Sunday, January 9, 2011
Staying Up Watching It Snow
South's Winter Storm 2011
FUN! We just thought a White Christmas was awesome and a wonderful gift, we are expected to receive anywhere between 4-8 inches of snow between tonight and tomorrow. YAY! Doug measured our snow level at 10PM and we show to have received 3 inches of snow already and it started snowing at 6PM. It's suppose to snow all night into tomorrow. Areas south of us are to expect most of the ice along with the snow. I think there will be ice and freezing rain as far as Mobile. The news has been reporting some travel problems and wrecks in Birmingham area. The State started closing roads and overpasses as early as 8PM because of the ice and snow. Lots of area schools and businesses have gone ahead and closed for tomorrow. As soon as I told Katie that she was out of school at 5PM, she began dancing and screaming. Shocked, I asked her that I thought she liked school. She said that she does, but she gets to stay home and play in the snow tomorrow. HAHA!
Some people really hates snow, well I'm not one of those people. I LOVE SNOW!! I think it's because we don't get to see it much. The last time we've had a BIG snow storm like this was in 1993. I remember drifts of snow that were as high as my head and I'm 5' 7". It was great! At the time, I was working part time at Bookland aka Books a Million and going to college. Now, I get to watch my children build their own memories.
Katie was biting at the bit, wanting to get out in the snow. We bundled both kids up real good and let them get out in it for approximately 2-3 minutes. It began snowing around 6PM and we let them out in the snow by 8PM. They had a ball. This was Colton's first time to actually get to play in the snow. I think he liked it a lot because he didn't want to come back in the house. In the house, he kept pointing to outside and talking jibber. Of course, Katie had to make a snow angel and throw snow balls to Colton and her daddy. We had to get on to her because she was throwing the snow right in Colton's face. Of course, she thought it was hilarious. SIBLINGS! I hope you enjoy the pictures. We'll have lots more in the morning. I can't wait to see how much we'll end up having.
I want to tell you, I had to get a few groceries Thursday night and yeah there were quite a few people inside Walmart, but the shelves were still stocked pretty good. Friday, I took Katie to Walmart to do a little shopping (as a reward for such good DIBELS scores). The crowd wasn't that bad and the shelves were still stocked. Yesterday, Doug and I went to see my niece play ball. On the way home, Doug mentioned that we were low on milk. So, we wheeled into Walmart's parking lot. OMGosh! Doug ended up dropping me off at the door. I grabbed a gallon of milk, bread, lunch meat and some junk food because it just goes great with a snow storm. I mostly grabbed things that I knew the kids liked to eat. Looking around, I was so shocked how empty the shelves were of EVERYTHING. And the people that were crawling all over the place grabbing and snatching food and drinks. It's amazing.
Pictures are supplied by Shutterfly in the post below.
:)
Some people really hates snow, well I'm not one of those people. I LOVE SNOW!! I think it's because we don't get to see it much. The last time we've had a BIG snow storm like this was in 1993. I remember drifts of snow that were as high as my head and I'm 5' 7". It was great! At the time, I was working part time at Bookland aka Books a Million and going to college. Now, I get to watch my children build their own memories.
Katie was biting at the bit, wanting to get out in the snow. We bundled both kids up real good and let them get out in it for approximately 2-3 minutes. It began snowing around 6PM and we let them out in the snow by 8PM. They had a ball. This was Colton's first time to actually get to play in the snow. I think he liked it a lot because he didn't want to come back in the house. In the house, he kept pointing to outside and talking jibber. Of course, Katie had to make a snow angel and throw snow balls to Colton and her daddy. We had to get on to her because she was throwing the snow right in Colton's face. Of course, she thought it was hilarious. SIBLINGS! I hope you enjoy the pictures. We'll have lots more in the morning. I can't wait to see how much we'll end up having.
I want to tell you, I had to get a few groceries Thursday night and yeah there were quite a few people inside Walmart, but the shelves were still stocked pretty good. Friday, I took Katie to Walmart to do a little shopping (as a reward for such good DIBELS scores). The crowd wasn't that bad and the shelves were still stocked. Yesterday, Doug and I went to see my niece play ball. On the way home, Doug mentioned that we were low on milk. So, we wheeled into Walmart's parking lot. OMGosh! Doug ended up dropping me off at the door. I grabbed a gallon of milk, bread, lunch meat and some junk food because it just goes great with a snow storm. I mostly grabbed things that I knew the kids liked to eat. Looking around, I was so shocked how empty the shelves were of EVERYTHING. And the people that were crawling all over the place grabbing and snatching food and drinks. It's amazing.
Pictures are supplied by Shutterfly in the post below.
:)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Heart Felt Wreath and More . . .
Heart Felt Wreath
I first found this great crafty decoration from Eighteen 25, they got the idea from The Idea Room. I just think this is a great craft and it sounds so easy. Katie and I went ahead and purchased our heart shaped styrofoam from Hobby Lobby for a little over $3. It's not as big as I'd like for the front door, but it was the only large heart shape available. They had several different smaller sizes as well. I found some cute pink ribbon with glittered Fleur-de-lis accents. Katie and I really liked it. I didn't feel like paying $5.99 a yd for the pink felt at Hobby Lobby. I'll just wait until I get back to Walmart and pay a little over $3 a yd.
Instructions to make this wreath, go HERE!
I'll do a show and tell as soon as we get our's finished.
Valentine's Topiary
Here's another precious craft from The Idea Room that I had to share with you. CLICK HERE for instructions.
Happy crafting!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Way To Go Katiegirl!
Auburn Fans arrive in Glendale for the big game next Tuesday. ROLL TIDE!
Katie School Update
I received Katie's DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) report today. Can I just say Wow! I currently can't find her DIBELS score from August, but they were nothing close to the scores I'm going to give you tonight. I'll break it down, so you can understand it. This test was just taken for the month of January.
- Initial Sounds (identifies a picture by its beginning sound by pointing to the picture or naming it. The student says the beginning sound of a given picture) - it's recommended she know at least 25 by January. Katie knew 40.
- Letter Naming (recognizes upper and lowercase letters out of order) - its recommended she know at least 40 by May. Katie knew 55.
- Phoneme Segmentation (tells all the sounds heard in spoken words) - its recommended she know at least 35 by May. Katie knew 58.
- Nonsense Words (blends sounds together that make nonsense words) - its recommened she know at least 25 by May. Katie knew 35.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
"Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" by James Patterson Review
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James PattersonMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
It is a short read, just what I needed. I've never read a James Patterson, but this was pretty good. There are some twists and turns, but somehow predictable. I think. In the last twist, I had to grab the tissues. As I was coming up with my own solutions at the beginning of the book, I had nailed the ending, but hoped that it wasn't the case. Unfortunately, it did happen and my stomach and heart fell straight to the ground. Absolute heartbreak! Thankfully where there is sorrow, there is a happy ending. I believe God was looking over Matt and answered his prayer, to love again.
It is a sweet love story between two very loving parents that adore each other and their child, Nicholas. How they've had to face some tough struggles, but are so blessed to have each other. How two people can love each other like the way they've loved each other just for a short while, it makes you stop and think about all you have been blessed with and you hope to grow a better appreciation for what you have, no matter how big or small. These love notes to the child from his mother, Suzanne, can be complete tear jerkers. I didn't have to use the Kleenex until towards the end.
Throughout the book, you begin to notice the saying "Isn't it lucky?" Luck had nothing to do with it. I believe in divine intervention from God. I think He wanted Matt to be able to feel love again after the lose of his father. He allowed Matt and Suzanne's pathes to cross and what a blessing it was. Katie asked how God could have allowed something this horrible to happen. I believe God allows us to experience these tragic events, so our spirit might grow for the greater good. Look what Matt would have missed out on, if he never met Suzanne? What a blessing he would have missed? Love is the key. Their love for each other grew to be so strong that the love itself will NEVER die. Isn't that awesome! Matt's appreciation and love for Suzanne probably helped him to grow more; therefore, showing a better appreciation and stronger love for Katie. There are reasons for everything.
View all my reviews
Monday, January 3, 2011
2011 Recipe Challenge
Kitchen Belleicious has challenged all cooking bloggers to a 2011 Recipe Challenge. I think I'm going to try it. The rules are that we are to try a new recipe each month. Whether it is something that we've always wanted to try, but were too intimidated to cook or never got around to doing it. She will have a selection of new recipes available on her website . . .
HERE! or you can try one of your own. No matter if the recipe turned out to be a flop or fab, take a picture and send it to her through the website. She will go through the pictures and post them every 3rd Wednesday of each month.
I'm really ahead of the game because I've always wanted to bake an apple pie from scratch, but never got the nerve to do it until this past Thanksgiving. I used a Paula Deen recipe and I have to say that it was delicious. I went home that night with an empty pie plate. So there! Now, I would like to make a homemade chicken pot pie, chocolate souffle and chocolate croissants. Yum!
If your interested in joining the fun each month, go over to Kitchen Belleicious and grab her button and post it on your blog. And let the party begin!
HERE! or you can try one of your own. No matter if the recipe turned out to be a flop or fab, take a picture and send it to her through the website. She will go through the pictures and post them every 3rd Wednesday of each month.
I'm really ahead of the game because I've always wanted to bake an apple pie from scratch, but never got the nerve to do it until this past Thanksgiving. I used a Paula Deen recipe and I have to say that it was delicious. I went home that night with an empty pie plate. So there! Now, I would like to make a homemade chicken pot pie, chocolate souffle and chocolate croissants. Yum!
If your interested in joining the fun each month, go over to Kitchen Belleicious and grab her button and post it on your blog. And let the party begin!
Katie and Colton Story
I have to share these stories.
A few days ago, when Millard and Peggy kept Colton and Katie overnight, Doug and I did a little shopping the next morning. I planned to start introducing the potty to Colton this Spring. I'm not going to let it drive me crazy like I let it when Katie was potty training. Anyways, I've noticed that our Walmart has had a hard time keeping their potty seats (the ones I like) in stock for little boys. I don't think he would appreciate (on down the road) sitting on Dora the Explorer's potty seat. So, when I saw Go Diego Go potty seats in Target, I grabbed it up. I also had to purchase another step stool for the bathroom. Ugh! The other one didn't break, it's just that both Katie and Colton don't like sharing the same one at the same time. They both feel that they have to stand on the same step stool, while I'm getting Katie ready for whatever (school, bed, etc.). Colton is at the age where he has to do everything Katie does. While she is brushing her teeth, when she spits the toothpaste in the sink, Colton feels he has to spit as well. It's pretty funny. So, now they both have a step stool for each of them. Katie was so happy, but of course, it's a little more cramped in the bathroom. I don't think Doug was too happy, but he'll get over it. The potty seats now come with hooks that you hang from your toilet. Pretty handy. Well, Colton and Katie spotted the potty seat the other day. I asked him if he wanted to try it out. He shook his head "yes". So, I let him try it out for the first time. Of course, I made Katie leave because this was a private moment. She wasn't too happy with me because she wanted to see him seat on his new potty. I think he likes his potty because he sat up there and giggled. He knows he is supposed to do something, but I don't think he knows what yet. Tonight while I was getting him in his pjs and changing his diaper. He started pointing down there and then pointed to the bathroom, while grunting. I asked him if he wanted to go potty. He shook his head "yes" again. I put him down, to see what he would do and sure enough, he went straight to the toilet and pointed to his seat. I sat him up there and all he did was giggle. He let me know when he was ready to get down. I ran the water to see if that would affect him, it didn't. This time, I told him he had to wash his hands. He knew what I was talking about because he went straight to his stool and put his hands under the water. He seemed proud that he went to the potty. Let's hope it will continue.
Ever since the passy went "kissa goodbye", Colton has been talking up a storm. It's amazing. He won't really say words other than ball and paw-paw, but you tell him what to say and he'll say it. Yesterday, he said "Roll Tide". Will he say it again? Maybe not. He clobbered his sister on the nose with his sippy cup, he threw it right at her. I know it had to hurt. I spanked him and told him to tell her he was sorry. The little stinker, gave her a big hug and said "sorry". Plan as day. Tonight, Katie was teaching Colton how to play "Duck, duck, goose". Yeah, including the running in the house as well. I was in the middle of paying bills when all of this was going on. I scolded her for running in the house and agreed that it would be okay to walk, but no running. It wasn't long before I heard Colton saying "duck, duck, goo". I asked Doug if he heard him. It was plan as day and he even had the hand gesture down pat while saying "duck, duck, goo". After reading the kids a bedtime story, I told Colton to give sissy a kiss. He gave her one of his kiss smacks. You know how you can make a smack sound with your mouth to represent a kiss, well that's what I'm talking about. He likes to do the other kind of smack, right across her head with ball or some toy. I even heard him say "goonight" to Katie when I told him to. It's amazing, if you don't tell anything to say, he'll just grunt and point. I guess it's the man in him to grunt and point. LOL! {grunt, grunt - me man, me hungry, grunt, grunt} He is a typical boy with the terrible two's right behind him.
Katie asked me again if it was Tuesday. She can't wait to go back to school. At this point, neither is momma. LOL! Joking aside, I've enjoyed watching my babies play with one another this past week. I too have tried to spend as much time as possible with Katie. Get on her level and make memories and build on our mother/daughter relationship. She likes for us to hang out in her room and go shopping together. Day before yesterday was daddy/daugther time. Doug spent most of the day with her. He took her to the store with him and later they played Barbies together in her room. I love to watch memories being made between them two. I know these are things she will always remember. I hope.
Blurb
I haven't been blogging as much because I've been working on Blurb. I'm hoping to be able to publish my journal from 2007. It's been a joy working with Blurb and so far I like the fact that I can edit my text and pictures just the way I like it. I may have to have two separate volumes for the year 2007 because so far I've got over 200 pages. I'm currently weeding out all the unnecessary writings. I'm hoping it won't be too expensive. I'll let you know how it's going.
Books
I'm currently reading a book by James Patterson "Suzanne's diary for Nicholas". It's one of those back and forth stories between the past and present. I don't mind reading those just as long as there is not too much going on at the same time. I can pretty much keep up with it. I just started reading this book Saturday night and I'm already on page 198 out of 289. It's hard to put it down, I'm always curious to find out what happens next. I don't want to give too much away other than it about a women whom finds herself pregnant and alone, living in New York City. Her boyfriend, the baby's father, broke up with her before she had a chance to tell him that she was expecting and she has no idea why he broke off their relationship. She slowing finds out his past through his wife's diary to his son, Nicholas. Now, the girl, Katie, is so upset because he lied to her and said he wasn't married and her parents want her to come back home to North Carolina. They love her and want to support her in everyway, but she's torn and she's determined to read this diary and find out why Matt cheated on his wife Suzanne with her. Some of the letters in the journal that Suzanne writes to Nicholas will choke you up. They are basically love letters to her baby boy about how much she loves him and his daddy to life's lessons. What happened between Suzanne and Matt? Did he really have an affair behind this wonderful woman's back or is Suzanne dead? I found out that Matt is a very private person and keeps things bottled up inside. So far, it's been a great read and I've never read a James Patterson book before. I just like the title and it was a New York Times #1 Bestseller. Before I purchased this novel, I had in my hand a couple others "Roses" by Leila Meacham, which sounded like a great read. Based in Texas, in one review it said that it was compared to a modern day "Gone With The Wind". I'd like to read Fannie Flagg's new novel "I Still Dream About You". Us Alabamians have to support one another and plus I just love Fannie's humor.
A few days ago, when Millard and Peggy kept Colton and Katie overnight, Doug and I did a little shopping the next morning. I planned to start introducing the potty to Colton this Spring. I'm not going to let it drive me crazy like I let it when Katie was potty training. Anyways, I've noticed that our Walmart has had a hard time keeping their potty seats (the ones I like) in stock for little boys. I don't think he would appreciate (on down the road) sitting on Dora the Explorer's potty seat. So, when I saw Go Diego Go potty seats in Target, I grabbed it up. I also had to purchase another step stool for the bathroom. Ugh! The other one didn't break, it's just that both Katie and Colton don't like sharing the same one at the same time. They both feel that they have to stand on the same step stool, while I'm getting Katie ready for whatever (school, bed, etc.). Colton is at the age where he has to do everything Katie does. While she is brushing her teeth, when she spits the toothpaste in the sink, Colton feels he has to spit as well. It's pretty funny. So, now they both have a step stool for each of them. Katie was so happy, but of course, it's a little more cramped in the bathroom. I don't think Doug was too happy, but he'll get over it. The potty seats now come with hooks that you hang from your toilet. Pretty handy. Well, Colton and Katie spotted the potty seat the other day. I asked him if he wanted to try it out. He shook his head "yes". So, I let him try it out for the first time. Of course, I made Katie leave because this was a private moment. She wasn't too happy with me because she wanted to see him seat on his new potty. I think he likes his potty because he sat up there and giggled. He knows he is supposed to do something, but I don't think he knows what yet. Tonight while I was getting him in his pjs and changing his diaper. He started pointing down there and then pointed to the bathroom, while grunting. I asked him if he wanted to go potty. He shook his head "yes" again. I put him down, to see what he would do and sure enough, he went straight to the toilet and pointed to his seat. I sat him up there and all he did was giggle. He let me know when he was ready to get down. I ran the water to see if that would affect him, it didn't. This time, I told him he had to wash his hands. He knew what I was talking about because he went straight to his stool and put his hands under the water. He seemed proud that he went to the potty. Let's hope it will continue.
Ever since the passy went "kissa goodbye", Colton has been talking up a storm. It's amazing. He won't really say words other than ball and paw-paw, but you tell him what to say and he'll say it. Yesterday, he said "Roll Tide". Will he say it again? Maybe not. He clobbered his sister on the nose with his sippy cup, he threw it right at her. I know it had to hurt. I spanked him and told him to tell her he was sorry. The little stinker, gave her a big hug and said "sorry". Plan as day. Tonight, Katie was teaching Colton how to play "Duck, duck, goose". Yeah, including the running in the house as well. I was in the middle of paying bills when all of this was going on. I scolded her for running in the house and agreed that it would be okay to walk, but no running. It wasn't long before I heard Colton saying "duck, duck, goo". I asked Doug if he heard him. It was plan as day and he even had the hand gesture down pat while saying "duck, duck, goo". After reading the kids a bedtime story, I told Colton to give sissy a kiss. He gave her one of his kiss smacks. You know how you can make a smack sound with your mouth to represent a kiss, well that's what I'm talking about. He likes to do the other kind of smack, right across her head with ball or some toy. I even heard him say "goonight" to Katie when I told him to. It's amazing, if you don't tell anything to say, he'll just grunt and point. I guess it's the man in him to grunt and point. LOL! {grunt, grunt - me man, me hungry, grunt, grunt} He is a typical boy with the terrible two's right behind him.
Katie asked me again if it was Tuesday. She can't wait to go back to school. At this point, neither is momma. LOL! Joking aside, I've enjoyed watching my babies play with one another this past week. I too have tried to spend as much time as possible with Katie. Get on her level and make memories and build on our mother/daughter relationship. She likes for us to hang out in her room and go shopping together. Day before yesterday was daddy/daugther time. Doug spent most of the day with her. He took her to the store with him and later they played Barbies together in her room. I love to watch memories being made between them two. I know these are things she will always remember. I hope.
Blurb
I haven't been blogging as much because I've been working on Blurb. I'm hoping to be able to publish my journal from 2007. It's been a joy working with Blurb and so far I like the fact that I can edit my text and pictures just the way I like it. I may have to have two separate volumes for the year 2007 because so far I've got over 200 pages. I'm currently weeding out all the unnecessary writings. I'm hoping it won't be too expensive. I'll let you know how it's going.
Books
I'm currently reading a book by James Patterson "Suzanne's diary for Nicholas". It's one of those back and forth stories between the past and present. I don't mind reading those just as long as there is not too much going on at the same time. I can pretty much keep up with it. I just started reading this book Saturday night and I'm already on page 198 out of 289. It's hard to put it down, I'm always curious to find out what happens next. I don't want to give too much away other than it about a women whom finds herself pregnant and alone, living in New York City. Her boyfriend, the baby's father, broke up with her before she had a chance to tell him that she was expecting and she has no idea why he broke off their relationship. She slowing finds out his past through his wife's diary to his son, Nicholas. Now, the girl, Katie, is so upset because he lied to her and said he wasn't married and her parents want her to come back home to North Carolina. They love her and want to support her in everyway, but she's torn and she's determined to read this diary and find out why Matt cheated on his wife Suzanne with her. Some of the letters in the journal that Suzanne writes to Nicholas will choke you up. They are basically love letters to her baby boy about how much she loves him and his daddy to life's lessons. What happened between Suzanne and Matt? Did he really have an affair behind this wonderful woman's back or is Suzanne dead? I found out that Matt is a very private person and keeps things bottled up inside. So far, it's been a great read and I've never read a James Patterson book before. I just like the title and it was a New York Times #1 Bestseller. Before I purchased this novel, I had in my hand a couple others "Roses" by Leila Meacham, which sounded like a great read. Based in Texas, in one review it said that it was compared to a modern day "Gone With The Wind". I'd like to read Fannie Flagg's new novel "I Still Dream About You". Us Alabamians have to support one another and plus I just love Fannie's humor.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Momma and Daddy's Night Off
After a very stressful day . . . cleaning Katie's room. Shall I say anymore? Millard and Peggy came by and picked both children up to spend the night. Whoo Hoo! Can you say momma and daddy are walkin' in sunshine? Let me just tell you, I love my children with all my heart. They are God's greatest gift to us and I miss them terribly when they are gone with relatives or school. Saying that, sometimes this momma just needs a break. Plus, Katie is definitely a school nut. She began missing school last week. Last Monday, she asked me if she was finally going back to school that day. She was so disappointed when I told her no that she has another week. Her eyes got big and told me that she missed school and all of her friends. Thus, she is up under my chin at all times bored and chooses to get into trouble, instead of acting like big sister and helping me out. Doug loves to remind me how I'm going to miss this stage in her life when she turned into a teenager. Sure, he is absolutely correct. The trouble is, we are in the present right now and it doesn't seem to be too hilarious at the moment.
As soon as Millard and Peggy drove off with our little jewels. We had the best time tonight. We were both pretty hungry for hot wings. They were sooo good. Yum! After supper, we went bowling and played 3 holes of golf. I even got to go dancing. I love it! The best night in a very long time and we did all this without even leaving our home. LOL!! It was so much fun spending time with Doug like we use to before having children. It was just me and him . . . no television, no sports, no phone calls. It was GREAT! I hope we have another opportunity to do this more often. I was hoping this Wii would bring our family closer and so far so good. I just need to get more remotes. Right now, we only have 2 but I have a feeling we are going to have to get one more.
Speaking of Katie's stage, I may need your help. We're going through this stage where she is so bored. I've given her a couple of chores - she's responsible for helping Daddy take the trash down to the road and bringing them back up, along with our neighbors and putting the lids back on. She is also responsible for keeping her room straightened up. Normally, she does fairly well. She doesn't like playing by herself, especially outside. Colton is still too little to play on her level and she doesn't understand that - STILL. She is just seeing what buttons to push with me and finding herself getting into trouble. It seems to have been bad right before Christmas. I thought it might be Christmasidious, what most children go through. I hoping as soon as school starts back, she'll get back to normal. I have a schedule printed out on her wall. She has equal amount of time between tv/playtime, computer exercises and reading before going to bed each school night. I'm hoping with this schedule her boredum will go away. Has anyone else been going through this stage? How did you handle it?
In the past, when she was acting out because she wasn't getting her way (during the Summer), I had her pick up the back yard. She had to pick up sticks and toys for a few days. The problem was I had to stay out there with her because she doesn't like to be outside alone. Then, I ended up helping because she wasn't getting anything done. She knows how to play me like a fiddle. "But mom, I don't know where there are any sticks?" "I did pick up all the sticks" when she only picked up maybe 10 out 100 sticks. Ugh! She is a type person that when you tell her to look up, you'll catch her looking down. She's really smart because she ends up getting out work. I hear teenage years are 10x worse. Boy, oh boy!
As soon as Millard and Peggy drove off with our little jewels. We had the best time tonight. We were both pretty hungry for hot wings. They were sooo good. Yum! After supper, we went bowling and played 3 holes of golf. I even got to go dancing. I love it! The best night in a very long time and we did all this without even leaving our home. LOL!! It was so much fun spending time with Doug like we use to before having children. It was just me and him . . . no television, no sports, no phone calls. It was GREAT! I hope we have another opportunity to do this more often. I was hoping this Wii would bring our family closer and so far so good. I just need to get more remotes. Right now, we only have 2 but I have a feeling we are going to have to get one more.
Speaking of Katie's stage, I may need your help. We're going through this stage where she is so bored. I've given her a couple of chores - she's responsible for helping Daddy take the trash down to the road and bringing them back up, along with our neighbors and putting the lids back on. She is also responsible for keeping her room straightened up. Normally, she does fairly well. She doesn't like playing by herself, especially outside. Colton is still too little to play on her level and she doesn't understand that - STILL. She is just seeing what buttons to push with me and finding herself getting into trouble. It seems to have been bad right before Christmas. I thought it might be Christmasidious, what most children go through. I hoping as soon as school starts back, she'll get back to normal. I have a schedule printed out on her wall. She has equal amount of time between tv/playtime, computer exercises and reading before going to bed each school night. I'm hoping with this schedule her boredum will go away. Has anyone else been going through this stage? How did you handle it?
In the past, when she was acting out because she wasn't getting her way (during the Summer), I had her pick up the back yard. She had to pick up sticks and toys for a few days. The problem was I had to stay out there with her because she doesn't like to be outside alone. Then, I ended up helping because she wasn't getting anything done. She knows how to play me like a fiddle. "But mom, I don't know where there are any sticks?" "I did pick up all the sticks" when she only picked up maybe 10 out 100 sticks. Ugh! She is a type person that when you tell her to look up, you'll catch her looking down. She's really smart because she ends up getting out work. I hear teenage years are 10x worse. Boy, oh boy!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
A White Christmas in the South
We had a lovely white Christmas this morning. I would show you pictures, but unfortunately Blogger has informed me today that I've met my 1 GB storage file. I've checked into the matter and if I delete any of my photos from the Picasa albums, they will also delete from my blog. Ugh! :( I really want my pictures on my posts, so one day to publish my stories and pictures for my children. I suppose I'll have to hurry up and get this journal printed a whole lot sooner than I first thought. Thank goodness for our photosite, Phanfare. For those of you that have access to my file, that is where you'll find the great Christmas pictures until I can get Blogger fixed. If you would like to have access to my photosite (close friend or family members only), please leave me a comment. I also post pictures on Facebook.
Meanwhile, I'll have to tell you the stories without the photos. Last night, our family on my side came over for our annual Christmas Eve party. I think everyone had a great time, I know I did. We did the buffet style with a choice of turkey or ham sandwiches with all the fixin's and desserts galore. Oh my gosh, the stuff that the kids received. Katie kept telling me how awesome everything was that she received. There wasn't one thing she didn't like. In fact, there was a time where she had to disappear, to try things on. She went with her grandparents to see "Tangled" the other day, so Rapunzel is the new thing. What a great surprise for her that she was given a few Rapunzel items. Again, she kept telling me how nice everything was.
We took the opportunity to visit with family members that we haven't seen in awhile. Of course, I made sure that no one got too bored or stayed still for too long. We always have food and drinks for everybody to nibble on. The big entertainment was the Wii "Just Dance" and "Resort". Doug got some video of Susan and Maryann dancing. I took a few photos of our competitors. LOL! Everybody was laughing including the two competitors. It was a lot of fun. Once all of us ladies were wore out from dancing, we pulled out the Resort. Katie absolutely loves to play "Swordplay". It's her favorite and she will beat the pants off of you. You don't have to give her a chance, she doesn't give you the opportunity. I'm trying to teach her to be a good sport when playing games of any kind. Like any kid, she doesn't like to lose. Most of the time, she'll tell you "oh yeah, you just wait. I'll beat you up!" She is quite competitive and actually won a few matches with my sisters and nephew, playing Swordplay. HAHA! Maryann was really trying to win, but walked away with her head hanging low in the end. LOL! I'm just kidding. Actually, I think she was rather surprised how well Katie plays this game. Oh and Katie gets with it. I mean, she jumps up and down as she gets closer to the television. I've had to really talk with her about getting so close because I'm scared that she'll get carried away and end up beating up the TV. My favorite is "Just Dance". You dance your bottom off, but it's a lot of fun. Katie doesn't like playing it with me because I normally score higher than her. LOL! I'll try to have photos and videos posted very soon on Phanfare.
This morning, I was shocked because of all the white on the ground. It snowed most of the day today. We were kind of wondering if we were going to be snowed in because Doug noticed that the snow was sticking to our street, which concerned us both. We had planned to visit Doug's parents for the day. Around noon, the snow began to melt a little, it was wet snow. We tried to keep Katie out of it for as long as we could. She changed clothes so fast this morning that I didn't get to take my Christmas morning picture with her and Colton in front of the tree. She thought we would allow her to go out and play in it. Not hardly. We stuck to the plan, getting ready to head out. Believe it or not, we drove out of here on time, very carefully. His parents live more up on a mountain than we do, so there was a whole lot more snow than at our place. I took a measuring stick and it showed that they received between 3 1/2 - 4 inches of snow. It was pretty much still there when we left tonight. We gave in and let Katie run around and make Snow Angels. She had a blast until she began to get cold, in the house she went. You don't have to tell her twice.
God has blessed us so much that my cup is overflowing. I could go on and on about all the people and things He has allowed us to come into contact. I wouldn't know where to start and I'm afraid Google would cut me off for not having enough storage space before I could get to the end. Bottomline, Jesus is the greatest gift of all! You can receive all the material items that you could possibly want, but in the end it's worthless. Christ is everything! We try to instill this philosophy to our children. I think Katie and Colton had a wonderful Christmas experience this year and I hope you did as well.
Love you and Merry Christmas!
Meanwhile, I'll have to tell you the stories without the photos. Last night, our family on my side came over for our annual Christmas Eve party. I think everyone had a great time, I know I did. We did the buffet style with a choice of turkey or ham sandwiches with all the fixin's and desserts galore. Oh my gosh, the stuff that the kids received. Katie kept telling me how awesome everything was that she received. There wasn't one thing she didn't like. In fact, there was a time where she had to disappear, to try things on. She went with her grandparents to see "Tangled" the other day, so Rapunzel is the new thing. What a great surprise for her that she was given a few Rapunzel items. Again, she kept telling me how nice everything was.
We took the opportunity to visit with family members that we haven't seen in awhile. Of course, I made sure that no one got too bored or stayed still for too long. We always have food and drinks for everybody to nibble on. The big entertainment was the Wii "Just Dance" and "Resort". Doug got some video of Susan and Maryann dancing. I took a few photos of our competitors. LOL! Everybody was laughing including the two competitors. It was a lot of fun. Once all of us ladies were wore out from dancing, we pulled out the Resort. Katie absolutely loves to play "Swordplay". It's her favorite and she will beat the pants off of you. You don't have to give her a chance, she doesn't give you the opportunity. I'm trying to teach her to be a good sport when playing games of any kind. Like any kid, she doesn't like to lose. Most of the time, she'll tell you "oh yeah, you just wait. I'll beat you up!" She is quite competitive and actually won a few matches with my sisters and nephew, playing Swordplay. HAHA! Maryann was really trying to win, but walked away with her head hanging low in the end. LOL! I'm just kidding. Actually, I think she was rather surprised how well Katie plays this game. Oh and Katie gets with it. I mean, she jumps up and down as she gets closer to the television. I've had to really talk with her about getting so close because I'm scared that she'll get carried away and end up beating up the TV. My favorite is "Just Dance". You dance your bottom off, but it's a lot of fun. Katie doesn't like playing it with me because I normally score higher than her. LOL! I'll try to have photos and videos posted very soon on Phanfare.
This morning, I was shocked because of all the white on the ground. It snowed most of the day today. We were kind of wondering if we were going to be snowed in because Doug noticed that the snow was sticking to our street, which concerned us both. We had planned to visit Doug's parents for the day. Around noon, the snow began to melt a little, it was wet snow. We tried to keep Katie out of it for as long as we could. She changed clothes so fast this morning that I didn't get to take my Christmas morning picture with her and Colton in front of the tree. She thought we would allow her to go out and play in it. Not hardly. We stuck to the plan, getting ready to head out. Believe it or not, we drove out of here on time, very carefully. His parents live more up on a mountain than we do, so there was a whole lot more snow than at our place. I took a measuring stick and it showed that they received between 3 1/2 - 4 inches of snow. It was pretty much still there when we left tonight. We gave in and let Katie run around and make Snow Angels. She had a blast until she began to get cold, in the house she went. You don't have to tell her twice.
God has blessed us so much that my cup is overflowing. I could go on and on about all the people and things He has allowed us to come into contact. I wouldn't know where to start and I'm afraid Google would cut me off for not having enough storage space before I could get to the end. Bottomline, Jesus is the greatest gift of all! You can receive all the material items that you could possibly want, but in the end it's worthless. Christ is everything! We try to instill this philosophy to our children. I think Katie and Colton had a wonderful Christmas experience this year and I hope you did as well.
Love you and Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas - God's Cure
If your physician called you and in a serious voice said, “Please come in as soon as you can. I have something to discuss with you,” you would know he has bad news! Your first response might be, “No, I don’t want to know.” But you go because it is only when you know the diagnosis that you can learn the cure.
God, our Great Physician, also has some bad news—about man’s spiritual condition. When against His expressed warning Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, God told Adam that all mankind would die spiritually and physically. That’s the bad news.
But He also gave the solution. He promised a Savior (Gen. 3:15). The apostle John tells us, “Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). But how does that help? Jesus came that first Christmas to bring God’s grace, something that none of us deserve because like Adam we have all sinned. But Jesus also came to reverse what sin brought. He came to be the truth (John 14:6) that would bring us back to God. He came to “save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).
Listen to what the Great Physician has to say in the Bible about your spiritual condition. Then accept the cure He has provided—the gift of salvation through Christ.
Spiritual blindness can be cured only by the Great Physician.
~ Our Daily Bread Devotion
God, our Great Physician, also has some bad news—about man’s spiritual condition. When against His expressed warning Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, God told Adam that all mankind would die spiritually and physically. That’s the bad news.
But He also gave the solution. He promised a Savior (Gen. 3:15). The apostle John tells us, “Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). But how does that help? Jesus came that first Christmas to bring God’s grace, something that none of us deserve because like Adam we have all sinned. But Jesus also came to reverse what sin brought. He came to be the truth (John 14:6) that would bring us back to God. He came to “save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).
Listen to what the Great Physician has to say in the Bible about your spiritual condition. Then accept the cure He has provided—the gift of salvation through Christ.
Life is uncertain,
Death is sure;
Sin the cause,
Christ the cure. —Anon.
Spiritual blindness can be cured only by the Great Physician.
~ Our Daily Bread Devotion
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
What a Surprise
What a surprise I received when my neighbor knocked on our door this morning and gave this to me. I just love it! And it goes so well in our Kitchen. Mrs. E said her daughter made it. She is so creative. I've seen these before on Etsy and had it saved on my list of crafts to do one day.
Katie and I finished her Fingerprint Snowman Ornament today.
This is exactly what Katie wanted to do most of the day.
Of course, we both are all snug on the couches tonight for our "Polar Express" party. The Christmas lights are shining bright as we are watching Christmas movies. Right now, we are watching "The Chipmunks Christmas Movie". The moon is full tonight. I told Katie that it looked like a spotlight shining down on the earth. Katie suggested it might be Jesus checking on us with his flashlight. I agreed and added that he might be seeing what we might be up to. "Yep" she agreed.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
The clock is a tickin' and Christmas Day will be here in a blink of an eye. This momma has been bustlin' around making sure everything is ready for ol' Saint Nick to come visit us on Christmas morning.
Here's a sneak peek into our Christmas decorations:
Call it a mom thing, but I just think this turned out so adorable and it's something Colton will have for as long as he wants it. I did do some things different from the original instructions. The instructions tell you to dip the child's hand in paint and then place it on the canvas. Yeah, tried that . . . it didnt' work. It just splattered white paint all over everything including the blue canvas. Ugh! After painting a second coat of baby blue paint, I painted the white paint on Colton's hand and then placed it on the canvas. Sure, there were some imperfections, but I just took a little blue paint and fixed it. Simple as that. The instructions tell you to use a fine point Sharpie to do the drawing, but I enjoyed painting on the characteristics. It's up to you. Katie didn't get to finish her ornament because she was gone most of the day because she was enjoying the day with her grandparents. I told her she could finish the picture tomorrow and I'll probably let her use the Sharpie just because she's inexperienced. This is as far as we got with Katie's:
Yeah, I'll have to do some fixing on this one tomorrow. Haha!
I have been so busy today, but got so much done. I went ahead and baked 2 dozen chocolate chip cookies and turned this -
Tomorrow, I have another day planned for baking. I'm hoping to try my hand at making Stained Glass Sugar Cookies. Wish me luck! I promised Katie that we'd make cut-out Christmas cookies. Katie also has to finish her ornament. As traditions go, tomorrow Katie and I will be sleeping under the big tree. She is calling it our "Polar Express Party." Hey, whatever will get her to sleep better, it doesn't matter what she calls it. She's real excited for Christmas and is very hopefully for the Strawberry Shortcake playset. I just hope Santa remembers. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Here's a sneak peek into our Christmas decorations:
Katie helped set out the snow village this year.
Katie made me the glass snowman globe. It is so cute! I've got my Paperwhites growing that my mom gave me.
Doug suggested hanging big ornament balls all through the house this year. I really like them.
A few of Katie's new ornaments
Since Rapunzel is showing, I have to tell you that Katie got to see "Tangled" today with her grandparents. She told me a little about the movie tonight, but overall really liked it.
We are hoping to replace the back & side door in the future, but I think our walls look good. Now, I'm having a tough time deciding what to put on them.
Doug and Henry fixed the trim above the cabinets, but I'll wait until after the Christmas vacation before I paint the maple over the cabinets.
We have Ruddy greeting our guests and yes, he has a rednose.
This door display will be welcoming our guests for Christmas Eve. I've been working on it for the past couple of days, but I think it's finally complete. I didn't want to junk it up too much, but I had to add LED mini lights and gold shatter proof ornaments to it. I created the wreath years ago, but still enjoy it.
Fingerprint Snowman Ornament
I'm sure you remember this post for a Fingerprint Snowman Ornament. I found time to make Colton's ornament and it was so much fun doing it. Sure, I had to have two tries but it was so worth it because this is the finished product: 
Yeah, I'll have to do some fixing on this one tomorrow. Haha!
I have been so busy today, but got so much done. I went ahead and baked 2 dozen chocolate chip cookies and turned this -
into this -
I was able to make over 4 dozen Christmas (Red Velvet & Chocolate) Bon-Bons. You can get the recipe from my recipes under "Holiday Bon-Bons". You can use any flavor cake mix and frosting.
We received an early Christmas present in the mail yesterday. Sarah made Katie and Colton scarves for Christmas. The kids love them! Thanks Sarah!
Colton got a little carried away with his scarf. I guess he felt like he needed to shake the devil out of it. LOL! It got to be a big game with him because the more we laughed at him, the more he shook it.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Energy Wanted!
Okay, so I think I need to start taking some of that energy drink. School's only been out for the Christmas Holiday for 3 days and I'm ready to send Katie back to school. Is that wrong? She just loves to push my buttons and aggravate her brother to the point of insanity. She loves pushing my buttons because she'll ask me if I have any more left. When I tell her there might be one more left, she'll take her finger and press it on either my leg or arm. It's as if to say I've pressed your last button. I'm busily decorating the house for the big event. I am down to only one present to wrap and the baking has begun. Shew! I'm tired.
Tomorrow, I've got to finish my door decoration (hanging lights & ornaments)and begin making Christmas Bon-Bons. I plan to make the glass stained sugar cookies this year, but kind of going at it blindfolded. I finally purchased the small cookie cutters today for 1/2 off at Hobby Lobby. I've always wanted to make them. They look so pretty and festive. We'll see how they turn out. I bought plenty of chocolate chip cookie dough because it is the favorite in the family, especially Katie and myself. She still wants to make a few cut out Christmas cookies, so I made sure to get some meringue powder for the icing and food coloring.
Millard and Peggy picked up Katie tonight to spend the night with them. They are planning to go see "Tangled" the new Disney movie. According to the previews, it looks like it would be very funny. I'm glad she'll get to see it.
Correction
It appears that I need to apologize for one of my posts. I received an unusual comment the other day about THIS POST. Not catching my mistake, I was a bit confused. I mentioned it to Doug and it prompted him to check it out. Well, he brought it to my attention that I misspelled "caulk" and instead spelled it "cock". OOPS! I blame the late nights and the stress from exhausting long days. The person that made the comment didn't reveal himself or herself, I have a feeling I know who it was. {Ahem} However, I would hope you know what I meant, eventhough it is obvious I need to go back to school, be assured that I normally do a spell check on most of my post (just not this one). HA!
Tomorrow, I've got to finish my door decoration (hanging lights & ornaments)and begin making Christmas Bon-Bons. I plan to make the glass stained sugar cookies this year, but kind of going at it blindfolded. I finally purchased the small cookie cutters today for 1/2 off at Hobby Lobby. I've always wanted to make them. They look so pretty and festive. We'll see how they turn out. I bought plenty of chocolate chip cookie dough because it is the favorite in the family, especially Katie and myself. She still wants to make a few cut out Christmas cookies, so I made sure to get some meringue powder for the icing and food coloring.
Millard and Peggy picked up Katie tonight to spend the night with them. They are planning to go see "Tangled" the new Disney movie. According to the previews, it looks like it would be very funny. I'm glad she'll get to see it.
Correction
It appears that I need to apologize for one of my posts. I received an unusual comment the other day about THIS POST. Not catching my mistake, I was a bit confused. I mentioned it to Doug and it prompted him to check it out. Well, he brought it to my attention that I misspelled "caulk" and instead spelled it "cock". OOPS! I blame the late nights and the stress from exhausting long days. The person that made the comment didn't reveal himself or herself, I have a feeling I know who it was. {Ahem} However, I would hope you know what I meant, eventhough it is obvious I need to go back to school, be assured that I normally do a spell check on most of my post (just not this one). HA!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Updates & A Christmas Craft
Remodeling Updates
I had to let you know that after church, Henry came out and helped Doug replace the trim above the cabinets. He has a nail gun, which made things much better for all of us. LOL! It didn't take much time to get all the trim up. Doug mentioned last night about going ahead and replacing all the trim down the hallway as well today, but I think I convenienced him to wait until after Christmas. It's not such a sore thumb like above the cabinets was. Henry and Doug did a great job! We had pizza for dinner, to celebrate. I should have taken a few pictures while they were nailing up the trim, but I was too busy running after Colton and decorating the house.
Millard and Peggy took Katie to church with them tonight because they were having their Christmas party with Santa Claus. Katie put on one of her special Christmas dresses, she was ready to remind Santa what she wants more than anything ~ a Strawberry Shortcake Playset. Later, Katie told me that she wasn't shy around Santa Claus. She wrote Santa a letter at school that I've got to take a picture and show you. It's cute.
With Henry and Doug working on the trim, Katie gone with Millard and Peggy and Colton taking a little nap, I got busy putting up Christmas. Oh, I can't wait to show you my front door display. I tried to copy Laura with her front door decoration, but with my own twist. I'm still working on it, but as soon as I'm finished I'll show you. I Love It! I didn't put out all of my Christmas decorations, but I finished around 5PM. I'll take pictures and have a Show and Tell very soon. We have a some old and a little new to share with you.
Christmas Craft
I am so planning on doing this craft with my children, but I wanted to make sure you saw this sweet ornament before Christmas was over. You still have time, so go out and do this ASAP.
ND Band at Yankee Stadium Video
This is pretty awesome to watch!
Hawaii Band Formation of a Ball Being Kicked
Really Neat!
Enjoy!
I had to let you know that after church, Henry came out and helped Doug replace the trim above the cabinets. He has a nail gun, which made things much better for all of us. LOL! It didn't take much time to get all the trim up. Doug mentioned last night about going ahead and replacing all the trim down the hallway as well today, but I think I convenienced him to wait until after Christmas. It's not such a sore thumb like above the cabinets was. Henry and Doug did a great job! We had pizza for dinner, to celebrate. I should have taken a few pictures while they were nailing up the trim, but I was too busy running after Colton and decorating the house.
Millard and Peggy took Katie to church with them tonight because they were having their Christmas party with Santa Claus. Katie put on one of her special Christmas dresses, she was ready to remind Santa what she wants more than anything ~ a Strawberry Shortcake Playset. Later, Katie told me that she wasn't shy around Santa Claus. She wrote Santa a letter at school that I've got to take a picture and show you. It's cute.
With Henry and Doug working on the trim, Katie gone with Millard and Peggy and Colton taking a little nap, I got busy putting up Christmas. Oh, I can't wait to show you my front door display. I tried to copy Laura with her front door decoration, but with my own twist. I'm still working on it, but as soon as I'm finished I'll show you. I Love It! I didn't put out all of my Christmas decorations, but I finished around 5PM. I'll take pictures and have a Show and Tell very soon. We have a some old and a little new to share with you.
Christmas Craft
I am so planning on doing this craft with my children, but I wanted to make sure you saw this sweet ornament before Christmas was over. You still have time, so go out and do this ASAP.
Are these cute as a button or what? I just fell in love with them. The idea came from Eighteen25, in order to get the full instructions and to find out what materials you will need. They are true works of art from your child. These small canvas of snow are actually your child's fingerprints. The rest you just draw with a toothpick. Very simple and easy. I plan to stop by Hobby Lobby tomorrow, in hopes to get some small canvas. Honestly, I didn't know they sold such things. As soon as we do ours, we absolutely share them with you. If you decide to do these artsy paintings, please share them with us because I would love to see them.
This is pretty awesome to watch!
Hawaii Band Formation of a Ball Being Kicked
Really Neat!
Enjoy!
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