Christmas Day

And may I say first to my Bubba,

I'm sorry to do this to you,

but really,

you were begging for this to happen by posing for the picture!

Enjoy!

Just give him a guitar, and he'll play, even if it is hot pink...

Grandma Jane and Pa David made it down by late afternoon.

Pa was a great gift opener - just give him a pocket knife and some clippers.

Emma Grace and I got a picture in early in the morning...

And Chris caught his post-Santa nap while trying to rest his achin' back. Wanna see more? Check out my facebook page.

Elvish Shenanigans

So, this was Emma Grace's fifth Christmas and Ollie's first...
enjoy the pics here as well as at my facebook page.

Happy Birthday, Jesus...

Jesus, we love you.

Merry Christmas.

On the twelfth day...

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, twelve trash bags going, eleven carols singing, ten folks a'calling, nine timeouts standing, eight whiffs o'gas, seven 'ssemblies a-swayin', six parties waiting, fiiiiiive rubber bouggies, four winds a'whipping, three trips to church, two whiny kids and a house outside the city.

Does it amaze anyone else how much trash we create in preparation for Christmas day? There are wrappings and packaging and cooking messes and just an amazing amount of junk! Our trash man came Friday and we have a 90-some odd gallon curbside can nearly full, a 40 gallon can with a sack of trash already in it, and 4 black trash bags of paper and packaging in the garage already. It's nuts! However, I am trying to do my part...we've been conserving water here in Hotlanta and the 13 surrounding counties as well as having our vehicles emissions tested to help the air quality...so, why not hug a tree at Christmas, too. What the heck. I've decided that Santa does not wrap presents...yes, go ahead and gasp now...okay, ready to proceed? Yeah, you know you hate wrapping all those presents and some just require too much effort anyhow (because it is RARE for a child's toy to be packaged in a perfect little box) just to be torn asunder come the blessed morning after you've been up until almost sunrise only to have a fidget wander in your room 10 minutes after you fall asleep to ask if Santa has come yet and drag you from your warm cozy bed. So, Santa is not wrapping gifts, the stockings will be filled to the gills with the little stuff, and even our presents are wrapped in pre-used gift bags...the only thing new is the tissue paper and I even know folks that reuse that, but I had to draw the line somewhere. Santa is also pre-assembling most gifts. I do not want to spend all day Christmas screwing/unscrewing tiny screws, finding the screwdriver, losing the screwdriver only to have to find it again under all the mess. Plus, have you noticed how insanely packaged things are now...I remember when I was a kid that it did not require much effort to open a Barbie...OMG, now, it requires an engineering degree to remove Barbie from the box without striping her "skin" or cutting her hair or dislocating her shoulder. YIKES.

So, I'm thankful to have been blessed so abundantly to be able to rant about trash, to have a trash man who takes it all away, to be able to try to teach my kids to conserve what they can thus attempting to begin teaching them how to be good stewards of all that will be entrusted to them, and to "learn 'em" how to appreciate it all as blessing from their Daddy. I'm a blessed mommy who will have to smile tonight as I drink my 10th cup of coffee and rub my 10th rub of vicks under my drippy nose, yes, I'll just have to smile. =) Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

On the eleventh day...

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, eleven carols singing, ten folks a'calling, nine timeouts standing, eight whiffs o'gas, seven 'ssemblies a-swayin', six parties waiting, fiiiiiive rubber bouggies, four winds a'whipping, three trips to church, two whiny kids and a house outside the city.

Ahhh, the pre-Christmas combined worship service - meaning you contemporary young-ins sing what we sing for today - and we'll turn the heat up, too - 'cause our bones get the chill and you young-ins can just sweat...Can you tell that I'm mostly uncomfortable when I'm dropped out of my contemporary box and land in the middle of a traditional place very similar to the churches we all grew up in??? So, we sang our seemingly eleven Christmas carols and I'll wait with a happy heart for Chris to pull out the acoustic guitar at "hearth's edge" so we can sing our heart's desires to our Lord in our own home in our own way (which by the way this year will have to include Crowder's version of Feliz Navidad and "O Praise Him" seems to fit, too - gosh darned it) and I'll hang on until the new year with longing to again corporately worship and lead in worship without folks' eyes glued to the screen or buried in a hymnal...and by the way, a few of those Sundays, I'll be doing that, hopefully, from our home church in Fort Mill. I'm so excited I could just, well, ...

So, I'm thankful, that while we were all singing the seemingly eleven carols during the service today ultimately to worship God's awesomeness - one more of His children came into His arms - and if that girl could find Jesus, I can have a happy heart that God came to church today and that's ALL that ever matters...God showed up and we did, too, with the right hearts. Amen. He's so good even to "a wretch like me." I can never forget how my precious Savior came to "save a wretch like me." Yeah, AMEN.

On the tenth day...

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, ten folks a'calling, nine timeouts standing, eight whiffs o'gas, seven 'ssemblies a-swayin', six parties waiting, fiiiiiive rubber bouggies, four winds a'whipping, three trips to church, two whiny kids and a house outside the city.

I mean we're not rock-stars even if we wished we were, but it's nice to get some holiday cheer by phone, card or visit. We have been getting phone calls, emails and of course, cards wishing us well and asking us how Georgia really is. =) I will have to say that the holiday calls started with a very surprising and happily received call from one of my best-good friends - so, hats off to you Mrs. Jen Wade - children's leader extraordinaire - for taking a moment from your hectic holidayingness to call me - it was so nice to hear your voice. I've even gotten an email from my childhood best friend of 2o-some odd years - good grief, that's a stinkin' long time - and for her and her crazy busy life - that's a Christmas miracle as is hearing from Mrs. Wade across the miles and 2 hour time zone that I often forget about. Since then, I've chatted with my mom and his mom and my grandmother (which I realized the other day that my dad's mom is our only living grandparent, meaning --- that she is our kids' only living great grandparent - reminding me some extra effort is required on my part to give her the gift of knowing her great grandchildren in this life before Heaven.) Okay, so focusing again, Chris has talked to a few of his buddies, too - Uncle Moody, Uncle Billy and Uncle Joe have all talked to my head of household this week, so it's so nice - remembering our friends and family - it's a warm fuzzy - it really is - we miss everyone so much and remembering them and them remembering us as we celebrate Jesus' birthday is so great. God is cool. All the time.

So, I'm thankful for family and friends, near (my folks are here this weekend) or far or farther than that. (I think El Paso may be on the other side of the earth or at least on that part of the map that's in the crease...) =) Just simply so thankful. I love you, Jesus. Happy Birthday.

On the ninth day...

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me nine timeouts standing, eight whiffs o'gas, seven 'ssemblies a-swayin', six parties waiting, fiiiiiive rubber bouggies, four winds a'whipping, three trips to church, two whiny kids and a house outside the city.

What is it about Christmas time that causes children to lose their minds and us our faculties? My kids have been exceeding "nuts" requiring a minimum of nine timeouts/corrections per day per kid as the magic hour approaches. It's like a standing deal that there will be a minimum of nine timeouts in a day. Emma Grace has realized that we are getting Christmas gifts in the mail and has also realized that baby brother cannot open them. So, double fun for her, but then she must think that possession in 9/10's of the law because she will then hog, block, and push (ever so gently, mind you) her brother away from her toys as well as his. I have had it up to wherever it is you have it up to --- honestly! Everyone is getting presents - share for goodness sakes! But, here I must confess that being an only child I really never had to deal with this at all plus, my childhood friends will tell you I was stingy anyways...so the child is cursed, go genetics, and really for 4 years, she never really had to share anything for more than a few hours at a time ever...it's yet another rude awakening that the kid must endure/suffer through on the road to growing up with a little brother after being the first child of ours and first grandchild of both of her sets of grandparents. And Ollie is just being a baby, but a very big and strong, and strong-willed, mobile baby. He has already at 9 months gotten attitude adjustments - I do not believe anyone that says babies do not know better...yeah, I say no in my mommy voice repeatedly and he stops, only for a moment mind you to make eye contact and then, yanks the lamp cord anyhow...right, he doesn't understand. uh-huh.

So, I'm thankful for having my hands full raising my two wonders - after all, I get to stay at home with them and raise them myself - Lord help me (and He really does - everyone is still alive in our house) - it's a luxury that wasn't afforded to my mom or my mother-in-law - one that comes with a pretty high price - but I'm grateful for the chance - you only get one chance to raise your kids right, that's what we're hoping and praying we're doing. And if it's my full time and all the time job for the next 15 years or so that's okay, just save me a room on Bull Street, I will need it by then if I haven't already checked in with my lovely white coat that ties in the back...

On the eighth day...

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eight whiffs o'gas, seven 'ssemblies a-swayin', six parties waiting, fiiiiiive rubber bouggies, four winds a'whipping, three trips to church, two whiny kids and a house outside the city.

I know, I know, yes, you would think gas in that sense, but I mean, for real, gas as in natural gas. I came home from shopping tonight and I swore that I smelled natural gas when I opened the front door at 9 pm. But, I had cooked a lot today on my gas range and Chris had cleaned the kitchen including the range...so first whiff was dismissed. Then I walked into the kitchen next to the range and thought hmmmm, I smell gas, "Chris, do you smell gas?" This went on, really, about eight times, when at 11 o'clock, my panic has risen to an all-new level and I made Chris go sniff one more time, then we HAD to call the gas company. So, the very nice gas man came out by 11:30ish to find a very tiny gas leak at the connection in the kitchen to the range. Finally, mommy would sleep well. The very nice and funny gas man left by midnight and thus, began the eighth day of Christmas, gratefully, without a bang. ;) Sorry, I couldn't resist that one.

So, I'm thankful for the very nice gas man from the Atlanta Gas Light Company that has for the second time since we've lived in Georgia set my mind at ease...and for a husband willing to keep walking to the kitchen to smell for gas and for two great kids that were oblivious to my paranoia. Ahh, good night's sleep ahead..."Sleep in Heavenly Peace"

On the seventh day...

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me seven 'ssemblies a-swayin', six parties waiting, fiiiiiive rubber bouggies, four winds a'whipping, three trips to church, two whiny kids and a house outside the city.

Wanna know my least favorite phrase today? "Some assembly required" or my new favorite "Adult assembly required." The former means putting this toy together will test your patience and endurance as well as muscle strength. The latter means that putting this toy together will test your free will, your religion, life as you know it as well as requiring superhuman strength. I know well of such things, too well, and still have many more to attempt. Last night I put together a storage bin organizer for Ollie's room, it had "some assembly required" and honestly, that one gave me a blister from screwing in by hand 24 wood screws into pre-drilled holes that were pre-drilled crooked and too small. Glory! Then, came the Disney Princess Glitter doll house, it had "adult assembly required" and oh dear, plastic flimsy "golden" pieces that would not "pop in" as the directions stated, the fear of then breaking the goofy flimsy "golden" pieces when trying to force them in, then a sheet of 27 stickers - where only 17 of which had assigned places to be stuck --- then leaving the putter-together-er at a loss and confounded as to where the last 10 stickers go - wondering is a page of directions missing, or did I randomly miss 10 stickers --- causing your mind to twist and turn and become obsessed with finding where those last golly-boppin' stickers go! But, I digress. I did come to my senses and decided that my 4 year old little girl would probably just have fun putting on the last 10 evil stickers herself and even if I did get the flimsy "golden" pieces to "pop in" they would just pop out during play anyhow...so, world began turning again on its axis and time went forward...the world was a better place and I went to bed at 11:50pm where my dear sweet precious Bubba was already snoring atop the heating pad because he'd already hurt his back from previous nonsensical holidayish putting-togethering from the weekend. Honestly, I've considered hiring teenagers from church to do the "assemblying"...wouldn't be considered slave labor or child labor or sweat shop stuff, would it?

So, I'm thankful, wait, yes, I am thankful, for a nice warm bed and that come Christmas morning my kids will enjoy/destroy these "assembly required" nightmares and in the end, it will be worth it. It will be. And I'll smile and enjoy the wonder on their faces - and I'll remember then like I am now that it's not about the gifts - it's so all about the greatest gift ever given to me, to my kids, my family, everybody...Jesus, without Him, I would be nothing...and would have no opportunity to even attempt "assembly required" gifts.

On the sixth day...

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, six parties waiting, fiiiiiive rubber bouggies, four winds a'whipping, three trips to church, two whiny kids and a house outside the city.

O' tis the season, isn't it? I have phone calls and emails to return from every mom in every group that Emma Grace participates in wanting to have another party and me bring something else just to push the next group of short people in to sugar madness and me into the nut house. Bull Street here I come! and we all know I hate to make phone calls! So, I'm counting down and maybe today, I'll have enough rightness of heart to happily return all those calls. ugh. I don't mean to be a grinch, but it just starts getting tiresome and takes the fun out things to run around like a chicken with my head cut off. I'm so tired I feel like I've been chasing a chicken with its head cut off. Am I chasing myself? Now, that's a mental picture.

So, I'm thankful, for Christmas spirit, even when I run low - and for people that want to fill their kids with sugar so they have fun, and for naptimes...yes, thank you, Jesus, for nap. We may all take one today!

On the fifth day...

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, fiiiiiive rubber bouggies, four winds a'whipping, three trips to church, two whiny kids, and a house outside the city.

Caution - this post is not for the faint of heart and/or stomach!

Yes, I said rubber bouggies. Emma Grace has started to get stuffed up again now that we had to turn the heat back on (imagine, once it dips into the lower 30s, heat is required, sissies!)...and we have the rubber snots as my friend Sheri would say. It's not pretty, she sneezes and slime (yeah, you remember green slime from watching Nickelodeon when you were a kid - that is if you had cable - apparently, my hubby lived so far out in the country that he didn't have cable growing up - funny that he ended up working at the cable/phone company), anyway, back to the story, yes, slime flies out only to return to the nostril from which it came to hang until a mommy-type person can be called to rectify the situation, gag, and grab the rubber snot to extricate...yes, a very delicate process, folks, very delicate indeed.

So, I'm thankful for good tissues, not the cheap kind that the rubber snots can escape from and attack the bouggie retriever...and I'm thankful that for now all we have in the household are the rubber snots.

On the fourth day...

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four winds a'whipping, three trips to church, two whiny kids and a house outside the city.

So, we prayed for rain and during my three trips to church, we have had gully washers! Cold, heavy rain, but thank God, it is rain. Last night and this morning have however brought less rain and very gusty winds - up to 40 mph. It's crazy...last week we were wearing shorts in the yard playing in the upper 70's and today we were wearing our full length leather coats in the upper 30's.

So, I'm thankful for the rain, for my leather coat, and that tonight concludes my three trips to church for this day! I'm also thankful for Chris's willingness to assemble presents that have "some assembly required." =) It's getting to be that time...

On the third day...

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three trips to church, two whiny kids, and a house outside the city. Okay, so that's just three trips to church(es) in the next 24 hours or so because it's church contata time, it's church contata time, or as more modern people would say, the church's adult choir Christmas presentation. =)

We've been plugged in at Kennesaw FBC for a good bit now and Emma Grace sang with the children's choir last Sunday night (a miracle in itself, trust me - last year, it was time to sing, and Chris's parents had accidentally sat through the "frozen chosen" and when it was time for her to sing, she wouldn't go out. I believe her grandma actually called her a "little bouger" for the first time ever - I didn't know she had it in her. lol.) So, now, it's my turn to sing with/at KFBC. Tonight, as an outreach, the adult choir will travel to Powder Springs to a host church to share our Christmas thing and lead in worship for a baby sister church that doesn't have a choir or a building even large enough to hold us, but God can use it, can't He? Doesn't He? I've met their worship team and you can see Jesus working through them, precious...hence, first trip to church. (God is so cool.) Then in the morning, Chris and I will practice/play with the contemporary praise band to help lead worship for the 11am service at KFBC, second trip to church. (Again, enter the God is so cool part.) Then in the afternoon, I'll head back to church early, to sing again with the choir to share/lead the Christmas thing with our own congregation...hence, the third trip, and hopefully, final one of the next 24 hours. God is so cool that really no matter where you are, if you're really willing to use your gifts, He'll plug you in...I never really had to do much except show up...and isn't that all God really asks...for His people to show up and let Him do the work??? Hmmm, point to ponder, got your willing heart ready or are you saving it up for yourself? It's easy to save it up, then you don't have to work or hurt or miss anyone...you can just be alone and be numb...hmmmm, really want God to leave you alone?

So, I'm thankful for three trips to church - to do what Jesus said - and to celebrate His coming - and to just SHOW UP - to miss loved ones - to roll up my sleeves - to have a little pain in the joy. I am so grateful that all I really have to do is have a willing heart and just show up.

On the second day...

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...two whiny kids and a house outside the city. Does anyone else feel the pain? or pains in the derrière? ;)

So, yesterday I counted my blessings and today two of my favorite blessings about put me down for the count. I've had the kids or the whiny heinies as they may be called for a very long time --- Chris was supposed to hang out with the guys after work to "jam" and come home late - which he did come home late, but he got stuck working the whole time (YUCK! One of us should have had some fun!) so he went to work Thursday around 7ish and stayed late and so, I became the one woman show...He was up with us and took Emma Grace to school, but I'll have them all day today until he's home from work, so just about 36 hours when it's all said and done...and whew, does it need to be said and done.

So, I'm thankful that I'll be off duty tonight, for a Bubba with a great job that even working late isn't awful, and for free babysitters that arrive tonight...

On the first day of Christmas...

(Imagine my voice here - you know you can...) On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...a house outside the city.

Yes, sometimes, I still can't believe that I - me - Jennifer Ellen Durst Whisonant - me, stubborn(no snickers required here and remember when you point fingers, there are many pointing back at you), and vowed to live in Rock Hill, SC my whole life long - currently reside in a suburb of a suburb of a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. I am still in shock, I think. But, Christ, my True Love, and Chris, my true love, have generously and amazingly moved me to a great home in Acworth. We're settling in and making it ours. We've even had play dates and company over, too. (Yes, I got over the "the house isn't ready" junk.) Yesterday at the end of a long process, I finally cleared out a closet for Chris's "wood-shed" as he lovingly calls it. Again, I gave up storage (at the last house it was my gigantic linen closet) closets for his "other" children. I am just grateful it only requires ONE big closet. LOL. It was a labor of love - many things are these days - but all counted great joy, whether in the moment or in retrospect.

So, I'm thankful...
for my home, but more for my family and for my provider and Jehovah Jirah.

Christmas Pic Attempts Futile...

Okay, so some of our friends posted their Christmas card outtakes - which means they actually got a good picture from the bunch to have printed and send out. We attempted this tonight and with 2 kids - it failed miserably. So, here are a few of the out-takes.
You can see the rest at my facebook page.
And the winners are...

See, how nice sissy looks?

Yes, and just as we get the camera out, Ollie threw up carrots from dinner on his new white PJ shirt...of course.

Say what???

I'm tired of this, mom...

I surrendered...
It was time for tickles and bed, who knows if we'll end up having a Christmas picture card or even a picture for a card...We're gonna try again soon. Eieieieiei.

Yes, I am a slacker!

What can I say? I'd like to say that I'm back, but right now, I feel a little nuts. I still haven't totally unpacked every box from the move --- then we went home to the Thrill for almost 3 weeks --- and now, I have more half-unpacked boxes of Christmas stuff everywhere. There really isn't any good excuse - because I know some of you can handle more, oh so much more. =) Right now, too, I can't figure out where all our pictures or can't manage to get them to a place where I can put them on my blog...and heck, what's a new post without pictures??? BOOOOring!

So, anywho...we're alive and well and chugging along here in GA. Emma Grace will sing with the children in their musical tomorrow night in the evening service and I'll sing with the "big kids" next Sunday night in the Christmas presentation. We've dug in here at FBC-Kennesaw - we've plugged in with their praise band, too. Not sure when we'll change from "visitors" yet, but it's a nice place to have some roots right now...and the people are precious, they've not had a senior pastor in over 18 months and they keep on with the keeping on. They have a new interim for now, Dan Moran, who his home church is The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham. It's lively and interesting, set up like FBCFM with a traditional early service and a "contemporary" later service...and Emma Grace goes to school at the church - so she has plugged in without strife...thank goodness. We're just hanging in there doing what it is that we know God called us to do last, waiting for a fresh word for what's next...so we're in a holding pattern 'cause we feel that's where God wants to use us for today.

And that's our little nutshell...pictures, stories and merriments to return any day now...=)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Breakfast with my folks and dinner with his and I'm hoping for a nap in between.

May you be able to count your blessings today and truly be thankful.

I, thankfully, had the chance to meet again with my dear sisters for Bible study while I've been home. They are beginning a journey through the book of James. James 1:2-18 (NLT) is an appropriate passage to remind us all to be thankful and count it all great joy.

Faith and Endurance

2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

9 Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.

12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

He made everything glorious, enjoy His glory and be thankful in all things this season.

Claws in...bear unpoked.

Well, we made it to the pediatrician - PTL and Tammy Faye. The kids are okay, not fantastic, but not really too sick either. Emma Grace is getting over the worst of an URI (that's upper respiratory infection, pops) and OT had more fluid building in his left ear. EG will be fine. OT is my concern these days. Since the cold weather moved into GA, he's had 3 ear infections that came with lots of fluid behind his ear drum and temps that sit at 102. So at this point, mommy is paranoid - to a degree. But, our old ped here said that he looks to be healing nicely from the last ear infection, but the left ear still has fluid hanging around. He gave us a spectra antibiotic as prevention to take a small dose every day for 3-4 weeks...hopefully, to keep that lingering fluid build up from turning nasty and infected. Otherwise, Ollie is fine, you'd never know he didn't feel 100%. He is crawling everywhere now and trying to get to things he shouldn't and wanting to desperately to pull up on everything, but at 23 pounds and 8 months old, it usually doesn't end well. =)

For now, we're hanging out in the Thrill, all of us being spoiled and imposing on the grandparents...they don't mind too much.

GRRRRRRrrroooowwwl...momma loose!

People just shouldn't mess with my kids...EVER. GRRRRRRrrrooowwwwl. This is one of those I must vent or something bad may happen. The kids and I are in Rock Hill and all 3 of us are sick. And our old pediatrician's office staff at 7:45 am this morning, after I've not slept with a sick baby and I am now sick, for 3 days...flatly said when I called them in desperation, you're not in the system, we can't see you, go to urgent care...well, don't tell me to go to one of the several SORRY urgent cares in Rock Hole...and please, certainly, when I called for my 2 sick kids while visiting, certainly, don't even ask if the kids are okay or what may be wrong, especially after the pediatrician told us last time we were there if we ever need him to just call...please just tell me to go to urgent care...oh, yes, I'd love to go to urgent care that's why I called them at 7:45 am...grrr....well, 3 hours later after Chris intervened and I cried because I was so tired and mad, finally, we have an appointment after lunch. Thank God for my knight in shining armor...he did so gallantly ride in this morning. So many more details that I could share, but I am honestly trying to NOT totally and completely lose it...or whatever comes after losing it!!! Thanks for the vent...hope everyone else is having a better Friday before Thanksgiving. I feel the need for pumpkin pie!

A Toy Warning...

Chris just sent me this link about aquadots. Apparently, a baby went into a coma after ingesting aquadots because the toys made in a Chinese factory were coated in the date rape drug GHB!!! There is a recall now...how does this happen? I cannot believe someone in R&D at a toy company even thought it a good idea to use a coating compound that will become "liquid ecstasy" when ingested on a child's toy!!! Just be aware moms and dads and throw out any of this poison if you have them in your home - no more "as seen on tv" for this mom!

Invasion approaches...

By that I mean, of the grandmothers. Yes folks, both our moms are coming this Saturday. And considering that, it's been a pretty laid back week. Kids are feeling good, very little disciplinary actions have been required out of the ordinary, I went to choir practice, chores are getting done, and I've even cooked dinner almost every night. It's like the calm before the storm. (Cue the swelling music or banjo music, if you prefer.) So, we'll see. We've never just had the grandmas come for a weekend, but we're very much looking forward to it. I'm sure by the end of the weekend, the children will be ruined, I'll be - well only the Lord knows - and Chris will go to work on Monday. Mostly, I'm just kidding! I'll be excited because even if the children are ruined, the kids and I are going back to Rock Hill with the grandmas, so they'll have to help deal with the little monsters - to help with the undoing of their doings. It'll be an adventure and as usual, I'll be unplugged - probably. So, I'll let you know how Thanksgiving was on my next post...unless something happens that I must share, of course!!!

Do Not take your kids to see 'The Golden Compass'

It's more like the Godless Compass from all the flurry that I'm seeing. I found out about it from Emma Grace's private school principal. She sent out a link to Snopes.com to inform parents and grandparents in order for us to make our own decisions for our children and the protection of their minds, hearts and souls. I wanted everyone who reads my blog to have that same opportunity. So, what could the big deal be, you may ask. Check out the Snopes link as well as this link to Ben Witherington and his post from Tuesday, November 6th on the topic. It seems some big Hollywood stars are in the film which may draw more attention and attendance to the film. It also appears that the theme of the book trilogy that this film comes from is anti-theist and results in the final book to be about killing God, although the first book in the trilogy seems benign and was toned down for the feature film. Why make the film? To get unsuspecting kids and uninformed parents to go to the movie, then buy the trilogy of books for, ironically, Christmas, and ultimately spread anti-theism.

bella the movie

bella the movie

Chris and I along with our friends, Evans and Cindy, received the blessing of pre-screening this movie at Passion's Thirsty Conference this spring. This movie is totally different in every aspect from your typical Hollywood movies. It is being released into more and more areas because it has succeeded and beat the odds. You see the filmmakers refused Hollywood's "offer" to make the movie how Hollywood wanted to make it. To strip it of its values and leave a hollow shell of entertainment, and so at the risk of gigantic failure and going broke (literally at one point, one of these guys had to live in his car from what I remember from the Q&A with one of the film's creators), they chose to go independently of traditional Hollywood and tell an amazing story. You can read their stories and a synopsis of the movie at the website.
I would encourage you all to see the movie --
it won't leave you unchanged.

Happy Halloween!

Emma Grace and Daddy carved our pumpkin on the patio while mommy and Ollie watched from inside, since Ollie had another ear infection.

Emma Grace as Tinker Bell and Ollie as the cow.

The cow costume was Emma Grace's from her first birthday - yes he's as big as sissy was a 1 year old and he's not even 8 months old yet!

Our attempt of a family pic!

Since Ollie had an ear infection, we dressed for Halloween together, but then it was time to divide and conquer. So, daddy got the easy job - candy and Ollie - and mommy got the grunt work (as usual, right?) - trick or treating in a gigantic never-ending neighborhood and Emma Grace. But thanks to some great folks who are willing to welcome newcomers, we trick or treated on one street with a small herd of kiddos and 6 adults and a pumpkin filled to the brim with candy!

Wanna see more pics? Check out my facebook page.

Ear infection #2

So, we will soon have stock options at Rite-Aid here. Ollie came down with the fever that never ends again and cries that were terrible. Saturday morning, Chris took him to the ped and it was yet another ear infection...though the docs think that maybe his earlier infection didn't totally clear up and came back to this nicely raging one. So, after ear drops every 2 hours, Augmentin for the last 24 hours, and regular doses of tylenol, our little fella is turning around. YUCK - Emma Grace did not do the ear thing like this -- and as I'm stressing and tired, Chris adds so perfectly as he does, you know I had to have tubes twice as a kid. Thanks - yes - that helped. But for now, things are looking up, OT is returning to normal, EG is hyped up for Halloweening and Chris is in town for the time being --- the sun's shining and hey, I may even splurge and take EG to Super Target to shop this afternoon. =) And yes, I hear silence from the nursery - hallelujah! Chris and EG are at church and all I can hear is the humming of the washing machine...ahhhh.

Da Beach...

this past weekend was HOT! But we had lots of fun with both of our parents and our kids. Here's the pics I promised. They are at my facebook page...Enjoy! Thanks to the grands for lots of fun, merriment, and spoilage.

REAL rain...

Thank you God for the rain! It has rained almost all day here and it rained hard for at least 2 hours. God is so good...He makes rain for you and me! Emma Grace saw how hard it was raining and she felt the need to tell me about Noah and the ark and maybe if it rained more, we might need one, too. I love that child!

REAL vacation...

As all of my friends have heard me whine - my "vacation" this summer was being a one woman show moving from SC to GA...not great fun, I might add. This past weekend, I got a real vacation. We started and it has become a quasi-tradition, going to the beach every October for our daughter's birthday. And it felt like vacation and it was great. We broke up the 7 hour trip by stopping in Augusta on the way to Surfside on Wednesday and in Columbia on Sunday on the way home. We saw friends we hadn't seen in ages and played at the beach with both sets of Emma's grandparents. Needless to say, I am tired this morning. =) And my children are spoiled...but we'll recover and routine will take over soon. I'll post some pictures soon...right now I have no idea where they are and ask me if I care.

For Emma Grace...

Our Carolina Girl...

Emma Grace's first Easter...

Emma Grace and Mommy at Moody's wedding (3.5 years old)

Emma Grace at 3 years old...

Emma Grace's first birthday party...

Emma Grace's first day at home in daddy's arms...

Emma Grace's Oos phase

Her first birthday...

Her second birthday...

Happy 4th Birthday, baby!

No More Portable Swing...

OT has learned how to basically do a sit-up...especially when I put him in the small portable swing which is more like a hammock in style. I walked away for a minute to grab a towel for my shower - he usually sits there while I shower, but alas, no more. When I returned from getting the towel, he was leaning out of the front of the swing grabbing the base. I said, "OLLIE!" He just looked up and grinned like yeah mom can't stick me in here any more can you? So, he got an early nap while mommy showered...that'll teach him! =)

Grandparents Day - Sept. 28th 2007

We've been out of the loop a little bit with trips to Rock Hill, Chris's dad being sick, and then both our kids getting sick, but I realized that I never posted about Grandparents Day!

My folks were great and headed down here late on a Thursday night only to get up early the next morning to take Emma Grace to Grandparents Day at her preschool. Her school really is great and tries so hard to make school a family interest. Everyone had fun, I think.

Grandma Jane and Pa were supposed to come, too, but this was the week that Pa had to be admitted to the hospital in renal failure. He had just gotten home from the hospital that day before this event. So, after Grandparents Day, we all went back to Rock Hill to see him and our dear friends, too...that did make a previous post...just not the Grandparents Day pics!!!

Reflections - Baths, Baptisms, Blessings

I realized just recently how special anything can be, when you take time to reflect.

We recently rushed home to Rock Hill two weekends in a row and the whole episode seemed to flash by us. Then this week, time stood still as the baby was sick for the first time, as he cut teeth for the first time, and as Emma Grace was sick for the first time that she didn't need extreme respiratory treatments. And today, I thought what blessing...That a bath can lower a baby's fever and elevate some of their misery, that a bath can sooth a sick 3 year old just simply because it's one on one and you washed their back. And I thought, how cleansing water is, and I realized that there were missed blessings while we were in Rock Hill as we got to see two of our friend's children be baptized -- immersed in good old Rock Hill water to be cleansed in the outward expression of faith, in trust in Christ, IN BELIEVER'S BAPTISM. The first Sunday we were home, we got to watch Amanda and Wes's oldest child be baptized - so cool to see a 10 year old with a heart of pure love for the Lord be willing to announce his faith so publicly. The last Sunday we were home, we got to watch Evans and Cindy's youngest child be baptized by her dad - so awesome to sit next to Cindy as her youngest proclaimed her love for the Lord as her daddy "dunked" her, his favorite red-headed child (his only red-headed child). =) And I don't know, today was the day to stop and be thankful - that my kids are healing, that other believer's children are coming to know Our Heavenly Father, that even such a simple compound like water can be so precious and remind us all of Jesus. And did I mention that here in Georgia, we need water, and lots of it? Really, pray for rain, we live near Lake Allatoona, which has become less than a "crick" after this drought...pray for God's healing and cleansing rain -- literally and spiritually, too...and smile, even in the rain. Who knows, I may go sing in the rain later...

First Antibiotics for the Little Man

Okay, so while we were in Rock Hill, my kids got sick(er), which made the car ride home interesting. Emma Grace's runny nose turned into a full blown viral sinus infection or a really bad cold...which made her mood impeccable. Then, by Monday, Ollie began his runny nose and running low grade fevers. TOO MUCH FUN FOR ME!

All's to say that now we are on the road to recovery - after a very horrible week. Emma Grace's cold almost ran its course with just over the counter meds and we got some prescription decongestants today to knock it out fully. Ollie's infection however was not so easy. He cried for about 36 hours with very little breaks --- only for bottles, baths, and bibs (eating). He was on his way from a cold to ear infection as fluid had started to build behind his ears explaining the unceasing sobs of my little man that really NEVER cries. He's got his first round of amoxicillin.

Here's the free tip of the day - don't shop while waiting in the pharmacy for meds to be filled. In less than 15 minutes, $40 worth of prescriptions cost me $119 by the time I left with them, diapers, tylenol for everyone, and various other convenience items.

Tooth #2

By the time we got home from the Thrill today, Oliver Thomas had cut his second tooth right on the bottom next to the one he cut just a few days ago - so no wonder he grumped a little at us - I can't believe how blessed we are to have such a great baby!

We were home this weekend -

We checked on Pa David who is feeling better after a week in the hospital after renal failure last Sunday night as we drove back to Atlanta - he spent days there and a few days at home and we got to celebrate his birthday and Uncle Stevie's birthday with them, so it was nice family time.

We got to celebrate Ash's 18th birthday with her, too, which included a fabulous chik-a-lay run as well as cake and starbucks, who could ask for more?

The Gamecocks beat Mississippi State and Clemson lost - lovely day!!!

Saving the best for last, I got to sit at Starbucks with Jen Wade and enjoy her company in person - it was marvelous. There are no more words for that because I am tired and will cry.

So that was our weekend, we hit the road at 2 on Friday sat in some traffic, hit the Thrill by 8, watched football, drank starbucks, had cake, worshiped our awesome God, had more cake and headed to Hotlanta...whew. Momma needs a bath...the long kind.

Splashy...

We went to my parents house last weekend and nabbed a couple of shots of the kids while we were there. Here's Ollie in the tub -

We went to the new pediatrician here this week and Ollie weighs nearly 21 pounds and is 30 inches long at 6.5 months old. He got his shots yesterday and today he cut his first tooth, it's on the bottom - so watch out, he can bite and he likes it!

As always, a shot of bruder and sissy. She sure does love her baby bruder "this much" as she says every day. Ollie loves her, too, when she hugs him, he tries to tackle her. That's my boy!

Remedy is here...

Are you listening?

More Pics

This is the newest member of the Whisonant family - the Nut House.
OT is named for Oliver Thomas, so we snapped a shot of the guitar with its namesake for heaven's sake!

Ollie has started this new thing of rubbing his head when he's hungry and/or tired. It's hilarious and just adds to the quirks in our household.

I don't know why we were all on the floor, but I'm sure I was tired enough to lay there. Why is it that there are so few pics with mommies and kids? Daddies do know how to use the camera, too.

Just another cutie-pie shot of Ollie - He's such a hoot.

And a good one to end our show of sissy and little bubba.

Have a lovely!

Wanna see more...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12309&l=e1bd8&id=760093361

Just one thing before I go...

to bed! One pic of Ollie that was too cute to wait until the morning!

I loooove it -it is currently my desktop background and Ollie tries to get himself in the screen - it is hilarious!!!

Tuesdays - terrific or terrible?

Okay, so last Tuesday morning, Ollie took his first roll off the bed --- So, you may ask, what did he do this Tuesday? It wasn't so much, what he did, but what we survived. WE fell down the stairs together and are fine --- but goodness knows, what lessons am I supposed to be learning?

We were getting ready upstairs to take sissy to her first ballet/tap/tumbling class at the dance studio in our neighborhood, when we headed downstairs --- and Ollie and I tumbled down half a flight of stairs - He as per usual has not a scratch on his precious little person - I am bummed up a little, but otherwise just mostly suffering emotional wounds! Oh and my tan leather etianne aigner mules are destroyed, too - but that is just a good excuse to get a new pair - but great-day-in-the-morning --- no more terrible Tuesdays!!!

As for TERRIFIC TUESDAYS, Emma Grace's first dance class went great! She loved it, but immediately informed me that she needed tap shoes and ballet swippers and a shoe bag, too --- like her other dance friends...and so it begins...I'll post pictures next week when hopefully, I don't fall down the stairs moments before going to dance class and we'll see what happens next Tuesday, too.

Family Resemblance

So, I found some old pictures from my Grandma Julie and just thought I'd post a few pictures. The picture below is of my dad and his 3 older siblings. His baby sister wasn't born yet. He is the youngest boy and is on the far right. Little Thomas Allen.I can't find a picture of me at this age because my mom has all the albums in South Carolina. But this is a picture of Emma Grace when she was a baby.

And then there's my little Oliver Thomas. You can tell they are family, but it's still not as uncanny a resemblance as Emma Grace and the Whisonant side of the family.

Future Skydiver???

Okay, so it happened, Ollie took his first roll, leap, dive off of the bed - and I almost had a nervous breakdown and stroke simultaneously! He cried, I cried, Sissy cried. Not good.

He's fine - Emma Grace was kind enough to make sure she told daddy as soon as she saw him that mommy let Owwwee fall off the bed and he got hurt really bad. I am still shaken, not stirred from the event.

I realize babies bounce and boys are rough and tumble -- I just wasn't prepared for a tumble and bounce while I was within arm's length - I have proved yet again that I am deserving of the MOY scepter and title.

I have found these tramautic events to be very good for my soul afterwards as they remind me to treasure my children as gifts and that they really aren't mine, but the Lord's - He is their Provider and Healer and He has entrusted their parental care to Chris and I --- I am so grateful!

Take a Moment to Remember 9/11

"Tonight I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have
been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray
they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us spoken through the ages in Psalm
23: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you
are with me."

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and
peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time.

None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is
good and just in our world."

Excerpt from President George W. Bush on the evening of September 11, 2001

All together now...awwwwwwww...

Poor Auburn. So, I'm feeling charitable and friends of ours are true Auburn fans, so everyone have a small pity party for them this morning after a stunning loss to USF (whose football program is only 12 years old - if that) --- I wasn't sure but I thought God may have created football at Auburn (at least that's what I'm told) --- devastating loss --- a moment of silence, please.

NOW - HA-LLELUJAH, HA-LLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH, HA-LLE-LUJAH!!!

USC beat UGA! It was Ollie's first official game as we didn't bother watching the LSU game last week --- hooray! What a weekend...if only Clemson would have lost, too, it may have been the perfect storm.

Emma Grace took a picture of Daddy and Ollie.

Yes, I allowed my family to watch the game kick off at the dinner table.

Ollie cashed out during the third quarter, which is usually when USC takes a nap and loses a game, but not last night - It was awesome.

Did I mention???

That Carolina plays UGA this Saturday? It's already nuts down here riding their UGA flags on their cars and wearing their regalia. I feel like a Yankees fan at a Braves game...no wait, we're that, too.

So, here's my shout out --- GO CAROLINA!!! Cocky is the best!

Domino 8: 101 - ODS 48

Okay, geek squad - you'll just have to forgive my satire or parody or whatever this form of sarcasm is...I really couldn't resist. It was a long week and I needed a release and apparently, this was it.

*Domino 8 --- I must have played Emma Grace's new Diego dominoes at least 8 times a day while Chris was gone on this last business trip...Lord help my numb-brain! I see baby jaguar and Alicia in my sleep!

*101 - The number of times this week while Chris was gone that I was spit up on, pooped on, baby-drop-kicked, three-year-old pouted at, and many other gross and or frustrating moments that I will spare you from!

*ODS --- Obsessive Diaper Saves - I am the mom that can't stand a little one being wet or stinky. My olfactory sense is hypersensitive (just ask Chris)!!! It is worse when I am pregnant, but it's still pretty peaked from Ollie's pregnancy - I can smell a Frito at 20 paces or a toot in a whirlwind. So, it feels like all I have done while Chris was gone was change diaper after diaper after diaper --- and can I add here that Ollie is teething - yes, imagine how great these diapers have been and he is eating Gerber 2nd foods, too --- "all the colors of the rainbow" - 'nough said?

*48 - Because while Chris was gone this time, I may have nearly lost my mind - those of you that know me will comment that hadn't that already happened...well, this time a little curly-headed-Chris-lookin' thing mashed my buttons and a little pudgy Jen-lookin' thing without hair cried constantly --- so for the next 48 hours, welcome home baby, your children are waiting and I --- I will be off duty - hopefully, eating chocolate and sipping SB or maybe even sipping a SB chocolate something somewhere - and my name will be Jen again, not mommy. =)

In truth, while Chris was gone, I get my kids all to myself - all the hugs, the kisses, the deep thoughts of a 3 year old and the intense loving gaze of a 5 month old...it's worth all of the above messes AND while Chris was gone, I get to appreciate having a great guy like Bubba who does anything and everything to be the man God chose for my soul mate and who for the most part has a much better grip on this parenting thing than I do --- so honey, for all the sucker punches I throw at you - this one is the love - Love ya! Please come home before I lose my ever-loving mind!!! =)

VIPs...

Happy belated Birthday to Grammy Barb - her birthday was at the end of August!

Happy early Birthday to Grampy Ta - his is September 11th.

And Happy Anniversary to them both on September 24th - my folks will have been married for 30 years!

Our Thomas the Train Ride Pics...

Emma Grace and Grammy Barb with Sir Topham Hat.

Did I mention it was stinky hot that day?
But I posed for a picture with my mom anyways...

Here are Grampy Ta and the kids in the much coveted shady spots.

Chris and Ollie were captivated by the train ride.

Second and Third Day Pictures, too

Second verse, same as the first, it wasn't louder and it wasn't worse!

OT was digging the get up early and eat routine, but he did start to miss sissy while she was gone for 3 hours. He started looking for her in every room we went into.

Third day was Friday and daddy was home! We ate breakfast together and then daddy took sissy to school.

But, of course, we took pictures with brother before she left!

Ollie really started to enjoy time all alone with mommy.

He's not big, is he? =)