Goodbye 2005

Even though Nate is bundled up the weather has been a little warmer here the past few days with temps reaching 60 degrees. He is still figuring out his 4 wheeler and now knows the pushing the button makes it go. Learning the steer might take longer. I've got to remember to get a first aid box!........The year is almost ending and we plan on letting some fireworks off tomorrow night. I'm going to try and take some pics of it. The tree behind Nate, in the black and white photo, is one of the many pecan trees we have here at Woodland and this year was a bumper crop. I'm still picking up so many of them and George is cracking them while I shell them in the evenings watching the Sopranos. I'm freezing the ones I bag for so I can sell them next year. They will last over a year in the freezer. I could not believe how much they went for in the stores. Shelled they were almost 8 dollars a pound and in the shell prices ranged from 2.99 to 4.00 dollars a pound. Nice little money maker with 27 trees here on the farm. Pecan trees produce every 2 years and since last year and this year was incredible, nest year should produce, too. We have been here since May of 2000 and have seen only one good year of pecans. We lost one year of pecans to Hurricane Isabel. I prayed to God that night the storm came to spare our trees. We only lost a few big branches but the entire crop of pecans. We have fertilized only the last 2 years and it seems to have paid off. The trees were vibrant and beautiful in the Spring and Summer.

Christmas at Woodland

Nathan was in awe when he came downstairs this morning. I managed to take a pic before he and George and I tore into everything. It was a great day and Nate is wore out laying in George's lap as I'm typing this update. George loved his clothes and XM radio. I can't wait to hook up the trailer he got for my bike, now Nate and I can hit all the parks this Spring. Even Elly loved her toys from Santa, some more squeaky basketballs a new stuffed animal and some chew bones of which she is now gagging on. Ah yes, another Christmas has come and gone and I think about it....... and it's gonna be even better next year when Nathan is 2! Mom and Dad's tree was pretty this year so I thought I would throw that pic in too.

Twas the Day Before Christmas

We are gearing up for the big red man to fall down the new chimney! This is Nate's 2nd Christmas but he was only 2 months last Christmas. This year will be an Elmo Christmas for him. I'm so excited. This is our tree in the music room. We have another one upstairs that Nathan loves to touch before he goes down for naps and bedtime. I'm baking cookies today and George is last minute shopping. I don't know how he deals with the crowds, but it doesn't seem to bother him. I will take pics of Christmas morning and post soon!

Christmas Time in Courtland

Nathan and Calli cheesin' for the camera at Kim and Neal's this afternoon. It was a nice time with plenty of snacks: Chicken wings, meatballs, shrimp dip, chicken salad, ham rolls, sweet potato rolls, cheese balls and crackers, peanuts and all sorts of sweets: chocolate pie (yum yum) cookies, cupcakes, brownies, did I leave anything out? Probably, but everyone had enough! We did the Chinese Gift Exchange which is always fun! Everyone brings a gift under $20.00 and then everyone picks numbers and the first one goes. They open a gift off of the table and then the next number goes, if the next number likes something that has already been opened they can pick that gift, then that person must pick again and so on and so on. It's good to get a number towards the end then you can see exactly what you want since most everything is already opened. It's a hoot to watch the faces of some of the unlucky ones that have to give up a gift for something else. We have been doing this for a few years now and it cuts down on having to buy so many gifts. Nathan and I are going to do some shopping tomorrow, just not sure in what direction, yet. Gotta remember it's my sis susan's b-day tomorrow, send my luv.........

A Visit with St. Nick

I took this pic with the cell phone at the mall last week. Nathan was so good and didn't cry, he really wanted to yank on Santa's beard to see if it was real, and it was. He was a really good Santa.......I've been in the hospital since Monday. I thought I could fight it at home but by Monday morning my electrolytes nausea and pain were out of control. I'm hoping to go home tomorrow. I'm doing my best to stay upbeat this time, but it has been hard. Nathan gives me inspiration, hope and strength to go on.....I love you my little man, you will always have my heart.

Just Missed the Snow

We just missed two big snowstorms this week as they traveled north of us and we ended up with sleet and a cold rain. Nathan's b-day party was a hit and everyone enjoyed the afternoon. I took him to see Santa last week and he really didn't know what to make of him. He kept staring at his beard and would have probably grabbed it before long. I was so proud that he didn't cry. Patty and I also took him to get winter pictures made and they should be in the week before Christmas. I have a UDC meeting on Sunday and George and Nathan are invited for a Christmas party. George took a ham down from the smokehouse and cooked it last night.