Holidays 2019

Here I am again, more than a year behind on blog posts. But I will not give up! I will press on. These memories are too sweet not to be recorded. <3 2019 was an extra special holiday season because it was our first with Flynn and our last with Papa. His cancer had developed enough by then that we knew it was more than likely our last few months with him. I'm thankful that we had a chance to make the most of the time we had left with him. I know so many loved ones don't get a chance to ask the questions you've always meant to ask, tell them who much they mean to you and say goodbye. So as much as I miss him and wish he was still here I am so grateful for the time that we had. I choose to remember these times with joy because they were joyous times! Now writing this more than a year later the details are a little fuzzy, so bear with me. It will probably be mostly pictures with a few distinct memories I have from that time.

Putting up the Christmas Tree is what signifies the beginning on the holiday season for me. I wait until November and whenever the kids first ask after that I'll say yes. It usually ends up being the first or second weekend of November. It was a little disappointing because once we got all the boxes of decorations down I found out every single strand of the tree lights were out. So we couldn't start decorating yet. The kids were bummed but they perked up quickly when they realized that they got to go the store with me to pick out some replacement lights. Despite the slight hiccup we were still able to get the tree put up that weekend. Xan got to join in the tree decorating for the first time but I think her favorite part was still lying under tree looking at the lights. This was the first year that I let Atlas and Jane do the majority of the decorating and I didn't move too many around after they were done. They did a great job. 

My Christmas light crew. We got our yard lights put up pretty quickly over the next few days. I felt like the longer I took to put them up the harder it would be! My belly was growing fast. So I was motivated to get it all finished as soon as possible. Flynn's due date was just a little longer than month away! I wanted to have everything set and ready for Christmas so I could just enjoy the holiday season and wait for Flynn to arrive.

Don't worry! I haven't forgotten about Thanksgiving! Growing up Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. I feel like since I've had kids Christmas has become my favorite but Thanksgiving is still a close second for me! Our home school group holds a yearly Thanksgiving picnic. We went for the first time last year and I realized my kids wouldn't eat anything there. So this year I was prepared! I put a portion of the side dish I brought aside so Jane and Atlas made sure they got some and packed a couple of other lunch items I knew they would like. That way they had a good meal before we made our way over to the dessert table. As you can see from the picture above there wasn't a shortage of food there that I liked! So full! The kids had a great time playing at the park with their friends both new and old before and after the meal. 

We did a thankful turkey last year and we all enjoyed it so much that we decided to do it again. I love see what they all came up with. Definitely a new Thanksgiving tradition! I put their first initial on each feather so I would know who said what. Little did I know that Kitty thankful feather would lead to us having a kitty of our own. So fun to see what stays the same and changes from each year. 

We had a small Kearley family Thanksgiving in 2019 with Papa Kearley joining us. But there was still delicious food and sweet family time. Jane and I were matching in our navy blue lace overlay dresses so we had to snag a pic. It's funny looking back at these pictures and realizing Xan's bottle of milk was never far from her. I couldn't even get her to put it down even for a picture. She doesn't even drink milk any more. What a difference a year makes!

Our Daugherty family Thanksgiving was very special. We were all praying and believing for a miracle but we all knew it could be our last Thanksgiving with Papa. We took pictures we knew we might not get another chance to take and those pictures are so special to me now. Papa knew he might not have another chance to share his heart with all of us. (We were missing a few people but a good amount of the family was there) When we all sat down for dinner Papa said he had something to share with everyone. He spoke to us about how when he first received the news about having cancer he had decided not to have treatment. But he thought of all of us and decided to fight for us. Then he went on to say that he felt as much as it depended on him he had to make sure we knew Jesus. He shared with us the gospel and part of his personal journey with God. It was so touching and special. I cried and could barely eat my food. Afterwards Sam and I exchanged words with Papa. We told him how much he meant to us and how important we thought he was to the whole family. He told us how special he thought we were and how much he loves us. I'm so grateful to have that memory. I got one of his great hugs and Sam received a very hearty and lengthy handshake.

After all the important talks were over it's almost like we tried to forget about the cancer diagnosis for the rest of the day. The kids decorated cookies with Mama and we all sat out on my aunt's porch and listed and danced to the playlist we all helped put together of everyone's favorite songs. The kids especially enjoyed hearing their favorite songs, like peppa pig, Frozen and Lego batman songs. Jane even convinced Atlas to dance with her. So sweet. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together. <3

As I said in a previous blog post, I hosted a Usborne book party for the first time in 3 years right before the 2019 holiday season. My friends blessed me with wonderful orders and it was very successful. I took more than half of the free books that I received from that party and made Book Advent for the month of December! They weren't all Christmas books but each morning they got to take turns opening a book that had the day's corresponding number. I filled all 25 days before Christmas! It worked out great. Except that Alexandria couldn't really understand when it wasn't her turn to open a book so we tried to open one before she woke up when it wasn't her turn. Thankfully it was an easy fix to the problem. ;)

We love going to the Little Heart Christmas party each year! This was our 4th year to attend. It was one of the first Little Heart events I ever attended. Jane was only 2 then! They always have fun activities and cute crafts for the littles and this year was no exception. Jane and Atlas both loved making their tiny gingerbread houses. The ladies had thought it through already and had the structures already made and all the kids did was decorate. They had a cute photo op spot set up and Xan thought the lollipops were real and kept licking them. ;) And of course we had our Book exchange as always. We got a book from this year that is still one of the kids favorites called What If Everybody Did That?

The very last holiday activity I wanted to fit in before Flynn arrived was Santa photos! The event was scheduled two days before Flynn's due date. We loved our experience last year for Free Santa photos done by the Kingwood Photo Club at the community center. We got the perfect picture really! I knew it would be hard to measure up to last year. This year's was great too, but I would say last year's was better. Xan didn't cry but she was confused and wouldn't smile and she didn't know how to sit naturally in his lap. The other two did great. Atlas went right up to him and gave him a big high five, Jane had no shyness and told him exactly what she wanted for Christmas. (A stuffed mermaid, which I had amazingly found at the dollar store as a stocking stuffer a couple days before and I had no knowledge that's what she would ask Santa for.)

Well, wouldn't ya know it. 2 days later, on his due date, our Christmastime blessing arrived! Flynn was born on 12/16/19 and I for one was very glad. 1. Flynn had changed position after the Santa photos and I had become very uncomfortable, and 2. I would have more than a week to recover before Christmas day. I had to snag a pic of my tiny boy in a Santa hat in front of the tree a few days after he was born. He tolerated it very well. So grateful for my holiday baby! <3

This was our 2nd year being part of the neighborhood hayride our sweet friends, the Combs, put together. It's tradition now. ;) This year I was just 4 days postpartum with Flynn. Even though I was feeling pretty good and I was sad to miss out, I knew a cold, bumpy hayride would not be a good idea. So Marmee went with the kids for me while Flynn and I watched. It worked great and the kids loved it once again. Looking forward to next year!

Finally Christmas Eve has arrived!! Even with a tiny newborn we were able to fit all our regular Christmas Eve traditions in. We let the kids go through their stockings mid-afternoon and as you can see Xan was quite pleased by the light up barking robot dog I got her. Atlas loved the robot I got him so much that he wore out the batteries in one day. We had Chili con queso and tamales as always and afterwards we took a short and slow Christmas light walk. I'm pretty sure it was my first walk after having Flynn. The kids favorite is always the house with all the Disney inflatables of course. Lastly it was time for Christmas jammies and bedtime. That picture of all of them in their jammies with Jane holding sweet sleeping Flynn is one of my all time favs.

Christmas morning is always special! We take it slow. The kids don't wake up super early because they know they have to wait until Dad wakes up to do presents which is usually between 10-11am. Once they're awake, usually around 8am, we watch something Christmas themed and have pancakes for breakfast. They loved their presents! Well, except Xan. Being one I only got her a couple of toys because I already have so many 1 year old toys and it's still hard to figure out what they like at that age. She liked her toys but the other gifts I had for her were books. Since we did a book a day all the way to Christmas, she was sooo over it. If she started opening a present and figured out it was a book, she stopped opening it and moved on. Haha! Oops. Sorry Xan. Flynn slept on my lap most of the gift opening. Jane was excited to open and show Flynn the couple of gifts I got him. Atlas was the most excited about his new Paw Patrol game for the switch. Jane was so in love with her new Elsa dress, I love that smile so much! It was another wonderful Christmas morning.

After playing with their new toys and watching one of their new movies we headed off to Marmee and Pappaw's for Christmas dinner. My mom let them open one present ahead of our traditional New Year's Christmas. A set of three walkie talkies, one for each of them. I think it was a hit! We ran out the batteries in like one day. Oops. Should have bought the ones with rechargeable batteries. After dinner Pappaw took us on a Christmas light ride in the bed of his truck. The kids absolutely loved it. They especially loved it when he went a little too fast for my comfort. ;) Don't worry it wasn't that fast, just momma heart slightly worried fast. Haha! Seriously it was great. I feel like it's gonna be a new tradition. Such a lovely Christmas day. So blessed.

I love New Year's. The gratefulness of realizing I've been blessed with another year with my beautiful family, the fresh start feeling of getting out the new Calendar, the fireworks, the family time. This New Year's Eve was the first time Xan and Atlas held sparklers all on their own. Atlas had been afraid of all fireworks until this year. Finally he got brave enough and really enjoyed them! Xan was just happy to be part of the sparkler crew. Jane has pretty much always loved fireworks! She's pretty experienced at holding roman candles now. That picture of the kiddos huddled up against my brother to watch a firework just makes me so happy! <3 Once we had shot off a good amount of fireworks I took the kiddos home for bed. They're still not old enough to stay up until Midnight. I wonder when I'll let them. Hard to say because I want them to get their rest to be able to enjoy New Christmas Day to the fullest and not be cranky from staying up too late. Jane might be getting close though.

Big kids playing Uno, Xan playing with Pappaw and Scott and I listening to Papa's stories.

Our last event of the holiday season. Merry New Christmas Day with the Daugherty side of the family. We didn't know it but this was our last family event with Papa. I did have a feeling it was our last holiday with him though. Other than gift opening Scott and I spent most of the day asking Papa questions and listening to his stories. He was such a great story teller. He was one of 5 siblings so I wanted to ask him how that was since I have 4 kiddos. He told me they were a little bit farther apart so his big sister was more like a little mother. And with the wider age gaps things were a little more calm than what I seem to be experiencing with my crew! ;) I remember stories of one bed for all 5 kids and you could see the dirt ground straight through the floorboards of their house. They didn't have much but it was a loving family and their mom made wonderful meals like southern fried chicken. Scott and I asked about his career and why he chose the path he did. He was in the Navy and did a variety of jobs like working as a bellhop in a hotel. I think accounting runs in our blood because later on he worked in accounting/bookkeeping. (Scott and I both work in accounting) He didn't become a CPA or anything because he couldn't handle one more day of school. ;) I get that too. It's the reason I didn't go to college. I wish I could remember everything we talked about that day but human memory is so fickle. I'll always remember sitting there taking it all in knowing how special it was. Thankfully a year later the grief is not so gripping, but I still have tears in my eyes writing this. I just wish I could talk to him again. His voice and manner of speaking was just so comforting. I pray that I am able to continue his legacy of doing good and loving well.

The rest of our holiday was wonderful. We opened presents all together and my cousin Amanda and her family joined us afterwards for Christmas lunch and we just enjoyed being together. Atlas was very excited about his new bike, Xan loved her Elsa castle, Jane was surprised by wedding barbie and Flynn, well he cried through diaper changes and slept through just about everything else. What's a 2 week old baby to do? ;) Pretty sure I'll always remember this holiday season as extra special. I'll also remember that it was right before life as we knew it was about to change. I'm so happy we had this time together before all of that happened. I'm so grateful for everything God has given us.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-18

But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Atlas is Five!

Every year with Atlas until last year it felt almost impossible that he would already be a year older! Last year seemed right on point and this year I've been thinking he's already 5 for the last few months already. He's grown up a lot in the last year. His face has lost that toddler look as well. That pic up there is giving me pre-teen vibes!! Him feeling more grown up might have something to do with him basically already doing Kindergarten school work and exceling at it. He's been absorbing so much from listening to Jane and I doing school that when I started preschool with him I realized he already knew most of it. I always said Atlas needed something that was just his that gave him confidence. It seems that video games have given him that. It also gives me something to take away so that he understands some consequences from not listening. All the other discipline options we'd try weren't getting through to him. We still have listening problems but it's much improved from last year and there is a lot less whining overall unless his video game is not going how he wants or I tell him to stop playing. We're still working on that. We go through lots of phases with Atlas. Like for a time he'll be really good at obeying the rules and super helpful around the house and then slowly but surely he'll inch back to not listening and trying to get around any and all responsibilities. So it's like two steps forward one step back all the time. At least we're still moving forward! I'm proud of the growth he's achieved in the last year.

Seriously y'all, it seems silly to say but Atlas is gifted in video games in my opinion. Sure I still help him from time to time but he can do some things that I can't do now. Like jump three times in a row with his hat in Mario Odyssey across an opening I can't cross. In fact he's beaten Mario Odyssey on normal mode all on his own. It's his favorite game. I got him a couple of Mario books for Christmas so he would still be able to enjoy games when it wasn't game time. He pours over his Mario 30th anniversary book every night. I wonder what game might finally catch his interest as much as Mario. As a gamer myself it's super fun to watch him find a love for gaming. Video games catch a bad rap a lot, but for me I see them as amazing pieces of art and technology. Of course there are video games out there that are just not worth your time and it can be abused, but pretty much anything in life can be bad if you let it be. As long as it's not taking over your life and you have balance it is just another leisure activity to enjoy the same as books and tv for example. Atlas has learned problem solving, perseverance, sight words, counting, hand eye coordination, etc. All from video games. So lay off video games moms. Just find a balance and enjoy!

Atlas loves it when everyone wants to play video games with him but he's pretty equally happy to play on his own. He really does love his siblings and looks out for them. Jane and Atlas are the closest of the 4 but they are also the most competitive with each other. They are so opposite on so many things, somehow they get past it and play together very well most of the day. They love playing Mario/Bowser and Peach on the trampoline and mom's and dad's. Xan and Atlas play together the least. I think it's because they both have their buddy Atlas with Jane and Xan with Flynn. Then they also have the sister sister and brother brother thing with the other sib, so that doesn't leave much left for each other at this point. I mean they'll still play together sometimes but it usually ends up in a fight unfortunately. A lot of it has to do with Xan being 2 though. I wonder if they'll become closer later on. Atlas loves his little bro! But because Flynn is 1 and busy and curious Atlas is often upset with Flynn trying to grab his controllers or pressing buttons on the systems or stealing legos. Flynn loves to watch Atlas play video games though. I foresee Atlas teaching Flynn to play. I really really love watching the bonds grow.

Wanna know something? We basically cloned Sam with Atlas somehow. I don't mean just with looks. (I mean he really looks like Sam, we didn't even plan this matching shirt pic)  Their similarities in likes and dislikes and behavior can almost be stunning. I guess I'm exaggerating a little saying we cloned Sam because they do have some differences but there aren't that many. They are both second born middle kids and their birthdays are both in February only 3 days apart. They much prefer the cold instead of the heat. I can barely get Atlas to put a long pants on or a jacket. He'll be jumping on the trampoline in 50 degree weather in basketball shorts and a t-shirt and be totally happy. Atlas and Sam share their passion for video games and would both rather be left alone to play all day. I often leave Atlas home with Sam to play video games when Atlas isn't interested in what we're doing and I don't see it worth making him go. Atlas also shares Sam's rebellious nature and doesn't mind authority very well. We'll keep working on it! They are tough guys and can handle a lot but at the same time they can be sensitive to certain things. Like some sounds and textures can really bother them. They both have a genuine care for others in a quiet way, so it can be hard for outsiders to see. Sam sees the similarities in the two of them as well and has said some of his own traits are frustrating to deal with in a 5 year old. Haha! It's true. The stubbornness and rebellion runs strong! But we already know that as long as we continue to guide him and train him in the way of the Lord he will become a strong, caring man of God. Just like Sam. (that last part was me. Sam would never talk about himself like that. ;)

Weight

Birth: 8lbs 7oz

1 Year Old: 22 lbs

2 Years Old: 27 lbs

3 Years Old: 32 lbs

4 Years Old: 35 1/2 lbs

5 Years Old: 37 3/4 lbs

Although Atlas started out chunky he has definitely turned into a lightweight. I believe this comes mostly from his super pickiness! He won't try almost anything new and anything he does try he is adamant that he does not like! I'm hoping to work on that pickiness now that he's turning 5 and has a better understanding of rules and that just trying one bite is not the end of the world. I mean I'm starting to run out of food options for the boy since he likes so little.

Height

Birth: 21 1/2"

1 Year Old: 29"

2 Years Old: 33"

3 Years Old: 36"

4 Years Old: 3' 2.5" (38.5")

5 Years Old: 3' 6.25"

Atlas was on the high side of average height when he was born and stayed that way until 2. He has been on the short side ever since then. Maybe he inherited my short side or maybe he'll just wait until he's a teenager to shoot up like crazy. Sam doesn't remember being tall until he was in his teens sometime. He definitely looks a lot taller than last year but I think that's because he's really thinned out as well. Now that we had his well check, I was right! He grew 4" in the last year! 

Firsts

I found enough firsts to fill the whole year by a thread. I'm pretty sure next year I'll have to add in some memorable moments to fill in the year. Atlas does not like new things, he's much more comfortable to stick with what he knows, so finding firsts for him is a lot more difficult than it is for the other kids at this point. I could fill up a whole blog post with his first video game accomplishments! They don't necessarily make for good pictures though. ;)

Chuck E. Cheese Birthday party - February '20

Strawberry picking - April '20

Watching the blue angels - May '20

Feeding little bro his food - June '20

Holding a roman candle - July '20

Jumping off a diving board - August '20

Beating Mario Odyssey - September '20

Slip and Slide - October '20

Crossing the ditch - November '20

Ice Skating - December '20

A friend all of his own - January '21

Being 5! - Feb '21

Favorites

Atlas favorite place to be if he's not playing video games is on the trampoline. He still loves to be outside and he's pretty happy just to jump on his own. He enjoys having Jane and Alexandria to jump with him and play in the backyard too. I can send the big 3 out to play in the backyard on their own anytime, but now Flynn will cry if he doesn't get to join the crew. It won't be long though! Atlas always asks me to come on the trampoline with him. He likes me to bounce him high. As much as he's a cautious kid and doesn't like to try a whole lot of things he does have an adventurous side that comes out from time to time too.

Haha! Oh this picture. I thought it was pretty appropriate because Atlas is so picky that his plate is empty. This is Atlas waiting impatiently for his chicken nuggets on Thanksgivng because he wouldn't eat anything else. I wrote that I was hoping for improvement with his pickiness once he was 4. Well, I think he got worse... He's getting tired of food he eats all the time, and I don't blame him. But he won't try anything new and even if I force him to he says it's yucky every time. So yeah, his favorites haven't really changed from last year there's just less. His overall favorite meal is Three Cheese Hamburger Helper. He still loves chicken nuggets, spaghetti, white mac and cheese, chips, fruit snacks and gogurt. His number one out to eat meal is McDonalds burger kids meals. He loves dessert, chocolate, popsicles, cake, ice cream, starburst, all of it basically. At least his drinking habits are healthy. He likes Caprisun, milk and water. We're really going to work on trying new foods this year!! ;)

Atlas's favorite toys pretty much have to do with Mario now. He loves his bowser castle he got for Christmas and has really been enjoying his Lego Mario set he got for his birthday. He still enjoys trucks, building blocks and kinetic sand, but Mario toys are definitely number 1. He says bowser is his favorite Mario character.

I think Atlas's love for TV shows and movies has only grown over the year. He's always asking to watch something. Some of his favorites this year have been, Zig and Sharko, Shaun the Sheep, Bluey, Number blocks and Alpha blocks, Mario Super Show and Scooby Doo. His attention span for a movie has gotten so much better over the year. His absolute favorite right now is The Lorax, other favorites this year were Iron Giant, Wreck it Ralph 1 & 2, Wall-E and Sonic the Hedgehog. He'll watch just about anything though as long as it's not too "girly". ;)

The favorite video game is always the one that is new. Still I would say the one he has spent the most time playing overall is Mario Odyssey. He's beaten that game so many times on assist mode I've lost count. He beat it on normal mode as well but when he had done that once it was enough for him and went back to assist mode. ;) He even beat the final post game challenge too. I haven't even done that yet. His current favorite is New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe because that's the one we got him for his birthday. Super Mario 3D All Stars is up there too. Basically anything Mario. He likes Sonic and Kirby games too. He enjoys playing Mario party, Mario Kart, Super Smash bros, and Just Dance with his siblings. But mostly he's a lone gamer. He can play very passively and also jumping up and down and running around the room. I'm looking forward to introducing him to more of the wonderful world of video games as he gets older and starts to really read then I can show him my favorite genre of video games, RPGs.

Can you guess what Atlas's favorite books are?? Yup, Mario books. ;) He pours over the books we got him for Christmas every night. He can read a few sight words and sound out simple words but mostly he just looks at the pictures. Just like I predicted he will stay up with his reading light on for a long time. His favorite is The Super Mario Bros Encyclopedia the first 30 years. He also enjoys the Mario Odyssey Art book. Other favorite books this year were Where Oliver Fits, A Squirrel's Tale, Just Imagine, Lifesize and First Illustrated Thesaurus.

Playing video games is definitely Atlas's favorite activity, but he still enjoys the outdoors for sure! His other top favorite activities are still jumping on the trampoline and swimming. He also loves to swing, play hide and seek, monster tag, wrestling with Dad, being thrown on the couch by Pappaw and any and all imagining with Jane and Xan in the backyard. Playing on the kindle is his substitute when video games are not an option. I'm pretty sure that's where he learned his letter sounds so well.

Last year I said that my homebody had become a full fledged goer. Well, I think it was a combination of quarantine and his increased love for video games that he has reverted back to a homebody. ;) Pretty much whenever staying at home with dad and playing video games is an option that's what he will choose. He gets excited if we are staying home all day. I remember feeling that way sometimes though! I mean I liked going places but when we had a busy week having a day to stay home and play video games all day was really fun too. He still has his favorite places to go. I don't think they've changed from last year. He prays to go back to the beach and cousin Colin's house every night. He'd never turn down going to Marmee's house and Uncle Scott's house. He really enjoys the park and splash pads and pools too. Sadly we haven't been able to go to inflatable play places, the library and urban air in a year but I'm sure he'd still love those places too.

I have loved watching Atlas's confidence grow over this past year. As he's found what he's good at he's much more comfortable to be himself and I've seen him stop trying to be like anyone else. He can be very serious and talks about not wanting to get any older so no one has to die. That breaks my heart. He had a bond with my grandfather and he's being saying things like that ever since he passed. He cares deeply for the people he loves. He's acts tough but he's a sensitive soul. He always needs one more tuck back in a bedtime from me than everyone else. He'll shower me with kisses until I tell him I need to go. He's a big goofball and is always trying to make everyone laugh. He's much more easily motivated than Jane and gets his chores done more consistently. The thing he has to work on is his patience. He's good at asking nicely but he asks a thousand times without end until I get him what he asked for. He also needs to work on staying calm when things don't go his way. I can see him trying though! And that's what's important. Teaching him to be a lifelong learner is the goal! And I am loving watching him learn and grow.

Happy 5th Birthday Atlas! We love you so much!

James 1:4-5

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.