Disney

Jarod had to work down in Orlando so I decided to pack up the kiddo's and tag along. What a perfect opportunity to go to Disney. right? When we would have hotel, gas & food paid for. I'm all about recruiting others, so I recruited my mom & Byron to come with us... and then we flew in my niece, Alexis (12), so she could join us too. We had so much fun! Boot and all :) Although, I must say, I was starting to wonder if I made an incredibly huge mistake the first day there... with my boot, double stroller, 3 kids, no husband or parents (for the first 2 days). However, I had already spent my life savings on tickets so was NOT about to leave...


Most of the time, the treats, were all they cared about!



My little snuggle bug...




Daddy rides Dumbo!


Brinsley and the "horsey"



This was the highlight of the trip for Jarod and Adler! They couldn't get enough!!


Priceless! Daelyn's favorite Disney princess. We had to visit her everyday we were there!


Alexis (cousin) and Daelyn


Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Castle...

Grandma & PAPA had fun too... PAPA took Daelyn on Splash Mountain and she thought that was so cool! They came off soaking wet...

3D...


My boot and my buddy...

Mater & McQueen


The food is really all Jarod & I care about too! This is the best pizza in America... Giordano's Chicago Style... Stuffed...



Yes, this is my 3 year old son standing at the 44" marker just AFTER riding Space Mountain. His face says it all! What was I thinking? I didn't realize exactly what we were getting into until it was too late to get off and that is when my panic attack began. The 3 minute ride seemed days and I really thought he was going to die or be severely damaged for life. I can laugh about it now, but if you could have just seen me... trying to reach forward and over his seat to hold and brace his head from what I was envisioning being detached from his neck! Now, I laugh hysterically at how terrified I was on that ride. Not for myself but terrified for him... In that moment, I had an outer body experience trying to protect him from the torture I myself was exposing him too... What kind of mom would do that? We'll never forget that one!!!

December re-cap

Now that the hustle and bustle of the holiday season has ended it's time to reflect on what a fabulous year it has been. We have so much to be thankful for and I am excited about the new year and the hope it brings.

Here is a recap of our favorite Christmas memories...

12/3-RS Enrichment Night at church set the tone for the month as we celebrated the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Readers theatre performed by "The Women Who Knew Jesus" followed/ with a delicious & festive dinner. I have a fabulous committee that did an excellent job and we had a great turn out of 70 sisters! The best part was when Joel came to let me know Daelyn had puked all over the nursery! Thankfully, mom (playing "mother of Mary") had just finished her part and took kiddos home. nice!

Trip to Kiawa Island for a 1/2 marathon that I ended up sleeping through!! Go Jarod! and all our friends that completed it and the full. Charleston DoubleTree, Dinner at "Coast" Dessert at "Kiminsky's".

The arrival and daily anticipation of where our special guest (Rudy the Elf) would be found

Breakfast with Santa at The Avenues



The Nutcracker Feast... fit for a sugarplum princess at Isabella's & the performance of course...

Visiting Santa at Phipps...he's the only "real" Santa in our book... Thanks to Danielle :)

ChuckECheese (wow has it changed since I was a kid... rollercoaster rides...) The kids thought it was the best thing ever!



Stone Mountain: 3D Polar Express, Train Rides, The Barn & Laser Show,




Lake Lanier Night of Lights: live nativity, hot chocolate, pony rides, roasting marshmellows & the train ride.


3 days of Christmas Baking for Jarods favorite clients and our favorite friends (with exception of our favorite "out of town" friends). Menu included: Monster Cookies, Gingersnaps, Snickerdoodles, Chocolate dipped pretzels & sticks, Praline Pecans, Awesome Special K & Rice Krispy bars. Too bad it was the only time all year that I did any baking...

Parties: the kids all had school parties but Shellie's Xmas gift exchange was the best! I love my jewelry Jessie!! Too bad we don't have any pics from it... Look at Adler and all his little buddies...




Being a secret Santa was also soooo fun! Daelyn rang the doorbell and ran to the car everytime. She thought that was the best. I wonder if we ever got busted and just didn't know it??

A visit from Byron's son Justin (& Karine, Alex & Gabriel) and daughter Kristi


Christmas Eve service and acting out the nativity.


Christmas Dinner including: Papa's famous Smoked Ham & Turkey, Asparagus Casserole, Green beans, Sweet Potato Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Potato Salad, Macaroni & Cheese Casserole, Golden Coral Rolls & Cheese Cake Factory Cheesecake. mmmm.... I love food way too much!

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Chattanooga trip: Ruby Falls, Rock City, Children's Discovery Museum, The DoubleTree pool & cookies, and of course Sticky Fingers for Jarod's B'day :)

Trip to Barnesville to visit my grandparents in the assisted living (grandpa's sermon included) & lunch at Bessie's Tea Room. Daelyn said it was "excellent and the best tea party she ever had". All the kids got to pick out the hat they wanted to wear.



A visit from my sister Lana, her hubby "Jimbo", daughter Alexis 12yr and her friend Claire. Found out Lana is PREGGO!! So exciting!! WhoooHoooo!! We can't wait.


New Years Eve... playing games & uncontrollable laughter, crying I laughed so hard! I laughed so hard I thought I was going to pee my pants (or as Alexis says "peep"). That was a healthy way to end the year!!

My new camera that has also brought me the same amount of frustration. Maybe I'll actually add pics once I can get them downloaded :)

Jarod being home for 10 days straight! That was the ultimate gift!

Chattanooga

Grandma & Papa have been wanting to take the kids to Rock City for a long time. They loved all the Christmas lights. We had a blast! We also visited Ruby Falls and the Children's Discovery Museum. It was a great mini vacation since Jarod is off work this week.