Simply Sara

I've been waiting to make this announcement for quite some time, but now I'm ready..... We're pregnant!!! Actually, I'm pregnant and Matt's being supportive, but it sounds so much nicer when you say "we're" - as if you can share the nausesa, vomiting, swelling and stretch marks with your loving spouse.(I wish!!) The 6:00 session with my head over the toilet this morning reminded to write this post today. My first doctors appointment is next week where I will promptly request a magical pill that takes aways morning/all day sickness and promises no stretch marks. Seriously, I'd pay a lot for that pill.

Even after a delicious cup of hot chocolate, I still can't shake the chill of the winter weather outside. Thank goodness for warm blankets, heat, and footed pajamas (for Lucas, of course). Our percosous two year old refuses to wear socks to bed and will even resort to tears if you dare forget to remove them before placing him in the crib! (As if he hasn't been taking off his own socks since he was a newborn!) So footed PJs have become the answer to "what do we do when Lucas won't wear socks and sleeps on top of his blanket instead of under it and it's 30 degrees outside" question. It was such a funny sight this morning to see Lucas in his crib, crying because he had unzipped his pjs and couldn't get them zipped back up. I stifled my giggles and offered to help. Oh it's a fun time of year.

Special THANKS to Ben and Skye for spending the afternoon with us at the park and taking these amazing photos! We are so happy that you captured the joy and laughter we share everyday.

I'm having a very hard time accepting the current status of our weather. I'm wearing shorts for goodness sakes! After working up a sweat this morning at the gym, I couldn't bare to put on my winter clothes, so I opted for the slightly more wrinkled, buried beneath a pile of jeans, summer shorts. (In case you're wondering, I did take a shower in between the gym and the shorts-wearing.) Last year, about this time, I was overwhelmed with the desire to bake holidays treats almost daily and share them with friends and family. I haven't felt the same urge this year. I'm slightly concerned about the absence of holiday goodies with Christmas fast approaching, but not enough to do something about it. I have been enjoying the Christmas specials on Food Network and I spent some time yesterday perusing a baking magazine from Publix so I'm not a total holiday baking scrooge. This Thursday I'm attending a "wrapping party" (gifts - not hip hop) at Meg...

I still haven't fully embraced the idea that Christmas is just around the corner. This year it has truly been difficult for me to comprehend that it is "that time of year" again. In the effort to change that, tonight, Matt and I started our Christmas shopping and successfully marked 5 people off our list. The shopping trip started out as a reaction to my sudden realization that I have NO CLUE as to what I want for Christmas and I have family who is anxiously awaiting our "wish lists". But as we strolled through Haywood Mall, neither one of us found much that interested us. Sure, we sifted through a few clothes racks and perused the kitchen novelties at Williams-Sonoma , but nothing made our "Dear Santa" lists. (Yes, I actually made pieces of paper which read "Dear Santa" because I really love making lists!) We did make some purchases for families and friends and enjoyed each other's company immensely. Is it bad that I only want gift card...

Fall has arrived in full force and winter appears to be making an appearance with chilly temperatures. November has been "sick month" here in the Alexander home. Lucas started it, then Matt caught it and now I'm wearing it out. I will be SO thankful when we all are healthy again. But we've done our best to stay busy and truly enjoy time together as a sniffling and coughing family. The Lord has truly shown his grace and mercy to us this month through Lucas. I was reading in Psalms the other day, and I heard the Lord speak that exact truth to me. We've been through some challenges lately, but God's faithfulness has been acted out every time Lucas obeys or listens to what we ask, or showers us with kisses (which he does often!). Today I sat in awe as Lucas gobbled up every last drop of Savannah gumbo I made last night, then asked for more prunes. (I'm expanding his fruit repertoire!) Just three weeks ago every bite was a battle of wills; my determination to...

Meet our little wedding singer! After much debate on whether Lucas was dressed as a groom, butler or magician, Matt came up with wedding singer! So here he is! Lucas had a BLAST trick-or-treating this year! His early shyness faded away once he caught onto the fact that people were giving him candy! We took home so much candy that night and have been enjoying it ever since! Lucas had developed a love for Candy Corn and asks for it all day long!

Mommy, Lucas, and Daddy ready to enjoy a hayride around the Gaston family farm. We said "Hi!" to a herd of cows, waved to a tractor, and played in a peanut field. It was a blast!

Lucas doesn't look to happy to be dressed up as a puppy dog in this picture and that's because he wasn't! We could never get him to put the hood on, but I think he still looked adorable! Matt, Lucas, Stephanie, Andy and Sara

We had a great time walking around the small, mountain town of Dillsboro N.C. before departing on our train ride. We were blessed with gorgeous weather all day! I found a couple treasures at the Christmas store that I will enjoy hanging on our Christmas tree this year. I've decided to make it an official tradition to buy a local (i.e. tourist) ornament from special trips we make as a family to add to our collection. I love the idea of building up a box full of ornaments that represent fun memories over the years! We all enjoyed delightful treats at a local chocolate shop. I was fascinated by all of the goodies on display, but even more fascinated by the enormous mixers and baking pans I saw in the back! If I had the time, I would have begged for a chocolate candy-making lesson! The owner was giving out free samples of fudge, and of course, I was the first to take up his offer! Lucas jumped in and even tried a couple bites! Can you tell he is my child?!

What a day! Friday, Matt, Lucas and I traveled to Dillsboro, N.C. with Matt's brother Andy and his fiancee Stephanie to ride the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad! As you can see, Lucas was fascinated by the long train! We rode in an open car about 45 minutes through gorgeous countryside enjoying the mountains on one side and a rocky river on the other! The afternoon was spent in an open field enjoying the "Peanuts Pumpkin Festival" where Lucas, dressed as a puppy dog, got to trick or treat, pet some animals, pick out a pumpkin, and play along with a bluegrass singer. We were utterly exahusted by the end of the day, but still managed to eat a really great dinner at " Mama G's " in Clayton Ga. (It was well worth the famished drive through several mountain towns, desperate for food that wasn't "fast".) If you're ever in the area, check out their Wild Mushroom Ravioli Alfredo! To die for! Warm hugs and kisses to Uncle Andy and Aunt Stephie for s...

I can't help but laugh as it is 11:30 p.m.; we are literally up to our elbows in yard sale preparations and I am taking the time to write a blog entry. And what, it's been at least a month since my last entry? We've been putting this day off for a year now, dreading the long hours of tedious preparation and the even longer hours of yard sale day. But the time has finally come to clear the junk out of the house, put price tags on each piece, and sell it to some unfortunate person who wishes to clutter up their home! (Actually we do have quite a lot of nice and interesting items to sell, but at this point in the evening, it all looks like junk to me!) In our pile of items to sell are ceiling speakers, baby clothes, adult clothes, a fridge, a couch, ceiling fans, and plenty of household items. I am desperately hoping that our efforts will not go in vain as the money made tomorrow will go towards our "Christmas/We really want to go skiing in Colorado this winter" fu...

Late Friday night, Matt's brother called with tickets for the next day's Clemson Game. As you can tell from the picture, the seats were great, so we knew we couldn't turn him down. (Only 9 rows up from the field!) So we scrambled for a babysitter, packed our bags (my tote to be exact - I like being prepared for anything) and went to the game. Four hours later, with a heck of a sunburn (why didn't I put on that sunscreen sooner?), the tigers won and we happily and sluggishly made our way out of the stadium, hot and dehydrated. It was fun, but I think I'll let Matt's guy friends go with him next time. I'll stick to once a year (or every 4 years....) Did I mention that I'm not much of a sports person? My husband, and son, if he could talk clearly, would say that my hand/eye coordination resembles that of a two year old. So I've never been prone to playing/particpating in/cheering on/ or even watching sports events. BUT it was really, really fun to spen...

It's the day after, I know, but here is a picture of Lucas on his second birthday! I snapped it right before we left for church. I see modeling in his future. (Matt's going to freak out when he reads that!)

It is the night before Lucas's second birthday, and I admit, I'm feeling a bit nostalgic. Actually it's more like hyper, but that's just the large amout of Skittles I consumed about an hour ago. Take a look at this picture! Can you believe how much he has grown! My sweet baby boy, swaddled in my favorite blanket, home for the first time. I think one of the greatest things that Matt and I have learned over the past two years is to cherish Lucas everday. Sure the actual birth day is important and should be celebrated (I didn't go through 12 hours of labor for nothing), but we think it's more important to view every day with Lucas as a gift. Naturally, there are days when I want to strangle him or hire a live in nanny, but I still make sure to hold him tight and kiss his sweet head every chance I get. I just can't help myself. I can't get enough of my Lucas. This was my first time decorating a birthday cake. (It's a train if you can't tell!) I tes...

We have officially been a paci-free household for 11 straight days! (Hooray!) I'll admit, it hasn't been the easiest 11 days, but we are excited to have taken the big plunge. It was six months ago (I think - my memories can be a little hazy) when we determined that the paci was going to be used for sleeping only. I remember going to L's 18 month check up fearful that our Doc would yell at us to letting Lucas still use his paci. (Dr. T tends to get loudly intense about certain topics.) Thankfully we were spared a lecture that day, but I left there determined to have the paci gone by age 2. B-day is fast approaching (Sunday to be exact - gifts welcome :) so last week, Matt cut a hole in the tip of the paci. We timidly handed the "bai" when requested and watched as Lucas carefully examined his paci then threw it behind the crib. After two days of moving the crib at the start of every naptime and bedtime, Matt and I finally said, "No more!" And we've be...

I decided to go back to my natural color. Much easier to maintain. Matt watched L for me this afternoon so I could get it cut and colored. They have a no kids policy at the salon, which I love. Grooming should be about relaxing. This morning, Lucas worked on his fine motor skills by transfering dried kidney beans from one bowl to another with a spoon. He did really well. The "montessorian" in me was very pleased. "Look Mommy, I made a train!" And he did it all by himself. In fact, when I walked into L's room and saw the choo-choo progression on the floor, I asked Matt if he had been playing with Lucas's blocks. I love seeing Lucas's imagination come to life!

I just love Lucas's hair in this picture. So cute! He has Alfredo Sauce on his mouth, in case your wondering. Earlier this week, Aunt Amy and cousin Alyssa came to visit. As you will see in the photos below, the two cousins had a blast together. We big girls did too. :) They held hands for most of the car ride around town. They the two little boogers danced on the couch. Toddlerhood is so much fun!

Matt and I celebrated our Four Year Anniversary this month! My dear Friend Kathryn came to visit us a few weeks ago. Lucas especially enjoyed her visit. I think he likes blondes. :) The next week, we journeyed up to NC to visit Kat and her family. Kathryn is moving to East Asia. I'm really going to miss that girl. Lucas is such a ladies man! Here he is chillin with Kathryn and her sister, Jennifer in NC.

Here's the recipe for the Dirt Cake I mentioned below. I promise you, it will be a big hit at your next potluck! Dirt Cake 1/2 stick butter 8 oz. cream cheese 1 cup powder sugar Blend three ingredients until smooth. Set aside. 2 small boxes vanilla pudding 3 1/2 cups milk Mix until smooth; add to cream cheese mixture. 12 oz. cool whip Blend with other ingredients 1 pound Oreos, crumbled. Layer Oreos and Cream Cheese mixture ending with cookies. Refrigerate and Enjoy!

We've been busy this summer having tons of fun! Grandma came to visit in June, and as you can see, she and Lucas had a wonderful time together! We always love for Grandma to come! Lucas spends as much time as he can playing outside. I love that about him. He is becoming more coordinated and athletic all of the time. He loves kicking a ball, no matter how big or small it is. What a ham! We still haven't figured out where the blonde hair has come from. I truly expected for it to turn by now, but who knows, he may always be a blonde! It was so much fun surprising Suzanne with a birthday party. I tried a new recipe that night for Dirt Cake and it was a hit! I got the recipe from a mom at the Montessori School and thought I would try it out. It sure doesn't look pretty, but the taste is off the hook! Like I said, Lucas loves being outside! Matt and I like taking him to local parks so he can swing ("sing") and slide ("lide"). Lucas loves watching the ducks ...

It's true. My baby toe, on my right foot, is black. At least the tip of it is. I stubbed it yesterday on our dresser. Ouch. It's my first blood blister and I'm not doing very well with it. I felt queasy when Matt drained it and I feel queasy now just thinking about it. Oh boy. I can't talk about it much more or I will get light headed. But now, if you see my hobbling around for a couple days, you'll know why.

Matt and Lucas, Linley Park, June 2007. Matt and Andy with their Daddy. 1978ish.