Christmas '09

EXHALE.... Well Christmas came and left in a flash- just like it always does. We have spent the past two days trying to process all that Christmas brought us this year. Slowly but surely we are digging out from under the wrapping paper, bags, toy boxes & instructions and making room for all the new things our family so generously gave. To say our family is blessed is almost too trite to say out loud, much less write in a blog. I don't have words to express how grateful we are for the life God has blessed us with. But I am convinced that He knows our heart. So, now I am about to attempt to recap Christmas 2009 as best as I can. (Warning: I am posting a ridiculous amount of pictures today.
As for my children's take on Christmas - both were battling the crud and bronchitus. But that didn't slow Collin down one bit. He loved every minute of opening presents. Actually, he liked opening the gifts far more than the toys themselves :) He was VERY intrigued by Santa's arrival. In fact, we spotted the "red-nosed reindeer" on the way home from MeeMaw's on Christmas Eve ;) Brantlee was too strung out on steroids and cold medicine to even care that is was Christmas! ha Seriously, I don't think she opened a single gift! Poor baby. But she hung in there as best she could dressed in her Christmas attire. She is actually feeling MUCH better now, and it's safe to say we have our sweet baby back :)

The Christmas events started at Lolly & Poppy's house on Wednesday night along with Casey, Derek & Fischer.

These two are just a tiny bit jealous of each other when it comes to Lolly

Getting the hang of this business of opening presents.

Christmas Eve
There is truly nothing like Christmas Eve at MeeMaw and PawPaw's house. You can almost predict everything thing that happens from year to year - everything from the food to the Dirty Santa gifts. That's what makes it so memorable... and chaotic.

It was quite a feat getting these little ones to pose for a picture. But it is tradition to get all the families in front of the tree, so we just snapped away.


All 3 in their new Coupe Cars.

Collin on his new roller racer

And MeeMaw on the roller racer (without the first drop of egg nog, mind you)

A brief moment amidst the insanity

Santa Came!!

Our princess went straight for the cookies Santa didn't eat.

Collin and Brantlee were good this year!

MEET HERMIE (the crab)

The best gift of all... the trampoline!!

or the McDonald's pretend Happy Meal set (who would of thought?)

Brantlee's first set of wheels!

Already Miss Social ;)

The Sumrall Christmas Breakfast

It's tradition to meet up early on Christmas morning and eat breakfast with my mom's side of the family and exchange gifts. As hard as it is to pull the family together on Christmas morning and get out the door, it is WELL worth it for this event. The food is always delicious!! Plus, there are 6 GREAT grandchildren on this side of the family (5 of which are under age 3) Fun times!!

Kooper was well enough to make to the Mimi's house... a blessing in itself.

"That's a sign of a healthy, prosperous family." Something I overheard PawPaw Sumrall saying as he admired the gifts under the tree. I know how proud he must be to have us all under one roof.

Okay, the photo of this moment doesn't do it justice. You truly had to be there. On the other side of the camera is the rest of the entire family on the couch waiting for the professional photographer (my grandfather) to rig up the camera for a family shot. Shortly after, the camera dumped forward just as it took the picture. It was hilarious!! We did finally get a picture though... we think.

Karsen took Collin for a spin in his new F150.

Whew! Christmas will wear you out!

Later that afternoon, we went to Nana and Papa's to open gifts and stay the night.

Brantlee wasn't too interested in opening her toys, so Daddy took her for ride in Collin's new John Deere wheel barrow.

Later that afternoon, the weather warmed up enough for the kiddos to finally enjoy some time on their new tramp. I can already foresee lots of memories to come on this thing.

I truly LOVE Christmas and all it stands for and all it brings. But is it bad to be a little relieved that it's over? Okay, a lot relieved?

Christmas is Coming

Just wanted to pop in and post some pictures from the past week. We are all looking forward to the Christmas festivities ahead. But so far our family has been plagued with sickness with the little ones :( Kooper, 10 months, was admitted to Forrest General on Sunday with RSV that led to pneumonia and an ear infection!! He is still pretty sick, but thankfully he was released today. We are still praying for his full recovery and for rest for Kris and Brandy. Also, Fischer currently has bronchitus and some ear issues. Hopefully his meds will kick in and he will feel much better soon. Collin and Brantlee have a visit with Dr. Tibbs tomorrow morning. Both have been battling the "crud" and cough for the past several days. Hopefully we will have an uneventful visit and get some meds to knock it out just in time for Santa.



So before the rush of all the holiday events, here are some shots of what we've been up to. So far we......


Went to the Crager's Christmas and tried to get a picture with Big PawPaw Crager (This is as good as it got)


did not want anything to do with photography



quickly bonded with cousin Miles of all people ;)


managed to get a photo with all 4 Crager generations.

attended a birthday party for Jesus that Collin refused to participate in.

wouldn't eat cake, wear a hat, or sing... just one of those days.

got all dressed up in our Christmas best!

pranced around in our bloomers eating a cookie before nap time.

Made homeade Christmas ornaments

spilled an entire box of sprinkles on the floor.

finally got to play outside with Poppy when the weather warmed up.

Cruised around in the golf cart (yes, Poppy let Collin drive!)

Played the Wii

I would like to be able to post a precious picture here of my two sitting in Santa's lap. But that will obviously have to wait until next year... when I don't have it planned with cute matching monogrammed shirts. Sadly, this year the Crager kids were too terrified (or stubborn) to have their picture made with Santa, despite their cute outfits. They both clinged to me and mom like they had seen a monster. Collin plainly said, "I will NOT." So there you have it!

Well, time to clean and get ready for the toy explosion!!! Til next time.

One semester down!

It's finally here... Christmas Break!! It has been busy to a say the least since school started in August for both me and Kyle. I am truly enjoying working part-time. But it is finding time to prepare lessons, write tests, and grade papers for three different high school subjects while I'm home with my little munchkins that's the challenge!! All in all, it's going well though. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to get more teaching experience and still be home half the time. However, I am ELATED to be off for nearly 3 weeks!!

Kyle also has much to celebrate. Last week he wrapped up his first semester of the Doctoral program for physical therapy. (I hope I am using the right terminology here) He should be done by August 2010. He's done an amazing job juggling work, school, and family, but we have certainly had our moments!!! He too will be off work starting sometime next week. And I am happy to report that NEITHER of us will be reading anything educational or doing anything productive on the computer until after the New Year. YAY!

Sooooo..... here's to lounging in our pj's all day and enjoying the holidays!!!




(This picture has no purpose other than showing Brantlee in her boots and leggings. I just love it!)