Look Mommy! Look Daddy! Santa Came!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is already passed this year! It was a great Christmas, though. This year, Molly had really started getting the hang of this whole "santa-thing" which made it a lot of fun! The night before Christmas, we baked Santa some "special" cookies. I told her when they were cooled down, we would color them so they would be pretty for Santa. I did a few things around the house & when I came back to the kitchen, there she was...coloring her cookies...with her crayons! I told her they were very beautiful & I knew Santa would enjoy them! She was so proud of herself! And, she was one excited little girl Christmas morning...This is "pee-pee in the potty baby"...the ONLY thing Molly asked Santa for. Too bad, "Santa" forgot & left "pee-pee in the potty baby" at Santa's Mommy's house 20 minutes away & was on the road at 1 am to get it! How forgetful that Santa is!! After lunch, Molly enjoyed some "topless" painting....And, yes, she did end up painting her chest when I wasn't looking...

We got together with all the Hudson's on Christmas Eve at the poolhouse & enjoyed a low-country boil. We made the kids sit still long enough for a group picture....

Then it was on to paper tearing....Molly loved her new sleeping bag...

For Christmas Supper, we had Eric's family over & grilled steaks. The steaks were great & then it was time for more paper-tearing....

Can you tell she loved her new "boots with the fur" crocs?

Last night, we finally got around to having Christmas with my family. We didn't make the kids wait this time...we let them open gifts before we enjoyed supper! My sister gave me a beautiful pencil-drawing of Molly...I cannot wait to hang it up! I will be sure to take a picture of it soon & post it on here. In the mean time, here's our 2 "angels" about to open gifts....

They loved the smart cycles that mama & papa gave them... They also loved their new twist-cars that I got them (even though, they do not work right)!Merry Christmas, Everyone!

My Most Beautifulest Angel

I truly believe that a loving, dedicated mother is one of the most under-praised jobs in the world. And, at the same time, it is the most rewarding. Molly made a comment a couple of weeks ago that has really stuck with me & I wanted to share it (not brag about it, just share it.)

Molly & I were recently both angels in our annual church Christmas program. Angels were pretty popular this year...there were about fifteen of us. The play went off without a hitch & everyone had a really good time. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed some snacks, socialized & the kids got a special visit from Santa.

Before bed that night, I was changing into my pajamas in our closet & I overheard this coversation between Eric & Molly in the bathroom.

Eric: Did you have a good time tonight?

Molly: Uh-huh. I saw Santa and he gave me candy...two times!

Eric: Can I have some? (falling victim to the sweet tooth that has plagued him his entire life.)

Molly: No. (that a girl!)

Eric: Please...just on piece? (persistent, he is)

*pause*

Molly: Me & Hollan were angels tonight. (she's great at changing the subject)

Eric: Well, who was the prettiest? (oh, good grief, Eric!)

Molly: We were both the prettiest...all us angels were the prettiest (great answer, Mo)

*pause*

Molly: But, my mommy....my mommy was the most beautifulest angel I ever did see.

My eyes filled with tears as my heart melted into a puddle around my feet. Just to think...that's how she sees me. Her angel...that can and will do anything for her. Her mommy can make any boo-boo feel better, has answers to her many questions, and is always there cheering her on. It makes me so happy and so sad at the same time. Happy, because I know I'm doing my job as a mommy. And, sad because I know that this time will pass & she will not always see me this way. She will (much too soon) reach her teenage years and her views of me will change day-to-day. There will be times when she will not like me or even want to be seen with me. I dread those days. I don't even want to think about them. I would rather think about now. Because, right now, I am the most beautifulest angel she ever did see...and she will always be mine.

Santa is Clueless!

I am pulling my hair out trying to figure out what to get Molly for Christmas. Of course, everything that comes on TV she says, "I want that...I want all of that." But, nothing has really stuck that she really, really wants. There's no one, big present. Last year, it was so easy...she wanted a dollhouse, a kitchen set & a tent. This year...clueless! People are always asking what they can get her for Christmas, and I know it sounds bad, but I have no idea what to get her myself! If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate them. This week was just as busy as last! We had my office party on Monday night, and Molly really enjoyed playing with all the other kids there. On Thursday, Molly danced at DEA. It had been 4 weeks since she had practiced her dance, so I was a little nervous about how much she'd actually remember, but she did great! She was so excited, because she got to stand in the middle of the group this time (even though, there's only 3 of them). This was the first time that Eric has been able to go watch her dance...he was so proud & it really made her night. Eric & I left there and went straight to the peanut mill party. Molly went home with her Meme & they stopped off for McDonald's. To Molly, that was the perfect ending to a great night! Friday night, the "girls" and I had a Christmas party at our house. The kids exchanged gifts and had such a great time playing together. They even put on a talent show for us at the end of the night. It was wonderful for all of us to get to spend some time together. I really hope this will become a yearly tradition. Here's a picture of all of our little ones... Saturday night, we had Christmas at my grandparent's house. She cooked a feast...fried chicken, ham, bbq ribs...it was all so great. The kids (Molly, Braylon & Rhiana) all exchanged gifts & we enjoyed watching their excited little faces. Yesterday, we had the Hammock family reunion at the Woodman of The World building. It was great to see family members that we hadn't seen since last year. Then, we went home & started cooking for supper club last night. I cooked a ham & a turkey with lots of sides...it was pretty good for my first time ever cooking a ham, if I do say so myself! I'm off to Dr. Sharkey again tomorrow afternoon, so hopefully, I'll be able to do a little Christmas shopping when I leave my appointment! Maybe something good for Molly will jump out & slap in the face, otherwise I may have a very disappointed little girl Christmas morning.

Playing Catch-Up

Whew...I must have a food hang-over from Thanksgiving! It's been so long since my last post! We have a lot of catching up to do...so, let's get started!

Thanksgiving was great! Molly & I had lunch with my side of the family that day & then came back for supper with Eric's family. We all 3 ate til our little hearts were content...even Eric had to come off of his diet that day! Here's a cute picture of Molly & Braylon saying the blessing...

The Saturday following Thanksgiving, we attended the Wiggins' "Kettles of Fire" chili-cookoff. Well, anyone that knows me & Eric knows that we are both very competitive people. So, of course, we both made our own chilis to compete against each other. And, I am so proud to announce that my chili (and I would like to add that this was the very first time I had ever made chili) won a prize for being the "sweetest"...I think it was because I stirred it with my finger :) !! Needless to say, I have tried "not" to rub it in Eric's face too much that his chili didn't even place!

Last week was a very busy one. Between play practices & dance events we had something going on every night. Molly & I rode in the city's Christmas parade with her dance group last Thursday night. It was a lot of fun & Molly really enjoyed waving to all the kids...

Friday, Molly went with Braylon's Pre-K class to Savannah to see Santa & ride the carousel. Moma took them by Chuck E. Cheese's on the way home...I think they enjoyed that more than the actual field trip! We also had her dance group's Christmas party Friday night. When we arrived, there was a huge inflatable princess slide set up outside. Those girls were ecstatic. Molly was like a little lost puppy until Marti finally arrived...then she couldn't have been any happier...

Saturday night, we had our Christmas play at church. Molly & I were angels. The kids all did such a great job & we were very proud of them. Don't look to close or you might just see some little horns under that halo...

Yesterday, some friends & I took our kids to Augusta to see Santa at the mall & then to Disney on Ice. They had such a great time...we did too! That was a wonderful show & of course, the kids had to have souvenier "flounder" hats...

Who Knew Molly Liked "Hot Tea"?

I have a very important message to announce....Ready? WE ARE FINALLY FINISHED PICKING PEANUTS! Whew, it feels so great to say that! With peanuts & corn behind us, now all we have to do is get finished with all this cotton that needs picking! Eric was so proud to finish with peanuts Friday night...he was determined not to quit that night until he was completely done, so he was pretty late getting home. Tadd, Beth & Jaxson came over that night & brought us some yummy Zaxby's for supper. After filling our tummies, they helped us get all of our Christmas decorations down from the attic...that's a job within itself!

So, Saturday morning, me & Molly jumped up & started putting our Christmas tree up. She couldn't understand why we were putting up another tree...hers has been up in her room for a couple of weeks now...it is SO CUTE! I know it's going to blow her mind when I put one up in the kitchen, too.! I'll try to remember to post some pictures of the trees on here when I get a chance. After we finished the tree, we grabbed a quick bite to eat for lunch & headed to a 2 year-olds birthday party for the afternoon & then to Ware's for supper.

Yesterday, Eric, Molly & I all had lunch together...that's pretty uncommon lately, so we really enjoyed it. But, we had to hurry back home, because Molly had a tea party to go to! Yes, a tea party! She thought she was something else. The Ware's had their home decorated so cute for all the little girls. They made their own teacakes, some different dips and candy. They even had their own little "wine" glasses filled with sparkling grape juice & frozen grapes. I really thought Molly would have like the juice, but to my surprise the little booger loved hot tea! Who would've thunk it? She was so upset with her mommy when we had to leave the tea party early to go to Christmas Play practice at the church. And, from there we went straight to the Mason's house for Supper Club....whew, what a day! Needless to say, Molly was ready to hit the bed last night...and mommy was too!

Busy weekend!

Even though a cold front moved in & it got pretty chilly, it didn't slow us down this weekend. Well, it did a little bit...we opted not to go to the football game Friday night, but that was mainly because it was flooding rain, not because it was cold. Saturday, we had the church Fall Festival at Bunny & Romona's house & the kids had such a great time. There was a big inflatable slide, a jump-a-roo, pony rides, cake walking, games & lots of food! Molly really enjoyed the slide...

I wonder if those socks will ever come clean.?.

Satuday night, we had a surprise party for my moma's 50th birthday. Since her birthday was actually 2 months ago (long story), needless to say, she was very surprised! Everything was decorated in black & we even had an "Over The Hill" birthday cake. The centerpieces of the tables were black & grey balloons and pictures of my mom growing up...I think it almost brought a tear to her eye! We all had a really great time, and of course, the kids fought over who was going to blow out the candles!

Goodbye, Summer...

With a heavy heart, I have come to realize that summer has already passed us by this year. Yes, I know that we've been having fall weather for several weeks now, but it's just hard to believe it's over. No more warm summer days, no more swimming in the pool, no more wearing shorts or flip-flops, no more smell of fresh dirt that's just been planted with corn, or cotton, or peanuts, no more ice cream cones that melt before you can get them half-way eaten, no more taking the dogs to the pond for a "cooling off" swim, no more smell of freshly-cut grass, no more staying outside until 9 at night, no more trips to the beach, and no more of this...

How wonderful it is to run through the sprinklers wearing nothing but your panties, your hair bow & your innocence...

However, the cool fall weather is here now...which means it's getting time for Thanksgiving, more family gatherings, Christmas, presents, snuggling up at the fireplace, hot chocolate, beautiful lights everywhere, (my birthday), cotton modules being packed (even on my front lawn), passing peanut wagons on the road (which makes us smile), kicking acorns (which makes Molly smile), (my birthday), colorful fall leaves, no mosquitos or gnats, warm fuzzy sweaters, and my birthday...did I mention that already?

Happy Fall, Y'all!!

Her First Football Game

I took Molly to her first football game Friday night. We joined the Hudson's & Oglesby's for ECI's game, so we could watch Madison dance & Dilan play in the band. They did a really good job & Molly had herself a big time. Everytime the band would start up, she'd stand up on the bleachers & break out in a dance! I even caught a football for her that the cheerleaders were throwing at half-time. She held onto it like it was a piece of gold. ECI plowed over the competition 45-7. Afterwards, her Uncle Jamey took her onto the football field where she got to meet "Tank" and dance with the band. Needless to say, we're going to start trying to go to a lot more games...she loved it...

And she loves her Uncle Jamey!

For those who have asked...No, Eric has not killed a big buck this year. In fact, he hasn't even been hunting, yet. The farm has kept him really busy, but hopefully, he'll be able to start doing more stuff with us again soon & get in some hunting-time, too...we've been missing him lately!!

Our Little Dancer

Molly really enjoyed spending the day with her Meme yesterday. Meme had Molly's favorite (grits & eggs) ready for her when I dropped her off that morning. Later that night, Meme went with us to TCE's Fall Festival where Molly was scheduled to dance. This was only Molly's second time on stage (and the first time, she did zero dancing) so I was a bit nervous! But, boy did she put on a show! She did the entire routine & was absolutely adorable shaking her little bootie on stage!

I was such a proud moma...

Trick-or-Treat

Once Molly had been to our Halloween party, the church's Halloween party & her dancing Halloween party, she was ready for some serious trick-or-treating! Since Swainsboro trick-or-treated on Thursday & Kite didn't do it until Friday, we got 2 full nights of it! Here's some pics from Thursday:

After wearing her UGA cheerleading costume to 4 different parties, Molly was ready to change it up for trick or treating in Kite on Friday night. When I walked in with her "cookman" hat & apron, she was ecstatic. And, I have to say, I think it turned out to be my favorite!

Time Flies!

It's amazing how time flies! I've caught myself so many times lately just staring at Molly in sheer amazement at big she has gotten. I have such a big girl now! Example: Just look at the difference three years & bigger pair of over-alls make: And just look at how much bath-time has changed: It just blows my mind...where has the time gone!?! This weekend was our 6th annual Halloween Bash at the house. It was so much fun & I think everyone had a really great time! Molly changed her mind (last minute) and decided that she wanted to be a UGA cheerleader instead of a "cook man". So, we were very lucky when we found this cheerleading outfit at the Dollar Tree, of all places! I think she'll make a great GA cheerleader one day! Eric & I decided to go as hippies this year. But, everyone called me Cher all night & I have to admit...in this get-up, I really do look like Cher:

We spent the day after the party at the farm, riding 4-wheelers & feeding deer. It was nice to have just a relaxing day to re-group from the party.

Here's Molly & Eric sporting their sunglasses...Molly still sporting the "G" tattoo on her cheek from the night before!

She's really pondering something here!

Who Knew "Free" Was So Expensive?

We took all of the Supper Club kids to the Statesboro Fair last weekend, and needless to say, they had a blast! There were so many rides there that were aimed for "little kids" and so many yummy food vendors that were aimed for us "big kids". I really think everyone had a great time! I think the highlight of the night for the kids was winning goldfish (which they didn't actually win...the fair-man "gave" them all a fish because after 500 ping-pong balls, they still had not won anything). Anyway, Molly got a small bass that night...and so, our fish saga begins! "Curious George" required us buying a new fish bowl, rocks, plant, food, etc just so he could end-up kicking the bucket 2 days laters. Well, that left us with all this "fish stuff" and no fish. So, yesterday while Molly & I were at "The Wal-Mart", I told her she could pick out a new fish. She decided on the black mollies (simply because she liked their name) & we got 3. As we were leaving with our new fish, the man who helped us get our fish asked if we had an oxygenated aquarium. With fear of what he was about to say, I simply said "no." Well, of course, black mollies can only live in an aquarium with oxygenated water...so we had to buy a new aquarium. And, then Molly also wanted a little "fish tunnel" for them to swim through...so we got that too, even though it did not fit in the aquarium once we got it home! On the way out of Wal-Mart, we met a friend who was admiring Molly's fish & was quick to point out that we have 1 male & 2 females...and I hear they really like to breed. So, we'll probably end up having to get an even bigger aquarium to house all of the offspring. Man, one "free" fish is becoming very expensive!

Long-Overdue Update

I have really got to be a little more consistent with my posts! It has been forever since my last one & so much has changed. Unfortunately, there was a minor "ant incident" that caused me to have to pull Molly out of school. Well, it actually wasn't too minor, because it ended her up in the ER getting IVs of Demerol until 10pm that night! After that, Molly refused to even talk about going back to school, and I definitely didn't push her.

She has really started to blossom lately at dance class. I no longer have to attend class with her & do the dance moves myself...thank goodness! She looks forward to it every week & recently had her first "performance" at the SPS Fall Festival. She didn't do very much dancing, but at least she got on stage...and boy, was she the cutest thing ever!

The girls & I went to the GA/Tenn football game this weekend & had a blast! I think we all needed a get-away...we need to get together more often! GO DAWGS!!

Dancing & Schooling

Last Thursday was our first day of dance class. I say "our" because I had to hold Molly's hand & do every dance move with her! That was, to say the least, a sight to be seen. I hope the dance instructor doesn't charge me double-tuition!!

School seems to be getting harder for us rather than easier. Today, I left my child screaming, crying & reaching for me...begging me not to leave her...teacher holding her back. I rounded the corner & sat down on the steps. I listened to her cry for about another 20 minutes (hoping she would eventually quit), but she didn't & I went on to work...crying.

But, when I picked her up, she was grinning from ear-to-ear & said the day had been "great" (her answer to everything lately). However, she & Garrett both got in an ant bed & Molly had about 75 bites all over her...they didn't seem to bother her, but I cried (again)! Hopefully, she won't run a fever with them tonight!

We had Supper Club last night at the Mason Clubhouse. We all enjoyed shooting skeet before supper...which was a lot of fun...except I held the gun a little too close to my face, and I have a swollen cheek today! We had poppy-seed chicken, creamed corn, greenbean casserole, and caramel cake...mmm-mmm good!! It's our turn next week...I'll have to get the wheels-a-spinning on what we're going to serve!

Molly's first day of "school"!

Well, today was Molly's first day of "school". It was actually her first day at the Methodist Church's 3 year-old Pre-K program. But, to her, it was "school". And, to me, it was the first time I had ever sent my baby out into the big world all alone! I had to beg her to give me a "goodbye" hug & kiss...not that she needed it, but I definitely did! It was the longest 4 hours of my life this morning waiting for it to get time to pick her up...but, she loved it. She colored a beautiful picture for us and was chatting away. All she's told me so far is : 1. Garrett cried...all day...till his mommy got there...then he stopped. 2. A tiger chased her on the playground...it was scary. 3. She colored on the sidewalk with chalk...it got on her hands...the teacher said it was okay. 4. She lost her hairbow...3 times...the last time she didn't find it. So, I'm sure I'll get more stories tonight!

Welcome!

Hi! We're the Hammock family & welcome to our blog. I'm Crystal, a proud wife & mother who enjoys the simple things in life. My husband, Eric, is a 3rd-generation farmer who definitely loves his job. We have a beautiful 3-year old daughter named Molly, who is the light of our lives. We enjoy surrounding ourselves with our family & a wonderful group of friends. We hope you enjoy our site & daily adventures!