A couple of weeks ago Asher got to ride the Polar Express at the Tennesse Valley Railroad Museum. We sang carols, listened to stories, ate gingerbread, drank Yoohoo and of course visited with Santa all while traveling to the "North Pole".It was a great time and really got us in a festive mood.
"Climbing the world" with Mommy and Daddy
Our special guest Gran
Daddy
Santa is coming!!!
Totally starstruck
Best BudsThank you for making a stop in the Scenic City early! We woke up last Friday morning (pics on camcorder) to find that your elves had been working very hard on setting up my new Rainbow Playset. Mommy and Daddy said it's really hard for you to get it all done in one night so you started early with swing sets this year.
Inside the fort was a letter from you and an elf to put on our shelf. I will continue to brush my teeth regularly and go potty just like you asked. And yes, I agree. I have been a very good boy! I can't wait to see what other treats you have waiting for us Christmas morning! Thank you, thank you!
It could be very easy for me to whine about our actual Thanksgiving day since Mark was night shift and slept all day. He was then off to work again after dinner at friends'. However, I looked at the glass as half full. 1. He HAS a job to provide for us. 2. We have friends that care enough to offer us awesome food and fellowship.
As some of you know I can be Negative Nellie sometimes. So, I'm really proud of myself because I didn't even have to try too hard:) The Lord is definitely making some good changes in me lately.
Here is a small list of things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving Holiday. Unfortunately I can't take credit for this idea. I got it from a friend's blog.
A=Asher. My precious boy that I believe is the cutest thing on earth. He's a perfect display of mine and Mark's love.
B=Besties as Erin calls them. I just love my dear friends that no matter the time or distance that separates us know my heart. They know where I come from firsthand and why I'm the person I am.
C=Cody. Through the years has been more like a little brother than a nephew.
D=Disney Cruise. It was our awesome vacation this year!
E=Everlasting life. Through Jesus I've been offered the most incredible gift!
F=Family
G=God. People that don't have Him simply exist. They don't live. I'm glad I don't have to understand that!
H=Home. Although I complain about the structure itself a lot it's a place of faith, hard work, and love.
I=In-laws. I don't even like that term because they're simply family. They love me whole hearted and treat me as their own.
J=Jobs. So many people are without this year. I often wish I could be home with Asher more, but he knows he is loved and gets lots of attention regardless. I thank God for giving me skilled knowledge to provide for my family.
K=Kisses. Whether in the form of "kissy lips", "horsie kisses", or Eskimo kisses I love them all! It's a nightly ritual.
L=Life. God blesses me every morning with good health.
M=Mark. The love of my life, the man of my dreams.
N=Naps. Mmm. Need I say more:)
O=Offerings. Our time, talent, and money. When we finally let go of them we receive so many blessings in turn just for being faithful.
P=Pictures. Can you imagine life without them?
Q=Quiet time. The time I take to simply feel God's presence and hear Him. I don't do it nearly enough!
R=Railroads. Anything related is pure joy to Asher.
S=Sisi. She helped make me who I am today.
T=Tyner United Methodist Church. I love my church family.
U=University. My good ole alma mater the "W". I have nothing but wonderful memories of that place. I'm proud to be part of the long blue line!
V=Vacation. Since Asher was born Mark and I decided vacations whether big or small were vitally important. It's a chance to get away from the stressors of life and work to focus on nothing but our family.
W=Wilma. The best step mother a girl could have.
X=X-Rays. No kidding I'm not making this up because X is a hard letter. With X-Rays particularly videofluroscopy I can better help so many of my patients.
Y=Years. I have spent 3 very happy ones with Mark. We have lots more to go!
Z=Zoos. They're an instant memory maker. Going to the zoo is one of the activities Asher and I do on my days off. Such fun!
I could go on and on!
Not sure what the leaf is for but what a cute face!
deciding a stick in his mouth makes a good prop
a whole body tremor as he shows off his massive muscles
WATCH OUT! his shirt is about to pop!!
The Halloween season has been a load of fun for our household. It started with the annual Choate/Allen party which is unbelievable. This year it included inflatables, haunted hayride, sack races, football, bonfire complete with marshmallows and ghost stories, and of course plenty of food! Then, we had trunk or treat at church Wednesday night. We decided not to do a trunk this year since Asher is old enough to enjoy it. (I was a ding dong and forgot my camera!) Halloween night we went on a hayride while trick or treating in a friend's neighborhood.
Asher just enjoyed all of it so much.!I'm so looking forward to the upcoming holiday season. I think this was a sneak peak of the fun we have in store!
Thomas the Tank Engine
Just being cute
My graveyard cupcakes for Halloween night. As if there wasn't enough sugar with all the candy!
Asher and Mommy on the hayride
Getting the hang of this trick or treating biz!
Daddy's first Grandchild. That was almost 19 years ago, and that baby is 6'5'' now!
Cancun, Mexico
My grad school graduation
Family Dinner
My Wedding
Asher's BirthDon't you just love happening upon something that "tickles your fancy"? Well, in the last week my eyes have been opened to 3 great products that can be especially appreciated by my girlfriends:
1. Gigi's cupcakes. We have a new Gigi's Gourmet Cupcakes open close to our house. It's a franchise that started in Nashville and has now blessed us Chattanoogans with mouthwatering cupcakes sure to jeopardize any waist line! They have a daily menu of utter temptations. The cupcake are a pricey $3. However, Asher and I think it's worth it for an occasional treat. The lady working there says Gigi herself says you can eat 2 a week without gaining weight. I guess she would know owning a cupcake empire and all!
2. Votre Vu Skin Products. One of my dear friends from college has started selling this line in Chicago. She sent me samples, and I just can't wait to actually buy the products now. My skin feels so soft and even looks better after using them just a few times. The products are so European chic and make me feel kinda posh:) So, Arbonne consider this your Dear John letter for skin care. I'll be passing you along the way for an occasional cosmetic product perhaps. Mary Kay, I may have others on the side, but I''ll always love you! (If you're interested in the products or business opps just contact Jenny)
3. Victoria's Secret Perfect One Bra. Now, by reading the last 2 items it sounds as if I may pamper myself a lot or I'm spoiled or something. Don't be fooled. I've fallen in the rut just like a lot of other Moms by not spending much money on myself. I can often justify putting off shopping for ME to get something for the house or Mark or Asher or just whatever really. There are certain things a woman NEEDS though, you know? One of those things is undergarments. I've gotten tired of wasting money on cheap, poor quality ones so I "invest" in this area. I keep them a long time anyway. So, with all that said let's just say this new brazear is rightfully named. Sorry if you think this is a bit TMI, but face it we're adults here! Ladies need to know these things before spending 50 bucks!
Enjoy ladies!
Asher had the most exciting time of his life at the end of September. I was convinced that he thought Mark and I were big fat liars because for a couple of months now we've told him we're going on the "Mickey Boat"aka Disney Cruise. Of course, in his 2 year old mind he didn't get it because they only think of the here and now (I should take notes). Luckily, it DID happen, and we had a wonderful time. My only regret is that we didn't go on the 7 day. It was just the perfect vacation for our 2 year old that HATES sand and his Mommy that loves sun! It really limits our options when your considering something "toddler friendly".
For those considering going on the Disney Cruise (which is the only I would consider especially with a child from what I've heard) just remember to relax. I have to admit the first day was a little tough with the lines and business to tend. I was also very overwhelmed with the 4 page schedule given to us. I felt like I had to go to everything which was exhausting and simply a huge headache since neither one of us had a watch. We quickly just chilled and paced ourselves and had an awesome time. By the way, choose the 8 o'clock dinner time too. You'd be way too rushed to get ready for 6. Believe me and 5 extra pounds of me--You will NOT go hungry!
Well, here is a recap of our fun, fun, fun. Here are some of Asher's favorite parts:
...Eating french fries and drinking Coke in bed. Asher thought this was the coolest ever! We liked it a whole lot too. While Asher was napping we ordered room service so when he woke up he helped us indulge a bit.
...His hook! While staying in the airport hotel Asher got a Captain Hook hook. He carried for a large portion of the cruise. In the picture you can see him holding it on Pirate Night. Aarrgh!
...Towel Animals. It was like a game each night to come in and see what kind of animal was left for us during turn down service. It's hard to tell with the light curtain, but this one was a monkey.
...Movie in a theater AND it was 3-D
...Mommy and Daddy's undivided attention with no work schedule!
The Lott's are still around! I've taken some pictures lately but not too many. It's just been super busy. Some of you may not know, but I lost my job in June. The Lord has really blessed me and provided me with plenty of PRN work though. I haven't even had to take a real position yet! However, the maternity leave I've been covering for 6 weeks is about to end. I'll go on vacation next week and who knows how things will be when I get back. I know I'll have a few home healthcare visits waiting on me, but I'm not sure just how many. Until then I'm just going to pray and enjoy my vacay! Please keep us in your prayers too. Luckily work has never been at a shortage for me so I have faith it'll be ok. Plus, I look forward to spending my day or two a week at home with Asher again!
Warning: I realize many of you will NOT share my excitement over this topic especially if you were born after 1970...I'm a nerd:)
Saturday I was able to check something off my official unofficial Bucket List. I saw Sir Paul McCartney live in concert in Atlanta! Mark knew what a thrill this was for me the he even surprised me with VIP tickets. It was quite the experience. The perks included all the food, drink, and cocktails you wanted and best of all really nice air conditioned bathrooms:)
We had to wait in the sweltering heat for about 4 hours, but we totally forgot about when he hit the stage. It even came a downpour later during the concert. I didn't care. I was all smiles singing along with every song. He's one of the greatest musical artist ever, and his concerts are considered "once a generation". Let's face it. There aren't many more left, but that man is rockin' it even at 67!
The only bad part was we were instructed not to take cameras in with us so we didn't. Come to find out they weren't strict about it at all. There were cameras everywhere! So, for those of you interested heres a link of some pictures of the concert taken by the media.(I found it entertaining there was a picture of a couple from Tupelo. People from Tupelo have REALLY good taste! :)
Also, my friend Katie found some YouTube stuff.
This is the playlist including 3 encores:
Drive My Car
Jet
Only Mama Knows
Flaming Pie
Got To Get You Into My Life
Let Me Roll It
Highway
The Long And Winding Road
My Love
Blackbird
Here Today
Dance Tonight
Calico Skies
Mrs Vanderbilt
Eleanor Rigby
Sing The Changes
Band On The Run
Back In The USSR
I'm Down
Something
I've Got A Feeling
Paperback Writer
A Day In The Life/Give Peace A Chance
Let It Be
Live And Let Die
Hey Jude
---
Day Tripper
Lady Madonna
I Saw Her Standing There
---
Yesterday
Helter Skelter
Get Back
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band/The End
It's funny, sad, amazing, just whatever how time changes things. We all know that, right? A picture proves it though! Look at what a difference 11 months can make!!! (I'm not even going there about how I feel about this!)
School pictures at 15 months
School pictures at 26 months!Well, honestly my lack of blogging has been because we've been busy but mostly because I haven't downloaded any pictures lately. Who wants to see a blog with no pictures, right?Mark has been taking a lot of pictures with the camcorder, and I haven't taught myself how to man that yet. Evidently I need to because according to my husband it is a BA piece of electronics. Whatever. I like my old Kodak!
The water area at Lake Winnie
Taking his friend Lili Kay on a ride in his Jeep at Lake Winnie
After swimming in Lake Chatuga. Thanks, Conner!
Evening festivities with the water hose
Getting Daddy
Getting Momma
Painting after water playtime
Showin' off his Elmo shoes that he was once scared of
