We Finally Finalized Baby Cone's Name....

Well, the name is........Davis William Cone. Lance and I have been going back and forth between names but this is it. We love this name. Davis is a name we both like and William is a family name on Lance's side of the family.

Well, Davis was busy during this holiday season. He even managed to do some shopping for his daddy and grandparents. I did not have room to put this on the Christmas Blog, so I am putting it here. I was trying to think of something creative to do for our parents and Lance for Christmas from Davis. I decided to get them all a little gift with a letter from Davis. Since we were all together on Christmas Eve, I gave them to our parents and Lance then. Lance even got a little teary eyed (Of course he tried to play it off by looking at the gift real quick and then leaving the room, but I caught on.)

Grandma and Grandpa got pajamas and some bibs.
Daddy got a golfing outfit and shoes. Davis is all ready to be Lance's little golfing buddy.

Letter to Grandma and Grandpa

Grandmas opening up their gifts.

Grandma and Grandpa Kreyling

Grandma and Grandpa Cone

Our Busy Month of December

I am way behind on our blogging, so this will be a LONG one to catch us up on the busy month of December! Lance and I are usually in the Christmas spirit right after Thanksgiving. We have all the decorations up, I am baking goodies, the Christmas cards are out etc. Not the case this year. It took us a while to get it together this year!! I have been having extreme swelling in my feet and ankles. My feet were huge and could not even fit in my shoes. It has been going on for about 10 weeks, but it was just getting worse. After work, I would have to come home and elevate my feet immediately. So needless to say I was way behind on everything. Lance was so supportive and even did some of the indoor decorating for me so I could rest my feet. My doctor finally wrote me a prescription for some support hose, but he was doubtful they would help. Well, the hose did help, so I am ever so thankful!! I was worried that I would have to continue to be off my feet each evening and that was killing me. So, I am still taking it easy and elevating my feet, but I am able to be out and about more often so that is so helpful because I hate being stuck on the couch!

• Festival of the Nativity - December 6th

My mom, my mother in law Gail, and family friend Linda Remund went to the Festival of the Nativity at my mom's church. It was a great way to get in the Christmas spirit. They had hundreds of nativities from all over the world on display. You could walk around and see each of the nativities while listening to live Christmas music. My mom and I look forward to doing this each year. It is just a nice way to focus on the true meaning of Christmas which is easily forgotten with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

• Callaway Gardens "Fantasy of Lights" - December 13th

Lance and I started this tradition way back in college when we first started dating. We would go to Callaway gardens for the Fantasy of Lights trolley ride. I never knew this would turn into a tradition when we started it so many years ago, but it did. We look forward to enjoying this time with friends each year. Our friends are so special to us. Lance and I always say how blessed we are with our friends. This year we went with Casey and Kelley Warnock, and Derek and Jenn Anderson. We had the best time.

• Christmas Eve with the Kreylings - December 24th

Each year Lance and I rotate Christmas Eve and Christmas day with our two families. This was mom mom's families idea and it works out great. My mom's best friend Linda, joins us every year for Christmas Eve. It just wouldn't be the same without her there. This year, we invited the Cone's to come join us for Christmas Eve at the last minute. It was so nice to have everyone together. We went to church at 4:30 with Christmas music and heard the Christmas story. There was a man (Disclaimer: We did not know this man!!) sitting behind Lance and his dad who sang louder than anyone I have ever heard in my life. I am surprised they could still hear at the end of the program. It was all I could do not to laugh. Our whole row was actually trying not to laugh. Every time the congregation sang a hymn I could barely control my laughter. I think that baby cone loved all the music, because you could see my stomach moving the whole time. He is becoming more and more active as the days go by. We came back to my mom and dad's for a wonderful dinner and then the traditional game of Yahtzee. Lance is not much for games, but he always has to play at least once. We had a really good time just spending quality time as a family. We were glad the Cones joined us this year.

Is that Anna drying dishes?? I had to get a picture. :)

Me and Lance playing Yahtzee. My dad won the game!

• Christmas Day at the Cones - December 25th-- Happy Birthday Blake! :)

We spent the night at my parents house on Christmas Eve. I always want to do this and my dad and Lance laugh at me because we only live a few miles away, but there is just something about being at your mom and dad's house on Christmas morning. I got my way this year and I LOVED it! We woke up early had our traditional breakfast opened gifts, and then we were off to the Cones. We had a nice day visiting and spending time with the Cones. We went to see Marley and Me and I cried almost all the way through the movie. When we left I could see that I was not the only one crying. Even Blake had been teary eyed so that made me feel better. I cannot get through many movies without crying with all these pregnancy hormones. We had a nice dinner and then we opened gifts as a family.

• December 26th - Happy Birthday Justin :)

We have lots of birthdays in December. Lance's brother Blake's birthday is on Christmas, my brother's is the day after Christmas and Lance's sister Anna's birthday is on the 29th. We went bowling for Justin's birthday. We usually go out for a good dinner, but Justin wanted to do something different and fun. We had a great time. It was a little different bowling with a big belly, but I did it. I did not do so well the first game but the second game I scored around 120. My dad of course beat us all.

• The Lightle Annual Family Camping Trip: December 27th - 29th

Each year, Lance's mom's side of the family goes on a camping trip somewhere in the Georgia mountains. This year we went to Unicoi which is near Helen, Georgia. This is something we look forward to throughout the year. The guys all went golfing this year on the first day we got there and the rest of us went to lunch and shopping. I have to say we were disappointed with the shopping in Helen. It was very touristy!! All the restaurants were so full that we ended up at Wendy's for lunch; but we still had fun. We always eat and laugh way to much on this trip. My mouth hurts when I get home from all the laughing we do. We always go hiking, but it rained pretty hard the first night we were there; so we did not do the normal hiking trip as usual, although, Lance's uncles Bill and Jim went with Anna and her boyfriend Brad. They toughed out the rain and had a good time. We took a short hike up to the falls which was beautiful.

Lance and me on our hike to the falls. It rained almost the whole way, but it was still beautiful.

The Lightle Family

Christmas was wonderful and as always makes you realize how truly blessed you are. Lance and I are so blessed with the love of our savior, each other, family, and friends. We couldn't ask for anything better. We are looking forward to 2009.

Baby Cone's Room is Coming Along....

The baby nursery is coming along! Our furniture came in and I was so excited to get it here.

For those of you who do not know the story about our furniture. Lance and I went to look at furniture and picked out what we wanted. We decided on the changing table and crib. We decided against the hutch to save a little money. Well, when I went back to look at it with my mom and her friend, I decided that I really did want the hutch. I came home and told Lance that I wanted the hutch. He didn't say no, but he said we would think about it. I guess all those pregnancy hormones got to me because I started BAWLING and I could not control it!! I could not stop even when I tried. I do not think I have ever cried that hard in my life. He finally said, "We can get the hutch." Then I started laughing because that was so stupid of me to throw a fit; but boy did it work. Lance warned me that it would only work once. I have not tried it again!!

Lance and Blake went to pick up our baby furniture last week in our friend's truck. It is always nice to have a friend with a truck (Thanks Casey and Kelley!!). I was so thankful that Blake was able to help Lance get the furniture; he is the best brother in law! Here are a few pictures of the furniture. The color is a dark brown; it looks black in the pictures because of the lighting.

The walls are a khaki color. Anna is going to paint a canvas with Baby Cone's name on it to put over the crib. Our friend Kelley is going to paint something simple on the walls to give it a little color. Below is a little blue distressed table that I could not pass up.

Lance's Aunt Tricia is going to make the curtains. She does such a wonderful job!! I went with her a couple of weeks ago to pick out fabric and we found some really cute fabrics and the precious blue night stand above. I can't wait till the curtains are finished. I will post pictures once they are up. They are blue and brown. We are still waiting on the baby bedding and the glider chair and ottoman. They should be in before Christmas.

No, this is not our nursery below.....it is the baby bedding we ordered! It is very simple; but I love it! I just ordered the bumper, quilt, sheet, and bed skirt.

I love decorating..........more pictures to come! :)

Count Your Many Blessings!

I know this is a little late for a Thanksgiving post, but I am just getting to updating our blog today. I LOVE the holidays! Each year around Thanksgiving I cannot help but think of the hymn "Count Your Many Blessings". This hymn is such a great reminder to me to be thankful for everything that God has provided us with. We are so fortunate and I am ever so thankful for more things than I can list.

• I think I am most thankful for LOVE. Without LOVE what would we have?
• A Wonderful and Supportive Husband
• Our Health
• Great Families
• Great Friends
• Prayer

Lance and I had Thanksgiving dinner with his family the week before Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time with his family. We ate, talked, ate, shopped while the guys went to the driving range, and ate. It was so nice to all be together for a great meal and company. We love spending time with both of our families around the holidays, those are the times we look forward to most!

We spent Thanksgiving Day with my family this year. I wish that our extended family was closer so we could see them around the holidays; but we always have fun with the small family here! There is nothing like being at home; such a good feeling. We had a very nice time visiting and spending quality time together, watching movies, and eating. Of course my brother was putting up the Christmas lights as usual. We call him Clark around Christmas because he lights remind us of the lights in the movie Christmas Vacation. He always does a wonderful job with the lights. My mom and dad's house is always very colorful. Now, I need him to come decorate the outside of our house, only with white lights, but he only does color!! :)

I think Thanksgiving is just a good reminder to us all to be thankful and to help others that are in need all year round. I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in helping others around the holidays we forget that people have needs all year long. Sometimes even those that have everything are in need of something. Just keep an open heart to hear and see the needs of others throughout the year. Sometimes just a hug or spending time with someone means more than you will ever know.

20 Weeks......Half Way Point

Baby Cone always is covering his face. I think it is precious! You can even see his little ear. :)

He is definitely a boy. The arrow is pointing to his little "goods".

Ok - This is not like me, but here is a 20 week belly shot! I know I know, it is getting bigger by the second you do not have to tell me. I know you out of towners just have to see it. You could not see it as well with my shirt covering my belly so you actually get to see the real thing.....

Our 20 week appointment went great! My mom, dad, and Blake came with us to the ultra sound. Needless to say, it was interesting with all of us there. I was glad they all came. We did get off to a rough" start. Dr. Bills had to lay down the law with my Dad, Blake, and Lance. Before we started the ultrasound, the guys were goofing around and making a few jokes, and immediately the doctor said they would have to carry their conversation outside or be quite so he could concentrate and talk to us. Who ever thought you would get in trouble at the doctor's office.......well, they did (HAHA). Anyway we were all quite after that. It was quite interesting. The doctor must have been having a bad day......or at least I hope. Dr. Bills examined and measured all the major organs today to check for any deformities. Everything looked perfect. Baby Cone weights 11 ounces. We couldn't ask to hear anything better than that. The due date is still up in the air, but sometime around the beginning of April. We can't wait! Continue to keep Baby Cone in your prayers. We love you all!

Our Fifth Anniversary

Lance and I were married five years ago on November 15th at the Berry College Chapel. Berry College is where we met so it was and still is a very special place to both of us. I know God had a purpose in us both going to college there. It is funny how things always work out. Lance and I have always been the best of friends even before we began dating in college. There is nothing better then spending the rest of your life with your best friend.

We just did a very simple anniversary and I think those are sometimes the best. We began the day by watching the Geogia game at my brother in law Blake's house with Blake and Blake's fiance, Brittany, my sister in law Anna and her boyfriend (I am hoping it is ok to call him this......) Brad. It was the first time we had met Brad; Lance and I really liked him. We always have a fun time hanging out with family. Those are always special times that Lance and I treasure! Later that night, Lance and I went to eat at our favorite restaurant in Cumming, Tam's Backstage. I LOVE this food, but I especially love the dessert!!

As I sit here and think, I cannot believe we have been married for five years. Time goes by so quickly. It really makes you want to slow down and take time to enjoy the simple things in life more often. I know once we have the baby the time will go by even quicker. This has been the best five years of our lives and we are looking forward to many more to come.

I have learned so much in these five years and I know I have many more things to learn as the years progress. But a few of these things are:

-Put all your faith in God's hands not your own.

-Have fun and laugh often. (Thanks for reminding me of this Lance!)

-Take time to enjoy friends and family as much as possible.

-Make time for each other and yourself.

-Make sure your actions and words always let your spouse know how much you love and appreciate them.

-Always compromise with a smile. :)

-Never go to bed angry (I know this is cheesy, but this is one thing Lance and I live by and I feel it has made the biggest difference. Lance is so good at this; he will make sure we are both laughing before we go to sleep angry.)

I just wanted to let Lance know how much I appreciate his continuous support and love. He is the best husband I could ask for. I thank God daily that we were able to meet. I could not imagine my life without him!

Wicked the Musical

I know these next posts are a little behind because I have not posted in a while. My mom and I had a girl's night on October 29th. We went with some ladies from church to see the musical Wicked at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. We had a really good time. I loved the music and the acting was wonderful. My mom and I had a mother daughter dinner before the play; that was so nice! My mom and dad just got back from a two week trip to Germany so I was able to get all the details on that. They had a wonderful time and their pictures were amazing. We have family members from Germany, so my parents were able to travel to towns where some of our ancestors lived. I hope to take a trip to Germany one day!

I love spending quality time with my mom. My mom is like the sister I never had. I am so glad we are close and can have fun spending time together. I look up to my mom so much and I hope that I can be even half the mother she was to my brother and me. She is so special. I LOVE you mom! Thanks for all you do for me!