Maybe later....

we'll grow to love Santa!!

OBVIOUSLY Cale was NOT a fan.

Santa and Ella, however, were fast friends!

Sadly, our second attempt was not any better...he literally tried to leap out of his lap! We won't make him do it again. Maybe one day we can look back on this and laugh, but for now it looks like torture!!

Congratulations, John!

My little brother graduated from Auburn yesterday! So, we all headed to the plains for the ceremony. So much has changed since Matt and I were there, but it was so nice to be back..except for the fact that it was literally freezing!! I'm such a proud big sister, it was a very special day!!!

The proud moment. I don't know what it is, but when it comes to John I'm pretty sentimental. I cry at everything he does. When he was in middle and high school I cried at his wrestling matches, when I got married I balled like a baby when he read the poem he had written at the reception and I teared up here as well. I'm pretty sure I'll be a basket case when he gets married. But, everyone needs a hysterical, snotty bridesmaid, right??

I don't think it's ever been so cold in Auburn.

On our way home. The future of Auburn...I guess this is what graduation will do to you...

We're SUPER proud of you, John! War Eagle!!!!!

A few of my favorite things...

about Matt!!

December is always a big month for us. On the 4th Matt and I celebrated our 6th anniversary and on the 9th we celebrated his 33rd birthday! So, in honor of those occasions I thought I would list my 33 favorite things about my husband (in no particular order):

1. I love how he loves me. I love how he loves his kids...with his WHOLE heart!

2. I love how he leads and teaches us spiritually.

3. I love how after working all day he comes home and helps with dinner or plays with the kids instead of plopping down on the couch and assuming I'll do it all.

4. I love how he doesn't complain when he has to stop by the store or pharmacy on his way home from work.

5. I love to watch him play with his kids and even more so I love seeing him love and kiss on them.

6. I love how when he gets up in the morning the hair on the right side of his head sticks straight out (only on that side, always that side.) I love even more that he passed that onto his son.

7. I love how he "sniffs" on me. Yes, smells me like a dog!

8. I love his work ethic.

9. His loyalty and dedication.

10. I love that he thinks and draws like an artist, but looks like an athlete.

11. He has great hair.

12. He lets me shop for and pick out his clothes...and likes that I do it. I like that he likes clothes, but won't admit it:)

13. He calls me every morning to see how I'm feeling.

14. He kisses me first thing when he walks through the door in the afternoon. When we first got married he said he would always do that...he still does!

15. I love how he loves the Lord. He prays first thing every morning, in the shower, so he won't fall asleep while doing it.

16. When he gets dressed he always says one of three things: "Does this look ok?" OR "Should I tuck in my shirt?" OR "Does this need to be ironed?" The answer is ALWAYS yes, to all.

17. I love when he prays he says "Lord" about every 3rd word.

18. I love when he laughs at me, I love when he laughs period.

19. He has a great smile. But, he has a hard time smiling in pictures because "it feels awkward and forced," so sometimes I have to grab his fanny to get him to do so. Is that too much information??

2o. I love that he loves cupcakes without icing, Ella only eats the icing. He doesn't like noodles, who doesn't like noodles? I think that's funny.

21. I love that before we got married he said he wasn't big into football!!! I love that I believed him:)

22. I love that after every time he goes hunting he says it's the last time....it never is!

23. I love how he always forgets to take his hat off when we're going to church and right before we walk in the door he panics and gives it to me to put in the diaper bag. What are we gonna do when I don't have to carry a diaper bag anymore??

24. He's thoughtful and unselfish.

25. He's sensitive...you would never guess it.

26. He won't let me go to bed mad...sometimes this irritates me though I know it's for the best!

27. He's good with money. This is good, since I'm not. Well, I'm good at spending it!

28. He loves outside, so do both his kids.

29. He actively tries to say things in a way that aren't hurtful or offensive, sometimes he fails, but he always tries!

30. He can read my face like a book.

31. He can have a conversation with me and sometimes I don't have to participate at all.

32. He's affectionate and not afraid or embarrassed about it.

33. He says, "I love you" all the time. To me and the kids. He is a shining example of what a Godly father should be!

I love you, Matt. Thank you for 6 wonderful years and 2 precious children. And, Happy Birthday to our daddy!!