Christmas Vacation 2009

The week before Christmas we went with my mom and stepdad, brother and girlfriend, step brother and wife and son to a cabin in Pigeon Forge.  We had a long weekend of rest, shopping, eating way too much, more rest and enough family bonding to last until at least next year (just kidding, momma, maybe...)

Since the main interstate has been closed for a while due to a rock slide, we found another route going.  It was a pretty short drive through the curvy roads of Madison County, but I am glad we were driving at night or I am sure I would have had to puke every few miles.

It rained most of the day on Friday

until...

turning into snow later that day!

See the snow on my shirt!

Ben could have stayed in here all weekend.  Funny how one bubble turns into a million

Because of the snow, we had to take the longer DOT route through Johnson City.  Through that area, they had gotten about 2 feet of snow on Friday and it was still there as we came through on Sunday.  The sides of the roads were still covered in snow, there were hundreds of stranded cars and it was still sleeting and very cold.  We had to drive slow, but we finally made it home with a mental note not to go this way during the winter again.

The roads towards Bristol.

The side of the road and the mountains.

Daddy concentrating on the road.

Ben's Christmas Program 2009

Ben had his Christmas Program on December 12.  In the past, he has been a little ham on stage.  This year was a little disappointing because his 3 year old class performed with the 4 year old class and so Ben's age did not have as big of a part as in the past.  I know that the 4s are the oldest, but I think the presentation should have been divided so that Ben's age had a big part.  Oh well, we will get that next year (oh my he will be 4 soon). The pictures are not great because that was the first time I had used my new camera (got it the night before) so was not really sure about things.

THOUGHTS by Ben Lineberry

Ben never ceases to amaze me.  He is so smart and has such a great sense of humor.  His personality has really developed and he is totally loveable by all.  Here are some recent conversations with him.

I truly believe that my Papa Eddie is Ben's guardian angel.  He died a year ago and Ben still vividly remembers him and talks about him daily.  The other day we were coming down the road and Ben was looking at the clouds.  He said " I see Papa Eddie"
I said "Well, kinda, he is in the sky with Jesus."
"No", Ben said, "He is looking at me from that cloud, see right there"
I said, "Well, he is also in your heart"
I, of course, could not see since it was on the other side of the car and I was driving, but I believe that Ben saw what he saw.

A few nights later, Ben and I were laying on the bed watching a movie
Ben rolled over and said "I do not want Big B to die" and started to cry
It caught me way off guard and I said "What did you say"
He repeated himself.
I said "Why do you think Big B will die, baby"
Ben said, "Because he is old."
By this time, he was really crying and I was too (call it hormones or whatever, but I am really weepy lately)
Me:  Everyone gets older, but that does not mean we will die (was not ready to discuss dying with my 3 year old at this point)
Ben:  I do not want Big B in my heart and I do not want to die either

Super Excited About Christmas

I have always been giddy at the sights and sounds of Christmas, and this year is no exception.  I am hoping to have all the shopping done by next weekend so that we can enjoy the holidays.  This will be our last year celebrating in this house, and while I am beyond excited about moving, it will be sad.  This will also be Ben's last Christmas as an only child and I want him to experience all that he can.
So far, Ben's favorite song is "All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth".  Even though, Ben still has his front teeth, it is still cute and funny to hear him say "my 2 front teef".  He has also learned the words to "I'm getting nuttin for Christmas".  Probably because I taunt him with it at least 1x a day, but hey, whatever works.
In baby news, all tests have come back negative for any known defects.  I was not going to test, but since I apparently am in "advanced maternal age", my doctor strongly recommended it.  It would not have made a difference, but good to know.  We will finally know what we are having on December 10.  Not sure how and when we will tell everyone else, but...  I have no clues on names.  All the names I like do not go with our last name or Ben (example:  I love the name Harper for a little girl, but everyone will think I love Ben Harper, the singer).  He/she might not have a name until the last minute, but I guess that is when it really matters anyway.
I hope everyone has a Great Thanksgiving.  I seem to be spending it with ALOT of Benji's family and very little of mine, but that is more reason to get on home and get the tree up.  :)

Mommy's back!!!

Thank goodness, that I am finally feeling human again.  This pregnancy has left me feeling anything but pretty and energized, but I think the bad days ( or 13 weeks) are behind me.  Thank goodness this was not like the pregnancy with Ben or he would definately be an only child.  Let's Compare...

Pregnant with Ben
Found out at 4 weeks
little nauseas, but was treated with sea bands and cold coke
Craved meat, meat and more meat (very unlike me)
Could eat or drink anything (except spaghetti)
mild heartburn
no headaches
no acne
LOVED being pregnant

This pregnant
no appetite whatsoever
STRONG gag reflex
all day nausea, no cure
On Zofran to help the nausea, which caused headaches and constipation (TMI)
BAD Headaches
Very Moody
Not really enjoying anything
complexion of a teenager
Was on progesterone for first trimester


I will add to the list as I think about things.  Anyway, I am very thankful for the blessing that will be next (and last) Lineberry.  We have a house to build and a baby to cook in the next few months and are looking forward to the Spring.  We should be able to find out what we are having in the next few weeks.  What do you think???

Halloween 2009

Halloween Party in Gaffney

Ben and Shelby with their painted pumpkins

Close up of Ben and Shelby and their pumpkins

Ben and his "scarecrows"

Bat Ben

Ben and his Mema

This year we had a great Halloween season.  We decorated the house (without anything scary, per Ben), he visited the pumpkin patch with his class, painted pumpkins with the neighbor, and Ben attended his first official Halloween party and trick or treating extravaganza.  We went trick or treating with some friends in downtown Gaffney.  Ben loved it and got lots of stuff.  We got wet on the way back in, but still had lots of fun!!!

You can go through my agent to get an autograph