Decorating with Daddy

A few years ago we decided to rid ourselves of the heartache of an untouchable Christmas tree. We then designed our decorations around something the kids would thoroughly enjoy helping with. That's how our "Candy Christmas" theme came about. Is it my favorite decorations of all time? Nope. Am I excited about one day revamping our decorations. Yep. But until then, our kiddos get to thoroughly enjoy our decorations without the fear of breaking something.

So, since they can't break it, they get to decorate the tree every year. AND since I'm the designated photographer, Hubs gets to be the handy helper.


An accidental picture that I happened to love!


Baby Boy was really hoping that the candies were real.


Finishing the tree up with Daddy


Baby Boy's manger scene in his room


Proud of their finished work

I still can't look at them like this without getting a tear in my eye.

Not sure if it's because it's a genuine love or if it's because they are so few and far between anymore :-)

A Moment Forever Etched

I can remember when I found out I was having a girl. Ecstatic wasn't even able to describe where I was flying at. The ideas of my best friend coming into my life. Sharing about boys and heartaches and girlfriends and makeup thrilled me to now end.

Fast forward to yesterday. Thanksgiving. It started out as a normal day. Hubs in the deer woods, Macy's Parade, tons of food, spending time with my family who are just the most fun, watching the kids laugh their heads off as they play dominoes...a wonderful day.

And then we came home and something happened that will forever be etched in my mind and on my heart.

Baby Girl went to put their dominoes up in her room. A few seconds later she came out BAWLING! As soon as I asked what was wrong, I knew this would be one of those moments I will remember for the rest of my life.

Baby Girl: Nothing is going right for me in my life!

Me: What happened?

BG: I dropped my dominoes. Today has just been a horrible day!

*after trying to show her otherwise tear wiping and nose blowing she says...*

BG: I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO TURN!!!!!!

My first instinct was to tell her to just get over it. I'm serious. Don't pretend like you haven't ever thought that when someone is blowing something way out of proportion.

But then I realized...and all of you ladies out there will totally understand this.

Sometimes a girl just needs to CRY!

I even looked up and she had gotten a coke out of the fridge, popped it and was drinking it before I even noticed. I said that she didn't ask (she is always supposed to ask about those) and thru tears in her sweetest voice possible said, "I don't really care right now."

Yes, sometimes we don't.

So she and I loved a little and then thru tears we headed to the shower. She cried thru her shower and while getting dressed. Afterwards she and I piled in the recliner and Daddy brought us a box of tissues.

No words, just tears.

Daddy and Baby Boy surely didn't understand what was going on, but I did. BUT Daddy and Baby Boy went and picked up her dominoes for her.

God love 'em.

From the recliner we headed to her bed and I snuggled with her until she cried herself to sleep.

And this moment was forever etched. Forever.

She came in my room first thing this morning and said, "Momma, I wanted to tell you thank you for what you did for me last night."

I am willing to bet it will forever be etched in her mind and heart too.

A Saturday Night at My House

I wouldn't have it any other way...

Ode to My Toes

For those of you who know me know that I would prefer to wear open-toed shoes (preferably cute flip flops or kitten heels) year round.

And a few of you have even seen me in flip flops in the snow.

I've never been the best role model for those trying to avoid pneumonia.

Anywho, in order to wear open-toed shoes all year around it calls for a weekly pedicure. And since I'm so cheap, I won't pay for one. So that means every week I have to do one myself.

And I'm not just talking swiping off the faded and chipped polish and slapping on a new something. Or heaven forbid the sacrilegious act of just covering up said chipped polish with another coat.

I think I just shivered.

I get down to the nitty gritty with my feet...cleaning, buffing, filing, clipping, shaping, filing the bottoms of my feet, sloughing, scrubbing, rinsing, olive oiling, thick goo covering, and finally walking around in socks for a few hours until my precious pedis are ready for some cute polishing.

Basically, I love for my tootsies to feel pretty!

The other night I was testing something on my camera and used my feet as my focal point. And this post came to my mind.

I know. Some people are officially scared now, huh?

So, here is my Ode to My Toes

You take the brunt of all that I am
Day in and day out without call
The trouble I put on you should be enough
To give way and watch me fall

I stuff you in shoes that are snug and tight
And ask you to take me around
To meetings and schools and churches and homes
Oh, if only I would lose some more pounds

But you never complain as you sit back and wait
For the night when I settle life down
We both take the time to refresh and unwind
And clean up for another week's round

And you flash your cute outfit in cute little shoes
And get compliments all the day long
We have a great thing going right here
And our relationship can never go wrong

Yes, I just wrote about the love of my feet.

They are coming with the straight jackets on Wednesday.

An Interview with the Captain

I recorded this on my phone the other day to make sure I got it right. Baby Girl began to tell this story to me and I asked if she could repeat it all.

BG: Hi, my name is Baby Girl and my mom wants me to tell y'all about this.

Me: So, BG, tell us what we are here to learn about.

BG: I run the Bunny Scout Group and I am the Captain. (of course!)

Me: Who is all in the Bunny Scout Group, or the BSG?

BG: (Tells the list of girls in her class...there are 6 in all.)

Me: What do you do in the BSG?

BG: First we come together and say the pledge of allegiance (note, the only time they have to do whatever they want is at recess, so picture this...) and then we put all of our hands together in a circle and I say '1-2-3' and we take our hands down and shout 'Go Bunny Scout Team!"

Me: Fascinating.

BG: Then, we must go on our assignments.

Me: What are your assignments?

BG: Our goal is to keep the Earth healthy.

Me: Like?

BG: Picking up trash around the playground and putting it into the trash cans. Basically, keeping the Earth healthy.

Me: What else does the BSG do to keep the earth healthy?

BG: Well, we just basically keep the Earth healthy, ya know.

Me: Ok...anything besides picking up trash?

BG: Well, we pick up trash and keep the Earth healthy. OH, and if we see a plant that is laying down, we will go and dig a hole around it, a small one, and we put it in there and put it in with all the rocks and dirt!

Me: Awesome.

BG: ...and worms.

So for all you folks out there who are refusing to go "green"...watch out for the BSG coming to a city near you.

Alone

I took this the other day because I thought it was beautiful.

But then I thought...

Have you ever felt like this leaf?

Everything around you seems different than you...
You wonder when you are going to "catch up"...
You feel like you are hanging on by a thread and at any moment you will fall off...

I have.

Many times.

But it is at those times I realize...

I want to be different...
I don't want to catch up to this world...
I want to fall off and soar on wings like eagles...

And the best part is?

God wants that for me too.

To feel alone in this worldly place, because it's not about me.
To find my rest in Him, because it's not about me.
To find my solace in those He sent to me, because it's not about me.

Thank you, Lord. Thank you.

Delicate Flower

This post is dedicated to my friend, the Delicate Flower, Chris!

My Baby Girl will defend her to anyone who gets in the way. If you pick on Chris, BG will take you down with her stares alone. If you are mean to Chris, you better just back up!

So, the other afternoon when we were out to lunch with her I took the opportunity to get this:


It is now printed and in Baby Girl's room and another copy headed to Chris'

In the process, I got this which made me laugh on SO many levels:


Chris looks like she is having more fun on the kiddie train than BG!


And don't forget the Baby Boy and his bestie because "she is my teeeeeeechur!"

But then...while I flip thru the photos taken that day, I had to post this one. Why? Because for those of you who know will know this. That smile on her face...

...is real!

And the best part is...so is his.

I Might Never See Him Again

Next month I will have been with Hubs for 13 years.

Yes I realize since I'm only 21 that's almost half my life, but bear with me here.

In all those 13 years of birthdays and Christmases I have only ever heard him (jokingly halfway) say that he wanted a 2-man boat.

Not a "real" boat (in my book anyway) but this little 2-man thing that I'm quite sure would sink immediately upon my entrance into the thing.

My Father-in-law assures me that it can hold people "much" bigger than I.

I will not be finding out.

So, since Hubs will be graduating with his Leadership & Ministry degree in a few short days, my FIL decided to get him one. Now, I have known he had it hidden in his shop for months now, but this weekend was the perfect timing for Hubs to have his truck already down there (to kill some browns, no less) and receive his gift and bring it back.


Johnny gave him an....ANCHOR TIE! What? This is my graduation gift?


But of course, it was really for this!


Named this...


And full of this...

See...I'm so up on my boat jargon.


These 2 men love each other and I'm so very glad that they are so close.

Can't tell which one was prouder, Can you?

Family Night Edition #36

Was it really September 18th the last time we did Family Night? I guess with a birthday party and New York trip all thrown in the middle, it just got put on the back burner.

But Thursday night it came back...

...In full COLOR!

It was Color Family Night!


We started with a VERY colorful dinner. Red pizza, bluecorn chips and white cheese dip, colorful fruit with blue cool whip, colorful veggies with white ranch dip and green tea. We have Jr. Bomb pops in the freezer still that we never made it around to.


We got things started by making up some cupcakes...


See...


...That became sun-cakes by the end of the night


From there we made mustard pictures. You put some mustard into a zippie and flatten it out. Then, you commence to 'drawing' pictures with your fingers. It was neat.


After making some colorful hats (you'll see them in a minute) we played "Feed Elliott". We stood on a ladder and fed Elliott colorful crayons. Hubs displays his maaaddd crayon feeding skillz here.


See...here's Elliott. You are supposed to leave the jug intact, but I just couldn't do that to my semi-uncoordinated offspring. They take after their mother, what can I say. And, for those of you who don't know...Elliott is the dragon from Pete's Dragon. Go watch it. It's awesome!

From there the kiddos took Baby Girl's camera and went around the house taking pictures of things that were the color I shouted out. Then, our intentions were to watch Rainbow Brite, but we couldn't find it.

So we settled for "Santa Claus is Coming to Town".

Hey...that is one colorful man.

So, colorful night was o' so colorful!


See? Even Sissy thought so. Didn't you, Sis?

**I want owt ub dis famwy**

The Soldier

A friend of mine wrote this and is allowing me to share it here. He sent it to me on Wednesday...Veteran's Day and I loved it. I hope it blesses you as well.

Soldier
By Barrett Christian

Ephesians 6:10-18
The Whole Armor of God
"10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…"

As the dust settles around his feet, the view of the soldier’s fight lay before him. Strewn across the vast battlefield are images of his fallen foes; lust, sexual impurity, pride, lying, malice, sinful anger. And numerous others he has fought. Although these are fallen, he can still feel the hate of the others’ glaring eyes locked on him from the dark crevices and cracks of his rocky surroundings. But they are held at bay by the presence of The King-General who has made his way onto the battlefield.

The sun begins to set on the long day that he has endured. Dirt, grime and sweat are this warrior’s war paint. His hands are sore and callused from holding his Sword so tightly during the fierce warfare. His arms scream in protest as he struggles to hold his Shield level. The straps from his Breastplate have left their mark on his slumped shoulders. Every muscle in his body aches with each step he slowly takes.
The soldier’s eyes glance out from under the helm of his war-scarred Helmet to his fellow warriors. Some are in worse condition than he, others have held their ground in battle while others have fallen, but have not been defeated. With a reassuring nod this man of war greets his fellow combatants as he makes his way to The General.

As The General moves slowly and gracefully across The Blood stained ground, he is accompanied by The Great Physician, who too has seen the war and been pierced by its spear and bears the marks of battle on His body. But because He suffered, He knows how to tend to those who are now suffering from their wounds.

The years spent in combat have begun to show on our warrior’s body and armor. His muscles have been hewed into chiseled excellence from the years spent not only practicing the art of war but fighting in combat against the enemy of his soul. His scars are not only merit badges, but also serve to remind him of The Great Physician’s healing touch who took away the pain from every wound he received. His Helmet is decorated not only with the Blood red plume which is the insignia of The General’s Army, but is also adorned with numerous cuts, scratches and dents he took during the many campaigns of battle.

His Breastplate, as magnificent as it may be, shows signs of daily use. But it has served its purpose and withstood the attacks of evil spears, swords and every deadly blow the enemy wielded in hate.

As he nears The General, the soldier slides his Sword into its scabbard with a click as it locks in place, even though the battle is over for the day, his hand stays on its hilt. Never leaving it so that in a moment’s notice he will be ready. This Sword has served its purpose well. As it was forged by The General Himself and has withstood the timeless ages of battles others have fought before him and is a proven weapon for the war he has before he goes home.

His Belt is something that is often over looked but is absolutely necessary. With this simple leather strap, his entire armor is held together from head to toe and its there he keeps his Sword fastened securely to his person. Without it his armor would be rendered ineffective in protecting him from the enemies advances.

A bead of sweat runs down the length of his shin and pools against the strap of his Sandals. The ground he navigates is littered with broken shards of rock, holes and snares laid by the enemy. But these thick Sandals project him from the uncertain traps that lay on the ground around him. The studded soles give him a secure footing when he stands his ground against the hordes of hell he encounters.

The soldier flexes his fingers a few times to ease the tension on them from carrying his heavy wooden and leather Shield. For he has been soaking it in water daily ever since he was united with this army. The Water he soaks it in is from the Living Fountain that his General has provided from the riches of His Kingdom.
The reason for the daily soaking is to keep the fiery arrows that the enemy shoots at him extinguished and keeps them from becoming a raging fire that can easily consume his body if left unchecked.

The soldier comes to a slow stop. As he waits for his King to lift a fallen soldier to his feet, he leans on the Spear that he keeps slung across his back. This Spear is a long hard pike he uses to throw at the enemy who is too far for a frontal attack and is used most often when he sees a fellow soldier beaten back by his attackers. Its affective for what is used for. He has faith in his Spear and can direct it with deadly precision when used it in combat.

As the tired combatant leans on this Spear, an all too often unnoticed being catches his eye, the Minister of Peace. His presence among the weary brings peace and comfort to those who have exhausted themselves in the battle. Even from where he stands, the soldier can feel the warmth of His power gracing the hard form of his earthly frame.

Finally, The King-General stands before the waiting soldier. Care, love and authority are expressed in fullness through His eyes. The soldier pulls himself to attention, but before he can stand at full height, The King places His hand on his follower’s shoulder.

Nothing is said between The King and His follower. Only the sweet presence of His Lord now occupies his tired mind. The fight was worth it. Was it hard? Yes. But his reward is soon to come. His King is not only a General to His army, but a conqueror that has secured the final battle on a hill called Mt. Calvary. For it’s in the shadow of Mt. Calvary that every battle has been and will ever be fought and won.

The Country Girl and The City Girl

She is my best friend from High School. We have been together all these years thru thick and thin and have been with each other as we have raised our families.

As a result, our daughters are best friends. While they don't see each other often at all, they reconnect immediately upon seeing each other!

Just like their mothers do.

Saturday I did their family session (you can see the whole session on my photography blog here.)

But I had to post more of those we took of Baby Girl and her bestie.








See...city girl and country girl...perfect match


Goodness! Where has the time gone? These two are growing up into 2 very beautiful young ladies!

Coupon Redemption

At Baby Girl's birthday party back in September, my best girlfriends gave her a coupon. This coupon entitled her to a night out with the girls of shopping. Now, understand...hanging out with my girlfriends is something that Baby Girl LOVES to do.

Remember this?

Well, Saturday night was the night for her to redeem her coupon!

And I'm pretty sure if this was at the Kroger, it would have been deemed double coupon day.

Because you see...a few extra people showed up.


An innocent bystander was roped into taking a photo of our 'crazy'. Check out Baby Girl. She is pointing to herself because that night was all about her!


The 2 divas of the evening. You can tell we don't let them get out much.

She requested Red Lobster and when we got there the manager girl was apologizing about how hot it was in there. When she asked if we were celebrating anything, Baby Girl raised her hand HIGH! So they chatted a while about her birthday and when it was and what she did and for some reason all Baby Girl could seem to spit out was the fact that "my momma wasn't here for it...she was in New York".


Anywho, redemption draweth nigh when they brought out this!


They didn't like it one bit! Actually...I don't think any of the rest of us got any.


From there we headed to the mall. They wanted their photo taken on the escalator and Grammie Tammy was only too happy to help! This was right after she taught them "the mall strut". It was classy. You should ask Tammy to do it for you next time you see her. You'll never be the same.


Our magazine pose. We were working-IT!


Um...I blame Katy for this. And I have no explanation.


This was the girl at Justice who was SOOOOO helpful! And let me tell you...by the end of the evening we had her in stitches!

So Happy Birthday again, Baby Girl! You are such a beautiful and amazing 7-year-old and I'm so glad we got to spend this night with you.



And thanks to all my 'peeps' for making her such a memorable night. It's something she will never forget and neither will I! You guys bring new meaning to friends.

To me and to her...