Don't Hold Your Breath!

If you're waiting on the Lott Family Christmas card in your mailbox you'll be very disapointed this year. Well, I'm sure you won't be nearly as disapointed as me for not getting them done. I feel so inadequate as a mom. Shame on me I didn't get the cutest custom photo cards on the face of the planet that somehow reflects my superior mothering skills. Just kidding. It's stupid I know, but it's something I enjoy doing right down from taking the pictures to picking out the cutest custom photo cards on the face of the planet to addressing all bazillion of them flooding me with memories of each individual in my address book. Not to mention, I've received so many stinkin' cute cards. I just love it, and I'm sure I'm not the only one that likes to get them too!
It started with the fact we couldn't get pictures done until the last minute because Asher had been sick. I got a couple good pics afterall. Then, I went to Hobby Lobby to get the kind of cards you insert a 4X6 print into, but silly me signed all of them with a gel pen. The ink smeared on just about all of them. So, I rushed to Wal-Mart on my day off to just get some regular ole folded cards to stick the 45 prints I've ordered. I got the envelopes addressed and ready. Then, all I had to do was pick up the pictures, insert, and poof! Finished! NOPE! When I went to pick them up the order did not process online (although it showed on my banking). There were no pictures! That was Thursday. I finally surrendered. No cards this year. Sorry!
I must add to my ranting (and change the tone a bit) that even though there are no cards this year please know how important you as my family and friends are to us. No matter how far the people we care for are or how long of time there is between our conversations there has been a part of our lives that have been changed. The Lord has blessed us with so many wonderful people. Mark jokes all the time that I have more "best friends" than anyone he's ever known. I'll take that as a compliment! Thank you for making our year and our lives richer! God bless!

Be Still My Heart

I've expressed sadness over this before, but I was looking through old pictures. THIS was my baby a year ago! Here he was on Christmas morning. So precious!

Congratulations!

I am happy to announce the birth of Tim and Erin's baby girl. Everyone is doing well, but I have't gotten the update on what Jake thinks yet!

Shelby Claire Norman

Born 9:40 AM December 16,2008

6lbs, 2 ounces

19 1/2 inches

It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year!

As we get into the season there are things you have to do. You know like decorate, get holiday outifits, do Christmas cards, etc. etc. We FINALLY got some pics made today. Taking Christmas card pictures has been an ordeal this year. Asher has been very sick with allergies, teething, and now an ear infection. There have been very few oppurtunities to take his picture. Poor guy has had a runny nose and eyes and dark circles under his puffy little eyes. So, this year instead of custom printed cards there will be box cards with 4x6's inserted. I kind of like that anyway. That way folks can save the picture if they choose. Seriously though, Christmas cards have turned into a way to say "hey, we're still alive, and look how cute our kids is", right? It's terrible really. Nevertheless, I'm praying that with the economy being so bad and so many people suffering in the pocketbook that we can all just prioritize and realize the deepest meaning of the season. It's the ultimate joy through Christ's birth that has been offered to us!

Here are a few pictures as we gear up for Christmas...

Asher being VERY excited that Daddy and Mommy like to online shop!

This is Asher sitting with Daddy after a meltdown. The pictures almost didn't happen today either.

One of the better shots. I promise he could be a professional. He's just cheezin'. You'd never know he had been upset.

Another good one. Many of you will see some version of this one in your mailboxes I'd bet.

Aaaaand...Last but not least--Little shepard boy Asher. Here he's sitting very still and quiet, waiting on his cue to go up and be in the nativity scene at church. So sweet!!!

Ah HA! Found it!

My sweet husband (...and handsome might I add) had the cord. I'm still not sure why. Anyway, here is a wrap up of our fall.

Asher finding out what Halloween is really all about...Candy!

Erin's last Halloween with one kiddo. Here she's enjoying some treats with Jake.

Jakey standing in Pop's store front window.

My precious boy enjoying the fall leaves.

This is my husband's craftsmanship. He made these for our Sunday School Class with no plans, nothing! He's so good:) Congrats Andrew and Wendy!

Asher being Asher

Asher at the indoor playground.

I had to work Thanksgiving Day, and Mark couldn't go to MS with us the weekend so I made a little mini Thanksgiving Dinner for us the Tuesday before. It wasn't the same though. Thanksgiving Dinner should not be cooked in an hour!
Turkey tenderloin, Cornbread Dressing with gravy and cranberry sauce, green beans, and sweet potato casserole.

Asher enjoying Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma's. We don't like for him to wear the cap when he eats. However, we picked our battles here. He loves that hat!