Addison turns 8

I really can't believe that it's been 8 years since I became a mom. She's so much like me that it's crazy and scary at the same time. She's wise beyond her years and smarter than her own good. She's sensitive and sweet, but full of attitude. But it's her good heart and soul that makes me find myself rubbing her head and kissing her cheeks each night.

Just like years passed, the day starts with a room full of balloons and presents. This year she asked for a foot spa. Easy enough. She'll use it, I'll use it and we'll all be happy.

Then we headed out for our birthday breakfast at Chick-fil-a. This time she let Morgan go with us. Only because it wasn't testing week at school and I was able to do a birthday treat in her class this year.

Speaking of treat, this one was special. She kept asking me if her name was going to be on the sign in front of her school and I blew her off for a week. She was pretty excited to see it when we pulled in that morning.

 An even better treat was this.

I didn't want to do a big party. We were planning a trip to Disney to celebrate birthdays and I just didn't want to. I had this brilliant idea to let her have 3 friends spend the night, that way the numbers were even. Oh man. I had no idea. First there was dinner.

 Then some arts and crafts.

Then lots of swimming and hot tubing. Yes, I got in. With my clothes on.

And you can't forget my favorite part...the cupcakes!

I'm glad I decided to do the sleepover. These girls are such great friends and I hope it stays like that for a really long time. It's important to have good friends in your life.

Happy Birthday sweet girl! I hope all your wishes come true.

I love you!

-Mommy

Happy Birthday Addison!

With you I became a mother. With you I experienced a love like never before. With you I learn, I laugh, I cry. With you I was blessed. Happy 8th Birthday Addison Grace! I heart you more than you know.

TN christmas - gingerbread train

Every year we try to do some sort of gingerbread activity. This year the girls picked a train. As you can see, Addison did most of the work.

Of course Michael and I lent a helping hand when we were needed.

Morgan wasn't far away though. She sat there the whole time, but had more interest in coloring and hanging out with Nana.

However, when it came time for the candy part, Morgan was all about it. She won't pass up a chance to eat a piece of candy.

And there you have it. One gingerbread train.

We moved it to the fireplace mantle where it made a beautiful decoration during out visit. Then I'm sure it got tossed in the trash.

37

Back in November I turned 37. It's pretty close to 40 and I'm not happy about that, but what are you going to do. I was surprisingly shocked when we went to the airport Friday night to pick up our nephew (who is a pilot and flying all over Florida right now) and in walks my best friend.

I really can't believe the hubby pulled this off. Obviously he had a lot of help from Shannon and a little help from my friend Beth, but I give him a lot of credit. I was completely surprised. I woke up Saturday morning and participated in my first 10k race. Nice little run to start of my birthday. Runs, and birthday's, are a lot more fun when you have friends with you.

 That's a photo finish right there.

I had one birthday goal and that was to finish this race under a 10 minute mile. Well, there you go.

The day was full of surprises. My friend Magaly, who had no idea that Shannon was even in town, decided to stay the rest of the weekend. We all went for massages and then we were off to dinner that night. But before dinner, a competitive round of Bingo. They didn't even let me win.

 Taken before we walked in the restaurant.

Where, guess what? Another surprise was waiting for me. A table full of friends there to celebrate me. Here I was thinking it was just the 3 of us and then I realized Shannon pulled another fast one on me. She had been in Facebook communication with a group of my workout friends and coordinated this whole thing from NY. See people. Social media is sometimes a good thing.

It was a pretty special 37th birthday. Definitely one for the books. You guys better start planning my 40th for me. This one is going to be hard to beat.

the rest of the long weekend

Zarkle still comes on Thanksgiving night, even if we are at Grandma's house.

Since we were in Gainesville on Black Friday, we carried on the Santa tradition too. For some reason there is never a line and we walk right up. So much better than fighting the long lines and people here in Jacksonville. Plus, he's a pretty good Santa. Addison asked for a grown up jewelry box and a light up hula hoop. Morgan asked for a leprechaun house. I seriously thought she was joking, but nope. She was dead serious. What exactly is a leprechaun house? (More on this later.)

 

A visit to Westside Park is always on the agenda when were in Gainesville. The girls ride this merry-go-round the entire time. Complete with sassy girl pose and all. I don't know how they do it. 

 More Zarkle adventures.

Morgan discovered the cinnamon roll. I think it's safe to say she's a fan.

 On Saturday we headed home to find the perfect Christmas tree. We found it!

So what if it took up half of my living room. I didn't care. It was the perfect tree. Switching over to a real tree a few year ago is one of the best moves we've ever made.

thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving at my mom's and then headed to my Aunt's house for a little backyard fun.I was so happy that I got to spend the day with this little turkey.

You know when you pick up a baby and your body just starts to rock from side to side. The mommy sway. I think it naturally occurs in all mothers. I still got it. I swayed baby R right into her turkey coma.

And just like most holidays, we ended up at my aunt's house to visit with first, second and third cousins and eat dessert. There's always some swinging.

And some teeter tottering.

Tractor rides from cousin Ben were a fan favorite.

There was a little sliding.

And a little mothering. Morgan loves when there are kids younger than her. She takes such good care of them. It's sweet to see this side of her and Dylan loved every second of the attention.

I'm thankful for so many things. My friends, my family, all of my many blessings. Especially these two.

My family means the world to me. I'm thankful that Michael puts up with all of our shenanigans.

And last but not least, our Thanksgiving tradition. You can't finish the day without watching Elf.

I love Will Ferrell.