Welcome Daniel Compton!

John and I are proud uncle and aunt to a new little nephew. Daniel Compton Stone was born this evening in California to John's brother Ben and his wife, Jen... We're so very happy that there is a new little Stone... welcome to the world little one - you are already loved!

Polar Express Party and One on One with Santa (twice)

This past weekend was delightfully ripe with Christmas parties, time with Santa and then more time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. First, we hosted a Polar Express movie night in the frigid air but we had it. We had hot chocolate with peppermint, hot apple cider and peppermint sugar cookies. We had hot-dogs and chips and a lot of fun.

Wrapped up tight with down comforters and hats, scarves and mittens we enjoyed the company of our friends and family... the crisp in the air and a fun start to the holiday season.

Our make-shift movie theater...

wrapped up snug as bugs in rugs... and it was still cold.

the official photo with the big man. Ellabee did well, Anne Bailey was apprehensive, but willing to sit and smile - well, smirk.

and later at Gran D's... we got to spend some more time discussing all the different amenities we'd like on our bike from Santa.

We Need a LIttle Christmas

I had the house pretty much decorated two days prior to Thanksgiving. It's actually totally against everything that I believe in regarding getting ready for Christmas, but with Thanksgiving being so late this year, I had to go ahead and get started. So, I decorated early and let the girls help a little along the way. Meanwhile, as I ran around like a chicken, the girls had a good time playing around with my shoes and getting into all sorts of trouble throughout the house.

Of course, I had to get the pictures of the girls in front of the tree with their precious Christmas clothes. As you can see, the girls just didn't really cooperate. Kindof funny trying to snap photos of the girls with little AB running all over the house.

Look - there she is... and there she goes!

She's back again... just not looking at the camera

And the one usable photo didn't have Anne Bailey in it at all.

Anne Bailey did cooperate with the annual Santa photo.

And after the fun, it was time for some playing with Mommy and Daddy's shoes.

Things For Which to Give Thanks

Tonight my father-in-law used the word "Gynocological" in a sentence.  Just dwell on that for a moment - it was disturbing for me as well. 

Anyway, gobble gobble friends.  We are glad for the giving of the thanks and a week off from normal life - but I am also ready to admit that it's going to be nice to get into the swing of the holidays.  My house is decorated, the tree is trimmed and we've made our first batch of cookies.  yee haw - it's Christmas. 

The Thanksgiving holiday started with a bang at the annual Dobson family (and many MANY others) Thanksgiving.  There were 50 in attendance this year.  After the madness, which included a rather large kitchen fire which spiced up the evening - thank goodness the sweet potatoes were saved in the trauma.  

My Daddy and my girl's Daddy... ready for the feast.

Spending some time with Paw Paw

The crew from Crestwood Christian Church.  How funny!

The next morning, we stayed in our pajamas for the entire day.  The men left (mine went to run and see the James Bond movie - the others went to kill woodland creatures) and the women (both big and small) watched the parade, dog show, looked through circulars and shopped online.  We did go to Walmart for a re-con mission Thanksgiving evening - but I remained in my pjs for the trip. 

Checking the online ads on Thanksgiving morning.  

Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Precious - couldn't resist putting this in here.

At 5:15 am (yep, AM) on Friday, we headed out for the annual shopping trip.  12 hours later and finished with all my shopping (including for my angels from work) we stopped at Jim N Nicks for dinner - YUM.  And I headed home. 

12 hours of shopping... done!

So glad to add Marsi this year to our crew... she is my other sister after-all

Saturday morning, we decorated the tree... made a run to Publix and cooked for the gathering at our house to watch UA stomp AU into the ground - I mean, come-on... before you get mad - isn't 36 - 0 a stomping? ROLL TIDE!  I'm so glad that I don't have to endure another year of obnoxious behavior.  Praise the Lord.... on many fronts - a good weekend for all. 

And then there was game-day.  Anne Bailey had a sticker like the other kiddos.

Can I get a Roll Tide from the under 12 crew?

One of Those Kind of Weeks

It's been a good week - although "one of those" as well. I think this picture best illustrates my life (our life) in one photographic image. 

A great blessing has been that I've had a lot of Shrimp and Grits orders lately - but I'm happy to say that they are all finished, so bring on more.  The blessing in that is I've made enough to be able to afford Christmas.  I say that jokingly, but the reality of a ministry job (although definitely my calling) has set in and it's tight... which I know that it's tight for everyone, right? Anyway, I've been sewing A LOT... but not without drama.  Monday, as I was sewing (and holding Anne Bailey), I managed to run my hand under the needle of my machine while it was going.  A trip to the emergency room later and I walked out with a tetnus shot and a wicked bandage.  No sutures but a lot to talk about.  I learned that lesson. 

I'm also working my regular job and a couple of others that I've picked up along the way.  John's job has definitely not slowed down and while he did take the week off, he spent yesterday in the office - sigh. 

The girls have spent a normal week so far, but are getting excited about the cousins coming tonight for the holiday.  I'm also getting pumped about the annual shopping day on Friday and have been looking online to check prices, etc. so that we don't get caught up in the craziness and come home with 5 crock pots just because I think they are a good deal (I still have a couple of those actually). 

Our good friend Brian did come over to take photos of the family Monday and that was a great time.  I can't wait to get the pictures.  Brian is so SOOOOO talented and I love his eye and the pictures he's shot before... if you are looking for a photographer, he is well WELL worth the money. 

And then there's beer... I've found myself craving it this week. Problem?  I think not. Gobble Gobble.

Two Full Weeks of .... Nothing, Really

It feels like the past two weeks have been crazy, but when I look back on my past two weeks with the girls - there's really nothing significant to point to.  Well, not that I don't think that time spent with my kiddos and at work isn't significant, but it really seems crazy that I don't have a treatise or some amazing creation to show for it. 

Here are some pictures from the past two weeks!  Enjoy.

Is that a bucket head or...

It's Anne Bailey!

Our most favorite past time - cleaning.

Running with Daddy... in the cool, really COLD, air.

We headed over to the Trimms for some time with the gang.  Ellabee greatly enjoyed running Capp around the parking lot.

John and I did get to go to a ballgame, afterall.  Thanks Kev and Laurie for the hookup with tickets to the Miss State game - can I get a Roll Tide?

Riding the birthday party circuit - we celebrated Andrew's upcoming 3rd on December 26th 

John scaled the storage shed for kicks and giggles.

A Birthday Party and a Black Tie Event, All In One Day

November brought a big weekend of excitement in the Home of Stone.  We started with the Halloween Party the night before and then Ellabee and I were invited to Maisy's 3rd birthday party.  Finally, John and I had the Children's Hospital gala that night. A fun time was had by all.  That, coupled with a good Homecoming game at UA and a great game between Ole Miss and Auburn as well as the upset of Texas in the UT v. Texas Tech game... well, can I get a Roll Tide Roll?

Maisey was the big birthday princess celebrating 3 Years Old!

Like little birds waiting to be fed.

On Guard!  The games began quickly once we arrived.

And just like that they were done.

Time for the gala!