2010 Year in Pictures

Christmas 2010

Christmas 2010 was Mason's first Christmas and was so special! I remember last Christmas, I was rocking my nephew Jack and my mom said, "I bet next Christmas you will be sitting there rocking your own baby." Little did we know, she was right!

We spent the night at Mom and Dad's and I was lucky enough to get my very own Silent Night (Mason slept for 10 hours straight!). I remember when I was younger, I was so excited to see what Santa left under the tree, but this Christmas, I was just excited to be with my family. God has blessed us with more than we could have asked for this year... we are all healthy and happy!

For Christmas, Mason got some toys and a Jeep walker from his Grandma and Grandpa Gillispie, although he can't quite reach the floor yet, he loves it because he now has a Jeep just like his Daddy!

Christmas Memories

Christmas Tree 2010

Richard and I were recently sharing some of our favorite Christmas memories.

We both recall waking our parents up super early and being so excited to see what Santa had brought us while we were sleeping. For me, the whole Santa thing kind of scared me. I mean the idea of a stranger sneaking into your house while you were sleeping was a little off. Anyway, I digress...

Richard remembers one of his favorite Christmas presents was a brown leather jacket he got around Jr. High. As he was telling me about it, I could hear the excitement in his voice even to this day. He said not only did the jacket look great on the outside, but that the inside even had a map printed on the inside (anyone who remembers the early 90's knows exactly what he's talking about). He was so proud of it that he admitted to wearing it when he had no business wearing a leather jacket (think 70 and sunny).

My favorite Christmas present also came around Jr. High. My parents had gotten us kids our own phone line and I got my very one candy apple red phone for my bedroom. No doubt, they were probably tired of their phone line being tied up (clearly this occurred before call waiting and cell phones). That year I also got a calculator with jewels as the buttons, I remember thinking it was the coolest thing ever! And, considering I loathe math, that's saying a lot.

Of course, my favorite present ever was about 2 years ago when I got engaged on Christmas Eve! The ring was stunning, but the thought of getting to spend the rest of my life with such a great guy makes me tear up just thinking about it. I had prayed I would meet someone like Richard (little did I know he was right under my nose the entire time) and my prayers were finally answered! We had both been through some rough, lonely Christmas's in the past, and the moment we got engaged somehow made all those tough times worth it. Thanks R for making my dreams come true that Christmas Eve and everyday since.

The Irony of Christmas Cards

As I ignore that nagging feeling of my Christmas cards not being finished, I am thinking back to past family cards. I don't have to think too hard because my mom has an entire photo album dedicated to every Christmas card she has ever sent out. On one hand, this is a very cool idea and a great way to take a walk down memory lane On the other it is a constant reminder of all those bad hair do's (remember when the perm was in?!), acne breakouts, and ugly Christmas outfits. Needless to say, we all have a good laugh when we bust out the album on Christmas Eve.

While our cards always appear picture perfect and portrayed a happy family or 3 happy children, we all know the truth... And every time I get one of those picture perfect cards from someone else, I wonder what their truth is.

What is our Christmas card truth?

The truth is, in that cute picture of us 3 kids holding the puppies, we were gagging because the puppies had bad gas and I think one peed on my sister.

The truth is, in the picture that showed us all decorating cookies, mom was having a meltdown because my brother had spilled a whole container of those tiny silver balls all over the hardwood floor and my sister and I had green icing in our hair.

The truth is, although Mom tried her best to make it work, my sister's perm was that bad! (I've been laughing the whole time I write this because it was so bad!)

The truth is, while we were laughing it wasn't because we were having fun, it was because we were making fun of my mom for not knowing how to work the camera and for my dad yelling "Just take the f^#&*!@ picture!"

The truth is, in that last family picture we took, most of us had a little too much to drink before the photo shoot. Come to think of it, that was probably our best picture.

The truth is, on the card I am sending out this year, Mason had just pooped all over the photographer's blanket.

FFF

Well, Mason has officially experienced FFF (Forced Family Fun). FFF is a long standing Gillispie tradition, and since he is part Gillispie, there is just no way getting around it. The rest of the family spent the evening at Silver Dollar City Christmas, but we skipped out this year, as we didn't want Mason to be too cold (yes, Richard and I are those over-protective parents!).

We spent this weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's Gillispie's and had a great time. Jack and Jill and cousin Jack were there, along with Uncle Josh and Aunt Paula. Everyone (especially Grandpa and Grandma) made such a fuss over how cute and good Mason was. Gosh, I just never get tired of hearing that!

SO BLESSED!

First family photo. Mason is about 4 weeks old. Photo by Pat Lambert

Thanksgiving 2010

There are so many gifts to celebrate this year and our family realizes that all those blessings stem from God. On the way home from Val's Thanksgiving, we were overcome with emotion thinking about the past year and how God has blessed us...

Last Thanksgiving, we prayed for a baby and God answered our prayers with a HEALTHY baby boy this year! We're blessed with our health and our families health. We have a strong marriage. We have a warm home and hot food on the table. Richard has a great job, which he works very hard at. The Chief's finally have a winning season...

So much to be thankful for... not just at Thanksgiving, but throughout the year. Our goal as a family is to make Thanksgiving a way of life, not just a holiday.

NOW and THEN

Last night, we went on a family date. Last nights family date consisted of Panera Bread, topped off with a peppermint hot chocolate. Richard and I were reminiscing about our wild and crazy single days when a date consisted of a whole grooming routine (for me shaving my legs and putting on matching underwear, for him putting on a hoodie that was washed within the last week), going out around 9:00 pm for dinner, drinks and dancing and would stumble in the door in the door at a very early morning hour, or worse, not at all (don't judge, we've all been there!). Here is what we discovered about NOW and THEN.

NOW when you don't return a text right away, it's because someone has likely spit-up all the way down your back or has had a massive blow out in the middle of Wal-Mart. THEN you purposely waited several hours, or even days to return a text so you didn't appear that you were too into someone else.

NOW you freshen up by changing out of that spit-up soaked t-shirt and put on a new t-shirt that you anticipate will stay puke free for about 3 hours max. THEN you freshened up by shaving your legs and putting on matching underwear (for me that meant lacy and racy, for Richard that probably meant no holes). If your night (or more likely morning) ended with puke on your clothes, that's okay, but at least it was likely your own puke and let's be honest, sometimes bad decisions lead to some really good memories.

NOW you hope to be in bed by 9:00 pm. THEN you were just stepping out of the shower preparing for your wild and crazy night.

NOW you feel so lucky that the baby slept until 6:00 am and find yourself thanking God for his blessings as you stumble to the coffee pot. THEN you felt that 10:00 am was awfully early and find yourself promising to God that you won't ever get that drunk again as you stumble from the bathroom. Since an egg McMuffin was no longer available at McDonald's you decide to just go back to bed.

NOW your husband asks you how your night was and if the baby slept all the way through. THEN you would call your friends and ask if you did anything to embarrass yourself the night before.

Funny how things change between NOW and THEN, isn't it? THEN was fun, but NOW is even better (and no hangover!).

Blessed, Loved and Well Rested

It's a quiet Saturday morning at the Moss house. Who would have thought that getting to *sleep in* until 6 am on a Saturday would feel like such a treat... My how life has changed in the past year! And, I wouldn't wish it to be any other way.

Feeling so blessed this morning, and remembering where all those blessings stem from. Honestly, I'm overcome with all that God has provided us with, mainly our health and an unbelievable family (both sides of the family) a strong marriage, and an unbelievably adorable baby boy!

Feeling very loved. Richard works so hard to provide for our family so that we can have all the comforts we desire, including me getting to stay home with Mason. Not only is he a great provider, he is a wonderful husband! Attentive, affectionate, understanding and hi-lar-ious!

Feeling very rested. Mason slept for nearly 9 hours straight last night. Also, last night, Richard walked in the door and informed me that he booked me a massage for this morning! A surprise massage... does it get any better than that?

New Traditions

Around the holidays I really enjoy thinking back to traditions that my family had. While we usually referred to these traditions as FFF: Forced Family Fun (as we became teenagers, we thought of some other words to describe this), looking back I am so glad to have these memories to look back on, even though at the time we all were probably less than enthusiastic.

Some of my favorite childhood holiday memories are my family making fudge (and eating it until I made myself sick) and setting beer and cookies out for Santa (Mom said that Santa got milk at every other house and the beer was a good change of pace). For a few years, each of us kids made gingerbread houses. I don't know what my mom was thinking, but we had so much fun (and a huge mess by the end of it!). One year, my gingerbread house didn't quite make it through the night. My mom knew I would be devastated. I remember waking up and going downstairs and seeing a paper on the bar where I would eat my breakfast. The paper was made to look like a newspaper article. The article said that a terrible tornado went through the gingerbread village and my house didn't make it and that I would be staying at my sister Jill's gingerbread house. To help make the gingerbread tragedy a little better, we got to eat my gingerbread house for breakfast.

I also remember getting one present to open up on Christmas Eve. It was usually a new pair of pajamas, no doubt so we would look presentable for those Christmas morning pictures.

So, I'm thinking about what sort of traditions I would like my family to start... Any suggestions?

Celebrating Someone Special

Today, we celebrate Grandma Canote, who passed away early this morning (November 6, 2010). She was 98 years old and lived a very full, active life. What a strong, generous, kind-hearted, beautiful woman! And, let me tell you, she could cook!

A few of my favorite memories of her are going over to her house and she letting us have all the grape juice and sugar cookies we wanted. And, she could make a heck of a macaroni and cheese! It was always my favorite when she would make it for family dinners. Such a special lady who will be greatly missed!

Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom

I remember being a kid and watching a lot of tv shows that portrayed the stay-at-home mom. You know the ones where the wife greets her husband wearing a dress, has a 5 course dinner on the table and does the vacuuming in high heels. Well, it turns out, you can't believe everything you see on t.v. Here are just a few confessions I have during my short stint of being a stay-at-home mom.

1. On most days, my idea of 'getting dressed' is putting on a new pair of pajama's right before Richard gets home from work. If I'm really getting dressed up, they will match.

2. Some days I don't get around to brushing my teeth until lunch time.

3. I've been known to heat up some frozen burritos and throw some fresh lettuce and tomato on top and act like I actually cooked.

4. There have been a few times where I have to choose between a shower and sitting down to eat lunch... I usually choose lunch.

5. My husband doesn't really have to ask how my day was... I'm sure he can tell by either 1. my pajamas and 2. by checking the chocolate chip bag in the freezer.

6. On one day, I asked myself if it was 'legal' to pour rum in my diet coke when I was the only one home with the baby. You will be glad to know, I refrained (but only because it was 10 in the morning!).

PS ~ I'm still wondering how that Brady family could afford a full time house keeper with 6 kids!

With that said, I am so appreciative that I have the opportunity to stay home with our sweet boy (and in my pajamas) to witness all those sweet smiles!

October Overview

October has been a great month! Its been so fun to see Mason grow and develop. We are now starting to see smiles, which is very rewarding! Also, we are proud to report that on occasion Mason sleeps for 8 hrs. straight during the night. This isn't necessarily consistent yet, but when it does happen, it is very nice for a sleep deprived Mom and Dad.

As the leaves change colors and the weather cools down, I am reminded that this is my favorite time of year! Nothing better than taking a walk with Mason, admiring his smile or sleeping face, the beautiful trees, and watching the leaves fall and dance around on the ground. And, nothing smells better than a pot full of chili or pot roast and something yummy baking in the oven. I love Fall!

Yesterday, Mason and I went to Grandma Gillispie's for the night. It gave Richard and I a chance to get a full night of interrupted sleep (Grandma gets up with him when we are down there) and Mason and I got to spend some quality time with his GG! Thank Heaven for Mom's/Grandma's!

Stay-cation

It's been a great week... Richard was off work, and we just enjoyed a nice stay-cation as a family of three. We visited family and friends in Joplin and then went to Kimberling City to visit more family. Several nights we took turns with the night shift and it was so nice to get a little uninterrupted sleep. Mostly, we just worked on settling into our new role as parents.

We did manage to drop Mason off with his GG and Richard and I snuck away a few hours for a Jeep ride. Beautiful Fall afternoon, top down, good tunes, great conversation and a 'Bucks (that's what we call Starbucks) ~ Just like old times.

Slowly, I think we are starting to figure this parenting thing out... and usually when I begin thinking that, Mason shows us who is really boss. Good thing he is so stinkin' cute!

Trading in my Sassy High Heels for Soggy Huggies

I absolutely love our little boy, but every morning (and I use 'morning' loosely, because on some days I don't get out of my pj's until like 2:00, if at all) I walk into my closet, I see a long line of sassy, sexy high heels and am reminded of the contrast between my former life and life now.

I went through a 'shoe phase' and I loved heels! Basic black, bright red, hot pink with black little bows, zebra print, giraffe print, snake skin, purple... I could jazz up any outfit! Now, I'm lucky if I manage to put on a pair of house shoes to keep my feet cushioned from running back and forth to the nursery.

It's a beautiful fall day today... In our former life, Richard and I would have taken the top off the Jeep, put on some hoodies, got a hot Starbucks and drove around all afternoon exploring back roads. Today, we're planted on couch and we both feel lucky because each of us got to take a shower and even managed to eat breakfast before lunch time. No more discussions of "What are we going to do today?" we know exactly what we are doing... Feeding, pumping, diapering, swaddling, laundry... every 3 hours. And while it's tough, we wouldn't change it for the world!

With that said, we're trying to enjoy our little MaMo at this stage, but I do look forward to when he's old enough to wear a tiny hoodie, get a small hot chocolate from Starbucks and we can have family time in the Jeep.

Mason's Big Arrival

*I took this post from The Life and Times of Mason Moss blog.

Your dad and I prayed for you before we even knew you existed! In early January 2010, God answered our prayers and we found out we were pregnant with you. We had a ton of emotions about it, but most of all we were really excited! From day one, we couldn't wait to meet you!

On Tuesday, Sept. 14th, 2010 your dad and I reported to the hospital very early in the morning. We didn't mind getting up so early because I don't think either of us slept that night because we were so anxious to meet you! Mom's nurse name was Christy and her doctor was Dr. Lacey. Both were fantastic!

At 4:33 pm, you finally decided to make your big entrance into the world! You were so small, weighing only 6 lbs. 5 oz. and was 20 inches long. You were so handsome from the start! There were lots of people waiting to meet you, so after about 30 minutes of spending time with you mom and dad, you got to meet all your grandparents and Aunt Jill. Everyone fell in love with you from the get go!

10 weeks along

38 weeks along

Yay! You made it!

Our first family picture only 5 minutes after you were born

It's Official!

On Tuesday, Sept. 14th, 2010 we welcomed Mason John Moss at 4:33 pm. He weighed in at a whopping 6 lbs. 5 oz. and 20 inches long (and he is handsome like his daddy). The labor and delivery went great (all except when my husband, sister and mom came in smelling like Schlozsky's and I was starving!). Mason had a touch of jaundice, but other than that, extremely healthy! What a blessing!

It's amazing how you walk into the hospital as a family of 2 and you leave as a family of 3. My husband was absolutely amazing and I didn't think it was possible to fall in love with him even more, but hearing him tell me that I was doing a good job when I was absolutely exhausted and seeing him change diapers and willing to do anything for me or our son overwhelmed me so much (I have to admit the crazy-out-of-whack hormones didn't help either).

We feel so blessed that God picked little Mason to be our son!

A huge thank you to the staff at the hospital who took care of Mason and helped him arrive safely. Also, thanks to all of our friends and family for all of their prayers and support! Please keep 'em coming because after being home for just under two weeks, I've already figured out that labor was the easy part.

When It Rains It Pours

I'm sitting here in the nursery, enjoying a few days off before baby Mason arrives. It's pouring outside, but I don't mind because I'm still in my pajamas and love hearing the rain! As I sit here, I reflect on the rush of emotions that have come over me the past few days. I don't know if it is the hormones or what, but they have ranged from being all out giddy to meet our little guy and excitement to being completely terrified (that feeling came during the hospital tour).

I look over at the crib and it is so mind boggling to think that in less than a week, it won't be empty any more. It makes me laugh and brings tears to my eyes all at the same time.

So blessed to have such great people around me, who support me, no matter what flood of emotion comes over me. My sister has been a God-send! I only wish I could have been as much of a support to her as she has been to me. Everyone needs a Jill ~ and I'm the only on lucky enough to have the one and only! My mom has been making arrangements to come and stay with me and has been awesome about putting up with me! My mother-in-law has been doing the same. I cannot image being surrounded by a better, more experienced, more understanding group of women. Richard, too, has been great. Poor guy, he has to walk that delicate line of being compassionate and understanding but also has reel me in when I start to go into a downward spiral. Somehow, 95% of the time, he knows exactly what I need (which is difficult because most of the time, I honestly can't tell you what I need)... whether it be a hug, a laugh, a kick in the pants, or a brownie batter Blizzard.

The Things You Do For Love

The things you do for love...

1. I listen to my husband talk about his old black Jeep all the time. He loved that thing and put a lot of sweat (and a lot of money) into it. We fell in love in that Jeep. Something magical about those long Sunday drives down the back roads of southwest Missouri. There is something about bundling up in a cozy sweatshirt, with the top down, admiring the beautiful fall colors and sipping on a Starbucks hot chocolate that just can't be duplicated in a car, no matter how many windows you roll down. We shared some great conversations, some great music and some great memories in that Jeep. When we decided to start a family, we decided we needed something a little more practical (not to mention I couldn't climb in the darn thing because of the monster tires and the huge lift!). I know this was a huge sacrifice for him to make! Thank you R! The things you do for love...

2. Since I am 8 1/2 months pregnant, I can no longer see my feet, let alone, reach my toes. When Richard saw me struggling, he just smiled at me, grabbed my nail file, and pulled my feet up in his lap and went to work. I honestly think feet gross him out, but he didn't even hesitate or complain. The things you do for love...

3. I endure my husband's gas and sometime neurotic behavior. Oh, and I love his cat Henry. The things you do for love...

Blessings and Birthdays

This past weekend, we celebrated my grandmother's 98th birthday. If you knew my grandma, you would know what an extremely special lady she is. She laughs every day (even more after her nightly glass of wine) and her attitude that each day is a gift is something to be admired. 98 years old... I can't even imagine all in life that she has experienced! God is good to have blessed our family with her! Love you Grandma 'Note!

And, tomorrow is my birthday... My husband has booked me an hour long massage and I CANNOT WAIT! At this point in my pregnancy (only 3 more weeks to go!) I feel like a massage may be more of a necessity than a luxury. It's funny, birtdays used to seem like such a big deal, but when you are actually preparing to give birth, then the only thing that seems to matter is your child's birthday (hmmmm, wonder when that will actually be). Can't wait to meet our little man!

More blessings... too many to count or list, but here are a few of my recent favorites:
1. Thankful for family! And, especially thankful for sisters and mom's!
2. Blessed to have a FABULOUS husband... Not just fabulous because he booked me a massage, but fabulous for lots of other reasons too (althought the massage definitely won't hurt).
3. Thankful for modern medicine. Have I mentioned I am scared for childbirth? I keep telling myself that people used to squat in the woods to have babies, so surely I can do the whole birthing thing in a hopsital with an epidural, right?
4. Big Brother... I know it probably kills brain cells after I watch an episode of it, but I'm hooked. It's my guilty pleasure... and being 8 1/2 months pregnant, I can indulge in as many guilty pleasures as I want (minus the cold beer and hotwings).

More Blessings

I used to be really good about keeping a gratitude journal. For those of you who don't know what a gratitude journal is, it is kind of like a diary of things your are grateful for. It's a great way to recap the day and not lose sight over what is truly important in life. Some times entries are 'deep' and very thought provoking. Other day's I'm thankful for things like Orange Leaf (I'm still a big fan!) and even that I'm just grateful that the day is over!

A few things I am grateful for this week are:

1. That my husband is a clean-being. After being away for several days, it's great to walk into a clean house! No dishes in the sink, no sticky spots on the kitchen counter... He's very considerate, and I am very appreciative.

2. I have great friends!

3. I have a great job ~ and work with some amazing people.

4. I'm thankful for low sugar products.

5. Found some baby lullabies of 80's music and pop songs... Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Heart... Excited to share some of my favorites with him!

6. As this baby gets closer to arriving, I'm beyond scared about giving birth ~ we're talking SERIOUS anxiety! To who ever invented the epidural, I would just like to say thank you in advance.

Week in Review 7.24.10

Trying to keep in the habit of blogging, but I don't have anything specific to write about (please tell me I'm not the only one!).

Highlights of my week include:

1. Feeling like Richard and I got a very dear friend back. Feels just like old times, only with a twist. I am so proud of Richard for the MAN he is, for the FRIEND he is and most importantly for the great HUSBAND he is.

2. Found a new place in town called Orange Leaf. It's basically like a salad bar for frozen yogurt! It's amazing... and incredibly dangerous for me, as my doctor tells me I need to watch my sugar.

3. Had a doctors appointment this week. Doctor said all looks great and we are expecting our little boy to be here 2 months or less! Right now, it feels like he is practicing aerobics... and I'm loving every minute of it!

God Moments

Do you ever have those moments that are so surreal/strange/peaceful that you know something bigger than yourself or coincidence has to be responsible for them? These moments are few and far between, but when they happen, you just close your eyes and focus on 1. catching your breath and 2. soaking in everything about the moment, in hopes that you can remember it for the rest of your life?

I experienced one of those moments this weekend.

You may not even believe it if I told you; It was a rare situation that most people probably wouldn't understand. And, I doubt I can even explain the situation to even come close to describing how it touched me. But, it was a moment filled with love and tears of joy for the people, blessings and struggles (which ultimately lead to blessings) put before me in my life.

Some situations and moments are SO much bigger than us! Don't forget to take time to savor the moments that take your breath away, that make your heart beat a little faster, or that bring about tears of happiness... They are truly a gift!

A.N.X.I.E.T.Y.

So, last night I am laying in bed... One minute I am simply enjoying feeling little Baby Moss moving around and am daydreaming about what he's going to look like, what traits he'll get from me and his dad, dreaming about all the cute thing he'll say and do... Then, all of a sudden, it hits me: I have never owned a dog!

Dogs seem like a lot of work: waking up early to let them out, potty training, giving baths, obedience training... Come to think of it, those are all the things they baby books talk about. Yes, I've had cats, but they are easy (and honestly, my husband takes care of most of the cat chores). You don't have to potty train or bathe cats. Cats can pretty much fend for themselves, and I think they probably actually prefer when you are away. Babies need you 24/7... for everything! I'm sure I will manage, and will for sure give it my all, but talk about ANXIETY!

To Baby Moss: I can't wait to meet you! I realize that you are a gift from God and He will never give me more than I can handle. I realize I am not alone in this adventure. And, I am oddly comforted by the fact that they make leashes and 'kennels' (pack and plays) for kids.

Trying Something New...

Okay, I'm completely new to this blogging thing... And thought I would try it out, since it is the twenty-first century and all. Now, I know my life is not that interesting, so I'm not sure if anyone will even care, but hoping this can be a way to keep up with friends and family on what is going on in our lives ~ the good, the bad, and most importantly the funny!