Finishing Christmas

As Gigi's side of the family continues to grow, we seem to celebrate Christmas later and later each year. We had our holiday get-together in January this year at Grassy Park.

As government grows - we lose our individual liberties

I promise I won't turn this into a political rant. But seriously, I learned that as of February 10, it will be illegal to buy or sell used children's gear, INCLUDING CLOTHES, that haven't been tested for lead.

Maybe I'm out of the loop and this has already made a big splash. But why isn't this plastered all over the news?

I understand limiting lead-based toys or out-of-date car seats, really I do. But in an economic downturn when families are scraping together money for food and rent, the government is going to take away consignment shops where families can get more clothing for their dollars? Does that really make sense?

Click here to read a more thorough article.

This is what happens when we move toward big government. For a Republican administration, the past 8 years have generated some legislative doozies.

Busy Weekend For Miss Sassafrass

Ella Kate was a social butterfly this weekend. We logged many hours in the car in her new super-duper comfy Cadillac of Barcolounger car seats.

On New Year's Day, Lance, Pam, Lawrence and Annabelle came to visit us. Annabelle and Ella Kate were born a week apart and had a great time together. Although, EK really liked playing with Lawrence, too. He read her books and they climbed the stairs lots of time.

Everyone left our house at the same time and EK and Mommy hit the road Decatur bound. We visited with Poppi and Gigi and then went to the Mewbourn-family Holiday Get-Together on Saturday. Our generation is sprouting babies left and right, so EK had tons of playmates and attention. No nap ALL DAY until the car ride home. :) She was remarkably well behaved and wore her pretty dress all day long. It must be some sort of record!

Christmas Extravaganza

Technically, 2008 was Ella Kate's second Christmas with us. But, considering she was two weeks old last year, we celebrated as if it was her first.

We had a busy, busy Christmas and Ella Kate and I didn't leave the house for three days! We all had colds, viruses and various tummy bugs, but we still Christmased merrily.

Since Richard needed to work, our families came to celebrate with us. Nina and Titi Coco spent Christmas Eve with us and woke up to see what all Santa brought. Poppi, Gigi & Sara came for lunch on Christmas Day and stayed for two nights.

Ella Kate received so many great gifts from Santa, family and friends. It's too much to mention, but she's certainly spoiled and I'm wondering where on Earth we're going to put her toys.

Here's a quick picture overload of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:

Merry Christmas!

As I type, we hear sleighbells and hoofsteps on the roof. Santa is busily making deliveries and I'm so excited to see Ella Kate's reaction to the excitement in the morning. This moment is part of what makes being a parent so wonderful.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

XOXO,
Richard, Allison & Ella Kate

Santa Came Early!

This morning our family received the best Christmas gift we could have ever imagined. Dad's recent tests indicate that his cancer is in remission!

He's still starting chemo in January, but at this point, chemo is a stong offense, rather than a defense. :)

After the ups and downs of this year - this is our Christmas Miracle.

Or Festivus Miracle, if you're more into poles. If so, feel free to use our blog to post your official Airing of Grievances. Feats Of Strength to follow...

Hallelujah! Thank you, God!

A+A+A+A= MBA (almost!)

My over-achieving husband once again is proving he can do anything. ALL A's AGAIN THIS SEMESTER! We're all so proud of him. Only one and a half semesters to go until graduation. :D

As my mom always not-so-gently points out to me - his accomplishments in graduate school mean more than mine did. It's taken a while, but now I'll admit that it's true. All I had to focus on was school and teaching a few classes/managing a handful of work-study undergrads.

Richard is a full-time employee AND a full-time student at a top 10 MBA business school. In his spare time, he's an adoring father and a wonderful husband. He has so many balls in the air and still manages to excel at everything.

Ella Kate has a great role model - but will have large shoes to fill. Even with her big feet!