Daddy’s Out Numbered

I found the perfect alternative to visiting a mall santa.  Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with mall santa…just really long lines, feeling like you should hurry up because other people are still standing in that really long line once you finally do reach the jolly ole fellow, and picking from mediocre photos of your child screaming his/her head off. 

This year instead we had tea with Santa at the Hermitage Hotel.  Instead of standing in line for and hour and a half we were escorted into a beautiful, I mean beautiful room (chosen by many couples to host their wedding receptions), seated at our table, treated to finger food which included tiny pb&j sandwiches, scones, cookies and our choice of tea or hot chocolate.  We were served by a very understanding wait staff, as was evident when Ava promptly knocked over her glass of water when we sat down.  The children were all dressed in their best clothes and it was all very posh.  A magician entertained the children for a while and then the hostess read the night before Christmas.  Then the main event…Santa!  He came into the room and walked around to each table greeting and conversing with each child.  He made a real attempt to ease those children who were initially scared of him.  He made his way to his chair under the Christmas tree and each child had their unhurried moment chatting with Santa.  There was a professional photographer on hand to take photos, but we were also allowed to take our own.  That means we have beautiful digital photos that we can manipulate any way we like. 

This is the way to see santa! 

After visiting with my other relatives we travelled to Kentucky to see my mom, aka, Bam.  The girls always have a great time with Bam and Donnie and they love to see the horses and cows.  The farm is a great place to just run free. 

One day my husband came home and said he had a surprise for our daughter Dylan.  He managed to get the highly sought after Miley Cyrus ticket…on the 11th row!  Now Dylan is four…  yes that’s probably a little young, but she’s not clued into the whole controversial photos/dancing on a stripper pole, etc… She just knows she will see Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana!  We left all the other information out. 

I accompanied Dyl pickle to the concert.  I admit it wasn’t completely intolerable for me.  I had loud, but pleasant conversations with the other mothers around me.  We all discussed how expensive the snow cones were and that we had just spent $30 on a t-shirt.  Hey it’s her first concert,  we had to commemorate it with a t-shirt!   She got a little tired towards the end and started asking, with about four songs left, if this was the last song.  Overall she had a great time and it was a special moment for me as well.  My husband the photographer wasn’t there to take his usual fantastic photos, but I snapped a few for her so she can look back at her first concert when she’s 16 and think..Miley Cyrus..really mom? 

I’m a little behind on my posts, but I promise to catch up quickly! 

We spent part Thanksgiving with my father’s side of the family.  It was special for me because I don’t get to see them much since my dad passed away and they were such a big part of my childhood.  I knew it would be hard being with them without my dad.  My uncles look like my dad and have such similar characteristics.  It was emotional for me but also so rewarding to see my little girls playing at my aunt’s house like I did as a child.  They sat at the same piano I did and “played”.  For most of my relatives it was the first time they met my daughters.  It was just very special for me and I hope all my aunts, uncles and cousins know how often I think of them and how much I miss and love them.

We took a walk in the woods today and Jimmy took some great photos!  Hope you enjoy!

I look into your eyes and I see how tired, worn down, and at the end of your rope you are. I’ve listened to your life story, having lived part of it with you, and I struggle with how you got to this place as well. It pains me to see you so defeated and lost. I can’t image what I would crumble into if I was going through what you are right now. I know you feel like giving up. I’m asking you not to. Anyone who knows you believes you can get through this. Even the powers working against you know you are not to be taken lightly. I know you’ve lost a part of who you are. I want to remind you who you are.

I, like many of our friends, have always thought of you as fearless, resilient, and strong. You are the friend who stands behind me even when I’m dead wrong and you know it. You lead with an open heart and trust even those who do not deserve your trust. You are the freest spirit I know. You are not judgmental, but open and kind to everyone. You are a wonderful mother. I watched you, tired, worn down, in desperate need of sleep and peace, play all day with your son and my children. There is no doubt that you love him and want him in your life. I watched your son jump into your arms and say… I love you. He loves you…don’t forget that and he needs you in his life. You are a fighter. You would never let any of your friends give up if they were in a similar situation.

I know you feel like you don’t have much left to keep going. I know you feel like you’ve lost yourself. I stood beside you at church on Sunday and heard your voice as you sang in the crowd. Friend you haven’t lost your voice. It’s as beautiful as it ever was. It was all I could do to not cry right there because hearing you sing sounded like hope to me. There is hope. Keep praying…He will answer in his own time…not ours. Your friends and family are here for you. Don’t give up.

The BHS dance team just hosted their annual dance camp.  Even though she’s really too young, they let Dylan participate and she loved it!  Here’s a big thanks to the BHS dance team members!  She hasn’t stopped talking about it.  You know I took a video… are you crazy???  Here she is!

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