Santa Claus is coming to town!

This year, Will was very aware of Santa and knew he brought presents to nice little boys and girls.  Clay and I weren't sure how to handle the whole Santa situation and I had really put it out of my mind because I was so torn on the subject.


The Santa back story:
Multiple times before Christmas, we would ask Will if he wanted to go see Santa. He always would say no.   Then at his school party, Santa came to pass out present and Will flipped out!

One day my mom and I decided we would take Will to Bass Pro Shop to see how he would react if he saw Santa there.  It didn't turn out well.  We walked around at first and looked at all the activities they had going on. Once I felt Will was in a happy mood, we went over to where they had Santa's workshop.  Will didn't see Santa at first so things were going smoothly.   I didn't want to wait in the line because I wasn't sure of what his reaction would be, so I took him around the side so he could see the other kids talking to Santa and getting their pictures made.  As soon as he saw Santa, he freaked out.  He was crying and seemed genuinely scared, so we left.

For the next few days after that, we would ask him if Santa was going to bring him presents. This was his response: "Santa bring me presents, but he don't come in our house."  Then sometimes he would ask us not to left Santa come in the house while we were sleeping.  I felt so bad because I didn't' want him to be scared but I wasn't going to traumatize him either.

Anytime anyone would ask him what Santa was going to bring him, the answer was always "a green fishing pole."

We had no set Santa plans until my parents and John came to the house this morning.  We had a Christmas miracle occurring, Will was still asleep.

When Will got up, Pop told him that there was a gift on the front porch.  And guess what?!?!  Santa left Will a green fishing pole! 

I have never seen Will so happy.  Thanks to Santa for the green fishing pole and for leaving it on the front porch! :)

Merry Christmas!!!

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 

Luke 2:8-11 

 MERRY CHRISTMAS

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

Pop's Birthday and Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is Pop's birthday!  It is my favorite part of the holidays.  I love getting to celebrate my Dad's birthday and spend time with my family. This is the one family tradition that has always been the same and is non-negotiable. 

Mom made a delicious dinner.  I love when she cooks a big meal. She always makes every one's favorite dishes and we eat until we can't move.

After dinner, we had homemade red velvet cake and Dad opened his gifts and cards.  Of course, Will always is right in the middle of things when he hears the words: cake and presents!

I have the best dad in the entire world and I am so thankful for him! 

Once, we cleaned up the food, Mom wanted me to get a picture of Will in front of their tree.  Pictures and two-year-olds are a challenge. 

Soon it was time to head home and get to bed so we would be ready for Christmas morning.  We got our pajamas on and then Clay read the Christmas Story from Luke 2.  Afterwards, we decided to let Will open one present.

He was thrilled with his Lightning McQueen slippers. He even wore them to bed! 

Merry Christmas!

ReRe and Scooter's House

We just got home from eating dinner at ReRe and Scooter's house.  They invited over for dinner and we exchanged presents. 

Will is always happy when I tell him we are going to see ReRe and Scooter. I think it's because they let him do whatever he wants.  They are like another set of grandparents for Will.  Of course, Kristen and Jordan were there too!

Will was all over the place and was acting super nutty. He is so funny sometimes but it makes me tired.  Ha!

Will got a personalized Lightning McQueen book, Lightning McQueen PJs, a TowMater shirt, and a car.  He was so excited!

Clay and I got the funniest and best gift.  We got a poster sized picture of Will. When I opened it, I just laughed. It is one of my favorite things ever.

I am so thankful to have friends that are like family.  ReRe, Scooter, Kristen, and Jordan are such blessings in our lives!

Clay's Birthday

Clay turned 33 today!!  We had a great time celebrating him on his day.

Will and I made cupcakes.  Will was so excited to make daddy cupcakes.  He helped me put the icing on and he did all the sprinkles.

Then we let Clay open a few gifts and his birthday cards.

To officially celebrate, we went out to dinner at Logan's with family and friends.  I could kick myself for forgetting my camera, but Mom, Dad, Dan, Celia, John, Kristen, Jordan, Ashley, Paul and Shelley joining us for dinner.

It was a fun night celebrating.  I am so thankful for Clay.  He is a wonderful husband and awesome daddy.  Will and I could not ask for more!!  We love you!

Mawmaw's Family Christmas

Sunday, we spent the day in Wedowee.  It was time for Christmas with Clay's Mawmaw and the family.

There were a lot of presents under this little tree!

Before opening presents, we had a great lunch. Mawmaw makes the BEST dressing!  I could seriously eat it at every meal.  And Kim's creamed corn is a must!  I love the food so much.

After we stuff ourselves, it was time for presents!!! Will was so excited. I think Mawmaw bought him evertyhing she saw in the store. He was so happy and after he would finish opening one present, he would say "I need another one!"  He got so many great things from everyone!

Once all the presents were open, it was time to play!  Uncle Gray is always willing to help Will play with his new toys.

Mawmaw got everyone yo-yos and Will loved watching Kody and Uncle Al.

Then the rest of the time we were there, Will was outside.  I think at some point he had every single person play with him outside.  He and Uncle Al even picked up some pinecones!

And Will, Kody, and Uncle Ray played soccer.

Will had a great day and it was so fun to see him so happy.  He talked about Uncle Al, Kody, and Uncle Ray all night!  I love that everyone is willing to spend time with him. 

It's always wonderful to spend the day in Wedowee. It's definitely our family's hone away from home.

Pawpaw's Family Christmas

We had a weekend full of family events.  Our first was Christmas lunch with my Pawpaw and mom's side of the family on Saturday.  We had 30 people so we had it at our church so everyone would have a place to sit!

It was so fun getting to see everyone and catching up.  Because there are so many of us, we don't do gifts anymore, but people still brought Will a few!

Here are the guys. I am sure this table was up to no good.

Curt, John, Richard, Clay, Hunter and Brad

And the annual Cousin picture:

:

Top: Brad, John, Richard, Curt

Bottom: Amanda, Rendee, Hunter

We were missing Phillip and Michelle. :(

And my Pawpaw's Great-Grandkids:

Cameron, Brandon, Ashley and Will

Me and Rendee: Cousins and Life-Long Friends!

It was a great day spent with family!  My mom planned the whole thing and did a wonderful job. We were also excited that Pam and Murray were able to come and be with us!