Joy to the World!

I LOVE this picture of Annabelle even though it isn't the best quality because it was taken with hubby's blackberry phone. We were at the Christmas Eve children's service at Alpharetta United Methodist Church. Annabelle has gone to this service every Christmas Eve since she was only 2 months old.

This church is rather special to all of us because hubby grew up going to this church with Nonnie and Papa Leon, and hubby and I got married at this church back in July 2000. So, it is special for us to visit with Nonnie every year.

During this service, Annabelle wanted to hold the hymnal. It looks like she was singing in this picture, but I believe she was actually just running her little mouth about something. But, I adored watching her hold the hymnal as she watched the service.

Just another precious memory!

Dear Internet Service Provider,

I should strike that first word with something a little more obscene, but my sweet and innocent child may read this one day, so I will refrain (today at least).

Next time you decide to cancel my DSL service completely (after I have only requested that the phone line be disconnected TWO WEEKS AGO), please find a week when I am a little busier and hubby is out of town 5 days (instead of just 3)! Oh wait, I'm not sure I could have gotten any busier.

Whether I decide to continue working is between me, hubby and my employer, so it is not necessary for you to add unneeded stress in an already busy time of year. Do you not realize that people need internet at home to continue working?

Unfortunately, my plans of baking cookies and cakes with my daughter this week to celebrate Christmas were completely obliterated since you felt the need to disconnect my internet Monday afternoon, just hours before I was planning on completing a project for a client that I should have returned to them by Tuesday. I even spent an afternoon driving to the office (toddler in tow) to pick up an overnight package that a client sent on Friday so that I would have in my hands by Monday. Why do I think you won't reimburse the client for those overnight charges?

But, instead of completing the project Monday night from home, I had to find a babysitter (last minute) for Wednesday so I could complete the work for the client in a somewhat "timely" (if you consider two days late "timely") manner since hubby was out of town and I could not drive to the office at night to complete the client work. And, Thursday was tied up with said babysitter because I already had a much needed work meeting scheduled. So, that leaves me with only 2 of the 5 work days as a true stay-at-home, spend time with my daughter, mom.

And, another 3-4 hours (minimum) total was tied up on the phone with you all week trying to fix YOUR mistake, and as of 6:45 p.m. on Friday, I was told, "It won't be until Monday." Monday! Monday! That is completely unacceptable! Why do I think I won't even have an internet connection by Monday?

You better not even dare charge me for those days that I didn't have internet. Oh, but you will, and I will spend another 3-4 hours on the phone to save $8.86. You don't know me, do you?!?! I will save my $8.86 on principal alone!!!

By the way, we will in most probability be moving within the next 12 months, and I can assure you we will go with your competitor (who I already cannot stand). But right now, I can stand your company the least! I would make the change now, but I don't want to deal with changing my satellite provider at this time too since they correct problems timely, and they don't put me on hold forever. Too bad their satellite service is a little too pricey, and the only other option with them is to bundle services with you!

So, where am I blogging at now? The office AGAIN because I have more work to complete that I am not able to do from home. Just ANOTHER day away from my daughter during such a special time of year.

Perhaps you should have your customer service representatives change their greeting. "My goal is to make sure you are 100% satisfied with the service you receive from me today?" REALLY?!?! I can remember speaking with 12 different people...I stopped writing down names after awhile. And, I can assure you that not ONE of them satisfied me 10%, much less 100%!!! It was all I could do to not cut them off in mid-sentence to tell them to not even give me that garbage of a line!

Did I mention that I requested to speak with a Customer Service Manager at 12:17 p.m. on Friday, and I was told that one would call me back within 2 hours? Do you think I ever heard from your Customer Service Manager? Here is a tip on managing people because you apparently need quite a few tips. Everything flows from the top down! Now I know why your customer service representatives are so very incompetent.

Oh, and STOP asking for my call back number "in case we get disconnected" if you aren't REALLY going to call me back if we get "disconnected." I guess you really just want that number for your own purposes in case I forget to pay my bill or something.

Perhaps you should consult with Chick-fil-A, "It is my pleasure," or Publix, "Where Shopping is a Pleasure," regarding A+++ customer service! Because right now, you have a looooonnnnnng way to go!

Our Little Elf

Our little elf visited with Santa for the very first time this Christmas season. Annalee (and her Mommy and Daddy) was so kind enough to invite us over to greet Santa at their neighborhood clubhouse.

It was great! No long, mall lines, cookies, cake balls and cocoa. And, arts and crafts for the little ones after the Santa greeting.

Before we left for Annalee's house, Annabelle insisted on taking her "pimp" hat (as we like to call it), princess halo and "hooker" belt. The "hooker" belt came to live with us compliments of Grandmama and Granddaddy. I'm not sure where they acquired it, but she loves that thing, and she can even fasten it herself. She wanted to bring these things "to show Annalee."

Well, within minutes after we arrived, she wanted the belt, and she was quick to fasten it, all by herself. Hubby said she looked like a "little elf" with the silver belt fastened around her green Christmas dress. He was right!

When it was time to leave to visit Santa, Annabelle did not want to take it off. Instead, "I want to show Santa." Okay! And, in all honesty, I didn't really care if she wore that belt to show Santa. It just adds a little more spice to the memory!

Unfortunately, she did decide to remove the belt (on her own) while we were waiting in line to visit Santa. I am not sure what made her change her mind, but I sort of wish she had kept that ugly hooker belt on for at least one picture. Again, it is all about the memories!

The visit with Santa 2009 went a lot like this:

Here the girls are waiting in line for Santa.

Annalee sat with Santa first. She was quick to climb into his lap, she talked with him awhile, and she even gave Santa a hug before leaving. Doesn't Annalee look beautiful with Santa? Annalee's Mommy said she picked that beautiful dress out all by herself! And, she let her Mommy curl her hair. I love it!

Annabelle, on the other hand, was just enough interested in Santa to take his offering (candy).

But, she was not too thrilled about sitting in Santa's lap! Mommy and Beebo had to take our seat first. Poor Santa! Then, I was able to place Annabelle on Santa's other knee. Notice that she's holding tightly onto my hand. I had no idea of her facial expression until I looked through these pictures. This picture cracks me up! And, does she not look like my little twin in this picture? I normally don't see the resemblance, but I see it in this picture. She is mine after all!

And, then, she finally gave in to Mommy's request for her to smile pretty for Daddy. At this point, I am no longer sitting in Santa's lap. I am kneeling on the floor next to Santa. Isn't that a gorgeous Annabelle smile?

And, after cookies, cake balls and cocoa, it was time for arts and crafts! I'm not sure when this started, but I noticed while Annabelle was working on her crafts this afternoon that she sticks her tongue out, just slightly. I think it helps her concentrate. I was able to capture one picture of this. Too cute!

And, while waiting on Annalee to pick out her prizes using tickets she had won for various games during the arts and crafts session, Annabelle decided to take it upon herself to just sit down and relax in the middle of the room.

Here are the girls with their Christmas tree cookies from Santa. Annabelle devoured hers, all the way down to the stick, in no time!

On the way home, Annabelle remembered that she had forgotten to bring her picture that she had painted for Santa Claus a few weeks ago while Daddy decorated the house with lights. She had painted pictures of the things she wanted for Christmas including an airplane, car, dinosaur and monster. Don't ask! I don't have a clue where she thought up those things. Nor is she going to get them! Her list changes daily. This year, when Santa asked, she told Santa she wanted "baby dolls." Really? Seriously? Again? He asked if she had any particular baby doll in mind. She didn't because they are all pretty much the same to her.

And, a big thanks goes out to Annalee, her Mommy and Daddy and brothers for a fun filled afternoon and evening. As always, thank you for opening up your hearts and home!

The Birds and the Bees

I didn't think these questions would start at such a young age! This evening, while staying with Annabelle until she fell asleep (as usual), we had the following conversation (after we had just previously discussed where the baby's head, feet and tummy were inside of my tummy).

Annabelle: Mommy, how does dat baby get out?

Mommy: (Pause)

Mommy: We'll talk about that tomorrow Annabelle. You need to go to sleep.

Annabelle: I tank it climbs out. It then walks onto your tummy, then onto your arm, fingers and hand!

I decided later I should have just told her, "God helps the baby get out of Mommy's tummy." But, I'm afraid that answered would have been followed by "Why?" or "How?"

Last week, my mom asked if Annabelle had yet asked how the baby was going to come out. I told her that she hadn't, and I really didn't suspect that she would. My mom mentioned that Annabelle had just asked her that week why she had a belly button. Her little mind is apparently running a mile a minute (maybe faster)!

Naptime

After my mom, Annabelle and I finished a very busy and long day of Christmas and grocery shopping (from 1:30 p.m. until 6:15 p.m.), we climbed into the car at Costco to head for home. As soon as Annabelle realized we were probably finished shopping for the evening, she asked the following.

Annabelle: Mommy, why did God and Jesus decide it was naptime?

Since Annabelle no longer naps, she refers to all bedtimes as "naptime." And, once it is dark outside, she realizes that a "naptime" is in her near future as much as she likes to fight it.

Mommy: Because we all need to rest each day.

Annabelle: I don't like seeping [sleeping]! [with a whimper and rub of the eye]

I am so excited!

While shopping at Publix this evening, Annabelle randomly chimed in with the following:

Annabelle: I am so excited! (She had a huge smile on her face, and she really said it with a lot of excitement in her voice).

Mommy: Why sweetheart?

Annabelle: Because we're going to have a baby soon!


If only she'll stay that excited in a few short months. That sweet voice and excitement was a big step in preparing me for the birth of this second child. In all honesty, it has taken me awhile to even begin accepting the timing of Beebo. Six more months would have been ideal in my eyes. But, I know God timed Beebo perfectly.

A Night in Bethlehem

This evening our church held a special event for the children titled, A Night in Bethlehem. They had shops for the children to use their pretend money to make crafts. They also had a petting zoo. And, of course, Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph were there in the manger as well. Quite a fun event, and I am glad we made it. Just wish we had stopped by earlier when it started.

Highlights of "A Night in Bethlehem:"

1. Annabelle got to make a Shepherd's Walk, aka her "hiking stick." She also made sure to tell us that it was also called a "walking stick." She loves to pick up sticks and "hike, hike, hike" with them. So, hubby made sure that we found this craft first and foremost! Here she is with her pride and joy! It may quickly become an outside toy only as she is slowly finding other uses for it in the house, such as a broom stick.

2. She was so meticulous with putting the beads on the leather string to tie on her hiking stick. I loved watching her. I think she put every bead on that string herself! And, I loved watching her Daddy help her. He was so patient and sweet to her. That in itself was a moment worth savoring forever!

3. The petting zoo had goats, sheep, a donkey, chickens and rabbits. Annabelle was not interested in petting the larger goats, but she didn't mind the sheep, Pygmy goats, chickens and rabbits. She didn't want to hold the chickens, but she got in the cage with them. This next picture isn't the best, but as I took it, she said, "He kissed me!" and proceeded to wipe off the sheep's kiss.


4. She also rolled some dough to make bread, colored a dreidel, made a small jar of dry tea with her own measurements of spices added, and created her own bulla craft by hubby's cell phone light which can be used as a necklace or ornament for our Christmas tree.

5. Overall, she had a blast! And, she's already asked me, "Mommy, can we go again next time?"