Christmas Card

Dear Family & Friends,

This year we have been incredibly busy. April reached her 5 year mark with Deloitte, Anthony is in his 3rd year of Dentistry and gets to routinely works on patients, and Tanner is full of mischief and magic. This year we've watched him learn and grow, learning how to crawl, walk, and now run. He's a little jitterbug and knows how to say may words, but also likes to grunt and laugh. Of course, he has Mommy wrapped around his little finger and slowly working on Daddy too. And I promise, one little smile of his can melt away any of your worries.

We've realized life doesn't slow down and probably never will - at least not for a long, long time. More than ever, we're learning to prioritize our time and focus on what's really important - our faith, our family, and our friends. We're grateful for this Christmas season as we pause to celebrate our Savior's birth and reflect upon the great joy in knowing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope, and the peace of His love this Christmas.

Love always,

The Callisons
Anthony, April & Tanner

Christmas Countdown

Just in case anyone is wondering, things are much better now. It's amazing what some Christmas gatherings (and goodies!) - can do for one's spitits.

Here's a few highlights from all the Christmas shopping, baking, and partying.

1. Tanner prefers to view Santa from afar rather than up close and personal.

2. Plan to take Christmas pics EARLY next year. This year, I just ran out of time, so I used this family pic we took in the fall. The perfectionist inside of me cringes (yes, I'm the only one smiling and Tanner looks possessed). But it grew on me. And hey, sometimes good has to be good enough.

3. I tried to be extra ambitous and take Tanner & Ave w/me to the mom. Let's just say every parent was starring at me like I was the worst mom ever - and probably with good reason. Avery wondered off for a second (she was mad cuz she wanted to ride in the stroller) and I overheard one sales associate ask where her mom was - and she replied that she wasn't here shopping with her. The lady didn't know how to respond. And then another mom gave me total dirty looks. But at least I didn't have my two elementary kids tied to leashes disguised at backpacks. By the time we left the mall, I was pushing a stroller w/Tanner screaming and carrying Avery.

4. I'll find a better spot for the Christmas presents. I've been staching them away in the closet - and it's Tanner's favorite hangout place - so he's stumbled upon many of them. But hey, at least I know he'll like them.

5. Get a new fake Christmas tree. This one has two feet of space between the ground and first branch - giving Tanner ample room to crawl underneath and turn on the Christmas lights at his leisure. It's his favorite activity. And yes, I let him play with electrical plugs.

He looks at me with those sneakly eyes,

fully aware he should NOT be there.

And then proceeds to laugh...
6. We hope little baby Jesus survivies another Christmas. He gets lost multiple times a day. Tanner loves the toy nativity scene he got last year - and plays with all day long - but never returns maybe Baby Jesus. I hope the obsession continues forever.

(oh, it's so cute, but Tanner can now say Baby, still working on Jesus though)

7. Tanner isn't so much as a "help" in the kitched as I would like. Maybe next year. For now, Avery is my #1 fan (hence, the new apron for Christmas), but Tanner, not-so-much.

This is Tanner's idea of helping:

When I wasn't looking, he grabbed the baking powder contained and made a sandbox in my kitchen. It did, however, keep him pre-occupied enough i was able to finish baking a million different things for the holiday party.

8. But he does still have a sweet tooth. He loves it all! We made the mistkae of putting leftover box of Andes Mints it in the cupboard, and Tanner helped himself. He didn't mind the wrapper - he bit right through. Anthony was horrified - he can't stand the mints - which meant more for me (at least I hoped)...

Leaving His Mark

Everywhere he goes, he leaves little traces of himself...

Whether it's his blanket in the hall way...

A sippycup stashed away in the cupboard...

An entire package of noodles forced down the vent...

Legos tucked away in our shoes...

A roll of toilet paper completely unrolled...

Or toys floating in the toilet...

Or my personal favorite...a nice surprise of poo in the bathtub...

Or sometimes its the fact the book has been chewed to shrewds when we don't have a dog...

Or we can't find my phone...or remote...or shoe

(yes, I blame Tanner. but let's be honest, it's prob my own dang fault)

Tanner likes to remind us he was there.

And yes, one day I hope he'll be leaving his mark on society rather than my bathroom or kitchen.

But for now, I just smile at all the simple, silly things he does.

Craziness

We decided it was time to get some new family pics...since it's been over a year.

Tanner, however, had other plans.

He was not interested in all getting his picture taken.

He wanted to run around (the opposite direction of the camera).

But seriously, this was what most of Tanner was doing most the time.

And not to brag or anything, but Tanner is usually a very happy kid.

So I really didn't know WHAT to do.

He was constantly trying to make his escape.

And it didn't help that Anthony slipped on some rocks while

carrying Tanner - causing them both to tumble

and nearly give us all heart-attacks.

I kept wondering if he would ever smile.

This pic would have been SO perfect - if Tanner would have only SMILED.

But the photographer worked her magic...and was extremely patient. If we would have gotten ONE good picture, I would have considered in a MIRACLE.

But it turns out, we got much, much more.

Here are some of my favorites:

Tanner looks exactly like a Knickerbocker here,

his smile especially reminds me of my Dad

I love his deep chocolate eyes, light complexion,

and his little tongue that he always sticks out.

I'd swear he's going to be a philospher.

My two favorite men!

Seriously, does he get any cuter?

And my personal favorite...

The end result - photos that are priceless!

And seriously, Kathryn is not only one of the best, but most reasonable photographer so check out her blog for more information.

PS - I learned my lesson the hard way. Next time, I'm not going to forgot to give Tanner a snack and juice when he wakes up from his nap. In all the hustle and bustle of getting ready, I forgot the most important thing. And then totally forgot his diaper bag full that is always full of snacks. And I wonder why he didn't cooperate!!!

State Fairing

One thing I've learned...Everything is bigger in Texas.

And the State Fair is no exception.

It's home to everything Fried. It's proud originator of the Cornie Dog. But it doesn't stop there.

Fried Pickles, Okra, Snickers, Twinkies, Cheesecurds, Oreos, Coke, and even this year's winner - Butter - are just a few on the selections.

But every year I try something new - like the fried bacon - and have serious regrets. So this year, I stuck with the basics. A cornie dog and a funnel cake. There's a reason they've been around FOREVER! So good!!! But I didn't stop there - I also tried the Fried Cheesecake (disappointing!) and Cheesecurds (reminded me of WI as a kid - loved it!). But I so should have stopped after the funnel cake...

So we got ourselves some food, watched a few pig races (hilarious!),

and then checked out the petting zoo.

This was Tanner's favorite.

I was going to let Tanner try a ride, but we ran out of time by the time we circled the fair grounds looking for Anthony. Note to self - always stick together!!! And don't say, I'm next to the Cottonbowl cause the football stadium circles the ENTIRE park. We got lost - and it was so lame. And next time, don't go when it's Texas vs OU weekend.

But the best part was seeing Mary Poppins. Anthony and I made a date out of it while Chels took Tanner home. While I've seen a lot of musicals, but this was one of my favorites. It made me feel like a little kid again. And I loved the special affects - Burt was tap-dancing on the ceiling and Mary Poppins flew out into the audience. But for some reason the story really resonated with me - I love how Burt, the chimney sweeper - was their guardian angel looking over them. It's the people covered with dirt that you barely know exist that help you the most.

Happy Halloween!!

We had SO much fun with Tanner this year for Halloween. He was our little Alien!

And stripping it off a few times and throwing a tantrum...he finally did wear it. The things parents to do their kids...

First - we started the day with a trip to the Dallas Arboretum. It was so busy and crowded - but Tanner loves to roam the outdoors like a free spirit.

Second - we went to a Halloween carnival at church.

If Tanner would have had his way, he would have stayed in the bounce house the ENTIRE time.

He was like a little sumo wrestler - extra padding and all - along with his "helmet" so the more he fell, the more he laughed.

Tanner won't even try the cotton candy. I can't say I blame him, I've never been a big fan.

But he loves popcorn- he helped himself to several bags when I wasn't looking.

Him and a fellow alien were plotting to take over the world.

Last but not least - Trick or Treating around the neighborhood.

Tanner figured out quickly what this was all about - and loved grabbing pieces of candy and throwing him in the bag.

But really, it wasn't the candy he was after. When no one was looking, he'd sneak into their house and start running. I'd have to climb over several children and catch him down the hall. He's not the least bit afraid of strangers.

Along the way, Tanner helped himself to his loot - even with the wrappers on. Starburst and Smarties wrappers eventually dissolve in your mouth if you suck on it long enough. So we let Tanner eat those. And the rest of course, is for mom and dad :)

Tanner wasn't too excited about putting his costume on...again...

But he eventually warmed up to it...

Avery insisted Mommy dress up too.

nd when Chels was little, she always dreamed of being a witch.

PS - This year, I waited until the last minute to find a costume. I definitely do NOT recommend it. Several of the stores were completely sold out...but it did finally pay off. This one by far was the cutest and it was only $4!

One more thing...

How could I leave out the most important one!!

One second they are laughing.

They don't get their way (in this case, the camera) and start the obligatory "whine"

And if that still doesn't work, then comes the real tears.

So transparent. Yet, I'm still fooled every time, but am getting smarter :)

Can I help it he still looks so dang cute when he's sad!?!

The things I've learned...

By having a one-year old.

Saying "NO" only makes them run faster and want it more. And he chooses not to listed to the phrase "Come here" half the time. But...if I mention the word "SHOES" he'll come running to me, shoes in tow.

They are full of mischief. Just look at face.

Tanner helped himself to an Oreo when no one was looking.

And they never turn away food...at least not Tanner.

Or a pacifier...in that case...

The louder, the better. Volume control is unheard. If Tanner is happy or sad, he's usually screaming at the top of his lunges. And one morning it was so bad that even Avery said "Tanner is hurting my ears." Yes, we all feel the same way...

And the more destructive...well...watch out. Tanner loves to hammer anything and everything. This drives his dad crazy, while I usually don't mind. Now that the toy hammer has been banned, he's moved to using a wooden spoon. And is very attached - I had to lay him down for a nap cause he had a death grip around it and it wasn't worth the battle.

(PS - Look at the size of that BELLY!)

And he knows he's full of TROUBLE!

Enjoy destroying rather than building with the Legos.

They always knows where the plunger is, it's a sixth sense, even though I get more and more creative with my hiding spots. If a toilet seat is left open, Tanner will notice instantly, find the plunger, and get to work, which then is only followed my more bad things. I hope Tanner's love for bathrooms has nothing to do with his future profession.

Like to leave traces of themselves throughout the entire house - just in case you ever forgot about them. I'll put on a shoe, and find some raisins. Enter the bathroom, and find a roll of toilet paper unwound. Go to the kitchen - and see thee snack cupboards emptied, silverware drawer dis shelved, and pots and pans across the floor. In my purse, it's always full of surprises - either something important is missing or I'll have some mysterious new toy - which really show up everywhere.

Adopted a new pet mixer. He likes to take it for walks all around the house.

Insists upon using fork or spoon to eat, but then just ends up playing with it for 15 mins until it makes it's way into his mouth. And watch out, this is very messy.

And temper tantrums, will there by an end? I feel comforted that the 15-month check-up info had a whole paragraph about this - Tanner can't be the only one. It said to make sure they're in a safe place (ie they are not going to kill themselves as they throw their arms out, fling their backs back, twist in circles) and ignore them. Easier said than done.

And while their energy and excitement seem to be non-stop, it quickly comes to an end when they are not feeling good. When they are sick, they only want one thing, and that is their mama. Tanner had a cold, then an ear infection, then antibiotics that cause diarrhea, and then a yeast infection, and then a bad fever from his shots. He just wanted to snuggle and cuddle - and for once I could forget how big he'd gotten and pretend he was little again.

But I'm only STILL learning...and I'm sure have a ways to go.

Ready to Rock!

Tanner takes this little rocking giraffe to the extreme (just like everything else).

I'm just beginning to see the joys of having a boy. And waiting for it to end in bad news.

shoe fetish

lately, tanner has been obssessed with shoes.

crocs, flip-flops, and hi heals are his favorite, but he'll try anything. the bigger, the better.


but even his own shoes. when he wants to go outside or go for a ride in the car, he'll come running to your lap for you to put his own shoes on.

my love

the tan-man is seriously my favorite. he's at such the perfect age. independent, but still playful. one minute he is laughing hysterically, and the next he is running to give me a hug and a kiss.

i love when i come home, he hears the garage door openining and beats me to the door everytime. he always saves the biggest hugs and kisses for me.
he's become quite the cuddler. he finally lets me hold him and rock him goodnight. he also has a new found love for his blanket - the one that's silky on one side and fuzzy on the other. seriosuly, i want one for myself, but he's always reaching for it at night. even when he wakes up, he puts a death grib around so i'll let him take it around the house too. and whenever he sees a blanket, he just has to give it a hug.

but don't be deceived. he's into everything and anything.

the bathroom is his favorite hangout - and finds all the wrong sorts of things to get into. toilets, plungers, trash, toilet bowl brush cleaners - all equally distingusting but all still has fav.

the kitchen is his next fav. he knows just were the snacks are put in the cupboards and brings them out. pots, pans, dishes, and bowls catch his attention for a moment, but his new fav is silverware. he loves to play with the baby spoons and forks and he'll carry them in his hands the entire day if he could. the more little things he can fit into his hands, the better.
and the dishwasher. he's figured out how to open it even when it's locked. sometimes he'll climb up on the door and just chill, but usually he's found playing with the silverware. we just have to had the knives as that's very bad news.

he also loves to scribble. i actually prefer pens cuz otherwise he tries to eat the pencils and crayons - and that's just nasty.

he just loves to explore. when we open the front door of the house, he's gone in a second and i have to start running afterhim. when we go to someone else's house, he just loves to explore and play with all the new toys. people always think he's the perfect little boy, but he's just on his best

behaviour.

he also likes playing with older kids. it started by avery trying to pick tanner up, and now she just playfully tackles him. surrounded by pillows, i'll just see her keep pushing tanner down and they'll both be laughing hysterically. he likes the playful wrestling and is still quite the tank so he can usually hold his own.

tan-man is also starting to try to talk. he starting to say a lot of words. of course he has the basis down, like mama, dada, and baba. but he's starting to try to say bigger words, like all done, more, up, please, beep!, and animal sounds (ruff, moo, etc) etc. he can also say ah - pul. it sounds like apple, but i think he's trying to say my name. and he says it all the time. but when he really wants something, he usually just screams. this is a bad habit i'm still trying to break...
he still jibber-jabbers all the time and thinks he's talking. i'm looking forward to all the cute and funny things that will come out of his mouth - when he finally can talk and carry on conversations.

he still LOVEs to be outside, climb boxes and the couches, ride on his fireengine, rock on his

giraffe rocking house, climb steps (but can't get down), have his toys make as much noise as possible, whether it's banging them together or pushing the music button a million times, emptying out containers and then put everything back (at least some of the time), and purses. he likes carrying stuff around and yes, i don't care if it's a purse. i need to find him a little man-backpack...maybe santa clause will bring it for him.

this train is his new fav!

And he loves to push everything..,

oh, and when we went to a bday party, there was a bounce house slide. and he was in love. seriously, i've never heard him laugh and giggle so hard as he did climbing up and going down. i tried to get him to play with some of the smaller toys, but he kept making a b-line for the bounce house and just couldn't get enough.

i just want him to stay at this age forever. when i cuddle with him at night, he's still the biggest little baby and i love it. but he's grown so fast and i can't believe just a year ago he was just the wee little one. and now he's turning into a toddler more and more everyday.