Christmas 2010

I can't believe that Christmas has come and gone. The holiday season always tends to fly by faster than any other time of the year.
We enjoyed having a beautiful white Christmas this year and Santa was quite good to LL.
We made sure to read the Night Before Christmas as well as The Christmas Story to her and put out cookies and milk for Santa before heading to bed.
Shortly after putting her down, the mister went back into the room for something and she jumped up and said "Hoho here?!"
She was quite overwhelmed by all that she received, and much like last Christmas, we will be putting some away to take back out on rainy days :)
Here are a few pics from Christmas:





As well as a few other pics from this holiday season which include the annual Christmas parade and a trip to the Science Center:

The True Meaning

So often times it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. We get wrapped up in holiday functions, buying gifts, wrapping gifts, forcing kids on Santa's lap (which tends to result in at least 1 screaming fit or frown), more buying gifts, cooking, cleaning, putting elves out to create chaos in our homes,decorating, etc. The devil often works his way into our lives as we curse the holiday traffic, the lines in Wal-Mart while trying to buy a pillow pet or fighting for that last Disco Dancing Mickey, and the time that we just don't seem to have enough of.
Amongst all of the chaos, God often throws a curve ball in order for you to slow down and think. Think about what the true meaning of Christmas is and think about what is overall important during the holiday season.
Its not the gift buying, decorating, tacky Christmas parties, eggnog, etc. Its the building of faith and remembering that God sent us His only Son to forever change Earth as we know it. Its remembering to honor Him, thank Him, and cling to Him. It's spending time with family and friends and giving to those in need, as Jesus often did. It's watching miracles of God truly take place as the doctor comes out to tell you that the 5 inch mass in your beloved grandmother's body is benign and that she made it through surgery and HE is granting you more time with her here on Earth. Its watching the power of prayer go out through emails, phone calls, Facebook, and in person as those you know also experience medical challenges (as well as other challenges) with their loved ones.
The least thing that we can do this holiday season is to sit back and enjoy this time that God has given us and for the Son that He brought to us in order to pave the way to Heaven. I hope that all will remember the true meaning of Christmas this year and sit back and enjoy it and be thankful for it. Watching all of these little miracles take place around us can not even amount to the miracle that occurred during this time ever so long ago.

Nana Update

This update is to tell you that there really isn't much of an update. The doctor FINALLY came in to see her after 7pm tonight. Remember-they went in shortly after midnight EARLY Wednesday morning. He basically said that after reviewing the scan results and well as the ultrasound results that it could be a number of things-minor to major. However, he is hopeful that it is not cancer. He feels as though at this point her white blood count would be much higher and there would be fluid/infection around the mass if it was. But, he still doesn't want to rule it out quite yet. He is also hoping that it is not as large as it appears. Instead, he is hoping that it may just be a cluster of cysts, etc. that is appearing to be 1 large mass.

So, please keep her in your prayers. Pray that it is minor and pray that she is able to get some comfort from the pain that this is causing.

Prayers Please

The past several weeks have been filled with tragedies. Every time I go to work, a coworker is telling me about someone who committed suicide, had a heart attack, was in some type of freak accident, etc. I just don't know how much more I can take. I do not know what is going on, but it just breaks my heart for the families who are having to say good-bye to a loved one so close to the holidays. Please pray for these families. Also continue to pray for baby Ella as they continue their time in the hospital hoping that her bone marrow transplant is successful and for the Torres family who continue to struggle daily with the loss of their sweet baby.

My personal share of bad news came at 5am this morning in the form of a phone call from my mother. She said that they had to rush my grandmother to the ER last night due to her having severe pain. At first they thought that it was her appendix, but after further scans, they realized that it is a 5in mass on her ovary that is pressing up against a nerve (thus causing the extreme pain).

I beg you, please please please keep this woman in your prayers. My Nana is the rock of our family. She is the most Godly woman I know. I go to her to seek advice, wisdom, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a voice to tell stories of our family's past. Please pray that God will heal her and that she will be able to recover quickly.

Busy Catch up

We have been SUPER busy lately! The holidays always seems full of fun-filled events and this year as yet to disappoint. We have been on the go since Thanksgiving-really far before that-but lets just speak of the holidays....
Such as doing a picture catch-up from our weekend down south for Thanksgiving which included a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner, a trip to see Santa and a trip to the Christmas tree farm complete with live reindeer!:







And since Thanksgiving, our days have been filled with decorating, parties, get togethers, school events, shopping, etc! We have had SO much fun (even when throwing our best 2 year-old tantrums)!

With only 2 1/2 more days of school left, I am thrilled. The kids have been WILD. Actually, I am beyond thrilled b/c come Friday LL and I will be headed south and then my family will be taking us to one of my most favorite cities-New Orleans! I haven't been in such a long time, but it was such a part of my past and I can't wait to share the unique city and all it has to offer with my daughter!

Santa Pics Round 1

As you already know, our 1st round of Santa pics did not go that well. We screamed and then pouted the entire time. We did get half a smile in the 2nd pic, but tears still filled her eyes.
However, we made a 2nd visit to the man in red over the holidays at Bass Pro. She LOVED him and started pitching a fit b/c she had to wait in line and could get to him fast enough-go figure.
I will post round 2 after I upload the pics (hopefully this weekend). Until then, enjoy some of Round 1:

The Curse of Stella Luna

So, I am sure that some of you remember the dreaded smell in our dryer several months ago that ended up being a dead squirrel (who I originally thought was a bat in our attic).
Well, the ghost of that furry creature still resides in my attic. I was reminded of that nuisance when getting out my Halloween decor this year and seeing that the tissue and Styrofoam packaging had been shredded into a million pieces and made into a nest.
Then the ghost struck again as I went into the attic last night to start taking down my Christmas decor. Well, it came to a quick halt when I noticed that my feather tree was no more that a mere white cardboard cone now and my beautiful red topiary tree now looks like it rolled on the floor of an old chicken coop.
UGH!

Merry Christmas

To us!!

I just booked our 2011 trip to Disney!!! We are SUPER excited (LL and I have already watched the Disney DVD this evening). I love listening to her narrate as she identifies the characters, rides, etc!
This year, we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and absolutely loved it! However, rumor has it that they are doing rennovations on the rooms, so we didn't want to be in the middle of that while we are there.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/port-orleans-resort-riverside/
So, next year we are going to try something different and stay at Coronado Springs!
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/coronado-springs-resort/

Thankful Cont

Nov 21-I am thankful for great discussions a church that teach us all about life's lessons.
Nov 22- I am so thankful for the miracle of life! LL's boyfriend is now a big brother! So thankful that both baby and mom are healthy and happy!
Nov 23-I am thankful to have the most wonderful friends that a person could ask for-some who I have known for almost 25 years and remain my closest friends.
Nov 24-I am thankful for the Thanksgiving Break (much needed by teachers and students)!
Nov 25-I am thankful for my wonderful family and being able to spend time with one of my most favorite people in the world-my Nana.
Nov 26-I am thankful for a wonderful hubby, who braved Black Friday at ToysRUs with 2000 other people!
Nov 27-I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to take LL to her very first Christmas Tree Farm. We picked out the perfect tree for Mimi and Poppy, it was a beautiful day, and we even saw real reindeer!
Nov 28-I am thankful for the wonderful food that God provided us with over the holiday season and the safe travels as he watched over us on our return home.
Nov 29-I am thankful for another month that God has provided me with to spend with my no-so-perfect happy and healthy family.
Nov 30-I am SO thankful to have a job and wonderful coworkers to teach with. Paydays even make that more wonderful!

Flashbacks

As I walked through the toy aisle of Target today, I noticed something that started giving me flashbacks of this time last year...

I wish that the sight of something that helps little ones learn what this season is all about wouldn't give me such a bad taste in my mouth.
I searched far and wide for this toy this time last year and then had it out with good ol' Anthony at Target Customer Service because of it. (and of course I still see him EVERY time I walk into the store).
So, advice to my friends, if you are wanting to get this precious set for your little one at the awesome price of $13.99 (reg 27.99) you better get them while they've got them!

Thankful cont

Nov 14-I am thankful to have the opportunity to make another child's Christmas by sponsoring an Angel tree.
Nov 15-I am thankful for the recent rain, however, it is not quite as fun being stuck inside all day.
Nov 16-I am thankful to have friends who are able to show me how to save money by hosting a coupon class.
Nov 17-I am thankful for the Thanksgiving meal that is served at school each year-it is SO yummy!
Nov 18-I am thankful for Bama's win tonight-RTR!!
Nov 19-I am thankful for my sweet pets that I love to cuddle with on the couch.
Nov 20-I am thankful for lazy pj days.

Thankful Cont.

Nov 8-I am thankful for LL and her health. I am so fortunate to have a happy and healthy toddler, no matter how much she wears me out sometimes, she always manages to put a smile on my face.
Nov 9-I am thankful for our families and the love and support that they show us.
Nov 10-I am thankful for Old Navy's sales which have allowed me to add a few things to my pitiful wardrobe:)
Nov 11-I am thankful for all who have served and sacrificed for our country and for this wonderful day off:)
Nov 12-I am thankful for my free babysitting service (LL's aunt and her boyfriend), who will come and play with LL so that mommy and daddy can have a nice dinner:)
Nov 13-I am thankful for new friends that we have made, who came over to play today and enjoyed the beautiful weather with us outside.

Veteran's Day

I am so thankful that we have this day OFF, and more importantly to be able to honor those who have fought and sacrificed their lives for our country.

Today LL and I have had a day full of running around. We first hit up Old Navy's awesome Give and Get sale. I scored 3 pairs of pjs for LL, as well as a shirt, a dress, and a pair of cords for me and my grand total after tax was $51. I was so proud of my purchases!

We also took my phone in to be fixed, started shopping around in order to get ideas for Christmas presents, had a yummy lunch at Chick-Fil-A (with everyone who lives in a 20 mile radius of it) and then came home to grab naps (watch re-runs of Teen Mom).

I don't think LL will be getting one large present this year from Santa, instead she will more than likely receive a hodge-podge of things that she will hopefully enjoy!

I have started searching for the perfect outfits for our next Disney trip. I have some really cute things in mind and I have also just confirmed that our first Disney outfit for next year's trip is on the way! How cute is this?!

Thanksgiving Thankfuls

As we draw nearer to the day that we all spend giving thanks, I would like to take this month to let you know some of the things that I am thankful for. I will think of one thing each day, although I may post in groups since I have been bad about my daily blogging.
So lets back-track a little:

Nov 1-Although I dread Mondays, I am actually thankful to be able to get up and go to work-to a job that I enjoy what I do and who I work with.

Nov 2-I am thankful for my husband, who is currently driving around my car until we are able to get my tire fixed:)

Nov 3- I am thankful for my child's caregiver, who she truly enjoys going to see each day.

Nov 4- I am thankful for my home, even if it did not come equiped with its own cleaning fairy.

Nov 5-I am thankful for my sister, who came to observe at school today. She left at lunchtime in order to save us from the cafeteria food and brought us pizza instead:)

Nov 6- I am thankful for my mother, who is celebrating her birthday today. I am so fortunate to have her in my life.

Nov 7- I am thankful that we have found a church in which we truly enjoy going to and feel as though we are a part of.

You Better Not Pout....

Well, today has been a day full of pouting at the Loyo house. We starting our morning off by going to have pictures with the old man in red. I knew that we probably would not be so lucky to have every year full of smiles, and well, this was that unlucky year. LL wanted nothing to do with him and clung to me/screamed when I tried to put her in his lap. We finally got a few pictures made, but they were definitely without smiles. I guess she was a little disappointed when the character that she saw in red didn't have 2 big black ears and a tail!

We were also so disappointed in our loss to LSU this evening. We might not have played our best, but we still have an amazing team that we will support through the good times and bad.

Halloween Recap

Our little piggy had a wonderful time Sunday! We enjoyed going over to a friend's house and watching all of the little ones run around in their precious costumes! We then, had our first experience with a "Trunk or Treat"! It was so much fun to go from "trunk" to "trunk" seeing how each was decorated! We saw everything from a giant Chinese take-out box to a beach-themed truck bed complete with sand.
I can't believe that we have less than 8 weeks until Christmas! This fall has been non-stop, but seems to be flying by!!

Other exciting news is that we will be booking our 2nd family trip to Disney by the end of the month! We had such a magical experience last fall, that we decided to take LL one more time while she is free:) We are already counting down the months until we see Kickey-Ow (Mickey Mouse) again!

This Little Piggy....

went to Boo at the Zoo Friday night and had a BLAST! She enjoyed playing games, riding on the train, riding the carousel, petting animals, and REALLY enjoyed getting candy. Luckily, she still has no clue what it is, but sure did enjoy putting them in her bag!

Birthday Pics

Amongst all of the planning, I forgot to charge my camera before the big day. So, I had to depend on my sister to take all of the birthday pics with her camera. Here is a glimpse of LL's big day. Sorry they are so late, but better late than never:)

WHEW!

The birthday celebrations are finally over. We had a wonderful time celebrating LL's birthday over the past month with the people that we love the most, but now it is time to recover from it all!
However, things are not slowing down in the least little bit. We have been going strong both during the week and on the weekends, and things probably won't slow down until after the holidays...I get tired just thinking about it!
This weekend, we will start our Halloween festivities as well as celebrating the upcoming arrival of boyfriend's little brother. I am hoping to take a few pics to give everyone a sneak peak at LL's perfectly adorable costume (lets pray that it still fits!)
I hope that everyone has a WONDERFUL weekend!
I have several prayer requests for friends and family members. Please just say a prayer for them all!

Why Do Bad Things Happen.....

to good people?

I have found myself asking that a lot lately. It started out a few weeks ago when a very dear friend of mine ended up in the PICU with her sweet little baby girl, who just turned one. Baby Emme had spiked a very high temp and then went on to have a very long seizure. They weren't sure if she would make it through and spend over 10 days in the PICU and then a few extra days in the hospital. Luckily, Emme is slowly starting to get back to her old self and they were able to finally take her home today.
And then yesterday, I woke up to read that a absolutely perfect, adorable little 4 month old boy of another friend was taken away from his parents way too soon. Instead of continuing to nurture their baby here on Earth, they will be holding a service for him this weekend and saying their goodbyes. I can not begin to imagine the pain that they must feel.

I do not understand why bad things happen to good people. Although I know that Baby Julius will be well taken care of by our Father, I just can't understand why his parents have to go through the hurt and pain that they are going through. I have such a hard time understanding why God chooses to take away little ones way too soon from parents who are doing everything right, yet leaves little ones on earth to be abused by cruel people who do not love them at all. I know that one day, I will be able to see the whole picture from a new perspective, however until then, I guess it is just human for me to question it all and assure myself that it is all in God's ultimate plan.

Please continue to hold both of these families in your prayers, especially the loved ones that Baby Julius is leaving behind. No mother should have to say goodbye to a little one this soon.

Fall Flies By!

Fall is always a busy busy time of the year for us. We have birthdays, holidays, football-days, pumpkin patch days, etc. It is quite possibly my most favorite time of year with perfect weather, beautiful scenery, and wonderful events spent with the people that we love and care about the most.
Needless to say, time has gotten the best of me lately, as I have not had enough of it to do everything that I want (namely-the blog). I promised myself that when I started this, I would try to post weekly. It then moved to every other day, then everyday. So, I am trying not to be too hard on myself, but realizing that I just can't do all that I want to do in one day, and unfortunately this falls closer to the bottom of the list in priorities. However, I want this to be my scrapbook/baby book/journal, so I am going to again, attempt to do better.
The past two weeks have been filled with busyness. We have celebrated friends', the mister's and LL's birthdays, spent time with family, and had several events/errands/etc. in between. Free weekends are few and far between and weeknights are getting that way as well.
So hopefully, we will have updates and pictures of birthdays, etc. soon. We had a blast last Saturday at LL's Mickey Mouse birthday and will continue to celebrate through next weekend. However, this weekend will be filled with football parties, a 2-year-old photograph session, a baby shower, and hopefully a trip to the pumpkin patch!
So, until there is more time to upload birthday pics to the blog, I will leave you with a big
ROLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fall is Here!

Or is it?! I can't believe that it is officially fall and we are still having 97 degree weather! Time has FLOWN by since our Disney trip and we have been busy busy planning LL's 2nd birthday. I think that I am taking turning 2 harder than turning 1 because my baby will officially not be a baby anymore. I am already receiving mail from Publix's "Toddler Club" and pull-up coupons from Pampers. Do they know that I am not ready for all of that yet?! It seems like she was just born yesterday!

We will have her party in a little over a week and the theme is of course Mickey/Minnie Mouse! LL's boyfriend is expecting Mickey himself to be there, so we might be in a little trouble-anyone have a Mickey costume hanging around?! We plan on basically doing the same thing as we did last year, and just having our closest friends and family over for a little get together. As of right now, the weather is supposed to be in the upper 70s with 0% chance of rain. PLEASE pray that it stays that way!

We have also gotten into full swing with cheering on the Tide and hopefully they will stay undefeated after Saturdays game against Arkansas. LL will of course be wearing her Crimson dress of the season and I hope to put a photo up of her wearing it sometime soon!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend! We will be celebrating 4 birthdays this weekend, including the misters!

Day 6

Although we had 6 days worth of park tickets, we opted out of going to a park on the final day because we were exhausted! We also knew that it would make for a long trip home. So instead, we took it easy that morning and then went to the French Quarter side of our resort to enjoy some yummy beignets for breakfast.
Then, we headed to Downtown Disney to do a little shopping before heading home. We met the grandparents there and they took LL to create her own "Disney Mr. Potato-head". She was able to fill a little box with as many accessories as she was able to fit and had so much fun doing so (although I think that we had just as much fun helping her!)
We then ran into a few more shops, said our good-byes, and headed home. It was a WONDERFUL trip. I was so sad to leave, but hopefully we will go back again soon!

Day 5

On Day 5, we began our morning by having breakfast with a few of our favorite characters at Cape May, which is located in the Beach Club Resort. LL had a WONDERFUL time with Minnie, Goofy, and Donald, as well as eating all of the delicious food on the buffet.




We also decided to snap a few pics around the Beach Club:


And then we headed to Hollywood Studios!
She really enjoyed the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground:


And watching The Muppet's 3d!

She really enjoyed watching all of her favorite Playhouse Disney characters-OH Toodles!

As well as watching Beauty and the Beast:

LL's pic of the day: Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground
Mine and the Misters-Rockin Roller Coaster
We ended the evening with a trip to the outlets and dinner at Joe's Crabshack! We were all EXHAUSTED!