In a mood...

Have you ever just been in a certain mood that you can't shake?? Ugh, I have been in one of those lately. Maybe it's all of the talk of the holidays. Most of my family knows, I'm not a huge fan of Christmas. I know, gasp, right? There's just something about the holiday that I get all scroogey about. I'm really trying to be more in the "spirit," for my kids, but it's not working so far. Maybe it's because Artie and I don't have all of the traditional 'close-nit' family warmth to make me cherry during the holidays. Or maybe, it's all the 'crazies' that go nuts with the shopping "spirit" and forget to stop and think about what Christmas should be (*I do not mean offense to those 'crazies' that possibly enjoyed the adrenaline of sales this past Friday. I too am a sucker for bargains. I am simply referring to those that possibly over extend themselves, become nasty with fellow shoppers, try to outdo others, etc.).

I do know that I can't wait to get 2009 over with. The year has been unbelievably rough for us and I'm hoping 2010 brings many more positive things. Plus, a whole new tennis season will start in January and I can't wait! Though I'm really looking more forward to Christmas being over than actually getting here, I do have much to be thankful for this year and that's what I will focus on. Avery's definitely old enough to understand getting gifts and such, so this year we are really going to try and start working with her on more of the giving aspect. We will be cleaning out old toys and clothes and donating them. And giving old blankets and sheets to the animal shelter. We're going to put Christmas decorations up today, which, I do like pretty decorations at the holidays (the tree ornaments are my favorite-most of them have such great memories):) I absolutely think the holidays can be a great thing-so I'm hoping you're all finding your little secrets to starting yours off wonderfully!! Okay, that concludes the bah hum bug tone of this post...

Moving on. It seems the kids this week have changed by leaps and bounds. It is really incredible how fast they are both growing up. We celebrated Thanksgiving with a small gathering at my mom's house, very nice-though she lost her beloved dog, Simon, a few days before to complications from diabetes and it was very sad not having him begging for leftovers:( Jake was also very missed, of course. We're counting down the days until he flies home on the 18th (a bonus of the holiday season this year!). I was also lucky enough to get to talk to Jake this week. He's very sick so any prayers his way for a quick recovery would help, I'm sure:)!! Being sick can't possibly be very fun when you're in basic training. I'm just a worried big sister because I know that he doesn't have a chance to rest and take care of himself like he should-and he's too stubborn to get any sort of medical treatment (though I do understand why). Other than being sick (and having excruciating blisters from his boots) he has a great attitude and seems to be doing pretty well. Anyway, the winter weather has finally set in-I was so enjoying the extended fall season! The skies are grey, the temp is cold, the air is wet. However, it is a great time for yummy soups and warm, cozy jammies:)! And, for some growing up to occur-my children are going to emerge from this winter season completely different kids!!

My big girl showing some artistic skills while painting a picture to send to Uncle Jake.

This is just hilarious. Avery started doing her version of pushups while Artie was doing his:)

This was my big guy's very first introduction to a sippy cup! He isn't a champ at it or anything yet, but at least he will take liquid from it!

Since I was taking a picture of Spencer during lunch, Avery insisted I take one of her too! She is almost completely off the sippy cup, such a big girl:) And, has been requesting soup for lunch a lot lately!!

Spencer eating his fruits and veggies in the highchair, ahem, I mean Avery's seat that we bought her last year in Charleston because we didn't pack one. She's a little confused on why he gets to use her beloved "Tigger and Pooh" seat-but it's a great way to teach her about sharing.

Here's another hand me down from Avery-the cart cover. So, if we thought we'd be using this again with, say, a boy, we might not have purchased a pink one for Avery. No matter, Spencer could care less what color it is. He likes it because it's cushy and holds toys for him to play with. Such a big boy, this happened to be his first ride in the front of the shopping cart, he has just plain outgrown his baby carrier:(!!

Enjoy the first week of December!