2010 - The Year That was

I truly cannot believe that 2010 is over. It flew by at what must be record speed. I don't know if its the having a kid thing or the getting older thing, but the years are disappearing. I want to hope that this will cease, but I have a firm suspicion it won't.

So overall 2010, not bad I guess. Not the best, but nothing catastrophic either. It definitely had some ups and downs, but overall, can't complain. Besides, I had Quinn's adorable face to look at every day! That will always make for a good year.

Speaking of Quinn, he had a pretty great year. His talking has improved by leaps and bounds, he started school, and he is truly becoming a little boy, as can be seen in these photos below.

First picture I had of him in 2010

Picture I took this morning
Now that's a little boy, don't you think?

We have definitely had a few more challenges when it comes to Quinn this year. He hit the "terrible 2's" and now he's headed into the "worse than terrible 2's 3's". Let's just hope by this time next year the sky will have opened up and we'll be smooth sailing into 4. And let's hope he's fully potty trained too!

At the beginning of 2010, I made a list of goals for this year, so I thought I'd look over that list now and see how I stand.

1. I've definitely done better at being thankful and remembering what God has given me. I'd like to say I've become more appreciative and grateful. Sure sometimes I'm not the best, but who is?

2. As far as the diet and exercise, I did join the Y, which I have really enjoyed. I'm pretty good about going, I really like the classes, so that's good. As far as diet goes, well, I certainly do try.

3. I completely disregarded my other blog. In 2011 I'm going to try and combine all my intersts in 1 blog, we'll see how that goes.

4. Ugh, this one has really been bugging me. As of right now, I'm exactly 78% of the way through my #11 new book of the year. I did complete my full Harry Potter reread, so I actually finished 18 books this year. Much better than 2009, when I think I finished 6. 2011 will be a better book year for me, I'm sure.

5. Well, didn't get a job. I've applied for 2, the first I did not get and the second I'm waiting to hear about. So maybe that will be something new for 2011!

6. Wow, I'm really feeling like a failure. Between all all our crazy computer issues, I just couldn't get that one accomplished. But like I've been saying, there's always next year.

So maybe I didn't complete all my goals, but I think that I've definitely grown as a person, wife, mother, etc. And what else can you ask for? Adios 2010, you were as good to me as you could be!

Our Tennessee Christmas

We started our trek to the metropolis of Hixson, TN last Tuesday, the 21st. Ross actually gave me a heads up this time, which I did truly appreciate. We left a little earlier than usual, but hadn't eaten dinner, so we had to stop and do that, get coffee, get gas, etc. By the time we actually got moving on the road, it was 9:30.

Here is Quinn, all ready to go!

Quinn didn't sleep as good as he usually does this time, which was no fun. We got to my parents house at about 6, so we were able to go back to sleep (or go to sleep in Ross' case) for a little while.

We always have a lot of fun in TN and we decided to go up to Rock City (you know, the place that sells the See Rock City birdhouses) to their Enchanted Garden of Lights one night. It was pretty cold, so Quinn got to get all bundled up, which he is really not used to!

Here are Ross and Quinn at the top of Lookout Mountain, where, during the day, you can see 7 states. It was really windy though, and as you can tell by Quinn's face, not very pleasant.

Christmas Eve we ate at the Public House in downtown Chattanooga. If you are ever in Chattanooga and are looking for a place to eat, I definitely recommend the Public House. And the good kids get a cupcake, which Quinn was very happy about!

After church that night, my dad set about making his yummy hot chocolate. He's not much of a chef, but he does do hot chocolate right.

Quinn got a special cup from his principal at school and was excited to use to drink Papa's Hot Chocolate. Here he is getting ready to take the first sip.

The next day, Christmas Day, we awoke to a literal Winter Wonderland. It had started snowing during the night and was coming down hard and fast. This was the first time my parents had snow on Christmas, and only the second time they had any significant accumulation since they moved to TN.

When we woke Quinn up (I'm sure next year we won't need to do that) he looked out the window and said "What Happened?!" Then we bundled him up and took him out to play. He really liked it at first, tromping through the yard and having a great time.
Then his feet started to get cold (he doesn't have boots, so he just had regular shoes on) and that did not make him happy, as you can tell in the following picture.

We waited to see if my grandma was going to be able to join us, but with the roads the way they were, my dad couldn't go pick her up. That part was no fun. But we then got about the present opening part of the day, which Quinn thoroughly enjoyed. Here is is amongst his spoils!

We spent the rest of our time having a good time as a family, which we always do. The trip was a great one, that is until the drive home and Quinn threw up 8 times between Atlanta and home. That part was the opposite of fun. But he woke up the next morning all smiles and happiness, which is all I can ask for. Merry Christmas everyone!!

Christmas So Far

We've been quite the busy bunch around here this Christmas season. But that's a good thing...right? Here's a little run down of what we've been up to.

1. Partying Big Brothers/Big Sisters style

I went to the annual BBBS Christmas party at Willow Oak Baptist Church with Quinn and my own "Little Sister" Nicole. Although these days she's not so little...she's 16! I've known her since she was 7, so its hard to see her as such a beautiful young woman. We always joked she would one day be taller than me, and it looks like that day has come.

Willow Oak always does a great job with the party, lots of activities, food, and fun for everyone! As you can see, Quinn got to sit in a racecar, which just made his well, year!

2. We saw Santa

And this is the only picture I could get. He vehemently refused to go up and actually see Santa. Well, he did go up, but only when I was holding him and all he did was take the candy cane Santa was offering and then get down and run back to his stroller. At the BBBS party, they had Santa come in on a motorcycle and it was really loud, so that might be the trigger. Although he has made some progress since then.

3. We partied again...Brandon Christian Academy style

Quinn's class had their Happy Birthday Jesus party on the 15th and I went to help out. His teachers are both great and I couldn't be happier with his school and what he is learning/doing in class. It is great to see him interacting with the other kids and his teachers.
4. We had fun with old friends

My good friend from high school, Sarah Varness Schwab, and her family were here from Illinois/Ohio because her parents are both retiring at the end of the school year, so to celebrate they came to do Disney. Her dad was my middle school choir teacher, so I can officially check off "Be somewhat of a tour guide for a former teacher" off my life's to-do list.

We went to Downtown Disney and it was totally packed. Craziness. But we had fun walking around, seeing the sights, doing the Disney. The picture below shows just how much fun it is to get 4 boys to all look at a camera. We can at least give a pass to Elijah, he's only 3.5 months (her other two are Jonah, 6, and Micah, 3).
5. We give back.

I made the decision at Quinn's first Christmas that every year I would buy a toy that was age appropriate for him and we would donate it, with the idea that Quinn would get the notion that there are boys his age who don't get Christmas presents. This year I bought a Lightning McQueen car, and well, I don't know if he gets that giving is better than receiving. Yes the picture says otherwise, but when it came to the actual giving, he wasn't too happy. Hopefully next year he'll understand a little more, and even be able to pick out the toy himself.

6. Well, this isn't anything special, but I made the mistake of putting his new Pluto at the top of the stocking and he could see it and this picture tells the rest of the story.

7. We made out annual trek to Christmas Lane

Ok, its only maybe 10 minutes away. Christmas Lane is a fun little place in Dover that has some fun decorations, a train, snacks, cool stuff like that. We go every year, take a family picture by the tree, let Quinn ride the train, and have a regular jolly good time.
I have this same picture of Quinn from last year and the year prior. Had to do it again.
Pretty good family picture taken by random teenage girls.

To be continued...

Christmastime

If you haven't noticed, Christmastime is upon us. And if this is the first you've heard that, well, crawl out of your cave and rejoin the world! Anyway, we've been preparing for Christmas around our house, and enjoying some of what the season has to offer!

We bought our Christmas tree from this crazy tree place in Brandon this year. The guy talked our ear off about trees and Michigan and his road cat. It was an odd conversation, to say the least, but we got a beautiful Douglas fir out of the deal.

Here is a picture of Quinn running through the tree aisles. He really liked it.

We started decorating the next day and I let Quinn put the first ornament on. It was his Baby's First Christmas ornament from 2008. He kept saying "Oh, Baby Quinn!"

Last Sunday we went over to Disney to see the lights at Hollywood Studios. It is a really cool display and the lights dance and change. You really have to see it to really get the extent of it all, its definitely worth it.

Awwwww

I was looking through some old pictures for some reason and found this one. Its so cute I just had to share. I can't barely believe my boy was ever that small. And gloriously immobile. I do miss those days.

The Things I'm Thankful For

I know I'm a day late, but thankfulness is something we should have all year, right? So here is a quick list of the things that I am thankful for. I'm sure I will forget something, as I have been very blessed.

- These guys. Not the best picture, but I figured since they are eating their Thanksgiving meal, it was most appropriate. Even though they both annoy me, for very different reasons, I can't imagine what I would do without either of them.

- My family. Aren't they cute? Everyone is better looking at Disney World. Even though we live 578 miles apart (according to Google Maps) I know I can always count on them for anything. And GiGi (that's my grandma, to those of you unschooled in toddler-to-adult nicknames) too of course, but I don't have a good picture of her.

- My friends. From the ones I've known since I was 10 (that'd be you Angie, if you ever read this) to my awesome IWU/AOII girls to the friends I can call family through that guy I married to Florida church friends who may have scattered to the four winds but still come together to the recent ones I've met through being a mom, I'm thankful for each and every one of you. Your picture may not be there, but know I love you and appreciate what you bring to my life.

- Entertainment in general. I'm a fan of it in all kinds and while the picture above is just books, trust me, I'm not above TV and movies and games, etc. Its always nice to find something fun in a piece of "entertainement fluff" that sparks thoughts or conversations or whatever it might be.

- That I have a place to live, a car that works (for the most part), and all the basic necessities of life. The last few years have been tough on a lot of people, us included, but I can't complain. Ok, let me say I shouldn't complain. My son is taken care of and I'm not suffering, which so many people in our world are. God has definitely blessed me.

- That I live in a country where I can say, believe, worship, and trust in the style I want. That I can vote, wear pants, change my haircolor, and walk next to my husband when we're out in public. People might think America is going down the tubes, and there are things I am unhappy with, but when you compare it to a lot of places, we really have it good. I'm so thankful for my many blessings, for God's love, and for grace. Where would I be without it?

Another Day, Another Disney

I'm attempting to get back on the blogging bandwagon. I reuploaded my pictures again, although I had a weird issue with my camera's software suite, but I'll make due for now. Anyway, Quinn and I had the pleasure of going to Disney today with Ross' cousin Pamela, her husband, and their daughter Audrey. We just went to the Magic Kingdom for a few hours, which was crazy crowded and hot. I don't think I've seen it that crowded in a long time. Anyway, even though we were only there for a few hours, we had a great time! We rode Dumbo and the People Mover and Winnie-the-Pooh and Goofy's Barnstormer. The park is decorated for Christmas, and although we didn't get to see the lights, it was still beautiful. I do love the Christmas season.

Here is Quinn and Audrey in front of the Christmas tree in Mickey's house. For a 4 and 2 year old, this is as good as it gets.
And here they are on the couch in Minnie's house with their lollies.

Even with the crowds and the heat, I am still very thankful to have a Disney season pass. It is a wonderful perk of living so close.

If its not one thing...

It's another. First Ross left my camera at his cousin's house on Halloween. Then we had yet another computer glitch, which at this time, is hopefully fixed. It always seems like my blogging gets interrupted. Oh well, I guess I'll keep it up while I can. I haven't moved my pictures back onto the computer, so I have nothing to share. Plus I haven't gotten my camera back yet. So there's that.

Not too much exciting is going on. Ross and I went to Food and Wine last weekend with our friends Elisa and Kevin, which was fun. My stomach illness reared its ugly head again on Monday, so I was out of it for a while. No fun there. Luckily Quinn and Ross didn't get anything. We are looking forward to the approaching holidays and I've even started Christmas shopping a little. Way to go me.

I guess that's it for now. Hopefully I'll get my picture situation sorted out so you can see Quinn smiling face again, which is the only important thing anyway.

Fun times with Family

Last Friday my parents and sister came to visit from TN. Even though we were missing GiGi, we had a lot of great stuff planned, and we ended up having a great time. It did get a little warm, but other than that, the weather was great. Here is a picture from later in our time to start you off, yay for Small World!

We spent two days at Disney, one at Animal Kingdom/Hollywood Studios and one at Magic Kingdom. I'll be honest and say I didn't take as many pictures as I probably should have, but sometimes when you're having fun, you just forget.

Quinn hugging his new pal Woody.

Quinn was so excited to "meet" Lightning McQueen and Mater. He was a bit disappointed when it was just a photo op and he couldn't ride them.

Quinn and Papa watching the Block Party Parade at Hollywood Studios. They were having a great time.

The next day, Sunday, was my mom's birthday. I made reservations at the tea room at the Grand Floridian for her, myself, and my sister. It was so fun and we had a great time together.

Mom and Mere

Me and Mom, good job Meredith!

The next day we went to the Magic Kingdom. It was hot but fun, as it always is. Since we had decided to go, Meredith had promised Quinn to go on Dumbo with him. He talked about it for days and was so excited to go. They had such a great time together!

Then they got to sit together on the carousel.

Quinn loves a good carousel.

We made reservations for "lunch" at 2:45 at Liberty Tree Tavern. While we were waiting, I snapped a few lovely photos.

Aw, aren't they cute!

You know Quinn is tired when he falls asleep in his stroller. That is quite a rarity.

I finally realized Quinn was tall enough to ride Goofy's Barnstormer, his first roller coaster. I was a little nervous he would freak out, but he loved it! I'm not a big roller coaster person, but I'm always happy to introduce him to new things. I hope he is adventuresome and (somewhat of) a thrill seeker someday.

Yay for Nana and Papa and Mere, come back soon!

What We've Been Up To...

We had a great weekend this past weekend. It was busy, but fun, just like I like it!

On Friday Ross and I went with some family members to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. As always, it was amazingly delicious and super fun. This is the time of year I love being a Disney passholder, because I know we can go back!! Below is a picture of the ladies and our Pomegranate Kir, which is a tradition. Yum!

On Saturday my lovely "Little Sister" Nicole came over to hang out. We had a great time, like always. Even though we did some pretty low-key stuff, it was still a lot of fun. I've known her since she was 7 and I can't believe she is 16. Time does fly. And I love that Quinn loves her too. Here he is trying to give a thumbs up.

Nana, Papa, and Aunt Mere are coming on Friday, so I'm sure we'll have a lot more adventures to share!