The Christmas 2007 post

I haven't posted anything about Christmas yet and I've been feeling like I need to post about it. It has been weighing on me so I been tackling this slide show nonsense for I don't want to admit how long today. It is done and please excuse any typos on it. Slide shows are harder than you might think. After this, I might not post for a couple of days because I am officially brain dead.

Anyhoo. Christmas 2007 was great! We left town the Friday before Christmas to head to Lubbock and then out to Levelland. Gregg's little sis, Lindsey, goes to Tech and Gregg's Meme lives in Levelland. Gregg is from out there and we are able to get see his mom's side of the family when we are in town. Which is our favorite people to see because it is relaxed and no drama. I can just "be" and enjoy myself which I can't do with my side of the family or when Gregg's dad is around. I am blessed to be apart of this group ~ this family. I never grew up with any family besides my parents and siblings. Holidays were spent at home and that was it.

I've said before, we enjoy vacationing and spending time with Meme. She is more like a mother-in-law than a grandmother to me. But, I've never had a grandmother nor a mother-in-law so maybe that is why my perception is that way. Her home feels like my home away from home and I feel lucky to share her with all of her many other grandchildren.

We went out to the cemetery to put Christmas flowers on MaryLynn's grave. It was reassuring to see the flowers we put out in October we still there and beautiful. Simply amazing, in fact, due to the wind/snow/dust storms that blow through there.

We came home on Sunday because we wanted to be home all day on Christmas Eve. For lunch on Christmas Eve, we ate at Kincaids with the Pilgrims. We went to the Christmas Eve service at 4 at church and then ate dinner with homegroup friends. Macy changed her mind from wanting to make Santa an apple pie to thinking she needed to be traditional and leave him a cookie. But, just one with an apple and water so he wouldn't eat too much.

Gregg was off all week so we just enjoyed a lazy week not doing much of anything. Gregg got our new kitchen table put together with the help of his childhood friend, Brett, and that was the night we made chili. I also got the guys to move the piano and then rearrange the living room. I love the new arrangement but if it was up to Gregg, we'd never move anything in the house. He grew up where furniture stayed the same way year in and year out. That is so not me.

Then two nights later, the Pilgrims came over for leftovers. I heated up the paraffin and thought I'd treat us to a spa moment. My digits were dry to the bone from peeling those apples and Nicole had been hard at work that day on her new NPO. Because we are domestic like that.

We deserved some time to lock the door, drink some iced tea, watch SoapNet and discuss all things Kenny Chesney. No, wait...it was more like this.

that would be Paige with us


On Saturday morning, Gregg was back at work and life is back to normal. We did really had a great time as a family ~ enjoying our family and our friends ~ this Christmas 2007.


Oh, wait, where was MY mom in all of this? Well, we had Christmas with her the 1st weekend of December and it literally sucked the life out me. All 20hrs of it. And it left me without energy to blog about it. And over $1,000 poorer. Let's just say, it went out with a bang ~ literally with me crashing into a red hunchback (as Macy calls it - really a hatchback). And the banged up hatchback pics won't load, so I'll take that as a sign to "let it be" as hubby likes to tell me. And I always listen to signs and hubby. Because I'm obedient like that. Did I mention that I'm brain dead!?!

It is what it is! May I be the first to say Happy 2008!

Christmas 2007-part 2

Christmas 2007 - part 1

Paigey's got the power

Looks like Pumpkin got started on her New Year's Resolution a bit early. I told her not to stress. Going from whole milk to 2% when she turns two will help slim down that baby belly. But, she is determined to stay in those size 5 Pampers.

Go Paigey!

showing up Macy

taking a Cowboys break

giving Daddy his workout

Come on Paige. That is just plain mean. Granddaddy is 87 and a string bean!

Flashback Friday

Thanksgiving 2006

Any ole time

is a good time for dress up! Even if she is at her 14 yr old cousin's house! In the middle of our Christmas brunch, Macy was found wearing this number ~ an infant gown (oh, yes it is!) and fluffy socks! Thank you to Sarah for your patience with Macy going through your closet and drawers. You were sweet to let her have her fun.

And when it was time to go, everyone was on the hunt to find a certain missing baby doll. We searched the house and it was found napping in Sarah's dresser. Granted, there were six cousins ages 6 and under hyped up on Omish bread and sweet rolls and presents and each other!

Basket Of Love

Gregg came home the other day and saw this on the counter. He ooooed and ahhhed over why the "basket of love" was out. Have I mentioned the way to Gregg's heart is through his stomach??

No such luck for Gregg that day. A neighbor had come over to borrow brown sugar and in pure Tracy-fashion (yes, sometimes I refer to myself in 3rd person), I didn't put it right up and it sat on the counter for who knows how long.

Not to worry about Gregg though. I made him an apple pie yesterday. And he made me chili. Aren't we a pair?

Just out of curiousity, what is in YOUR basket of love? Might not be the G-rated version as it is over here...

Christmas Cheer

The other day I took Macy with me when I got my nails filled. I let her go a couple of times a year so she can get her nails and/or toes painted. Hey, $5 goes a long way at the nail salon on four year old fingers.

She wanted an angel painted on her fingers but settled on a Christmas tree ~ complete with snow! She woke up the next morning and told me that, "Mommy, it just feels like Christmas now that I have trees on my fingers!"

You know, I get that. She comes by it honestly ~ she is her mother's daughter! Love her!

New blogger

Gregg wrote the following post and will join me in blogging from time to time. I welcome his thoughts and perspective and hope you enjoy "meeting him".

Who Is The King of the Kingdom?

Last Sunday was just another day in many ways. The day started with me missing church due to work. Not something I enjoy, but part unfortunately part of today's world sometimes. I spent my time driving to work asking for God to give me the strength and courage to face the challenges of the day. I asked for the strength to lead by God's principles and to allow God to help me with the things of the day that are really out of my hands. I got to work and had a relatively uneventful day and tried to plan for a Holiday dinner for my employees. I have many Christian employees who are truly thankful that we have done this the past two years. Christmas parties are no longer part of the direction of my company.

Not long ago, we used company funds to have parties, picnics etc. Unfortunately, being part of such a large company does have it's drawbacks. There is always a person or group of people who ruin it for everyone. Needless to say, when you have 150,000 employees and their families off of company property with alcohol involved; things tend to happen. Six years ago, the company made the decision to stop using company funds for events such as this. Many managers, including myself have kept the tradition going over the past few years and have allowed employees to get pot-luck dinners together and bring their families in for the holidays.I had no thoughts about this causing such an uproar. It just seemed like the Godly thing to due for a group of people under my leadership.

My boss got wind of the dinner that afternoon and called me in an uproar. His concerns were about liability of people in the building that are not on the clock. "Someone might get hurt, or a fight might break out!" These were just some of his very vocal concerns. I was barely able to contain some of the words and thoughts I had at that moment, but was able to get off of the phone and put some thought into the situation. The first thought that came to mind was that this was no different than other celebrations that are held under company direction where employees come in on their own time to join in and eat. Would my boss have been concerned about safety and a fight breaking out in other stores in better neighborhoods?????

The true tragedy in the whole thing was that Tracy overheard the entire conversation. I personally am used to these kinds of things because it is part of my job. I am regularly persecuted for standing up for what I feel is the right thing to due in line with God's principles and my thoughts of my company's core values. Tracy, on the other hand, had never seen or heard the way things really tend to be at times and was very shaken up. We spent some time talking about the situation, and I made the decision that the best thing to do for my family, employees, and myself was to immediately go back to work by myself and ensure that everything went smoothly and everyone was out at the time employees normally leave the building on a Sunday night. I knew that with all of the chaos and last minute changes, it was the right decision to keep my family at home in order for me to handle the situation. The sad part was that Macy was extremely excited about going up to the store. She really looks forward to it every year. She even came into the bathroom before I left to show me the Christmas cards she had made for my "managers." I had to explain to her that Daddy had to go back to work and she would be going to Home Group. Fortunately, that is always a popular destination.

I was able to get back to work and take care of everything. I did feel very good seeing my employees come in with their families and all being dressed for the event. I could see the pride they had in going as well as the appreciation to have this to go to. Especially in South Dallas, this is the only event many of these people had to attend and enjoy. You should see all of the "Doggy" bags going out at the end of the night. I really took comfort in knowing I had done the right thing regardless of any outcomes.

It's really funny how God provides us the direction and courage to handle challenging situations if we are only receptive to hear him. While this situation at work was not too different from others I have faced in the past, I was able to handle it much easier than in previous times. I also was able to maintain priorities at home and ensure my immediate concerns lied with the welfare of my family first and then work obligations. In a difficult 24 hours period with work as well as things going on around us that were out of our control as well, I had made decisions and had acted in line with God's principles. The outcomes were truly amazing to see!

It was a wonderful feeling to know that I had acted as a true Christian leader to both my family and employees. What a great feeling to know that your spouse was truly proud of your actions! As far as work, it was interesting as well. I spent the day taking care of business as usual, but there was some apprehension wondering what conversation I might have with my boss. By late afternoon, the phone rang and it was him. The entire conversations was about some trivial matters with work. At the end of the call, I informed him of the time all of my employees had left the building to go home from the dinner. His only response was to say, "Good. How did it go? These kind of things are really good for employees." What a change of heart! Maybe this is proof that praying for those we are having problems with truly is the answer!!!!! The rest of my week went extremely well and I was able to leave for vacation with no concerns about what might be happening at work.

We all as Christians have a true battle each day to be leaders for Christ in everything we do. This is definitely a difficult challenge we all face with everything that goes on in an unGodly world. What better way to make it through the life we all trudge along than to make a commitment as Christians to keep God's priorities at the forefront of our decisions? I struggle every day with my personal priorities of putting God first in my life and then family. It's really tough to do in this world with work and things we like to sometimes do like watch a football game on TV. I would just like some prayers and support from everyone to continue to help me be a good Christian leader. It is really tough to keep God as the King of my Kingdom at times, whether it's my Kingdom at home or work. Maybe together we can all help one another to be examples to the world around us for others to see and feel that this is a life they would like to have. A life with God at the forefront and family not far behind.

Gregg

Silent Night

I can not for the life of me get through Silent Night without crying. Something about singing it on Christmas Eve ~ at church ~ brings me to tears. I think of my dad, who loved Christmas so much. It is the line ~ sleep in heavenly peace that gets to me. I know he is in heavenly peace and while I am thankful for that, I miss him so much. It does give me comfort that he and Gregg's mom, MaryLynn, are our angels until we join them in eternity. I am thankful for God's son, Jesus Christ, who was born to die for our sins so we have that hope ~ that promise.

Happy Birthday, Jesus.
Merry Christmas, our angels.

Angels Among Me

My angels are napping (all three of them) and I am taking the time to catch up on my blogging. I always have pictures saved on my computer just waiting to be blogged about. I knew that this is a good time to blog and rattled my head about what I should blog about. I have these pictures from Macy's preschool Christmas program from almost two weeks ago where she was an angel. On this Christmas Eve, I am thankful for my angels among me ~ Gregg, Macy and Paige.

I love how Macy looks for me and gives me a thumbs up whenever she is looking for approval.

I love how Gregg adores our daughters.

I love how Macy was so sweet to share her party snacks with her sister.

Angel Macy
Angel Paige

...I believe there are angels among us

Sent down to us from somewhere up above

They come to you and me in our darkest hours

To show us how to live, to teach us how to give

To guide us with the light of love

~Alabama

Flashback Friday

Paige Elizabeth Glover
2 days old

He's A Mean One, Mr. Grinch

As you read in Christmas Randomness post, I related all my Christmasy favorite things to a holiday song. I finally got that post posted and then hit my head against the keyboard for leaving Grinchy out. No worries because Grinch deserves a post all to himself.

It is no secret that I like my Christmas decor fairly simple. No red and green and classic, white lights outside. There is an exception to every rule...

Gangsta' Grinch and Max

Gregg laughs at how sometimes the littlest, silliest, things make me shout with sheer joy!

This is not the best pic ~ our 11yr old neighbor took it. Notice how Paigey is giving the reindeer some holiday love.

The Grinch has always been a favorite of mine. When the Jim Carrey version came out, I couldn't get to the theatre fast enough and then I bought the DVD when it came out. That next Christmas I opened a Grinch DVD from Gregg. I'm thinking, "fool, we already own this movie." I ate my words because there was a gold bracelet inside (oooohhh, the days before children). He was still cracking up at that story even today of how he fooled me.

I've never thought I'd own an inflatable character. Kinda goes against anything classic. But, we love to look at lights several nights a week and will practically spend a tank of gas searching for a house that has a Grinch. So, I suggested that we just buy one and see him whenever we want! There's the logic on that one.

Except when Grinch is deflated and Paigey goes, "uh, oh Ginchy, uh, oh" (repeat, repeat)

Mr. Grinch is not for everyone. Some people these days prefer this...

Macy says that Santa riding a motorcycle hurts the reindeer's feelings.

We are off on a road-trip this weekend and Grinch is already in the truck DVD. You can guarantee that I'll be whittling myself between the two car seats to watch the feast of the roast beast!

Parade of Lights

Last weekend we joined some homegroup friends at the Arlington Parade of Lights. Thanks to our police officer friend, we were able to get some great parking and seating to watch the parade.

Macy and I had a date earlier that day (our first Mommy date!). We went to lunch at the mall and to see Enchanted. It was so much fun and I loved walking hand-in-hand with her everywhere. It was warm that day so we both had on long sleeves and jeans but no jackets. By the time we left our house and got to the parade, the temp had drastically dropped. I should be more prepared for this Texas weather! I had one jeans jacket in the truck for the girls. It was Macy's jacket but I gave it to Paige to wear. I borrowed my girlfriend's jacket and Macy and I shared it. But I wasn't worried about Macy because she is hot natured and she was running around playing.

Can you believe this is the first parade ever the girls have been to??? I believe this would be a good new tradition for us city-folk. After the parade, we went to Mama's to join our friends for a late dinner.

What's with the scrooge on the right???

Oh, wait ~ that's Gregg!!

Hair Lady Beth

I walked into the playroom the other day and Macy was playing Hair Lady Beth. Beth is the gal that cuts our hair at Legacy Salon. Macy was "alligatoring" Paigey's hair (using the flatiron - which I named "the alligator" ~ I usually have to alligator M's bangs to get the cowlicks out).

In fact, the girls are getting a trim this Wednesday which is Daddy Day (new readers - everyday Gregg is off is Daddy Day). He's all like, "I want to go". But, I reminded him he didn't need a haircut. He said, "no, to watch." He's never seen either girl get a haircut so he is excited. He likes watching them "be big".

alligatoring P's hair

whoops ~ forgot the apron!

in the mirror for a better view

Gregg getting his whiskers trimmed

Now who is going to tame this mane??? Be sure to click on the picture for the full effect. Bless her heart...

Flashback Friday

Sept. 2004


I'm afraid our choice won't be as clear in 2008.

Can I get pizza with that?

Gregg took Macy to the mall yesterday for lunch and to shop for my Christmas. He asked her while she was chomping her pizza, what did she think that I would want for Christmas.

She said, "I think she want some 'zert (dessert) and Dr. Pepper."

According to Macy, Dr. Joki's office is a joke

I took Paige to see Leslie, the RN, at the pediatrician's office this morning for Paigey's runny nose and cough. On the way home, Paige coughed. Macy said, "WELL, the dr. didn't work!" (i.e. that was a waste of time!)

Randomness ~ Christmas Edition

If you've been one of my followers, then you'll recall my randomness post from my old blog. Well, at Christmas time I can be really random as well. I've been planning out this post in my head for about a month now ~ thinking of all of the things I wanted to include. But just last night, I thought I'd tie it together with Christmas songs. Some of the content is random and some is just traditions. Bear with me ~ this is a long one!

Oh, Christmas Tree ~ We put up our tree on Thanksgiving night. We have a pre-lit 9' skinny tree that fits perfectly in this house. I do not decorate any part of my house with red and green. I do all burgundy and gold which originated from Gregg's Aunt Beth's tree. Her tree looks like it belongs in a dept. store! And if you know Beth, she is one to emulate (beg, borrow and steal from ~ which I do every chance I get). So, this is my version of Beth's tree (which I think is 12')!

Gregg does all of the ribbon weaving and beads while I busy myself with something (I don't have the patience for such tediousness!) until it is time for bows and ornaments!

Pretty Paper ~ I have a love affair ~ with boxes. Seriously, nothing excites me more as when I get "a good box". I get excited around September because it is finally close enough to Christmas that I can start the massive box collection. I do this because I like different shaped boxes under the tree and a good box makes things easier to wrap. Then if the kids jack with the boxes, nothing happens to the paper. It is not an easy to attempt to wrap a kid's toy without ripping the paper all up. So, I go to my collection and carefully choose the right box for the gift. Now, I'm not as crazy as my friend, K, who has been known to assemble and put batteries in all of her little one's toys so they'd be ready to play with Christmas morning. I leave anything involving a screwdriver to dear husband.
It makes my heart leap just looking at it!

I do all of my paper and ribbon in green, gold and burgundy. I like abundance and options (really in all aspects of my life). I kid you not ~ at a recent shopping trip to Michael's, I had 29 rolls of paper that I painstakingly narrowed down to 9. And no, I do not save my ribbon and reuse it from year to year.
I love wrapping presents!

Do You Hear What I Hear? ~ It's no secret that two of my favorite artists are Kenny Chesney and Martina McBride.

O Holy Night is one of my top 5 favorite Christmas songs and Martina can sing it like nobody's business. Oh, and Kenny, well he could sing the phone book and I'd be happy. But I especially love Christmas in Dixie sung with Alabama. Back when I was a kid, it was tradition to play the Alabama Christmas tape while trimming the tree. I also love Kenny singing He's Just A Kid.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas ~ I love Christmas cards ~ not necessary the making of the Christmas card ~ but receiving them. I love looking a people's kids and reading holiday letters. I do like getting my yellow tablet out and listing everyone I'm sending a card to. When the cards arrive, I take my yellow highlighter and highlight who sent the card to keep track of the importing and exporting. So, if you don't send me a card, I know. No really, cards and stamps are expensive these days so I know alot of people just don't do it anymore. (Believe me, I have become the queen of the e-card). The highlighting goes back to me still being the little girl who likes to play secretary. Growing up, it was my job to keep the address book updated when the Christmas cards rolled in. I do love cards though and I attempt to get them out the very 1st of December. Oh, we are going to really attempt to follow through a cool tradition I heard about a couple of years ago. After Christmas is over and you don't know what to do with the cards, take one out a day and pray for that family before a meal. So, if you think you might be needing some prayers come Jan. 2008, then send us a card!

I write all of my envelopes using a Ultra Fine Point Black Sharpie.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year ~ I do love shopping of any kind. I start in September and start stashing in the closet. We also pick out Hallmark ornaments every year. We did this growing up and have carried on to my girls. The girl's each pick an ornament and Gregg and I choose one together for us. Macy chose Barbie Island Princess, Paige chose "Belle" and we chose the fridge (which I can't get a link to). Seriously, I have a refrigerator hanging from my tree that lights up when you open it. It has been the year of the appliance around here (shall we say, the week of? That is a whole 'nother post) and due to slim pickings at Hallmark, I chose it. It was time to get out of the store anyways b/c the cart fell on top of Macy when she was climbing up the side of it and I had to move fast! Luckily Gregg was there to haul two screaming kids out of the store! Good times.
I buy these candles every Christmas!

Jolly Old Saint Nicolas ~ We went to visit Santa at the mall on Wednesday afternoon. Paige wouldn't have anything to do with "Ho Ho" (yes, she called him that to his face) so I had to jump in the picture with the kids. Gotta do what you gotta do. Pics with Santa are one of things that are tradition. Oh, I'm anal like this ~ my girls will have different outfits on for holiday portraits, the Christmas card, and Santa pics. It's just how I roll.

Paigey showing me Ho Ho.

What Child Is This? ~ Macy drew "Baby Jesus in the manger" last Christmas and I just treasured it so much that it found a good home in one of my many junk drawers. I pulled it out recently and asked her if she remembered what this picture was. She said a "hot potato." It'll always be Baby Jesus to me and is safely in a frame that I'll pull out 'till I'm old and gray and remember my three-year old Macy.

Away In The Manger ~ I love, love, love this nativity. We only pull it out at Christmas. Two Christmas' ago, Macy insisted on sleeping with Baby Jesus every night. Macy still likes playing with Jesus, Mary and Joefus ..And the angel says, "Fear Not!"

Up On The Housetop ~ No reindeer... just Gregg hanging lights. We always enjoy driving around looking at lights so we make sure our house is lit too.

You can imagine Gregg's joy of me taking a picture of him through the window! All for the blog, honey!

This was taken tonight with Gregg and the girls on the sidewalk. Gregg still wants to hang the wreaths on each window and maybe add lights around the flowerbed the reindeer are in.

Frosty The Snowman ~ Last Friday night we went to Casa Manana to see Frosty The Snowman. We went last year as well ~ a fun, cultural tradition that the girls will never outgrow.

Barbie came too.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town ~ Macy told Santa at the mall that she will be leaving him apple pie and chocolate milk for his snack at our house. I don't know where she got that idea but Gregg happens to agree that Santa might enjoy that. On Christmas Eve, the girls choose one present from under the tree to open. Santa leaves his presents and stockings filled unwrapped by the hearth.

I'd love to hear everyone else's Christmas randomness and traditions. If you have a blog, I tag you or feel free to comment! Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!