Time to Make a New Year's Resolution

Allyson was with me in my room as I was dressing the other day. I was in my underwear when she says,"Mommy, you got a baby in your tummy!"

Now, she has been saying this for months. She's told everyone at church. Even her daycare teacher pulled me to the side to ask if I was pregnant. So, I've had enough. I decided to squelch this once and for all.

So, I sucked in my tummy as tight as I could and I said, "No, Allyson, Mommy does not have a baby in her tummy. Look how skinny I am. There's no baby in there."

Then, I turned away from her so I could breathe. And, she says, "There's a baby in your booty!"

Great. Nice.

So, for my New Year's Resolution, I'll be cutting back on the sugar and hitting the gym regularly.

The Pace Family Christmas 2009

We had an awesome Christmas this year. There was time spent with family, delicious food, and, of course, gifts from Santa!

Mike's mom and nephew came to be with us for Christmas. This was such a blessing! We all went to my parents' house for Christmas Eve.

But, first, Allyson had to make cookies for Santa.

Mike's nephew, Josh, helped out. Allyson just LOVES Josh. He's really good with her.

Then, it was time to head to Gray to see my parents. Every Christmas Eve my family gets together to open gifts and have a very casual dinner. We always have "party fare".

Allyson with her Grandma

We couldn't get Allyson and Caleb to smile nice, so we got goofy faces instead.

Josh is looking like a handsome young man these days.

Opening presents

Haing Josh around is great when you want to have toys taken out of boxes! :D

" Look what I got, Mama!"

My sister's family.

Caleb wouldn't look. He got a new Cars toy he was too busy for a picture. It was Mater, his favorite!

When we got back home, we exchanged gifts with Mom and Josh. Mom got a Snuggie. Josh got clothes, Allyson got a Barbie Thumbelina.

In the morning, Allyson found gifts from Santa!

She opened all her gifts, but didn't find the one she'd been asking for for weeks. A wedding Barbie.

But, wait! Santa left a gift outside in the carport!

And, it was a Wedding Barbie! What relief! Allyson must've been very good this year!

Nana and Papa came over to see Allyson's gifts from Santa.

Then, we had a feast-turkey, ham, dressing, green beans, sweet potato casserole, squash casserole, and yeast rolls.

We had apple pie and Snowball Cake for dessert. The snowball cake was declared by my husband as the BEST CAKE EVER!

Click here for a picture and recipe. There's a video, too!

I really can't think of anything that would have made it a better Christmas. Nothing is better than being with the ones you love.

Then and Now

Allyson with Santa 2008

Elberta Nursing Home Party

Allyson with Santa 2009

Chick-Fil-A

She is growing and changing so much and so quickly. She amazes me every day. I'm so blessed to get to raise this child. I'm so thankful that God allowed her to be part of my life. Love, hug, and kiss your children everyday. Tomorrow is not promised to you.

Christmas Carols by Allyson

You may have a certain way that you sing your Christmas carols, but Allyson has her own way. No matter how you try and correct her, she is just going to sing them her way.

Here's Allyson's way:

From We Wish You a Merry Christmas
"Bud tidings we bring to you and your kids

Bud tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

From When Christmas Comes to Town (The Polar Express Soundtrack)
"Presents for the children wrapped in red and green
All the things I've heard about, but never really seen,
No one will be sleeping on the night of Christmas Eve
Hoping Santa's on HIM'S way..."

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Michael and I decided not to exchange Christmas gifts this year. Instead, we bought a new bed (excluding frame).

Here is a picture of our old bed. I told Allyson she could jump on it to her heart's content the night before the new mattress set would arrive. She really got into it.

New mattress set, new bedding, and new pillows. It's been VERY hard to get out of bed each morning!

Merry Christmas!
Love, the Paces

This is the day...

Thankful for so much!

We are Thankful for Friends!

Here's Allyson with her friend Cody. Cody had a little birthday party after evening church services a couple weeks ago. I thought this picture turned out cute!

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Look at my husband helping to get our Thanksgiving feast prepared. He must've been hungry!
Allyson and Aunt Robbi

These little cousins have so much fun! Allyson moved Caleb's chair next to hers so that they could have their Thanksgiving dinner side by side. She doesn't look like she had surgery just the day before! She had tubes put back in her ears and her adenoids removed.

Papa and Allyson headed to the playground

My sister just found out that she is having a GIRL! I can't wait to meet her!

Allyson with my parents

We are Thankful for Family!

Hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving!