Santa, Santa Everywhere!

As most of you already know...we found Santa at the beach! 

He was soooo cooperative and more than excited to spend a few days just hangin' with the Maxwells!  Ha.  When we found him, he was happily relaxing with his entourage. 

We won't go into the negotiations between he and I, but he had to be persuaded and I got the persuading done.  He was easily swayed, I might add.  I have that effect sometimes.  TMI? 

The 2009 Christmas card finalists were... and this one, which I did print a few of and send out to some.  I called it the "artsy fartsy" shot...  And the winner...

The Blooper Reel is in the next post.  Be sure to see what really happened!

We left Santa there at the beach to enjoy the rest of his vacation.  Since he was "off the clock" the boys still needed to put in their gift orders.  That, of course, means a trip to the mall, joy of joys.  It is fun to watch all the different reactions from different kids.  Some dressed up, some not, some screaming, some just 5 days old.  All cute in their own way. 

No wavering with my boys though.  It's an all business interaction,  get in, smile for the camera,  place the order,

  grab the candy

and get out. 

Done deal.  Notice the mohawk...it's back!!!

Both were quizzed on what they were going to ask for.  I had been trying to explain to Seager that Santa might NOT bring the Wii that he was going to ask for.  And what do you think was right there beside Santa's feet...

I hope those marketing people get a reindeer turd, just for being evil elves.  What's a budgetized Mom & Dad to do with such a request.  I have no idea.  As far as Dagon's order, he tells you something different every time you ask.  I think he's doing it on purpose, but I'm just not sure.  He's sneaky, that one.  As a last ditch effort, I think we may send Santa an email with our revised list.  So who knows what Santa might leave under the tree but he better decide soon! 

I have definitely had enough "Santa" to last me for another 11 months.  Ho, Ho, Ho.

The Blooper Reel

Here are the photos that didn't make the cut!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Turkey Trek

The annual Turkey Trek was a success.  We reached Mexico Beach, settled in, and headed straight for the pool.  Our first full day was quite odd.  I have never been to the beach when there was no surf.  It was like a huge pond.  No waves, no wind, no sound, no sun, just clouds.  Very eerie, actually. 

Seager's first words that morning were, "I see a shark!"  We all ran to the balcony to witness several dolphins swimming by.  So beautiful to watch in the calm water.

Not to be discouraged, there was a certain beauty to the unusual circumstances.  I began what would be several days of photo taking, much to the dismay of all three Boys.  The results, on this day, were different than my usual pictures, but stunning in a calm sort of way.  You get just a little preview now, but you will have to wait for the rest.  You know how this works. 

The next day, Thanksgiving, brought lots of sun, wind and waves.  Much better lighting from a photographer's view!  In preparation for our Thanksgiving Feast, we took a shower, got dressed and headed for the buffet.  That's exactly the kind of food prep I like!  We stopped along the way for Turkey day photos...Tom Turkey joined us again this year.

 

Seager took this shot...

After a wonderful meal, we headed back to enjoy the pool, and of course, more photos.  (Dagon was quite grumpy) but...

he did recover from grumpy-itus. 

There are of course over 50 photos, much like this one.  I hope that one day, the boys will be old enough to understand that if they would just hold still and smile for about 20 shots, this task could be accomplished in one afternoon instead of several days of running (them) and screaming (me).  One day.  I also have gotten several requests that they want me in the picture.  When I win the lottery, I promise to hire a professional to take the pictures, another professional to photoshop me, and the photo will be on some exotic beach.  Until then, I just don't have an answer for you.  Perhaps someone there in Mexico Beach can volunteer to be photographer next year, in the event that I don't win the big bucks in 2010.

Now, I have to edit and decide which is "the shot", create the card, get it ordered, design the envelope labels, update the mailing list, stand in line at the post office for stamps, print 100 labels (yes, there are 100 cards that go out) wait for the USPS to bring the cards, stuff them and send them.  It is a labor of love, and I love getting all the messages and return cards.  I hope you like this year's installment. 

We are so thankful this year for our health and happiness.  Now, if we can just get the wealth to follow, 2010 will be a banner year.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Barney & the Jester

Halloween is a much revered holiday here at the Maxwell house.  The promise of bags filled with sugar laced with Red Dye #8 and Blue Dye #4 is almost too much for little boys to handle.  The costume choice is always serious business.

Seager's good friend Carter, his sister Audrey and Mom, Shauna invited us to go to Boo at the Zoo.  We happily accepted, donned our spooky shirts and set out.  We had a great day, the animals were very visible and we got some great pictures. 

Decisions, decisions.  Seager wanted to be his favorite Poptropica character...

then he saw this at the Halloween store...

It's $35.00.  Not going to happen.  Good thing Mommy is creative and can sew...  introducing Spooky Seager Jester...close enough, I say! 

Then we have Dagon.  He wants to be a police officer...once again...$25.00.  Not.  A fellow homeschooler loaned us the hat, I was able to purchase the rest (clothing to be used again!) 

Introducing...  Barney Fife! 

Now, let's get some candy. 

 

The weather gods, who have quite the comedic sense of timing, decided to ruin the most important night of the year, but that didn't stop us!! 

It was miserable, but the rain didn't melt the smiles.  24 hours later, we enjoyed the most beautiful night with a big full moon and a crystal clear sky.  Timing is everything.  Unfortunately, you can't control the weather gods, and you can't change the calendar. 

On a side note, I should have become a meteorologist.  You can be wrong 100% of the time and they just let you keep trying...and you still get paid!  Of course, our current government gets the same perks.  That should scare the hell out of you.  BOO!  And, for the love of GOD, would someone please throw a bucket of water on that Witch Pelosi and melt her into oblivion!  Thanks.

Back to Reality...

It's over!  The insanity is over.  Unfortunately, the post-Christmas elves have failed to show up and pack away all this festive stuff.  Guess I'll have to do it again.  No complaints here though, we just spent 5 days at Mexico Beach with pretty decent weather.  Joe and I both wrapped up 2008 with a massage on the beach, some great seafood and the boys swam, ran on the beach and swam some more.  We rang in the new year with great friends and high hopes.  It's always good to end one year and start a new one on a beachy note! 

Speaking of beachy... we hope you enjoyed the Christmas card.  What you don't know is how many pictures it takes to get one or two that are "acceptable", or if you get lucky, you have so many good shots that there are lots of left-overs.  Aunt Lori has compiled the extras into a slide show for you all.  As usual, her talents are amazing and we appreciate all her efforts... Enjoy!

Thank you to all who sent us cards, pictures and 2008 update letters!  It's so exciting to hear of the wonderful accomplishments and milestones from all of you!  I had to add several names to the list this year and didn't delete any!  Guess that's pretty lucky to have had a year where you added friends and didn't lose anyone you care about.

We had a fun Christmas but didn't take many pictures.  We just enjoyed it without the pressure of capturing every second on some sort of digital format.  There were a couple of hysterical moments at Mamaw's on Christmas Eve, pictures were taken.  It was a Muslim Moment for sure and if I get those shots I will be sure to share them.  It was one of those moments that the picture is worth more than a thousand virgins words!

Since it is now 2009, I guess it's time to rev up the resolutions.  Since I did so well last year, I am under extreme pressure to be just as successful this year.  I hope to lose some pounds and inches but  I know this will involve a good bit of movement on my part.  There is only so much food you can eliminate and since that hasn't seemed to work, my only option is to get moving.  This is going to be tough and I'd like to get'r done before May...double tough.  Any words of encouragement or suggestions for a magic diet pill would be welcome.

Well, so far the 2009 blog is crap.  As I read back what I've just written, it's...well crap.  There's no humor or clever stories.  Sorry.  I'll try to do better next time.  My mind seems to be boggled up with all the things I want to do, need to do and have to do.  I think my first task will be putting those in the proper order... have to do, need to do and want to do.  I guess I better make a list and get busy. 

I hope you all had a safe and Happy New Year and here's hoping for a 2009 that is better than expected and more than we wish for.  Good Luck with that!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Turkey day from the Maxwells!  This is our 5th annual trip and we are in sunny Panama City Beach enjoying sand, surf, swimming and good food.  It was cooler than we normally enjoy this time of year (damn global warming) but today was absolutely perfect and we spent the entire afternoon on the beach. 

We wish you all could have enjoyed this day with us.  We enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving Buffet within walking distance of our building.  We ate and were oceanside by 1:00...  no cooking - no dishes, I'm telling you it's the way to go! 

Not much more to tell than that.  Yes, in case you are wondering, we had a very successful Christmas photo session and your Holiday Greeting will arrive in a couple of weeks.  For now I will share the Thanksgiving shots.  We have a new Maxwell who will be with us for all future Thanksgiving trips.  His name is Tom and he seemed to really enjoy today. 

Tom loves his new brothers

and Big Daddy too! 

We witnessed a beautiful sunset... 

and headed in to the pool and Bath Tub (Dagon's term for the hot tub).  Seager is appropriately wearing his "gobbles" (his term for goggles).

We are so thankful for such a beautiful day and I am thankful that you take the time to visit my blog and take a glimpse into our life and into my sometimes twisted mind.  We are very blessed with wonderful family and friends.  I hope you all had a very wonderful Thanksgiving, you didn't eat too much, your team won and you find lots of bargains tomorrow if you are crazy enough to torture yourself in such a manner.  All our love...

Oh, by the way, guess who we saw here at the beach...

 

If you are looking for my normal Friday post...I do have this to say - given all the recent appointments for the incoming Presidential administration, I think we should just refer to it as the OBillary Administration.  I guess it's a change back.  If nothing else, it should be entertaining to watch.

Skeletor & the Reluctant Tootsie Roll

Seager is a traditional kind of guy.  For such an important holiday, he likes to stay with the classic look.  Dagon, on the other hand, when asked what he wanted to be, he responded ...candy.  I'm not sure if that is what he wanted to "be" or what he wanted to "get", he was never specific either way.  I took him at his word and made it happen.

 

Since he is in the throes of a very annoying "terrible two-ness" he was quite reluctant to wear his costume and was the most unpalatable tootsie roll you would ever want to encounter.  It does make for hilarious pictures; lucky me!  It has now become tradition for this holiday to last a good 7 days, at least.  We always start the weekend prior at our local shopping mall for daytime trick or treating.  These are the shots from that. 

    

Next comes Story Time at the Library.  All the kids were invited to wear their costumes to our weekly story time and participate in a costume parade throughout the library.  We arrive there to find all these adorable, cute kids.  Princesses, Fairies, Lions, Blues Clues, Bob the Builder, etc.  As we enter, we hear all the "oh how cute, a tootsie roll" comments.  Seager struts in looking scary as hell - I was so proud!  It could have only been more dramatic had he been Lucifer himself walking in there with fire coming from his fingertips.  Thank God no kids went screaming from the room in sheer terror and in search of a government sponsored counselor to make it all better. 

Shortly thereafter, a shocking turn of events, a very cute witch walks in.  It seemed as if Seager and his star-crossed soul mate had finally ended up in the same room.  Unfortunately, she was having some of Dagon's issues and was not happy with herself at all and this is as close as they got.

Dagon spent the whole event clinging to my legs, I have no idea why. 

I thought the boys might enjoy carving a pumpkin this year.  Luckily, Wally World had marked them down to $2.50.  Deal!  Fast forward to Mommy cutting open the top and Seager peering inside...it went something like this..."EEWWWW"!  Their eagerness to help faded in a matter of two minutes with the final statement coming from Seager..."That pumpkin stinks, I think it's rotten!" and they both promptly left the room.  So I created a masterpiece, solo.

 

Finally the big night arrives and after a brief tootsie roll meltdown, we succeeded in getting dressed and out the door for the evening.   The tootsie roll finally smiled.  Hooray!

I didn't attempt to get pictures in the dark with kids running from house to house.  It was cute, just take my word for it. 

After the whirlwind evening we arrive back home just in time for Big Daddy to prepare for his evening out with his partner in frivolity.  The boys showed them how to prepare themselves...

and they caught on fast!  Just two "Wild and Crazy Guys!"  No further words are needed.  You get the picture.                                

So, that's it.   Thanks for joining us for our favorite holiday!  I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.  Be sure to brush.