15.

Last night, my beloved, University of Alabama went on to win its 15th National Championship. I couldn't be prouder of or more excited for my school. (Only slightly bitter I was there during the Shula-era. Sheesh.)

The story of us watching the game last night is pretty comical. We don't have cable, so we were left with a questionable restaurant, where Hubs proceeded to make friends with two 300 lb men that he invited to sit with us. "Us" including our sleeping baby. Whatevs.

Because Alabama is Alabama, and Alabama is going to win! Roll Tide Roll.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Saddest. Day. Ever.

Read here.

Woody's First Chirstmas

• 4 adorable Christmas outfits
• 3 states
• 2 sets of family
• 1 week away
• 0 pictures

I am pretty sure I just made it into one of that "Worst Moms Ever" book. We packed the big camera and video camera, but only the video camera was used. (So thankful we at least have video.) Since I have no pictures, I stole some from Sister's blog.

Woody with his cousins (Jake, Woody, Maddox, and Marrell)

Opening presents with Nana. So exciting.

He was much happier with eating. Next to my mom is my grandmother, Helen Woodfin Hollon- where Woody's first name comes from.

On his way to church. Under that cardigan was an adorable smocked nativity outfit. Sigh.

New Year's Resolution(s)

I honestly had a real laundry list of resolutions for the new year. However, on Sunday, we heard a sermon that scaled me down to two things.

(1) Grow closer in my relationship with God. I want to rely more on His plan, than my own, and instead of just doing what I think is right, actually try listening.

(2) Do more for others than myself. Think of myself less, not less of myself. I have Luke 12:48- To whom much is given, much will be required- in my kitchen. I need start living this way.

I feel now that I have written this for you to see, you can hold me accountable for how I spend me free time.

Happy Birthday Jake!

I am back! There are two more days until I have to go back to work, and I am trying to finish a few last minute projects around the house.

I have to share that this little man turned four on Christmas Eve...

My sweet nephew, Jake, is such a blessing to our  family. It is hard to believe that four years ago I got a call a little after 11:00 pm on Christmas Eve letting me know Sister was in labor...four weeks early. Luckily, both were perfectly healthy. 

My favorite thing about him is the way he talks...as well as the prevalence of his chatter. I have never heard a four year old talk in such detail. Jake also has such a kind heart. He cares about other people and their feelings. I hope my own son shares this quality with his cousin. I love you Jake! Happy Birthday!!

Woody- Five Months

Who is that little dapper gentleman? That is big boy Woody, who turned five months last Friday! With the terrible tragedy that occurred on Friday, this birthday felt extra special- a powerful reminder that we are not promised tomorrow and are blessed to have each day with this amazing little boy.

We spent his birthday taking him to see Santa Claus. I guess I have a lot to learn about this whole thing. The "real" Santa is at Phipps Plaza and to see him, you have to get on the waiting list in July. I kid you not. Since Woody has no clue about this kind of thing, I decided just to take him to the one at Perimeter Mall- much closer and no wait. I figured we would just get one picture so that we could show Woody "Look, you saw Santa even though it was the rip off Santa" when he is older. Well, wouldn't you know that my child decides to be a total baby model and give the cutest picture ever. We bought the $40 package. Suckers.

Yes, he has a rash on his chest. Polyester is to blame.

Woody Facts

• Weighs around 18 lbs. Growing boy.
• Diaper Size: 3
• Clothing: All 9 mo. I tried to squeeze him into a 6 mo outfit one last time, and he popped a button.
• Sleep: WAHOO! Doing so much better. He goes to sleep between 7-8 and usually sleeps until 5-6. It is awesome. I quit swaddling him too. He spent about two weeks in a Sleep Sack before we ditched that. I put him down on his back, but he always rolls to his side or stomach. This makes me incredibly nervous, and being the first time momma that I am, I check on him a million times during the night.
• Eat: We started rice cereal. The first night I gave it to him, he slept eight hours. He doesn't really love it (frowns when I give it to him), but gobbles it down. I think I will start fruits and veggies once Santa brings him his baby food maker. (What?! It is what he asked for! Along with a new shower curtain and matching blanket!) He still nurses ever 3.5-4 hours. I am guessing he is eating around 7-8 oz, based on what he takes from a bottle while I am at work.
• He is rolling over like a boss. If you put him on his back, he immediately flips to his stomach. 
• He is beginning to try to sit up. He balances with his hands in front of him.
• Can reach for toys and pass them back and forth between his hands. His favorite toys are the most annoying loudest ones.
• He is making the "Da-da-da" sound. He doesn't know what he is saying. (This is what I have to tell myself.)
• I have been replaced as his favorite thing by Lucy. Seriously. His face lights up when he sees her.
• Woody likes his exersaucer and activity mat. 
• Sleeps with a lovie. He loves for them to be over his face. Again, cue paranoid momma who constantly goes in to pull it off his face.
• We found out that polyester makes his skin break out. 
• We babysat my friend, Jessica's, little boy, Burke. Woody had a good time playing with his BFF.
• And my favorite...

...when my sweet boy pulls me in for a kiss.

Vern Gets Green and Merry

Vern, my house, has been getting into the Christmas spirit. Mostly since, it is Woody's first Christmas. His theme has been a "Green Christmas."

Ah, my tree. Four years ago, Brooks and I bought that tree in 2008 for $35 at Wal-Mart. Every year we talk about getting a real tree, but there is something special about this tree and her sad bare spots.

I spray painted all my non-neutral balls white. I don't have many ornaments. I know one day my tree will be filled with pipe cleaner angels and Popsicle stick snowflakes.

Notice what is missing? Yeah, that would be a tree skirt. I had a fantastic green one last year (matched my theme!), but a bitter dog felt that she did not have enough gifts under the tree and graced my skirt with a golden shower...

I also need to get on my present buying. The really sad part- guess how many of those are for Woody? Zero. Bad Mom.

I wrapped my gifts this year in brown paper and wrote names in Sharpie. It sounds sadder than it looks. (Right???) I also cut all of the branches off of our tiny (and now bare) cypress tree to decorate the gifts and mantle. Sorry Hubs.

I have been hanging Christmas cards on the garland. Look at these fine folks who have already sent theirs! I on the other-hand, waited way too long to order mine. I just got them in and have hopes to have them addressed and mailed by this weekend. Sorry peeps.

The middle stocking was Brooks' from when we first got married. I used to have a red one with an "L" on it. I bought some green ones to match my green theme. I am not trilled with them, but it works for now.

I used rosemary and cypress since we have a fake tree. Smells yummy. 

My table setting. I have been meaning to buy some peppermint to put in that bowl. I just reminded myself.

My friend, Natalie, gave me these Kate Spade coasters two years ago. They are cardboard, so I won't let anyone use them. 

Well, that is Vern in all his Christmas spirit. Merry Christmas to you!