Sunday church before Christmas

On Sunday morning we went to church at Wellford with Mia, Gran, and Pop. We took a few pics beforehand in our finery. The family picture was super terrific until you see that KJ's eyes are closed. Oh well, better luck next year!

Christmas with Gran and Pop

Saturday afternoon after naps we celebrated Christmas with Gran, Pop, Uncle Brian, Mama, Papa, Cousin Sarah and baby Sophia, Cousin Erin and her husband Carlos. It was a lot of fun as we played in the garage and cooked Lowcountry Boil. Katie Jo got a Backyardigans Memory game from Mama and Papa that she loves and Georgia got twin baby dolls to play with. It was such fun watching the girls play with their cousin, Sophia and the food was delish!

Christmas with Mia

The weekend before Christmas we went home to Lyman to celebrate Christmas with our families. I am posting one group at a time so as not to overwhelm my fellow bloggers.

Our first stop was Mia's on Friday nite to celebrate with G$, TaTa and Astra. We had a great time eating a wonderful meal and opening our gifts. Katie Jo's favorite was her baby doll from G$ with all the outfits and Georgia's was the remote control dog from Ta Ta and family. The two of them loved the books G$ gave them with Velcro animal masks.

Saturday morning we had Christmas with Mia. Katie Jo LOVED the guitar she got that is just like Maria's from The Sound of Music. Georgia loved her Raggedy Anne and Andy dolls.

The pics are out of order but you'll get the idea.

Saturday Morning shots

Friday night shots

Christmas Program Video

A few recent shots

Earthquake update

We just heard on the news that the earthquake registered 3.6 on the Richter scale. It happened at 7:42. Not big enough to cause any damage but people definitely felt it.

Earthquake in Lowcountry

We just had an earthquake! At about 7:40 this morning Jay and I were jarred out of bed by a LOUD rumbling and quaking feeling. By the time I got in the doorway to our room it was over. Probably didn't last more than 10 seconds. My first thought: terrorist attack. No kidding. It was so loud I really thought that except for the shaking. So then I realized it was an earthquake and then I thought "this is really how it feels." All those years practicing in elementary school where you'd immediately get under your desk and wondering what it'd really feel like to "shake." It wasn't quite so dramatic but was weird. Not enough movement to make anything fall off the walls but earthquake nonetheless. All the news says at this time is they're trying to figure out what caused the rumble and that it's only being reported from people living in Summerville. Katie Jo is still asleep so apparently it wasn't too disruptive. I'm so glad I'm not subbing today.

New bundle of joy!

Our new niece, Mary Katherine, arrived this afternoon on her due date! Congrats to Jessica and Austin and big brothers Aidan and John Paul!

Back in the game

After a week without access to Internet I am back on. To the faithful readers I apologize for the absence. Not having email or blogger has been frustrating but a good time to feel thankful. It really is the small things in life. Especially when you're a stay at home mom and the only outlet you have to the world is through an inbox! So I'll get some pics up soon. Maybe I'll even get Thanksgiving pictures posted. So stay tuned.

Santa Visit 2008

I asked Katie Jo this morning if she wanted to go see Santa and she gave a resounding, "YES." We all hopped in the shower, dressed the girls in their matching outfits, popped in the bows, and off we went. I talked to Katie Jo on the way about what to expect and how we'd watch some other kids do it before we went up so she could see what it was like. I asked her to name the things she would tell Santa she wanted and she only had one thing on her list, a camera. We got to the mall, made our way to Santa and found a friend from church in line in front of us so that gave Katie Jo a great example as she was there only to visit with Santa and not get a picture. Katie Jo was so excited and hopped right up on his lap. I had to peel Georgia from my arms onto his other leg but thankfully she didn't shed tears. The picture is not great but I can only imagine how worse it could be. Katie Jo even told him what she wanted, a camera, and then gave him a hug. I was really proud of her! We celebrated with a processed meat lunch from the food court and played in the germ infested play area. Good time had by all!

Clemson/Carolina Game 2008

So this past weekend Jay, Joni, and I went to the Clemson/Carolina game. I had been looking so forward to it since it was the first game I'd gone to in two seasons. Jay and I took Friday night to spend together. We haven't been away together in I don't know when but I know we were long overdue. We stayed at the Westin Poinsette and man did we get a good rate! After checking in we walked around looking for a good place to eat dinner and settled in at Ristorante Bergamo. My lord it was the best Italian meal ever! If you're ever in downtown Greenville you should try it! Afterwards we went to our favorite store downtown, Mast General store and had fun looking around and taking our time. It was a very relaxing and restful time away and I'm glad we did it. So then Saturday we were off to Clemson. Quick overview: We shopped, we sat in the cold, we sat in the rain, Jay offered the keys during third quarter so I could get out of it, I stayed, we cheered, Clemson won, we left, I slept the whole car ride back to Lyman. I learned I choose comfort over cute and I'm OK with that. I prayed for every girl I saw who wore her cute dress with boots. That must be the trend with the younger folk and I'm sure in my time I would've done the same. That day I was thankful for my beanie, my Dansko's, and my poncho! :)

Here's a little timer pic with the three of us.

Joni and I in our matching outfits. The fleece pullovers were found in the children's section and were only $15. If you've ever shopped in a sports store on a college campus you know that is the deal of a century. We bought the hats separate and didn't realize we both had them until we were getting ready to walk to the stadium! BTW, anyone who thinks Georgia looks just like Jay hasn't met Joni.

The hubby and I

Jay and his sister

Joni and I