Good morning! It’s looking to be a rainy, gray day. Actually, I think the entire weekend is supposed to be somewhat rainy. That’s such a blessing because we’ve had so little rain this year. I know everyone is praying for a change in that pattern in the new year.
I love the weekend before New Year’s because that’s when I get into Organizational Mode. I’ll sort through my files, shredding things no longer needed, making new labels and new folders, and vowing to do a better job of keeping up with the filing. I actually did well this past year until the last few months. That would explain the pile of paperwork on top of the file box. Oh well.
We’ll also put away the Christmas decorations and give the house a good cleaning. I need to figure out a new way to decorate my mantle and I’ll pull out the few Valentine’s Day decorations that I have. There are some super cute placemats and towels at Target that I might get. The towels have pink cupcakes on them. They’ll go perfectly with my new mixer. Heehee
I also need to box up a bunch of Brady’s old toys. DH refuses to totally get rid of them, so into the attic they’ll go until they’re either needed again or sent off to college with Brady in 16 years. We’ll see which comes first.
So that’s our plans for the long weekend. We don’t usually do anything flashy or exciting for New Year’s Eve. Normally I’m sound asleep by midnight. Last year I made ribs for New Year’s Day along with some black eyed peas and collard greens. We’re doing the ribs again, but passing on those particular veggies. I’ll take the chance of bad luck versus eating black eyed peas.
Happy New Year! See you in 2008!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
After Christmas Shopping
I didn't do much after Christmas shopping, but I did find one big score at Target:
They had one of these left in a twin size. Since Brady is getting a twin bed for his birthday, this will be perfect for next Christmas. Doesn't it remind you of the holiday bedding at Pottery Barn Kids? This was only $20! I'm so excited!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
The Day After Christmas
We survived! Another Christmas is behind us.
Monday I ended up working a half day and then we drove down to my parents. The plan was to leave at lunch and Brady would nap on the way there (it’s an hour and 15 minute drive). Well, he didn’t fall asleep until 7 miles from their house. He was reasonably good for the day considering he was operating on very little nap. We stayed through dinner and dessert. Jourdan and the girls opened their gifts, the money I had cleverly rolled up in boxes with little tags that said “Pull Me!” We got home and got Brady into bed without any problems (he slept the entire way home) and then put out the Santa gifts. There was much discussion this year as to whether Santa gifts were wrapped or unwrapped. I lost the fight, er, discussion, and the Santa gifts were wrapped in lovely red polka-dotted paper.
Christmas morning I got up around 7am and got ready and started breakfast. DH and Brady got up at 7:30am. It took a few minutes before we sat down to start opening gifts. Brady opened his first package, which was a stack of books, and sat down with the first one and started reading. We said “Buddy, you have a ways to go before you can do that!” He finally got into it and started opening his boxes. Anything that was encased in industrial strength plastic had to be opened immediately or we heard “Open it, Daddy, Open it!” over and over. He was pretty worn out by the end and we had to open his last 3 gifts for him. He even took his nap before lunchtime!
The day was relatively quiet overall. We had lunch and I started reading my new book, Home to Holly Springs, by Jan Karon, while Brady napped. When he got up we played with him and his new toys. We have our big holiday meal in the evening, so I got started on that at 4pm. We all went to bed early last night in preparation of returning to work today.
Here are a few pictures from yesterday morning:
Monday I ended up working a half day and then we drove down to my parents. The plan was to leave at lunch and Brady would nap on the way there (it’s an hour and 15 minute drive). Well, he didn’t fall asleep until 7 miles from their house. He was reasonably good for the day considering he was operating on very little nap. We stayed through dinner and dessert. Jourdan and the girls opened their gifts, the money I had cleverly rolled up in boxes with little tags that said “Pull Me!” We got home and got Brady into bed without any problems (he slept the entire way home) and then put out the Santa gifts. There was much discussion this year as to whether Santa gifts were wrapped or unwrapped. I lost the fight, er, discussion, and the Santa gifts were wrapped in lovely red polka-dotted paper.
Christmas morning I got up around 7am and got ready and started breakfast. DH and Brady got up at 7:30am. It took a few minutes before we sat down to start opening gifts. Brady opened his first package, which was a stack of books, and sat down with the first one and started reading. We said “Buddy, you have a ways to go before you can do that!” He finally got into it and started opening his boxes. Anything that was encased in industrial strength plastic had to be opened immediately or we heard “Open it, Daddy, Open it!” over and over. He was pretty worn out by the end and we had to open his last 3 gifts for him. He even took his nap before lunchtime!
The day was relatively quiet overall. We had lunch and I started reading my new book, Home to Holly Springs, by Jan Karon, while Brady napped. When he got up we played with him and his new toys. We have our big holiday meal in the evening, so I got started on that at 4pm. We all went to bed early last night in preparation of returning to work today.
Here are a few pictures from yesterday morning:
This was the first picture I took. Obviously, Brady wasn't that awake yet.
Here's when he wanted to stop and read his first gift.
Opening his Patriots shirt from Uncle Rob.
Smilling for the camera!
Opening yet another gift.
The aftermath.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Memories
Christmas memories
What are your Christmas memories? What traditions do you hold dear to your heart? I’ve always been big on tradition, but even more so since Brady entered our lives. I want him to grow up and think back on things we did and say “It wouldn’t be Christmas if we didn’t………….”
Here are some of mine:
- One thing we did which is rather odd, but we always went to the beach in December. There was no sunbathing or playing in the surf (well, maybe a little playing in the surf), but we did do a lot of fun things. We went to Atlanta Beach, NC, right next to Morehead City. We always went to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and I always insisted on doing the nature walk. We’d go eat at this same restaurant in Beaufort every year until it closed. We’d walk along the beach and collect shells, go grocery shopping at the Food Lion, see a movie or two, and take a trip to Ft. Macon. There was the trip we got the stomach flu and had to stop in multiple parking lots and bathrooms. Then there was the trip where we had to fight an ice storm to get there.
- We always watched the Peter, Paul and Mary Christmas concert. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without Peter, Paul and Mary and “Puff the Magic Dragon.”
- Bourbon balls and Cornish game hens
- Trying to be the first one to yell “Christmas Gift” on Christmas morning
- Walking into the dark living room, illuminated only by the Christmas tree, and trying to figure out which stack of gifts was yours and hoping that one special gift was waiting for you.
We’re starting some new traditions now with our own little family. I’m sure as the years pass we’ll add a few and maybe take a few away. So far:
- We watch Meet Me in St. Louis every Christmas Eve before going to bed.
- Stockings go in the bedrooms, not on the mantle.
- Trips to Roper Mt. Holiday Lights and Hollywild Lights
- The Big Baking Extravaganza
- Opening one gift on Christmas Eve
- We put up a Christmas tree in the dining room and tie all of the cards on with a ribbon.
I hope everyone has some good memories to reflect on this Christmas.
What are your Christmas memories? What traditions do you hold dear to your heart? I’ve always been big on tradition, but even more so since Brady entered our lives. I want him to grow up and think back on things we did and say “It wouldn’t be Christmas if we didn’t………….”
Here are some of mine:
- One thing we did which is rather odd, but we always went to the beach in December. There was no sunbathing or playing in the surf (well, maybe a little playing in the surf), but we did do a lot of fun things. We went to Atlanta Beach, NC, right next to Morehead City. We always went to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and I always insisted on doing the nature walk. We’d go eat at this same restaurant in Beaufort every year until it closed. We’d walk along the beach and collect shells, go grocery shopping at the Food Lion, see a movie or two, and take a trip to Ft. Macon. There was the trip we got the stomach flu and had to stop in multiple parking lots and bathrooms. Then there was the trip where we had to fight an ice storm to get there.
- We always watched the Peter, Paul and Mary Christmas concert. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without Peter, Paul and Mary and “Puff the Magic Dragon.”
- Bourbon balls and Cornish game hens
- Trying to be the first one to yell “Christmas Gift” on Christmas morning
- Walking into the dark living room, illuminated only by the Christmas tree, and trying to figure out which stack of gifts was yours and hoping that one special gift was waiting for you.
We’re starting some new traditions now with our own little family. I’m sure as the years pass we’ll add a few and maybe take a few away. So far:
- We watch Meet Me in St. Louis every Christmas Eve before going to bed.
- Stockings go in the bedrooms, not on the mantle.
- Trips to Roper Mt. Holiday Lights and Hollywild Lights
- The Big Baking Extravaganza
- Opening one gift on Christmas Eve
- We put up a Christmas tree in the dining room and tie all of the cards on with a ribbon.
I hope everyone has some good memories to reflect on this Christmas.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Christmas Movies
Have ya’ll seen this movie?
I’m not a huge fan of Tim Allen’s other holiday movies (the Santa Claus series), but Christmas with the Kranks is hilarious. We watched it last night and were almost in tears at parts, especially when he gets the botox injection and all of his food keeps falling out of his mouth. Too funny! It’s a lot of fun and perfect for when you’re overly stressed from holiday happenings.
We watched this over the weekend:
It was cute, but I don’t think it’s a movie I’d buy and have to watch every year. I love Matthew Broderick and he plays the part of the uptight guy obsessed with having Christmas perfectly planned out so well. Kristin Davis is lovely (she’s been great since Sex and the City) and Kristin Chenoweth is great, too. I loved how they had her sing at the very end (she’s a Tony award winning actress and was in Wicked on Broadway).
I think we’re watching Christmas Vacation Friday night. Classic!
Day of Gratitude
I’m thankful for my city. We moved here almost 4 years ago and while at times I thought we might have made the biggest mistake of our lives, it’s all turned out for the good. The area is beautiful with the mountains in the distance. The seasons are gorgeous. People really take pride in the area and it shows. We feel safe here and we’re glad this is where Brady is going to grow up. There’s so much to do and see within a few hours drive. It’s a great little corner of the world and we feel so blessed to live here.
I’m not a huge fan of Tim Allen’s other holiday movies (the Santa Claus series), but Christmas with the Kranks is hilarious. We watched it last night and were almost in tears at parts, especially when he gets the botox injection and all of his food keeps falling out of his mouth. Too funny! It’s a lot of fun and perfect for when you’re overly stressed from holiday happenings.
We watched this over the weekend:
It was cute, but I don’t think it’s a movie I’d buy and have to watch every year. I love Matthew Broderick and he plays the part of the uptight guy obsessed with having Christmas perfectly planned out so well. Kristin Davis is lovely (she’s been great since Sex and the City) and Kristin Chenoweth is great, too. I loved how they had her sing at the very end (she’s a Tony award winning actress and was in Wicked on Broadway).
I think we’re watching Christmas Vacation Friday night. Classic!
Day of Gratitude
I’m thankful for my city. We moved here almost 4 years ago and while at times I thought we might have made the biggest mistake of our lives, it’s all turned out for the good. The area is beautiful with the mountains in the distance. The seasons are gorgeous. People really take pride in the area and it shows. We feel safe here and we’re glad this is where Brady is going to grow up. There’s so much to do and see within a few hours drive. It’s a great little corner of the world and we feel so blessed to live here.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Wednesday
I’m telling you, the days are flying by so quickly. We had a moderately busy weekend ( I know, it’s Wednesday and I’m just now posting about the weekend). Saturday morning DH took Brady for his pre-Christmas haircut while I hit Walmart for our big grocery trip. Both were huge successes despite the traffic and miserable weather. DH headed off to work and I started on the baking, as Saturday was my Big Baking Extravaganza. We did have to make a few changes to my baking list. The peppermint bark got scratched because I could only find gourmet white chocolate and I wasn’t quite up to spending $15 for 2 pounds. Call me cheap, but that’s what I was that day. And my gingersnaps would not rise for anything. I tried to make some iced ginger cookies earlier in the fall and had the same problem. Everything’s been replaced, including the ginger and I even had a new cookie sheet this time, so I have no idea what the problem might have been.
So we had cranberry-orange bread, orange blossoms (little bites of heaven!) and sugar cookies. Brady had a lot of fun with the sugar cookies and I did, too, once I quit trying to micro-manage the process. I have some cute pictures of Brady covered in flour that I hope to get posted soon.
Brady’s had a cough this week, so we had to skip the living nativity Monday evening. It was a shame because he was really excited about it. He kept naming off all the animals he’d see, even though I don’t remember an elephant or a turtle coming to visit the Baby Jesus.
So that’s where we are with less than a week to go. Is your shopping finished?
Today’s Gratitude
I’m thankful for my son! Sweet Brady has changed our lives so much. Granted, I’m still not the most patient person in the world and I do lose my temper more times than I should, but he has completely changed me. At one time, someone suggested I probably shouldn’t even have kids, that I wasn’t cut out for it. I’m so glad they were wrong. He’s just the greatest thing. His smile just lights up the room and he’s always so happy to see us if we’ve been gone. My favorite times with him are on weekend mornings when we don’t have to go anywhere early and we can snuggle on the sofa and watch cartoons. He’s so cute in his jammies and he’ll curl up right by you with his milk. I can’t wait to see how we both grow up together.
So we had cranberry-orange bread, orange blossoms (little bites of heaven!) and sugar cookies. Brady had a lot of fun with the sugar cookies and I did, too, once I quit trying to micro-manage the process. I have some cute pictures of Brady covered in flour that I hope to get posted soon.
Brady’s had a cough this week, so we had to skip the living nativity Monday evening. It was a shame because he was really excited about it. He kept naming off all the animals he’d see, even though I don’t remember an elephant or a turtle coming to visit the Baby Jesus.
So that’s where we are with less than a week to go. Is your shopping finished?
Today’s Gratitude
I’m thankful for my son! Sweet Brady has changed our lives so much. Granted, I’m still not the most patient person in the world and I do lose my temper more times than I should, but he has completely changed me. At one time, someone suggested I probably shouldn’t even have kids, that I wasn’t cut out for it. I’m so glad they were wrong. He’s just the greatest thing. His smile just lights up the room and he’s always so happy to see us if we’ve been gone. My favorite times with him are on weekend mornings when we don’t have to go anywhere early and we can snuggle on the sofa and watch cartoons. He’s so cute in his jammies and he’ll curl up right by you with his milk. I can’t wait to see how we both grow up together.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Big Holiday Baking Extravaganza
So I said yesterday that I’m doing my Big Holiday Baking Extravaganza this Saturday. Every year I pick one day where I know DH will be home to keep Brady occupied and that’s when I do all of my baking for family and friends.
Here’s my list for this year:
Cranberry Orange Bread
Gingersnaps
Sugar Cookies
Orange Blossoms
Peppermint Bark
This is my first year doing the Peppermint Bark, so I’m excited to see how those turn out. Brady will get to help me decorate the sugar cookies, so I know he’s going to have a ball with those. Hopefully he won’t take a bite out of each one like he did when we iced cupcakes recently.
I always send a big plate of goodies to DH’s work and to mine. I’ll also send a plate to our Sunday School class Sunday morning and mail a few boxes off to friends. This year I’m also planning on taking some goodies up to our local fire station. They always go up to Brady’s school for Fire Safety Day and are so good to the kids, besides doing their job of fighting fires in general. Brady will get a kick out of going up there, too.
Day 2 of Gratitude
I’m thankful for my husband. We’ve been together almost nine years and definitely had our share of ups and downs. I’m sure many people had bets going for a while on if we’d even stay together. But after 9 years I can’t imagine life without him. He can make me laugh until tears run down my face. He can also make me so mad I could just beat him with a rolling pin. But in the end it’s all good. He’s gone beyond anything I could ever have dreamed of as a father to my child, especially considering he didn’t have one of his own to look up to. He can finish my sentences and I can finish his. He may drive me crazy somedays, but he’s mine. I love you, honey!
Here’s my list for this year:
Cranberry Orange Bread
Gingersnaps
Sugar Cookies
Orange Blossoms
Peppermint Bark
This is my first year doing the Peppermint Bark, so I’m excited to see how those turn out. Brady will get to help me decorate the sugar cookies, so I know he’s going to have a ball with those. Hopefully he won’t take a bite out of each one like he did when we iced cupcakes recently.
I always send a big plate of goodies to DH’s work and to mine. I’ll also send a plate to our Sunday School class Sunday morning and mail a few boxes off to friends. This year I’m also planning on taking some goodies up to our local fire station. They always go up to Brady’s school for Fire Safety Day and are so good to the kids, besides doing their job of fighting fires in general. Brady will get a kick out of going up there, too.
Day 2 of Gratitude
I’m thankful for my husband. We’ve been together almost nine years and definitely had our share of ups and downs. I’m sure many people had bets going for a while on if we’d even stay together. But after 9 years I can’t imagine life without him. He can make me laugh until tears run down my face. He can also make me so mad I could just beat him with a rolling pin. But in the end it’s all good. He’s gone beyond anything I could ever have dreamed of as a father to my child, especially considering he didn’t have one of his own to look up to. He can finish my sentences and I can finish his. He may drive me crazy somedays, but he’s mine. I love you, honey!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Less Than Two Weeks!
We’ve got less than two weeks until Christmas! I was talking to someone the other day and we were saying how when you were a child, Christmas seemed to take forever to arrive. Now that we’re adults, it comes too fast! There never seems to be enough time to get everything done. And you try so desperately to slow down and really enjoy everything.
Things still on my list to do:
- Get gift certificate for Brady’s Sunday School teachers
- Finish my family’s gifts
- Finish Christmas cards (buy more stamps)
- Mail packages to out-of-town people
- Get stuff for Lennon’s stocking
- Holiday baking (I’ll talk about that tomorrow)
I’m sure there are other things I’m forgetting, too. Most of the things on that list will be done by this weekend, so that’s good.
I read a blog the other day where the girl was doing “30 Days of Gratitude.” I’m a little late to do 30 days, but I can start today and go to the end of the month. I guess that would make it “19 Days of Gratitude.”
Day 1
I’m thankful for my God. He loves us when we are most unlovable, when most people would throw up their hands and walk away. He’s there with us when the storm is so bad and the night is so dark. He’s always there to lead us through to the morning. The gift He gave us by sending His Son on that Christmas morning to save the world is beyond comprehension. We’re so undeserving of that gift, but He gave it anyway. Without Him we would be nothing.
And that’s what I’m thankful for this first day.
Things still on my list to do:
- Get gift certificate for Brady’s Sunday School teachers
- Finish my family’s gifts
- Finish Christmas cards (buy more stamps)
- Mail packages to out-of-town people
- Get stuff for Lennon’s stocking
- Holiday baking (I’ll talk about that tomorrow)
I’m sure there are other things I’m forgetting, too. Most of the things on that list will be done by this weekend, so that’s good.
I read a blog the other day where the girl was doing “30 Days of Gratitude.” I’m a little late to do 30 days, but I can start today and go to the end of the month. I guess that would make it “19 Days of Gratitude.”
Day 1
I’m thankful for my God. He loves us when we are most unlovable, when most people would throw up their hands and walk away. He’s there with us when the storm is so bad and the night is so dark. He’s always there to lead us through to the morning. The gift He gave us by sending His Son on that Christmas morning to save the world is beyond comprehension. We’re so undeserving of that gift, but He gave it anyway. Without Him we would be nothing.
And that’s what I’m thankful for this first day.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The most wonderful time of the year
Good morning! Okay, I really have to get better about this blog thing. Seriously.
We’ve been super busy with all the activities and events that surround the holidays. Friday night DH went to an Xbox 360 party that our friend Mike was having. He had about 16 guys (yes, adults!) there! Three of the wives came over to our house for the evening with their kids. The kids watched tv and played and we got to sit around and chat and drink hot cocoa. It was a late night, but lots of fun.
Saturday morning we had our Sunday School Christmas brunch at Stax Omega. They opted to do a brunch this year because it was getting too hard to get everyone together for an evening event. We had such a good time visiting with everyone. So often when we see each other on Sunday morning or Wednesday night, everyone is rushing to drop people off or get somewhere. It was so nice to just sit. It was also couples only, so we got a babysitter and were able to almost finish our Christmas shopping afterwards.
Saturday night was our monthly “Date Night.” We have a babysitting swap with two other couples. It’s been such a blessing because we get a regular date night and no one has to pay for a babysitter. I did feel bad leaving Brady again, but I figured one day wouldn’t hurt him. Plus, they were taking the kids to Hollywild to see the holiday lights and feed the reindeer. He had a great time. We went to Chili’s and then to see “Enchanted.”
We’ve been super busy with all the activities and events that surround the holidays. Friday night DH went to an Xbox 360 party that our friend Mike was having. He had about 16 guys (yes, adults!) there! Three of the wives came over to our house for the evening with their kids. The kids watched tv and played and we got to sit around and chat and drink hot cocoa. It was a late night, but lots of fun.
Saturday morning we had our Sunday School Christmas brunch at Stax Omega. They opted to do a brunch this year because it was getting too hard to get everyone together for an evening event. We had such a good time visiting with everyone. So often when we see each other on Sunday morning or Wednesday night, everyone is rushing to drop people off or get somewhere. It was so nice to just sit. It was also couples only, so we got a babysitter and were able to almost finish our Christmas shopping afterwards.
Saturday night was our monthly “Date Night.” We have a babysitting swap with two other couples. It’s been such a blessing because we get a regular date night and no one has to pay for a babysitter. I did feel bad leaving Brady again, but I figured one day wouldn’t hurt him. Plus, they were taking the kids to Hollywild to see the holiday lights and feed the reindeer. He had a great time. We went to Chili’s and then to see “Enchanted.”
I LOVED THAT MOVIE. Yes, I know it’s a Disney film and such a chick flick, but I absolutely loved it. My face hurt by the end from smiling the entire time. Even DH found it funny.
Sunday was Sunday School and church and then DH had to work. Brady and I was so tired, we spent the rest of the day at home. He took a 3 and a half hour nap, which is unheard of for him. He obviously needed the rest, though. I could have used a nap, too!
So that was our busy weekend. I’m looking forward to a few quiet evenings this week before things pick up again. But I do love being busy and having things to do. Plus spending time with family and friends this time of year really makes the season, don’t you think? But don’t forget the true reason for the season – Jesus!
Sunday was Sunday School and church and then DH had to work. Brady and I was so tired, we spent the rest of the day at home. He took a 3 and a half hour nap, which is unheard of for him. He obviously needed the rest, though. I could have used a nap, too!
So that was our busy weekend. I’m looking forward to a few quiet evenings this week before things pick up again. But I do love being busy and having things to do. Plus spending time with family and friends this time of year really makes the season, don’t you think? But don’t forget the true reason for the season – Jesus!
Monday, December 3, 2007
The Bean Salad Strikes Back
Do ya’ll remember my post a few months ago about the Bean Salad I was making for church? If not, I’m sure you can find it because I’m not sure how to link to my own post.
The mother of a guy in our Sunday School class died yesterday morning, so last night they were coordinating food for the funeral on Tuesday. Susan comes up to me and says “Could you make that bean salad you made a few months ago?” It was all I could do not to laugh. I was thinking “Seriously? You want me to make that bean salad? People actually liked it?” Of course I agreed, but still. This bean salad is going to haunt me for the rest of my life!
The mother of a guy in our Sunday School class died yesterday morning, so last night they were coordinating food for the funeral on Tuesday. Susan comes up to me and says “Could you make that bean salad you made a few months ago?” It was all I could do not to laugh. I was thinking “Seriously? You want me to make that bean salad? People actually liked it?” Of course I agreed, but still. This bean salad is going to haunt me for the rest of my life!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)