New Year New Look

You have probably noticed the blog has a different look. There is just something about knowing a new year is on the horizon that makes me want to change things around. I guess it's the out with the old in with the new mindset.

Changes like that aren't just stopping at the blog they are happening on the home front too. Yesterday after alittle bribery and some gnashing of teeth Macy helped me detail the kitchen. We scrubbed the kitchen cabinets with a toothbrush, and did a deep cleaning of the baseboards and doors. With eight people constant in there things get out of control quick and it one of those things that usually gets skipped on the to-do list. It is time for a new look in the kitchen for sure. My once loved chicken pictures are on the way out as well as my black and white accents. I am not exactly sure what it is I want , But a fresh coat of red paint is for sure because I do still like the color just not sure what else. I guess I'll do some looking at magazines for inspiration.

The night before I had removed all Christmas decor,cleaned and rearranged the living room. I moved some new pieces of furniture in and switched out some things on the wall. I am searching for the perfect area rug with the perfect price too help finish the look I want. The mantel needs some more decorative touches with some color as well. But seeing something different in here makes me happy.

As for the bribery with Macy . We moved her room around too. We created a sitting area using a chair we already had with better lighting for reading or computing. We changed up the things on her walls too. Macy likes to have everything out in the open which drives me crazy. With the new arrangement of her room it isn't as noticeable when you walk by her door. She was very happy with her new layout and since it didn't cost me anything I am happy too.

I am working on little projects here and there when I can this week. Trying to get some more cleaning out done before our busy schedule resumes next week. I am hopeful that we will get Hudson's room painted this weekend and I can start decorating it, yippee! If painting goes well maybe the boys room will get painted sooner rather than later. I will try to update with pictures once the projects get wrapped up. If you don't hear from me anytime soon , please send help . :)

Christmas Review

Click on the slideshow and watch some photos from our Christmas. It will just like you were here with us just without having to hear all the noise.:)

The trash is mounded over and the tree has one lonely present left underneath. Christmas was a great success and I am thrilled that everything went well and its over for another year. The baking and Gingerbread House making started Wednesday night. The Christmas goody baskets were filled and delivered on Christmas Eve by the children.Macy and I had stayed up very late the night before finishing those up and they turned out very nice.

The kids were very happy with their presents. Of course, there was more than they really needed because Santa's best helper likes to fret and worry that they might be disappointed without that LAST perfect gift.Logan's new phone was a big surprise, Macy's makeup,shoes and clothes were exactly what she wanted, Molly and Parker are loving being laptop owners, and Collin got the red helicopter his heart desired plus so much more. Hudson literally had a ball at Christmas in his ball pit while dancing to the beat of his new drum.

There are times when I am reminded how grateful I am to not have a TV show featuring our family life. Christmas Eve's at Mom and Dad's house was nice but interesting. The meal went smooth , there was enough food and variety everyone was happy and really enjoyed it . Then came the presents,WOW is all I can say! Lots of people, lots of presents,a confined space, a one year old ,3 and 4 year old plus add 6 more kids ranging from 8-15, mix in a quirky grandmother and you get instant need for a few stiff drinks or some sort of mind altering drugs! The kids really did well and we all had fun. We ate, we laughed and we made memories. Mom read a book about The Birth of Christ before the mayhem began with the presents. After the clean up we had dessert and relaxed abit before we loaded the loot and parted ways.

The kids were told Christmas morning wouldn't start till 8 am. Logan walked into our room at 8:05 am. We got seated downstairs as the heavy eyed kids came down the stairs.Collin and Hudson were slow to get into the presents, Collin sat curled up next to me under a blanket examining his racing bicycle from the afar. The other kids sat by their stash and looked over the present left unwrapped. Hudson played in his ball pit and walked around looking at/stealing everyone's stuff. They took turns opening like we always do.I took my turn and I really love the necklace Brian had made for me with the kids name on it, and the hot pink ipod too.

We spent the rest of the morning opening packages and putting together things and playing with this years hottest toy Zhu Zhu pet Hamsters.The Pampered Chef kitchen sheers were a life saver opening up the boxes and little twist ties on the rescue cars Collin received. Hudson settled into a nap and Brian headed over to help his Mom and Grandmother cook Christmas lunch. Collin tagged along all bundled up with his bike in tow to ride over there where there isn't much traffic.

We joined them for a yummy Turkey and Ham dinner complete with the great dressing we missed out on at Thanksgiving. We got to love on baby Phoenix and our nephew Blaze and Hudson kept us on our toes making sure they weren't into everything. Hudson by this point was very overstimulated and started squealing at the top of his lungs to get our attention or show his disapproval over something. Again I was reminded how nice it is the whole world wouldn't be watching this Christmas mayhem moment . The present were exchanged later again and we all really received some nice thoughtful gifts. The kids were thrilled with everything they opened. Patrick (Brian's brother) wrote a poem that was very touching. The kids loved it as did we. We were all silently missing Granddaddy last night and the poem was a awesome way to express it.

The kids declared this to be the best Christmas ever and Parker told me the best present was having us as parents. Needless to say I feel so blessed and happy everything worked out so well. Thankful for everyone and everything but looking forward to the new year.

Christmas Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

I wanted to let you know we are still indeed celebrating Christmas even though you haven't gotten our family Christmas card with a picture of our smiling faces on it . I had good intentions but time just slipped away from me. I decided to do a year in review to point out some highlights of 2009.

The past year has proven to have some ups and down,some joy some sadness and many memories. The year started with my Dad (Ron) being laid off due to the economys effect on the construction business. After much searching and prayer he was offered a job working along with my brother.The job offer meant living in Missouri to run the large job there. He has handle it quite well and we are thankful it has worked out. I turned 32 years old on the 8th of January and we were reminded on the 10th it was 1 year since Mom original accident. We were all greatful for another year of life with her.

At the end of January Brian and I went on a business related trip to New York City. I haven't been to NY since I was in High School and it was a nice treat to see it all again. I loved China town and Little Italy. The busy city is so different than my normal life, it was a nice trip.

The first of March we had some snow in Alabama which the kids had a ball in. Mom had another fall at home which involved an ambulance ride and hospital stay. I witness first hand one of her seizures which was a very scary moment . The end of March we headed to Atlanta for a few days during Spring Break. We enjoyed the Coke Museum and Georgia Aquarium with the Hines Family and Mimi.

In April Brian turned 36 and Logan blew out his 13 candles. We entered the world of xbox and we haven't seen him much since then. Oh I am kidding! Actually, he has gotten taller and thinned out so much this year. There are small glimmers of hope he is growing up and becoming more responsible.

With summer we celebrated our 14th anniversary and took our family beach trip. Some beach highlights were the Dolphin cruise and the Blue Angel's air show .July is when we partied 3 times for Hudson's 1st birthday,Parker's 8th birthday and Macy's 12th birthday. Parker started taking bass guitar lessons and has impressed with his musical talents. Macy can text message faster than anyone I know and lets just hope that cell phones don't cause cancer because it's in her hand 24 7. Around the tail end of July Brian and I headed to California to a work conference. We did some fun sight seeing such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39 and the Pacific ocean.

By mid September we were settling into the new school year when Collin turned 4 years old. His John Deere party was complete when he opened his John Deere cowboy boot and jumped in his new John Deere Gator Power Wheels. Football season was in full swing we were having fun rooting on the St. Clair Saints and Bama every week. With Macy cheerleading and Logan playing for the middle school team. The month ended with the sudden loss of our dog Patty. The dog we had had since Logan and Macy were toddlers. I still look for her every morning when I go downstairs, she is greatly missed.

In November Molly celebrated her 10th birthday with ice skating with friends. Our family was blessed with a new member , Brian's brother Pat and wife Lori welcomed baby boy number two. Phoenix Kurtis was born November 19th. But shortly after that welcome we had to say goodbye to another very loved family member, Granddaddy . The circle of life is an amazing thing. To be a witness to the first days of life and also the last days of life ,there so similar but the emotions are so different. Both events confirm my belief there must be a heaven because both times in life are so special.

December has gone by in the blind of an eye. More things to do then the time to do them. Our family is still not over our loss. We are doing our best to continue on in the holiday spirit but everyone is still coping.It has reminded us the best gift is family and love. Memories are a priceless.

What a busy year we've had but we have alot of great things to look back on. Everyone is healthy and happy. We are blessed beyond measure and thankful for each one of you too! May your holiday be filled with love and laughter. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The Moon's.

Injuried List

For those who might not know Logan is apart of the school wrestling team. For the last 3 years he has wrestled during the winter months following football season. He has really learned a lot and improved a great deal over the years.

Of course being his Mom I do worry about the bruises and aching muscles but I know it is part of the sports. Logan enjoys it and it has proven to help him get into shape and learn discipline. He has won more matches than he has lost and often is several years younger than his opponents. That is a big accomplishment since he isn't even in High School yet. I think it will also make the transition to High School easier next year, he will already be familiar with the upperclassman guys from team and will know his way around the school since he takes the bus to the High School everyday for wrestling practice.



Last week he got an impressive black eye in a match that he ended up winning. The next night in practice he suffered an injury to his thumb. It was the night we went to see Santa and he was taking extremely long time to shower and dress. I sent Brian to see what the hold up was , I was thinking the xbox was involved. I was wrong with was the fact he only had one good hand because his thumb was hurting him.

We iced it and gave him some ibuprofen and off we went. On Thursday it was still swollen twice it's size and I put a call in the the Sports Medicine Orthopedic that my Dad uses. He wrestled that night and got two wins despite his injury. First thing Friday morning the Doctor told Logan he had some bad news. He questioned Logan on what his upcoming wrestling schedule and he told us what he recommended . Three weeks in a cast , hopefully it will heal enough by the big tournaments coming up and he can just splint it while he isn't wrestling.

So we got our first cast and Logan has a new conversation piece. Hopefully all will work out in his favor.

Oh Santa

Last night was our annual Santa picture at the mall. I picked a Wednesday night thinking it would probably be the best option left. And I was right! We found a parking spot right away, we walked right up to the desk and got our picture form. And within a minute we were having a picture snapped. I think all of it happen alittle fast for Hudson because he put the death grip on my shirt and started to tear up as soon as I sat him on Santa's knee.

I had for warned the lady to just snap a picture even if there were screams and tears. That I was fine with purchasing it anyways. Hudson looks terrified and I wish they had moved Logan in further but it was pretty quick and painless for everyone involved.

Collin told Santa he'd really like a racing bike, Molly asked for some fuzzy socks and when Santa questioned Macy she said a new purse. Parker hung back with Santa while we walked away asking Santa for his own cell phone (HA! Not happening) good thing Saint Nick always has to ask Mom for approval of all gifts brought on Christmas Eve. I bet you Molly might be the only kid in town who just asked for socks. Hudson wasn't sticking around to read his list this year but I am sure Santa understood.

We had dinner and drove home singing some silly songs that the kids reminded me I used to sing to them. It was a nice time and another item off the to-do list.

Blame it on Mom

When I say "Balme it on Mom" I mean that in a good way. Christmas morning for me growing up was the BEST day of the year. I don't really know how Mom always pulled off such an elaborate toy and surprise filled day every single year. I can't ever remember being disappointed over the gifts not one single time. She would manage to get us exactly what we wished for and surprise us with something would could only hope for. Our den was always a sea of presents and it would take us some time to gather all the loot and move it to our bedrooms. I never knew Christmas any other way. I am sure the impending hoilday stressed Mom out over buying the perfect gifts and I bet there was alot of planning and penny pinching done by her to get it all done in time.

In my mind I want to repeat the Christmas's of my childhood because they were the BEST EVER. I have to remind myself I have to repeat this time 6 kids, and Brian makes sure to remind me when I am freaking out this time of year. So I stress myself out , the worrying starts before Halloween. I try to make sure each childs stash looks pretty equal , now with older ones and the middles I try to stay around the same dollar amount. I try to get them useful things but also stuff from their wish list and some little surprises.

So I blame Mom for making me have such awesome memories to compare to. She's such an over achiever anyways! Thanks Mom for all your effort it did not go unnoticed.

The pictures below are of Christmas morning 2001. Parker's first Christmas. Logan age 5, Macy age 4,Molly age 2 and Parker 5 months.
This was the age when Macy and Molly were into anything girly and Princess stuff. Molly was crazy over Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore. Logan loved Spider man, robots, scooby doo and blocks. Back in the days before their list contained expensive electronics or designer clothes. The time of their childhoods you could fill a room full of toys for a few hundred dollars. Wow, how times have changed.

The Actress

I can cross one more Christmas event off the list now. Macy played Mrs. Bob Cratchit and also the Inn keepers wife in the school Christmas play last night. She did a awesome job and the whole family really enjoyed it.

Now moving down the list...
Wrap Presents
Work on Christmas cards
Go take Santa picture
Attend a Christmas Party
Finish shopping for gifts
Do baking with the kids

It will all get done in time somehow it always does.

Nutcracker 2009

Today the girls and I joined Mimi, Aunt Kristi and Hailey for our 6th annual trip to see the Nutcracker Ballet. This is a special tradition Mimi started with the girls when they were just 3,4 and 6 years old.
We have a nice lunch and the girls each get a little prize to remember the occasion. This year it was an Alabama nutcracker ornament for me and my daughters and an Auburn nutcracker for Kristi and Hailey. I hope to continue this tradition for the generations to come , it's such a great time that we all treasure.

Molly-O

Molly is sleeping after having an allergic reaction to something yesterday. When I picked her up from math club her right eye was puffy underneath , I asked her right away about it but I chalked it up to sinus issues. By time we had dinner both eyes were swollen and her lips started to swell. She started to panic that the roof of her mouth felt weird too. One big dose of Benedryl later and she started feeling better and of course fell into a deep sleep.

Ted E. Bear

I think Hudson looks like a fuzzy brown teddy bear in this coat and I love it. What a perfect little soft squishy thing to snuggle on a cold winters day. I highly recommend it!

Irish Twins

Logan was just 15 months old when Macy came screaming into this world. He loved her from the beginning and never really seemed bothered by the fact she had dethroned him.
As toddlers they got along well and were good playmates.
In grade school they were more at odds with each other because of their age and different interest.
But now they are close again.
They are asked often if they are twins, and they respond Yes, Irish twins.
It is sort of neat having children in pairs. I call them the Bigs (Logan and Macy), Middles (Molly and Parker) and Littles(Collin and Hudson). The middles are in the at odds stage but I have hopes that they too will grow to have a similar bond like Logan and Macy.
They are so very different , which their teachers always comment on just how different they are each year. But they really compliment each other well and make a good team. I am so very proud of both of them for being themselves. They are good students, athletic and both have good hearts. I always try to give them credit when I am asked how I handle six kids. They are a tremendous help and I hope they know I really appreciate the roles they play with the younger kids. Both will be headed off to college when the Littles (Collin and Hudson) are still in elementary school. Just thinking of that makes me tear up. I invision Hudson wanting to call Bubba and Sissy to tell them all about 1st grade. Sigh. Thankfully I have several more years to get used to the idea.
Logan and Macy you are such amazing people and I know the future is so bright for both of you. I am so proud to call you mine.

Christmas in Missouri

My Dad emailed Mom the pictures of his house in Missouri decorated for Christmas. Here was is my emailed response after seeing the shocking photos.

"Who would have ever dreamed the man who voted each year for a poster of a Christmas tree with an attached pine scented air freshener would put up a TREE and tablecloth to boot. I think the Grinch's heart grew 3 sizes this year. Merry Christmas!"

Beginning to look alot like Christmas

Now I need to get busy wrapping gifts. I hope to get some done on Sunday. We still have our yearly trip to the mall to see Santa to do. I need to finish Christmas cards too. I have a few gifts still left to get, but I am about 80% done I think. I have to work on the new tradition we are starting for Christmas Eve morning along with thinking about what goodies the girls and I will make for our neighbors and friends this year. It's a busy fun time of year for us.

In case you are wondering about the new tradition. Everyone in our family is asked to give each person a gift on paper. They can print off a picture,draw it or cut it out of a magazine.They have to tell each person why they choose the gift for them and money is no object of course. The kids are very excited over this and I have asked them to keep them a secret till Christmas Eve.I will help the little guys with their "shopping". I think this will be alot of fun and help them with the feeling of giving gifts not just receiving. The real gift is their time and love that they put into this project and being together sharing a moment.I will let everyone know how it goes.

The picture of the shelf above is displaying some of my favorite things. There is a collection of snowmen, Santa and penguin painted gords that a dear friend introduced me to.They come out with different ones each year and its always a treat to see which one will be added to my collection each year. There are several Jim Shore items a Santa, snowmen and baby snowmen that Doron turned me on to years ago and the baby ones she gave me for my birthday one year.The toy store was given to me by a family friend the first year I was married and the sleigh is from my grandmothers Christmas decorations and I can remember playing with it as a kid growing up. Looking at these things remind me of the past and the friendships and good memories. Thats what makes them special to me these are not just random store buys but they are my treasures because of the things they represent. They aren't expensive items but they are priceless to me.