Our Family, Nov. 2009

During the hustle and bustle of the season, may we all stop and reflect that we, as Christians, celebrate December 25th as the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ.  May we not forget the true sacrifice that Christmas day represents — the sacrifice of the Son of God on the cross of Calvary.

May you have a blessed Christmas….and know that we love you all!

The Tree At Toomer's

Photo by Mojo

Getting to Jordan-Hare

Mojo and I along with E and TomBoy Girl were able to go to Auburn’s homecoming game versus Furman.  We had a great time!  Anytime we get to visit the Plains is a great day!!!

Photographer Aubie

Raiding Toomer's Corner

Mojo Raidin' the Corner

BFF's E & E

Sorry for this being late, but I just got the apple-pickin’ post completed (I’ve been quite lazy lately)….and hope this one will post in the next few days….then my wonderful birthday celebration with Mojo and “E” (& Tomboy Girl)!!!!

This year, we decided not to attend any Fall Festivals or other celebrations…., but instead we went “trick or treating” with some friends and even the adults got into the fun by wearing either a mask or wig (except Mojo….he’s such a fuddy duddy!)

Double Storm Shadows

Storm Shadow B

Witchy Girl

We visited Montessori Academy for their annual Fall Festival with our friends, Laura & Bert…and their wonderful children!  While we were there we ran into Girly Girl’s bestest friend from when she was 2 years old.  It was amazing that at the age of 2 that she and her friend, Bryn, were inseparable! 

Still, at the age of 9, Girly Girl talks about Bryn and asks to see her frequently!  We were so thrilled to see her at the Fall Festival…and hope to spend some more time with her in the future!

Forever Friends

During the fall we have been trying to spend as much time with the Jean Family as possible.  We learned the hard way this spring when we  finally spent time with the Diesings and they moved 11 days later, that making friends with a military family is sweet, but our time together is brief and we must make the most of it!

We have had dinner at their home and they have had dinner at our home.  We went to Six Flags with them to celebrate “Best Buddy Boy’s” birthday….and then we have seen multiple movies together.

Bestest Buddies!!!

A few weeks ago we joined them at Montessori Academy’s Annual Fall Festival (BBB’s sister, still goes to MA).  It was so sweet to see all of Girly Girl and Button Boy’s teachers again…and other friends!  We actually ran into Girly Girl’s very first best little friend!  They were together at Montessori Academy in Little House with Mrs. Julia and Ms. Erin….Ms. Erin was one of Button Boy’s teachers when he finished Montessori this summer!  We couldn’t believe that we were not going to see her everyday at school anymore.  But luckily we are going by to visit every month or so.

Button Boy & Ms. Danielle

Back to Bestest Buddy Boy and BBB’s sister…This week, we are going to have them over Saturday afternoon for soups before dressing up and going out to “beg for candy!” 

We have until the end of May with the Jean Family…and we plan to use every chance we can to spend time with them…they are a precious family and their children and our children absolutely adore one another!  I can’t wait to post pictures from this weekend!!!

Kitty Kitty!

Batty Boy!

The second weekend of October, my parent’s hosted a family reunion for my Dad’s mother’s side of the family.  We had some new faces to meet…the Dodenhoff’s from New Orleans and a Dodenhoff from Indiana! — and then we had loads of fun with some of the faces we don’t get to see all the time!

It is always a blessing to bring together family and spend time together getting to know one another again.  This side of the family, I was the only girl while we were growing up…so, it is fun to see Girly Girl have girl cousin’s to play with….and Button Boy got to play very boy things.  I think his favorite was football with “Uncle Alan”  (he’s really my cousin, but I can’t stand for my kids to call him Mr. Alan or just Alan….so “Uncle” it is!)

It was also a great time to spend with Alan’s sweet, darling wife, Jennifer.  Her picture is in the dictionary next to “sweetheart”.  She just is one! 

Alan and Jennifer’s second child has some GI problems that they are suffering through.  We have diligently been praying for RH for a long time.  His problem is different from Button Boy’s, but they are finding out that he does have food allergies and sensitivities….and when they got home they were implementing an elimination diet…..when Dr. Saeed suggested it to us, I cried!  I have tremendous respect for Alan and Jennifer and doing this long process to find out what is going on with RH.

Kiddos first semester grades, family reunions, trip to Hot-lanta with the fam to visit a few new places, a follow-up appt at Children’s with Button Boy, and a new surgery for me….I will update very soon!

EmmyJMommy & Dr. Andy DeWitt, day before surgery

My pre-surgery weight was an incredible 330 lbs!!!!!

EmmyJMommy 3 1/2 years post surgery

I can do things I never thought I’d be able to do again….ride rollercoasters, walk Disney World, enjoy looking at pictures of myself….and not always feeling like the largest, fattest person in a room!!!

If anyone out there who stumbles across this post or my blog has any questions about one of the 4 best decisions I”ve made in my life, please email me!!!!