The Barksdale crew had a wonderful Christmas season full of family, fun, giving, receiving, Mass, and of course yummy food! This was Heinz's second Christmas and he loved it! He wasn't totally enthused with ripping wrapping paper off of presents but he got more into the spirit as the Christmas celebrations went on. He was completely spoiled by his grandparents and other family members and I'm not quite sure where all of these toys are going to fit in our house... it will all work out. We will just move the couch out if we need to. KIDDING!
There were horrible storms and tornados that hit in the area just days before Christmas. This truly broke my heart. While we drove to Brad's parents house in New Hope we were able to see some of the damage that these awful storms did to trees, homes, and businesses. My heart broke for these people... especially days before Christmas. We also had a family friend of ours lose his mother and grandmother in a tragic car accident the day after Christmas. In moments like this I have a hard time not questioning God and wondering WHY? Why do tragedies like this happen? Why do they happen so close to family filled holidays? In the end, I know that His plan is perfect and His hand is on everything we do. Those two sweet women are in paradise with Him and will be reunited with their family one day. Please keep all of the people affected by these horrible tragedies in your prayers.
A few weeks before Christmas, I was able to bring Heinz to the SAA-SDS Gingerbread House to meet Santa... let's just say Heinz is not a huge fan. Whenever he sees the picture in our house he looks at it and says.. "NO NO NO!" Let's hope I didn't scare my child for life! He has to love jolly old Saint Nick! Mimi and Kim came on Friday to enjoy the awesome shopping vendors and the yummy wine/appetizers that were being served. On Saturday, Mimi joined Heinz and me for some more shopping at the Gingerbread House. After, we went to lunch at Bogie's where Heinz threw up everywhere after coughing/gagging (he is my son indeed). Needless to say, we left quickly and our lovely lunch ended there. No pictures included. ;-)
I loved spending time with my siblings, their kids, and my parents. It is such a crazy crew when you get us all together. We missed having A.J. with us but I text with him and he had some fun Christmas plans in NYC. I am going to visit him (with Mimi and Jamie) in February -- which will be here before we know it. Ben and his crew will be here either today or tomorrow (they love surprise entrances) -- we can't wait to spend time with them! We loved driving south and visiting with Brad's family. So refreshing to see them and to see Heinz in a different atmosphere --- he loves all of the animals at Nana and BB's house. We are so blessed to have two incredibly different yet incredibly amazing families. This Barksdale crew loves their family SO BIG!
The weekend before Christmas, Heinz and I joined Mimi and JoJo on a trip to Mobile to visit Ben, Teresa, Connell, Clara, and of course the STAR OF THE SHOW Charlie. We stopped in Starkville to pick up Anna. It was so fun having her with us. She is a part of the family -- DUH! Charlie had a very adorable role in the play Elf. He was a fabulous elf and his ended the show with an AMAZING round off and then a FABULOUS split landing. Heinz thoroughly enjoyed both the matinee and the evening showing of Charlie's play. We were so happy that we were able to go!
We will be celebrating Mimi's birthday and the New Year in just a few short days! I will post more about the New Year in a blog to come. I know this will be an awesome celebration full of family, friends, libations, and of course food.... oh and a birthday cake!
**I got a new cell phone and my 1000000000000 pictures are still currently loading onto my computer so I will upload a Christmas picture blog soon.
Dear Heinz,
You had such a Merry 2nd Christmas. You are so loved sweet boy. You are starting to talk so much and it makes us so excited. You should see your Mama and Daddy --- we clap when you say chip which sounds like ship and we scream and giggle when you say clock --- you sometimes leave out the "l" though -- which could be a problem. ;-) Your personality is starting to blossom... like your parents you are super sweet sometimes and then sassy at other times. Look, you can't help who your parents are. HA HA. We love you angel baby and we are looking forward to celebrating the New Year with you!
xoxo,
Mama
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