Didn't want the last post of 2012 to be so sad...so here is a video of the boys singing and dancing to some of their favorite holiday tunes. Enjoy!
2012 Christmas Song & Dance from Tracy Lovelady on Vimeo.
December 31, 2012
pitiful Ben
I think we have unofficially started a new Christmas tradition...getting sick!
Some of you might remember that two years ago on Christmas Eve Carter came down with the stomach bug in the middle of the night. And last year Adam and I were both so miserable with head colds that we made back to back doctor appointments pleading for medicine to help us feel well enough to enjoy the holidays. Well, this year was no different and I guess it was Ben's turn.
On a Friday afternoon Ben woke with a 102.6 fever and that morning his cough sounded pretty nasty so in to the doctor we went. They heard rattling in his chest and put him on a z-pack.
We suffered through 2 long nights with fevers up to 104.9. Poor thing was so hot...all the way to his fingertips.
We faithfully alternated between Tylenol and Motrin and just tried to make him comfortable. On Sunday...he was still very puny so back to the doctor we went.
That shot was from the doctor's office on Sunday. The doctor was convinced he had the flu from looking at him...but the test came back negative (which was miserable for Ben...they stick that q-tip thing way too far up your nose if you ask me!) At this point he had been on z-pack for over 48 hours so there should have been improvement. So the next thing she did was test his white blood count which thankfully came back normal. So she sent us back home and told us to come back Tuesday if he wasn't any better.
The next two days were a LOT of "mama hold me" and "mama can I sit in your lap" or just a pitiful look with his arms outstretched for me to pick him up. Poor thing.
See, I have the pictures to prove it. My ALWAYS active boy was nothing but still and uncomfortable.
On Tuesday morning he showed signs of improvement...but that afternoon he woke from his nap in pain. I could just tell something was not right. He would be ok for a few minutes and then would scream in pain. So, yes, once again back to the doc we went.
This time he had an ear infection. They loaded us up with more meds and ear drops and sent us on our way again. (Once again, the doc said all of his symptoms pointed to flu...so maybe he had a strain that didn't show up on the test?)
Thankfully, that helped us turn the corner. By Wednesday morning he started to show signs of improvement. He even ate a popsicle! And smiled about it!
Even though it was a pretty tough bug...I am thankful that it came a week before Christmas and he was back to himself by Christmas morning.
Looking forward to 2013...despite a few bumps in the road...I am so thankful for our health!
UPDATE: just found another picture of Ben sick and I had forgotten all about it! At our first dr. visit they thought Ben's coughing might be asthma related so he got a breathing treatment. He did great with it...and turns out he does not have asthma so we shouldn't have to do it again. But just another piece of the story that I wanted to include.
Some of you might remember that two years ago on Christmas Eve Carter came down with the stomach bug in the middle of the night. And last year Adam and I were both so miserable with head colds that we made back to back doctor appointments pleading for medicine to help us feel well enough to enjoy the holidays. Well, this year was no different and I guess it was Ben's turn.
On a Friday afternoon Ben woke with a 102.6 fever and that morning his cough sounded pretty nasty so in to the doctor we went. They heard rattling in his chest and put him on a z-pack.
We suffered through 2 long nights with fevers up to 104.9. Poor thing was so hot...all the way to his fingertips.
We faithfully alternated between Tylenol and Motrin and just tried to make him comfortable. On Sunday...he was still very puny so back to the doctor we went.
That shot was from the doctor's office on Sunday. The doctor was convinced he had the flu from looking at him...but the test came back negative (which was miserable for Ben...they stick that q-tip thing way too far up your nose if you ask me!) At this point he had been on z-pack for over 48 hours so there should have been improvement. So the next thing she did was test his white blood count which thankfully came back normal. So she sent us back home and told us to come back Tuesday if he wasn't any better.
The next two days were a LOT of "mama hold me" and "mama can I sit in your lap" or just a pitiful look with his arms outstretched for me to pick him up. Poor thing.
See, I have the pictures to prove it. My ALWAYS active boy was nothing but still and uncomfortable.
On Tuesday morning he showed signs of improvement...but that afternoon he woke from his nap in pain. I could just tell something was not right. He would be ok for a few minutes and then would scream in pain. So, yes, once again back to the doc we went.
This time he had an ear infection. They loaded us up with more meds and ear drops and sent us on our way again. (Once again, the doc said all of his symptoms pointed to flu...so maybe he had a strain that didn't show up on the test?)
Thankfully, that helped us turn the corner. By Wednesday morning he started to show signs of improvement. He even ate a popsicle! And smiled about it!
Even though it was a pretty tough bug...I am thankful that it came a week before Christmas and he was back to himself by Christmas morning.
Looking forward to 2013...despite a few bumps in the road...I am so thankful for our health!
UPDATE: just found another picture of Ben sick and I had forgotten all about it! At our first dr. visit they thought Ben's coughing might be asthma related so he got a breathing treatment. He did great with it...and turns out he does not have asthma so we shouldn't have to do it again. But just another piece of the story that I wanted to include.
Taking our Lists to Santa
As Christmas got closer...Santa got more confused. Our boys' lists for Santa would change daily depending on what toy catalog came in the mail...or what toy our neighbors would be playing with. So I decided to help Santa out by physically taking lists to Santa in hopes they wouldn't change!
In case you need some help deciphering their adorable handwriting, here is what they say...
Carter:
"Dear Santa,
Can you please bring me Cars Dominoes and a green light saber?
Love, Carter"
And he drew a picture of some cookies and milk for Santa.
Ben:
"Dear Santa,
Can you please bring me a blue light saber and finger puppets?
Love, Ben"
His picture is of a blue light saber and finger puppets. Sort of.
So we headed to our local mall and took our lists to Santa.
Both boys did great.
We enjoyed a lunch with Daddy and our new reindeer ears at Chick-fil-A post Santa visit.
Unfortunately...Santa got a little confused about one of the requests...more on that to come later.
In case you need some help deciphering their adorable handwriting, here is what they say...
Carter:
"Dear Santa,
Can you please bring me Cars Dominoes and a green light saber?
Love, Carter"
And he drew a picture of some cookies and milk for Santa.
Ben:
"Dear Santa,
Can you please bring me a blue light saber and finger puppets?
Love, Ben"
His picture is of a blue light saber and finger puppets. Sort of.
So we headed to our local mall and took our lists to Santa.
Both boys did great.
We enjoyed a lunch with Daddy and our new reindeer ears at Chick-fil-A post Santa visit.
Unfortunately...Santa got a little confused about one of the requests...more on that to come later.
December 30, 2012
Neighborhood Luminaries
When we moved into our new neighborhood, we didn't know much about the actual community association or the activities they sponsored. This fall we enjoyed a neighborhood bbq with bluegrass music. And this Christmas season we received a letter telling us about the annual night of luminaries. It is a fundraiser that benefits the Ronald McDonald House and for one night our streets are lit with beautiful candle light.
I bought one kit of 10 bags/light/sand for $10 to set out in front of our house. I also decided to volunteer to help make the other bags for the main streets in the neighborhood. We made around a thousand bags I think. There were lots of teenage volunteers which was fun to see. I later learned that there are volunteer hour requirements at the schools...and this qualified as fulfilling a volunteer hour...but whatever the reason they were there it was good to see. And I fully support our kids participating in community events and volunteering in the future as well...required or not!
At the end of my shift my boys showed up to fill up our bags...a big pile of sand and shoveling? I should have signed them up to volunteer early. Think they would have loved it!
Once it was dusk...it was time to set out our lights.
And here are some shots of our neighborhood all lit up. What a fun and beautiful sight to enjoy in the years to come!
I bought one kit of 10 bags/light/sand for $10 to set out in front of our house. I also decided to volunteer to help make the other bags for the main streets in the neighborhood. We made around a thousand bags I think. There were lots of teenage volunteers which was fun to see. I later learned that there are volunteer hour requirements at the schools...and this qualified as fulfilling a volunteer hour...but whatever the reason they were there it was good to see. And I fully support our kids participating in community events and volunteering in the future as well...required or not!
At the end of my shift my boys showed up to fill up our bags...a big pile of sand and shoveling? I should have signed them up to volunteer early. Think they would have loved it!
Once it was dusk...it was time to set out our lights.
And here are some shots of our neighborhood all lit up. What a fun and beautiful sight to enjoy in the years to come!
December 29, 2012
Durham Tower Lighting
We enjoyed several new Christmas activities this year in our new region. And although we tried several...there were many more that we just didn't get around too for one reason or another...so we still have LOTS to explore next year.
In Richmond, we always enjoyed going downtown to Adam's office for the big lighting of the Christmas tree and seeing all of the reindeer. This year we headed to Durham for the lighting of the Lucky Strike tower.
They had this really cool interactive Christmas music hologram thing. Not sure exactly what to call it. Basically, you stood in a particular spot...then if you put your hands over another spot and raised your arms up or down you could adjust the tempo, sound, etc. Here is Carter testing it out.
And how about a rare picture of mom and dad?
They handed out these light sticks for the event and the boys immediately turned them into mini light sabers. Boys will be boys.
May the force be with you. -Ben
And Merry Christmas!
In Richmond, we always enjoyed going downtown to Adam's office for the big lighting of the Christmas tree and seeing all of the reindeer. This year we headed to Durham for the lighting of the Lucky Strike tower.
They had this really cool interactive Christmas music hologram thing. Not sure exactly what to call it. Basically, you stood in a particular spot...then if you put your hands over another spot and raised your arms up or down you could adjust the tempo, sound, etc. Here is Carter testing it out.
And how about a rare picture of mom and dad?
They handed out these light sticks for the event and the boys immediately turned them into mini light sabers. Boys will be boys.
May the force be with you. -Ben
And Merry Christmas!
December 27, 2012
Chapel Hill Christmas Parade
A few weekends ago we attended our first Chapel Hill Christmas Parade. For a small college town...it was a decent parade...and one that I think our boys will be in at some point or another...whether is be with a boy scout troop, or a church, or a band, or a bicycle club, etc. Lots of local groups that dressed up and headed down the main street.
Our boys were eager to see everything go by...and to collect all of the goodies that were tossed...tennis balls, candy canes, toothbrushes, truffles! OK...maybe I was excited about that last treat compliments of the Trader Joe's Truffle Truck!
Ben is usually a pretty active fella. But every once in awhile he would climb into the stroller at the parade and get quiet. and still. very anti-Ben. When I would look in to check on him...he has usually unwrapped a new lollipop of some sort! Sneaky little guy! But he looked so cute doing it.
Next up were lots of our emergency crew vehicles with lots of flashing lights and sirens...and of course our Carolina Blue firetrucks!
Santa was at the end of the parade...and Carter got pretty excited when he saw him coming!
Ho Ho Ho!
Looking forward to enjoying this parade for years to come!
Our boys were eager to see everything go by...and to collect all of the goodies that were tossed...tennis balls, candy canes, toothbrushes, truffles! OK...maybe I was excited about that last treat compliments of the Trader Joe's Truffle Truck!
Ben is usually a pretty active fella. But every once in awhile he would climb into the stroller at the parade and get quiet. and still. very anti-Ben. When I would look in to check on him...he has usually unwrapped a new lollipop of some sort! Sneaky little guy! But he looked so cute doing it.
Next up were lots of our emergency crew vehicles with lots of flashing lights and sirens...and of course our Carolina Blue firetrucks!
Santa was at the end of the parade...and Carter got pretty excited when he saw him coming!
Ho Ho Ho!
Looking forward to enjoying this parade for years to come!
December 26, 2012
Handmade Christmas - Napkin Rings
I ended up making several Christmas presents this year...and although a few of them went through multiple revisions...I am pleased with the results and I think they were well received too.
My sweet grandmother passed away a few years ago and my mom let me look through some of her old jewelry. I have lots of childhood memories of sitting at my grandmother's dressing table and playing dress up with her jewelry with my cousin Joanie. Looking through her jewelry brought back lots of memories...but it also made me think of an article I had seen in Southern Living about how to turn antique jewelry into napkin rings. While I didn't think anybody in our family would wear this jewelry anymore...I was excited to repurpose these precious earrings for Irene's daughters and granddaughters.
I was able to make 6 rings for 6 of us...my mom, my aunt, 3 cousins, and myself.
I couldn't have done this project without Adam. He helped me remove the backs of the earrings...and then helped with all of the gluing too. He may not have had to do too much Christmas shopping this year...but he definitely contributed his fair share to the handmade gifts. :)
After we removed all of the earring backs...I matched the different pieces to the napkin ring I thought looked best...or the napkin ring that worked best! I found the napkin rings at Bed Bath & Beyond. At first I was disappointed that they didn't have 36 of one style of napkin ring...but then I decided to go with 12 each of 3 different styles and it worked out great! I loved the mixed look...and it really helped with the attachment too as some pieces worked better with some rings than others.
We attached some by wire...
And some with a really strong jewelry glue...
We let them set up over night...and then my other sweet helper helped me wrap them all up!
Now, the best part about this gift for me is that I got to give all 6 sets of napkins rings at the same time! My mom and aunt from Georgia...and 3 cousins from Florida...we were all at my Granddaddy's house for Thanksgiving and I encouraged everyone to open them early. I truly think everyone was touched. Granddaddy (who is 99) sat and watched everyone open their gifts but I don't think he understood what they were at first. After a few minutes he said "You mean, those are Irene's jewelry?" When I confirmed they were, he was overwhelmed with emotion for his sweet wife. It was the most touching and heartbreaking thing. Their love was/is truly one of a kind.
My sweet grandmother passed away a few years ago and my mom let me look through some of her old jewelry. I have lots of childhood memories of sitting at my grandmother's dressing table and playing dress up with her jewelry with my cousin Joanie. Looking through her jewelry brought back lots of memories...but it also made me think of an article I had seen in Southern Living about how to turn antique jewelry into napkin rings. While I didn't think anybody in our family would wear this jewelry anymore...I was excited to repurpose these precious earrings for Irene's daughters and granddaughters.
I was able to make 6 rings for 6 of us...my mom, my aunt, 3 cousins, and myself.
I couldn't have done this project without Adam. He helped me remove the backs of the earrings...and then helped with all of the gluing too. He may not have had to do too much Christmas shopping this year...but he definitely contributed his fair share to the handmade gifts. :)
After we removed all of the earring backs...I matched the different pieces to the napkin ring I thought looked best...or the napkin ring that worked best! I found the napkin rings at Bed Bath & Beyond. At first I was disappointed that they didn't have 36 of one style of napkin ring...but then I decided to go with 12 each of 3 different styles and it worked out great! I loved the mixed look...and it really helped with the attachment too as some pieces worked better with some rings than others.
We attached some by wire...
And some with a really strong jewelry glue...
We let them set up over night...and then my other sweet helper helped me wrap them all up!
Now, the best part about this gift for me is that I got to give all 6 sets of napkins rings at the same time! My mom and aunt from Georgia...and 3 cousins from Florida...we were all at my Granddaddy's house for Thanksgiving and I encouraged everyone to open them early. I truly think everyone was touched. Granddaddy (who is 99) sat and watched everyone open their gifts but I don't think he understood what they were at first. After a few minutes he said "You mean, those are Irene's jewelry?" When I confirmed they were, he was overwhelmed with emotion for his sweet wife. It was the most touching and heartbreaking thing. Their love was/is truly one of a kind.
December 5, 2012
Christmas Crafting
Warning...I went a little Pinterest crazy this season...I just couldn't help myself.
I have been pinning to my Christmas board for months now...and when I went to my board to see what types of craft to do with the boys...I just couldn't say no.
I picked the crafts that would be the least expensive to execute and am sharing what we have done to date below...
First up...our felt Christmas tree. On our real tree, I have some kid friendly ornaments at the bottom...but I still have to say "no pulling" "no touching" quite frequently. So, I loved the idea of making a Christmas tree just for the boys so they could touch EVERY ornament.
I bought 1 yard of green felt at JoAnns for $4...and then 10 sheets of felt at Michaels for $0.25 each. (I had enough felt for two trees so I sent one to the cousins too)
I put the felt on the floor...folded it in half...and sketched a tree...
The boys told me what types of ornaments to make...heart, diamond, octagon, etc. and then they hung them all by themselves.
Proud of their work.
I think I am going to use my embroidery machine to make some additional ornaments...but haven't gotten to that yet.
Next up...Christmas trees with paper strips. You don't need much for this craft either:
various green/red/gold scrapbook paper
scissors or cutting board
glue stick
piece of white paper
I sliced the paper and cut them into long and short pieces and the boys started pasting away...
Here they are with their finished product...
I really might frame these. Or I might get them to do another set using mod podge on a small canvas. We will see...
They loved the soccer paper. :)
This next one was tough to execute...but I had all of the supplies on hand so I decided to give it a try.
I taped a piece of contact paper onto the table. Carter and I cut out green circles out of tissue paper, then we just placed the circles all over the contact paper.
Once we had placed all of the circles...I covered the first piece of contact paper with a second piece of contact paper basically creating a laminating effect. This was the tough part. That stuff is sticky and I couldnt' get a clean seal.
But, it worked well enough...we cut out a Christmas tree shape and hung it on the window. It is really pretty in the morning when the sun is rising.
We got our tree last Friday...
And the boys helped me make cookies while Adam got the tree inside and in the stand.
And here is the finished tree...
We hung some ornaments on our outside tree too...
Definitely enjoying this holiday season with my boys!
I picked the crafts that would be the least expensive to execute and am sharing what we have done to date below...
First up...our felt Christmas tree. On our real tree, I have some kid friendly ornaments at the bottom...but I still have to say "no pulling" "no touching" quite frequently. So, I loved the idea of making a Christmas tree just for the boys so they could touch EVERY ornament.
I bought 1 yard of green felt at JoAnns for $4...and then 10 sheets of felt at Michaels for $0.25 each. (I had enough felt for two trees so I sent one to the cousins too)
I put the felt on the floor...folded it in half...and sketched a tree...
The boys told me what types of ornaments to make...heart, diamond, octagon, etc. and then they hung them all by themselves.
Proud of their work.
I think I am going to use my embroidery machine to make some additional ornaments...but haven't gotten to that yet.
Next up...Christmas trees with paper strips. You don't need much for this craft either:
various green/red/gold scrapbook paper
scissors or cutting board
glue stick
piece of white paper
I sliced the paper and cut them into long and short pieces and the boys started pasting away...
Here they are with their finished product...
I really might frame these. Or I might get them to do another set using mod podge on a small canvas. We will see...
They loved the soccer paper. :)
This next one was tough to execute...but I had all of the supplies on hand so I decided to give it a try.
I taped a piece of contact paper onto the table. Carter and I cut out green circles out of tissue paper, then we just placed the circles all over the contact paper.
Once we had placed all of the circles...I covered the first piece of contact paper with a second piece of contact paper basically creating a laminating effect. This was the tough part. That stuff is sticky and I couldnt' get a clean seal.
But, it worked well enough...we cut out a Christmas tree shape and hung it on the window. It is really pretty in the morning when the sun is rising.
We got our tree last Friday...
And the boys helped me make cookies while Adam got the tree inside and in the stand.
And here is the finished tree...
We hung some ornaments on our outside tree too...
Definitely enjoying this holiday season with my boys!
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