Happy Birthday Jesus!

The Barksdale girls were extra good this year, so Santa was sure to make his stop at our house. Betsy Grace was way more into Jesus and his mommy and daddy than Santa but as the month crept along, she warmed up to the mention of him. We went into get her Christmas morning and told her that Santa Claus had come. She wasn't thrilled, I swear she thought he was a new babysitter, but when we quickly clarified that he had come and GONE but left toys, we were all smiles :)

First glance at her new goodies....

Santa brought a kitchen to Betsy Grace...

and a table and chairs to both girls!

and we can't forget the vacuum from Brun and Ella.

She vacuumed all morning, saying "Like mommy"

We stayed in our pjs all morning and let the grandparents come to us, which was heaven! Betsy Grace had a blast showing off all her goodies and sweet Sutton was mesmerized by her big sissy in action. It's not Christmas morning around this house without the traditional sausage and egg casserole and Moravian Sugar Cake, so we stuffed our bellies and enjoyed our special morning. Then, after naps, we headed to the Tucks for fun, games and of course, yummy food. It was fun to catch up with family and Betsy Grace had the time of her life running aorund with her cousins. Sutton, on the other hand, was over it and so we had to cut our stay short. She is the best baby but every now and then she gets pushed over the edge and she freaks. She has started going to bed around 6:45 and a couple of nights in a row past her bed time was more than she could handle...sweet little thing :)

Christmas with children is absolutely amazing...their pure joy, pleasure in the small things and childlike faith really serves as a reminder of the true meaning Christmas. All of the gift buying and parties are so much fun but there is something so peaceful about slowing down and focusing on the birth of Christ. I love that Betsy Grace was so focused on Jesus and the nativity scene, rather than the commercial aspect that engulfs us during the season. In fact, she is so obsessed with her nativity set that we are keeping it out. After all, we should celebrate Jesus everyday not just at Christmas.

xoxo

The days and night before Christmas...

I apologize for not posting early, post tubes surgery but everything went well and we are so thankful to Dr. Mair who saw the severity of BG's ears and did not hesitate to work her into his schedule. Turns out, due to infection and fluid on both sides of her ear drum in her right ear, she could only partially hear from her left ear. Talk about feeling like a bad mama but honestly, aside from the intense whining last Monday....I had no clue! Betsy Grace is such trooper and must have an extremely high tolerance for pain. In fact, the only thing she was worried about pre-op was what she was going to order at Mexican 1900 that night and the ugly hospital gown that they made her wear :)

Two funny little stories....

Surgery was scheduled at 1:45 pm and because they were giving her anesthesia, she could not eat that morning. Talk about challenging, since our life is revolved around meals and most importantly, snacks. But she kept her eye on the prize and knew that after we went to the doctor, she was going to her favorite restaurant for dinner. She was so excited (and hungry) that she told every nurse that we came in contact with her menu choices..."I am going to have a quesadilla, a taco, chips, salsa and yeah, I like lettuce". The nurses thought she was hilarious and couldn't get over the love for mexican food. It's in her blood though, I probably ate it 3 times a week while pregnant with her. The child hates pizza but loves her some mexican :)

The other funny thing was her opposition to placing the hospital gown on her body. My little fashionista was less than pleased by the sight of it and immediately requested her own pj's. She didn't really understand but I tried to explain to her that everyone wears them, it's just the deal. How can this be starting at the age of 2?!?!

So, she did awesome and aside from the 1 hour post op (coming out of anesthesia if no fun) she was back to her old self in no time. Actually she is better because she can hear perfectly out of both ears. It has only been a week but I can tell a huge difference in her annunciation. Thank you Dr. Mair!!!!!

Now, back to Christmas :)

Our first family celebration was with Poppy and Rozzie. They were going to Charleston to be with my step sister and her family for Christmas, so we got our time with them early. They showered the girls with gifts and we all had a blast!

Then on Christmas Eve morning, we went over to the Brosseau's for our second annual Christmas Eve brunch and this time the Harrell's joined in on the fun. We had way too much food and way too much fun but there wasn't anywhere we would have rather been on that morning, a perfect start to my favorite day of the year!

Holly and Holden

Mr. Phil helping BG open her gift. These two share a love for each other that is precious!

Sutton Bear snuggling with Kevin

These little eyes are sparkling with the magic of Christmas...pure joy!

All of the kiddos.

Big boy Phillip was in charge of holding Sutton and he did so with such pride...

cutest.thing.ever.

And please notice the way he is looking at Betsy Grace...up to something!

Then, we celebrated Christmas with our Barksdale cousins and opened a few gifts at Brun and Ella's. Brooks, Isabelle and BG had a big time together!

That's where the pictures end but following Brun and Ella's we went to Beece and SanSan's for Christmas Eve dinner. Betsy Grace had a blast with my cousin Braden, the food was delicious and it was wonderful to be with family.

We've been celebrating....

all month long and it's been full of wonder, excitement and tons of joy. All of these pics are grainy because they were taken with my phone, sorry! We went to see Santa at Circa and the tears in this picture have a funny explanation. Betsy Grace is not scared of Santa, in fact, she could care less about him. She is crying because there was a little chair to the right of him and she wanted to sit in the chair, not his lap, to have her picture taken. A girl wants to do what a girl wants to do :)

Christmas Sissys!

Obsessed with her nativity scene that Brun and Ella gave her! She could care less about Santa Claus because she is all about Jesus. She talks nonstop about his birthday, his mommy and daddy and the manger. There is a nativity scene around the corner from us and we have daily meltdowns if we can't drive by and say hi to Jesus :)

Decorating the tree, undecorating the tree, decorating, undecorating....you get the drift.

And what would be the month of December without bucket loads of sweets and treats. This one has not met a sweet that she doesn't like and her favorite is icing, hands down...trouble!

Merry Merry!

xoxo

All I want for Christmas....

is a new set of tubes! You would never guess from this angelic look that we have had a rough couple of days but we are praying for an end to the pain tomorrow!We have only had one ear infection in the past 14 months, praise God, but I just knew yesterday something was up, so in we went to Eastover Peds. The doc confirmed that one tube had fallen into the eardrum and there was an infection, however the other ear was looking good. So I put on my mission hat and immediately called Dr. Mair's office to get an appointment, we needed tubes ASAP. We were able to get an appointment this morning at 7:30 and when he looked in her ears, both tubes were out and both ears were infected :( Luckily, we started antibiotics yesterday and I swear they began working immediately. So, of course it's the end of the year and there are 2 holidays in the next 10 days and oh, tomorrow is Dr. Mair's last surgery day of the year. But I laid it on thick about how much we needed to get it done this calendar year, for many reasons but the biggest being that we have already met our deductable and it's looking like we are going to get those tubes for Christmas tomorrow! It has not been confirmed and the only slot that we can probably get is early afternoon but we don't care. Let's get these babies in and those ears back in shape!

No eating or drinking 8 hours prior to surgery, so we better stock up today!

Will post back when we know for sure but pray in the meantime that this all works out. Even though it is surgery, it is supposed to be much easier this time sans adenoid removal and our little girl, who is full to the brim with Christmas spirit, should be like new come Friday morning!

xoxo

Sutton's Baptism

Today, Sunday December 11th, was a very special day for our family...our sweet Sutton Bear was baptized and just like Betsy Grace's baptism day, I will never forget it. We chose our 8:45 service because it was enabled us to do a nice family brunch afterwards and no one had to sacrifice a nap, so key! The only downside to the day was that my morning started extremely early, as I had to get myself showered and dressed before the girls woke but despite the chaos and hurrying around, we made it to the church by 8:20. Mac is always punctual and finds it rude to arrive late, but me...not so much and it kills him :) I view my minor tardiness as just being the more laid back one in our relationship. It is never intentional but I am realistic and know that severe schedules always lead to disappointment when you have babies. All this to say that Sunday mornings are always a little tense for Mac because we are never running on time. So I think I totally shocked him when everyone was ready and out the door, just as planned.

Both girls woke up in great moods, Sutton was all smiles.

I think she knew it was her special day :)

Hands FULL

Her gown is a family heirloom and has been worn by many generations. BG wore it this exact same Sunday, 2 years ago. We dressed her at the church because she is still a spit up queen :)

All dressed and ready to rock 'n roll!

I have to brag on my girls, they were both so well behaved. Sutton sat through the entire service and did not peep, I couldn't believe it! And Betsy Grace was so good as we stood up front. Most of our family was in the front 3 rows, so she had a blast pointing, waving and saying hi to them all. No stage fright for this one!

So excited to be in big church and see all of her cousins!

Laying on the altar, so full of herself and Sutton being a trooper.

Happy day!

so blessed by our sweet girls...

and our wonderful family!

Taking it all in :)

Proud daddy and his baby love.

Then we all of our family gathered at Beece and SanSan's for brunch to celebrate the occasion. The weather was cold but gorgeous, perfect day for a party. And what's a party without a cake from Aunt Haines?!?!? YUMMMM

Blue eyed cousins, Sutton and Lauren

We are a little weary tonight but Mac and I have had the best time reflecting on the day. We stood in front of family and friends this morning and made a commitment to raise our precious daughter in God's light. We promised to love her, support her and surround her in faith but most importantly, we promised to teach her...to teach her about Jesus and the amazing love, grace and mercy that God shows us as believers. Not only do I need to constantly nurture my own personal relationship with God but I need encourage and support my children's relationship with him, as well. As parents, the greatest gift we can give them is a strong, unyielding, never changing and solid foundation in Christ...it's a pure and beautiful gift that will never tire.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your strength.

These commandments that I give you today

are to be upon your hearts.

Impress them on your children.

Talk about them when you sit at home

and when you walk along the road,

when you lie down and when you get up.

Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

Write them on the doorframes of your house and on your gates."

Deuteronomy 6: 5-9

xoxo

From the pumpkin patch to the tree lot....

I absolutely love this time of year but it always goes by way to fast! Were we not just at the pumpkin patch?!?! I do realize that our pumpkin picking adventure was 2 months ago but with 2 busy little girls, I feel as though I am always a couple of steps behind. The best part is that they have no clue what is supposed to happen and when, so as long as we make the adventure at some point, everybody is happy :)

So, last Saturday we made a morning out of our Christmas tree quest and had a fabulous time with our friends, The Halls. We first met at Flying Biscuit for breakfast, a family favorite, and after our bellies were nice and full, we were ready to start the hunt. There is a great lot very close to our house that happens to be in the side yard of Brooke's aunt and uncle and we always have great luck, so that was our destination. Betsy Grace and Lawton played "I'm gonna get you" as they weaved in and out of the rows and my fearless child was obsessed with the chainsaws! Those of you who know Mac are probably thinking that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and you are correct :) But still, there is nothing positive about a 2 year old who is fascinated by a chainsaw!

"There are so many...how could I possibly choose?"

Way too much going on the get her attention for a picture but we tried

Sutton's first Christmas tree lot experience

We found a perfect one, got a family picture and then headed home to decorate

Finished product!

Decorating the house for Christmas is time consuming but honestly, worth every second. There is nothing better than the way a tree smells, the festive spirit it provides or the magic of the twinkling lights. I LOVE IT! Merry, merry!

xoxo

All that we are thankful for

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving day and weekend, shared with family and friends, I couldn't ask for more. We are so blessed with all of our parents living in town, so we were able to stay cozy in the comfort of our own home, while getting time with everyone this holiday. There have been some years where our day is just too crazy and instead of soaking up and enjoying our family time, I wish the day away because I am so tired but not this year. The beauty of having two young children is that it is physically impossible to over extend your selves, therefore, you slow down and really enjoy your time.

We went to Ella and Brun's for an early lunch and my dad and Roz joined us. It was a big crowd as always but so wonderful to be with the Tucks, especially Janelle, who this time last year had been in the hospital for almost a month. We are so proud of her and the life that she has made for her and her sweet boys over the last year, post amputation. She is not only back to her beautiful glowing self but she is now doing triathalons and came to the Barksdale's a little late on Thanksgiving because she ran with friends in the Turkey Trot. If that's not inspirational, I don't know what is. She is living and breathing proof that nothing is impossible with God!

Then we came home while the girls napped, I went for an awesome run, the kind where you could keep going forever...I guess all of those carbs at lunch provided great fuel :) Got dressed again and headed to Beece and SanSan's for dinner. Our girls were so good, the whole day, and as you can imagine, Betsy Grace enjoyed every bit of attention that she got from extended family.

I don't think I could actually cover all that I am truly thankful for in a list. Our life is filled with so many blessings and joys, it would be impossible to name them all but there are some at the top of the list.

Here are just a few things that I am thankful for.....

Family that lives in town, especially having my mom so close (less than 2 miles). I really could not imagine living any further away, we see her everyday and she is not only the best mom but the most wonderful grandmother!

Our two sweet girls, who have blessed us more that I ever could fathom. They both have the sweetest nature, little personalities that constantly amaze and their love for each other is abundant.

The health of our entire family. My dad had Melanoma last year and after a couple of procedure, they got it all, praise God. BG's life with achondroplasia continues to be complication free, such a miracle! Our little Sutton Bear, who started her life in the NICU, is healthy,growing strong and seriously about the pass her sister in height. The blessing of health go on and on...

Our incredible friends who are like family. From the oldest friends to the newest, we are surrounded by so much love and support.

The blessing of a warm, safe home and a belly that is satisfied at the end of the day. This time of year brings to light all that are less fortunate and makes me realize all of the things that I tend to take for granted. I watched something on tv the other day about families that are struggling to provide food for their families. The parents go without food, so that there is enough for the children and still at the end of the day, children were saying that they were still hungry. The shocking thing was that these families looked like they could live next door. From the outside, you would never guess their struggles. Their child could be sitting next to mine in school, it was such an eye opener. Makes me remember how important it will be to raise my children knowing and thanking God for our everyday constants!

Like I said, I couldn't begin to list everything, so now I will share pics from our Turkey Day :)

Beece and SanSan

Uncle Brynan (as BG says), Haines and Isabelle

Ella and Brun

Eating her turkey and stuffing at her big girl table

Aunt Lou Lou and Sutton

My amazing grandmother, can you believe that she is 95!

I could just eat that little face up!

The oldest Elizabeth and the youngest Elizabeth

Beece and Sutton

Me with my girls :)

xoxo