Christmas in Blacksburg

We celebrated Pa's birthday and a snow-covered Christmas in Blacksburg this year. Thank you for these photos, Pa!

Lydia to Russell in Dec: You're not being nice. You need to stop that or I'm going to call Santa... and I can call him because I know his 800 number.

Baby Ayla is a treat to snuggle and hold!

Winter 2009-2010

Russell said: "Dominic calls me Russell. But I call myself (whispers) SPIDERMAN!"

To Dad by Russell: "Yours hairs is going to come off."

Russell started singing spontaneously at the table:
"Bring me out to the baseball game
Buy me some peanut butter crackers"

Russell asked:
Can I earn my Superman cup (potty training reward) when I turn 16?

Russell's first little girl friend is Ashley at the Spears YMCA. He says her name so carefully. It sounds like "Asha-lee". One day, he commented that she is always telling him that she loves him. I asked, "What do you do then?" He quickly replied, "I walk away."

Russell sang this to the tune of the Hokie Pokie "Austin gets to come to my house. That's what it's all about!"

Russell: Why do we have to keep going to the Honda place?
Mom: To get the oil changed in the car
Russell: Oh. Do they have to do my car seat?
Mom: What?
Russell: Do they have to put oil in it too?

Russell is rather strong-willed. He can easily fuss and cry for 20 minutes. We've had to take him home from restaurants because he didn't get to sit alone with his cousin (no one else in the booth, he insisted). Also, it's not unusual for us to ask him to do something and then he'll try this reply: "Well... it's possible."

During the half-time show at the Superbowl, Russell disappeared and quickly reappeared with his organ. He performed for us right along with The Rolling Stones. Russell, will you grow up and be a performer?

My 40th Birthday

My cake was amaretto-flavored, from Maxie B's in Greensboro.

J.T. and I realized that we met 20 years ago this month. It's half-time and I feel so fortunate to have him!

In our living room with sweet friends Marcello and Ellen

Jen and Julie pulled things together. Thank you!

Preschool Christmas Show

Russell was front and center in his first performance ever.

Having Mom on hand for the preschool show and lunch made things extra-special!

Holiday Prep

We watched "Elf" for the first time

We love having Austin over on Tuesdays- which he calls "Russell Day". It usually falls on their "Garbage Day" and both events are thrilling for the boys!

Russell's best little 3-year-old buddies are Dominic McKinley and Austin Joyce. Austin is already 4 but it looks like they'll be in the same entering grade at the local elementary school in 2 years. Fun! Austin's Dad, Glenn, is one of JT's co-workers. Russell is all about friends (like Lydia, especially). When I asked if he wanted to begin his school career, he said "Yes." I asked him "why?". He thought for a moment and then said, "because there are more friends over there than there are here" (we were at home alone).

When Austin was over for a play date this week, Russell heard that I had offered to give Austin a clean shirt (he had dripped some chocolate milk on his). Russell really wanted for Austin to change his shirt so he said in his most parental voice, "Austin Thomas... you need a clean shirt!" Apparently, "Thomas" is a universal word that means BUSINESS! A few days later, he tried to get my attention by stating emphatically: "Mommy McCain Thomas!" He has also been known to gain my attention by tapping my arm, saying "Hello... is there anyone in there?" and turning around my swivel desk chair.

Tatum was a nice last-minute addition to our tree-shopping crew!