It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

As busy and hectic as this time of year can be, I must say that I do enjoy all that it brings. 

First, we love to go to the Holiday Mart.  Alex and I had a great time shopping with Mom and Aunt Shirley.  Alex was a smart shopper and really stretched her $13 budget :)  She got an exquisite new ring ;)

She also bought a friendship bracelet and cowgirl boots for her American Girl dolls to share.  Here she is posing for a picture as we wrapped up our shopping for the day.

I love our Thanksgiving meals with our families...

 

Thanksgiving has passed (although we have one more dinner to go) and now we look forward to the Christmas season.  Alex and Noah have been practicing for the church Christmas program for weeks now, and they are so excited about the big night.

I've been working on Christmas decorations a little each day this week.  Here are the bedroom trees.  I will post the living room and dining room trees when finished.

I've been longing  for the colored lights of my childhood, so I put these by the front door...

I had to take a break from the decorating to do some Black Friday shopping with Mom today.  I got a few names checked off the list, but I still have many more to go.  I also couldn't resist a little gift for myself today when I found out about Pandora's limited edition Black Friday charm.  It's very pretty!

I think Alex wants a little pity.  She saw I was posting and asked if I had told about her dental work.  Bless her heart...she had 2 teeth pulled and a bumper put in the day before Thanksgiving! 

Noah didn't make these pictures because, well, as the shirt he is wearing says "A Bad Day Hunting with Dad Beats a Good Day Shopping with Mom."  Although, when Alex came home with so much "girly" stuff the other day, he did ask me when we were going to do some boy shopping.  I'm pretty sure I can satisfy him with one trip to Game Stop.

Next up, one more Thanksgiving get together, Breakfast with Santa, and then a Sunday Christmas lunch with my college girlfriends.  So excited!

I should be in bed...

I should be in bed right now, and I'll be frustrated with myself in the morning for being up too late...but, that's often the way I roll.  After the typical nightly routine (dinner, homework, baths, nagging the kids to pick up their dirty clothes--some day they will do it without being told, right?, and multiple kisses good night), I started productively checking things off my "to-do" list.  The productivity was short-lived, though.  After ordering a Christmas present online, I then lost myself for hours in the world of social media.  Now, I am the type of person who is constantly asking myself "what do I need to be doing right now?"  The answer is typically something like:

• laundry
• emptying/loading dishwasher
• reading my Bible
• picking out clothes for tomorrow
• making "to do" list for the next day
• spending QT with husband and/or kids
• organizing

You probably get the picture.  But as I began surfing tonight, I quickly realized that there was a purpose in what I was doing.  I was drawn to Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  My heart aches for the many trials and tribulations being faced by family members, friends, acquaintances, and people I don't even know.  Why does it take other people's burdens to make us see the everyday things that we take for granted?  

Honoring Our Veterans

Caywood Elementary honored Veterans tonight with a special musical program and tribute.

Alex and 3 of her cousins participated.

As I was listening to the music and to those who spoke, I (and I'm sure many others) couldn't help but get teary-eyed thinking about those who have served our country and the sacrifices that they have made so that we can enjoy the freedom that we have today.  I can't even begin to understand what it is like to leave family, friends, and the comforts of home to serve our country in a foreign land.  I'm proud and thankful that my Daddy and both Granddaddies have served our country.  I am sadly reminded of a friend from UT Martin, Brent Morel, who gave his life in 2004 serving our country with the Marine Corps in Iraq.  My prayer tonight is that God will continue to bless our country and our veterans and that Americans will serve God above all.  And, if you know a veteran, don't forget to simply say "thank you."

S'more Fun on a School Night

Fun times aren't had only on weekends in this family.  The fall weather has been so great; we decided dinner last night should be prepared on the grill followed by a campfire on the patio and s'mores for dessert.  

I don't think I've ever seen anyone enjoy a s'more so much...

Alex wanted to have some coloring fun.  Noah had a lot to talk about with Alex while she colored.  The hubbie and I just enjoyed watching them.

I hope the kids remember nights like these as they get older.  

Crazy Girl May Start Blogging...

I've enjoyed reading the blogs of some Facebook friends lately.  I got to thinking that I might like to do a little blogging myself.  It may take me a little while to get going and get my design looking good, but here I go.

I love spending time with my family more than anything.  Life really is good right now.  I feel so blessed to have 2 beautiful, healthy, active children; a wonderful husband who is an awesome daddy; a job that helps provide for our family; a nice home; loving family members and friends; a great church home; and, above all, a gracious God that loves me.

Life has been fun and busy lately.  We went to Disney World in October.  Noah just finished fall baseball and soccer.  Alex is taking 3 dance classes now.  Chad just got back from hunting in South Dakota.  Now, with the holidays just around the corner, I'm trying to catch my breath a bit.  Since I'm planning on having 5 or more Christmas trees this year, I just might need to get started decorating a little early!!!