Christmas 2009...

The Annual Christmas Day Outing

Well, Christmas 2009 is over. It was especially magical this year. Of course the highlight was having Jordan, Caitlin, Lauren, Daniel & Savannah with us. We even had Jordan's fiancee, Bethany, stay a few days with us before she departed for Detroit. Some of us visited the Galaxy of Lights, while others went to see Avatar in 3-D. We sang a few carols as Jordan played the guitar, and we kept Savvy entertained as we created lyrics on-the-fly about why she shouldn't cry on Christmas Eve.

After we read Luke 2, Tami always gives each family member new matching pajamas or

sweatshirts on Christmas Eve. This year we all got Alabama sweatshirts - in honor of the #1 BCS football ranking. Daniel refuses to wear his, being a devout USC fan from the west coast. Some bad habits are sometimes just hard to break....

Christmas morning was the same as always in the fact that Jordan sent us a text message from his bedroom inquiring as to whether or not he could come downstairs to check out what Santa had delivered. Interestingly, Jordan is always the first to awake early on Christmas morning. Every other day of the year he rises somewhere between 10 - 11:30 AM. With holiday tunes

playing in the background, we opened all of the gifts and enjoyed seeing each other's reaction to what was given. We seem to always "over-do-it" at this time of year. But, we have some family members that just have big hearts and love to give.

A New Eagles Jersey!

After all of the wrapping paper has been collected and trashed, we head off (in our matching sweatshirts) to do one of my favorite traditions of all. Several years ago we realized that some folks are still working of Christmas day. While almost every store, gas station, and restaurant are closed, Waffle House (or Waffle King) is still open. So, we always make a trek to the 24-hour local eatery to enjoy(?) a full breakfast and deliver a custom-scripted Christmas Card for our server. Of course, we never know who our sever will be, but it's fun getting to know them and talking about their family a bit before we leave. We always leave a big tip and sometimes get to see their face light up as we depart the front door. This is the coolest part of my holiday. It's also the one and only time I eat at Waffle House all year...

We use the downtime to watch football, basketball, Christmas movies, and play a few board games. Last night we played "Killer Bunnies". Cool game! It's an actual board game for ages 13 & up. It's all about keeping your bunnies alive and collecting carrots. Sounds like an appropriate holiday activity, right? Caitlin & Jordan were the big winners.

Only one thing is missing this year.... While I have decided to be called "granddaddy" in honor of my 93 year-old grandfather of the same name, Tami has yet to decide on what Savvy and others will call her. It makes it tough when you say to Savvy: "Hey Savannah, do you want 'what's her name' to hold you?" Tami is kicking around several options, but for now, we're calling her "No-naay" --> Sounds like Grandma "No Name", right? I suspect she'll choose a name soon.... Merry Christmas!

Time For a Change...

Tami, Savannah & Cody

Things are a bit different now... Last week many things changed for Tami, Cody & me. On Wednesday, Caitlin, our 23 year-old daughter arrived from Lexington. Late Thursday night, our 21 year-old son, Jordan, and his fiancee, Bethany, arrived. Then on Friday evening, Lauren, Daniel & Savannah (our almost 5 month-old granddaughter) arrived from Australia (by way of CA). It's been wonderful to have a house full, albeit a bit different.

Having a baby in the house is, no doubt, the biggest change. It's been decades since I've actually changed a diaper... Most folks say it's like riding a bike - but riding a bike does take a dose of courage for some - Changing diapers is no less scary. Riding a bike requires you to use most of your senses. Changing a diaper makes you wish you had fewer senses... I'll keep you posted.

Oh, I also remember how often you need to change your clothing because someone decides to "urp" on your shoulder. So far, I'm the only one she's spit-up on... not once, but twice. I look at it as a kind of bonding, that, so far, only she and her Granddaddy have together...

I've been doing a lot of observing since the whole crew got here. It's quite hilarious to watch the adults make "baby noises and faces" at Savannah. She is very personable and pleasant - almost unbelievably so.... but, she's got to be cracking up inside while listening & looking at all of the crazy noises and faces the rest of the family are making...

At church yesterday, Tami, very subtly, ended up holding Savannah in her arms and standing by the main door as everyone departed. It was kind of like she suddenly became a "greeter" at the end of the service. But actually, I think she just wanted to show off her newly arrived granddaughter. Quite proud she was!

Maybe the biggest adjustment to be made, though, is by Cody, our almost 3 year-old flat-coated retriever. He is absolutely intrigued by the new baby! Although certainly curious, I believe he is also a tad bit jealous. He's very gentle around her, but also very interested in the new addition. New smells.... new sounds... new things - like strollers, play pens, wet wipes, diapers, pacifiers... Cody has chewed up one pacifier already....

Yep, things are definitely different around here. But, it's all good! Maybe Tami & I needed a little change in our lives.... maybe a little bit more excitement.... more activity.... more flexibility. One thing's for sure.... I don't need more practice in loving and appreciating my family. I've got that covered.....but diapers?... that's another story....