49 Days Later....

...the rest of Nicholas' birthday present finally arrived! (The Off Roader has been on back order)

Spidey Surprise

Bryan is arachnophobia. Seriously. The worst you will ever see. Always has been. So, for him to pull this trick on Nicholas was a HUGE.ORDEAL!!
Nicholas was at the kitchen table building and had so neatly stacked the 4 tires to his Off Roader, that was on back order and was finally delivered!




Bryan saw a DEAD wolf spider in the garage and dropped it in the middle of the tires. When Nicholas used the tires, he jumped and SQUEALED!! (oh, how I wish I had a good picture of his initial reaction!)





But, good picture or not, that's one memory this little boy (and Daddy) won't forget!

Black Friday

B and I are crazy. Can I just say that?? I mean completely nuts. We joined the 1000s of other crazies this morning just to get a deal!! It honestly didn't matter if we came home with one purchase or not, but we were going.
We had our strategy planned. Sale ads in order. And we were off. Mom & Daddy spent the night with us last night. She was staying with the girls, (Nicholas spent the night w/a friend)but Daddy had a strategy plan for himself. He made it very clear he was going to one place only - WalMart - and he was done. And I want y'all to know, he was gone before we were!! The man was on a mission! ha!

Bryan wanted to hit Best Buy first - as did 3,652 other people!! If this stop was any one's first experience on Black Friday, they are scarred for life. I have never in my life seen a mass like there was at our Best Buy!!

And needless to say....we left there with nothing. Even if we had scored the deal that was there, the check-out line was almost as long as the line to get in the store!



Can you believe people camped since 9pm last night to get in line for this place??


We did score some deals this morning, and of course would NEVER come home from a 6 hour shopping adventure empty handed! (have you met us??)

After Best Buy, 2 Wal-Marts, Sams, Target, Old Navy, Game Stop, Michael's, JoAnn's...we were done. For today! ha!

The girls kept MawMaw entertained all morning. They had to model every *dress-up* costume in the house....


Later this afternoon they had a lesson about the wishbone...




These two are too much fun....

Just a Day

These are the kind of days we don't get enough of. Or we don't take enough of. There is always something to do, somewhere to be...but today, we stopped. It wasn't planned that we would stop and do nothing. We just did.



And we finished a project B and I started a couple of weeks ago. The puzzle that has been covering our kitchen table. B, Daddy, Nicholas and I worked until we finished it. And ya' know what?? It felt great!! We enjoyed great conversation and time with each other all while we worked on a common goal. Unfortunately, in this fast-paced life, we sometimes don't enjoy as much of that as we should. I am so glad we did today. The puzzle was finished and memories were made.

It's a Turkey Day Thang....

Thanksgiving is sometimes more busy than Christmas around here! (Or maybe it's just because this last month has been NON-STOP!)
We started our morning like most millions of people - COOKING. Our meal today included three turkeys! Maggie got camera happy this morning and took no less than 28 pictures of the turkey we cooked! ha! I didn't realize until I downloaded everything from my camera. And I knew there was only one little girl who would do such a thing! :D

Mom and Dad stayed at the house for a bit to keep an eye on the oven, while the four of us went to visit Mr. B. He didn't know we were coming, and was so pleased that we did. We did nothing special with him - just sat and talked. He told us different stories from his life. But it was such an honor for him to share his time with us. He is a sweet man, who has blessed our family in ways he will never know.

My two sweeties waiting outside Mr. B's room...


When we got back home, Maggie made a desert for everyone. And it was GF/WF! Bless her heart - she has to pass over the cookies and cupcakes that everyone else makes. So, I wanted to be sure she had a special little something for today. And of course, she ate more while she was making them, that she should have been full! ha!





Our finished bird........



I have so much to be thankful for - words could never describe. They could never express how grateful I am to have such amazing people in my life. I am especially thankful that these two wonderful people are here with us right now.



...and especially for this one....


With all my heart I thank God for giving me this man. We can be silly, we can be serious. He is intelligent, a incredible father and most importantly a God-lover. Bryan, I am so thankful to have you by my side. I am very thankful to be your wife.

And just to add...one of my fave pics from the day......

Sister Swap

Muah! to Lynn for all my little blessings in this month's HS Sister Swap. I received her package a couple of weeks ago, but just now opened it - BECAUSE.SHE.JUST.NOW.RECEIVED.MINE.TO.HER!! I can't believe the issues we had with her gift getting to her, but I am so glad she finally received it! I had so much fun putting it together!

The girl knows what I like....


I received an 8X8 scrapbooking kit, 2 packages of votives (that smell YUMMY), a craft magazine, self-sticky tabs, sharpie markers (who can't live without those??), SKITTLES (that were gone within an hour), a book for ME, 2 rolls of ribbon, and a box of peppermint tea ----> MY FAVE!

Lynn, you out did yourself. Really! It is all very much appreciated! xoxo

If you don't know about the Sister Swap, go check it out here. It's lots of fun!

The Day I Lost My Mind....

I don't even know where to start with this story. There are so many parts to it. I couldn't even begin to type last night, as my mind was racing at all of the little pieces of the day....
My mom left yesterday with the kids at 2:30pm for the night (oh, how they/we are loving them local!) I was out yesterday afternoon and texted B that I was going by Cingular. (Santa had told us to go look at *something* there for the kids). So, I go in...they needed my driver's license to confirm who I was before they would pull up our account. Now, I'm not gonna tell ya' that I haven't seen my DL in a week! Seriously! (I'm only assuming if I would do the laundry I would find it the the back pocket of a pair of jeans....) So, I asked them if they would look at my Sam's card, health insurance card, checkbook...etc. No. They needed a DL, state ID, or my Passport. I looked at the man like Yeah, sure, I carry my passport everywhere...just in case I need to hop a plane! :-/
Anywho...I went out to my car to look ONE MORE TIME for my DL...just in case it was in the console or the black hole bottom of my purse (which was in my trunk). As I closed my trunk, I realized....MY KEYS WERE IN THERE! Did I mention my car was locked?? (This was one of those moments I could feel Bryan's eyes rolling!) I looked around and *borrowed* a small child from a woman in the parking lot to crawl through my OPEN sunroof (thank you, Jesus) to unlock my door. I knew the alarm would go off, but I planned to just pop the trunk button, get my keys and turn the alarm off. NO.SUCH.LUCK. Seems if the alarm is enabled, everything locks down. So, I am left standing with a woman (who already thinks I'm nuts for asking to *borrow* her child) and a car door open w/the alarm in full volume! Surely the distraught look on my face showed everyone staring at me that it was indeed my car. So....here comes the store manager. Dave...aka my new BFF. I told him the situation. He asked for my owner's manual. Seems Dave used to work for Lexus and was familiar w/car alarms. He looked for my fuse boxes to disable the alarm. We popped the hood (which triggered the alarm yet again) and he tried doing his thang w/the fuses. Seems I have 3 fuse boxes...under the hood, right panel of the driver's side and one in the trunk! And, of course the 2 main fuses for the alarm are in.the.trunk!! (and no...my back seats don't lay down...there is a pop button in my trunk...ya' know....just in case you get put in it....it lights up neon when the trunk is closed...so you can OPEN IT!!!) So, of course the question of the day.....*Ma'am, do you have AAA???* - *Uh, no....I didn't renew it in August because I was too cheap!! (man, don't I regret that?!)
So, of course the moment came when I had to call B. (I prayed first) He was a good hour away, so I knew I would just have to wait. Patiently. So, I sat in my car....watching my phone battery die - and not being able to charge it, because all power was disabled! I got the idea to call my insurance company to see if we had roadside. I explained to her quickly that my phone was about dead, and I was in a safe location...did I have coverage for a locksmith? *No, ma'am. Would you like for me to transfer you to the department to add it??* WELL HECK NO!! So, I sat. I didn't want to close the car door (not sure why...couldn't do anything with it) but I knew I couldn't get it back open. (unless I found another small child, of course) So, I left it cracked and went to sit inside the store...I guess for different scenery.
As I was going in, there was a gentleman who parked in handicap, coming in w/a walker. I waited and held the door open for him. He thanked me and commented on my black toe-nail polish, and said God Bless You. (Did he think I was a freak??)
I told Dave my phone was dead and he found me the only charger in the store for a Palm Centro (no, I haven't bought a new phone.....YET!)
He plugged me in and gave me a chair IN THE CORNER! (He obviously knew I would be there a while) He asked me if we had roadside asst. w/Cingular. I had no idea. So, he was checking for me. All the while, I noticed that older gentleman leaned over their counter on their telephone. I didn't want to listen to his conversation, but couldn't help but hear bits and pieces. I heard him say *So, you are going to punish me in this liberal world for being frugal? I don't have a credit card....I have money...are you saying I can't pay you through my bank account??* Dave heard this convo too, as did everyone in the store. I asked Dave if the man was trying to pay his bill. He said *No - he doesn't have a phone with us. He comes in here to use our phone. That's Mr. B* (I'm omitting the man's name) I had no idea of the situation on the phone; I just knew something had my attention. So, Dave proceeds to tell me that I don't have roadside, but I could add it and then call for assistance. Cool. Done. Free for 30 days....and $2.99/month. Fine. (cheaper than AAA - and this one incidence will make it worth it!) So, I called, from my charging phone, for assistance. *No, ma'am, it takes 72 hours to activate your roadside service* YOU ARE KIDDING ME!! So, Dave, again - my BFF, calls from his phone to get ME roadside help. He stays on the phone for at least 15 minutes and we learn they don't have means to open my trunk. Only my dealership can. (or my sweet honey with the extra key, who I am so patiently waiting on!) So...I wait. Still visualizing Bryan still rolling his eyes.
I continue to hear *Mr. B* on the phone, asking the same questions....come to find out, he had been sent to another department. He hung up the phone and started gathering all of his little notes, and I felt something inside me that I was supposed to help him. I had no idea why or how. But I walked up to the counter and asked him *Sir, can I help you?* He said, *No, I just need to get my papers back in here.* (he had a plastic baggie with all sorts of notes that were obviously very important to him. He carried them in the front basket of his walker.) He then said, *This country is punishing people like me because we don't have credit cards. I don't have credit cards. I never have. I do have money.* I again said, *Is there a way I can help you?* He said, *I just wanted to buy a book. Sarah Palin's book.* (My first thought was I could go to Books A Million and buy him the book - but then I understood. He could have done the same. It was the fact he wanted to save money. He had seen a commercial to get the book at a discounted price. This dear man valued his money and saw no sense in going to pay even a few $$ more elsewhere. He wanted the offer of a lower price. So, I explained to him that we don't have credit cards either, but I did have a debit card and would be happy to help him. Bless his heart...after I explained to him how a debit card worked, he was so happy that he was going to be able to get his book. He pulled out his wallet and assured me that he had cash to pay me. I nodded and told him, I had no doubt. Let's just get your book ordered. I asked him if he wanted to sit in the chair, while I made the phone call (again....on my charging phone). He handed me a card with his address on it.
I did call....ordered his book...and had it shipped to him.
He had tears in his eyes. He was so surprised that someone - a *stranger* - was willing to help him.
I didn't at all feel like I did anything out of the ordinary. I had no idea at first what I was even offering to do. Or if I could do anything. I just knew this voice inside me was nudging me to do something.
Before he stood up to leave, I told him what an pleasure it was to meet him, and that I wish my husband was here to meet him as well. He said he would love to meet B. He would love to have a conversation with him. With both of us. He proceeded to say, *I would love to tell you about my best friend. He is my Lord and Savior. Do you know Him?* I smiled and said, *Yes, sir...I sure do. He is pretty amazing* - Amazing enough that He nudged me hard enough that I felt him 30 minutes before and got me to my feet. Not that I could help someone else, but to bless ME. My conversation with *Mr. B* continued for another 20 minutes or so. He really blessed me. He reminded me that regardless of where we are or the situation we are in, we should always be available to help someone. Willing to help someone.
I didn't know when I held the door open for this *stranger* at 4pm yesterday that God would use him in my life. I still this morning can't quit thinking of all that we talked about yesterday as I sat on the floor beside him at the Cingular store. I am still overwhelmed at the situation.
I asked Mr. B what his plans are for Thanksgiving. He said, *I just plan to vegetate. Could I take your family out to lunch?* I assured him I wasn't asking him to take us to lunch.
He left. And Bryan arrived soon after. I couldn't get the story out fast enough to Bryan. I think we both agree that I didn't lock my keys in my trunk only because I lost my mind. We had a new friend coming in Cingular. And had I not goofed with my keys, I would have never met him.
See, *Mr. B* lives alone in a local assisted living home. He will not be with family or friends on Thanksgiving. He's not rushing around today cleaning for a house-full of visitors or to buy the last minute groceries to prepare an elaborate meal. He is enjoying being where he is. Remembering to tell strangers about his Best Friend and all He has done for him in his life. But as a family, we are looking forward to visiting *Mr. B* in the morning, with a meal in hand - sharing not only our time, but also God's love. Because, holiday or not, that is what we are here on Earth to do. We get so busy and so easily distracted in our busy worlds that we so often miss opportunities God has right in front of us - to share Him. It's amazing God works in the places and the times we least expect. And I am so glad I felt that nudge to go to the counter and ask *Can I help you?* - because it has certainly made a difference in my life.
Happy Thanksgiving - Be Blessed!

**And on a side note - I told B that we could NOT leave that store last night w/out buying those things for Santa or I might be banned from the store! ha! And...if you are in the market for a car....Mercedes has a helluva security system! ;) (and I also won't tell you my DL was in my wallet the.entire.time! only in the wrong slot!)

Friend Making Monday

Amber at {aefilkins} is hosting and had a list of questions for us today on the upcoming holiday....Black Friday Thanksgiving! ha! So, this was a pretty easy one today...

1. Turkey or Ham? Turkey only, please.
2. Favorite side dish. Mashed potatoes w/green peas. (OK, that's 2....but mixed together...it's 1!) 3. Favorite dessert. Anything Chocolate!
4. Black Friday: Are you going or not? Absolutely! We lose our minds every year & participate!
5. If so, what's on the top of your list? hmmm....the $188 Cricut Expression @ Walmart, just to start...
6. Going out of town or staying close to home? close to home.... 3/10 of a mile from home, actually.
7. Hosting or helping? Helping.
8. Name one family tradition at Thanksgiving. Watching the parade and spending day with friends.
9. What do you do after dinner? Play Christmas music. OK...We do that during dinner, too. OK, fine...We've been doing that for 3 weeks now.
10. What are you most thankful for this year? WOW...I have a list. A long list! My health, my dear honey who I adore more every day...my kiddos, who I couldn't imagine life without...our loving and supportive families...God's mercy that is new every morning....the blessing of having a job in this messed-up world....the bestest friends we could ask for, who for sure make life that much more F.U.N.....and, most definitely, for the crazy-busyness of our life...because it's what makes it ours!
(Did I mention my parents are here this year?? Gonna make it that much better....) ;)

So....what are YOU thankful for??

Don't forget to head over to Amber's and make some new friends! :)

Charlotte Carnival

We headed to the football field this afternoon for the Charlotte Carnival. It was actually a fundraiser for some of our cheer squads who advanced to Nationals!
Even with kids running all around us squealing, it was such.a.relaxing.day!! Bryan and I just sat and chatted with different friends most of the day while the kids spent all of our cash ran and played games with their friends.


There were so many games and activities for them to do. Of course, Maggie-Peyton found the face-painting almost immediately.



And there was a game where the prizes were goldfish. Our kids won FOUR GOLDFISH!! And I want you to know that my little entrepreneur-in-the-making sold two of them to other kids for more ticket money. Ha!! Ya' gotta love that spirit!



On the way home tonight, they said *We gotta go to Petco to get fish food!!* This momma had to tell them that I was not about to go pay 5 bucks for fish food for fish that were gonna die in 3 days, anyway. We would feed them something out of the pantry. (We're feeding them Rice Krispies!)

**UPDATE: Nicholas' fish lived one day short of a week. And as of Christmas Day....Mag's fish is still-a-kickin'! Who knew....Rice Krispies are obviously a super-food! ;)

Leaving...on an early ride....to AR

Bryan's mom and James left this morning. The kids are glad to be home in their beds, but are really going to miss them.



*Thanks to both for all you do for all of us, but especially the kids this last week. They had the time of their life for sure!! xoxo

IKEA

I get the IKEA catalog. I have for a long time. But, still never been to a store. I remember seeing one in Chicago?, I think - and still didn't go. What was I thinking??
Mom and I jetted to Tampa today just for IKEA. A little girl I know has requested an easel recently, and a friend of mine paid only $14.99 for one at IKEA. That sounds worth the hour-and-a-half drive, don't ya think?!


We had so much fun in that store. We both redecorated every square inch of our houses (in our heads, of course) and laughed all day! Our basket would not roll straight. I mean not at all. So, I pushed it sideways the entire time. I was so overwhelmed with everything around us, I didn't want to take the time to go and swap it. It served the purpose. That's all that mattered. And it made us laugh everytime we looked at each other. (yes, I'm sure people thought we were crazy!)

Lesson Learned

Sears was finally coming today to repair our dryer. And just FYI, if you have warranty on a product with Sears, and the product is disassembled when the tech comes to repair it....there is an immediate charge of $185.

Just sayin'........

And if your hubby and daddy are gonna try to fix what's broken instead of calling the professionals...make sure they remove all evidence - er, tools - from the machine! 'Cause look what dude found in the guts of ours....

Gator Flops

My latest project this week for Maggie-Peyton and me.




GO GATORS!!

When the Kids Are Away....

....we've done little play!

We have worked. But are very thankful to have a job during this season of life...
and even that much more blessed that we get to do it together. As a family. :)





Here are a few pics of the kids Bryan's mom has sent us.....






No chores. No schoolwork. They will probably never want to come home!