Because I don't ever remember anything...

I love how everyone on my blog roll is reminiscing over the past events of their 2008. I've enjoyed reading the ones I've read so far and plan on catching up with the rest of them soon. I especially loved how this blogger even linked back into her favorite and most memorable blog entries. If I had any kind of imagination, I would've thought of that first.

Although this past year has been filled with it's ups and it's downs for sure, I can't pinpoint the most memorable things as some of you have done. You can read some of my profound thoughts here. I'm sure I've said before, I have a terrible memory and that is one of the greatest reasons I am so glad I started blogging. I have always been a journaler..(is that a word, really?) I have enjoyed keeping the day's events and my thoughts on paper, and love going back and reading what I wrote. I am so thankful I have done this even if there was I time I didn't do it faithfully. If it weren't for my past journals and now my blog, I absolutely wouldn't remember anything.

I just want to take this time to wish everyone a wonderful and very happy New Year. May we continue to grow in our bloggy friendships and say and do lots more things I probably won't remember, but will love at the time!!

Nothing but my Reality Check

I've been in a slight "blogging funk"...if you will...the last couple of days. I think my body and brain are both just exhausted, and I just can't think of anything to say.

It has been rather busy over the holiday break. I just realized tonight while walking down the aisles of the grocery store that the break was almost over. Time passes so quickly. Although Big Dan hasn't been home much (except when it was time to rack up..lol), I have so enjoyed spending this time with Little Ann. We have done lots of shopping, visiting friends, and we've watched lots of movies together.

It currently looks like a tornado hit my bedroom. Last night we blew up an air mattress so Little Ann could sleep in my floor. Her daddy was home and she wanted to sleep near me. Pete wanted to know how long that was going to last, and I assured him only during what was left of Christmas break. I just laughed to myself when I saw him stumble over 3 American Girl dolls in a make shift bed right beside her and about 10 stuffed animals in my floor. It definitely didn't leave much room for walking. As frustrating as her messes are sometimes, I know one day I will look around and wish for something to clean up.

Speaking of Little Ann.....although this has nothing to do with anything, she just came in here and told me she wishes I would have named her "Alice". Don't know what that's all about.

I had a little reality check tonight. One of my best scrapbooking friends' daughter had a baby today , but not only that... Pete's mamaw had back surgery. I love babies. I guess maybe I could've had 6 or 7 and been happy, but I guess God knew what would be best for me. When I was pregnant with Little Ann, I often questioned myself. I wondered how I could possibly love my new daughter with as much love as I had for my son. Did I actually have enough to go around? Oh, I did. It's still hard to understand how a mother can have so much love in her heart...and it just never goes away, no matter how many "I hate you's" she hears.

After visiting with my friend and swaddling that precious newborn baby girl, we moved up to the next floor to visit Pete's mamaw. She will be 88 in March and is in the hospital for back surgery because she fell off a ladder. A ladder people. Why would you climb a ladder if you were 88? But nothing much gets this woman down. It's unbelievable how good she still looks and acts at her age. As I looked at her petite 95 pound body lying there, I wondered just how many more years of life she actually had in her. And just as my friend's new baby was entering into this world....I know it won't be very many more years before she will be leaving...because that's what we do. We are born into this world, and then we leave it.

So many things are swimming around in my head right now. I mean what if I am drawing closer to my time of leaving. Really, none of us have the assurance of tomorrow.

James 4:14 - Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away.

So what is my life? How will I spend my 2009? What will remain the same? What will I change? What will I do for God who brought me in to this world and can just as easily take me out? I know that despite conflicts in my marriage, unloving words spouted off to my children, bad decisions I continue to make, whatever it may be dragging me down... that ultimately my happiness lies within myself. I know that my life will be just exactly what I make it.

Traditions and a little Chaos

I can't believe Christmas is already over. I spend so much time preparing...shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking and all of a sudden, the celebrations have ended and I'm left with a barren tree, a house full of empty boxes, trash and dirty dishes. I know it is all worth it though when I see the big smiles on my children's faces.

Little Ann held tight to her list, making sure we followed the order of operations. Luckily she remembered our yearly traditions and had listed things in order anyway, so as we went with the flow of our Christmas Eve evening, it all naturally fell into place.

Christmas Eve has traditionally become the time we spend with my side of the family. My family isn't very big as I only have one sibling and once my grandparents passed away, everyone began to branch off establishing their own traditions with their immediate families. This year my parents weren't able to make it so it was just Pete, the kids and I, and my brother's family. Which believe me....with 3 boys and Big Dan to ag it all on..was all the chaos we needed.

The food was all delish as usual and once the tables were cleared and food put away, we began our highly competitive traditional game of Bingo. After Bingo, we managed to fulfill another of our family traditions being our family photo, but not without lots of grumbling.

You can't tell it though. We managed to get a smile out of everyone..surprisingly.

The present opening came after the picture and is usually what takes up the majority of the night. We are slow and it took Pete awhile to get used to our way of doing things. His family is so different than mine where presents are concerned. They waste no time with their opening, but we try to make it last by giving each person their own turn and full attention. These are a few of the happy faces from the night's gift giving.

For all you "non-country" folk out there, this is a three dimensional deer target. This is what the poor man asked for ya'll, so don't be giving me those eyebrows. Jeff Foxworthy may've said it best..."You might be a redneck if.....". lol.

I must say..one of the highlights of the night was listening to my brother's 3 year old repeat his newly learned phrase....."What in the heck?" as loudly as possible every single time someone opened a new gift. Look at his mouth and get a mental picture. Hi.lari.ous.

After all the gifts were opened and we all did trash patrol, the kids, once again followed Little Ann's schedule and took the telescope out to find Santa

all the while running in and out to track him on the Santa tracker as well. Hmmmm..is he close?

And where there are boys, you will most likely always find some level of chaos...especially with little (and big) boys who have just inhaled an extreme amount of sugar, opened lots of new toys, and are anxiously awaiting Santa. Needless to say, there was lots of this going on...

And thanks to Aunt Scrapper Mom who buys the most awesome gifts ever, a nerf gun, and a boy who subconsciously doesn't want to grow up (especially on Christmas), there was quite a lot of this too...

But Christmas Eve and all of our Christmas Eve traditions finally came to an end, Santa arrived at the home of Scrapper Mom and here are my sweet babies on Christmas morning. This was such a bittersweet morning for Big Dan. Does Santa still come see you after you graduate High School?

Awww... I must say, these moments are few and far between.

I won't bore you with the list of everything everyone got from Santa, but I will tell you, I think the Wii was the favorite. I haven't played the ping pong yet, but I'm ready to take any of them. I rock at ping pong!

The rest of Christmas day, we spent with Pete's family. The girls.....

Some of the guys...(I bet you'd never guess they were watching football, would you?)

And I know I have probably more than used my share of picture allotment for the day's post, but I just have to show you Pete's sister's tree. It was small, but adorable.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday!!!

Christmas Reflections

This will probably be my last post until after Christmas. I've been contemplating this post for a while now, thinking of just exactly what I wanted to say and what pictures I wanted to include. I'm not sure if it will come together just like I have it pictured or not, but I'm gonna try. Have I ever mentioned that I absolutely love blogging? There is just something so liberating about it. Whether I have readers or even commenters, I blog as much for myself, I think, as I do for you. It makes me dig deep inside my soul to bring out who I am. It forces me to remember things I have tucked away, and things that I have so much trouble remembering as I approach the age of 40. It brings me to old albums to search for just the right picture for the post I am preparing....and I could go on and on. And I have met so many wonderful people in the process. Thank you for continuing to be a faithful follower. I can only hope I will develop more friendships in the future as I continue my blogging endeavor.

Today, for myself, I want to reflect back on some of my most memorable Christmases. Starting with what I am assuming to be 1973 or 74 or something like that. Bear with me on these old photos. I've had to scan them while inside the album and there is some discoloring. (Did I mention being close to 40??)

I don't remember much about this Christmas, but I do love looking at how pretty my mother dressed me. And I got so tickled at how far her Christmas tree decorating has come over the past years.

This next photo must have come sometime after 1975. I'm assuming I was around 6 and my brother 2. Little Ann thinks Santa looks corny. I agree he does need somewhat of a makeover.

I love looking at our nappy heads every Christmas morning. And did anybody else have one of those Fisher Price hospitals? Remember the dinging elevator? You can't see here, but I was missing a few front teeth in some of the other photos from this morning. I must've been singing "All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth".

Let's fast forward a few years. Eventually, I did grow up. I graduated high school and moved into my own apartment in my college town. This is where I had my first taste of independence in so many ways. I remember how all I really wanted to be was a mother. I was always so afraid the rapture would occur before I had that opportunity. Little did I know what being a mother would behold for me, but I knew it would be special. I loved to play house...even in college and dreamed of what kind of wife I would make when that time came. I remember being so excited to go buy my own tree....(even though it was the cheapest one Walmart had at the time) and the limbs highly resembled the toilet brush I had in my bathroom. I was so proud of my table setting. Pretty good for 18 years old, huh?

Fast forward another couple of years when motherhood became a reality (a little earlier than expected), but I love this picture.

And I love this boy and wouldn't have had it any other way.

And this precious boy is now 18 years old himself, but I don't think he's too much into setting tables for the holidays.

My husband came into the picture when Big Dan was almost 3. He moved himself right out of his bachelor pad with a stereo and a big electric skillet into a home Big Dan and I already occupied. We didn't have much money then...(haha and still don't), but we lived on love. This is our first Christmas together along with Big Dan, my brother and his girlfriend (which is now his wife).

We'll move forward another 5 years to December 1998 which was Little Ann's first Christmas. Where Big Dan was an October baby and only 2 months old for his first, she was 9 months old and very, very busy. We had sold our little house in preparation for a bigger one where Little Ann could have her own room. We were renting a itty bitty one bedroom house while we built with a living room so tiny, I only had room for 1/2 a tree. Yes, 1/2 a tree. The front half in front of the window. It worked pretty well until Little Ann decided to pull it over. She has always been a little mischevious. Pete had to tie it to the wall with fishing line to keep her under control. That was a small house, and we were cooped up in it together for over 12 months, but we had some great times there.

In October of 1999, we were able to move into our new home where we've spent many more Christmases together and made lots of memories.

I love looking back at what the kids received and the smiles on their faces...nappy heads and all.

And although time has continued to pass me by, the memories will continue to linger and new ones will be made. Here is to a wonderful holiday season. May the Lord richly bless you in the new year. Please remember that He truly is the reason for this wonderful season.

Merry Christmas to you all.

A Christmas-y Weekend Wrap

First of all, let me start this post with a warning for ya. I love pictures, so I'm letting everyone know up front that this post will be long and full of photographs! Maybe you won't get too bored looking at my Little Ann during our Christmas-y weekend.

The Girl Scouts got to go to the County Courthouse to view their ornament on the big tree, sing Christmas carols with the County Judge and eat refreshments.

We had to go up to the 2nd floor to be able to see our ornament which meant Little Ann wasn't getting anywhere near it. She has a height phobia, but agreed to let me get her picture by the wall.

Christmas presents came a little early for my brother's kids and Little Ann. Meemaw and Papaw wanted them to come open their gifts and spend Friday night with them. They always get so much on Christmas Eve and get lost in all the chaos. This way they could enjoy what they got that night. Unfortunately Big Dan had to work, but if I know my practical parents, I'm sure his gift will be waiting in the bank for his future "hard times".

Here is Little Ann with her new point and shoot....a girl after her mother's heart. The newest photographer in the family.

And run for your life! It's the Hulk 3 year old style!

Remember this night? The kids were all so excited to get their parent's and grandparent's gifts with their behavior bucks. They were so much more eager for my mom and dad to open than they were to even get their own presents.

And I totally don't want to gross anybody out, but on this same night, my dad surprised my mom with $500 big ones so she could go buy her a laptop. The sweetest thing is that they are in retirement, so he had gone out and cut several loads of logs to sell to the mill so he could do that for her. I can only hope I am this happy after 40 years of being married to the one I love.

Here is my little "lady in red" hamming it up for the camera. She is all decked out in meemaw's new scarf and mittens, wearing her bow while holding her new red camera. So stunning..dahling.

We had a busy morning today. Of course, being the Sunday before Christmas meant our choir's performance, lots of wonderful holiday food, and back into the sanctuary for the children's play. It was called "Operation Baby King" and the kids did great. It was a sting operation to make sure everyone understood the Baby Jesus came for ALL PEOPLE!!

Here is Miss Sass herself....The names blond.....Jane Blond.

And last but not least...here's my baby girl and myself. She'd already gotten rid of the tie. And...Oh dear hairdresser..I know you had surgery, but can you just look at this hair??? I need you.........before Christmas!!

Have a great Monday!

Really Liking Her Way of Thinking...Updated

Little Ann: "Mom, I think I'm going to make a schedule for Christmas Eve since it's at our house"..."Won't it be neat?..We won't even have to leave."

Mom: "Yeah, I know, that will be much easier, huh?"

(Little Ann goes and get's her pencil and paper and walks around checking things out)

Little Ann: "We haven't had Christmas here in a long time...I want everything to be perfect."

(Little Ann pausing for a moment in deep thought)

Little Ann: "Mom, we really need to clean the house."

Mom: "Yeah, I know that too, but we've still got a few days."

(Little Ann writes a few things down)

Little Ann: "How do you spell appetizers?"

Mom: "A P P E T I Z E R S"

(Little Ann taking note of all my scrapbooking supplies in the corner of the dining room)

Little Ann: "Mom, that stuff's in the way." "You really need to build onto the house so you can move that cart and have your own place for all your scrapbook stuff."

(Chuckling to myself)

Mom: "Yeah, that would be really nice....wish I had some money."

Mom is really liking Little Ann's way of thinking!!!

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Update: Found this lying on the couch...Too cute.

She's Here...and it's about time!

If you missed all the hype of Chickadee's big day, just scroll down and read. It was a pretty exciting but tiring day for her. I just wanted to let everyone know that the baby has finally arrived..via cesarean. I'm not sure of details like the exact time and length, etc...but my friend who is there says she resembles Milo and only weighed in at 6 pounds and 12 ounces. I will give her the glory of telling you her name and all the glorious intimate details. At least you guys can pray for them and know all is well. Goodnight.

Baby News! One More Progress Update!

Although my friend, Chickadee and I are the same age, she is much braver (or crazier) than I. For this post is not about MY baby news....(I think I would just have to committ myself), but about hers. Because not only is she my dear friend and the one who introduced me into this world of "blog", but I know we have several of the same readers, so I thought I would keep you updated on her behalf today.
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Update 5: 10:55 - I just got word that sadly, but for the best, she is going to have to resort to a cesarean section. I am assuming they are doing that right now. Not sure because they aren't letting any visitors back. Clark came out to inform family who are waiting. I hate that for her especially after 3 the other way, but she is so tired. One good thing is that she can now say she has experienced both. Please say a prayer for them tonight.

Update 4: The latest update I have just gotten is from another one of my friends who is waiting. It is 9:25 and the doctor has gone to deliver another baby as Chickadee is resting from all her hard work at the moment. No baby yet. Keep your fingers crossed...I voted for the 19th!! I'm almost there! (no, really, I wouldn't wish another 2 1/2 hours of pushing on her for any amount on a Target gift card!)

Update 3: I just got in and called Clark to check on Chickadee. He says she is in some pain, but fully dialated and ready to push. It is around 7:00 right now and the doctor is on his way. Clark seems calm. I could hear the TV in the background and he informed me he was watching an episode of Seinfield. Isn't that just like a man. This is number 4 so I guess he's used to the birthing process. I will let you know when the sweet one arrives!

Update 2: It's 2:15 and I just checked in with Chickadee and although she hasn't seen the doctor all day, the nurse has come in and determined that she has dialated to a 4. I'll be out for a while, but plan on checking back in when I get home later.

Update 1: It is around 11:20 this Thursday morning. She told us that she had to be at the hospital at 5:00 am this morning for her induction because she obviously did not go on her own. I just spoke with Clark and he informed me that she hasn't had any change since starting on the med's this morning about 8:00. I will report again soon!!

Let's Talk TV

Wow, I haven't talked TV since the big finale of The Bachelorette. And I guess you've heard that Deanna broke off the engagement with Jesse? I'm not surprised, but I really hate it. That girl needs to figure out what she wants.

Anyway, I am a fan of most shows on ABC, but here lately I've gotten into several on NBC. Like The Biggest Loser for one. I love that show and I know I've talked about it before. There is just something that is so inspiring about watching those people go through body transformations. I love it, and I used to be a big, big fan of Extreme Makeover when it was on. So, what did everyone think of the big winner? GO MICHELLE!! Didn't Ed look nice too? Wow. I couldn't believe it.

But what about Momma's Boys? I was just laughing trying to imagine myself on that show (as a momma, of course). What if I really could pick the ideal girl for Big Dan? What kind of girl would I pick? Naturally, he'd pick the exact opposite of what I picked...I might have to resort to that reverse psychology thing in order to get my way. Hmmmm......I'm afraid that's what the guys on that show are going to do. Those girls just better watch out. Ain't nothing worse than a momma protecting her boy. I KNOW!!! lol.

But, really, what was UP with that crazy lady? Jo Jo's mom? I couldn't believe all the stipulations she was putting on those girls. Even I'm not THAT bad? (am I?....grin)

If you didn't watch, you've got to. It will start coming on on Monday's as of next week.

It Went Off...but not without a hitch, glitch..whatever.

I don't really know what went off without a hitch or glitch or whatever the heck I was thinking when I came up with that title. Mainly I was thinking of what took up the majority of my afternoon. You guessed it. My Christmas cards. I actually got online and figured it out. It's not that I hate learning new things, but I just don't like figuring stuff out. That's mainly why I give Chickadee all my manuals to my gadgets and ask her to read them and then tell me what they say. Sometimes she falls for that..and sometimes she doesn't. lol.

Anyway, Walmart.com wasn't as hard as I thought, of course, but the website was very contrary today. If it weren't for the fact that I kept getting booted off with about every click it would've been great. I got my cards done and Pete had even agreed to brave the freezing cold (soon to be wintry storm coming our way) to go pick them up for me. After I checked out I was informed the one hour wasn't exactly one hour, so I have to wait until tomorrow. Oh well, I've waited this long. What's one more day? Oh, yeah. I had to change pictures though, but that's another long story and frankly I'm sick of talking Christmas cards. Just know everyone will get a good laugh at my Little Ann's attempt at getting my dog to smile!

Although Pete sometimes refers to me as "Betty Crocker", you must know I've never actually tried to claim her fame. I tried my hand at fudge today though. Not so good. Well, I mean the fudge tastes good, but you kind of have to eat it with a spoon. That's ok, huh? It's what it tastes like that really counts, right? So, maybe that's what I was thinking about when I made up my blog title.

Guess what I got in the mail today? I got Christmas cards from my blog friends, Rae and April. Yipee!!!! I knew I loved blogging. I have made the greatest friends. Thanks girls for the newsletters and the pictures!! I love ya'll!! Yours is a comin'!! (you know the story, lol..)

Believe it or not Big Dan was exempt from all of his semester tests. That's wonderful. You just don't know how wonderful. For more than one reason. For one, I don't have to study!! And two..I get to turn in a statement to my insurance company for good grades and FINALLY get a break. (turning a cartwheel..well, not really, but wanting to). And that also means he is out for his Christmas break a week earlier than everyone else.

I'm kind of already feeling the laziness of the holiday break myself. It's so not like me to give in so easily, but Little Ann came home today insisting that she NOT go sing in her Holiday Hoedown they were having at school tonight. Since it is only like 30 degrees here today, it wasn't hard for me to look into her big brown eyes and say "ok, honey"..."whatever you say"....(while all the while thinking "yee haw, I didn't want to get out in this freezing cold weather anyway!!). So, we are going to watch The Sound of Music together later. I think I'll let her play hookey tomorrow too...shhhhh!!

I guess I'm signing off for today. Little Ann is requiring I cook dinner. Of all the nerve! lol.

The Cards That Just Aren't Meant to be!

Now I remember why I haven't messed with photo Christmas cards in the last few years. Yeah....it's all coming back to me now. Honestly, I feel a little like Heidi...minus all the nudity (sorry Heidi, I couldn't resist). Surely these must be the Christmas cards that are just not meant to be.

I think I failed to mention that on Friday when I made a trip into the capital city, I purposely made Wal-Mart the first stop on my list so that I could get my cards printing while I ran other errands on that side of town. (I already had issues with putting only one lowly little picture on a cd in the first place.) It just seemed so wasteful, and would you believe that the machine refused to read my disc? Strike One.

In my mind I set aside this afternoon to make my 2nd attempt at my regular Wal-Mart as the most contributing factor would be that I would already have makeup on and I try to squeeze the impossible in on those days. And of course, in refusing to only put one lowly little picture on another cd, I put several...114 to be exact...of the most recent family activities and of course our family shots. I knew my afternoon was cut short due to the fact that we'd had lunch at my parent's and we didn't leave there until almost 2:00 and I was due back for choir practice at 4:30, but if I could just get them started, I'd be good, even if I had to come back to get them later.

I stood in line at least 30 minutes waiting on the machine. I was third in line behind one extra superdy duperdy slow person, whom I thought would never finish, and then behind an elderly couple who were obviously very proud of their grandchildren and had to develop every picture on their sd card..yes, all 300 of them....and that is AFTER they had the little associate guy give them lessons on how to work the machine. That just couldn't be good. By the time I got there I was very frazzled and mind you...very short on time. I waited at least another 10 minutes on myself actually (remember the 114 pictures I was determined to put on my cd?). They took forever to load and of course the one I needed was the very last one. I finally got all the contents of my card put together, placed my order and went on about my merry way, actually with a few minutes to spare. As I began to wander aimlessly down the aisles trying to remember what else I came for it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had forgotten to add my text. I ran back to my machine only to find it being occupied once again. Strike two.

I rushed home for choir practice, church services and another play practice, and afterwards did a little eyelash batting at Pete in hopes of talking him into going back into town with me so I could try this yet another time. It didn't take much when he realized food could quite possibly be involved. He and Little Ann went to sporting goods while I marched back to the photo developing center. You guessed it. With 30 minutes to get my order placed before I would have to wait until tomorrow, it just so happened that I got behind a school teacher who was making individual cards for each of her students...each with a different photo. One she obviously took of each student on Santa's lap. Why me? That is totally a loaded question..........Strike three.

So tonight blog world. I am venting. Is it just not meant to be this year? (and my doggie looked so cute!!.......and my kids too! lol. )

I really should learn how to upload photos online, huh?

Ooooo.. I Can't Wait!

I really got nothin' in the way of blog news. I've been doing probably what everyone else is doing.., just trying to get my Christmas shopping, wrapping, and bow tying done so I can move on to bigger and better things....like fudge.

Yesterday, I made a mad dash to our capital city to finish up some loose ends at some stores we don't have where I live. When I say mad dash..I mean mad dash because it's an hour away, plus an hour back, and I had to be back in time to get Little Ann from my mom's and to dress rehearsal for their Christmas play. And why, oh why, is it that when I am in a hurry, traffic is at it's worst? AND...for the record, I am admitting that I don't have the best reputation when it comes to driving anyway. I have been known to rip a mirror off my little car on someone's mailbox while adjusting my bra strap as I was driving to work. (Yeah, that really happened..I took that thing clean off and kept on driving). I also have pretty little designs on the side of my van at this very moment from getting a little too close for comfort with my own mailbox. What is it with mailboxes?? And did I mention how directionally challenged I am? Just this past year have I mustered up enough courage to tackle the driving in the capital city myself. I got so tired of waiting on Pete who is never home or bothering someone else to chauffeur me so I just did it. An amateur in capital city, work traffic AND Christmas shopping traffic..not a good mix. I think I may have cut like 50 people off and I didn't count how many mean looks (among other things) I got! lol. Something about having so many lanes to choose from just gets me every time. And those exits..they just seem to sneak right up on me.

Ok, so enough about my bad driving. I did finish up my gift buying and also went into Hobby Lobby to have my portrait of Big Dan framed as I bought more gift wrapping supplies. I was so happy with it.


It's sitting in front of my fireplace at the moment until I can get Pete inside with the stud finder to hang it for me.

After dress rehearsal, the kids got to spend some "good behavior bucks" they had earned on Christmas gifts for their parents. Adults had brought donations in the way of neat little what nots for them to choose from and we had a checkout and a gift wrapping station set up. They absolutely LOVED this. My littlest nephew was ecstatic..he ran up to my brother and said..."wook, Daddy, I got you this Christmas present and you're gonna wuv it"!! I also heard another little girl (6th grade) who commented she was so happy because she had never gotten to get her dad anything for Christmas and her sister's birthday was today and she was able to get her a birthday gift too. Little Ann wrapped most of her gifts herself and she was also very excited to come home and show her daddy as she placed each one under the tree. (But not before mom got a picture for the blog!!)

Most of my day has been spent getting what I've bought wrapped up. We are supposed to go to another Christmas party at a Mexican restaurant tonight, but I'm just pooped. I think I want to just stay home, curl up with my baby in front of the gas logs and watch a Christmas movie.

And last but definitely NOT LEAST!! I'm so excited to see that Jason is going to be the next Bachelor. If you don't know by now...I LOVE that show. I am such a sucker for reality shows and romance and when you combine the two, I am just hooked! It premiers on January 5 and I can't wait.

Have a great rest of the weekend! I guess my nothin' turned into somethin', huh?

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

This is one of my favorite movies and it just dawned on me I don't think Little Ann has ever seen it. I am feeling a movie night this weekend.

You can thank my husband for today's post. I was fresh out of ideas and was thinking hard about what I wanted to blog about...(well, I had an idea, but not done my research yet). Anyway, he snuck right up on me and captured me at my best..and walla! Your post.

I have lots of other favorite things too, but I must admit, during these cold winter months, this is what I'd rather be doing than anything else (that is, since Big Dan isn't playing basketball this year. If he were, that would be my favorite, hands down).

My favorite chair, my laptop (including facebook and your blogs), my heater and new fuzzy socks. Got anything to top that?

Wordless Wednesday - Not really, but they're a good kind of words.

A Few Things

Today............
I got the kids up and delivered Little Ann to school.
Went back to bed because the heavy rain and the cold just made it too hard to resist.
Browsed my Facebook.
Decided I needed my morning bath to get me energized.
Browsed my Facebook and some blogs.
Started the laundry.
Browsed my Facebook.
Listened to Christmas Music via online streaming radio while cleaning the kitchen.
Baked chocolate chip cookies for the family.
Browsed my Facebook and some blogs.
Wrapped 2 Christmas gifts..one for Big Dan and one for Little Ann. She was so happy!
Put Big Dan's senior portraits in a frame.
Browsed my Facebook.
Organized more photos and cleaned out a closet to make room for all the boxes and giftwrap down from the attic.
Folded laundry....started more!!
Made enchilada's for dinner and sat down to watch The Biggest Loser while eating!
Browsed my Facebook and some blogs.
Put laundry away out of the living room floor.
Vacuumed the living room floor.
Tucked in my Little Ann and laid down with her until I caught myself drifting off.
Browsed my Facebook.
Loaded dishwasher from dinner and started more laundry..a jacket at Pete's request.
Compose daily blog entry......after browsing my Facebook.

Hmmmmm...wonder why I can't seem to get anything done.

Is it Friday Yet?

So, I stayed up way too late last night waiting on a combination of things....Little Ann to empty the dishwasher so I could load it, the nice clothes to finish drying so I could get them out immediately, and Big Dan at a concert that lasted much too long for a school night. Anyway...I said all that to say...I was a little tired and cranky for my art students today and it didn't take long before my head was throbbing making it all together worse.

I can already tell this is going to be one of those weeks. I think Christmas is in the air at the High School..well, the thought of Christmas break anyway. Getting anybody to do anything but clown was next to impossible. I took my camera to try to help Big Dan get a few (required for English) Senior scrapbook pictures. See what I have to put up with?

Yes, these are Seniors, and yes, Big Dan is eating a sandwich....in Art class. What's mom gonna do..give him d-hall?

And I wish I could say they were just goofin' for pictures, but unfortunately this is really how they act on a daily basis. Maybe it's just because I'm "Big Dan's mom" and I'm just cool like that. Whatever it is...it stresses me. We'll hope my principal doesn't read my blog.

Tonight was our Girl Scout meeting and Christmas party. Look what the girls did...

Isn't this just adorable? I guess making a gingerbread house is one thing I don't think I have ever done before.

Like I said, I can feel another crazy week coming on. I am MAKING myself stay home tomorrow and get this house in order. I would absolutely DIE right now if I had company. I just want to be able to enjoy my Christmas decor without having to look at all this other clutter. You can't even get through for all the Christmas presents, boxes, wrapping paper, and paraphernalia lying around...despite the fact that Little Ann keeps reminding me that she doesn't have a gift wrapped under the tree yet..and everyone else at school does (sniff, sniff). I think she's trying to make me feel guilty. It's working. We've got church, more shopping, dress rehearsals, and more parties coming up the remainder of the week.

With December being the time everyone is preparing lots of finger food dishes (and because my pregnant friend, Chickadee is craving this), I thought I'd share the recipe on the blog. This is another one of my mom's recipes. Have I mentioned what a great cook she is?

Parmesan Chicken Wings

In a medium bowl, mix together:

1/2 c Parmesan Cheese

1 T Parsley flakes

1 t Paprika

1/2 T Oregano

1/2 t salt

1/2 t pepper

Moisten your wings and cover with dry mixture. You can shake them in a bag (like shake n bake) or just dip individually. Place on a foil lined baking pan and bake approx. 45 minutes.

These are soooo good and perfect sized for parties. I usually double my recipe for tastier wings or a bigger serving.

And last but not least, April gave me this sweet award and I just wanted to send her a big ol' Thank You!!! This is really special because this award is supposed to be bestowed upon bloggers who aim to find and be friends and it means a lot that she would pass it on to me. April's blog is always uplifting and meaningful and she is just the sweetest thing, so go visit her if you get a chance.

"The Session"

I've never known more obstinate people in all my life.

When I realized Pete was actually going to be home today, my mind instantly began leaning in the direction of family picture. Why, we would already be dressed up for church and all I needed was a little of their time and a few smiles. Include the fact that Big Dan was headed to get his head buzzed by the girlfriends dad...I figured it was now or never. I had no idea what I was in for. Everyone was starving, anxious to change clothes, and full of the sillies, but after many, many, MANY shots,we managed to get a couple, yes, just a couple of good shots for a photo Christmas card this year.

Here is where I need your help. I have narrowed it down to these two. I have looked over them and looked over them but I just can't decide. Although I look horrible in both of these, there are things I like and dislike about both shots. I am just so not photogenic. Anyway, I know I can count of you guys to tell me which one I should use for my card.

A.
or B.
Here are some outtakes from today's session.

Okay, people can we please stop playing fetch with the dog and get on with it! And that's a hugemongus stick!

And again I say.....places please!

Take number 152!! Please smile doggie...pleeeeeease!

A Beautiful Story

Before I get to the point of this post, I just wanted to let all my facebook and blog friends know I didn't really go blonde Thursday when I went to the beauty salon. I went in with all intentions of getting lots of highlights that would give my hair an overall blonde look, but when I got there my hairdresser decided I should mix some darker streaking in with the highlights. Normally, my analytical personality would have been tossing any detour from the original thought around for a while, but on this day, I thought...why not? So, in all reality, I'm still a red head. I'm just an assortment of shades.

(laughing)...So there you have it. And you can totally see my scalp. I'm glad I didn't have dandruff!!

Last night the girls and I got together for our monthly Bible Study. It was a special one this month because not only did we get to stuff ourselves with all kinds of delicious holiday foods, we had such sweet, sweet fellowship and had our Secret Sister reveal. I had no idea who mine was until her daughter had a little slip up a few weeks ago. lol. She was a great one!!

Notice Chickadee's baby belly. She is less than 2 weeks from her due date. We all got to ooo and ahhh over little chickadees movements and the fact that after 4 pregnancy's, she does not have ONE SINGLE STRETCH MARK!!! So, what do you think of that? That is soooo not right. I'm still stretching and marking even 10 years later!

I love the fact that we get together every month. Although we have gone to church together for years, getting together outside of church, in one another's homes, just makes our friendships so much stronger.


One of the highlights of the evening was when the Christmas story was read. What a beautiful story to be told. And although we unwrapped lots of gifts last night, when that story was being read from God's word, oh how the room was filled with tears and touched hearts just by hearing those beautiful words. Jesus Christ really is what the season is all about.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over the flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men". And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is to come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2: 1-20

Have a wonderful weekend.

A Special Treat

Well, it was a special treat for me at least.

I've been waiting and waiting for Big Dan's Senior portraits. It seems like forever. The original school photographer took them back in June the week Little Ann and I were gone to church camp of all times. Now, I know you're thinking with Big Dan starting his Senior year, he should've been able to get ready for a picture by himself, but needless to say I was stressed about him tackling that without me around.

Sure enough he didn't wear what I wanted him to wear and seemed to be having (in my opinion) a bad hair day. Maybe I was too picky. That's what he says. I know. I am a little OCD. I will admit it. They didn't give us very many to choose from and their prices were much too high, so I went with plan B.

I have a friend that does photography on the side and she agreed to take them. They were so much better and her prices beat the schools hands down. I ordered so many and plan on giving some in frames as Christmas gifts to grandparents. Here is a slide show my friend put together of the proofs for me to share with you. I was hoping for a little better quality, but it's ok. Blame it on blogger.



I chose this background song because I absolutely love the words. I am actually using this on Big Dan's Senior ad page in the yearbook. Just in case you've never really listened to them, I have typed them out. They are perfect for what I want to say to my baby graduating and heading out into the real world.


My Wish by Rascal Flatts
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go.
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window.
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,
More than anything, more than anything.

Chorus:
My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to.

Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold.
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too.
Yeah, this is..........my wish.

I hope you never look back, but you never forget,
All the ones who love you in the place you left.
I hope you always forgive and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get.
Oh, you find God's grace in every mistake,
And you give more than you take.
More than anything, more than anything.

Repeat the chorus.

Good, huh?

Wordless Wednesday - NOT!

-Three very frustrated customers because that big red box refused to take our movies. Hmmm. Wonder how much that's gonna cost me at $1 a day.
-Two overloaded buggy's full of groceries and only me, myself and I to push them. (Wow, that was fun.)
-One security alarm activated by Indiana Jones on my way out. (Which constituted lots of looks from passers by, me digging for a receipt and a poor little old lady who really should be at home watching The Price is Right rummaging through my two buggy fulls...whatever!)

Oh, and a partridge in a pear tree.

And did I mention I loathe sharing Walmart with 5,000 other people?

BUT...I got Big Dan's senior portraits in today and that makes it all better.
Happy Hump Day.

Christmas Shopping

My dear mother and I went shopping today. For Christmas gifts. And it was a very long day, but productive. And she was such a trooper. She let me do whatever I needed, even if it meant she had to wait in the car because once I get started, there's no stoppin' me!


I got lots of great deals. The best one I think was that coat you see sticking out of that pink bag. Regular 79.50. I got it for 27.00. With my too bucks, ya know. I love too bucks. They just make me smile!! :)

And I just have to say Target rocks. I live about 10 minutes from a Walmart and unfortunately that is where I do my shopping. I like the supercenter thing because I only have to go one place, but even though it's only a few years old, it seems to always be dirty, understocked, and so crowded. They have obviously remodeled the Target in the big city, and shopping there today was like total heaven. So clean, spacious and so many different things to choose from than Walmart. I was so impressed when I walked in to find a Starbucks and a Pizza Hut express. In Target?? Coolness.

Anyway, the thing that I loved the most was the buggy. I just wanted to take it with me for all my shopping excursions. It looked like something from "The Jetsons", kind of futuristic, but I was most impressed with the fact that it rolled so smoothly and kept me on the straight and narrow instead of trying to force me into my daily workout.

I will say, I'm not quite done yet, but feeling great about having it this close on December 2!

Online Shoppers...A Must Read

In all honesty, I haven't done much online shopping. I am usually oblivious to what I want to even buy every year until I actually get out of the house and "look" at what fits each one's personality...unless the kids have something specific on their list.

This year, Little Ann's list is a mile long, but Big Dan hasn't said much. I had things in mind I wanted to get for them both...things not sold in stores. So...I had to go ONLINE.

Today, this is what I found out. Just after I placed a mega order with baseball express.com, did Pete read our email. In it, we had all kinds of mail from retailers offering great discounts on this what they call "Cyber Monday". I had free shipping offers, 25% off discounts, and even up to 60% online offers from places such as American Girl, Bath and Body Works, American Eagle, Cymax, etc. Baseball express was offering free shipping and 10% off the order.

Needless to say, I called them and they recalculated my order saving me quite a bit. YEA!!! So, here's my little tidbit. Don't let this day pass without checking into it. Every little bit helps especially this time of year!