Playing with Kingston

This weekend, Luke and I had the opportunity to keep Kingston all weekend.  We set up our "blue" room with the pack and play, a changing station, toys, and his clothes and things.  We had a blast!  Friday afternoon Kingston and I played outside with his new soccer ball.  He's not afraid of the dogs at all.  He goes up to each pen and pets them through the fence.  I was worried about Madison being around him- since she's so old- but I didn't have to worry at all.  She loves the little fella.  She gives him a kiss and followed him all over the house.  George, the cat, slept outside his door every night.  Aly, however, didn't share any enthusiasm for him- she basically hid in our closet all weekend! 

On Friday night, I made meatballs, mac and cheese, and english peas.  He loved the mac and cheese, peas, and peaches I gave him.  He didn't really care for the meatballs though.  Saturday, we spent the day playing inside with Uncle Luke, watching Handy Manny &  Mickey Mouse, and playing with blocks.  He was worn out by Saturday night. 

He did however share his germs with Aunt Melissa.  I have a sinus infection, ear infection, and possibly strep throat now. I wouldn't change anything though, we had a blast keeping him.  It just makes me want our house full of kids someday- no matter their age!

Snow 2012

Wow were we shocked to wake up to all the snow! I think we got probably 10 inches here.  We lost power Christmas Day at 6:30pm and didn't get it back til Friday, December 28th at about 3.  That was a LONG time without power.  I can honestly say I wasn't the easiest person to deal with.  Mom and Dad saved our freezer food by bringing us a generator.  It was great to have just one light at night and the fridge working.  We slept on our sleeper sofa- which I will NEVER subject a guest in this house to- SO uncomfortable.  The fireplace worked and provided a little warmth.  I cooked dinner by candlelight and lantern.  I'm so happy we have a gas stove and hot water heater.  At one time, the house was 55 degrees inside- insane!!! 

On Thursday, I had about had it.  So, Luke and I went to Chili's for dinner.  I think that was the best meal I have ever had.  It was in the heat, with lights, and hot food.  Wonderful!!!  Luke even rigged up a huge battery to the TV- so one night, we could watch the news.  I never watch the new, but it was so good to see Ed Buckner and Craig on THV...it's the little things.

 Old Snoopers- not too fond of the snow!

 Stormy was actually smart and walked where there wasn't snow!

 BJ would have been a great sled dog- he loved the snow!!!

 Samson couldn't figure it out!

 Our Street

 Cooking spaghetti

Christmas Day 2012

Christmas Day was a fun one.  I LOVE the movie White Christmas- little did we know, we'd actually get one.  We actually slept in this year til about 7 o'clock- which is rare for me and Luke.  We opened a few gifts to each other- we spent our Christmas money on a family this year- and had more fun buying for them than each other!  I got a pair of gloves and a bird feeder post.  Luke got a coffee mug with pictures on it, a picture frame for his desk at work, and a T-shirt that was a gag gift from me!  After that we headed over to Mom and Dad's.  Mom made a big breakfast and we opened gifts.  It was a great time of fellowship and laughing.  We didn't stay for lunch- as the weather was starting to sleet and freeze, so we headed home.  Boy am I glad we did!!! 

Christmas Eve 2012

 Our Christmas Tree

 Our Bedroom Tree

 Our Fireplace

 The Living Room Tree

This Christmas was one to go down in the record books for sure!  We'll start with Christmas Eve.  We had Luke's family over for lunch.  I fixed a ham, corn casserole, blushing apples, green beans, and roasted potatoes.  It was a feast.  We had fun visiting and opening presents. We had eaten so much, I think everyone was ready for a nap.  Luke and I went to Christmas Eve service at church- which was interesting to say the least.  No Christmas story was read....strange.  We ended the night with our annual Waffle House feast.  Reed was able to join us again this year.  We switched up our food orders though.  Instead of me having my usual All-Star, I got a Patty Melt- Reed's usual.  My oh my it was DELICIOUS!!!  I'm gonna try making those at home! 

1st Electric Christmas Party

We went to Luke's work Christmas party last night.  I always dread these events based on past experience.  There's always rude people, nerds, unfriendly spouses, and the dreaded alcohol....that everyone seems to be drinking.  All I can think of is- who's driving again?  Anyhow.  As it turns out, this Christmas party was a blast!  It was family oriented, no alcohol, and even had good food for a change.  We sat by some people that Luke knew from work and the conversations were actually tolerable.  They served steaks, baked potatoes, salad, and cheesecake.  The only drawback seemed to be paper plates and plastic utensils.  Have you ever tried to cut a steak with a plastic fork and plastic butter knife?  Let's just say your arms get a workout- and so did my brand new sweater.  The lady sitting next to me ordered her steak WELL done.  I mean that thing had to be dead twice, it was plain burnt.  Therefore, she decided to cover it in A1 steak sauce.  Well, every time she took a swing at sawing on her steak, the A1 splattered all over my new sweater.  So, at the end of the night, my sweater for sure had a date with Mr. Shout!!! 

They even played BINGO at this party which was a lot of fun. I kept looking at the prizes, and even told the Lord- I think I'd like the first one over there.  Well, after I found out it was a steam rice cooker- I quickly told him- well, no thanks.  However, I did win a 1st Electric Afghan. 

All in all, it was a great evening.  On the ride home I told Luke about the night I found out he was laid off from his last job.  I told the prayer shawl ladies that night that I was ready for a family oriented, friendly, and no alcohol at the Christmas party- kinda job!  As it turns out, that's exactly what the Lord had planned all along.  So, we'll take the pay cut and all for this kind of an atmosphere!