Sunday Subject: Christmas Smile

We are starting a new tradition this year. I have labeled a different brown paper bag for each day until Christmas. Each day the girls open a bag. Inside there is a folded card with an activity to do like Sing Christmas Carols or Create the ninth reindeer and name him. There is also a treat in the bag, like a craft set to make ornaments or even just a bag of skittles for one day. We are all enjoying this so much! I would recommend this to any mom. It has added even more joy to the month!

Our elves are into more mischief than ever before. Last night they had a marshmallow fight in the kitchen. I heard those little giggles this morning and it brought such a smile to my face. The very smallest things to me mean so much to them!

Last week was such a busy week- and this week will be too!  I am finished with all shopping.... I think.
I am excited about the girls be out for break!

Christmas... Stop and smell the coffee

I have made a promise to myself this Christmas. I promise to stop worrying about "stuff" and enjoy every minute with my girls. Christmas is their favorite time- not because of the obvious. They love the month full of activities! We always do 1 craft everyday. This year I am doing something different. I have a regular brown paper bag for each day until Christmas. The girls get a open a bag each day. In each bag there is a different activity and treat everyday. Example- yesterday the activity was to draw Santa's workshop and the treat was a Santa craft kit. The day before, the activity was to bake Christmas cookies and the treat was the Elf on a Shelf movie. 

I have found so many really great activities on different mom blogs. I have included one below, and I will try to keep posting different ones to share!

This handmade ornament craft is really good for developing fine motor skills. I just love to watch those sweet little fingers working on them!

Found it at this blog- Its really good. Lots of really good ideas!

http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/pipecleaner-ornaments/pipecleaner-ornament-one/

Sunday Night Solitude

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Sadly tonight I am preparing little uniforms and backpacks for school tomorrow. I have certainly had my hands full this past week, but it has been delightful. I just love having these sweet girls with me every minute. I really think that this Thanksgiving was my favorite one yet! This picture was the end of the very long day! The baby sisters were so ready for bed, and the big sisters were so excited. They were about to attend the 2nd annual Sleepover at Aunt Penny's. I am still hearing about all the fun that they had!

The Christmas Decorations are up and the sparkle of all those little lights fill our home with such a warmth and excitement. With the decor comes another holiday tradition- Herbie and Sally. These are our Elves on the Shelf. For a couple of years poor Herbie was all alone. Then last year he went missing. About the time we found him hiding in the coat closet-- Sally had come along. I told the girls that Santa must have felt like Herbie needed a little help watching this growing family. 

Last night Kitty and Kami left out a plastic cup of cookies for the elves. This morning when we got up-- We found cookies on the stairs and the floor. The girls finally spotted Herbie and Sally sitting proudly in the Christmas tree. Then they found the plastic cup that the cookies were in. It was just thrown into the tree. Kami said, "They are litter bugs". 

I wonder what will they do next-?

Monday reason to be thankful:

Today was such a great day! I enjoy these four little girls so much.
This is my favorite week of the entire year. I always cook some things ahead of time and this week my girls will be helping with that. First on the agenda---- Dressing for Thursday at MiMi's house.

My Monday reason to be thankful is:
My health. When I think about the past two Thanksgivings- I had just had babies after long- difficult pregnancies. Oh how fabulous it is to feel so good this year. I will never ever take for granted what a blessing it is to wake up in the morning, feel like smiling, putting my feet on the floor, and starting a new day!

What are you thankful for?

Happy Thursday- Don't worry I am still alive-

Gobble! Gobble! 

How horrible is it for me to do all these boring posts-- and then just stop for a week. So sorry! What a sweet treat it has been to get messages from you all looking for new posts!

So Thanksgiving is one week away. This will officially kick off what my Uncle Scott (Skunk) calls "eating season"! Oh how I love Thanksgiving- it is my FAVORITE holiday of all! However I do hope this year will be kind to my new size waist in my old size pants! This is my first Thanksgiving since 2008 that I haven't given birth during the same week. I know- that is a hoot. I so look forward to just enjoying all of these sweet little blessings- without all of those bad postpartum feelings.

In preparation for the big day- Let's share recipes. I am looking for a new recipe for sweet potato casserole. I love it- but I haven't found the perfect recipe! I look forward to hopefully seeing some yummy recipes.

Don't you just love all of the wonderful things our children do at school during Thanksgiving! This year Kami decorated a feather that belongs to the class turkey. Each child did one and then her teacher put them all up behind the turkey. Kitty's class did my favorite Thanksgiving project yet. Her awesome teachers sent home the outline of a turkey. The project was to help him come up with a disguise to keep him safe through the holiday. Kitty disguised her turkey as a Rock Springs Cheerleader. It was adorable!
She is so creative!

Tomorrow we will start a new tradition at our house! We are going to put the Christmas Tree up- but decorate it for Thanksgiving! We are going to call it our, "Tree of Blessings". I am going to cut leaves out of construction paper and have the girls write a different blessing on each one. I'll post pics to show how it turned out!

I am including pics of my latest project- Don't forget those recipes!!!

Wordless Wednesday-

Sometimes a pictures is worth a thousand words!

                                This little angel will be two years old next week!

Top Ten Tuesday-- a little late!

Top Ten Things You Probably Don't Know About Me/My Kids!

10. I graduated from a Women's College.
9. I have seven poodles- They were my children before I had children!
8. My Pookie and I married on the 5 month anniversary of our first date. He is my BFF.
7. My oldest daughters first grade teacher was my teacher in the third grade. She is the BEST EVER!
6. I was the only person in my Self Defense class in college to shoot multiple bulls eye shots at the   shooting range!
5. All four of my girls have the same initials.
4. I was raised in the country on a farm.
3. My oldest brother Charlie- named me Drew
2. My niece was just initiated into the same chapter of Delta Delta Delta that I was a member of!

1. When I was a little girl my dream was to grow up and be a lunch lady!

Memory Lane Monday

I know that we all live in such a hurry that sometimes we don't just slow down and remember the way that things used to be. I remember when my grandmother died in 2007, I got this horrible feeling that things were different now. Things will never be like they used to be. I am sure that we have all felt that at some point.

My grandmother was such a kindred spirit. She could make you you laugh in any situation. That was what she loved to do. She loved practical jokes, and anything that would bring a smile to our faces. The other day Kami fell down and hurt her knee. The first thing I could do once I knew she was ok, was start acting silly. My mom said that everyday she sees grandmama in me through something like that. So I guess I have kind of taken on the role of clown in our family. I am so proud to know that she made such a positive impact on my life!
Grandmama taught me to sing and read music. She was so proud when I started singing frequently in church or at local events. She would come to weddings to hear me sing- even though she hadn't been invited. I laugh about that now! Not only would she come to the wedding uninvited, shortly before the wedding started you could see her sneak up to the front pew and slide her tape player under it. She would press the record button and be on her way back to her seat! I remember being embarrassed about it, but looking back- How precious was it for her to love me that much! I guess she was my #1 fan. I wish I could see her with that old tape player again!
Here is an example of my grandmothers humor. I was all upset one day wondering why I had to have so many freckles. I was really down about it- I think a boy at school had been picking on me about it. So I told grandmama about it. Her first reaction was, "Do you want me to go over to that school and knock a knot on that little boys noggin?" Of course she was only kidding. The next part is the funny part- I have never shared this with anyone except my closest family members. She told me that there was an old saying about women with freckles. I was thinking, where could she possibly be going with this? She then told me an "ancient proverb" that will stay with me until the day that I die! She said this to me, "she has freckles on her, but she's pretty". Or was it, "she has freckles on her butt, she's pretty". I laughed and laughed. I think that was one of the funniest things she had ever come up with.
Now I notice little freckles on Kitty's face. I know that one day they will be a bother to her as well. Oh how wish grandmama would be here to have that same talk with her about them. Since she is not I know that one day I will share that old proverb with her. I hope it tickles her as much as it did me!
I thank God for all of the sweet memories I have of the way that things used to be. Those things shaped who I am today. I would love to sit and laugh with grandmama again, but I know that I cannot. Since I can't, I hold tight to all of these memories that I keep in my heart! Every once in a while I find myself sitting thinking of times we spent together. Before I even realize it I am smiling as if she was right there beside me. Who knows may be she is!

Shout Out Sunday

Shout Out Sunday 

Tonight I will shout out to a good friend of mine.
Kelly Flanagan McCormick
Kelly is a remarkable woman. Kelly and I were sorority sisters at Brenau Women's College. Last year Kelly's baby boy Peyton was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Kelly was EVERYTHING that Peyton and his baby sister Mackenzie needed, she never fell short, she never thought of herself. A few months ago- Peyton won his battle. He is probably sitting in Jesus' lap right now. Kelly has been through so much. Last night she gave birth to Peyton's baby brother Conner, who Peyton named months ago. I pray for Kelly and her family everyday of my life. I hope that you will too!

I absolutely cannot wait to post tomorrows blog entry. The theme is ,"Memory Lane Monday". It is going to be my best entry yet! PLEASE don't forget to read it. 

What's on my heart today:

If you are a mom, chances are you are probably a lot like me. I worry about my babies all of the time. When there is nothing to worry about.... I invent something. God's word says that we should not do this. The one thing that is the most important- we sometimes let fall pretty low on our priority list. We have to pray for our children each day. All the things we worry about--- guess what? We don't need to pray about the worries we have- we simply pray for God's plan to unfold in their lives. I know that his plan is perfect, and no matter what it includes-- that plan is exactly what I want for them. The hardest thing for us to do is the best thing in the world for our children- simply give them to God and let go. Stop worrying. God gave them to us in the first place- they are all HIS perfect creation.

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life will be given over to the Lord. - 1 Samuel 1: 27-28

I hope everyone has a great day tomorrow and don't forget to check back for Memory Lane Monday!

Soapbox Saturday- De-Cluttering

Why Do We All Need So Much STUFF?

I guess about once a week I decide I want to have a huge yard sale. I seriously have this idea that I will drag all my junk outside, and then people will begin to fight over who saw it first. Then when all of that stuff is gone, I will start bringing people inside the house telling them, "its all for sale!" I just have so much stuff that I would love to send home with someone else. I am seriously thinking of spending a week, going room by room cleaning out all of our JUNK. I will call it: Operation De-clutter. 
I would really like to go through every room, closet, drawer, corner, and cabinet in my house and clean out everything that I haven't used in the past month (other than holiday/ seasonal stuff). It is ridiculous how much we have accumulated since we moved into this house 4 years ago. I wish I was the type woman who could get a new black purse and GIVE AWAY the old one. Am I the only one that feels this way?
 I read an article about cleaning out the clothes in your closet except for 30 items. OK so that is a little more extreme than I am thinking about. I have 3 pairs of black flip flops--- why? I have 5 trillion bracelets and earrings- 9 million different pairs of blue jeans (ok so I embellished a little)- but why do I need all of these. Now that I don't work- I rarely wear jewelry and other froo froo stuff.
So is there anyone with me on Operation De-Clutter? Ok maybe not that drastic but, does anyone feel this same need to de-clutter their homes? Send me your comments, ideas, and I welcome your advice!

****Also****
I have added the subscribe box to the right side of my page! Subscribe so you will know when there is a new post! Thanks to everyone who has commented or encouraged me. I am really enjoying this!

More Funny Friday

I really wish that I could think of something funny to write about tonight. It has been a long day- long but good.
The girls are always so happy on Friday afternoon and evening. In fact, I am too. I always try to think of something special for them to do after a busy week. Tonight, the oldest three girls are on their very first camping trip! They are having so much fun in sleeping bags just laughing together (in the family room in a mom-made tent).

Meanwhile, Kaysen (a.k.a. Spike) was just relaxing and taking it all in with her bottle in hand.

Isn't it so neat how the smallest things make children so happy? I just spread a blanket over 2 couches, and you would have thought we were at DisneyWorld. Tomorrow we are going to work on school stuff without the girls knowing that we are studying! Phonics with Kami, and speed Addition facts for Kitty. I think I will take them outside and see if we can work there.
I really want the 6 of us to go to church Sunday- y'all can pray for me about this. I am really going to try to get us all there. Even if I don't get to sit through church (Karoline doesn't like the nursery), I am still going! Tonight before supper Kitty wanted to read us a Bible verse. She read from Psalms about having a thankful heart. It meant so much to me that she picked that specific verse because it spoke to her!

So happy weekend everyone! Tomorrow will be Soapbox Saturday followed by Shout Out Sunday! Or I may flip flop them! Oh- and don't forget to sleep in tomorrow morning!

Funny Friday is HERE!!

Ok - where are all the funnies?
 Please post something to make me laugh!

Here's a funny picture of the girls being silly (as usual)

Just Like Dad

The bride, upon her engagement, went to her mother and said, "I've found a man just like father!" Her mother replied, "So what do you want from me, sympathy?"

A couple of things "off topic":

Bath and Body Works has a really good coupon booklet that is being given out in store this weekend. There are 3 really good coupons in it!

Gap has sweaters for 40% off- not too shabby huh?

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday!
So can you believe that we are quickly approaching Thanksgiving? I still cannot believe that Halloween has come and gone!
I've noticed on Facebook that people are listing something they are thankful for as their status each day. So-- here you go, every Thursday this month I will blog about the tons of things that I am so thankful for.

My entire life has been completely happy. I have never been a depressed or a negative/ down in the dumps person. People say this all of the time but--- God has been SO good to me. He truly has. I think back to early memories and then to my life during my high school years and after. I think the first thing I need to focus on this month is.. Thank you Lord for blessing my life with wonderful, loving, CHRISTIAN, selfless parents. I am so grateful to my mama and daddy for expecting so much from me for all of those years. I am thankful that they made me go to church every Sunday.

My parents are two of my closest friends. My mother retired last year when I was pregnant with Kaysen. Now she spends everyday with me here at home. She helps with all of these babies, housework, and anything else that comes up!

So moving on---

 I know that I am beginning to ramble. My brain is not at full function. It has been a super long day! After the kids went to bed, I sat down at my embroidery machine for a few minutes. I have this idea of making a homemade banner for the two baby birthdays later this month. I want to make each of them a banner. Since this is Kaysen's first birthday, I want to incorporate a picture from each of the last twelve months. I will keep you posted on how this is going. I love making things. Last week, I made a Thanksgiving kitchen towel for mama. So what do you think?

Thank you to Kim Register for being the first to comment on my blog!!! I was so excited to read it- PLEASE more of you comment- participate- tell me what you are thankful for!

Tomorrow= Funny Friday
Everyone needs a good laugh! Post your favorite jokes, funny stories,  or even funny things your kids have said!

Aren't these precious little angels?
Kami (far left) is four and she is the clown of the bunch.
Kitty (middle) is six and she is the bossy/ already a grown up one.
Karoline (far right) will be 2 this month. She is the happy go lucky/ mischievous one.
Kaysen (Kiitty's lap) will be 1 this month. She is so spoiled. I think she will be the one with the temper!

What I Love Wednesday November 2, 2011

Now when I say what I love... I mean like little things. My obvious loves are my pookie, Jesus, my mama and daddy, and those four little angels that I am so madly in love with- my daughters!

What I love Wednesday is more about little things like:

• Diet Dr. Pepper- I prefer this over sweet tea or any regular soft drink in the world! I am afraid it is unhealthy how many of these I drink in a day. 
• Laughing- I think if you laugh enough- there is no way that you can have those dreadful frown wrinkles on your forehead
• Coffee and Gingerbread Creamer- This is a good reason to get up early! Has anyone else just fallen in love with this stuff?
• I LOVE Sweet Pumpkin Spice lotion and soap from Bath and Body Works- It makes me so happy!
• I love Apple stuff! My iPhone is awesome and I have been ridiculously addicted to my iPad for about a year now. 
• TARGET! I love to shop at Target. There is so much cute stuff there! They always have the best holiday stuff! I cannot wait to go and check out this years Christmas stuff. Also- I heart Nick and Nora pajamas!
• How did we ever live without a Keurig?
• Paula Deen magazine or her tv show.... she makes me laugh! I like her older recipes more than the newer ones. My mom and I met Paula in Savannah at one of her cooking schools. She is as down to earth as she seems to be. She is def a mouth of the South and whew--- sometimes her mouth kinda runs away with her!
• I love it when I get an unexpected card or email from a friend!     
• Anything Lily Pulitzer- she completely rocks my world.                                                                    I am really looking forward to someone actually commenting on one of my posts! Maybe you could help me out with that???  

Today is What I Love Wednesday!

Tell about some little things that you love. I will post my list later.
Example: Coffee, Facebook, or even a certain book or magazine.
Go ahead comment with some of your likes- someone else might try it. Who knows.. you might make someones day!

Top Ten Tuesday November 1, 2011

My Top Ten Favorite things about NOVEMBER:

10. It's the month before we celebrate the birth of JESUS!

9. Thanksgiving Feast at RSCA (I love being there for such a special day)

8. I love Fall Clothes!!

7. Two of my sweet babies were born in November!

6. Mimi's Cranberry Salad

5. Aunt Penny's Dressing

4. Everyone is a little nicer and more courteous- even at Wal-Mart

3. I am NOT pregnant- specific to this particular November 2011 (unlike 2009 AND 2010)

2. Thanksgiving Break with my babies

1. Thanksgiving and everyones awareness of all the blessings that God has bestowed upon us

What are some of your favorite things about November? Please comment!!!

Ok so here's the thing.....

I am really not the kind of person to sit down and write down my thoughts. I am by no means a writer in any form- I won't pretend to be. I do however have a good many friends that are all in our thirties at home with children-- something we never imagined ourselves loving! I have been following a couple of blogs lately and I have decided that starting my own would be a good way for us all to come together and compare notes, laugh, make recommendations, etc.

I want to make clear again I am NOT a writer. I will frequently make grammatical errors as well as spelling and whatever else may unfold. I really hope that this can turn into something to look forward to-- something that everyone will weigh in on. Please comment, criticize, sympathize, whatever you want everyday! To start out I will have a daily discussion topic- example today will be Top Ten Tuesday. I will list my top ten favorite things about... November. This is random but I am easing into this whole blog thing. Get ready because tomorrow will be, "What I Love Wednesday"!

What I've Learned This Week

I am constantly learning things after the fact. This usually follows an epic fail on my part but, everybody has to fall down to get back up. I think the big thing I have learned this week is to bite my tongue. There is always a point that we want to put in our two cents but at times it is just better to hold it in. It is better to swallow those words back down than to hurt someone's feelings. In the end if you regret not saying what you were thinking, we usually have another chance to speak up with a well thought better organized thought. We have all said something we wish we hadn't, just think it through and give it time. In an instances that someone really just needed to be told--- keeping your mouth shut could lead to huge satisfaction later. Think about it. I'm just saying.