Movember

Needless to say I’m way behind, but I hope to catch up this week since I’m off work.  Let me back up and post a few pictures from November when Albi’s work and a friend of mine participated in “Movember.” 

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of mustaches and beards on thousands of men’s faces. With their facial hair, these men raise vital awareness and funds for men's health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives.  Albi’s group raised awareness.  My friend Kristian pleaded and begged for funds which he claims to have donated.

The AI group started with beards and then shaved down to mustaches for the last week of November.  Apparently one of the guy’s wives “helped” him shave his mustache off before the final group shot on November 30th.  Trust if given the opportunity I would have helped Albi shave his off as well.  A beard is one things…a mustache is another.  The only person I know who can pull off the mustache is my dad! 

     Kristian sported the mustache from day 1.  I hope these guys all raised a lot of awareness because I know they got a lot of stares and not the “you look really sexy” kind of way.  More like “I better go home and lock my doors” kind of way. 

Weekend with Santa

Generally my two favorite “events” of the holiday season apart from the family celebrations are Betsy’s “Santa party” and brunch with Santa at PCC.  Both of these events fell on the same weekend this year and neither disappointed. 

Copeland was not so sure about Santa at the Santa party, but Mac had no problem letting Santa know what he wanted for Christmas, what Coe wanted for Christmas and what Finley wanted!  He also made sure that Santa knew he was “going to be at my G’s house in Birmingham so please bring my presents there and not to Pensacola!”  Finely was very fond of Santa’s beard every time she sat in his lap.      Betsy’s Santa party is great because she covers her garage in white paper and the kids can color all over the floor while eating their treats and drinking drink boxes.  Copeland was in heaven!  He also has finally decided that he really likes Frances.  No more playing hard to get.     

*Yes Copeland is covered in marker in all these pictures.  This was right after I found him eating a black marker. 

Betsy’s Santa party is just…well perfect!  The kids love it.  The parents love it and I think Santa loves it!  Richie takes the best photos of the kids – it is pretty obvious which pics he took above and which ones were shot by me!  I hope the Daniels continue to make this an annual tradition. 

The next day we headed to the Country Club for brunch with Santa.  Coe sat in Santa’s lap with a lot less hesitation this time, but he still seems to prefer him better from afar. 

     

 

We tried to take a few pictures in front of Yaya’s tree once we got finished with brunch, but by that point Mac was sweaty from running around the golf course with Jack, shirts were untucked and Coe and Finley needed to nap. 

The only entire family picture we have with Yaya and Coste.  I think this one is a keeper!

It was a great weekend with Santa.  I sure hope everyone stays on the nice list and he comes to visit G’s house very soon! 

School pics

I lost Mac’s school picture for about two weeks, but I found it last night.  I thought this year’s pic was really cute.  I can’t believe how much he has grown since he first started at LEP in the turtle class.

Fish class – VPK

Duck Class – 3yo

Turtle class – 2yo

LP parties

• Christmas shopping – pretty much complete
• Christmas cards – in the mail (and hopefully delivered today and tomorrow!)
• Gifts wrapped – not exactly, but I have a little longer before that has to be completed
• 2012 Photo books – completed and ordered
• 2012 video – not even started, but I’m determined to finish before we leave for Birmingham since that is Mac’s favorite thing to watch on our Christmas road trips.
• Blog – way behind, but trying to catch up

Last weekend was BUSY!  We had 5 holiday events over three days.  I’ll start with Friday.  I hosted my annual department luncheon and later that evening Albi and I headed to the LP Christmas party.  I always enjoy hanging out with my work friends in a social setting as opposed to the grind of the office. 

I cooked all the food for the luncheon (with the exception of the dessert) and I have to say it was pretty yummy.  The sandwiches weren’t quite as hot as I had wanted, but I didn’t realize that until after I had gotten them out of the oven, unwrapped them all and put them on the platter to serve.  Oh well.  I can’t ever get everything perfect when it comes to cooking.  Forrest stopped by briefly, so I could show off Finley, and she could take a few pictures.  Miss Katie and Copeland were picking up Mac from school and then heading to the park, so we could enjoy our lunch in peace.  Mac was very disappointed to come home and find out that his best bud Mr. Watson was gone but was thrilled one his favorite babysitters Miss Ashley was still there! It is a long story to explain the Gilmer Girls vs Rafferty Group debate, but the bottom line is all the girls got mugs as part of their Christmas presents from me.  I think that confirms the name change for the department.  Like I tell my boss, Troy Rafferty, the department may be called the Rafferty group, but it is run by the Gilmer girls!  (I’ll let you all know if I still have a job come Jan 1) Headed to the office party.

The photo booth was my favorite part of the Christmas party.  Albi asked me the next morning if I wanted a photo booth for Christmas since I love it so much.  I don’t think the booth would have quite the same effect if I could hop in it at anytime, but then again you may just see one in the corner where the piano used to be.  Wonder what my decorator would think of that?!?!

Me and my girls

the Money Makers

Albi can’t deny that he likes the photo booth too!

Troy, admit it.  You want to be a Gilmer Girl too!