Mission Organization

I've decided that THIS time of year is the time that we all want to get organized - I do. All the stuff incoming (from gifts) needs somewhere to go and something needs to go out to make space! My laundry room has been driving me crazy so I called in a professional. Anne Jones. She has a knack for organizing and she wants to share that talent with all of us. We worked out a fee schedule and she went to work! I asked for a consult and she re-did my pantry, too! She had some GREAT ideas for the laundry room and she was willing to implement all of them.

We forgot to take any "Before" pictures but these are the "After." I basically stood there and threw away all the out of date stuff!

We'll be revisiting the laundry as soon as my hubby can build me some new shelves :-) Then I'll post a before and after!

Call Anne if you're feeling overwhelmed and need some direction. Call Anne if you want someone to do all the work FOR YOU! Call Anne if you're ready to make a change! (You oughta see what she can do for a garage sale!)

Maybe Just A New Paint Job

Well, I've been trying VERY hard to switch over to WordPress and it just isn't working for me. I (apparently) can't import all my hard work up until this point. This has to do with me going over to the *New* Blogger. WordPress can't import with the new Beta. I did think I might cut and paste but, paste where? Blogger doesn't cooperate with me and my desire to do different stuff (fonts, headers, style.) I can't move into a new house so I want this one to change. But, I may be here awhile longer. yeah.

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I went to see DreamGirls tonight and, yall really need to go see it! Jennifer Hudson was incredible! I can't say enough about her performance - she just was Effie. The music was terrific, too. Judy told me to save my money but, I almost just drove over to Target and bought the soundtrack.

Junk Food

Can a 4-year-old grow on Mac & Cheese, bread, refried beans, and candy? I'll let you know.

Just 2 Days Ago

I'm feeling led to say a little something about our Christmas. Perhaps the pictures weren't enough to convey the joyfulness surrounding the day. Perhaps the pictures didn't show the wonderful presents received by all. Perhaps the pictures just weren't enough for yall to see the 10 pounds I've put on in 3 days but maybe that was intentional.

Santa brought both kids scooters and, I must say, it's kinda cute the way they're riding them though the house. I know, that's a bad thing but, it's still cute. I keep thinking that they will become outside toys soon but, not yet. We went yesterday and used the (overindulgent) gift card that Uncle Billy bought them (together! What's up with that??!!) to purchase helmets. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are still living in the 70's and forgot to buy helmets. I can attest that the Clauses use seat belts in their vehicles but helmets for bike and scooter riding are still so, you know, 21st century.

Cousins Jayden and Jerron got Kenny a remote control Hummer. Santa would not have bought such a expensive thing that Kenny would promptly forget about and leave in his closet. Or that Mrs. Claus would have to constantly buy batteries for - it's not a Claus purchase. Kenny LOVES it! It has rechargeable batteries. I hear it right now. It's going all over our house and running into all the furniture and walls. Santa did buy Abbie a remote control VW for Barbie and she and Kenny play with them together. Hers only goes back and forth so it isn't as much fun. But Barbie and Kelly can ride in hers and they seem to like being in wrecks.

I have discovered that the gifts that make my kids happy make me happy. Who knew?

We also got a new member on the household, Elizabeth. ("What's her name, again?" "Well, you said her name was Elizabeth." "Oh, yeah.") Mimi and Pop got Abbie an American Girl doll that looks like Abbie. They are sold with varying skin tones, hair color and eye color so Abbie's looks like her. They also made her a doll bed and she has 3 outfits. The one she came with, one they picked up for an 18-inch doll (not American Girl,) and real, over-priced, beautiful pajamas that kinda match Abbie's. Abbie changes her clothes every day and she went with us to Target yesterday. I'm sure you will all be meeting Elizabeth soon.

You know, they make LOTS of doll clothes patterns and Elizabeth and Abbie may end up in some matching outfits. Okay, I'm a little excited about Elizabeth, too. Did I mention my discovery that gifts that make my kids happy make me happy, too?

Trust me there is alot more and, surprising, the kids seem content with all of it. Kenny's been reading some of his new books and Abbie's been coloring on her new Doodle Bear. Jim has slept with his new pillow and I have watched Devil Wears Prada. I'm saving Ricky Bobby until Jim and I can watch it together, again. Although it will be fun to listen to the commentary on that one!

Ghost of Christmas Present

Christmas Tea Party at MiMi's

Christmas morning just starting to open presents....

Abbie with her Barbie, Kelly (Barbie's little sis,) and Barbie's new remote control VW!

Christmas Eve at Southern Hills Nativity.... Abbie loved all the animals!

Ghost of Christmas Past

Santa, Real or Not?

Well, I switched over to the "new" Blogger and it looked like it would take an act of congress to get on Blogger again - it didn't. But get ready, I'm just about ready to join the WordPress family. Blogger can be a pain and maybe it's time for something else!

I've been trying to finish up with all the Christmas stuff. I sent a box to Birmingham on Dec. 21! Yeah, that's cutting it close. Just a little. Especially if you're one of the people waiting for a gift!

It's coming....

By UPS.....

I promise :-)

Have I shared here the Santa rule? Our kids get three presents from Santa because Jesus got three gifts (I know, maybe that should be for birthdays... go with it.) - any other gifts are from Jim and I. This does present some problems and I feel like I'm constantly making up new rules. Christmas stocking are from either. Santa's not wrapped. Toys are from Santa, books are from us. It just keeps going.....

This brings me to "Why do Santa?" I thought for a long time about lying to the kids and how wrong that was. I worried when they found out they would accuse us of lying. Sometimes it's hard to keep the lies straight. Then again, I grew up with Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny and I don't remember thinking my parents were liars. I turned out okay - for the most part. So Jim and I decided to carry on the Santa tradition but Kenny knows now. He asked me last year and I couldn't go on. He was 8 years old and that seemed about right. We're still lying to Abbie - all of us. Kenny is under threat of NO GIFTS AT ALL if he tells his sister. It seems to be working.

I don't know how long Abbie has - yesterday two of her friends (4 year olds) told her their mommies said that there was no Santa. One of the mommies is a teacher at our preschool and she asked me how mad I was at her when I mentioned the "telling." Abbie was contented with "Well, Santa must not come to their house if they don't believe in him, right?" How long it will last? I have no clue. Innocence is gone so fast......

What, I'm Weird?

So, I've been trying to think of 6 weird things about me. Anne had tagged me days ago and I've been racking my brain. I'm sure there are thousands and I'm just used to them. Apparently Jim is also used to them because he couldn't think of anything either!

1. I don't eat cheese. But I do eat some cheese. I especially don't like Veleeta but I'll eat Rotel made with Velveeta. I can't stand Feta, ever. When I see someone on the Food network at a cheese shop, I don't get it. I'm especially grossed out by cheese in a casserole. That's why I don't love Home Cooking mag, every recipe has cheese in it.
2. I get up when the alarm goes off. I think it's weird to hit the snooze. Why not just sleep 9 more minutes?
3. I have to have on mascara. And if I'm putting on mascara, I'm curling my eyelashes. I can crawl out of the bed and go to the pool but, only after I put on mascara.
4. I'm cold in the winter and hot in the summer. People always assume that I'm hot-natured (in the summer) and then in the winter they assume I'm cold-natured. Nope, I'm just weird.
5. I always read before going to sleep. It can be most anything but I usually have a book I'm reading. Magazines are good, too.
6. I'm fanatical about being on time. I HATE to be late. If I'm supposed to be somewhere at a certain time, I have to be there then! Five minutes early is preferred.

All other odd habits are just that odd. I, too, can make up words with any tune (just ask Tia, my co-teacher.) I remember the lyrics to literally thousands of songs. My kids think I'm a penny-pincher and my husband wishes I was a penny-pincher.

There you are - 6 things you didn't want to know about me. Enjoy your pondering. Oh, and feel free to post your 6 things on your blog or even add to my list in the comments.

Orange Time

Here's Kenny with his new orange belt. He's very proud to have moved on up in the tae kwon do world. He also got a SH TKD shirt and I'm sure you'll be seeing him in it!

Thursday Observations

I took off work on Thursday and these are some observations:

1. Starbucks isn't private. Please don't carry on private conversations on your BlueTooth. I saw (and heard) a guy talking into his computer (I Site?) - he was complaining about an employee. He named the employee and told us all that she was a problem from Day 1! He later moved next to us (yes, he discussed said employee 2 table over and we still could hear) and we were able to see his company's name. I'm thinking of calling this employee so I can get half of the money she can get from her company for talking about her in Starbucks.
2. I saw a lady enrolling someone in Aflac in Starbucks (Starbucks isn't private!) - she was sitting with lots of papers and her lap top was open. In front of the lap top, she had placed a stuffed Aflac duck. It was dressed for the prom. I know I was impressed.
3. At the pedicure place, just be happy they work on your feet. Don't ask for much. There is a serious language barrier. If the one lady who speaks West Texas English is there, you may ask for something special.
4. There are rules to eating your way through Sam's. Go up one side and down the other - don't cross. Walk up and down another aisle so it may appear that you're buying something. Always say "Thank you," of course.
5. You may not go down the hall where the classrooms are until the bell rings at 3:15. Needless to say, there is very important instruction going on at 3:10.

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I've been tagged by Anne to come up with some weirdness about me. I'm not weird. I'm normal. Check back later to see if I can come up with anything.

Prettiest Town I've Ever Seen

I haven't written much about my adopted hometown. I love it! Abilene is just right for me. Maybe a few more stores but how many places do we need to spend money? I love the weather (yes, it's hot that's why we have air conditioning) and the scenery. What scenery? you ask. The beautiful sky that seems to go on forever. The wonderful sunsets that paint unbelievable colors. The gnarled Mesquite trees that hug the ground and grow in such foreign shapes. The cactus that covers the embankments and grows right up against fences.

Yes, Abilene is home to me. I pray I never have to leave it. I could live here the rest of my life.

That doesn't mean it doesn't have it's oddities. It does. I'm going to begin showing you picture of some of the weird things I see around town - cause there's lots of stuff!


This is a picture of a brick that hangs from a tree limb down the street from Thomas Elementary. It's about 2 feet from the ground. It's been there ever since Kenny started school there (I assume before?) and I have no idea its function. Why would you hang a brick from a tree limb? Batting practice?

Weird stuff. More to come.

The Artist

Did you enjoy the video? Follow this link to see more of Greg Olsen's paintings and read his writings on them.

Mary Did You Know - Clay Aiken

Now I'm singing this song all the time. This version done by Clay Aiken is the one they're playing on the radio constantly!

Abbie loves to sing along - how sweet is that?

Funny Stuff, Maynard

I'm afraid if I send you over to a funnier blog, you will all abandon me. (Ok, maybe just a little insecure.) But I must send you over to Antique Mommy. She makes me laugh - often- but today's Wal-Mart story made we laugh until I cried. Check out any Tuna post she's written, too.

Our Word For The Day

Caution: Girly Stuff Ahead

So, are you wondering what happened to the happy-go-lucky gal you've known and loved for almost a year? Where did that writer go that's always so funny even when she's fussing about her kids? Where's the humor, dadgum it!

Some of you know that my sweet hubby is working evening during the cotton season and we don't get to see him much. He typically works 10 hour days, 6 days a week. (I'll NEVER understand how single moms do it) This just leaves me and my two little ones to battle it out until bedtime. (I am currently in battle with Kenny over Bible Bowl homework.) Making every decision and inflicting every punishment (I mean administering all the discipline) wears me out.

I'm also convinced that my hormones are bottoming out and not jumping up into the happy zone like they're supposed to do. Our word for the day is Perimenopause. I'm pretty sure I'm living in Perimenopause and it's fun quotient is very low. I'm sleepy alot and down-in-the-dumps alot. I want to eat but only junk (NO Little Debbies may enter my house!) Mostly I want to lay in my bed with the covers over my head and wait until Jim rescues me. Poor Jim.

So, don't forsake me dear readers and friends. This too shall pass. The Shift Change will come along in its own time. God will provide.

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What happened on Wednesday? I dyed my hair - good bye grey roots - and Sisterly Shine came over to clean my house. They were even allowed in my bathroom and bedroom (I tried to stop them) and I can now see the top of my dresser. It's a lovely shade of brown. Laughing together is the best medicine and we did plenty of that.

Just a Little Trip

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

Just a quick note! Tonight I found out I've been published on Heartlight, again. WooHoo! I hurried home to check my site meter - I just knew my incredible writing had lured many new readers to my humble blog. Yeah. Sure.

The article isn't linked to here. Typical. I'm all worried that my last depressing post was the first one folks would see and NO. God just wants me to be humble and thankful for yall - not looking over your shoulder at who's behind yall.

I'll write a follow-up to the last post soon. Let's just say I'm trying to make it to the Shift Change.

The Pit

Last Friday Abbie was invited to a birthday party at the Gymnastics Sports Center and both of my children had the best time playing. They stayed at the foam pit almost the entire time. (The foam pit is a large area for the gymnasts to land in when they run and jump.) Well, yall know I had to give it a try. It just looked like something I should get into to - so I did. It was very hard to get out for such a short landing. Kristi took some very incriminating video of me trying to get out (use your imagination.)

Lately that's how I've been feeling - like I'm stuck in that foam pit and can't crawl out. That foam pit is like my messy house, unpaid bills, Christmas decorating, Christmas shopping, the eternal laundry, and the stench in the broken disposal. It's the putting the kids to bed, making sure Kenny's done his Bible Bowl homework, loading the dishwasher, raking the leaves (worrying about raking the leaves,) fighting with Abbie over wardrobe choices, and trying to figure out what my father-in-law wants for Christmas.

Sorry if this is a little too honest for ya. I know some of you drop by here for a laugh and some of you haven't ever met me. But life is too short to pretend perfection and I'm too old to not show my wrinkles and warts (okay, the stretch marks are hidden.)

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU! BY MARIAH CAREY

I cant' get this song outta my head! I watched the movie "Love Actually" the other night and this song is featured in it. (I just found out that's it's Mariah)

May it get you in the mood for Christmas (or somthing else!)

Things We Do For Love

One song that I hate to hear and sing: Blue Skies and Rainbows

One song that my 4-year-old was singing in her bed and I sang with her: Blue Skies and Rainbows

It was worth it for the big smile on her face.

More Snow Day

How I kept warm on a cold Thursday night.

One more thing about a snow day: those d-a-m Yankees make me crazy! They're always on the news saying, "This is nothing. Where I come from we're used to alot more snow. It's no big deal." Well, do you want all us Southerners on the roads attempting to drive?!? The police are telling us to stay home! We are law-abiding citizens - we stayed home. So there.