Christmas Time

My this year has gone by fast!! Thanksgiving is already over and now holiday season is full speed ahead! We put up our Christmas tree last weekend and the usual traditions and festivities ensued. Sadly, we got started later than planned and Maggie was in bed for most of the tree trimming but Will filled in the gap with plenty of excitement. We made hot chocolate- Will's favorite tradition, I think- listened to Christmas music and built our tree. Daniel and I don't have anything against real trees, but it's not really our thing. I do love the idea of going to a tree farm, picking a tree, cutting it down and tying it to the roof - it would be a super fun and memorable tradition. But the desire ends there...we're perfectly happy with our artificial tree, less mess, less expense, less hazardous. Aaaand we probably don't need any fire hazards hanging around our house anyway.

 Little man helping like a big boy!

 the angel usually goes on last, but I guess Will

got excited this year

 Ornament time! My favorite part...so cute and filled with memories...both our own and those from our individual childhoods as both mom's have handed over some ornaments we made as kids.

 Will had to move his by Daniel's

A couple years ago my parents gave us a nice, large tree and for one year I had two trees, both decorated, gracing two rooms of our house. What happened you say? Well, the stand we bought for the big tree was apparently not big enough because the tree fell shortly before Will's second birthday party started. Yes, I'm serious. Fortunately, only a few ornaments broke but it wouldn't stay up so we had to remove it. We apparently keep forgetting to buy a new stand until after we've removed the big tree from the attic and taken all the branches out. Or at least that's what happened this year. Note to self: buy new tree stand. You may want to remind me. So our little Charlie Brown tree (at least by comparison) is up again this year. That's okay though, it was our first tree.

Happy decorating! I hope your tree trimming is as much fun and traditional/sentimental as ours!

Craft Corner

Every year we buy each family member a new Christmas ornament- a tradition we started our first year of marriage. Back then we each bought a couple ornaments and even some for the dogs- I would buy snowmen and gingerbread couples, Daniel would buy penguins and computer guys. Now we usually buy a family ornament and one for each child. It's a fun tradition because everyone is involved and I love Christmas decorations...those that trim the tree are no exception.
Sometime around Halloween, I found a fabric ornament at Cracker Barrel that I just loved and knew I could make one myself. Shortly after I ran across some do it yourself ornaments at Michael's for half off. My inspiration ornament looked to be made of ribbon but after some consideration, I decided to use fabric I already have on hand since ribbon can add up quickly and I would've needed a lot to cover them. So I got to work- mostly improvised- and here's what I came up with:

They're not perfect but I'm happy with how they turned out, Daniel liked them and Will really enjoyed having his W ornament! He even helped glue on some of his ric rac. This was a fun project and may be our new tradition!
My next project has been awhile in the works. I was first inspired last year while at the hospital with Maggie- I saw an adorable hand-made, possibly hand-painted, door sign hanging on the door of a room down the hall from NICU. I guess I logged it in the recesses of my mind 'cause when I started thinking about making one a couple months ago, I didn't even remember where I got the idea. In fact, Daniel was the one who reminded me. Anywho, the idea came to me but I thought about it and went to craft stores a couple times before I could really flesh it out. I don't paint so I knew had to approach mine differently (makes it more unique anyway). Once complete, I knew it needed something more, so I sewed some flowers and added them. I think I'll do more of these.

Currently, the sign is hanging on the wall of Maggie's bedroom, but I do plan to actually hang it on her door once I find my other door hanger or buy another one. I want to make one for Will as well, but not sure if he would like it or care....he is almost four. Lol.

Thanksgiving

I have already typed and published my Thankful Thursday post, but I want to recount how we spent the holiday as well. We have always done every other year for Thanksgiving and odd years are with my side. Awhile back- two, three months maybe- I was talking to my mom about Daniel and I needing a vacation. We've all been there, especially if you have kids, where you just need a break, a minute to be a couple again. And we live away from our family, so if we want a date night it costs a fortune, which is why we don't often get one.
So we discussed the idea of Daniel taking off the whole week of  Thanksgiving, we drive in early, drop off the kids, and go away for a night or two. I knew by this point Maggie would be weaned and getting her to sleep would not be an issue. Well, that's just what we did (I know, my mom's great, right?). And to tie in with my TT post, I'm so thankful Daniel has the time to take off, the means to get away for a couple nights and a willing and available mother to watch our kids. We chose Cedars of Lebanon State Park....it's maybe 20 minutes from my parents house so if either child did have an issue, we weren't stuck far away and their cabin rentals are very reasonable. Enjoying some time together as a couple without the noise and interruption of our children was a great way to start the holiday weekend.

We returned Tuesday afternoon and I got to work on my pies- I usually contribute dessert to the meal and make the mashed potatoes. Wednesday company arrived- family drove down from St. Louis and flew up from Florida and of course all my siblings were in attendance. Chaos ensued but it was a fun time with family....hospitality is definitely one of my parents' spiritual gifts because the house was packed! The food was delicious as always...I think my parents spent the whole week in the kitchen not only preparing for Thanksgiving dinner, but food for the remainder of the weekend and of course cleaning up. We watched movies, played games, sat outside by the firepit a couple nights, even had s'mores.

Maggie and Logan playing

 then she starts to roll over him!

silly girl!

We even celebrated Livy's birthday

Too many blessings to count. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

p.s. I hope you enjoy my updated Christmas design!

Thanksgiving Thursday

I've always liked Psychology. After deciding a counseling career was not the path for me, I chose a minor in Psych simply because I enjoyed the course of study. One of the first things I remember learning about human behavior was Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Much like the food pyramid- that which you need most is at the bottom.You know what's at the bottom of Maslow's pyramid? Physicological needs-- food, clothing, sleep, etc. You see, someone who struggles with those needs most basic to our humanity simply could not or would not concern themselves with self-actualization, which tops off the pyramid. We must start with a good foundation on which to build. The most important and strongest foundation, of course is Jesus Christ, our rock, our saviour. And he teaches us to share our blessings.
Today I'm thankful for my home- a shelter from the cold- food on the table and clothes for my family. I'm thankful God has provided for us. Plus I have a beautiful family to share my life with: my husband, children, parents, siblings, neices and nephews all who God gave me through birth and marriage. What's more than that, is I'm so incredibly blessed that I can move right on up that pyramid to seek shelter, love, self-esteem because my most basic, physiological needs are met and cared for.  If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of the world. If you have money in the bank, your wallet and some spare change you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. I am the 8%. We in America are so fortuante I think we sometimes forget. I know I do. So busy with my day to day I don't focus on how ridiculously blessed I am. It breaks my heart to know there are people right now who don't know when they'll eat next, without a bed to sleep in or a roof over their head and I'm blogging.
Yet the problem is so big that I feel lost in it, helpless to do anything. But inaction is not the answer. God calls me to share my blessings- my wealth. Sure, I'm middle class by America's standards, but I'm rich, so stinkin' rich. Please pray I stop allowing the vastness of the problem to aid my inactivity. That I will step out, share what blessings I have received and be a bold witness on His behalf.
I pray you're thankful today as well and share your blessings with others. Happy Thanksgiving!!

A little piece of my childhood

Daniel and I have been together almost 9 years and I've taken him to St. Louis a handful of times, maybe two. Yet in all those years we have not managed to do one St. Louis-y thing. Not that Daniel is big on being a tourist, but no arch, zoo, Union Station, Science Center, nada because we're always busy with family obligations. Until this weekend. Sadly, we were visiting St. Louis to attend a funeral so maybe not the happiest occasion to steal away and see the sights, but a window was available and I just had to take it.
We decided the drive would be easier when the kids could sleep so we left Friday evening. The wake and burial were scheduled for Sunday and Monday so Saturday morning we decided to visit the zoo- the decision wasn't too difficult since it was a nice day and admission is free. We left late morning and after a quick lunch inside the gates, we spent the afternoon exploring my old stomping grounds- many changes have been made so the experience wasn't an exact replica of my memories, but it was still nice to share a piece of my childhood with my family.

We don't have bears at the B'ham Zoo

 Or penguins!

 And Daniel loves some penguins...but Maggie needed some extra bundling in the penguin house!

Always a character

 chick is chillin'

 guys...

We had a great time! Maybe in the next 9 years I can get Daniel to the Arch or Science Center...

Thankful Thursday - My Husband

Always loving, always strong, always caring- he's our leader, our provider, my confidante, my best friend, my home. Daniel. My husband. He took off a couple days earlier this week to attend the funeral with me. Not because he has a personal attachment to the deceased but because he has a personal attachment to me and wanted to be there for support. He does not love driving long distances or attending funerals (obvious, I know. Who does?) But he sacrificed his time for me and for us. We live 9 hours from the funeral location so it would've been easy to back out, but he chose the tougher and more supportive route. This is a very busy time for him at work so any time out of the office means that more much work waiting upon his return. All the more reason I say this was a sacrificial act on his part.
I am thankful for Daniel everyday, though I may not always show it or say it, but today I want the whole world (or whoever reads this anyway) to know that I'm thankful for my husband. Babe, I love you more than words can say and that love continues to grow stronger every day, every year. I cannot and do not want to imagine my life without you. Thank you for being who you are- all that you are.  I love your heart for God, thank you for embracing the person He's called you to be! Exactly what I need, what we need. I'll continue to love you with all that I am all the days of my life.

My love

Thankful Thursday - Life

Life? Obvious, I know. But so precious- here one day, one moment- gone the next. Our lives and those of our loved ones are so valuable and we often take them for granted. We all know without a doubt that we will die one day. But that day (at least for many of us) feels so very far away. Nothing we have to worry about today or this week or this year. I've got things to do, plans to make, we think. Oh, but plans are not really ours to be made and we cannot know the day nor the hour our father will end our life here and call us home.
This weekend I will travel to attend a funeral. For a 54-year-old man. Younger than my parents. I won't go into too many details out of respect for the immediate family but I will say the culprit was cancer. Like a thief in the night it stole his life, his memories- though he will live on in others- leaving behind a wife, 5 children and 2 grandchildren. He left this world without his money, status or material possessions, even his body. I say this not to be grim, but to remind myself that life is precious and I don't know how much time I have. Even though he battled cancer for awhile, not one but our Creator and Saviour knew the moment he would breathe his last in this life. I invite you to join me in taking stock of our blessings and put our faith in that which matters- Jesus Christ. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." -- Matthew 6:19-20 (emphasis added by me).
Do not store up treasures here on earth because we can't take them with us when our time on earth ends. In the blink of an eye, we're gone and it doesn't matter what we own, who we know or what trophies we won. What matters is serving God, serving others and leading them to Him by glorifying Him in all we do. Stuff is just stuff- it all gets left here. What does matter is the impact we have on others' lives, starting with our children and those we interact with on a daily basis. It really doesn't matter what we do if we don't raise our kids in the Word, to be the next generation of believers in this increasingly non-believing nation and world. I must be a light to those around me, a reflection of the spirit dwelling inside me. That's what I'm here for. Not to collect things. To be a light.
My heart is heavy for his wife and kids but joyful at the same time that he's no longer suffering and that he is a believer so I will see him again. I'm also grateful those dearest to him were able to say goodbye. May we all take time to reflect on this marvelous gift of life that is all too short so as to remind us to savor every moment and seek our Almighty God.
Yes, today I'm thankful for life. My life, breathed into me by our Creator and the life Jesus Christ sacrificed so that I may live again beyond the life I know, one far better than I can ever imagine.

My silly boy

More funnies from my little man...

10/17
You wanna see these trucks? They do awesome flips. They very awesome, come look mommy. Can you put this in for me? I wanna watch it. They do cool things and awesome things.
-a little monster truck dvd that came with a toy a couple years ago-

W: Look at these ants!
Me: Stay away from there then. You don't want them to bite you.
W: They won't bite me mom. They say 'hi Will. Can you help us find some food?' And I will.

While making "hot chocolate"...
I put hot sauce in for my dad

10/27
W: I had a bad dream. A train knocked off my face and my head and everything on my head.
Me: That's. Wow. How did a train do that?
W: 'Cause I was standing on the tracks.
M: Why were you on the train tracks? That's not safe!
W: Because I was trying to cross to see baby Isla. And Cian.
- um these dreams are getting awfully graphic...

10/28
While playing...
Me: What have you been up to today?
W: I had to work
M: What did you do at work?
W: I went to the office then to jail to fight the bad guys then to Michael's. Now I'm home
M: Oooooh what did you get at Michael's!?
W: I'll show you
(pause)
I got this! (his dresser) and built it myself!
-ha, lately Michael's has been my craft store of choice-

11/3
Let me show you what I packed.
I got these for when it's cold (jeans)
And these for jammies. (yes, pj's)
And this for when it's warmed (short-sleeved Scooby Doo 'racing shirt')
And this when it gets chilly (grey sweater)
Me: Will, you're not gonna need all that for 2 days
Well, I already packed it. So too late. Sorry.

11/6
That's a lot of bags! You pretty strong dad!
11/8
You breakin' my heart mom.
-beeeecause I told him to put on matching socks...he's in for a tough road I think- :)

Yesterday (11/8) Will got a "big hand" from his music teacher for doing a good job listening & following instructions so when he asked to pick up something on the way home from school I said yes. Well, he fell asleep so I told him we could get a special treat when Daniel got home and he chose Red Robin...
D: You really like Red Robin that much?
W: Yea, it's my favorite thing to go

11/9
You see this? (pointing to his body) I'm almost big. I'm almost giant!!

he also likes to climb mountains...

Thankful Thursday - My mom

I think we've officially entered the holiday season- November, the month of Thanksgiving, quickly followed by all things Christmas- and I want to pay extra attention to my TT posts this month. Initially I wanted to do like "30 days of Thanks" or "100 things I'm thankful for" but I just as quickly realized the idea of me posting daily is unreasonable- as you can already see, this is a day late- so instead I decided to blog every Thursday this month- my Thankful Thursdays.
Today (or yesterday as it were, but every day really) I'm thankful for my mom. If you've been reading, you know she came down for Halloween to spend time with us and the kids. I always enjoy being around my mom, even though we butt heads sometimes, we're a lot alike, very close and know each other very well. She gives me advice- some wanted, some not- has always made an effort to have a relationship with my husband, loves my children and puts in as much quality time with them as possible- even requests to babysit for a night or longer when we're around and is just always there for me when I need her. None of this, of course, takes away from my dad who I also love very much but my mom and I share a very special bond. We can talk about anything and next to my husband, I think it's safe to say she knows me better than anyone. I love you, mom! Thanks for always being there for me/us!!

Halloween & Harvest Party

My mom decided to visit us this year for Halloween so we had a special trick-or-treating visitor! She arrived Sunday evening and Will, of course had grandma wrapped so we went out to eat plenty and did some shopping. He was certainly sad to see her go this morning and I'm sure Maggie would be as well, if she understood what exactly that meant. :)

We covered more ground this Halloween and both kids nearly filled their buckets. Last year Maggie was so little she hung out in her stroller all night, probably sleeping but she did great this year! Will wore out before she did, but in his defense, he was walking and Maggie was being held or strolled. We ran into a couple with a little girl in a wheelchair and the mom told us it was her first year trick-or-treating. I told her about Maggie in Early Intervention and it turns out we see the same therapists! I mean, it's not that surprising because each therapist has a certain area they cover so if you live around us, you're going to see the same ones, but we still commented what a small world it is that we ran into each other. The girl has a rare genetic disorder but they're hopeful she'll walk; the little girl was sitting up very well in her wheelchair and clapping her hands too, so it seems she's doing great! This happened near the end of our night and I thought it was a great way to top off the evening.

Maggie met a ladybug dog...so cute and she just

loves doggies

 Will did a great job passing out candy when we got back

Today was Will's school harvest party...they had a character parade then a little party back in the classroom; Daniel was able to steal away time from the office to be there for Will's 1st little school party. I love that flexibility and Daniel's commitment to us to take that time even though he was (and always is) really busy!! We had a really good time and I know Will enjoyed having us there.

 Will leading the pack (of his class anyway)

 We're missing two friends, but we got most of

his class in there