Family, traditions, and santa

Christmas Eve was so busy and fun that Christmas morning Aaron and I woke up before them children and decided we would do our present exchanges before we did Santa with the kids. Every year we set a budget for each other and this year we set it early and saved a little here and there along the way. I got my diamond bracelet that I had wanted for years and I gave Aaron some cash, pajamas, and a shaving kit (the old fashioned kind). I was thrilled and as the day ended between our parents, saving, and trading in the old games and PlayStation Aaron got his Xbox 360. He is excited and I am already tired of hearing about Zombies, but he loves it so I am happy!

Then we went and woke up Abigail and Harris. I was waiting in the living room to make sure I got her face so I could see how excited she was. It was adorable!

Cute! Abigail peeking around the corner at all the "goods"

Lots and Lots of goodies!The only thing that she asked for was a doll that was her size. We found one and she was thrilled.

Harris LOVED his bottle and played in the wrapping paper. I loved watching him! He loved all the craziness and fun.

Then we were off for our traditional Christmas breakfast. Bright and early... That's right I said EARLY! Papa was proud that we did not " burn daylight"

Ever since I can remember as a child my dad has loved Christmas. When I was little he would come wake us up with camera in our faces ready to catch every moment of the big day. Now as a adult that is one of my favorite things about my dad. He loves his family! I do not know who loved Christmas more, us as children or my dad. I am thankful for all the memories and family traditions that my dad made for me. I love that I get to pass on all the fun and traditions to my own children! Thanks daddy!

Harris was fascinated with papa!

Then we were off to Nana and Grumps house. We did Christmas with them and spent some time together. I think Abi's most loved gift would have to be the makeup from Auntie "A". She was all glittered up and ready to go.

Every year I search for the best gifts and I like to think I am a great gift giver. This year I made my blog into a book and gave it to Nana and Grumps. They LOVED it and looked threw it the whole time we were there. YEAH! I was so excited that they liked it.

Then we were off home and unloaded the car this is all the kids goodies. C-R-A-Z-Y! My children are very lucky and blessed as you can all see. Needles to say the next day we were busy going threw Abi's toys to give away.

Once the kids had a good nap we were back at my mom and dad's for some more food and fun.

All my nieces and nephews.

Nick, Lauren, Abigail, Titus, Kynleigh, and Harris.

Then we were off to do our other yearly family tradition.

BOYS vs. GIRLS

every year we play some kinda game always boys vs. girls and the last 2 years the girls had been the big losers which really stinks because there is a lot of smack talking going on before game time. Plus all year we were reminded that we were the losers.

This year the game was:

Family Feud

The photo above it the boys getting horribly beaten. It
only got worse. We played 4 rounds and the women won all 4!

Dad....... A.K.A Bishop Graden was a little bit of a poor sport and decided to share a little more than needed. I wonder what the st woake president would think?

THE WINNERS!!!!!!!!!!

Then we were off to do our last tradition- Christmas lighting. Thanks to our friend Kathryn we found out about this house that has the light set to the music and it was magical to watch. We just turned the car off and watched in amazement. It was so nice to know that someone put so much time and love into something for a complete stranger. It was a great night full of love and laughter and most of all ALL OF THE FAMILY THAT WE LOVE! We hope everyone had a great christmas like we did.

Twas the night before christmas.....

Abigail has been asking and begging to go see the movie " Princess and the frog" I decided that Since we did nit have anywhere to be Abigail and I would wake up early and go to see it. We had both been looking forward to it all week. Aaron happily stayed back and him and Harris did their "boy" stuff. First we went to the jiffy store and picked some the all important candy that is needed when seeing a movie. Abigail thought that it was so fun. We have recently given her some chores around the house and she gets .25 cents for every chore she does. She had saved her little quarters up and after deciding what she had money to buy marched up to the counter and put all her little quarters up there to pay. It was really cute. Then we were off to see the long awaited movie. It was really cute and had a great storyline and meaning. She was so excited all threw the movie she would look at me and tell me how happy she was. I am not sure whether I watched the movie or her more. Sometimes I look at her and wonder how she got to be so big. I think I was looking forward to the time together more than she was. I am a lucky woman!

Then like every Christmas Eve since I was a child. I made some Peanut butter fudge. Abigail and I were the only ones that made it from beginning to end but we got to enjoy the fudge first. The recipe was my Mam-Maws and making it is one of my favorite traditions of the holiday. Mess and all I love it and all the memories it has given me threw the years. I hope it goes on for years and generations to come.

Next the kids napped and we were off to Nana's and Grump's house for Christmas Eve with Aaron's family. We had a great time. Lots of yummy food, great company, and lots of fun are something that is a guarantee at the Jammes home.

When we were home we grabbed our reindeer food and threw it in the yard so, that they could eat while Santa was busy dropping off all the goodies. Abigail and daddy wrote Santa a letter making sure that he knew why she was "nice" this year. Abigail made some fudge and milk for him so he was sure not to be hungry on the big day. We snuggled up and read the story of Christs birth and then were off to bed. Abigail was sure to remind us to not forget to have family prayer and then volunteered to say it. The first thing she said was " Please, Please Heavenly forgive me for all my naughty things so Santa will have to come" Gotta love the sweet little things children say. I hope your Christmas Eve was filled with as much love and fun as our families.

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Merry Christmas to all our family and Friends! WE LOVE YOU ALL!!! We hope your day is filled with family, fun and a lot of LOVE!

who knew?

Friday my phone rang and it was our good friends Erin and Jason with news that her unexpected pregnancy was going a bit unexpected and that Jason was taking her to the hospital. She needed someone to watch Jake and I was more than excited to do so. I love Jake. What most of you do not know is that Abigail and Jakers share that exact same birthday 1 year apart. Erin and I had gotten to be good friends right after Aaron and I were married. Aaron and I were on a strict 3 year plan and had no intentions on have any little cuties of our own before then. We wanted to have a home of our own, I was having a nother surgery and we really were enjoying just being married. So whenever we got the urge for a little cutie to have around we would call and borrow Emma. When Erin went in to labor with Jake we were more than happy to watch Emma. I was thrilled because I put Emma's hair in pigtails and painted her nails and we were off to go met her baby brother. On March 14, 2005 I held a brand new baby. Aaron came and I remember looking at him holding Jake and thinking how badly I wanted to see him hold "our" child. Jake was tiny and happy and even surrounding the big surprise he gave his parents I looked at Erin and Jason I could not wait for 3 years to go by. Shortly after that in July we found out we were pregnant. We were pregnant on our 1 year anniversary. Funny how things work out. I just wanted to share because I watched Jake and Abigail playing and I thought back to the first time I held a brand new baby and how funny life is. I would have never guessed that on that day a year later I would be holding a welcomed surprise that would change my life forever That was all mine. I loved watching them together. I know my Heavenly Father loves me and not only gave me the opportunity to be a mommy but to have a lot of sweet children that I love and get to enjoy as well!

Being creepy!!!

Recently I started babysitting a little 3 yr. girl that I have babysat off and on since she was tiny. During nap/quiet time every bedroom has a sleeping or resting child. Today Aaron and I were on the couch watching " How I met your mother" and we hear scratching. We stop the TV and look around and we did not see anything. This went on for a couple minuets and then I look over at the bedroom door and see my daughters hands and foot under the crack of the door. I do what any mom would do. I snuck up to her and tickle her hands and toes. After she quit giggling this was our conversation.

she said " mom what are you doing"

I say " Abigail what are YOU doing"

She replies " Mom, I am being creepy"

Gotta love a cute little kid with a great imagination! I love you, Boo!

Orange you glad for smiley boys?

Harris has a new love and that would be oranges! He loves them the drive him wild! At lunch yesterday he danced and squealed with delight every time I gave him more. I love a smiley boy!

Come here wormy, wormy, worm!

Sometimes I am amazed at Abigail. She is the most girly, little girl I know. Make- up, dressing up, and painted nails are the things that make her the most happy in this world. Then I get a curve ball on a simple day like today when I hear Abigail playing outside and I hear the words "Come hear Wormy, Wormy, Worm" and I am confused at who my child really is. I have to say that it is one of my favorite things about her- she keeps me on my toes and always guessing.

I would have never thought that she would have been the girl finding worms and picking them up to show her mommy. Abigail I love you more each day. Thanks for the sense of adventure you bring to our family! Love ya Boo!

Just like her Father!

I would be the first to admit that my daughter is just like me. I Think she looks like me, talks like me, is sassy like me, she is very sensitive and knows what she wants. However, one things she gets from her father that she is a tornado. She can get a room messy in no time. I truly sit back and just watch in amazement that a child can make the kind of mess. Aaron is the same way. After 5 years of marriage he is still the messiest person I know. I love them and oddly enough I love that the 2 of them have this in common. Mess and I all I will keep them.

Goals are a great thing!

I love Christmas. I love Christmas because everyone sets new goals. New goals for their family and themselves. Last year I set a goal for myself that I was going to save money for gifts each month instead of worrying and stressing about money last minuet and I wanted to get ALL of my shopping done before December. I decided I wanted enjoy and celebrate what Christmas is really about . So wait for it...... I COMPLETED MY GOAL! I have to say I am so proud of myself. I decorated my home, wrapped my presents and I stood back and smiled. I am so thrilled. Every single year I run around stressing and crazy looking for the perfect giftsBUT not this year. This year I am going remember just how lucky I am. I am going to think about the reason for the season. I can not wait to focus this Christmas on Jesus Christ, on doing service and enjoying my family.

I have a escape artist!!!

Yesterday I came home from running errands, let the dog out, and finished bringing in my stuff. Harris and Abigail were inside and when I came in I could not find my little man. I even questioned whether I forgot him in the car. Nope! I looked in all the rooms and then I heard giggling from outside. I looked in the back yard and there he was. Crawling and giggling with the dog. You gotta love a cute boy who keeps you on your toes. Mommy loves you Hare bear!

Happy birthday Jen-Jen

Today is my sisters birthday and I just wanted to take a moment to tell her that I am so thankful for her. Their is not a day that goes by that I do not think to my self how much I love her. Growing up she was the most thoughtful and loving person and I always admired how no matter what if Jen loved you she would do whatever it took to show you. I can not even begin to tell you how often I look at her holding my children and think to myself that they are the most blessed children in the world. Jen would do whatever it took to protect them. I am sometimes worried what she might do if someone tried to hurt someone she loved. I would not want to be that person. Jen is the most amazing mommy, sister, wife, auntie, daughter and friend I know. If there is one women in this world I look up to it would be her. I am thankful that she is here and close. This last year I have not only gained a great relationship with my sister but now have one of my best friends. I love you! THANK YOU for all you do for my family! You are AMAZING!

Thanksgiving with the Jammes!!!

This year the Jammes family has so much to be thankful for. We welcomed our son Harris into our family. Aaron started a new job that he loves and enjoys. Abigail is becoming more and more of a little lady, and I have what I have wanted my whole life.... a happy healthy family.

Aaron and I are blessed to have both our families here close so holidays are always fun with a bit of craziness. This year was no different. I addition to my family I was able to celebrate with one of my many excellent friends, Lisa! We started of at My Uncle Kenny ad Aunt Suzi's home were we did a early Christmas with them for the kids. Abigail was given and fun play house and her new "Princess and the frog doll" Thanks again! Harris was given a rocking horse and a whole bunch of other little things. Thanks from Harris, too! We love you!


The whole Graden gang!!!

Our little family!

Then we were off to Aaron's family (I forgot my camera at home when we went to pick of the food we were bringing) and we had some great food and even better company. After we ate the boys were off to play their traditional game of golf. Then my mom in law volunteered to watch the babies and I went with some of the ladies to go see the movie " Blind Side" It was amazing!

Then we went to Toys 'R' Us to get the best deals possible. Jen, mom, Lisa, Erin and I had fun freezing and shopping. It was the craziest thing I have ever seen in more ways then one. I have never seen to many people. In the end though it was well worth it. I AM COMPLETELY DONE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!

Preggo was the most impressive. You have got some guts girl! Thanks for keeping ouR tradition going strong! I had a great time and enjoyed people watching with you guys! Thanks Lisa for being welling to fight for Abi's toys! I love you all!

The Jammes family is THANKFUL for a lot of things this year and we are thankful we have friends and family like you all to share a great year with. Happy belated Thanksgiving!

My Pretty girl!!!

Growing up my dad always had nick names for my sister and I. Mine growing up was "Pretty Girl" Jens was "Dolly". My sister took this picture of Abigail and I realized I had my own Little "Pretty Girl". I am so thankful for all she does to make our family fun. I am thankful for her outside beauty but her inside beauty is what I love the most! I love you, Abigail!!

She needs clothes?

So the other day Abigail came to me and said " Mom I need some clothes, I have nothing".Which brings me to me point Abigail has started changes her outfits a couple times a day. I decided to document the amount she changed in a day. 4 outfit changes! I agree she does not have any clothes...... because I am washing them all!

..... growling?

Yesterday after Aaron went to work it was such a nice day the kids and I went on a walk. I brought the diaper in case of emergency (which had my camera, thankfully) and animal crackers for my growing boy. A few minuets into the walk Abi spotted them and went to grab one and Harris growled, that's right growled at her. We have a dog but he never growls around food so who knows where he got it from. No matter where he got it from though it was very funny.

Gotta love a boy!

Vote, drive, rock, climb, ride, learn, and sleep!

Saturday Aaron and I woke up and realized that for the first time in weeks we had nothing to do. So we decided each one of us would present Abigail with a option and she could choose what we did. Aaron wanted to take a drive down A1A, climb some trees ride a boat over to fort Matanzas. I wanted to go to Gainsville and walk around the botanical gardens. We voted Aaron won and we were off. We had a great dive it was a amazing day! We rocked and giggled as Harris and Abigail chatted in the back. We got there climbed some trees and got all dirty.

Then we were off to ride the boat over to the Historic fort. Abigail loved it and Harris ate, so he was happy as well.

Fort Matanzas

Abigail and I were hiding in this little nook they used to hide and attack invaders.

Then Aaron decided it was not a trip unless he took Abigail to the top of the fort. I was freaking out a little the fort was 3 stories high with no railing. The ladder to get on top was a steep ladder to preserve history it was just like the original the guide said. It was a amazing to watch as 30 people climbed up onto this small, if not tiny fort. I still do not know how they all fit.

On the way home we rocked to some more of daddy's music ( Abigail's request) Then Aaron and I enjoyed some fun chats while the kids napped like champs.

The best part of all was that other than gas and lunch it was all free.

I loved holding hands with Abigail and aaron. Watching Abigail as she rode the boat. Laughing as I watched Aaron climb a tree. Harris being completely unconcerned with anything that was not food. Thanks babe for having a great idea and Abigail for voting daddy's way.