Who Needs Candy?

I finally went to the doctor today after dealing with some sinus/cough issues for 2 weeks. Turns out I have a viral infection. As in 'there's nothing we can really do' viral infection. Ugh!

So what do you do when you cart your two restless daughters to the doctor's office only to wait in the waiting room for almost an hour?

You entertain them by taking pictures.

They are getting ready to spend the night with their grandparents tonight. Yippeee!!!

This is when I told O I did NOT want her to eat a lot of candy at her grandmother's.

She answered by saying, "Are you going to be there watching me?"

"No, but I need to be able to trust you."

"Okay, Mom. Now take some pictures of my tonsils."

Then she said, "Mom, what are tonsils?" Ha!

These were taken right before E started using O's braided pigtails as reigns while O galloped through the lobby.

Imagine what candy does to them.

Is it any wonder as soon as their grandparents pull out of our driveway with my darling angels, I have BIG plans to take a nap?

Yay - A Home Video

Eric surprised me this year with an UltraFlip HD Camcorder. I love it! It will store up to 2 hours of video, so I plan to record the girls more often as it fits in my purse.

This video is one of the first I took on Christmas Eve. Eric's Mom asked E to read Luke 2 from the Bible before dinner. She decided to just recite it instead.


Love my girl! She makes me so proud!

Some Christmas Stuff

The very first thing I do the day after Christmas is take the tree down! I love seeing all the Christmas decorations, but I'm always so ready to put them all away and get my house back in order. We're halfway there.

Some pictures from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day ....

This is my friend Kurt who came by Thursday morning. (Don't we look like brother and sister?)

We've been friends since 3rd grade. I only get to see him a couple of times a year when he comes in town to visit his parents. I made him take a picture with me this year because I said 'you never know when something will happen to one of us' ... which is always a great thing to say to lift one's spirits - ha! It's just where I am right now. I said that a lot over Christmas. You'll see ....

(I have no idea why my camera was taking such awful pictures - it drove me crazy!)

Eric and I visit both sides of our families on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It's worth it. We see different people (extended family and friends) at each gathering, so it makes it fun.

Here we are at Eric's parents.

I never get a picture with my family. Ever. I told them all I wanted pictures and the moaning and groaning started. So I said, "Please. You never know who won't be here next Christmas". I have a very sarcastic family, so the joke of the night was "Eat while you can. You may not be here much longer" or "This is it for you ... enjoy."

Whatever. I got my pictures .

Here are 2 of my favorite people on the planet ... my older brother, Todd and my little brother, John Patrick.

And now with Eric and my sister-in-law, April. See what Todd is doing in this picture? He and April are laughing because of the Santa Todd has beside my dad's ear ...

Okay, now the right one ...

Another one of my favorite people .... my cute husband.

And a total blog-worthy photo ....

My Cherry Cheese Danish.

My Mom has made this for years on Christmas morning. Instead of my traditional Baked French Toast I usually make, Eric asked for this instead. My girls loved it and asked if I could bake it everyday. You can make it with any kind of fruit - really easy - and good.

E and me. Yuck - I'm sick of this sweater. If I knew I was going to take so many pictures, I would have planned for a wardrobe change - ha!

Then, Christmas morning ...

The girls were so excited. The highlight was the McDonald's kitchen, which is really a drive-thru. How much does it say about how often I cook that my baby wanted a McDonald's drive-thru from Santa?

Don't answer that.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

Emmanuel - God With Us

The WORD made flesh!
Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Eve

"Can I refill your eggnog for you?

Get you something to eat?

Drive you out to the middle of nowhere

and leave you for dead?"

Name that movie ....

E keeps reminding us today is Christmas Eve Eve. My girls are out of control excited about tomorrow. We're staying in today making a gingerbread house and baking goodies.

And ....

Looking through some old Christmas pictures ....







Are you ready for Christmas?

The Real Santa

I love that Christmas is on Friday this year. That gives us the entire week off from school to get things done before the big day.

We should also have a few days of sleeping in, but my girls DO NOT know the meaning of it. Ugh!

Here's what I found at SIX THIRTY this morning ....

E painting her nails.

"It's never too early for glamour", she says.

True.

We have our shopping finished and presents are wrapped and under the tree. I only remembered today that we have failed to visit Santa. (Well, unless you count Santa Cow .... and I don't).

So, we took care of that tonight.

The girls are applying 'lipstick' while waiting in line.

See E with her cell phone?

Yea, that's not real. But, for some reason, and only when we go to the mall, she pulls it out and pretends to talk. Drives Eric crazy.

After taking this, I asked O to plllleeeeeaaasssseeee smile ... This is what I got.

The girl pushes my buttons :)

E told O she didn't have to tell everything she wanted since they wrote Santa a letter as well.

O didn't listen. She named all thirteen or so toys she wanted.

We capped off the night with some gourmet food from the food court ...

Now we can stay in 'til Christmas :-)

It was a little more than two rooms

Today was a good day!

We fulfilled one of E's dreams and took her to the Biltmore House.

She woke at 6:30 this morning SO EXCITED. I have wanted to take her for awhile, but wondered if she was too little to take it all in.

I was wrong.

We got her the 'audio tour' with headphones that explain each room in detail and she was mesmerized for the entire 2 hours.

Typical to her personality, she said "Mom, what's your favorite room". I answered, "I love the Library because there are lots and lots of books. What's yours?" She says, "I can't decide because almost every room has paintings from different impressionists and artists and I haven't decided which one's work is my favorite yet".

Okay, then.

So, I came back with something intelligent like, "Well, I liked the kitchen, too because it has a yummy gingerbread house."

It's like we're from two different planets. I am not as deep as my 8 year old :( Will we even be able to hold a conversation in 10 years?

I debated whether to take O, not knowing how she would handle all the walking. Her main concerns were "Can we chew gum here?" (which totally reminds me of this - evidently she thinks chewing gum isn't for fancy places) and "All these rooms look the same. When do we leave?"

O is a ninety-year old trapped in a 4-year old body.

She did try to hide her excitement just a tad when we got home and she said, "Whew! I was hoping the Biltmore House wasn't going to be that fancy. I was hoping for one or two rooms."

We're raising thoroughbreds, y'all.

We had a fun day with Eric's parents. The snow made it all the more beautiful.

Now, we're ready for Christmas :)

Multi-purpose Snowman

Is it just me?

Or, does this snowman's face look a little ..... odd?

Real, even?

I couldn't put my finger on it, but then decided it was because of the eyebrows .... and the blue eyes.

Sheetrock sinkers for snowman eyes.

Who knew?

I don't think we've ever had snow before Christmas

The concert was canceled last night. I was pretty bummed, but in all honesty have been fighting some weird virus/cold/sinus infection thing for over a week and my voice was almost gone. The reason I don't know exactly what to call my sickness is because I haven't been to the doctor. No reason. I just didn't want to go.

So, with the snow falling, I thought it would be an excellent time to rest. I haven't done much of that lately.

Here's what the snow looked like at 12:00 when the concert was canceled.

Seems unjust, doesn't it?

I'm imagining Kim and Meredith cracking up right now, but in all fairness, in NC everything shuts down at the first flake. Also, the concert was an hour away and in the mountains where there was a lot more snow.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE snow. We rarely get it here and it's even more rare to see it before Christmas. I wanted it to snow for my girls' sakes. They were thrilled.

We bundled them up to play and I did what any good Mom would do ..... I took pictures while standing at the back door in my pajamas. :)

Remember? I have a virus/cold/sinus infection?

O would not stop eating it. Would not. All those warnings about not eating the first snow (why is that, anyway)? Yeah, she didn't care. She thought it was delicious.

The problem with planning for months for you and your husband to go out of town while your kids go stay with grandparents is your kids don't understand when plans change. All they wanted to do was get to my parents' house. I was not happy about them getting snowed in. Not happy at all. But, Eric took them anyway.

Now, they're snowed in at my parents' and Eric is trying to figure out a way to get them back. He's shoveling the driveway now with plans to have them home in a few hours. Before the next round of snow starts .....

God has a way of making us slow down, doesn't he?

What a difference a day makes!

Eric finally made it home last night after another week away.

I know. This month has been crazy with his travel schedule and I started having a breakdown on Wednesday. I feel like a single parent right now. I realize there are women that do it all the time and do a great job, but I guess I'm not one of those women. On Wednesday, I would cry at the drop of a hat. On Wednesday, I lost my temper more than a few times with my children.

But, Thursday I could see the light. The little ray of hope that comes with a text message from my husband that says, "Boarding plane. See you in a few hours!"

Bliss.

I am just so glad to have him here.

This morning, I will head out one final time to finish some Christmas shopping. I will get my girls out of school at 12:00 and we'll meet Eric for lunch. I'll drop my girls off at my parents house for the night. And, then ....

And, then ....

Eric and I will head to The Cove to see Travis Cottrell.

I've had my tickets since July and could not have anticipated how much I would need a night like this.

We are expecting a lot of snow in our area. I wouldn't be sad at all if Eric and I were snowed in. I've told my mom we'll see them (and the girls) on Christmas Eve. Ha! I know that won't happen, but I would still be happy with atleast one night away.

Come to think of it, I don't think Eric and I have had a night away in two years (or more).

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

On that note, check out this cutie-patooty snowman ornament O made at school ....

I mean, snowGIRL. I can never get that right :)

Edited to add: The concert was canceled. :-( I'll be snowed in with my family now which I don't guess is a bad alternative.

Frosty the SnowGIRL

I have been informed there is such a thing as Frosty the SnowGIRL. O made this cute snowgirl yesterday.

She gets downright irritated if someone calls it a snowman.

Girl Power!

My generous baby brought home a cookie for the family. She said she made 2 cookies in class, but she ate one.

She wanted to bring the other one home for E, her daddy and me to share.

A few seconds later, she said she would just go ahead and eat it and tell us how it tastes.

We're still working on sharing.

Another favorite

I should have included these in my favorites ...

We are BIG Charlie Brown and Snoopy fans in our house. This part of the Christmas movie is my absolute favorite ....



It reminds me of when E was 5 years old. Eric and I were having our basement finished and just before the carpet was installed, we wrote Scripture on the concrete. E wanted to help, so she wrote what she had memorized on the floor. No bible, just memory.

It's Luke 2:8-11 ...

And there were in the same country shepherds
abiding in the field, keeping watch over their 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 Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

E - age 5

Favorites

Some favorite things ...

** Peppermint tea.

A friend at work made me a cup of this last week when I wasn't feeling well. It was SO good. She knows I am deeply southern (sorry, Barbara), so I can't do tea without sugar. It was delicious and I have had a cup every day since.

** I made these for my girls' classmates at school using the first letter in each person's name.

Photo: Let's Explore!

They turned out great and the kids loved them.

** These crackers. Pretzels on one side, cheese on the other. Delicious!

** This book.

This particular book is all 5 of Francine River's stories of Grace. I love reading the one about Mary during this season. It makes me feel like I have an insight to what she was thinking and experiencing. My friend, Pam would have loved this book.

** This CD.


Ofcourse, I play this year-round, but it's especially good during the Christmas season. I am thrilled to be able to go see him this Friday night. Can't wait.

** Vanilla Bean Noel. I have a long-standing relationship with this fragrance. If Bath & Body ever decides to stop carrying it, we will have to break up forever. I buy enough at Christmas to last me all year. It's the only fragrance I wear. I know, boring. But, I love it.

** This sign from Dayspring.

It's the only decoration I bought this year and I love it.

Santa Cow?

I had this great idea. I wanted to do something special for E, so I invited her best friend to come home with us from school today, hang out, eat dinner and go to a movie.

I know.

I could be Mom of the Year.

I finally have my girls in the bed and I am pooped. My head is spinning from today, although nothing was bad (except for that moment of panic when I realized I forgot I had agreed to participate in a cookie exchange with all the other teacher assistants. I remembered when goodies kept accumulating on my desk throughout the morning. I felt like an idiot. So, guess what I'm doing on my day off tomorrow? I'm making SEVEN DOZEN cookies!! Lest you are one of those delusional people that perceive I have it all together, please hear me say NOT AT ALL!)
Anyway ....

We ended up having a nice afternoon. I took the girls and E's friend to Chik-fil-A for dinner (their choice) and hurried them through the meal so we wouldn't miss the movie. I forgot it was Kid's Night. Lots and lots of kids. But look who else was there ....


Santa Cow!

Ha! Although I am a fan of CFA, somehow I can't wrap my mind around this. O actually wanted to tell him what she wanted for Christmas and I had to remind her Mama WOULD take her to see the real Santa before Christmas because a cow would not be bringing her toys to our house.

I know, don't judge me. I know real Santa isn't either. I just feel better about squashing any notion of a cow.

We left there and went to see the Princess and the Frog. I wouldn't recommend this movie. I usually read reviews before I go to a movie, but failed to do so with this one. I had big problems with the majority of the movie. I won't go into it, but you can google reviews and read what I'm talking about. E was very disappointed and scared. It doesn't take much to scare her, but it was a little disturbing.

The sweetest part of the whole night was on the way to eat. When leaving the house, I noticed E had 3 Bibles in her hand. I didn't give it much thought, but realized in the car what they were for. She gave her friend and O one each and then proceeded to have bible study.

I'm not kidding.

She said, "Turn to Luke 2 ... " After reading scripture, she stopped and asked her friend, "how does that make you feel? Doesn't that scripture give you chills?"

Hahahaha ... cracks me up, I love it.

She then went to Revelation because she said she wanted to share with them what happens to satan.

The girl loves her some bible study.

Daily Peek: Sugar Rush

On our way home from school, E said, "Mom, did you know Krispy Kreme has Christmas doughnuts?"

I did know. We had them in our class for a birthday party. (By the way, do you have any idea what doughnuts with icing will do to 9 Preschoolers .... especially when they have 2 each? - WILD MORNING!)


Within seconds of E talking about the doughnuts, I did a u-turn to pick up an afternoon treat to lift my girls' spirits.


They did just the trick!

Tea Sets

My baby, O is obsessed with tea sets. She has asked for a tea set every Christmas and birthday since she was two years old. She adores them.

This year she is asking for this one because she said it's the most beautiful tea set she has ever seen (she says that about all of them).

She also told me she is a collector.

So, I should not have been surprised when I found this filled with water and set before her baby dolls having a fancy tea party .....

That's my Neti-pot.

I have no other words.

A bunch of stuff wrapped up in one post ...

How do you like that title instead of using the word 'random'? I am a creative genius, y'all!

It's Friday!

Eric just left to take the girls to school. (Let's pause and give the Lord some praise that Mama didn't have to get showered and dressed at dark thirty to go anywhere).

I am planning to do some Christmas shopping this morning. I feel like I'm so behind and the thought is stressing me out. E has not made is easy on me this year. Her list includes a bell from Santa's sleigh (a little easier than the bag of Christmas magic she asked for last year) and some books on famous artists and composers that her school has.

I am reminded daily she is nothing like me.

At 8 years old, I asked for a kick-n-go and a Barbie perfume maker. Learning about Handel and Van Gogh? ..... uhmmm .... not so much.

After tracking down her art teacher, I did manage to find the correct books. I am now trying to convince her Santa doesn't give up his bells for anyone. So, she decided this morning to put something in its place on the list ....

She really wants some erasable pens.

Erasable pens in place of Santa's sleigh bell?

Makes sense. You can never underestimate the joy of a good pen.

So, before I go I have a few things I wanted to share with you ....

Remember this?


My friend, Heather made these chocolate pieces for the last night of our Esther bible study. It's a copy of the front of the book. So cool.


This past Monday night was our last night of our Daniel bible study (praise you, Lord - it was a little difficult - but good!). Heather surprised us all with a replica of Nebuchadnezzar's dream statue from Chapter 2.


She amazes me.

We begin The Patriarchs in January, so I'm envisioning chocolate camels and pyramids (no pressure, Heather! - ha!)

Also, last night E had her piano recital. She played 3 songs ... Joy to the World, Away in a Manger and my personal favorite ... How Great Thou Art.



She was the best one. I can say that, right?

She smiled through the whole thing and told us later how much she loves piano. She did a wonderful job and looked beautiful! We're so proud of you, E!

Resting, Texas and the Virgin Mary

At this very moment, I am so happy. O and I leave school everyday at 12:30. We make the long trek home only to return two hours later to pick up E. I am always riding the roads. I feel like I live in my car!!

Tonight is E's piano recital, so instead of rushing around all day, I decided to get her out of school early. She left with O and myself and we all went to E's favorite restaurant for lunch (Japanese!). Then, we came home and did ..... NOTHING!!

We have been couch potatoes and loving every minute of it. I was so inspired, I called the place the girls take gymnastics and cancelled their classes for December and January.

We are worn out!

The downtime has given me an opportunity to talk to my girls. O has been very inquisitive and says the funniest things.

While lying here, she looks at me and asks, "Mommy, do you know stuff about Texas?"

Me: "A little. What do you want to know?"

O: "Well, I know it's very hot there but are the people there very stinky?"

(O has a keen sense of smell!)

Me: "I don't think so, why?"

O: "When you're sweaty, you're stinky so I bet all the people in Texas stink".

(Sorry, my Texas friends! This is how my four year old's mind works. I assured her this is not so :)

************************************

While riding to school one morning, E is singing loudly. O asks, "E, what is a virgin?"

Uh oh.

E doesn't answer. O asks her two more times, but she still doesn't answer.

Then, I hear .... "Mom? What is a virgin?"

I said, "Hmm? I'm on the phone!"

It's possible I lied.

She doesn't give up and asks E again and this time got an answer. E tells her Virgin is another name for 'Mary' ... "you know like Virgin is her first name and Mary is her middle name".

The answer satisfied her curiosity and I felt it important not to correct her :)

Walking through it ...

I never intended to go a week without posting. It just happens. This past week was difficult for a few reasons. Eric was out of town all week. After having him home for 5 days, it was tough to be without him. The girls were sad no matter how hard I tried to smooth it over ... and, I simply had a few sad days myself.

I'm learning as I walk through this season of grief and changes, I have good days and bad. I am honest when I say some days are just hard. I am also honest when I say God is faithful to walk with me through those days and give me peace in the midst of them. I think it's a process and not something that turns off like a light switch. God intends for me to learn something about Him through this time and I am.

The tough days are when I'm reading a book I know my friend would love and I pick up the phone to call her and still don't remember she's gone until I'm opening my mouth to leave a message on her voice mail. Or, when I went Christmas shopping on Wednesday and found something I just knew she would love and had to remind myself I didn't need to buy it.

Yuck. It just stinks.

I have had times of praise over the past month so sweet when God's presence was consuming me ... and I want more of that. I've also had times of deep grief wishing God would just deliver me from it immediately.

I love this verse right now and recite it so many times during the day ....

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time

are not worthy to be compared with the glory

which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18

I love that it reminds me that my suffering and grief are incomparable to the glory of God that will be revealed in this situation. I pray I am obedient to receive and share how wonderful He is through every step of this journey. He is worthy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWgeUrD4MHI