Goodbye 2009

Goodbye 2009. We, as all families, have had ups and downs this year. As I think back upon it all, it seems like we had a great more downs this year and ups, but we had God and our family and friends to help us through them all. We would not be who we are today without the downs, and all in all I'm so very thankful for what all God has blessed us with.

Here are some highlights from this past year and for the most part I am only including the good things for my sanity's sake.

January:

Joe was ordained as an elder in our church.
Joe celebrated another birthday.
Josie had the second surgery of her short life having a new set of tubes put in her ears and her tonsils removed.
Josie celebrated her 3rd birthday with an awesome Dora party.

February:

The girls change from going to daycare at Cain's Chapel to "Ms. Erica's" house.


March:

We rearrange letting each girl have their own room.
Joe gets a speeding ticket.
I painted the kitchen hiding that horrible paneling.


April:

We got to do all the Easter activities with the girls for the first time. (Josie's first easter she was too small and her second Easter she was recoving from her first surgery where she had tubes put in and her adenoids taken out.)


May:
Joe and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary.
We participated in the Kidney Walk in honor of Caden.
We finally get Josie completedly potted trained!!

June:

Jolie goes off the paci.
We took a family vacation to Kentucky with Grammy and Emmie and my two aunts, two cousins, and grandmother from Pennsylvania that we had not seen in seven years.
Mary Kelley and I teach VBS and create an awesome room including a moutain, waterfall, and swimmming hole :)
I climbed a very tall pole and did the zipline.
Josie climbed as far as she could up the pole and then "flew like tinkerbell."
The girls spent a week in Panama City with Grammy & Emmie without Mommy & Daddy.
We put down new flooring in the kitchen.
We put in new countertops in the kitchen.

July:

I celebrated another birthday.
We spent the 4th of July weekend on the Lake and we all got way too sunburned.


August:

Our sweet nephew, Tanner, entered the world.
Tanner's baby dedication.
Joe starts teaching Sunday School at church once a month.
Joe and I attended a Scottish wedding which was an awesome experience.


September:

Our cat Claire joined our family.
Jolie celebrated her 2nd birthday with an awesome Minnie Mouse party.
We find out that probably in a year Jolie will need to have her tonsils removed.
Mary Kelley and I make an amazing transformation of our Sunday School room to get ready for Rally Day.


October:

Josie was a bat for Halloween and Jolie was a butterfly. We decorated pumpkins and they got to feel the guts of the pumpkin for the first time.
Jolie moved out of the crib and into a toddler bed.
We had our first Kirkin of the Tartin service at church (a Scottish ceremony in honor of us Presbyterian's Scottish roots.)
We attended the fair and Jolie got to ride on amusement park rides for the first time.
Jolie got her first haircut.
I volunterred at the Coosa River Challenge.
We took the girls' to Joe's work to ride around the golf course.

November:

We made a trip down to Grammy & Emmie's (it had been over a year for me and Joe).
The girls jumped on bungee trampolines.
Our hermit crabs Spiderman and M.J. (short for Mary Jane, Spiderman's girlfriend) joined our family.
Thanksgiving (of course)
Josie went to work with Joe for the first time while he actually had to work.
The Iron Bowl Game -- Roll Tide!
The girls got their pictures made with Santa.
The girls became fascinated by outdoor lights on people's houses.
We decorated the church as a family.

December:

Christmas parties and Christmas.
Our precious niece, Ansleigh, entered the world.
Both girls participated in a children's skit at church for Christmas.
The Tide won the SEC Championship game.
Joe and I attended the Christmas on the Coosa Ball.
Josie went with Uncle Ben to Florida to surprise Grammy & Emmie the weekend before Christmas since they weren't able to come up this year.

So there they are. The good highlights of the year. I have a lot of expectations for 2010. I hope for a little less stress and drama. I hope for a lot more fun and enjoying time with family and friends.

In looking back I think about how much a year changes a person. I know that I am working on myself and some issues that I have. And it is amazing to look back and think about the girls. Jolie can talk, sort shapes, color, help around the house, fight with Josie, name some of her colors, count a little, sing songs, and the list could go on and on. Josie can say her ABCs, count to 20, recongnize some of her letters as they are written, write some of her letters, draw a circle and a triangle, color and pretty much stay inside the lines, sing tons of songs, do a little sign language, name some of the presidents, tell you about some of the people from the Bible, and the list could go on and on. God has blessed us immeasurably with these two precious angels. They are my world and I love them more than I ever thought I could love.

I wish each one of you the best 2010! I hope that you accomplish some of your goals and that you hold fast to your dreams. I pray that God bless you abundantly so that your cup and saucer overflow.

Love you all and Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday Caden!

Today is our sweet nephew's 3rd birthday. I remember the night he entered this world and what a blessing he was to us all instantly. He is an amazing little man and has already gone through so much at being the age that he is. Caden was born with a kidney disease known as Chronic Renal Insufficiency and at 1.5 years old he had to have one of his kidneys removed. The child was running around the next day. It is so much fun to be around and he and the girls get along so well. And in actuality he and the girls could pass as brothers and sisters instead of cousins they look so much alike. He has the cutest smile that just brightens your day and he loves to make you laugh. And now Caden has become a big brother and we know that he will be the best big brother and will always watch out for Ansleigh Caden, we love you so very very much and we are so blessed to be able to call your ours.

Our Christmas

My Christmas holidays started last Wednesday at noon when I got off work. Normally I go straight to get the girls from Erica but I had so much to do that I did not pick them up until the normal time. I had to do some last minute shopping and then I went home to change into my Martha Stewart costume. I had so much fun. This year I gave all the adults in my family a homemade food item. I made grape salad for the wowen in our family and puppy chow for the men in our family, well except for Mr. Randy, I made him red velvet cookies. The kitchen was a mess but it felt good to make these yummy goodies for our loved ones. Thursday Joe had to work so the girls and I played around the house. That night we had our candle light service at church. It was so cute because Josie asked us several times on the way to church that night if we were going to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. Sometimes the things she says just melts your heart. Both girls did great and held candles during the service (with adult supervision of course). After church we stopped by Mee-Maw and Paw-Paw's to see them and Gigi. We headed home around 9:00 p.m. When we got home the girls got to open a present a piece (a family tradition which is always their Christmas pajamas) and then a present to them together which was a Beirnstien Bears book about saying your prayers. AFter that the girls were alseep within thirty minutes. Joe and I had done a lot of preparation work before Christmas so that we would not have as much to do Christmas Eve night and so getting the living room "ready" was fairly easy, but we still did not go to bed until midnight. Even then though I could not go to sleep. You would have thought that I was the child waiting for Santa and Christmas morning. I was just so excited for the girls. I finally fell asleep around 1:00 a.m. Every year we invite the grandparents to be there Christmas morning and we had told everyone 7:00 a.m. Well Josie was up at 5:50 a.m. I had set my alarm for 6:00 a.m. so that I could start making breakfast for everyone. So I went ahead and got up and then Lol woke up. Poor Joe had to keep the girls contained in our room while I made breakfast. I made susauge balls, blueberry muffins, strawberry muffins, cinammon rolls, and coffee. We used birthday plates, napkins, and cups to help remind us why we were really celebrating. It was 7:20 a.m. before the girls got released from our room. They walked out into the living room to see their stockings full of candy, sunglasses, books, bracelets, and disney chapstick. Josie had a big girl car seat, a gum ball dispenser, a purse, a remote controlled helicopter, a dora flashlight, a princess hooded towel, and an outfit. Jolie had a a big plastic horse, Minnie Mouse lovie, a purse, princess flashlight, remote controlled helicopter, outfit, and a guitar. Their wrapped presents contained movies, popcorn buckets, toy drill, toy saw, cap guns, remote controlled my little pony on a scooter, v-tech writing pad to help Josie with learning her letters and writing them, bathtime Dora doll, bubble bath sets, and uno barn yard game. They also got to open Other Mama's present which was long sleeved clothes, things they desparately needed. Santa had even left treats for our cat Claire, and dog bones for Browning and Cherry. We told the girls we should give the dogs their bones and they walked out into the backyard to see their big present, a trampoline. It was too wet from raining all night the night before to jump, but they were so excited. We videoed the entire Christmas morning so unforunately, we do not have any pictures. Othere Mama took pictures but they are blurry where the girls kept moving. After opening presents we ate some breakfast and the girls played with their toys while Joe played with the helicopters. I then started making twice baked potatoe casserole and broccoli casserole for the Christmas dinners we would be attending. A little while later Uncle Ben came over and brought the girls their gift, a bubble bbq grill. They both love bubbles and I can't wait to take it outside for them to play with. Around 10:30 we headed out to my Aunt Pam's for lunch with my side of the family. The girls got coloring books and crayons, head flashlights, dolls, jackets, puzzles, and candy. After visiting for a while we headed to Mee-Maw and Pap-Paw's house for Christmas with Joe's side of the family, but we missed everyone. It was just Mee-Maw and Paw-Paw when we got there a little after 3:00 p.m. We had already known that we would not be seeing Quint & Sheila because we all have colds and we did not want to get Ansleigh sick, but were hoping to get to see Joe's Aunt and Uncle. The girls opened presents from Joe's side of the family and got dolls, hats and gloves, and magnetic paper/cardboard dolls that comes with tons of clothes. It was a busy day and we were all exhuasted, but I think the girls had a great time and loved everyone's presents. The next day Joe had to work again and so the girls and I once again just hung out at the house. I waited until Joe was home so that he could be there to see them jump on the trampoline for the first time. It was 4:00 p.m. before we headed outside, but they loved it. Josie was so excited. We played outside for about an hour and headed back in for dinner and baths. We were all so exhausted from the day before that the girls were alseep by 6:30 p.m. and Joe and I were alseep by 8:15 p.m. Sunday the girls and I went to church whlie Joe went to work. Later that day we went shopping so Joe and I could spend some of the money that we had gotten for Christmas. I got Alabama (the football team) flip flops, a red, black & white purse (for Alabama), a dress, and two shirts. I am all about Alabama stuff these days. So far all Joe has bought is long johns and gloves. We went to Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shop, and then had to make the dreaded trip to Wal-Mart to get food and diapers for the week.

Yesterday after picking up the girls Josie wanted to see Christmas lights and I gave in because I do not know how much longer they will be out. Most people had already taken theirs down and she was very dissappointed.

All in all we had a great Christmas and I think Josie got we were not only enjoying Santa, but that we were celebrating Jesus' birthday. Hopefully so. A mother can only hope.

The Js holding Ansleigh

I'm so excited. Here they are, pictures of us Js holding Ansleigh.

Josie being a trooper waiting for Ansleigh to arrive:

One proud Uncle Joe:

One proud Aunt Jess:

I love this picture. Jess, Sheila & Ansleigh:

Jolie holding Ansleigh:

Jolie feeding Ansleigh:

Josie holding Ansleigh:


Isn't she perfect?

Our Whirlwind Weekend

This weekend can only be described as a whirlwind. It started Thursday night when I went to drop off some handprint ornaments to my brother to take to our mom when he went to Florida the next day. Well Josie wanted to know why she couldn't go to Grammy's house and my explanation was we don't have time to go to Grammy's this weekend. So when I got out of the truck I told Ben, my brother, that if he wanted someone to ride with him that Josie would love to go and to my amazement he said okay. So here we are 5:45 p.m. the day before he leaves and we have to make arrangements for her to go to Florida. Also knowing that the entire weekend would be CRAZY I wanted to spend some quality time with the girls. So I told Ben that Joe would drop off a carseat and the girls and I went to Redbox to rent a Dora's Christmas movie and pick up pizza. The girls had a fun night but I stayed up til past midnight washing clothes and packing for Josie. We also found out that day that Joe was off the next day, Friday, and so we decided that he and Josie would go to the hospital for Sheila's induction and Ben would pick her up there. I was not able to make it because I had to work but I stayed connected with Joe the entire time about what was going on and I even cried when Joe called to tell me she was here. Josie was such a trooper. She was there from around 9:30 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. until a little before two. She just missed getting to see Ansleigh before she left with Uncle Ben.

Ansleigh arrived at approximately 1:23 p.m. on December 18, 2009. She was 18 1/4 inches long and weighed 8 pounds.



I got off around 1:45 p.m. and rushed to the hospital. Sheila would not let them take her back to the nursery to get washed up until I got there to hold her. She is beautiful. Crystal picked up Jolie from Erica's and took her home with her so that way Joe and I could spend as much time as we wanted at the hospital. We ended up doing a good amount of Christmas shopping after we left the hospital. While we were shopping we got a called from a very surprised yet happy Grammy and Emmie. Did I fail to mention that we didn't tell Mom that Josie was going? Ben got to her house and knocked on her door. She answered and he told her that he had a big package he needed help with-- the big package-- Josie Madelynn.
Saturday morning I woke up with a migraine from not going to bed before midnight any last week. I drugged myself up and went back to bed. Thank God Joe is so wonderful when I have my migraines. He and Lol played and took naps themselves. When we woke up we got ready and headed to the hospital so that Lol could meet her new cousin. Jolie fell in love instantly. She was kissing her and watching her. She got to hold her and feed her bottle. It was soooooo sweet. We left Lol there at the hospital with MeeMaw and PawPaw so that we could go home and get ready for the Christmas on the Coosa Dance. Joe had not seen my dress so it was like prom all over again. We had an absolute blast. Here is a picture of Joe and me and then a picture of most of the SOS girls with their husbands that attended.



After leaving the dance we headed to Wal-Mart so that Joe and I could get everything we needed for us to have birthday parties for Jesus in our Sunday School classes. Sunday morning we got up and got ready for church,went to get Lol from MeeMaw and PawPaw, and headed to church. Around 9:45 a.m. Ben called me to come pick up Josie from him. So she made it in time for the birthday party. After church we had lunch at MeeMaw and Paw-Paw and Aunt Becca and Angie were there. The girls had a blast spending time with them. Sometime after we ate lunch we got the call that Quint and Sheila were on their way home so all us Burdicks loaded up and headed over to their house. Josie got to see Ansleigh for the first time and got to hold her. Both girls were so sweet with her. However we did not get to stay as long as we would have liked because the girls had reached their liimit for the weekend. We picked up dinner on the way home, took baths, and everyone, I mean all four of us, were alseep by 6:30 p.m. last night. I woke back up around 8:00 p.m. and got a little bit done, but we were all exhausted from the weekend.

We are so blessed to have an addition to our family and she is just perfect. Sheila has some nerve damage that was done in the labor process and still doesn't have complete feeling in one of her legs. The doctors have told her it may take two weeks to get the feeling back. Bless her heart. Besides that she is doing great and looks great.

I will post more pictures soon. As most of you know, my camera is full and I don't have a computer to upload to, so I depend on others for pictures.

Merry Christmas!

Change of Plans

Christmas is only 11 days away and I have done very little shopping. Hope all of you are doing better than I am.

Friday Joe was off so he decided to have a daddy-daughter day. Joe and Josie ran errands and then went hunting. They spent four and a half hours in a shooting house and Josie loved it. They took the video camera so that they could "shoot" the animals. All they saw were birds, but it was a great bonding time for the two of them. They did not get home until 9:00 p.m. Friday night, so Lol and I went and visited family and looked at Christmas lights after I got off work at 2:00 p.m. on Friday.

Saturday the parade got rained out so we had arts and crafts day with Josie, Jolie and Caden. We made hand print ornaments, gingerbread Christmas trees, decorated sugar cookies, and made reindeer shirts (their foot is the face of the reindeer and then their hands are the antlers.) The kids had so much fun and played so well together. I hate that we missed Christmas on the Coosa, but I think we made up for it.

Sunday the girls had their skit at church. They were so cute and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus for everyone to hear. I was so proud of them. After church we had a great family lunch with MeeMaw, Paw-Paw, Aunt Sheila, Uncle Quint, and Caden. That evening we went to the Episcopal church for the children's production. Our church and the Episcopal church teamed up to do this and so we had the first show at our church and then had it again last night at the Episcopal church. Josie was so excited last week that she kept telling us that she couldn't wait to do that "one day." Well in the production there are 3 butterflies, 4 lambs, 4 fireflies, 1 grasshopper, 1 owl, 1 angel, 4 lady bugs, and 2 bluebirds. Well on the way to the Episcopal church last night she said when I do it I want to be a blue bird and there is two so Lollie can be one too. It was so cute!! And I was astonished that she remembered that there were only 2 bluebirds, just enough for her and Lollie to do it together.

They continue to get excited about all the facets of Christmas. They love looking at the lights and still fight over who the lights belong to or whose side they are on. They get excited every time they see Santa Claus (you can't just say Santa, it has to be Santa Claus). They are just so cute to watch.

This week is going to be a very busy week for us. Wednesday Joe and I have Joe's work Christmas party in Greenville, Friday Sheila is being induced to have baby Ansleigh, and Saturday is the Christmas on the Coosa dance. We also have to buy presents for the little girl whose name we picked off the angel tree.

Although it is so easy to get caught up in the hype and festivities, I hope everyone remembers the true reason for the season. Love you all!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

"It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas." I absolutely love this time of year, and what makes it even better is exerpiencing it all with Josie, Lol, and Joe. This was a pretty calm weekend for us. I finally got the rest of the pictures in so Friday I worked on finishing up our Christmas cards and I got them sent out Saturday morning. Friday night we rented movies. Lol was too exhausted from being up since 5:00 a.m. that morning so Joe and I took turns snuggling with Josie as we watched the new Night at the Museum. Joe and I ended up staying up to midnight watching movies to see if was going to snow. It never did, but we had fun all the same. Saturday morning we made our weekend trip to Wal-Mart and then home to rest up before the game (the SEC championship Alabama v Florida game). It was an amazing game and Joe was hoarse at the end, but the Tide kicked butt. Joe and I made all kinds of football watching food and it was a great day of being inside, watching great football, and eating. Sunday we had church and the girls had practice for their little skit which will be next Sunday. We performed one of my favorite family traditions and that is lighting the advent candles during church. Joe and Josie lite the candles as I read and Jolie looked pretty. Every Sunday we keep Josie in the santucary with us until after the talk with the children and then we take her the nursery. Josie always sings the two songs they sing during the talk but she has never answered one of Jonathan's question's before. This Sunday was the first time she ever gave an answer. It wasn't what he was looking for, but I was so proud of her that she spoke up and put her two cents in. It was an amazing moment for me as her mom. After church we had the Harris family get together at Aunt Elisas. The food was good and the family time was even better. There was kids running around everywhere. We left straight from Aunt Elisa's and headed back to church for the children's program. It was so cute and Josie kept telling us that she wanted to do that one day. The kids did an amzing job and I was so proud of all of them. After church we we went out to eat with Mary-Kelley and Tim. By the time we got home all four of us were exhausted.

This coming up weekend is another one of my favorite family traditions and that is Christmas on the Coosa. The river that runs through Wetumpka (the town where we live) is the Coosa River, and so every year we have a street parade and there are vendors and actiities for the kids and then that night we have fireworks on the river and a boat parade (I don't think they are having the boat parade this year though), but Santa usually comes in on skis, jet ski, intertube or something fun. We always went as children and so far both girls have gone every year as well. Then Sunday the girls will be in their Christmas skit during the church service for anyone that wants to come. It will be short, but feel free to come and support them.