MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas to everyone! We had a very busy morning today. The highlight of the morning was when Callie put on her "Hannah Montana" wig and danced for us---it was priceless! Callie also got a new bike and rides it like a champ. The boys were excited to get their new golf clubs and TV's for their rooms. Daddy was VERY happy to get a new 3 wood and I was surprised to get a new cell phone--a JUKE; I feel so 'hip'! Tomorrow evening we will be heading home to visit with the family--it was tough being away. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.
Happy Birthday, JESUS!

Waiting for Santa

Today we went to a Christmas service where the kids acted out the nativity and characters (sheep, donkeys, etc) walked around--Callie thought that was cool! Then we came home and had our big Christmas meal. Chad carved the turkey and I made my first oyster dressing and baked macaroni---thanks to Mom and Nanna for all the advice!!! The kids are ANXIOUSLY awaiting Santa; hopefully they will go to bed soon!

Date Night

Last night Chad and I used a neighborhood sitter for the first time so we could enjoy a night out. We went to dinner at Pappadeaux's (WAY overpriced seafood) and had drinks at Fox and Hound. We had a nice time---but babysitters sure do charge A LOT more now than when I was a kid!

As you can tell from the angle, the boys took the picture of Chad and I.

Our Little Ballerina

We recently enrolled Callie into a ballet and dance class--hoping she'd stop pole dancing! She absolutely LOVES it! Her teacher said she was a 'natural'----Chad and I are quite confused--neither one of us have any natural dancing abilities!

Busy Weekend

This weekend was pretty busy for our crew. We spent Friday evening decorating the tree while a wonderful roast cooked in the oven. Then after dinner, we decorated Christmas cookies and watched the movie "Elf"---it is one of our favorites!!

On Saturday, we went to Katy, Texas, or "Megan's Texas" as Callie calls it, to celebrate Michelle's "Miguel" 3rd Birthday. After a few technical difficulties , the kids had a blast in the jumper--which by the way, was only made for small kids.

On Sunday, Chad and I took the kids to Extreme Pizza. So by Sunday night, Chad and I were completely exhausted! I think this weekend we are getting a SITTER!

'Tis the Season

The Straughan Christmas Season has now officially started. Last night, we went to take pictures with Santa. Today, we are going to get our Christmas tree. Of course the season couldn't possibly begin without the traditional "McJoseph."

Long Story Short: We lost our BEAUTIFUL nativity scene in Katrina. The boys then bought me a new scene with their own money---it was plastic, but who cares! Anyway, during the move to Mississippi, we lost Joseph's head. And of course the only object we had PLENTY of was McDonald's Happy Meal toys. Use a little glue, then McJoseph was BORN!

Latest Happenings

On Saturday, Mace and Jake's school performed at a local holiday Kick Off Celebration. We had a really good time. They had SpaceJumps EVERYWHERE, a petting zoo, train rides, and Christmas Characters (The Woodlands Pinecone Guy and The Chick Fil-A guy.) There was plenty to do and the best part was that the entire event was FREE!!! We ended up spending most of the morning there and then rushed home for the SEC game. I will take this time to apologize (AGAIN) for not updating the blog, answering email, etc---our computer is VERY moody! It'll work for a couple of hours then shut itself down for no reason for weeks! We blame Mammy :)
I hope I will get to my email soon--I miss hearing from all of you!