Christmas 2011

I don't know if I have felt overwhelmed about all the things that I could write about from Christmas or if I have already shifted gears to January - birthdays, new baby, back to school, etc., either way, this post is way overdue and I am still not sure where to start. I haven't even gone through all the pictures and I know there are tons. We had at least 3 good cameras going the whole time which for the Falls family means hundreds of pictures. I am pretty sure I only ended up with mine on my computer so one day I will get to the rest.

No matter how you slice it, Christmas/New Years 2011 was amazing!!

I started saying in August that we would host the Falls family for Christmas. By the time the holidays rolled around, I would be well into this pregnancy (not fun to travel), we have a new house that we wanted to host everyone in and I wanted my kids to be home on Christmas day to play with their stuff. Plus, there are technically more Falls peeps in Ropesville/Meadow than there are in Sherman/Howe.

I never waivered on wanting everyone here and as it got closer, I got more and more excited. We finished projects, bought food, planned meals between Jeremy and Beth's and our house and even planned a day to spend with extended family that would also be in the area from Michigan.

After a record trip to the grocery store, Beth and I were ready to cook and host the whole crew!!

On the Thursday before Christmas, family started arriving and by Friday afternoon, everyone was here. PARTY!!! We cooked, played games, did crafts, played in the snow - pretty much whatever we wanted to do.

On Saturday, the Henson's and Noordyk's decended on our home. Here is the really fun part, Delinda and Mike (brother & sister), along with my mother-in-law, Carol, are grandkids of the original owners of the home Neno and I now live in... so fun to have them back in the house. I got to here more stories of time spent here and they helped us officially dedicate our home. Thank you for the blessings on our home and for your compliments on changes made. Pregnant or not, I am sure I would have cried either way from their words - and I did!! Oh, did I mention we all totalled 39. 39 people in my house is a lot!! But it was wonderful.

We ended the day by getting ready for Santa, sprinkling reindeer food and settling in with books read by Granna. It was a full day!

Sunday brought Santa and so many wonderful goodies. In Neno's family they love to stuff stockings (nothing actually fits in the stocking, but it is so fun!)! So we all spent a good hour going through our loot. Then it was on to a yummy breakfast, showers and getting ready for the day.

Here is where our day took an interesting and nasty turn... we have had some trouble in the last few months with plumbing on the living side of our house - 2 bathrooms. We had a plumber get his snake caught in our pipes trying to work out the issues, we had the waste pumped out and still on Christmas day, we have issues. Jeremy and Neno decided to tackle it so that we had use of toilets and showers. Really, on Christmas day???? They got the back-hoe, took the top off the tank (which was pretty much empty due to pumping the week before) and Neno climbed down in to see if he could see what the problem was. He found the end of the snake that the plumber had stuck 2 months before. He grabbed the end and started pulling. Once he got the snake out, here came the rest - YUCK!! Needless to say, drains started draining and we were back in business. Thanks babe for taking on that disgusting job, I am pretty sure I am burning those coveralls that are still in a heep on the garage floor.

After showers, we were back to celebrating Christmas!! As is tradition (and it should be), we read the Christmas story and were gladly reminded of what Christmas is about. We took time to go around the family and say one word that described our relationship with Jesus. Lots of amazing things were said and again, I cried. My word was "Plan", God has a plan for me, for my family and as long as I let him remain in control, it reveals itself in the most amazing ways. This year and this house have been proof positive of that!!

We continued with lots of great presents and a new trial of Chinese Christmas amongst the family. Neno and I got some great stuff and despite not being really sure how to run it with each of us bringing two presents, it worked out well.

It was another great day, full of fun, food and family. It doesn't get much better!!! I wasn't even worn out beyond belief. This baby cooperated and let me get some sleep and was rather kind to my feet and back since I did a lot of standing in the kitchen.

Sadly, it all came to an end on Monday when everyone headed back home, but I am already to host the next go around again in 2 years!!

Chuck-town Getaway

The first weekend in December, Neno and I took a much needed weekend getaway to Charleston, SC. This was the first trip we had taken alone since our honeymoon in May 2004. It will also be the last that we will take for quite a while since #4 will be here very soon. We decided on Charleston since I love the South, we love to eat and it seemed to have some interesting history. Which it didn't disapoint in any of those categories. Though I didn't take pictures of the food, we ate some amazing meals. We decided after eating our way through the city, that we wouldn't need to eat for a week after our trip. Of course we did, but that is just because we have no discipline.

 This was our first outing of our trip to Boone Plantation. The row of trees pictured above is the oldest row of oaks in the United States. It is also the most photographed. It was used in the Notebook. It lead to Allie's house. Pretty cool - Huh? It was amazing in person.

 In fact all of the plants and life around the plantation were impressive. Check out this fern. I had Neno take this picture since I knew my mother-in-law would appreciate it. Plus we had to show the bump on the trip.

 Neno hates these pictures. You know, the ones you take yourself, but there wasn't anyone else around and I wanted to try to get the plantation house in the back. Fail! It is not our best. Unfortunately, it is the only picture of us together on the whole trip.

 We took a carriage ride tour of part of the city. They have the rides broken into 3 sections, so we had to go with the draw. It was so interesting and probably our favorite thing on the trip. This hotel above is where Robert E. Lee watched the harbor at the beginning of the Civil War. Story goes that his ghost still walks the porch, but because of some renovations since the war, he doesn't walk ON the balcony, he floats just above the floor.

 This is a sitting porch and a very common thing in this town, but they aren't front porches, they are on the side of the house. This was for privacy. This is where the families would sit in the heat to try to get some relief and feel the cool air off of the ocean. Back then, apparently they wore 50 lbs of clothes and would undo some layers here on the porch. If the door, at the front of the porch (not pictured) was closed then the family wasn't decent. You either didn't knock or you did and knew to wait. You also knew not to step to the side, which was visible and take a look at the people on the porch. The first man arrested for doing such a thing was named Tom. We learned that is where a "Peeping Tom" came from.

 Okay, so you are probably asking why I took this random picture of the balcony, but I am actually taking a picture of the blue ceiling. When slaves were shipped from Africa, they brought some of there cultural traditions with them to the South. One being that "Haint" paint keeps evil spirits out of the house. You will see it in all different shades throughout the city. I thought it was cool. Some go so far as to paint there window and door trim in this color.

 Not as interesting as the history, but very pretty was the Folley Beach. We decided we would venture out there on our last night. We should've have taken another city tour. On our way, Neno got a speeding ticket. Really??? That cop apparently didn't like tourists. Then the park we were headed to, was still closed from Hurrican Ike damage. We finally found and pier and stairs to the beach so we went for a walk. No great shells, it was cold and the sun was going down. At least I got a pretty picture of that. We can say we went.

Did I mention that we ate a lot? We also walked a lot and never really got used to the time change. I guess this fun picture of Neno on the plane home is result of all of that. Hehehehe!!

We really had a great time! We enjoyed just focusing on each other. I always say that is important but not so easy with 3/4 kids. We really do have good time together and still love each other a lot. It is good to be reminded of that and to have each others undivided attention. I LOVED IT!! Thanks babe, for taking a trip with me and being so generous and attentive. You definitely made me feel loved and very special. Just what I needed after all of the house renovations and before our new addition. You are the best! I love you! (Even if you do sleep just like the picture above) Ha!

Thanksgiving in pictures... Finally!

I am thankful for all of the following and so much more! This was a great Thanksgiving spent with my side of the family on Lake Buchanan. The kids love being with cousins and they can't get enough of being outside and chasing each other. It is preiceless!! Though I didn't get pictures of everyone in the family, I adore them all and feel so blessed to have been born a Brydson! I love you all and the times that we get to share! 

Tea Party at Nana's doll table. Doesn't it look like it was made for her?

Golf cart rides, or just a good place to sit and talk...

So serious. Of course when it comes to baseball, who isn't?

Precious cousins, Keelie and Emma Beth.

Someone had a little too much Turkey.

Can you tell that these girls love each other?

Love these two!! I think this is such a good picture out by the firepit.

I think the smore attacked Marlee but she isn't complaining!

Forever with the Horns. Really, Emma Beth, that could break my camera!!

Annabelle couldn't get enough!

Neno has a birthday

In mid-November, the 17th to be exact, we celebrated my sweet husband's birthday. Though it wasn't a milestone birthday, it is definitely one he won't forget.

I had searched for week's for a wood burning stove for our house. He had mentioned really wanting one since before we were sure we were buying this house. Anyway, I was on a mission - internet, Fireplaces, etc., Craigslist, Ebay. I was on a true hunt. I even told his mom to keep a look out at garage sales. Her response was, "Yeah, right!" Well, it was meant to be. The weekend before his birthday, I found one!! Exactly what we wanted on Craigslist. It was in Sherman, close to his parents, and his mom helped me with meeting the owner, getting it paid for and his sister helped us get it picked up. It was a true family effort and it was from all of us, so it worked out well. He was a happy man!

I couldn't let it stop there, though. On Wednesday, before his birthday on Thursday, I attended Holiday Happening's Sneak Peek event with a friend. Since last year, I knew what I wanted to get Neno for his birthday, this year. In fact, I was supposed to buy it last year and chickened out. We are now expecting baby number 4. For anyone unfamiliar with this story, the item was a Vasectomy, donated by a well-known physician, for the Junior League to use in the silent auction. I was a very deteremined lady. I kept my eye on the clipboard all night. I even bid a time or two, but when they announced 5 minutes remaining, I went to stand guard. Little did I know, there was a woman that wanted it as badly as I did. She placed a bid, I topped it, she topped mine and so on. Finally, I asked her what it would take for her to back off, what was her limit on bidding. She told me about her deductible and how it wasn't worth using insurance for the procedure, blah, blah, blah. To that, I responded with, "Really, I am pregnant with our 4th child, this will be my second by midwife (totally my choice, but also much cheaper) and we have NO insurance. Oh and did I mention that my husband was mad that I didn't buy this a year ago." She didn't have much to say after that and they called for 1 minute. I placed my bid and surprisingly, she didn't top it. She was off to the side texting. I am sure it was her husband or friend and they were hearing all about it. Little did I know, she was just trying to be sneaky. They called time and as they did, she tried to reach over the League member that was collecting the boards and trump my bid. I politely put my hand on her arm and let her know that she couldn't do that. Bidding was over!! I won!!!! The fun part was that I really could give it to Neno for his birthday. He knew I was going to bid on it this time, but I wanted to keep it a secret that I had won until the next day. It worked!! I put the certificate in his birthday card.

He isn't embarrassed to tell anyone about his gift. I think he is pretty proud of both of his presents. Happy Birthday, honey!! I am sure it will not soon be forgotten. I love you and I am thankful EVERYDAY that you were born.

We've got chicks

Well, quite obviously, we have chicks, we have three daughters, but I am not referring to them this time. I am talking about the feathered kind. We have had them a little over a month. We got them a day after they hatched and we have watched them grow from cute and fuzzy to feathered and funny-looking. They now have the bump on their beeks and aren't nearly as cuddly for the girls, but we still find them interesting.

 Here are all 32 that shipped to us in this tiny box. Sadly, we had a fatality and are down to 31. I still find that amazing with my children, our dog and 11 degree weather. Oh, did I mention they lived inside for the first few weeks. They were noisy and dirty little birds. I was glad to see them make the move outside.

 Ava Grace loved getting to hold them. They were fun when they were fuzzy and you could easily catch them. Now, they are fast and not so loveable.

This is them still in their 4 ft. x 4 ft. box that Neno made, but moved outside to the coupe. The box now has a hole for them to come and go and get under the heat lamp.

Anyway, you might be asking why on earth we have 31 chicks. Well, we are in the country and my husband is all about country living, including farm-fresh eggs. In April-May, these sweet gals will start laying. They are what you call Laying Hens. We are an egg family and go through tons of eggs in a short time. They will definitely pay for themselves. Plus, it just adds to the country charm. Don't you think?

No. 4

So I posted about it on Facebook in August and I am 29 weeks, so I have definitely talked about it, but sadly, I don't think I have posted a thing about expecting No. 4.

Yes, we really are having another kid! Yes, we know what causes it! And yes, we are crazy... about our kids! This one will be no different! We aren't finding out what this one is, but boy or girl, we will be just as crazy about him/her!

I have felt really good throughout this pregnancy, which is a blessing since for the first 3 weeks, we were living with Jeremy and Beth. Then, we moved into our house and started renovations. Plus, I am chasing 3 active girls. Maybe I felt great, because we were in denial for quite a while. So much for Taking Control of Your Own Fertility. I was not in control. God was and is!!

Anyway, I cannot believe how quickly this one has flown and how I really don't want to know until the delivery what this one is. Does that mean, subconciously, I know it is a girl and will adore her upon arrival no matter what or is it a boy and I want the grand surprise? Who knows.

At this point, I definitely feel pregnant, look pregnant (finally, I hate the transition where you just look like maybe and no one wants to ask), and feel this precious child move all of the time. In fact, this one is the most active of all. This one doesn't care if I am sitting, standing or walking (which is just a strange feeling).

I feel better now, I did so well at journaling about the other 3 pregnancies and doing some blogging (I think), but have totally dropped the ball on this one. Sorry, baby! I have a feeling I will be saying that or feeling that way a lot. I hope that means this one will be patient and layed back. I need that to be the case. I pray for that in this child.

February 2, will be here before I know it. That is crazy!!!!!

Oh, and to answer another question that might be looming in your brains... yes, I am using midwives again. We are having this one at home! Pray they make it this time. Though I love the thought of it just being Neno and I again, he would have a heart attack if it happened a second time. And since we have had the other three without family present, they are all hoping that they are here for this one's arrival. Here's hoping it all comes together, but we shall see.

Halloween 2011

So I confess that I was going to let Halloween just go by this year without dressing up or trick or treating with the girls. I am aweful!! Luckily, they have an aunt that wasn't going to let that happen. Aunt CJ and Taylor took Annabelle and Ava Grace shopping on Saturday. They saved the day! They bought costumes, tights, make-up, etc. The girls were covered! I even got these funny pics sent to my phone to document the outing...

 

 

Once the girls were excited, I jumped on oboard, too. I even made treats for their classes at school. I stole this fun idea from one of my BFFs - Kristen. She had posted these on Facebook last week and I loved them. So, the girls took candy corn rice krispies to their friends. I thought they were too fun and the girls loved them!

Round pan with colored sections of rice krispies. Then cut it like a pie.

Voala! Candy Corn!

After school and dinner, it was time to rock and roll. Aunt CJ came over to do make-up and we set out for town. We got a late start so we didn't tackle to much. We stopped on a few streets and rang some door bells and the girls had a blast. That is what it is all about! So here are the pictures of my beautiful girls in their costumes.

Annabelle the mermaid. The colored hair was her favorite thing, I think.

Ava Grace made a great fairy and loved all the make-up and glitter.

Have you ever seen a cuter puppy? She even let us put black make-up on her nose, but somehow I didn't get that picture on my camera.

 All in all, it was so fun! I am glad that Carrie took care of the costumes and that Taylor, Carrie and Beth were willing to set out with me to Trick or Treat. I like the ratio of 4 adults to 3 kiddos. I couldn't ask for greater Aunts/Uncles for my kids. Thanks again!

Best memories to take from the night:

• Annabelle trying to take all of the candy out of the bucket.
• Adalyn running full force from house to house - nevermind if there was a curb in the way.
• Ava Grace being so excited to find houses with lights on and ringing the bell. I also loved how concerned she was that her sisters got to the door and got candy too.
• Adalyn eating wrapper and all and being covered in chocolate.
• My tub turning blue at bath time
• The fact that my girls loved every bit and were ready to do it again the next day.