Wow! Christmas is Over

Allison and I were talking the other day and she said "I don't want Christmas to be over. I think that was Friday before Christmas on Tuesday. Well, like it or not, Christmas is over. For a few weeks prior to Christmas I said on several occasions that I couldn't wait for it all to be over. We were not looking forward to traveling all over and being rushed at each place we went. That could not have been farther from the truth.

Christmas was really good, and me, Allison, and Cooper all had a great time. We went to my aunt Neecie's house Christmas Eve and followed that with a trip to Allison's grandparent's house, Munna and Ninny. Then on Christmas Day we didn't leave the house. That is the first time we have ever been able to do that. The gathering for my dad's family was postponed until this weekend and Allison's mom's family comes to our house on Christmas day, so we were at home all day. I deep fried two turkeys and Allison got things ready inside. Overall it was a great day.

Cooper and Mommy opening presents from Grand Mammie, Pappy, Jared, and Charis

Climbing on the box of the gift from Uncle Danny

Cooper at Munna's

This weekend some of our friends from Lexington are coming down for their annual New Years Eve visit. So we are looking forward to another fun weekend. Hope everyone had a great Christmas. Check out our website and Allison's blog for more recent pictures of Cooper and more Christmas pics.

UPDATE - I started this post on 12/28 and sort of forgot about it but wanted to give my take on Christmas.

Christmas Cheer

As many of you know, Allison has a "matching tree." All of the ornaments are red, white, or silver. Many times I have been told no when trying to purchase an ornament that didn't match. This year is an exception. I didn't get to buy the "Ralphie in a Bunny Suit" onament from Kohls that I wanted, but there is one ornament that I put there.

I am proud to say that the blue ornament has been hanging since the day we put up the tree. It has had different homes on the tree, mostly because Allison found its first spot (right in front of the door) and moved it to the back. It then had a home on the other side sort of facing the living room. As a side note, all of Allison's gifts from me or Cooper are wrapped in paper that doesn't match either. Yeah that's right, our wrapping paper also matches the tree. I just wanted to share my small story of the Christmas ornament and wrapping paper. I hope any of you reading this have a Merry Christmas and thanks Alli for being a good sport and at least acting like you thought it was funny. Until next time...

We Have a Climber

My mom says that I was not a big climber as a child but that Jared was. Where ever he got it, we think Cooper is going to be a climber. Just see for yourself...

...and no, I did not stand him up there, even though I think it is very funny an Allison doesn't. He also will climb the stairs if you turn your back long enough. Until next time...

Doesn't this sound appealing?

This morning, bright and early, I took Cooper for the third of three doctor visits and shots this week. Today we saw a different doctor that his normal doctor. She looked at his left ear (supposedly the "good" ear) and said "is this supposed to be his good ear?" I knew then that things were not looking any better. She said that both ears are still infected. She told me that apparently the germs he has picked up very resistant to the three oral antibiotics as well as the shots he has gotten. She gave us another prescription and said it is very cheap and generally works because it tastes really bad and no kids will typically take it. When the nurse checked to see if Cooper had a reaction to the shot she handed me the prescription with an odd look on her face. She said "This stuff tastes really bad. My eight year old had an infection and this is what they gave him. He said 'I can't mommy, I can't, I might throw up. I will just stay sick.' It tastes very fishy." Then I get to the pharmacy and give them the prescription and ask to get it flavored. The pharmacy tech says, "yeah, you want to get this stuff flavored. It smells like hot rotting garbage." Now isn't that just the thing you want to be giving your 13 month old? Until next time...

Ear Infections are the Pits...

We went back to the doctor on Tuesday with the intention of getting Cooper's ears checked and the hope that they were no longer infected. We got them check alright. After about 5 minutes of the doctor trying to see in Cooper's ears as he screamed she looked up at me with a look of disappointment on her face. She said she could be talked out of the fact that Cooper's left ear is infected, but the right one was definitely infected. She said the next step, since Cooper had essentially kept an ear infection for the last month, was to have antibiotics by way of shots. He got a shot on Tuesday. We then went back yesterday for another shot and we go back in the morning for the third of three. We also had to make an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat doctor. That appointment is on January 14.

The shots that Cooper has been getting are apparently very painful. So painful, that they mix the medication with Lidocaine. After the shot we have to wait for 20 minutes to ensure that he does not have reaction to it. In waiting I was talking to the nurse and she was telling me about mixing it with Lidocaine. She said she used to work in a family practice and had a guy who was allergic to Novacaine and all its derivatives. Because of this she had to mix it with water. She said when she gave the guy the shot he started crying. So that gives you a little idea of what our little buddy has been going through this week.

Until next time...

One Found Shoe...

...a few weeks ago I told the story about losing one of Cooper's shoes. Well the shoe has found its way home. Actually it never really left home, it was just overlooked for a while. While in the frenzy of sitting on 10th Ave. looking for the shoe that was lost I am certain that I looked under the seat just below Cooper's car seat. However, the shoe was thought to be lost and was not really searched for anymore (unless you count the trip I made the next day recounting my steps down 10th Ave. and all around the entrance to LifeWay. One day last week, while looking for Allison's keys I looked under the back seat or our Highlander, there sitting in the same place it has been for the last several weeks, was Cooper's missing blue shoe. Too bad it is now way too small and therefore can no longer be worn. Oh well, good thing we don't buy the baby shoes that are really expensive. Until next time...

"You surprised Clark?..."

"...Surprised Eddie. If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet I wouldn't be more surprised than I am right now." That is probably my favorite line from my favorite Christmas movie. I bet over the years I have seen it at least 50 times and that is not an exaggeration. Two years ago I watched it 7 times between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Allison and I spent Saturday night decorating our enormous Christmas tree and watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, twice. I was back and forth to K-Mart for tree lights so I didn't get to see it the first time so Alli graciously offered to watch it again.

Most of Saturday we were at my Mom's Mom's family for the annual Christmas gettogether. It was a lot of fun and we think Cooper had a good time. He watched everyone open gifts and then he watched all of the other kids play football in the front yard. It was so interesting seeing him watch them play.


Monday night we went to LifeWay's annual Christmas show at the Ryman Auditorium. It was really good. A lot of hard work goes into it and Joey's dad got called on stage to participate. It was hilarious. Along with me and Alli, my mom and dad, Neecie, Tony, Amy, and her friend Larkin went to the show. Everyone seemed to have a good time.

Tonight we went to eat at BlueCoast Burrito with Nick. Kristin went to see Point of Grace at FBC Smyrna so Nick was bachin' it. We had a good time as always. However, I think we as well as Nick have come to the realization that we are going to be busy from now until the end of time. Sometimes I just want to sit back and not do anything for a bit, even if it is just a little bit. Anyway, that is enough rambling for one night. For the three readers that I have, thanks and sorry for the "all over the place" post. Until next time...

Back in the Saddle

This is my first post in almost two weeks. I just really haven't had anything to say. So for the 3 people that read this, hopefully this will fill a portion of your day with a little of what is about to occur in my world...

...back to studying for the CPA exam. As you know from an earlier post I failed BEC, again. For some reason I have had a much harder time with that section than the others. Each time I have actually taken the time to study the amount that is necessary to pass the exam I have passed, except for BEC. Hopefully this time will be different. I started today at lunch and will study for about 6 weeks and then take the section. I will then study for another 4 to 6 weeks and take AUD. Hopefully then it will be the take home ethics portion and certified at last. So for the next 10 to 12 weeks I will put away the guitar, the books will get put on hold, and I will be staying up really late again. Hopefully I can find the time to keep any of you reading informed on what's happening around here.

Until next time...

Bedtime Routine and the Sweetest Sound

We are believers in a routine for Cooper. I am sure that any of you that know us at all are not shocked by this. After dinner we typically will play for a bit with Cooper and then give him a bath. Recently he has really started to enjoy playing in the bathtub. Tonight I was giving Cooper a bath and Alli suggested letting him play with the bathtub crayons that his Big Daddy gave him. He really enjoyed writing on the walls.




After his bath we put his pj's on and Alli typically reads a book or two to him. Tonight I was sitting in the living room wasting time as she read to him and I started listening to the two of them through the monitor that is in our living room. Alli read the pages of the book to him and was telling him what each item was on the page. He then, in his own language, seemed to be telling her what was on each page. I just love to sit back and watch the two of them interact. Alli is the best mommy that Cooper could have. I don't know where he and I would be with out her. We love you Smalls. Until next time...

Thanksgiving, Old Friends, and One Exciting Ball Game

Well let's start with Thanksgiving. Just thinking back on Thanksgiving '07 makes me start to stress out. We started with lunch at Alli's grandparents house at 1:00, followed by "late lunch" at my mom's house at 3:00 (unless you consider the fact that my aunt was an hour late, and that makes it 4:00), followed by dinner at Alli's aunt Beverly's house. Each stop was good, but when you put them all together it was a 10 1/2 hour day away from home that has us re-considering what we are going to do for Christmas as well as Thanksgivings in the future.




On Friday Alli, Cooper, and me met an old friend and his wife for lunch. I started playing baseball with Lamont Hartman when I was 11 years old as well as going to middle and the first year of high school with him. After we moved to La Vergne, Lamont and I didn't really hang out a lot. It was so good to see him as well as meet his wife Nancy. They live in D.C. where Lamont is a Young Adult Minister. Lamont's path to being in this position is truly a blessing and a great testimony. I was so blessed to hear about it and reconnect with him. I can't wait to see what the Lord has for the two of them as well as our relationship.



Today the three of us went to our friend's house to watch the Tennessee game. What an amazing game. At one point after during one of the overtimes Alli, me, Brian, and Marney were all screaming at the TV, I was holding Cooper under one arm as if he was a football, and Brian and Marney's son Will was crying in the floor because all the screaming scared him. All was okay and Tennessee will play Saturday for the SEC championship. Six weeks ago as they were throttled by Alabama who would have thought that Tennessee would play in the SEC title game. Apparently my friend Nick, because he told me after that game, "Tennessee is going to win out and make it to Atlanta." I am not convinced that he believed what he was saying, but he said it none the less.

Thanksgiving Lunch

Alli and I had lunch with Cooper today at day-care. It was a fun time and the soup was really good. The day-care closed at 12:30 today, so I left work early and took Cooper home with me. We played with his new toys all afternoon until Alli got home. I love the time that I have with him. Today he sort of got belligerent because he only had about an hour nap before lunch, but overall it was so much fun.

Pass, or Die Tryin'

Well I have taken the CPA exam, and once again I got grades and I am not yet a CPA. The worst part about it is, I now have to re-take a part that I already passed. The good thing about getting my grades was that I passed what is considered to be the hardest part, FAR. Now it's back to studying and hopefully I can get this finished so I don't have to worry with it anymore. Durn! Until next time...

Whew!

What a weekend. We had such a full weekend. Although it was full, it was so great. Cooper's birthday was Saturday and we had a birthday party. Thanks to all those who were able to make it, especially to those that were able to help with food, cleanup, and everything else you guys helped with. We had a great time and Cooper got so many nice gifts. Along with a great party, Cooper started walking. He had taken a few steps over the last week or so, but he walked between pieces of furniture on his birthday. Allison and I both did the same thing on our first birthday. Today we went to church. Cooper did much better in the nursery. He made it the entire time and the teacher said that he was happy about 75% of the time. After Sunday school we went to a joint baby shower for two couples in our class, the Millers and the Coopers. After that we came home and have been enjoying what was left of the weekend. Me, Alli, and Cooper played with some of his new toys. He really likes them and although he was really tired, he cried to stay up and continue playing. Thanks again to everyone that made this weekend so special to us. Here are some of the pictures for the party. Until next time...

Wow, Time Flies

I am currently sitting here watching Allison prepare for tomorrow and I am doing what I have done for a lot of today, think back over the last 365 days. Tomorrow is Cooper's 1st birthday and I am really full of a lot of emotions. I had a hard time concentrating this morning for a long time. I am so happy and excited about tomorrow, but at the same time I feel sort of weird. This is such a cool milestone, but at the same time Cooper doesn't have a clue. The only thing he's gonna know is there are a lot people here. It is so hard to believe that little 7 lb. 2 oz., grunting little person is now a 20 lb. little person with lots of personality. Another thing we are pumped about is turning Cooper around in his car seat. He hates the seat and we are hoping that if he can see a little of what's going on then he will do a little better.

The first picture taken of Cooper

The last picture taken of Cooper in his first year of life

These are a short timeline of Cooper's last 365 days. Look soon at the web site (http://www.thebussells.com) for pictures from his first year as well as the birthday party. Well, I am off to put together a wagon. My first experience of putting a gift together the night before, and I am sure it won't be my last. Until next time...

My Team

I have the best team ever. There are three of us and we are the perfect team. I know that everyone thinks that they have the best team, and they are right. But I have the best team that I could ask for and I love them so much. I love the two of you and I am so glad that God has given me such great team members.

The Eating Machine

I am amazed almost everyday at the amount of food one little person can eat. Tonight Allison had to get her hair cut and so me and Cooper were at home. I cooked chicken spaghetti for the three of us. Because Cooper turns into a tyrant if he doesn't eat by about 6:30, I fed him before Allison got home. I scooped out some noodles and several pieces of chicken along with spaghetti sauce. I was cutting the pieces up and trying to blow on them to cool them off. Cooper, who gets excited about food (like his mommy), was rocking back and forth in his high chair and letting me know that I was not really getting things done fast enough. Finally as I got some noodles and a few pieces of chicken onto the tray he began to eat. I then tried to start cooling off several more pieces. By the time I got two more pieces of chicken ready for him he was long past ready. I finally was able to catch up with him and his eating.

Another thing that always amazes me is the looks that he makes as he is eating. It is always a look of intrigue, even if he has had the particular food before. I love watching that and wondering what he is thinking. You can just see the little wheels turning inside his head. For those of you who have kids I am sure you know what I am talking about, and for those who don't, just wait. It is amazing to see them think, learn, and grow. On that note, it is amazing that he will be one year old in just 4 days. Wow! Until next time...

The Terrible Nursery Kid

Well...the last couple of weeks we have determined that we have the nursery baby everyone dreads. Two weeks in a row we have had to get Cooper from the nursery because he is so unhappy. Last week he made it about 1 1/2 hours, but today he made it about 35 minutes. Today Allison and I were sitting in class and heard a baby crying. We looked at each other and said, "That sounds like our kid." About 5 seconds later, one of the teachers from the room came into sight holding Cooper. Allison went with him to the nursery where he enjoyed playing. Every time she tried to leave he started crying. Needless to say, we are hoping that this is just a phase of separation anxiety that Cooper is going through. Until he gets through it, we will be on our toes and doing our best to keep him in the nursery. Until next time...

Great Weekend

As I have gotten older I realize that it doesn't take doing a lot to have a great weekend. This weekend started with me, Alli, and Cooper going to eat dinner with Steve, Terry, Munna, and Ninny. After we got home we watched Tennessee throttle Temple in the first regular season game in the rennovated Thompson-Boling Arena.

On Saturday Alli was a volunteer judge at the MTSU Mock Trial tournament. It is good for her to go back and help out a program that helped her while in college. While she was gone Cooper and I had some Cooper & Papa time. I love watching him move around the house with his little inquisitive looks. We played with toys, went on a walk around the neighborhood, played with more toys and, read some books. After Alli got home Cooper took a nap and we watched Tennessee smack Arkansas in the face. The Tennessee defense played possibly their best game of the year and came through with a huge win. Saturday night we went to eat at Pei Wei with Nick and Kristin and ran a few errands in Murfreesboro. After that we came back to our house and played password for a little while. Allison and Kristin dominated me and Nick, but the we changed partners and me and Alli were able to beat Nick and Kristin. That was the first time we had ever played couples against each other, we usually play guys against girls.

Today we got up and Alli didn't feel well. So me and Cooper ate breakfast, went to fill the car up with gas, and then we stopped by Kroger to get some Aleve to try and help Alli feel better. After she got up we got ready and went to Sunday school. We love our church and Sunday school class so much. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to worship God at such a wonderful place. Now we are both sitting here in the living room relaxing.

Now that's a great weekend! Until next time...

One Lost Shoe

Not only were the roads around Cooper's day-care closed Monday, Tuesday, and today, but it was near impossible for Allison to get to him today after work. So as a result I walked the 7 or so blocks from work to the day-care. I picked up Cooper and all of his items (2 coats, 1 hat, bag, and 2 shoes not on his feet) and we made our way back to LifeWay where Allison was going to meet us. Thankfully we made it all the way back to LifeWay safely and with all of our items. Cooper and I waited inside the entrance of the Frost Building for Allison to pick us up. Once Allison got there I started putting all of Cooper's items inside the car as well as my items (computer, Bible, and lunch bag). I then noticed that one of Cooper's shoes (still not on his feet) was missing. I went back into the building and couldn't find it, searched the back seat of the car and couldn't find it, and looked under the car and couldn't find it. So due to the fact that the CMA's altered our routine, we are missing a shoe AND one of our shows is not on. One good thing is that I made it to my haircut appointment on time, which is better than the last two appointments I have had. Until next time...

Today's the Day...

...that I enter the blogging world. I have been thinking about doing this for a while, but life has gotten in the way and starting a blog got pushed back toward the end of the line.

Before last Tuesday I had spent the past 10 weeks staying up way past Allison's bedtime (9:30) to study for the CPA exam. I should get the results in the next few weeks. This was taking up so much of my time that sometimes I wondered if I was ever going to be able to do something that I actually wanted to do such as start a blog, pick my guitar back up, read several books that are waiting, or just go to bed early.

Today I was home with Cooper because last night he was running a temperature and was very out of character. He went to bed at 6:20 p.m. and didn't wake up until 6:15 a.m. He felt much better today, but we went to the doctor to find that he has an ear infection. This is only his second ear infection in almost 12 months, so I guess we can be thankful for that.

Along with the things mentioned above my exercise regimen has also suffered. Tonight I went to the Y with the Tidwells and we ran a little and walked a little. Mostly me and Nick goofed off as we "dunked" on the door facings as we ran by them. It was lots of fun though.

I know this has been a completely random post, but sometimes that is they way my brain works, but also this post was done in two sittings (not the best way to do this).

Hopefully I will continue to have interest in posting to this blog and anyone who decides to read these posts will get a peek into my brain and this adventure that is my life. Until next time...