some words from Matthew....

This was Matthew telling me his food was hot the other night. I thought we'd share:) Matthew is really growing up these days! We are night #3 without the binky. So far so good. He's a little fussy, but still goes to bed well on his own. He's growing like a weed and is starting to keep up with Ryan. I ask him if he's momma's baby, and he says no he's a big boy! He's saying a lot more too. All of a sudden his vocabulary has exploded. In a couple of weeks he'll be 2. We can't believe it!




This is the boys tonight right before bed - so tired! we cooked on the grill tonight mmmmm... Ben had to use a flashlight to see the food:) It get's dark so fast this time of year!

15 wks

I went for my check up today. Everything looks great. I should find out in the next few weeks if it's a boy or girl. Officially my ultrasound is scheduled in 3 wks, but I'm hoping tomorrow or next week that someone at work will scan me so we can know sooner! We are still hoping for a girl, but I find myself calling it a 'he' and looking at the boy baby clothes. So, I guess it really doesn't matter either way. One of my pts had a really nice boy name too - Elliot. I really like it. For a girl, maybe Leah? Ben really wants the middle name to be Marie if its a girl. Some form of Ella/Elle/Ellie is also in the running....Who knows:) I will get Ben to take a belly pic when he gets home:) We are doing good down here in Sunny FL. Today I'm trying to tackle laundry - and the kids:) Work is starting to be really frustrating to balance. The only days I'm glad I'm working are the days I get paid:) I wish I didn't have to!

A January treat ?!

There is still snow on the ground...but we've got Summer goin' on in the house! The kids and I met a friend at a mall for lunch today and there was an ice-cream stand. Abigail asked more than once for an ice-cream cone so I told her it could be her afternoon snack today. (Hey! Dad's gone...I'll try anything to keep them happy!!) : ) So...
This was Eli's first ice-cream cone. I think he liked the cone more than the ice-cream. He kept turning it upside down and his cheerios would stick to the ice-cream. It was funny.I don't know if he had a "brain freeze" or what this was about?!

The other day we were playing in Abigail's room and she wanted to wear her flip-flops that I got her for this coming Summer and her sunglasses. I think she's ready for winter to be over!!

My latest try at "art"!

The frames at the right are a little crooked but you get the "picture." I think the lettering turned out pretty good - and the best part it was easy.

Special Delivery!

Abigail climbed into this box yesterday, she looked so funny! Almost like Gary Sinise in Forrest Gump. We asked if she wanted to get taped up and shipped to Bamma's house and she said "yes!" so you may find a package on your doorstep one day!

Prayers

Please pray for Tommy and Paula. Paula talked to the Hospice nurse today and she said he could go at any time. He is running a fever and they have not been able to get rid of his bed sore. William saw him yesterday and he was pretty unresponsive. Thanks for your prayers!

Here you go -

My 3 day weekend is about over - I guess technically it is over. I've got some taco soup and 15 bean soup cooking so have to finish putting that up tonight. I did pretty well accomplishing everything I set out to do. In the mail today is the CD for Ben and Debbie and Jon and Erin that Sharon Tanner did for us. All the Christmas stuff is up and the closet organized. Even did a little organizing in our closet. Took dad to the cemetary today to look up a couple plots he'd been courious about. It was pretty nice today but they say we may have a "winter mix" tomorrow.

As you can see dad's chair is really nice. Rotates easily and is easy to control. I think he's anxious to get a vehicle now that will handle it. The ramp helps even with the walker though.

Hope you all have a great week! Love you,

Mom

FYI

Gentle reminder that Grandpa's birthday is Sunday, the 18th, and Grandma's is the 22nd (next Thursday).

I have plans to put pictures on this weekend of dad's new equipment. With Monday being a holiday there will be time to get lots done - like Christmas decorations, etc.! I feel very energetic sitting here - we'll see how long it lasts!

Dad has had an up and down week. He is still struggling with dizziness and low energy. We're trying to be patient to see if it is his body trying to recover from the previous 4 weeks. Please continue to pray that we will have wisdom as we continue journeying through this "physical adventure."

Miss you all but have great pictures and memories of our time together. Thank you so much for making the effort and sacrifice necessary to come to SC. It was a great gift!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIJAH!

It was great to have the opportunity to celebrate your birthday a couple weeks early. Keep mom, dad, and Abby laughing - you seem to have come into the world knowing your task in life is to create a party. Happy Birthday Eli! Enjoy YOUR day!

We love you,

Grandma and Grandpa Woodard

Justice is SWEET!!!!!

Okay, so when I get on the interstate from hwy 29, I have all of 50 ft, maybe, to get up to 60 mph and merge into traffic. Sometimes, its impossible. A lot of times I get cut off and have to hit the brakes, then I never get on! So this morning was bad - really bad!! I finally stopped puking long enough to get dressed, pull back my hair and grab a few pregnant-lady snacks for the day. Forget breakfast - that wasn't a good idea at this point. I got in my car and phoned worked to let them know I was actually coming to work even if very late. I was on that ramp getting on the interstate.... once again cut off by some idiot who actually cut me off in my 'on ramp' lane. It happened really quick - too quick to get scared. I slammed on the brakes hoping the person behind me wasn't texting or drinking coffee or putting on lipstick. Fortunately, they weren't -- AND it was a cop !!! YES!!! Sweet revenge:) :) I watched him hunt him down and pull him over. The idiot actually crossed back over the the right hand side of the road, and then back over the left and then pulled over where there was no shoulder. The cop had to park in the far left lane to ticket him. Wow, I HATE being cut off, but oh, that was worth it this morning to see him get pulled over!!!! It totally made my day:) Well, that and getting an iv on a baby whom the past two shifts couldn't get one on - and on the first stick :) That always makes you feel good:)

Night Pictures

Well, we had another4 inches yesterday so after putting Noah down to bed Erin and I went out to the front yard to play in the snow. We're dragging this holiday thing out as long as we can. Monday reality will hit us but until then we are on holiday!

All of Us!

The photos arrived today! They're all really great! Mrs. Tanner sent individual dvds for all of our families and one disc with the proofs. We thought if we just uploaded them to our Picasa acct, you can all download any or all that you'd like to get printed. They're in a 4x6 size, just fyi. Mom sent an email to Mrs. Tanner requesting a bigger version so we can print an 8x10. Mom can update us when she hears back. Until then! Enjoy!

We're almost packed ready to go, now looking forward to just relaxing our last couple days with Mom & Dad. We really had a nice time with you all and look forward to the next time... ; )