Here are some family pictures that were taken on Christmas Eve. Like every year, we spent the Eve with Daniel's family. Our nephew, Blake, is in the first picture and Harlie, our niece is in the second (and third).
The last picture is of Daniel and his two brothers, Greg and Gary.
I just took the RealAge test and was pleased with my results. I'm not bragging but I scored SEVEN years younger=). I think this website is very useful. Although I scored well, it still produced some recommendations. Try it and let me know how you did!
http://www.realage.com/ (To take the test)
http://cls.realage.com/RALong/planner/overview.aspx (my own overview)
Here are pictures of the unwrapping of Grandma's gifts. As you can see, everyone was involved!
This is torture for the children. Before they could open presents, I made them pose beside the tree with everything under it. Please note that they were standing no where near the tree.
I have decided that I will have to break down and buy a new camera--again. I feel like we through cameras like underwear.
Luckily, before I got sick, I was able to make homemade sugar cookies. Mallory and I used cookie cutters to make various Christmas shapes. The cookies were ready for frosting when everyone visited on Saturday, 12/19. The kids had a great time. Everyone had their own frosting and their were sprinkles available. 
Here are a couple of group shots. These were taken before any presents were opened.
As you can see, mom outdid her self. Each child received a lot and my house was full of wrapping paper--literally.
Everyone was happy with their gifts. Mom bought Mallory a makeup vanity, Kirsten and Becky got art desks, Cadee received a big barbie house, and Little Danny received some type of truck.
More pictures to come, as long as health status is good:)
Health status update: Each day I am getting stronger. Today I was able to eat more and move around more. I am looking forward to returning to 100%. Being sick is hard, especially around the holidays. This is the first year that we bought cookies for Santa. As you recall, Mallory and I usually do a lot of baking but didn't have the time or energy for it this year.
Merry Christmas to everyone!!!
As many of you know, I took a recent vaca to Satilla Regional Medical Center. This was an awful place and I do not recommend anyone visiting!
I was admitted on Sunday night and was released today at around 1:30. It was a very long 3 night and 2 1/2 day stay! The reason for my stay: severe dehydration and a bacterial infection that was causing A LOT of output.
Thankfully I am doing much better. For the first time in several days, I am managing to keep food down and can move without getting dizzy, sweaty, and passing out.
Please keep the rest of my family in your prayers because everyone else is getting sick too. So far, I am the only one who has dehydrated.
Mallory has found mom's stash of presents. Before I knew it, she found some with her name on them and has placed them under the tree!
Happy Birthday Lealane!
Mallory, Kirsten, and Cadee playing barbies. Grandma is somewhere lurking.
Grandma fun will continue this weekend. Mom will arrive Friday night and Saturday we will have Christmas and celebrate Becky's birthday. Stay tuned. Since there is a lot of action, there will be a lot of pictures!
Aren't they elegant?? These are typical visits with Grandma. The kids are literally running through the house either in princess dresses or with toys. Sometimes both.
The first picture is of Mallory with her cousins. I am happy to report that Mallory had a lot of supporters in attendance. Mom came up from Fl, Aunt Kristy, Aunt Melissa and Mallory's cousins all came. In addition, Mallory's Nana and older cousin Harlie were there. We took up the entire second row--or very nearly. We were close enough that Mallory saw us from stage and waved to me.
The second picture was taken before we left to go to the 
dancing recital. Mom took at least a dozen pictures and Mallory had her eyes closed in every one!
Today was Mallory's performance in the Nutcracker. She was a snowflurry and was definitely the cutest.
She started out strong but quickly faded. She did the first two motions and then started patting her nose, straightening her tutu, playing with her hair, etc..... anything but dancing!
In the finale (last photo) she was part of a group that held some kind of vine. She stayed on the wrong side.
I was really proud of Mallory. She was nervous and very unsure of the situation. I think she has a fear of being in front of an audience and being involved in a large group.
We really enjoyed watching her and luckily mom has it on video.
More photos to follow.
Tomorrow Mallory will begin her intensive Nutcracker training (she has additional practices). I am really excited about her upcoming performance. I bought her some new ballet slippers to help her prepare. Grandma, I really wish you could come. Don't worry mom will video tape and I should be able to add some footage to this blog.
Lealane, I am only committing to the gate run. I ran outside again and it is getting easier. There is a HUGE difference between road running and treadmill running.
Here is a link to what Lee and me are striving toward.
http://www.gate-riverrun.com/
Becky, do you want to join us? Krystial has agreed to run too!
A big chunk of ear wax fell out of Mallory's ear yesterday morning!!! This is great. Now the doctor won't have to pull it out--unless there is some left.
Not much happened over the weekend. Mallory and I did our usual Jerry J's breakfast, trip to the library, and running boring errands. Today was church, family lunch, and a long run outside--I'm getting ready Lealane--are you?
Tomorrow is work=(
Well Mallory is nearly completed. I have ordered everything via Internet-again-and it is on its way. I will buy her a few small items but nothing worth mentioning.
Now what to get our parents........
Speaking of presents. I have to go to a work Christmas party. We are supposed to be playing that dirty Christmas game. The gift is supposed to be worth $10. It seems that this is a big deal in my program so I want to bring something good. Any suggestions?????
Our cards should be going out this weekend--this is our projected release date. To be included: A Christmas pic of Mallory and her autograph. She signed most of the cards herself. She was so cute. She sat at her art desk and wrote her name in all of them.
Yesterday we returned to the surgeon's office for a post-op appointment. I was a little concerned because Mallory's ear seemed to be bleeding/discharging more than the last time. According to the doctor, everything looks good. She has a lot of wax/discharge buildup that has hardened and it has molded itself to the skin. It could not be removed without hurting her so we are doing ear drops to soften it and will return in 2 weeks to try to get it out.
Looking forward to Mallory's dance recital. Dress up rehearsals will begin this weekend and tickets are no on sale. They are $10 for adults and $5 for children. I can easily buy them during rehearsals so if anyone wants me to purchase one on their behalf, let me know
Also, cookie is in. I will be able to pick it up today.
