Callie's Sick Day

I stayed home with Callie today because she was running a fever. After I FINALLY convinced her she did NOT have to go to the DOCTOR, she willingly took a dose of Tylenol. Here's a video of her once the meds kicked in!
(Thanks Mom and Dad for the FLIP camera--it's so cool!)

Merry Christmas

Happy Holidays to everyone--I hope that all of our friends and family enjoyed welcoming in the New Year! Our holidays were very busy as usual. Here are a few of the pictures from our wonderful week of celebration.

On Christmas Eve we took the kids to Children's Service at TWUMC--they have a precious reenactment of the nativity. We then went to The Fosters for some delicious turkey gumbo, grilled oysters and Cosmos for the ladies!

On Christmas morning, the kids awoke to a huge display of toys---I suppose someone thought they were well-behaved this year!

One of the boys' favorite gifts was their PSP game systems and their video rockers--they spent the entire day playing their new games.

The boys also received new desks for their rooms--they were very excited to be able to have a place to work on their school assignments.

Callie's big gift was "Maya" the cat.

We had a great Christmas morning---Chad received a new bike and I have a new Blackberry.
(It's sooo cool, but I'm having trouble figuring out all its features.) Later that day, we headed to Bethany and Brad's for brunch. All the kids were thrilled to show off their new toys and gadgets.

That day after Christmas, we packed up and drove to Louisiana to see the family. We had a great time visiting all the nieces and nephews. The grandparents completely spoiled the kids again this year--the kids have a new Wii, Guitar Hero, night vision goggles, and whole bunch of other stuff that we could barely fit in the car!!

Chad and Jay on the four wheeler
The boys and Nate
Emma and Callie spoiling the Snyder's new dog
Roo and her boys
Chase wouldn't exactly cooperate for the pictures
I was even able to sneak out for a much needed Ladies' Night--it was a blast as always!
Happy Holidays to all our friends and family--may this New Year bring you all good health and happiness. We love you all!

Merry Christmas From The Straughans

Cast Away

We took Callie to the doctor today to get her cast removed. She did her 'nervous chatter' ALL DAY long, so I was very thankful to get it over and done with. Chad was able to meet us there--thank God! Callie sat on her daddy's lap while the nurse removed the cast. Callie still has issues with noises and her ears, so Daddy had to cover her ears while the rotary saw went to work. After the viewing the X-Rays, the doc gave us the , "All Clear"---Callie's fracture has completely healed. She does have to wear a temporary brace for a few more weeks, but other than that, she can resume her normal activities.

Latest Happenings

Sorry, things at school are crazy this time of year--here's a few of our latest events.

It SNOWED in Texas!!

The boys eating snowflakes

The kids went to visit Santa with their Christmas requests.

Callie performed in a Christmas concert at school. Callie gave us a little trouble when it came time to pick out her outfit. She had quite a few requests: a skirt that would twirl around, something beautiful like a princesss would wear, and shoes that made 'noise' when she walked.

Jake finished an incredible flag football season---they won the Champiohship Game on Saturday morning. Jake had a receiving touchdown and a few key first downs that led the team to victory. We are so proud of you, Jake!

Today we bought our tree and set out the Christmas decorations.

Here's Chad helping Mace put on the finishing touch.

My beautiful family by a beautiful tree.

We finished the night by decorating a gingerbread house---at one point the boys were squirting the icing straight into their mouths. Meanwhile, Callie decided to lick each piece of candy first to make it stick to the gingerbread.

And the tradition continues. . . .it just wouldn't be the holidays without McJoseph!

Callie's New Accessory

Callie went to the doctor on Monday to get her cast--and in true Callie-fashion

it is purple and pink!

Callie did go back to school today, and she seems to be adjusting. She has a 'bathroom buddy' that goes with her to help tear the toilet paper, then her teacher 'checks her out' to make sure her pants are all the way up and zipped. And thanks to Jake, she has learned how to write her name and numbers with her left hand.

Her eye is almost completely healed--only a few colors remain, but the swelling is gone. Also, the bruises on her body are healing and lightening as well. And if all goes well, Callie should be cast-free by Christmas!

Thanksgiving Boo Boo

As most of you know, our poor little Callie had an accident over the holiday weekend.
On Wednesday afternoon upon returning from golf, Dad's golf cart needed a tow. So Chad jumped on the four wheeler, threw Callie on the back, and headed across the lawn. Not realizing how fast he was going, Chad hit a bump and Callie went flying off the four wheeler.
Callie then hit a tree head first and was knocked out. Thankfully, Chad was able to wake her. Chad ran inside with her and we checked her out---- her nose was bleeding, her right eye was swollen shut, she had quite a few bumps and bruises and she was cradling her right arm. We decided to take her to the ER. After a CatScan, the doctors told us she suffered a mild concussion, and additional X-Rays showed that she had fractured her right arm.

This is the most pathetic picture ever--my poor little girl

Callie spent most of the holiday weekend, attached to Sissy and Butsie. They once again completely spoiled her, but this time I was OK with it.

We are so thankful that our baby is OK--we were absolutely terrified. Thanks to everyone for all your phone calls. We were really worried there for a little while----BUT she picked a fight with me this morning about what she was going to wear, so I think she's going to be just fine!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Happy Turkey Day!
My goofy father decided to surprise the family this year---this was what we awoke to Thursday morning.

The kids helped Mammy get the cornbread dressing ready.
(I took this picture right before Callie's little accident.)

My sister Michele showed off her belly. My nephew and soon-to-be Big Brother, Chase showed us where 'his baby' was, too.
We think Chad is going to deliver any day now :-)

Enjoying a little Guitar Hero with Uncle Shane.

Thanksgiving Day at Nanna's.
Jake and Mace with their "little' cousin Nate---OK he hasn't been their little cousin since they were 6 months old, but it's still pretty funny!

Chad's sister, Candy, and the Little JabberJaws, Emma--isn't she precious!!!!

The day after Thanksgiving, my sister Lindsey and Butsie took the kids to InstaGator. Callie was starting to feel better and was ready for a little field trip.

That evening around the firepit, Callie told her Daddy she wasn't mad at him--she was mad at the four wheeler!

Thanks so much Sissy and Butsie for catering to Callie---she loved all the attention. She is still talking about how she painted Butsie's toes PINK!


On Saturday, Callie was starting to act like her normal self--she even took a few pictures.
Here we are at Maw Maw's with Sadie and Emma.

Hanging out with Paw Paw--thanks Mom and Dad for housing the Straughans once again. We had a great time. However next visit, I would like one less Emergency Room visit.

Lighting of the Doves 2008

This past weekend was The Woodland's Lighting of the Doves Ceremony. It has become one of our favorite events here, and I believe we have found a new tradition.
It is a family orientated event that kicks off the holiday season with booths, food, a snowhill and music. The kids' favorite part (and mine, too) is when Santa counts down and lights the doves--then a huge fireworks display goes off.

They also open an ice skating rink for the holidays. The boys are so much better this year than last---no walkers this year!

Since Chad's knee is still bothering him, I had the unfortunate privelege of skating with the boys---it's certainly not as easy as it looks. The boys basically just pulled me around the rink.
As you can imagine, everyone had a good giggle at my expense. I have to say it probably was pretty dang funny!

Since Chad had the camera, I did get a few rare pics with the kids.

This was The Gandys last weekend in Texas. Uncle Tory has finished his therapy in Houston, so they are going back home. It may not have been the best circumstances, but it sure was nice to have some family around. We will miss you all---come back and visit us soon!