Get well wishes to Gramma

My Gramma is currently in the hospital not feeling well. Ellie wanted to tell Gramma to feel better! Here she is...

We hope you get feeling better soon Gramma. We love you!!

Tim, Julie, Ellie, and Cole

I only wanted to kick it 537 times...but I finally got the hang of it

Another one of mom and dad's presents to me was a sewing/embroidery combo. I am not one to read directions...especially when there are 200 pages of them. I am more of a trial and error type of gal...(and don't deny that you are not one either). So...after messing up a good bit I finally figured it out. I have posted some of the pics of what I have done. I am not doing this for a business...just for the kids and little shower gifts and stuff. It is just really fun to personalize things!!

Here are my first two items I have done. On the bib the name got closer to the plane than I wanted but I will know for next time!

Ellie counting in spanish...

Here she is...counting to 5 in spanish.

Thanks Mom and Dad for the Flip video recorder

Mom and Dad got each of us a Flip video recorder for Christmas...I love it!! It is SO easy. Christmas was really fun this year. The big man came to see Ellie, Cole, and Luke. Ellie got a train table she was asking for! Here are some videos from today with Tim's side of the family!!

Cole laughing...

Big walls and spanish counting!

Well...there is more to add to Ellie's new found love for the spanish language! Also, she is becoming a geography buff as well. After church on Sunday Tim was carrying Ellie out to the car and the church has a new little outdoor courtyard edged with a small wall. As we were walking to the car Ellie looked down at the wall and said "hey daddy, wook (look) at dat wall...it's wike (like)China." I just could not believe it!! She knows that there is a wall in China. I asked her where she learned that and she said Dora. Then I guess that makes sense since Dora is "Dora the Explorer" Dora explores different places and I guess there was an episode on China!!

Then, last night I was asking her about spanish and all of the sudden she busted out with "uno, dos, tres, quattro, cinco"...my jaw dropped. I asked her what are you doing? She said counting in spanish! Geez...maybe Dora can make an episode on how NOT to use markers to draw ALL OVER YOUR BODY...which is a whole other story in itself! Just use your imagination!!

We are ready for the big man himself to come to visit...SANTA!! I think Ellie thinks she will never get to open her presents since I have had presents under the tree since the weekend after Thanksgiving. But, she got to open her present from My grandparents this weekend. She got a Melissa and Doug wooden doll house...SHE LOVES IT!! It joined her in bed Friday night!! haha.

We go tomorrow for Cole's 6 month appt...I cannot believe he is 6 months old!! Yikes!! I will update on Cole tomorrow!

Ellie in Espanol!

As most of you know Ellie's favorite "tar-toon" (cartoon) is Dora. We have it DVRed so we always have Dora on demand! Well...in the opening credit of Dora she says vamonos and arriba in the little song that is played. Well...Arriba come to find out means come on in spanish. But, I did not know that until Ellie wanted me to do something the other day and she looked at me (I hope you are sitting down) and said "mommy, play wif me - arriba" I was sitting in the chair and when she said that I fell out of the chair! I have heard of arriba from the little band at Frontera...but I never knew what it meant. I looked it up and it means "come on". So...not only did Ellie say a spanish word...she used it the right way. So if it were all in english she would have said "mommy, play wif me, come on".

THEN...April and I were talking in the living room and Ellie was running around. I thought I heard Tim getting home and Ellie always like to tell me when Daddy is home so I said "Ellie go see if daddy is home." So, Ellie ran to the door and looked and I said again "is he home" and she replied...(again I hope you are sitting down) Si!! I looked at April and I said did she just say yes in spanish? April looked back and said "yeah - I think she did." So, if you ever need a translator you know where to go. See...TV can be educational!! hahahaha...

Sick, sick, sick

We have all taken a turn now...getting sick!! I had it first, then Ellie, then Cole, then Tim, then Ellie again. Ellie had an ear infection a couple of weeks ago and she just never seemed to get better so I took her back yesterday and she now has an ear infection in both ears!! She got in a little trouble at school Monday which told me to take her to the doctor. She usually does not act out - especially at school so I knew she did not feel well. While we were at the doctor, our awesome, doctor looked at Cole too to make sure there were no infections...he was in the clear...just snotty. Tim is getting over the fluid in his ears...but he is still snotty too. Hopefully over Christmas when Ellie is not in school we can get rid of the snots!

Ellie got to shop at school today for our Christmas presents. The church preschool gets gently used items donated and then the kids get to go and pick out what they want to buy for each family member...can't wait to see what I get!!

Oh, just an update on Colby...he has not made anymore appearances at the house, yet. But, Ellie's little mind is just working and making up really funny things. I just love to sit and listen to her stories. She is so creative!! Ellie has also noticed how much mommy and daddy exercise and has taken interest. Tim does push ups on his perfect push up bars at night. The other night after Ellie's bath she looked and me and said "ok, time for my push ups" and she went and got Tim's perfect push up bars and attempted to do push ups...she was pretty good at them too!! When we go to the gym in the evenings she always wants to get on the machines and "wurk out" Hopefully we are showing her a healthy lifestyle and not giving her a complex on her body image!!

Ok...I have been hounded enough!!

As you can see I have let the holidays, shopping, and the kids get in the way of my blogging. My sisters have called me out on it - so I am back!! I do not have pics to upload right now - they are uploading on Walgreens.com right now. But, I have updates!

Cole is on the move! He is crawling backwards now and rocking trying to go forward. I cannot believe this b/c Ellie was 10 months when she started crawling. I was not prepared for this - I will soon have two mobile children! Yikes! Cole is getting his two bottom teeth so he is extra drooly and chews on EVERYTHING!!

Now...Ellie...she has become very imaginative. If you know me well you know I usually drink about 1/4-1/2 of a canned coke and leave it around the house b/c the temp gets too hot for my liking (I know - it is my weird little thing in life) well Ellie was up on the counter helping me cook dinner and she picked up the coke and started to drink and I told her she could not have it. She looked at me and in a semi whisper voice said "Mommy I need it b/c my breath smells like butter" Yeah - that was my reaction too - WHAT?!? I just started laughing so hard!! The night before that happened she was up on the counter helping me make dinner again and I was just talking talking talking to her and she looked up and whispered "SSHHHH...mommy...there's a ghost. I WAS FROZEN! I said really what is his name was and she said "Colby" I was SO freaked out!! It was that frozen you get you know when you are laying in bed and you think you "hear something." So, Ellie I guess now has an imaginary ghost friend, Colby.

We put up all of our Christmas decor this past weekend and Ellie just LOVES it!! She walks around the house picking up things and putting them on the tree. The other day I looked and the tree and my umbrella was hooked to the tree!! haha!

Well...I promise I am going to get back blogging!!

Sorry...I am going to get better!

It has been a long time since my last post. We have been so busy...I feel like I never stop until 9-10 pm and by then I do not feel like blogging. But, both kids are sleeping now so I thought I would fill you in on what has been going on.

Cole is getting so big! He loves to be in his jumperoo a lot! I think he is getting a little cold...but seems to be handling it good by sleeping ALL THE TIME! Cole and I had lunch with my friend, Nikki, and Cole flirted the whole time. He would look at her and then start smiling really big and bury his head in my chest. Then, he would slowly turn and look at her again and then smile and bury himself in my chest. I think he has a crush on Nikki!

Ellie is still cracking us up with all the saying and things she does! The other day she said something to me (don't remember what she said) but I told her she hurt my feelings and she ran downstairs and asked to get some medicine. I said what do you need medicine for and she said "I get you medicine because you are hurt" haha...so sweet! Ellie has offically moved into her new playroom...she LOVES it. We had friends over this weekend with kids and they all played in there...it was a mess but it was a contained mess...and not in my LIVING ROOM!! It is really nice to have that room now.

I will post some pics soon...

Evan's Memorial

Saturday marked the 3 year anniversary of my cousin, Evans, death. Every year we gather at his grave and try to make the best of the day. We try to laugh (which is my way of dealing with situations like that) and tell the funny stories of Evan. he is truly missed. Here are some pics...
Ellie and Marin
The whole "Luke" side of the family
Luke and Cole sporting their "camer" flouge and sitting next to Evan's picture

On a lighter note, Ellie had lots of fun trick-or-treating for the first time. She got the hang of it quick!

Luke, Cooper, and Ellie. Cole slept through the whole night!

My little pumpkin!

Nana and her babies

Ellie aka Cinderella

Tim and Ellie

Here is a video of Cole laughing...it is so cute! Tim was getting him going!

The prunes came back to haunt me!

If you read my previous post you can see Cole throughly enjoying his prunes. Ellie never liked them but Cole seems to love them. TOO BAD COLE! They have already come out to visit us. I picked him up out of his entertainer...and OH MY GROSS! Talk about GAG A MAGGOT!! Poo was EVERYWHERE! All down his legs, up his back, all over his front little...you know ;0

Needless to say - he went from the entertainer STRAIGHT to the bath! When I found his accident I looked at him and he was just grinning ear to ear at me! Little booger - or should I say little pooper!

Cole's form of art

Cole learned a new trick...if he sneezes while eating he makes mommy laugh...but...this is what he ends up looking like...

This is me, Katie, and Jill at Jill's most recent shower...
This is how Ellie watches TV while the construction is going on!!
My sweet boy playing in his entertainer and making a funny face
Ellie and mommy

Katie and Ellie at their play date!

Taylor and Cole at their playdate...

Jessie, Cole, and Taylor...

Cole's 4 month appointment

Cole went for his 4 month appointment on Friday and he is healthy as he can be! He weighed in at 16 lbs 9 oz...that is almost 3 pounds LESS than Ellie was at this age! He was in the 70th percentile for his weight. He was 26.5 inches long - which he is 1 inch longer than Ellie was at this age. He was in the 90th percentile for his height. His head was 16.75 inches...the 50th percentile. So...he is long with an average (but small to me) head (Ellie was always in the 90th or above for her head - well...and everything else!!)

Cole got 3 shots - poor baby...but he cried and then got over it. He slept for most of the day I guess due to the shots...so it was a calm day for mommy!

Ellie is trick-or-treating this Friday...her first time. I am not sure if Ellie is more excited or me!! She is going to be Cinderella - let's hope she does not freeze! Cole is going as a pumpkin! I will post pics after Halloween!

Mommy...I want "dat"

Monday night I needed to go to the grocery store BAD! Tim was working late setting up a client tank so I just said screw it...I will take the kids. I just told myself to relax and the kids will be good - which they were! I was very impressed that they were both excellent with no big outbursts.

The only thing that was different than the last time I took them was that Ellie wanted EVERYTHING! We passed by the produce and she wanted Strawberries, Apples, Oranges, Bananas, and mushrooms (?!?). That was a good want - so I got a few new fruits that we don't usually get - we normally get Apples and Bananas. Then we got to the cereals aisle. She wanted Apple Jacks - I have never even had Applejacks...why she wanted them - I am not sure! I gave in on that one and got them (which they are yummy - now mommy is addicted to them...and of course...Ellie has not taken 1 bite! We got to the meat department and she wanted Steak...not sure why again b/c she does not eat steak - so I was finally figuring out that I cannot get everything she is pointing out - at first it was cute...then it got old!

THEN...THE ICE CREAM AISLE - that should be banned from the grocery store. Thanks to her Nana and POPS Ellie had to have a box of pop-ice and every other ice cream box in the aisle. I told her she could pick 1 - she picked the pop ice. She put the box of pop ice in her lap and carried it the rest of the trip. SHE wanted to hand it to the grocery scanner to "pay for it." Which...that is a improvement from her screaming b/c she did not want to give up her grocery like in the past. So, after spending out $25-$30 more than I usually do when I go to the grocery...Ellie was set! I think I will still leave the kids at home when I shop so my bill will stay down!

I don't like to talk about it...so I will write about it...

This time of the year is always a rougher time of the year for me. For anyone who knows me and my family well...we love the holidays. But...it always reminds of me of Daniel and Evan. This is the time of the year that both passed. Don't get me wrong...I am happy for the way my life has turned out, I just don't like what had to happen for me to get here.

8 years ago...wow...8 years...my highschool boyfriend of 4 years died in a single car accident. I was 18 years old at the time. That Sunday evening will never leave my mind. Daniel left my apartment about 4 pm to head back to Statesboro. About 7-8pm my sister best friend, Lyn-Dee, called me at my apartment to see if you could come hang out. I really did not think much of it - b/c me and Lyn have always gotten along well b/c we are so much a like. Little did I know my mom, sister, and family friend Mrs. Greene were on their way to get me. The police had called my mom b/c Daniel had a check from me in his wallet with my home phone number on it. I cannot imagine taking that call. They did not tell my mom over the phone that he was dead...but I think she had an idea. My mom had sent Lyn over to make sure I did not find out before they got there. I was sitting at my computer talking to Lyn-Dee when my mom walked in...then Katie...then Mrs. Greene. My stomach dropped b/c I could see sadness and fear in their eyes. I said what is going on...mom came to me and said Daniel has been in a car accident and we need to go to the hospital. Immediatly I asked if he was alive...she said she did not know. She really left a little bit of postive thinking in my head - even though I don't think she had any. They helped me get dressed and we packed into that car and drove out to Washington, Ga. We pulled up to the hospital or should I say the Washington clinic and right then is when I knew that if he was alive they would have life flighted him to another real hospital. I walked into the hospital and there was a police officer there and they led us behind some doors where I saw Mr. and Mrs. Elder there crying. Mr. Elder looked at me and said "Daniel's dead." From there I remember bits and pieces. They asked if I wanted to see Daniel and I said yes...but mom thought that was not a good idea. So, after prayers and lots of crying and hugs we left and my mom took me back to Lilburn where all my friends were waiting. Since that say...I always think what if...what if he had not come to see me that weekend? What if I had told him to put his seatbelt on before he left...what if he had taken a different route home. All those questions have gotten really bad since I have become a mother. Before becoming a mom, I always felt bad for Daniel and myself, which was very selfish. Now, all I can think about is Mrs. Elder. I think how bad her heart must hurt. If something like that ever happened to Ellie or Cole...I would not be ok...ever. That is what makes my heart hurt now.

Then...3 years ago...my cousin, Evan was killed at his college in Milledgeville. It was so senseless. I will never forget that call either. Tim heard his phone ringing downstairs at 6 am and ran down to get it and I was still sleeping. He came running up the stairs saying it was my mom and something happened to Evan. I answered and I was my very upset mom telling me Evan was killed. I was pregnant with Ellie at the time so mom wanted me to try to stay calm...but who could in that situation. We jumped in the car and headed to Athens to be with the family. When we walked in I saw my Aunt Phyllis, and it broke my heart. Again, now that I am a mom I hurt for her and Jimmy.

I have had to learn that life is really short and anyone at anytime can be gone. Daniel and Evan have made such an impact on my life...I have learned what is important in life...I want to enjoy every moment with my kids and give them lots of life experiences.

Daniel and Evan were a lot a like. They both liked the outdoors, country music, and mostly they lived like there was no tomorrow - both of them were fun people who did not care what other people thought. I appreciate that.

I know they found each other on the other side and now Grampa is there playing, fishing, and cutting grass with them. It makes me feel better to know Grampa is with them to keep them in line.

Ok...well enough of that...I just needed to get that out b/c I don't really like to talk about it b/c it gets awkward and sometimes I feel like I want to cry and I don't like to do that in front of people anymore. So...I am taking the awkwardness out of it by writing about it. So...if you have kids give them hugs and lots of kisses and appreciate every moment you have with them.

If anyone has any good memories with either Daniel or Evan...please comment on here - I would love to show their moms...I know I would like to hear good memories if I were in their situation.

Sorry...my camera is at mom's!

I do not have any pics to show you yet b/c I left my camera at my mom's house this past weekend. Hopefully I can get it back soon!

Last weekend went well...we hosted a cookout and a monkey joes excursion with Tim's brother, Tommy, and his family. Saturday we went to the UGA game with friends Kelly and Kevin. Last, Sunday we had a shower for Jill. Everything went well - Jill got lots of really useful things! Ellie of course loved meeting and playing with her cousins, Lynsey and Lily. Lynsey is 10 and Lily is 5. They were so good with her - they were great little babysitters. I wish they lived closer...I would use Lynsey all the time!

The construction on our new addition and deck started on Tuesday. We need more room in our house (really just a play room). So...we are taking our old deck and making it a room that is apart of the house and adding a new and bigger deck. The deck is already done and right now they are framing in the room. I am really excited - I think it will make such a HUGE difference! Ellie is excited about her new playroom! Cole will too - but he won't remember it any other way!

As soon as I get my camera back I will post pics from this weekend!

This weeks summary ended 10-9-08

On Tuesdays we have our weekly play date with our Friends Jessie, Katie, and Taylor. Jessie is mommies friend, Katie is Ellie's friend, and Taylor is Cole's friend. We are all with in months of being the same age! So...we get a long well. Katie and Ellie sat up there and Katie said "take a picture" so I did! I told them to make a silly face and this is what they did...This is Ellie eating breakfast before pre-school...usually grits or eggs!
Her posing for the camera...what a ham!

This is Cole in the outside swing...he is really starting to enjoy it!


On Thursday evening we usually meet aunt Jill and Nana for dinner. Tonight we went to Outback (one of Ellie's favorites!) It is nice b/c when we go eat Jill and Nana usually take the kids...thanks guys!

Ellie sneaking some of Nana's diet coke!

Aunt Jill and Cole

Both of them?!?

Well...Ellie started off this week with a little tummy issue - let's just say it was not coming out of her mouth ;) She was still able to use the potty...which was a lot different than Cole! Cole now has it and does not use the potty - so you can imagine we have pulled out the rubber gloves and the hazmat team! Hopefully Cole will be feeling better b/c he is spending the night with Nana this weekend while we go to the UGA/UT game. I will have lots of pics to come from this weekends activities. Friday, we are going to Monkey Joe's and having a cookout with Tim's brothers family from PA (and Grammie and Pop Pop of course). Saturday we are going to the UGA/UT game. Last, Sunday, I have Jill's shower in Lilburn, and we are going over to Grammie's for dinner. BUSY...but would not have it any other way!

A pumpkin family weekend!

It was another busy weekend here at the Woodson household!

Friday night me and some of the girls from the neighborhood went to Cinco's in Suwanee. We had such a good time! It is always nice to get out!

We went up to Katie's house to go to Washington Farms. April, Cary, and Ryleigh joined us a long with the Luke side of the family...Ellie was POOPED on the way home!

I took everyones family pics while we were there...great backdrop!

Ellie making brownies

Today Ellie and I made brownies together. I found these GREAT low fat brownies (I know sounds like an oximoron! It is a box mix made by Better Crocker and I get it at Kroger. I was wanting something sweet so I asked Ellie if she wanted to help me. She helped me crack the egg and stir. Her favorite part was licking the wisk! She kept saying mmmmm....yummy.
This is what Cole did while we made brownies...swinging!

The two kiddos

I am losing custody :(

Well...I got some bad news this weekend. As you know, I have been watching my sweet nephew, Luke, since the beginning of August. I have really become close to him since I see him so much and he is my nephew...he is like my own. But, Luke parents (my older sister Katie and my brother in law Dan) have decided not to move here to Gwinnett and to stay to raise their family in Oconee County. I totally think they need to do what they feel is best for their family - I would not want someone trying to talk me out of not doing what I wanted to do - but I am really going to miss the little goof ball. I know the kids will still be close and I will see him a lot - but since I keep him Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I have really bonded with him.

The deal in the beginning was that I would drive to pick up Luke at the Waffle House at Harbins - but that was understood to be just until they moved here. Now that they are not moving - it is just a lot of driving on both parts and we don't really think it is economical. So...this was kind of a weekend of mourning...but I know I will see Luke lots and he will still love me the same ;)

So...to sum it up...I am losing custody of Luke. I guess the parents reign over the aunt (for anyone who does not know me well - Katie and Dan are GREAT parents - and there was no custody battle - I am just being funny)

Ellie's 2 1/2! Grammas...and Monkey Joes with the Kepps

We are at it again...busy bees. I feel like I am going and going and going...like the energizer bunny!




Wednesday we went to Gramma's house. I had the best time! It was really nice outside so we got to pick Gramma's pears for her. I was up on the ladder and I would hand them down to mom and mom would put some on the ground for Ellie to pick up! She loved it and it kept her busy. Then she got to help Gramma make her famous (in our family) homemade bisquits! She had just made some Muscadine jelly so it was even better! I am craving them right now! YUM!




Friday after we picked up Ellie from school the whole fam (including Luke) met Morgan, Kaden, and Brilee at Monkey Joe's. We had so much fun. Since Tim was there I got to play a lot more than the first time. Tim and I tag teamed the babies and playing with Ellie. She was BEAT when we left! Her hair was wet she was so sweaty and her little cheeks were as red as they could be! After Monkey Joe's we came home for a much needed nap and then headed to Nana's to have dinner with them at the club - which we sat outside and was SO NICE!

The boys at Monkey Joe's

Saturday we got up early so daddy could make his tee time. Mom and I took all three kids to Bunten Road Park and walked 3 miles with 3 kids...wow...what a work out!! The last 1/2 mile I was carrying Cole and pushing Luke in the double stroller. It was a nice workout!!


Then there was Saturday night...that is all I am going to say about that :(

Happy 3 month birthday Cole!

Today is Cole's 3 month birthday! I cannot believe it! Time really flies by with you are not pregnant and hurting!! Cole is really starting to "perk" up even more. He plays and interacts now which is nice - he can be left alone while I do other things like clean, wash bottles, or anything else that needs to be done in this house! I look forward to the rest of Cole's birthdays whether they are months or years - I just hope they don't go too fast!

We had Ellie's friend Katie and her mom Jessie over for a play date - the girls had a blast! They played outside, ate (all day), played in Ellie's room, and play in the living room...they really get along good and it is nice to get to know Jessie and have an adult to talk to!! I think we are going to make it an every Tuesday event!!

Whew...that was a busy weekend!

Well...we survived the weekend. We had a packed Friday and Saturday. Friday we went to Frontera and then to the circus. Ellie enjoyed herself and was fun to watch her watch the circus. She would clap when everyone would clap and she danced a lot too! She says her favorite part was the L-Fants (elephants). I had not been to the circus in a long time and it was fun!!

Saturday we woke up and went to Monkey Joe's. What a FUN place! It is just as enjoyable for the adults as the kids. It is only $5 for kids 3 and under and parents are free! What a great way to pay for a nap... :). Ellie played hard with her friends Katie and Ava at Monkey Joe's!

We left Monkey Joe's about 11:30 and ran by the grocery (which was NOT a good experience for me!) Then Mom, Katie, Luke, and Aunt Phyllis came over. Here is Phyllis and Cole!I had a Southern Living party at my house and then as the party was ending the boys in the family came over for dinner and to watch the UGA game. I was pooped last night!

Here is Grammie and Aunt Ellen (Tim's aunt) and the kids...

This week we are going to Gramma's and having Katie over to play. So...we will have another fun week!