holiday happenings.

This Holiday Season many activities and events are planned… which is fun, yet also somewhat stressful. I will do my best to stay cheerful during this season of joy, and hopefully I will succeed… it helps that I have already begun planning and “getting ready” for the season. For example, our Christmas Tree has been set up for two weeks, I have all of my holiday shopping completed (and have all the presents wrapped and under the tree). In addition, I have already written our Christmas letter. Wow… I am a major dork. But that’s alright… I like being prepared and obviously my holiday readiness is proof positive of that quirky disposition.

So in terms of the activities and events scheduled to occur this month, here are a couple: The Junior League of Northwest Arkansas' Winter Dreams Tour of Homes on December 7th, Peace at Home Family Shelter’s Top Chefs and Rock Stars on December 15th, SPAMALOT at the Walton Arts Center on December 19th, Christmas (of course), our re-gifting party (which has yet to be scheduled), and then last (but not least) New Year’s Eve. So a lot of things. And of course there are many other smaller events that will also take place in December: play dates, music class, meetings, Sunday School, family picture, sporting events, a visit with Santa… and next Saturday we will be converting Hayden’s crib to a full-size bed. Wish us luck with that!... I’m a little nervous, but hopefully it will work out well!...

So as you can see the Holidays are definitely upon us, and I am ready (as ready as I can be)… so December… here I come!

P.S. It is snowing outside!!!

10 More Weird Things about Me

I've done this before but I have 10 more weird things about me I thought I would post. Here they are:

1. The first time I ever attended public school was when I entered the 9th grade. It was not an easy transition.

2. I am obsessed with my odometer regarding palindromes (numbers that are the same both forward and backward). I watch my odometer constantly to see when it's going to "hit" a palindrome, and when it does I get really happy... and when I miss it, I get kinda bummed because I have missed that "perfect", happy number (and then I wait until it "hits" another one).

3. I've never had the flu.

4. I just finished reading the "Twilight Series" by Stephanie Meyer and I LOVED it!!!... and I feel silly for reading and then enjoying a series of books marketed to teenagers.

5. I hate to cuddle (expect with Hayden)... it makes me feel like I am being suffucated and I can't breathe.

6. When growing up I wanted to be a marine biologist.

7. I don't eat any seafood or vegetables (unless the vegetables are cooked in a soup or something similar).

8. I have a strong need for schedule and routine and I get very stressed out when that routine is altered.

9. I watch WAY too much tv. It is my stress-relief, and I love it...

10. I have never had coffee and I don't intend to. It does not appeal to me.

tea time.... and a nap.

This morning we went over and played with Elizabeth (and Sarah) as we do every Monday. We had a fabulous time (as always) and I took a few pictures of the playdate... among MANY other activities Elizabeth and Hayden engaged in, they had tea... and then they eventually "went to sleep" under Elizabeth's blanket. Hayden seemed to want to cuddle, which Elizabeth didn't seem to appreciate (and Elizabeth, I am not a big cuddler either so I don't blame you...). But they definitely had a fun time!

razorback game

Yesterday we took Hayden to the Razorback Football Homecoming game against Tulsa (which we won!!!... GO HOGS!). Hayden did surprisingly well, and had a fabulous time. I was impressed. He went without a nap the whole day and seemed okay with it (we will not be making a habit of this though). Hayden enjoyed spending time with all of his favorite people, and found a new favorite person: Connie Wilson, my "aunt" from Osceola, Arkansas. Hayden was in love with Connie and wanted to hang out with her the whole time. It was hilarious. So thank you Connie for indulging Hayden. I know he had a good time with you and looks forward to seeing you again. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of them together, but I did get other pictures.

kissing girls

Hayden is very affectionate with the ladies. He has two "special friends" that he likes to try and kiss and hug: Ella and Elizabeth. Friday, I was able to get a few pictures of him trying to kiss Ella. So I thought I would share.

halloween.

For Halloween, Hayden was supposed to be a bear; however, we dressed him up in his outfit on Wednesday night and made an executive decision that the outfit wasn't going to work for him (meaning that it was going to be a struggle to make him wear it).

We did take pictures of him in his bear outfit though, and although he is very happy in the pictures it took great effort on Randy and I's part to make him enjoy the experience. So needless to say, on Halloween he was not a bear. Instead, he was a mini-Randy urging people to vote. They were quite a pair. Hayden got the trick-or-treat thing down VERY quickly: knock on people's doors, get the candy, put it in the bag. We didn't go to many homes but he sure did enjoy himself... so here are some pictures of Hayden in both his bear costume as well as in his mini-Randy costume.