of the snow at first. We went outside mid-morning when there was still a little on the ground. (she insisted on taking her book!) They did scoop up snow and throw a few snowballs.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
2009 in Review - October through December
October
October brought cooler temperatures and falling leaves. I love this time of year; fall is my favorite season. The first weekend in October, we went to Little Rock for my cousin Clayton's wedding. I went to the wedding with Mom, Guy and Julie, and Mitch and the kids came to the reception. They had a great time dancing; Will especially got into it to "All the Single Ladies"! Ainsley had her 18 month checkup this month, and she weighed 23 lbs., 4 oz. and was 33 inches tall. Mom and I went to Centerton for a baby shower for Julie during the third weekend of the month. Mitch stayed home with the kids. The shower was hosted by Julie's dad's church in Bella Vista. They got lots of good stuff! I had Shepherd's name put on a towel and filled a whale-shaped tub with a bunch of bath goodies, including a rubber duckie. One of their dogs got hold of it later and chewed the beak off! Guess she didn't like the squeak that it made!
The next week we went to an Open House at FBC pre-school. We toured Will's classroom, talked with Mrs. Melinda, saw all of his artwork, and met his friends and their families. He was so proud! We took the kids to a pumpkin patch at a local church one weekend. They have lots of pumpkins and have other activities for the kids - a hay maze, hay rides, face painting, etc. Will played with Miranda, a little girl from his class last year, in the hay maze and her big sister pulled them around in a red wagon.
Here's Ainsley on a beautiful fall Sunday in the cute dress that Aunt Julie made for her.
One Saturday we took the kids to a "Mutt Strut" down town where people bring their animals dresses in Halloween costumes. The animals and their owners parade around and are judged in various categories. There are some very creative pet owners out there. That same day we carved our pumpkins. Well, Mitch carved them and the kids "helped".
A few days before Halloween, Will got sick. We called the doctor and they said it sounded like he had the flu based on his symptoms. They called in Tamiflu for both kids. That night was HarvestFest at our church. Will was not able to go, but Mitch took Ainsley. By Halloween day, Saturday, Will was better. Will was a fire fighter (or a "fire fighter chief" as he called himself). I had looked all over for a fire fighter costume here and while we were in Bentonville, and finally found a jacket at Target up there. Ainsley was a ladybug. I couldn't find antennae for her, but mom had some silver ones that I painted black. We started out at the Channells house, then went to mom's (G.G's) house. After that we met up with the Harwells and several other families who were trick-or-treating around that neighborhood. We joined in with them and later went to the Colvin's neighborhood. We hit a few houses over there and spent the rest of the time eating supper and answering the door to hand out candy to their trick-or-treaters. They have TONS of kids come through their neighborhood. It was fun seeing all the other kids.
November
November . . . Will's birthday month. We planned a bowling party for the weekend after his birthday. On November 11, my little boy turned 5 years old!! That is so hard to believe. I don't like talking about my kid's birthdays and how old they're going to be because it makes me sad that they grow up so fast. I'll say Will is 4 until the minute (12:51 p.m.) he turns 5. On his real birthday, Wednesday, I took cupcakes and drinks to his class for a party. Mrs. Melinda made a birthday sign to wear around his neck all day. She had him stand in front of the class while they sang "happy birthday" to him, and then she pretended to give him 5 licks! He helped me pass out plates and cups and although he didn't eat it, he did lick some of the icing off his cupcake.
That afternoon I took him to therapy at Hope Landing. Every Wednesday during his Occupational Therapy session, he gets to go to the arena and ride Rio. This therapist puts him in all different types of positions on the horse to strengthen different muscles or to work on balance. Today he rode the typical way, on his hands and knees, lying face-down over the horse, and standing up. And yes, that makes me a little nervous, even though they know what they're doing!
That night we had a family celebration at Mitch's parents' house. Vivian made a cake and decorated it to look like a baseball. Will loved it! He opened gifts later. His favorite was a miniature leaf blower and goggles. One of his favorite people is Mike McCloy, who is the groundskeeper at Hope Landing, and Kim's (the Equine Director) husband. When Will finishes therapy, he always has to find "Mikey". He runs and gives him a giant hug. Mike is often mowing or blowing leaves, and Will has always associated blowing leaves with Mike. So, Will got his own leaf blower and goggles (or "gobbles" as he calls them) so he can be just like Mike!
On Saturday, November 14th, we had Will's bowling party. We invited about 12 other kids and all but one were able to come. The bowling alley supplies ramps that the kids can set the ball on and then just push it, which was helpful. They also put the gutter guards up. They all took turns well (well, mostly) and after about one game, they were ready for the next thing so we took a break to do cake and presents. In honor of Will being a "fire fighter chief" for Halloween, I ordered a fire truck cake, which turned out great! He got lots of fun and generous toys from his friends. They were a sweet group of kids.
One of the kids, Coleman, made Will a special card that he was very proud of! Will's friends, Jon Brooks and Alex Grace, got him this rocket ship that is super cool! We put it in Will's room and the kids LOVE to play in it. They make everyone in the family get in it too!
We all went to the downtown lighting ceremony one night. Will was unsure about it at first, but every time we drove by it throughout the season, he pointed out that he was there!
A few weeks after that was the Service League's Holiday Tour of Homes, our big fall fundraiser. It brought in much more than we'd hoped it would, so our hard work paid off! A few days before Thanksgiving, we had the kids' Christmas pictures made, which was an ordeal! Ainsley did not want to be still and Will cannot smile for the camera. Really, it is very difficult to get a good picture of him; one where he's both smiling and looking at the camera . . . he got that from his daddy! The Tuesday before Thanksgiving was the "Thanksgiving Feast" at Will's school. All the 3 year classes gather in the rotunda of the building; they spread out giant sheets of butcher paper and they line the kids up. All the kids are asked to bring a certain food and several moms from each class are asked to help set up (I was one of them). We got all the plates prepared and then helped the kids get dressed. They had each made Pilgrim and Indian costumes and they got to choose which one they wanted to be for the Feast. Will chose to be a Pilgrim. The kids all marched into the rotunda, sat down, said their prayer, and started in on their feast. They were all so cute! Mrs. Melinda taught them a "Thanksgiving Story" throughout the month. I heard them say it at the party and I tried to remember as much as I could to practice with Will at home. A funny part is where the teacher says that the King was mean and would not let the people go to church where they wanted. The kids chime in and say that the Pilgrims told the Kind, "Ta-ta, we're out of here!" There's also a part where a Pilgrims yells from the ship, "I see land!" Will liked those parts. When we were at Guy and Julie's, every time we would pass Lake Centerton (and I use the term lake loosely; it's more like a pond) Will would put his hand over his eyes and say "I see land!" like it was an ocean or something!
For Thanksgiving, we all loaded up along with my mom and went to Guy and Julie's. Since she was so close to her due date, they were not traveling. The night we got there, we met them at a restaurant on Bentonville's square. After supper we walked around the lighting display in the center of the square. The kids ran off lots of energy by running around the fountain.
On Thanksgiving morning we slept in and just took our time getting ready. We watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. It was fun to watch after having been to NYC. We took the kids to the little park in the neighborhood one afternoon, and they spent some time in Guy and Julie's yard, playing with bubbles, sidewalk chalk and balls.
Julie's parents came over to their house Thursday night for dinner and then we went to their house the next night for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner since her brother and his family was there. John and Emma have 2 boys - William is 2 1/2 and Elliott is about 8 or 9 months. The kids drug out all kinds of toys and books! The older three got in rocking chairs and had the best time! They would rock really fast and then all jump out! Over and over and over! They were funny. There was lots of delicious food. Ainsley ate her first 'real' Thanksgiving meal; she ate a little of everything.
On Sunday, we had Thanksgiving with the Colvins. We had a giant spread there too. Turkey and dressing, cream potatoes, green beans, rolls, pies, and more. Ainsley was curious about the pie!
December
What a month December was!! During the first three days of the month, I had a Service League meeting, and dentist appointment, and Ainsley had an ER visit! I was home with Ainsley one night and she had been eating in her booster seat. She was finished, so I took her tray off and turned to take it to the sink, which is just 3 or 4 steps away. Within that 2-3 second time frame, Ainsley somehow fell out of her seat. I usually always strap her in, but I guess I didn't that time. And she knows how to climb out of her chair anyway, so I never thought she'd fall out. I had my back turned, so I didn't see how it happened, but she was laying a little to the right of the chair, flat on her back, screaming. Throughout the night, she kept holding her right arm and favoring it. She would point to it and cry, and she wasn't using it much. At about 8:00, we decided she needed to be seen my a doctor, just in case, so Mitch took her to the ER. She was seen pretty quickly and the doctor said it was probably just a severe bruise or sprain. She didn't recommend x-rays or anything because she could tell by feeling it that it was not broken. I was very nervous waiting at home. Within a few days she was back to normal.
The Christmas pictures we had made came in and they turned out really cute. We didn't get a good picture of the two of them together - or at least one of them both smiling and looking at the camera - so we used a silly picture of the two of them along with individual pictures. In the silly picture, Will was pretending to be a bear. He was growling at Ainsley and she was laughing at him with a big grin. To me it captured their relationship - Will entertaining and Ainsley loving it. I was happy with how they turned out.
We went to the Puckett Tree Farm in Bernice, La during the first weekend of the month. My dad had a Christmas tree farm growing up, so I love real trees and refuse to have a fake one. We discovered this farm a few years ago and have gone there ever since. The kids had a big time running around and we finally found our tree. We got it up that night and got the lights on it the next day. The day after, while I was putting ornaments on it, I heard a strange clicking sound, and the entire tree fell over onto the couch! When Mitch got home we got up back up. Thankfully, it only destroyed one ornament, which was not a sentimental one, and I was able to repair the others that were broken.
The next week was the El Dorado Christmas Parade. It was very cold that day, so we took Vivian's car and parked it where we would have a good view of the parade. Will wanted to sit inside the car with me, Vivian and my mom. Ainsley got out with Mitch and Gill some, until she got too cold. Will had a great time watching it from the car - he waved and shouted and was so excited at everything. He recognized Ms. Mary Pat dressed as Mrs. Claus on one float. He saw some of the staff at ECCEL on their float. He loved the firetrucks and even saw "Sparky the Dog" on one. He liked the bands and waved at all the pageant queens, saying "Hi Queen!" Finally when the Cyldesdale horses came by, he decided that he'd get out for awhile. He even liked Santa and his elves on the firetruck at the end of the parade. He does not like Santa in person and will not get near one!
After Thanksgiving, our "elf on the shelf" Milton, appeared each day in our home to watch the kids and report to Santa as to whether they behaved or not. He cannot talk or be touched, he just watches. He goes to the North Pole each night to report on the kids, and each morning, he finds a new place to perch. Not sure if it really helped their behavior, but they had fun finding him each morning. On Christmas Eve, he goes back to the North Pole for another year. The kids asked about him for several more mornings!
Hope Landing's production, "The Nativity" was performed on Sunday the 13th at the Arts Center. Will was the Star of Bethleham for the second year. However, this year, several staff members had the idea to have him suspended from the ceiling and hanging over the stable. They got a harness and had it sewn up to be small enough for him, and they tried it out. It never bothered him a bit! When the play got to the part where the Wisemen followed the star, out came Will, hanging there in his star costume! The audience gasped and Will stuck his arms and legs out perfectly. When they pulled him back in, he waved bye! During the second performance, he wiggled his arms and legs a little bit so that it looked like he was twinkling! He got lots of applause and praise, which he of course loved!
The next Tuesday, our nephew was born in the early morning hours. Shepherd Michael Green weighed 7 lbs, 4 oz, and was 20 1/4" long. We knew that Julie was in labor Monday night and that she'd have a C-section some time during the night, so we kept our phones on and Guy sent us a text message and picture after he arrived. Mom and I went up Tuesday morning and stayed until Thursday. He had long, silky jet-black hair. He was so sweet!
We returned home Thursday to continue the Christmas activities. We got home just in time to go to the reception and art show for all the kids taking classes at SAAC. Will loves going to art class and loves his instructors, Mr. Jorje and Mrs. Maria.
Later that night Mitch and I went to the Hope Landing Christmas party at the Wylie's house for the staff and board members. The next day was Will's last day of school for semester and more parties. In an 8 day period, we had a play, the birth of a new family member, an art show, a meeting, and 6 parites (3 ours, 3 Will's). We were all exhausted, but espescially Will. We welcomed the break!
A few days before Christmas, we made cookies with the kids' help. We always say we 'should' take goodies to some people, and we never do. So this year, we made a point to surprise several ladies we know with a plate of cookies and fudge. We visited Jackie Rodgers, Sudie Garner, Louise Massey and Evelyn Pirtle. They were all so grateful and we had a good time delivering and visiting. We hope to make that a tradition.
On Christmas Eve, we went to the service at First Methodist with my mom. We try to alternate each year. We staked out a seat on the back row and hoped for the best. Will did really well during the whole service (he even walked to the front with Mom and I for communion) but Ainsley got busy about half way through, so Mitch took her out to walk around. I have always loved that service, and still do, but I used to think it was really reverent and quiet - that, obviously, was before I had 2 kids to wrangle!! After the service, we went to the Colvin's for dinner. Mom and Truman and Nell Channell came over. We ate, visited, and the exchanged gifts with the Channells.
That night we let the kids open one gift each as well as a joint gift. They each got a pair of slippers and their joint gift was a Biscuit book about Christmas Eve.
On Christmas morning, we woke the kids up to open presents. I'm sure they'll come a day when they wake us up at the crack of dawn, but we'll enjoy sleeping in for now. Santa leaves his gifts unwrapped on the living room floor at our house. After playing with those, we opened gifts from each other and then our stockings.
Later that day, we went to Gill and Vivian's for brunch and Christmas there.
The night after Christmas, we drove to Smackover to the Museaum of Natural Resources to see their light display. They had a walking trail with all kinds of cool displays. It was cold that night! We really enjoyed it and we definitely go back in the future.
On the 27th, we went to Lake D'Arbonne to celebrate with Mitch's mom's family. She has 3 sisters who were all there, as were some of Mitch's cousins and their families. Just like any other extended family, it is hard to get them all together at the same time. One family rents a cabin on the lake and the extended family comes one afternoon and evening for dinner. Here is a picture of some of the cousins, or "Jaspers" as they call them - Payton, Ainsley, Will, Hayden, Brinkley, Harrison, and Sawyer. There are 6 more who weren't there.
On the 28th, we headed north to Guy and Julie's for one more Christmas. I wasn't sure we were going to get all the presents (clarify: all of my mom's presents) in the van, but we made it. We opened presents and stockings that night, which gave the kids a whole new set of toys to entertain themselves with. While we were up there it snowed, and the kids enjoyed seeing that. It was Mitch and the kids' first time to meet Shepherd. Will has been talking about "Shepherd Michael Green" for months and months. He liked him, but went on about his business. Ainsley however, was really interested in him, pointing and saying "baby" over and over. Julie said she needed one of those, but she'll just have to settle for her baby dolls! Tuesday would've been my dad's 65th birthday. How he would've loved Christmas with those grandkids!!
We celebrated New Year's Eve by having a good meal at Mel's. We put the kids to bed and watched the NYE stuff from Times Square on TV. We made it through the ball drop in NY, and then fell asleep. I woke up right at midnight our time and woke Mitch up to see the ball drop again. We're just to old to stay up that late anymore!
October brought cooler temperatures and falling leaves. I love this time of year; fall is my favorite season. The first weekend in October, we went to Little Rock for my cousin Clayton's wedding. I went to the wedding with Mom, Guy and Julie, and Mitch and the kids came to the reception. They had a great time dancing; Will especially got into it to "All the Single Ladies"! Ainsley had her 18 month checkup this month, and she weighed 23 lbs., 4 oz. and was 33 inches tall. Mom and I went to Centerton for a baby shower for Julie during the third weekend of the month. Mitch stayed home with the kids. The shower was hosted by Julie's dad's church in Bella Vista. They got lots of good stuff! I had Shepherd's name put on a towel and filled a whale-shaped tub with a bunch of bath goodies, including a rubber duckie. One of their dogs got hold of it later and chewed the beak off! Guess she didn't like the squeak that it made!
The next week we went to an Open House at FBC pre-school. We toured Will's classroom, talked with Mrs. Melinda, saw all of his artwork, and met his friends and their families. He was so proud! We took the kids to a pumpkin patch at a local church one weekend. They have lots of pumpkins and have other activities for the kids - a hay maze, hay rides, face painting, etc. Will played with Miranda, a little girl from his class last year, in the hay maze and her big sister pulled them around in a red wagon.
Here's Ainsley on a beautiful fall Sunday in the cute dress that Aunt Julie made for her.
One Saturday we took the kids to a "Mutt Strut" down town where people bring their animals dresses in Halloween costumes. The animals and their owners parade around and are judged in various categories. There are some very creative pet owners out there. That same day we carved our pumpkins. Well, Mitch carved them and the kids "helped".
A few days before Halloween, Will got sick. We called the doctor and they said it sounded like he had the flu based on his symptoms. They called in Tamiflu for both kids. That night was HarvestFest at our church. Will was not able to go, but Mitch took Ainsley. By Halloween day, Saturday, Will was better. Will was a fire fighter (or a "fire fighter chief" as he called himself). I had looked all over for a fire fighter costume here and while we were in Bentonville, and finally found a jacket at Target up there. Ainsley was a ladybug. I couldn't find antennae for her, but mom had some silver ones that I painted black. We started out at the Channells house, then went to mom's (G.G's) house. After that we met up with the Harwells and several other families who were trick-or-treating around that neighborhood. We joined in with them and later went to the Colvin's neighborhood. We hit a few houses over there and spent the rest of the time eating supper and answering the door to hand out candy to their trick-or-treaters. They have TONS of kids come through their neighborhood. It was fun seeing all the other kids.
November
November . . . Will's birthday month. We planned a bowling party for the weekend after his birthday. On November 11, my little boy turned 5 years old!! That is so hard to believe. I don't like talking about my kid's birthdays and how old they're going to be because it makes me sad that they grow up so fast. I'll say Will is 4 until the minute (12:51 p.m.) he turns 5. On his real birthday, Wednesday, I took cupcakes and drinks to his class for a party. Mrs. Melinda made a birthday sign to wear around his neck all day. She had him stand in front of the class while they sang "happy birthday" to him, and then she pretended to give him 5 licks! He helped me pass out plates and cups and although he didn't eat it, he did lick some of the icing off his cupcake.
That afternoon I took him to therapy at Hope Landing. Every Wednesday during his Occupational Therapy session, he gets to go to the arena and ride Rio. This therapist puts him in all different types of positions on the horse to strengthen different muscles or to work on balance. Today he rode the typical way, on his hands and knees, lying face-down over the horse, and standing up. And yes, that makes me a little nervous, even though they know what they're doing!
That night we had a family celebration at Mitch's parents' house. Vivian made a cake and decorated it to look like a baseball. Will loved it! He opened gifts later. His favorite was a miniature leaf blower and goggles. One of his favorite people is Mike McCloy, who is the groundskeeper at Hope Landing, and Kim's (the Equine Director) husband. When Will finishes therapy, he always has to find "Mikey". He runs and gives him a giant hug. Mike is often mowing or blowing leaves, and Will has always associated blowing leaves with Mike. So, Will got his own leaf blower and goggles (or "gobbles" as he calls them) so he can be just like Mike!
On Saturday, November 14th, we had Will's bowling party. We invited about 12 other kids and all but one were able to come. The bowling alley supplies ramps that the kids can set the ball on and then just push it, which was helpful. They also put the gutter guards up. They all took turns well (well, mostly) and after about one game, they were ready for the next thing so we took a break to do cake and presents. In honor of Will being a "fire fighter chief" for Halloween, I ordered a fire truck cake, which turned out great! He got lots of fun and generous toys from his friends. They were a sweet group of kids.
One of the kids, Coleman, made Will a special card that he was very proud of! Will's friends, Jon Brooks and Alex Grace, got him this rocket ship that is super cool! We put it in Will's room and the kids LOVE to play in it. They make everyone in the family get in it too!
We all went to the downtown lighting ceremony one night. Will was unsure about it at first, but every time we drove by it throughout the season, he pointed out that he was there!
A few weeks after that was the Service League's Holiday Tour of Homes, our big fall fundraiser. It brought in much more than we'd hoped it would, so our hard work paid off! A few days before Thanksgiving, we had the kids' Christmas pictures made, which was an ordeal! Ainsley did not want to be still and Will cannot smile for the camera. Really, it is very difficult to get a good picture of him; one where he's both smiling and looking at the camera . . . he got that from his daddy! The Tuesday before Thanksgiving was the "Thanksgiving Feast" at Will's school. All the 3 year classes gather in the rotunda of the building; they spread out giant sheets of butcher paper and they line the kids up. All the kids are asked to bring a certain food and several moms from each class are asked to help set up (I was one of them). We got all the plates prepared and then helped the kids get dressed. They had each made Pilgrim and Indian costumes and they got to choose which one they wanted to be for the Feast. Will chose to be a Pilgrim. The kids all marched into the rotunda, sat down, said their prayer, and started in on their feast. They were all so cute! Mrs. Melinda taught them a "Thanksgiving Story" throughout the month. I heard them say it at the party and I tried to remember as much as I could to practice with Will at home. A funny part is where the teacher says that the King was mean and would not let the people go to church where they wanted. The kids chime in and say that the Pilgrims told the Kind, "Ta-ta, we're out of here!" There's also a part where a Pilgrims yells from the ship, "I see land!" Will liked those parts. When we were at Guy and Julie's, every time we would pass Lake Centerton (and I use the term lake loosely; it's more like a pond) Will would put his hand over his eyes and say "I see land!" like it was an ocean or something!
For Thanksgiving, we all loaded up along with my mom and went to Guy and Julie's. Since she was so close to her due date, they were not traveling. The night we got there, we met them at a restaurant on Bentonville's square. After supper we walked around the lighting display in the center of the square. The kids ran off lots of energy by running around the fountain.
On Thanksgiving morning we slept in and just took our time getting ready. We watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. It was fun to watch after having been to NYC. We took the kids to the little park in the neighborhood one afternoon, and they spent some time in Guy and Julie's yard, playing with bubbles, sidewalk chalk and balls.
Julie's parents came over to their house Thursday night for dinner and then we went to their house the next night for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner since her brother and his family was there. John and Emma have 2 boys - William is 2 1/2 and Elliott is about 8 or 9 months. The kids drug out all kinds of toys and books! The older three got in rocking chairs and had the best time! They would rock really fast and then all jump out! Over and over and over! They were funny. There was lots of delicious food. Ainsley ate her first 'real' Thanksgiving meal; she ate a little of everything.
On Sunday, we had Thanksgiving with the Colvins. We had a giant spread there too. Turkey and dressing, cream potatoes, green beans, rolls, pies, and more. Ainsley was curious about the pie!
December
What a month December was!! During the first three days of the month, I had a Service League meeting, and dentist appointment, and Ainsley had an ER visit! I was home with Ainsley one night and she had been eating in her booster seat. She was finished, so I took her tray off and turned to take it to the sink, which is just 3 or 4 steps away. Within that 2-3 second time frame, Ainsley somehow fell out of her seat. I usually always strap her in, but I guess I didn't that time. And she knows how to climb out of her chair anyway, so I never thought she'd fall out. I had my back turned, so I didn't see how it happened, but she was laying a little to the right of the chair, flat on her back, screaming. Throughout the night, she kept holding her right arm and favoring it. She would point to it and cry, and she wasn't using it much. At about 8:00, we decided she needed to be seen my a doctor, just in case, so Mitch took her to the ER. She was seen pretty quickly and the doctor said it was probably just a severe bruise or sprain. She didn't recommend x-rays or anything because she could tell by feeling it that it was not broken. I was very nervous waiting at home. Within a few days she was back to normal.
The Christmas pictures we had made came in and they turned out really cute. We didn't get a good picture of the two of them together - or at least one of them both smiling and looking at the camera - so we used a silly picture of the two of them along with individual pictures. In the silly picture, Will was pretending to be a bear. He was growling at Ainsley and she was laughing at him with a big grin. To me it captured their relationship - Will entertaining and Ainsley loving it. I was happy with how they turned out.
We went to the Puckett Tree Farm in Bernice, La during the first weekend of the month. My dad had a Christmas tree farm growing up, so I love real trees and refuse to have a fake one. We discovered this farm a few years ago and have gone there ever since. The kids had a big time running around and we finally found our tree. We got it up that night and got the lights on it the next day. The day after, while I was putting ornaments on it, I heard a strange clicking sound, and the entire tree fell over onto the couch! When Mitch got home we got up back up. Thankfully, it only destroyed one ornament, which was not a sentimental one, and I was able to repair the others that were broken.
The next week was the El Dorado Christmas Parade. It was very cold that day, so we took Vivian's car and parked it where we would have a good view of the parade. Will wanted to sit inside the car with me, Vivian and my mom. Ainsley got out with Mitch and Gill some, until she got too cold. Will had a great time watching it from the car - he waved and shouted and was so excited at everything. He recognized Ms. Mary Pat dressed as Mrs. Claus on one float. He saw some of the staff at ECCEL on their float. He loved the firetrucks and even saw "Sparky the Dog" on one. He liked the bands and waved at all the pageant queens, saying "Hi Queen!" Finally when the Cyldesdale horses came by, he decided that he'd get out for awhile. He even liked Santa and his elves on the firetruck at the end of the parade. He does not like Santa in person and will not get near one!
After Thanksgiving, our "elf on the shelf" Milton, appeared each day in our home to watch the kids and report to Santa as to whether they behaved or not. He cannot talk or be touched, he just watches. He goes to the North Pole each night to report on the kids, and each morning, he finds a new place to perch. Not sure if it really helped their behavior, but they had fun finding him each morning. On Christmas Eve, he goes back to the North Pole for another year. The kids asked about him for several more mornings!
Hope Landing's production, "The Nativity" was performed on Sunday the 13th at the Arts Center. Will was the Star of Bethleham for the second year. However, this year, several staff members had the idea to have him suspended from the ceiling and hanging over the stable. They got a harness and had it sewn up to be small enough for him, and they tried it out. It never bothered him a bit! When the play got to the part where the Wisemen followed the star, out came Will, hanging there in his star costume! The audience gasped and Will stuck his arms and legs out perfectly. When they pulled him back in, he waved bye! During the second performance, he wiggled his arms and legs a little bit so that it looked like he was twinkling! He got lots of applause and praise, which he of course loved!
The next Tuesday, our nephew was born in the early morning hours. Shepherd Michael Green weighed 7 lbs, 4 oz, and was 20 1/4" long. We knew that Julie was in labor Monday night and that she'd have a C-section some time during the night, so we kept our phones on and Guy sent us a text message and picture after he arrived. Mom and I went up Tuesday morning and stayed until Thursday. He had long, silky jet-black hair. He was so sweet!
We returned home Thursday to continue the Christmas activities. We got home just in time to go to the reception and art show for all the kids taking classes at SAAC. Will loves going to art class and loves his instructors, Mr. Jorje and Mrs. Maria.
Later that night Mitch and I went to the Hope Landing Christmas party at the Wylie's house for the staff and board members. The next day was Will's last day of school for semester and more parties. In an 8 day period, we had a play, the birth of a new family member, an art show, a meeting, and 6 parites (3 ours, 3 Will's). We were all exhausted, but espescially Will. We welcomed the break!
A few days before Christmas, we made cookies with the kids' help. We always say we 'should' take goodies to some people, and we never do. So this year, we made a point to surprise several ladies we know with a plate of cookies and fudge. We visited Jackie Rodgers, Sudie Garner, Louise Massey and Evelyn Pirtle. They were all so grateful and we had a good time delivering and visiting. We hope to make that a tradition.
On Christmas Eve, we went to the service at First Methodist with my mom. We try to alternate each year. We staked out a seat on the back row and hoped for the best. Will did really well during the whole service (he even walked to the front with Mom and I for communion) but Ainsley got busy about half way through, so Mitch took her out to walk around. I have always loved that service, and still do, but I used to think it was really reverent and quiet - that, obviously, was before I had 2 kids to wrangle!! After the service, we went to the Colvin's for dinner. Mom and Truman and Nell Channell came over. We ate, visited, and the exchanged gifts with the Channells.
That night we let the kids open one gift each as well as a joint gift. They each got a pair of slippers and their joint gift was a Biscuit book about Christmas Eve.
On Christmas morning, we woke the kids up to open presents. I'm sure they'll come a day when they wake us up at the crack of dawn, but we'll enjoy sleeping in for now. Santa leaves his gifts unwrapped on the living room floor at our house. After playing with those, we opened gifts from each other and then our stockings.
Later that day, we went to Gill and Vivian's for brunch and Christmas there.
The night after Christmas, we drove to Smackover to the Museaum of Natural Resources to see their light display. They had a walking trail with all kinds of cool displays. It was cold that night! We really enjoyed it and we definitely go back in the future.
On the 27th, we went to Lake D'Arbonne to celebrate with Mitch's mom's family. She has 3 sisters who were all there, as were some of Mitch's cousins and their families. Just like any other extended family, it is hard to get them all together at the same time. One family rents a cabin on the lake and the extended family comes one afternoon and evening for dinner. Here is a picture of some of the cousins, or "Jaspers" as they call them - Payton, Ainsley, Will, Hayden, Brinkley, Harrison, and Sawyer. There are 6 more who weren't there.
On the 28th, we headed north to Guy and Julie's for one more Christmas. I wasn't sure we were going to get all the presents (clarify: all of my mom's presents) in the van, but we made it. We opened presents and stockings that night, which gave the kids a whole new set of toys to entertain themselves with. While we were up there it snowed, and the kids enjoyed seeing that. It was Mitch and the kids' first time to meet Shepherd. Will has been talking about "Shepherd Michael Green" for months and months. He liked him, but went on about his business. Ainsley however, was really interested in him, pointing and saying "baby" over and over. Julie said she needed one of those, but she'll just have to settle for her baby dolls! Tuesday would've been my dad's 65th birthday. How he would've loved Christmas with those grandkids!!
We celebrated New Year's Eve by having a good meal at Mel's. We put the kids to bed and watched the NYE stuff from Times Square on TV. We made it through the ball drop in NY, and then fell asleep. I woke up right at midnight our time and woke Mitch up to see the ball drop again. We're just to old to stay up that late anymore!
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