Christmas Highlights

Let me begin by saying this was the best Christmas I've ever had! Not because of the presents, but the time spent with family. And because we traveled to Iowa this year we got to celebrate 2 more Christmas celebrations that we don't get to when we stay in Savannah. I will highlight some of the best moments with pictures. My favorite part of Christmas this year was my dad. He made our stay in Iowa so wonderful, I can't thank him enough. He cooked "made to order" breakfast every morning and dinner every night...except one night when Scott and I had a date night.

Tyler did great on the plane...we lucked out with the entire back row for the long flight from SAV to Chicago. Here are a few cute shots.

Tyler, Grandma, and Max playing in the snow. (video in an earlier post) We visited Greatma's new senior living apartment. She sold her house of 52 years in December after having a sign in front of her house for 5 days (FOR SALE BY OWNER). If that's not God's calling I don't know what is! Anyways, Tyler spent quite a bit of time there when Greatma and Cousin Perri babysat while I went to the Drake vs. Iowa basketball game. They all had a great time and were even successful at getting Tyler to take a nap. Very impressive. When we got back he was happy as can be playing with a ball in the living room. I am very happy with where my grandma lives now, she is safe, has a garage, neighbors all down the hall, the apartment is spacious and all one level. We are very excited for her.

Greatma wanted a day to spend with both of her Great Grandkids and so we took a trip up to Great Aunt Carla's farm and spent the day. Here is a special picture of Great Grandma, Lindsay and Tyler all on her lap. They played catch with a ball, watched the hopping snowman fall off the table, played "This little piggy" with Tyler's toes, read books, and went sledding. It was really fun seeing my cousin Andy and his wife and talking about parenthood. Lindsay is 17 months so only 4 months or so older than Tyler. So they are just steps ahead of us...it was fun to see what we can look forward to. Lindsay speaks both English and Spanish and I think that is so cool. Tyler received his first kiss...yes, from a cousin.Both Lindsay and Tyler went sledding for the first time. I think Lindsay liked it better than Tyler. Daddy and son in the open country on sled in Iowa. POOPED OUT! What a fun time at the farm!We are all ready for Christmas Eve celebration at Great Aunt Chris and Tony's. But first we must stop at Pal's.Christmas Eve Night: Recently we have changed from giving many gifts to everyone and opening them 1 AT A TIME to a White Elephant Gift Exchange. I miss the old way, but maybe that is because my brother and I were the only kids and the ones that always had the most presents. When John-E and I were really young the gift opening would last hours and had snack intermissions. Then as we got older and the family started drawing names and now we are down to only white elephant gifts. Anyways, it's a smart way, none of us NEED anything and the fun of family is all that really matters anyway. I will still treasure those memories forever. Especially a themed Christmas like when Uncle Chuck got a ton of boxer shorts and grandma a ton of ear muffs. I think my grandpa got a ton a one thing one year, but I can't remember what it was...any help family?

So this year Tyler and Lindsay got the illegally bought gifts...since they are just babies. They both got a monkey and lots of books. And a few others gave out small gifts as well. It was fun...and I sure hope we continue to break the rules.

The youngest families. We were both married in the the same month and had our first child 4 months apart!

Below is the pile of White Elephant gifts. I drew the best number of all...the last one!! I ended up getting to unwrap 2 presents and choosing one for my parents to keep and one for my parents to keep. One was a dirty ol' picture frame with bugs and cobwebs on it (Thanks Chuck), and the other was another laptop bag with a $1 bill inside. This year there were 3 laptop bags...so next year we may just have to ban them! We ended up with a cheated bought gift that Great Aunt Chris bought that was a toy for Tyler...a baseball tee ball and bat. He loves it! Uncle Chuck got our one of our gifts that was a cordless phone with answering machine...and the joke was it had all my recorded messages on it. And then it was time for the annual Girls against Guys Trivial Pursuit. Guys win again. OOPS clarification...Guys won this year but Girls won last year (I wasn't there...maybe that's why we won?). It was a little tougher this year concentrating...with Tyler and it getting late for him. Christmas Day Dinner at my parents with my Grandma, Aunt Debbie, cousin Jimmy and his girlfriend Ginny.And then soon after dinner...we were packed up with 1 extra suitcase and headed back to the airport for a day of uneventful travel. We had 3 quick flights with 3 quick layovers. Tyler slept the first flight and the last flight and was really good on the middle flight. Scott's parents picked us up at the airport on Christmas night. We made it!

Next post...Christmas in Savannah.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here's to a great 2009. Farewell 2008!

We were blessed to spend the evening with friends, watching fireworks from our dock, and toasting in the new year. I'm really excited for 2009, especially my brothers wedding in May. And everything that Tyler will have in store for us in his toddler years.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We made it back to Savannah! We had such a wonderful time with family and friends back in Iowa and even in the cold and snow. I really enjoyed a good ol' fashioned Iowa Christmas.

More on our trip later...need sleep!

It's COLD here!

This is Tyler's first experience actually playing in snow and he is with Grandma and our 15 year old dog, Max. She even attempts to make a Tyler Snow Angel. I think he is thinking, "What are you doing to me? Get me back inside!"



We are having a great time here, today I went to the Drake vs. Iowa men's basketball game with my mom. It was an exciting game as Drake won 60-43. My grandma and cousin, Perri babysat Tyler while Scott and my dad lounged around home all day. The temp dropped 10 degrees and the wind picked up 20mph while we were inside during the game. We are under a wind chill advisory. We are definitely getting a change of season from sunny mild temp Savannah to wintery COLD Iowa! It really makes it feel like Christmas time though!

Off to Iowa for Christmas

I can't believe we are leaving 70 degree weather to go to 9 degree weather and a snow storm in IOWA. We must really love our family there...and Scott must really love me! However, we will miss everyone here in Savannah for the Christmas Eve celebration.

Here is a preview of Aunt Jenny's Christmas photo shoot...photo in place of card of Tyler are mailed. Very simple this year...so no expectations.

Christmas with Tyler will be exciting. I think Tyler will have a more interesting Christmas, having fun opening new toys and walking around...and he may even get to play in snow. We've really enjoyed listening/reading/singing to Little Town of Bethleham book that Tyler received for his birthday. When you open the book stars light up to the tune of Little Town of Bethleham...mommy tries to sing it...it's a little rough but Tyler likes it! It will be going on the plane with us, so I'm sure everyone else will enjoy it too...except I won't be singing...maybe someone else will!!!!

I'm sure there will be plenty of updates from the Iowa homefront. stay tuned.

Please pray for safe and uneventful travel and for us traveling with a newly walking 1 year old!

Family Stockings

ALL 3 FOR UNDER $10!!! I did it myself. There is hope for this semi-crafty mom...getting to be more crafty....but still was really dizzy inside AC Moore yesterday. It was fun!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Christmas Tree...DEAD

Yep, only 1 week in and I've already killed it! Funny thing though...it's still sucking up water but the branches are turning brown and the needles are all over the place. I'm so disappointed, but hey, maybe it's a sign that we are going to get a great deal on a fake tree after Christmas and from now on I won't have to worry about killing the tree and traveling every other year. Now we really do have a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

Christmas Tree...DONE

Tonight I spotted our Charlie Brown Christmas tree from the road and bet Scott that it would only be $$20. It ended up being $28.95 plus tax...but when I told the guy I bet my husband that it would only be $20 he gave it to me for $25 including tax! YIPEE! I just love getting a deal.

So here it is...sitting on top of the table....with 3 strands of WHITE lights and pretty much all the ornaments we own...except the gold balls...we only used the silver. This will be our last year (for a while) with a real tree. We are going to get a "deal" on a faux tree after the holidays. Mainly because we we only be here for Christmas every other year and with little ones running around I thought it might be easier to keep clean, put up and take down. But who knows what next year will bring???

I got to make every decision this year and not a word of protest from Scott (aka he was "under" on the decorating this year).

And then the fireplace mantel with the nativity scenes, the wooden one passed down from my grandma and of course last years family Christmas picture!

This picture shows the beautiful christmas boxes that are nice and decorative...whenever I try to give one away as a present, Scott gets really stingy and wants to keep them!

Anyways, we enjoyed some sparkling wine, Christmas music, and William Sonoma hot chocolate.

It's Christmas time....in the city!

PS-this might be a record as far as how early we got the tree up...last year may have been close because my mom was here to help. We leave Dec. 17th for Iowa and are staying until Christmas day. THEN having Christmas in Savannah on the 26th.

Love to all!
Carrie

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We have so much to be thankful for. We love and miss everyone in Richmond, Annapolis, Atlanta, Des Moines, Ohio, Florida. Hope you all have a wonderful Turkey Day!

Love,

Scott, Carrie, and Tyler

OOPS that's not Tyler in the Picture...but he is our little turkey that came 1 year later!

1 Year Review

This past year has been the most wonderful year of my life. Even though I have been truly exhausted at times, being with Tyler each and every day watching him grow and his personality come through more each day has been a true gift from above. I will be forever grateful for the time alone with Tyler. I spent a mere 3 years in the work force and accomplished many sales goals, but this job has an unattainable goal. I think that is the most challenging of any job out there on the market. You can always be a better parent and there is no pats on the back. I've truly tried to learn from my mistakes and work with Scott to agree on our differences in parenting. I do know that I wouldn't give this job up for the world, God has provided for our family and all I can do is bow down to him for this great honor to raise my child.

I can already tell the next year is going to be the challenge of a lifetime, this seems to be the time that the true sinful nature comes out in full force. I'm feeling a little nervous about how to discipline and how to be strong and stern. I want a fun loving but well mannered and respectful child. Please pray for us!

Love,
Carrie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER!

We love you so much Tyler! You are such a joy to our family, friends and even people at Kroger!

May God bless you and keep you safe always!

Love,

Mom and Dad

First Birthday Party Successful!

The Table: baby book, photo albums, 1 year old picture, and 11-25-07 Newspaper.
Where to begin? I have truly enjoyed this process of getting ready for the party! I planned the party (games, menu, invitees...etc) a month in advance, sent invitations, was on the hunt for party favors, cake ideas, decorations purchased, honey do list written (which we didn't start until last week and things kept getting added to it), games were set up, groceries, mom showed up to help decorate! In the end the house looked amazing, the perfect amount of people came, the food was perfect, Tyler was SO HAPPY, his friends had fun, adults played Pin the tail on the Lion and guessed Tyler's current weight and height, prize basket passed around, and of course the gifts were so generous and wonderful. I truly believe everyone that was there...was glad they came. I love that my friends without kids came just because they love Tyler so much, and my new friends with kids came and had a blast and were complementary on the party (I had a few parties to get ideas this summer/fall!).

The itinerary (from Scott of course) explains it all and video and pictures will follow! I hope you enjoy a snipit of the day we all enjoyed so much!

Welcome to the 1stBirthday for future President: Tyler Scott Shippy

Happy Birthday Day Agenda menu
Early bird starters:
• Roasted Baby Tyler in his Lion Halloween Madness outfit served over farm fresh home grown Pine Straw and Yard Leaves...
(Pin the Tail and WIN a prize)
Tyler Turkey Surprise:
• Today’s 1st feature-
o Born 11-25-07 at just 9lbs. 9.2oz..
Topped with 12 months of Gerber, Oatmeal, and cereal. Can you guess todays weight and height???
• Today’s 2nd feature-
o introducing:
The first ever dungeon of Balls. Since BALL has been declared Tyler’s first and currently only word.

Dinner de Tyler:
One Lyon Cake and Tyler encrusted Chocolate Chip Cookies
This specialty with 8 Tyler created spices Topped with Tyler mule hand milked
sour cream Frosting and spiced with Tyler field Chocolate Chips.

Dangerous Tasks to Complete in the Jungle of Tyler before you leave:
• 2pm to 2:15 View Baby Video
• 2pm to 2:50 Kids in Ball Pit
• 2:20 to 2:50 Pin the Tail/ GuessWeight
• 3:00 to 3:30 Cake/ Ice-cream
• 3:30 to 3:45 Award Ceremony
*Please leave your customer satisfaction card with management




At first he didn't like the cake...but all he wanted was a spoon!

GAMES PLAYED...

THE CAKE

(a very tired mom after slaving all night in the kitchen!)

Tyler in the tunnel.

Knee Walker...BALL

Tyler's first word (which he knows what it is and where to find it!) BALL! Also I'm pretty sure he's going to be a pitcher someday. And no walking yet...just a few steps to mom or dad but no full on walk mode. I'm thinking he'll be walking by Nov 25th...his actual birthday.

Grandma and Granddad almost made it to Savannah from IA tonight...but about 140 miles out hit some good ol' country fi'woood in the middle of the road and blew out both driver side tires. They won't make it 'til the morning now. Just glad they are safe!

Here is our little knee walker....

Rings and Brushing Teeth

Tyler is very proud of his RING skills. One day Scott said, "shouldn't he be putting these back on by now?" So we rounded up all the rings last week and with a little help in sequence he can do it! It's really amazing how fast they learn. I shut Tyler in the bathroom with me while I took a shower and when I got out he had the rings all out of order but completed as much as he could. And then he started being silly. And now that Tyler is on his 6th tooth coming in...it's time to buckle down and start brushing. This is going to be a challenge for me because sometimes I can hardly get myself to brush my teeth! Any advice out there? So far it's not going well, either I forget or when we do nothing really gets accomplished.

We have been just gearing up for Tyler's birthday party next weekend. Scott came down with the same bug that I had last week...so he's out for the count. It looks like it's going to get chilly here in Savannah next week (in the 60's) so the outdoor events may have to be cancelled. I'm really excited...this has been one of the funnest years of my life. I can't believe that I've been a full time mom for a year now! I just love my job...I hope my annual review goes well and I get to keep it!

Productive Weekend

We just finished a very productive weekend. It all started when I had a fever Friday and told Scott I just didn't have the energy, and I handed off Tyler to him and I fell asleep in our room for 2-3 hours. Finally, I took some Tylenol to help with the fever and just hung out in our room. Around 8pm or so I decided to have Scott look in my throat. It was not pretty...nasty red and white blister type bumps...I was thinking the worst: hand foot mouth. But then Saturday I felt better and today like I was never sick. So who knows if it was just the tail end of my cold/flu I had all week or what. It doesn't matter, I needed the rest, and all is well now. Thank God it wasn't any worse.

Then comes Saturday, my neighbors had a garage sale...that was fun...I scored 3 new dresses, a spaghetti noodle jar, a mini wooden bowling set (for Tyler), and 2 marinade brushes. I didn't even get to pay for these items, my neighbors said my money was no good at their store. It was really fun and such a blessing. Scott caught us some lunch off the dock again...not trout this time but sea bass. Bass is not as tasty as trout, but anything tastes good fried, right? It was good! Then Scott decided to tackle the brick hole we have in outside our bedroom wall, and organizing tools, cleaning up and organizing all his toys in the yard...etc. Then today he put together a 5 shelf book case for me, installed light fixtures, one in the kitchen and one on our front porch. We made a short trip to Lowe's and he poured an extension to our front entrance to be able to install our new white column (we've had for a year now), and we got a piece of carpet for our living room as a huge/cheap area rug (12x17)...oh the list goes on and on. In the meantime I'm working on Tyler's baby book, and cleaning and organizing the house. And Tyler spent a lot of time outside today playing in the yard and helping daddy in the shed.

The "honey do list" is getting done! YIPPEE! Thanks HONEY!

Two more weeks until Tyler's birthday Party...I wonder what else I can come up with?

It's so exciting getting the HOME that you plan on living in for the rest of your life exactly the way you want it. If you can't tell, I really LOVE my life!

I'll leave you with bath time with Tyler tonight...enjoy! He is so much fun!

Dinner...FINALLY!

We did it! Scott and I both caught 1...we had several others...but either they stole our shrimp and got away or they were too little. Nevertheless, We can have dinner tonight...YIPEE! Nothing like fresh trout right off our dock...finally...it's only taken 2 years (minus one small instance where Scott caught 1 and we shared it for dinner)! Fishing is a science though...I caught myself yanking the hook right out of their mouths trying to hook them...poor fish now have injuries because my poor fishing skills...sure wish we could have eaten it for dinner though! We're getting better. It's a beautiful day here in Savannah! Sunny and 76!

Gimmie that chin...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Church Pumpkin Patchville

Tonight was our churches HUGE Pumpkin Patchville. Our small group has volunteered the last 2-3 years and so we went. It was CRAZY...so many people! We dressed Tyler in his lion outfit, he was such a cutie...and as you'll see in the video he LOVED the bubble machine. I was a clown and daddy was just a daddy. (a great one at that!)Hope you all have a safe Halloween...it's on a Friday this year...eek!

We'll Miss You!

We loved having you here! Come back soon! Love, us.

Grandma water skiing

It's Friday night, we just had a wonderful meal of good o'l fashioned Iowa Steak and Potatoes at JJ's. It was really good and to top it off my grandma made us her famous pumpkin pie. I eat mine with lots of cool whip, how do you eat yours?

Anyways, earlier today on the agenda was either River Street or boat ride. Since today is supposed to be the last warm day of the season (86 degrees) we decided to take a boat ride. And look who decides to jump in the slightly chilly water? My mom! She went in very confident that she could do it and she did! She was up on the first attempt! Here is the video to prove it!

We have a slight issue with the boat with some possible water in the gas causing it to sputter out...but it's still pretty fun! My mom's arms and legs were like jelly coming into the boat. I think she'll be sore tomorrow!

Oh, and we also found a great deal on a small, starter Phantom Sail Boat...this should be interesting!! We don't have the sail up or anything yet, but it will look something like this? We have a lot of learning to do...but it will be fun!

Treasure Hunt

Last week I had the pleasure of helping plan a treasure hunt for my neighbors son, Alex (who turned 9)...and we learned a few things:

1. Tips for preparing Treasure Hunts: ALL clues must go in sandwich baggies in case it rains: it did rain...HARD right as the boys started the hunt, however I only placed the clues that were outside in baggies. The instructions were to KEEP every clue or else you won't know where the treasure is...impossible! As soon as the kids figured out the clue they THREW the clue on the ground and sprinted for the next spot.

2. Slumber parties need to be from 5pm-11am NOT 3pm-3pm!

I came up with one of the clues:

Your neighbor at #6

Has things he likes to fix

This ski is purple and pink

Put it in the water, it just might sink.

Answer:???

It was really fun...and I can tell we'll have fun times ahead with Tyler.

Guests with guest bedroom

Saturday night my mom and grandma arrived after driving 1200 miles from Des Moines, IA. They delivered a pool table to my brother's house in my dad's truck. Can you imagine? Two grandma's driving a pick up truck down the interstate with a pool table in the back? Anyways, my grandma had a step stool to get in and out of the truck. Since they've been here...we really haven't stopped. Grandma stayed at our house for 3 nights and then will transfer her stuff to JJ's and my mom will stay here (and thye both have their own room and each of our houses!). This is so fun!

Sunday: Church, lunch, mall, chipped beef gravy for dinner at JJ's (Johne and Jenny's).

Monday: Make week's schedule, which includes Carrie and Grandma sleeping in on Friday!! YIPPEE!! Tybee Beach-VERY windy but really nice, Lasagna dinner at our house, mom and grandma helped me make Waldorf fruit salad and an impossible Bisquick pie for me to bring to MOPS. Tuesday: I went to MOPS and my mom and grandma babysat Tyler, trip to Tuesday Morning, and then everyone had my grandma's meatloaf and apple pie for dinner at JJ's! I was at my bible study, so they saved the smallest piece of meatloaf and a little au gratin potatoes...they were hoarding the leftovers!
Johne setting up his pool table...Thanks DAD! FREE pool at JJ's!

Wednesday/Today: Aquarium at Skidaway Marine Institute, homemade pizza at our house with Scott's parents, Andrew, and not Jenny or Scott.

Thursday: My grandma will watch me play tennis, Mom and Jenny babysit Tyler and take Halloween pictures of Tyler in his lion costume, mom and Jenny shopping for house warming gifts, and all of us going to Greek Festival in downtown Savannah.

Friday: Day on River Street, and cookout at JJ's.

Saturday: mom and grandma leave.

WOW the week is only halfway over and I'm exhausted, oh did I mention that Tyler has been sick this whole time? He has a cold, cough, croup, possible ear infection or just stuffed up, upset stomach, won't eat, AND getting 2 more teeth to add to his 4 that came in the last 2 weeks! AHHHHH...but for the most part in a pretty good disposition. A little fussy tonight...but it turned out he just wanted to go to sleep.

I have to find some pictures....more later! We're playing Debate Bingo thanks to Jessica...and it's our house vs JJ's. I have all the wrong words...where is this debate going...there has been a lot of wasted time.

Grandma, Tyler and Me walking down the Tybee Pier.

Tyler at Kroger (grocery store)

I just love this picture, tell me what you think he's saying? I think he's saying, "so what, I love Kroger! You got a problem wit dat?"Kroger is one of Tyler's favorite places. He loves seeing all the people at Kroger and flirting with everyone! I'm sure they will all soon know him by name. It entertains us all.

Clapping and dancing

Tyler finally put his hands together and started clapping on Monday (9-29). He is changing and learning so much everyday. It's amazing how much they learn in just 1 year. He even knows what the remote to the TV does and points it to the TV. So cute! He's saying mama and dada, when I ask him to say mama he gives me a HUGE air kiss. He loves walking around the living room in his walker (that I got from down the street). Scott says that he has also found his rhythm, he is bobbing his head side to side to music. It is really a kick! I really don't think this kid can get any cuter! We attempted some family pictures last week, but I wasn't happy with his too small 18 month old polo I bought him that day(I think it was a size mistake). I think we're going to have re-do next week. It's nice having a photographer in the family...I hope I don't wear her out though! So maybe you'll have them in the next few weeks

Tyler has 3 teeth coming in. The top 2 teeth and 1 bottom tooth. He seems to be handling it well...I think I'm spoiling him feeding him twice a night. So I think we'll have to address that situation this weekend and let him cry it out again. It's just hard thinking that he is in pain. It would be really nice though to get 8 hours of straight sleep. Wish us luck.

Here is a multi video of Tyler. He is dancing, clapping, and his favorite thing opening and shutting doors? Enjoy!