Novella to catch you up

I tried to blog on December 18th. I really did. But, Blogger was not cooperating, and I had the flu, so I wasn't going to sit there forever. Yeah, yeah - it's been over 2 months without a post. You probably thought I'd retired the blog without a customary notice, and some of you Gabby addicts were probably cursing me under your breath. (Can't blame you there.) BUT YOU WERE WRONG! We're back, and we're proud. [Shout out to Arrested Development fans, especially Melissa.] Pictures will come on another day when Blogger is working better.

November

Gabby's 2nd birthday party: Totally rad. Gabby had a blast, but the memory that remains for her is "Penguin Cake." Ever since VBS this summer, she's had a slight obsession with penguins. Well, maybe we power the idea by purchasing penguin-themed everything. What I have learned from this is that black, orange, and yellow do not look cool for a 2 y.o. bday party, even though they're "penguin colors." Linda (MawMaw) even made a penguin cake for her birthday, and 2 months later, at the mention of "party" or "birthday," you're sure to get "PENGUIN CAKE!" Rachel gave her a drumset. More to come on that later.

Thanksgiving: We hosted both sides of our family for The Big Meal, and it was truly something to be thankful for. Even though in-family fights might be more entertaining than our peaceful gathering, I'm not stupid enough to wish for them.

December

Every Day 'Til the 25th: Unbelievably busy. 7 Concerts, a play, a nativity scene, sound systems, rehearsals, long-winded mayors giving speeches in 30-degree weather, students in pre-break stupor, rehearsals, shopping, rehearsals. My guess is that you could make your own list about December that looks as ridiculous as this one.

Anniversary: 5 years! Definitely worth noting on the blog. Spent an afternoon and evening doing adult stuff... Eating at a real restaurant, shopping somewhere other than Walmart, and watching a PG-13 movie. Shame on you.

KY/TN/China: Packing, driving, unpacking, packing, driving, unpacking... But so worth it!!! China was my abbreviation for China Grove, where MawMaw and PawPaw Hull live. Didn't seem fair to only abbreviate the other destinations, and "China" sounds much more exotic than "C.G." By the way, can you believe that Jason had never heard "China Grove" by the Doobie Brothers before 2007?!

New Year's Eve: Attended the Fish Fry/Auction at the church. Got a treadmill, among other things. I don't make resolutions, but...

January

New Year's Day: Made a "List of Things I'd Like to Do in 2008." Not resolutions, mind you. One of them is learning to dribble a basketball between my legs. I would be the coolest music teacher I know if I could do that. Sorry, fellow music teachers. I would be, unless you can one-up that.

Today, 1/5: This morning, Gabby woke up and played in our room for a bit while we came to. She found a magnet for the MagnaDoodle, which has gone missing. I suggested she get another toy. "Alllllwight!" says Gabby. A moment later ... CRASH! I started cracking up, because she is carrying her drumset from her room to ours. She puts it down, announces, "This is the drums" [in case we didn't know,] and goes back for the drumsticks. A short concert later, I'm hysterical and Jason is still silent and motionless. That guy could sleep through an earthquake.