It's a Pity(riasis)

I currently have a harmless, but most unattractive skin condition called Pityriasis Rosea. I look like I have a cross between poison ivy and a bad case of Chicken Pox. Being the overachiever that I am, I have an atypical case because unlike normal strains mine is on my face, below my knees and on my hands. While I never considered myself a vain person, but this little predicament, which can last up to 16 weeks in some cases, has really made me question that. I am trying not to have self pity (get it), but I am a bridesmaid in my sister- in- law's wedding next month and I so don't want to look like a leper. Anyhoo, I said all that not to whine, but to convey the following about my dear oldest who is getting into the "embarrassed of my parents" stage.

Chase has been monitoring my condition closely and everyday greets me with a grimace and informs me I have more spots. The other day he was quite taken aback to see I had spots on my face. He actually asked if I knew I had spots on my face now, which oddly enough I did. The look on his face was pure mortification and he asked, "How long does this last again?" I told him it could last up to several months. I asked him if he was embarrassed by me and his sweet, priceless response was, "not on purpose". Now he will just walk by and shake his head and mutter "more spots".

The good news is Noel remains oblivious to the fact his mother needs a Bur'qua. He is content to walk around chanting, "Licka Licka Loo Loo". Don't bother asking, we have no idea where he picked this up. I asked his teacher and she said she was wondering if it was something we said at home, ummm no. He says it all the time! He has also taken to adding the 'y' sound to the end of every word. For instance he asks for "juicy" or "milky". He is very two these days and doesn't hesitate to express his opinions, but then he smiles that incredible smile and you just have to kiss him. And when you do, he giggles and says, "Licka Licka Loo Loo."

The Sacrifices of Lent

Again no pictures, but in the famous words of Chase, "it's not my fault." Our laptop is on the fritz so Chris pulled all the pictures to an external hard drive. Great if the laptop does indeed crash, but bad for my blogging which is already lagging way behind.
Speaking of Chase, this year, becasue he is making his first Communion, we have really encouraged him to give up something for Lent. I decided to give up diet soda which is a pretty big deal for me. Chris hasn't decided yet, but Chase after weighing several options has decided to abstain from soup. Yes, that was his much deliberated choice, and I honestly don't believe he chose it to be funny. He really thought long and hard about his decision. We both agreed candy wasn't a good choice because there was so much in the house from Valentine's, so his next choice was soup, and yes, he really enjoys soup though we don't eat it that terribly often.
After boldly embracing soup as the thing to give up, he then said, "now how long will this last?" I told him 40 days to which he made a horrified face and said, "I might really want some chicken noodle before then." The sacrifices we make...

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I know I am way overdue for lots of photos and updates, but I had to share this quickie before I forget it. Last night as I was cooking dinner, Chase was trying to get a VERY grouchy Noel to sit on the couch with him. At one point Chase says, "Noel, I have to tell you something very important. I am your brother. Since I am your brother, I think you should treat me with the respect I deserve." In response Noel probably either hit, kicked, or pulled Chase's hair and the chaos resumed.

Taking a Stand

I do not consider myself a political person. Don't get me wrong, I vote, but I do it because too many have fought and died to make sure I have that right rather than my real interest in the political process. However, last Friday the entire family took part in what, I have to say, was one of the most powerful things I have ever done, the annual Together for Life rally at the State Capitol. The rally marks the anniversary of the passing of Roe vs. Wade, and begins with a gathering on the Capitol steps and ends with a one mile silent walk through downtown Atlanta.

Our family had a very special role in the program. Because of Noel's involvement in the Face of Personhood contest one of the directors at Georgia Right to Life asked if we would be interested in participating on stage and beginning the march. Our portion of the program involved representing our birth year since Roe was passed by holding a sign with an abortion statistic as the information was read. I represented 1976, Chase 2001, and Noel 2007 (Chris got to carry Noel). I was so proud of my boys! And a little anxious as you can see below.(Chase was somewhat unsupervised)

The experience was moving and reinforced so much what a miracle Noel is. He is literally one in a million that was adopted and not aborted. And while the media did not find this event, that drew thousands to walk silently through the middle of a major American city, worthy of their coverage, I felt as though we were making a difference. Choose Life!

Wordless Wednesday

Our big Snow Day January 7, 2010

Toys!!!

That was Noel's one word response to the haul under the tree Christmas morning. We had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. All Chase wanted from Santa was a drum set and Star Wars Legos. He said he would know Santa was real if he brought him a drum set because there was no way his parents would get him that. (Truer words have ne'er been spoken.) Fortunately for all involved, my Grandmother came through with the drums, and Santa with the Legos.

Noel is now the head chef at Elmo's Restaraunt Kitchen thanks to the Jolly Old Elf, and by the end of the evening he actually said no when asked if he wanted to open more presents. He is now officially 2, and, well, he acts like it. We hear a lot of "mine" and "no" at our house. We made an effort to recognize Noel's birthday but are still trying to have the big celebration centered around "A-Day".

We rang in the New Year with some great friends playing The Newlywed Game. We had all been married at least 9 and a half years, so it was quire entertaining. Chris and I came in a respectable 3rd place. And while this post is belated, like most of mine are these days, happy, happy New Year to you!

A Months worth of Fun Sons

Ok, so who am I to let a serious case of writers block deprive my loyal reader(s) of photos and updates on the 2 fun sons. So here goes...in chronological order:

Due to several extraneous circumstances, and mostly just because that is how our fall seemed to go, we carved a Thanksgiving pumpkin this year. It was just as much fun as it's overdone Halloween cousin and the leaf pattern provided a lovely decoration for dinner at Chris' parents.


Here we are in a rare shot that includes the entire family, and in this case, pumpkin guts.

Around the time of Chase's first Christmas, Chris' parents began a great tradition of celebrating the feast day of St. Nicholas with a stocking exchange. Chase's aunt Steph got him a booklet of 350 temporary tatoos, which he applied the first, oh, ten percent of that evening. I have to come up with an appropriate way to thank Aunt Stephie for that.

Noelly was especially excited about his 'pop' which is Noel for Lollipop.

Noel got his very own tree this year which he loves to take the ornaments off and put them back on. He actually does this very carefully and for the most part leaves the trees alone.

At last it was time to post for our Christmas card photo. Chris snapped this picture of Chase while I was running after Noel in the backyard. I had to include it in the blog because when I popped up on the computer for the first time I gasped and got tears in my eyes. Look at how grown up this kid is!!!

And lastly the shot that most of you have gracing your Christmas card holders as I type...

And just in case I hit another blogging dry spell, may God bless you and yours this Christmas and in the year to come.