November went and December here

Where did November go?  While it might seem that November was uneventful since I didn't post anything that month, it was busy and full.  It was full of here and there running, the everyday schedule, the many trips to church, laundry, cleaning, three birthdays, Thanksgiving, first snow, family functions, a wedding, an engagement, veterans day, lunches with friends, haircuts all around, math tutors, dance class, violin practice, piano lessons, drama productions, orchestra, math tutor, subbing and so on. 

It’s December now.  The Christmas season is upon us once again and I’m trying to remember to put joy where disappointment has made its home, in my heart.  I’m okay, I am.  I don’t want to worry the five of you who read my blog J.  2014 has been a rough one.  I press on with prayer and patience, loving my heavenly father for giving me another day to celebrate life no matter what the circumstances.  He IS good all the time, this I know.

We've begun our Christmas shopping already.  I’m not feeling the pressure really, I know it will all get done and I’m grateful I’m at home this year and have more time than I did last year to take it in phases.  I decided this year we weren't going to let Santa fill the stockings with “junk.”  You know, the little stocking stuffers that really aren't needed because you already have 20 of a similar type in your home.  Our girls love the big eyed Beanie Boos but if we get another stuffed animal…. I might scream.  You should see how long it takes for my girls to make their beds in the morning with the pile of friends they feel they must put on their bed.  I've had to say only three furry friends can sit on the bed, it’s a compromise. 

Art is always hard to buy for.  We are at the point we need each other’s help and ideas for what to get.  Kind of takes the fun out of it but it’s helpful in simplifying things.  He is hard in the sense that he’s particular, not that he’s picky, he just knows what he likes and wants.  So I have get creative to get him at least one thing he didn't think of.  I’m dry this year.  I’m hoping I get inspiration soon. 

We went to Sarah’s advent service at her school.  She sang like a bird, very much into it.  I love to see her like this especially when it’s praise music.  Grace has hers next week and I’m looking forward to hearing her play with the school band.  She is in a trio, with her own part, should be lovely J.  She’s come a long way with her violin, Sarah has as well with piano.  The other day they were together, chatting quietly and ended up in the dining room (where the piano is).  They had figured out they both knew how to play Silent Night on their instruments and decided to try it out together.  It made my heart melt.  Since Sarah started piano I had hopes that they would one day play together and to enjoy it enough to do it again and again and there they were… doing it!  I stopped everything I was doing and just stood there, beaming.  They of course were like “no biggie mom.”  I look forward to many more duets in the future. 

Grace has been sick this week with dreaded flu bug, just like everyone else!  It really wasn't all that bad, we were lucky, no heaving happened.  She had a fever, stuffed up nose, cough, worn out but it was gone after two days.  I’m waiting for Sarah to get it now, or me, or Art.  Isn't that how it works?  We have a crazy weekend coming up so I hope I am wrong or that it will hold off.  I've washed all of Grace’s bedding with the exception of her duvet cover.  This is the part I dislike most about my kids being sick, the cleaning up after, makes laundry more of a chore.  Ugghhh….

I was reminded this week again how I need to cherish and be thankful for the friendships I have.  One such friend has been there to hear me cry, moan, groan and talked me down from making stupid mistakes.  She didn't judge me, she understood my feelings, she listened and most of all LOVED.  Oh what a blessing.  Everyone should have at least one of these friends in their life. 

Today is warm.  40 degrees but the sun is out and shining which for our area lately, is a balmy day.  I can handle these temps with sunshine.  I know I shouldn't complain and I’m trying not to, after all it’s only the middle of December and it comes with living in this state I love.  As I type I’m letting the sun touch my face, ahhh bliss.

12 days of Christmas will start tomorrow for my girls.  It’s where they receive something special each day, leading up to Christmas.  It could be a small gift, a treat or a family activity.  I got some new ideas this year from the ever helpful Pinterest and am looking forward to sharing them with the family. 

I’m ready for the Christmas break.  Ready to sleep in, not make lunches, less schedules – just a break.  My girls are ready too.  I still have much to do until that day comes but when it does, you will find me at home in my slippers.  This weekend alone we have orchestra practice, dance recital, violin recital and church Christmas program.  I’m looking forward to them but I will also enjoy checking them off our list.  

School is almost done, time to pick up my girls and see how their day was.  Grace will be super tired coming off the flu and being at school all day.  She has much homework to do this evening to catch up and we have our last dance class before the recital.  Salmon for dinner then baths and bedtime.  Another December Thursday done.  Sleep well all.

blistery day, halloween and random

What a cold blistery kind of Fall day.
Every time I hear someone use that word, "blistery" I think of Winnie the Pooh.
We watched that video many a times when my kids were babies.
I miss those days.

My blistery day is simple.
Ran Truman to the groomers, he needed a haircut sooo badly.
Drop off drycleaning.
Work on church needs.
Throw a load of laundry in.
Fold a load of laundry.
Meeting at church this afternoon.
Defrost dinner.
Set out costumes, make sure everything is ready.
Call orthodontist for appointment.

Art's working from home today so every once in awhile he comes up for air to talk.
I love talking to him.
Having his full attention.
Seems those moments are fewer and fewer with the busyness of life.
Our talks usually are catch ups as our heads hit the pillow and we doze off each night.

Tonight is Halloween.
We will stay put, going from neighbor to neighbor.
The girls love our neighbors.
They give out normal candy bars, like the big ones and they buy them just for our girls.
Who wouldn't love that!?!

Pizza is on the menu tonight.
This afternoon, pumpkin carving with Daddy.
Truman even has his own costume.

This picture makes me kind of sad.
Look at those chubby cheeks on Sarah.
Grace is tiny here, so sweet.
Man I miss those days.

Got a text this morning from a friend who's kids go to my girls school.
Was lovely to hear they struggled with math last night as well as us.
Boy oh boy is 5th grade math a challenge for G this year.
Praying for her today.
We were so focused on math that I don't think we gave adequate time to Social Studies and there is a test today.
My little girl who used to listen and follow her momma and daddy's directions is now a big girl, questioning her parents and trying to assert her own independence.
It's good and bad.
When you know they will fail at things because they didn't listen to you.
It's a life lesson.
Hard for me to let go.
I mean look at her face, that sweet, little face.
So hard.

Blistery day = wind = more and more leaves falling to the ground.
I mowed yesterday and had the yard all nice and green again.
You wouldn't know it today.
I do enjoy watching them fall to the ground though.
Now raking them is not so much fun.
Just sayin'.

Project life app is not working.
Bummer.
I'm thinking it's on my end.
Not sure.
Gonna have my hubby look at my ipad to see if it is a space issue.
My ipad is getting up there in age.
I refuse to replace it though.
Not sure I'll buy another "i" product when it dies.

I'm finally getting over this sinus/allergy yuckiness.
At least I think I am although I currently have a headache from it.
These up and down temperatures are havoc on my head.

I am ready for the weekend.
I am ready for some down time with  my girls.
I am ready for some fun tonight.

Happy Halloween everyone!
Enjoy this weekend.

plapp 10/12/14

from the app

if it weren't for Truman...

Yesterday morning I went to let Truman out to go potty.

I opened the front door and "Wow!"

What a beautiful sunrise.

I ran back in and grabbed my camera.

Pink, blue, purple, orange, yellow, just gorgeous colors filled the sky.

It made the colors on the Fall trees seem more vibrant.

I just stood there and took it in.
In my fuzzy pink bathrobe (I was still in my pajamas)
I'm sure the neighbors thought I was crazy.

So happy I took the time to enjoy.
God's creation at its best.
Wow.

yesterday was a good day

Of all things yesterday was a good day.

And it was a Monday!

Go figure.

The girls were slow going as it usually is on a Monday but we got out the door.

I dropped the girls off and headed to a local park to walk the trail.

I can't even tell you how many laps I went, I lost count.

I put on Mandissa and went.

I started out with a scarf on.

By the time I was done (an hour later), it was off.

I got warm.

Felt good.

After my walk I grabbed some photos of the fall colors in the park.

So pretty.

I spent the rest of my morning and early afternoon with Jonica, diving into a new commitment I've made to our church.

All I can say is thank you for Jonica and her commitment to the children's ministry at WCC.

She is my trainer.

So helpful.

And patient.

And encouraging.

What a blessing she is.

She's my friend also (and most importantly).

She came to Grace's last volleyball game which was later that afternoon.

They won!

They rocked it.

So proud of these girls and how much they have learned this season and grown together as a team.

I have loved being with them in practice, helping out.

Enjoyed it all and somewhat sad to see it all come to an end.

Just somewhat :) though.

It will be nice to have our afternoons back.

I'm sure something will fill the time.

.

The hour I did make it home yesterday before picking up the girls I put tator-tot casserole in the slow cooker and I must say SOOOO happy I did.
Because after the game and travel time, we were home around 6:30.
Who wants to cook when we should be sitting down to eat?
I'm so happy I had the fore-thought to prepare and dump everything into the slow cooker.

The girls got their homework done.
We talked.
We laughed.
We read.
I jumped back on my laptop (church work).
Texted Jonica too many times for help (thanks J).
Went to bed WAY too late, around midnight.

This morning I'm tired but wouldn't change a thing about my day yesterday.
A nap is needed, even 15 minutes would refresh me.
Then onto household chores I ignored yesterday :).
Back to life, back to reality.

30 things you might not know about me

1. My first little girl crush was my youth minister.
2. I grew up wishing I had long brown hair like Amy Grant and Kelly from Charlies Angels.
3. I do not like cats.  Cats to not like me.
4. If there was one thing I could change about myself, it would be my skin tone.  Not my birthmark which get questioned about alot.
5. While I hated it growing up, I love the red color in my hair because it links me to my Papaw Perry and my mom.
6. I do not like wearing the color orange.
7. My mom has dementia.  It's easier not to talk about it. Even though she is here on Earth, she isn't and I miss her terribly.
8. My Dad was my hero growing up but as moms mental health declines the title of "hero" takes on a new meaning.  His love for my mom is much like Gods love for his children - filled with grace, it's never ending, forgiving, patient, caring, self-less and giving.  I want to be more like my dad.  I want to be more like God.
9. Grace in a nutshell is her momma.  She does not like it when I say that.  You see there's good and not so good in that statement.  Sometimes I wish I had a re-do button for how I've helped shape her.
10. I have a weakness for Fall scented candles.  I have seven of them within 20 feet of each other in my house.
11. I bite my nails sometimes.  I have since I was young.  It's a nasty habit.
12. I am SO impatient.  Ask Art.  I have learned to control it, well sometimes, when it's really important :).
13. I feel self conscious because I didn't get a college degree.
14. I wish I was more outgoing.
15. I would love to take ballroom dance lessons with Art.
16. I would like to learn to shoot a gun.  I think I would enjoy the rush.
17. I would love to own my own pre-school some day.
18. I do not like math and haven't since 6th grade (shhhh.... don't tell Grace)
19. I dread the day we loose Truman, that will be a hard day.
20. I dislike riding on school buses.  Probably because I was traumatized on one as a child.
21. I wish I hadn't quit taking piano lessons in my youth.
22. I am living vicariously through Grace and her volleyball talent.  I  loved it as a kid but never pursued it.
23. I love to hear Sarah's baby voice even though I don't encourage it because it reminds me she is still my baby.
24. I wish we had had another child, a boy to love on and carry on Arts name.
25. I go through life with my glass half empty most of the time.  I dislike this.
26. I love to decorate my house and do diy projects.
27. I think as I age I have become more of a hypochondriac.
28. I like to clothes shop alone.  While I value Art's opinion, I get in the zone when it's just me and I get it done quickly.
29. I wish my bible knowledge was stronger.
30. I love to hear stories about mine and Art's families, our history and share them with my girls.

Pins of the week

Five of my finds on Pinterest this week:

{Because I need all the help I can get...}

I've taken on a new role with our church...

{Gifts for those who serve}

{Cute and yummy game}

{Locks have reference and keys have verses}

{Games and more games}

week of october 5th

What I created with my pl app from last week.

apple picking

We went apple picking over the weekend to our favorite orchard.

The girls look forward to this every year.

We picked our favorites - Blushing Gold (below) and Mutsu.

Yum.

Caught my girls picking.

Love those freckles.

Got the annual picture of the gang (minus me) walking the aisle.

There I am!
See, it's documented.

Feeding the lambs.
:)

There were alot of giggles doing this.

Fun with Art.

Another tradition.
The see how tall I've grown picture.

So pretty.
Serene.
Beautiful day too.

Hididng in the corn.

Again more freckles.

Wonderful afternoon with my family.
Now onto the apple recipes.

it's fall inside

I had fun getting the inside ready for Fall as well.

The mantle.

My cute owl is on his perch now.

Foyer decor.
We did some trimming of our Japanese maple this weekend.
So I brought in some of the branches which are a bright burgundy, perfect Fall colors for my entryway.
I also added some burlap that I instantly loved on the table.  {Thank you Jonica for that}
I'm wondering why I never had it there to begin with.
Love the look.

The "S" pumpkin was fun to make.
Got the idea off of pinterest here.
They used buttons but my girls actually found this adhesive S in a bin at Michaels and it was a "that's too easy, duh!" moment.
Thanks girlies!!
I like how it turned out.

I'm still working on the dining room.
I have a honey do project for Art that I'm excited about that will do double duty and easily change with each season.
More to come...

it's fall outside

Got our Fall decor out and had some fun this weekend getting it all set out.

Our friendly scarecrow is out again, this year with a new shirt provided by Art.

This guy helped appease Grace and her need for something scary this Halloween.

I had three extra jack-o-lantern buckets from my teaching days so they became a project.

This is what Art and I came up with.

He glued and mounted them on the board.

Filled them with Christmas lights.

We purchased the hat and presto! 

Three headed pumpkin witch.

Or something like that.

It's a Sanderson original.

I think her name should be Hazel.

This summer we had a tree cut down that was dying and endangering our swimming pool.

I found a neat idea on pinterest, on what to do with the big chunks of wood.

Art worked with it, taking off the outer bark, sanded it down and sealed it for a neat side table we've used in the backyard.

I love how it turned out.

He brought it around for me to use on the front porch this time.  

The whole front porch.
Ready to greet trick-or-treaters come Halloween.

Thanks to my crafty hubby, we are decked out to scare {somewhat} :).

what i created in 5 minutes...

while watching the Cardinals play.

Documenting life with my new {favorite} app.

october goals

I was driving home from dropping the girls off today.

My mind was full of all I wanted to accomplish this day.

As I turned into the subdivision I heard the tornado siren going off.

No worries, it was just a test they do every first Monday of the month.

It changed my thoughts to more long term, i.e. the month of October.

So I came home, picked up my handy dandy spiral notebook and went to it.

My October goals.

Broken down by this week and month {I won't bore you with the today list}

No particular order and most certainly will be added to.

This week:

Dad/Art connect on new router
Exercise
Clean out outdoor planters
Dad's birthday gift
Call restaurant for reservation
Church planning
Office cleaned
Fall bucket list finished and printed off
Truman bath
Finish teacher fall gifts
Finalize teacher conferences
Narrow down Halloween costumes for girls and order

For October:

Fall bucket list started
Research curtains for dining room
Go through pics on both computers
Upload photos

*I like that I can document this, a year from now it will be neat to look back. *

It's all about cultivating and documenting life.

fall necessities

We've been out and about on this chilly afternoon and just got home.

The house is warm and comforting but I'm still chilled.

It's 51 degrees and WINDY.

brrr....

Out comes the necessities to keep me warm.

My at home sweater.

My fuzzy slippers.

Yet another sign that Fall is here.

mo weather, book orders, PL & Christmas tunes

Well I was going to mow the lawn today.
Current Missouri weather...

We are in for a bumpy ride today with threat of tornadoes this afternoon.
Glad we have a weather radio.
So I guess today will be a laundry day instead.

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Sarah brought home a new book order.

I love book orders.
We don't purchase something each time but I try to at least twice a year to support the classrooms.
The girls love to go through and circle their picks.
I go from there.
It's sometimes interesting to see what they choose.

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We've tweaked our morning routine around here.
I found that in the evenings we weren't getting in our instrument practice.
So with our extra free time in the mornings (20 to 30 minutes) they are practicing.
If they drag their feet and don't get it done before we step out the door for school, they have to get up the next morning an extra 20 minutes early.
They think I'm bluffing when I tell them I will get them up at 4:30 if it gets that bad.
Today, Grace had to get up at 6:00, her normal is 6:30.
She made sure she got it done.

Another morning ritual we have had for awhile is our Keys for Kids App.
It's an online kids devotion that you can read or listen to.
We listen as we eat breakfast.
We talk about what we've just heard.
It's a great way to start off the day, especially those crabby, blue mornings.

Our morning car ride to school (15 minutes) we spend learning their memory work, spelling words and now XtraMath.
This is something new this year for their school.
It's an online program that helps them race against the teacher.
They love it.

I tell you what, we're learning to squeeze in every second of the day to help us out at night when things are crazy and we're all tired.

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I was envious.
It's true.
The Project Life App came out and I felt left out.
No iphone.
Then Aha! moment came.
And Duh! moment.
My Ipad.

I could spend WAY to much time with this app.

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Grace brought Christmas music home from school they are working on in concert band.
LOVE!
She was humming Carol of the Bells the other day after school.
Makes me smile.
Can't wait to hear them play.

There are only 83 days until Christmas. :)
No pressure.

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Tonight is somewhat a quiet night, well minus the thunder.
Simple dinner - crock pot meatloaf, asparagus and a salad.
Yum.
It smells wonderful in here right now.
Love this weather, minus the tornado threats.
It makes for a quiet evening to cozy up together.

tournament

Grace had her first volleyball tournament this past weekend.
Boy oh boy was it exciting.

It started Friday night, they won that game.

Their second game, which was on Saturday  morning they lost.

Saturday afternoon, third and final game they were up for 3rd or 4th place.
It was a nail biter for sure.
The score was 24-23, Eagles ahead by one.
Opposing team was serving.
It was volleyed back over and lost by the other team.

All the parents got on their feet and cheered.
It was fantastic.
They had worked so hard for it.
They were elated.
And very sweaty :).

The coach from the tournament school had each player go over and hug their parents and thank them for all their love and support.
The girls loved running in their excitement and tackling their parents.

I'm proud of my volleyball player.
I'm proud she has a fire for volleyball.
I'm love how she beams when she plays.

Love my Eagle.

out with fall flag

in with the Cardinals.

This was Art's doing.

I guess I will allow it :).

GO CARDS!!

i have monday

Good morning family and friends.

It's Monday again and we are off running full force into another week.

Our weekend was super busy but super great as well.
We haven't had a weekend like this in a L-O-N-G time.
One thing led right into the next.

Friday night into Saturday afternoon Grace had a volleyball tournament (more on that later).
Art fished early Saturday and then ran Sarah around the county to a friends birthday party.
My crew didn't meet up until Saturday evening.
Oh and we had a friend from Grace's volleyball team spend the night.
I missed out on a progressive dinner at church which I wish I could have made.  But...
All were pooped and ready to crash.

Sunday was no different.
Church.
Fall Festival prep.
Fall Festival.
Home.
Homework (yes, it was done on Sunday night).
Late bedtimes for all.

In the process of rushing this weekend the house began to take on piles from our weekend.
The volleyball pile.
The fishing pile.
The sleepover pile.
The festival pile.
The shove food down your face but don't really clean up after it pile.

So this is my morning, minus this short stop on the blog.
Laundry
Dishes
Vacuum
Piles

Going into the weekend I knew it would be crazy, I knew the piles would come.
But I also knew (and am grateful for) that I would be able to catch up today which means I was able to enjoy my weekend without stress and worry.
I told Art, "I have Monday."
And I do.
Thankfully.
It's another perk to being at home.

fall and love

I texted Art this picture today with this message...

"Thank you handsome for the flowers you bought me ;)"

I know I'm a stinker.

This isn't to say the boy can't be romantic, because he can.

Just thought I would be a stinker.

And help him out a little. :)

They were purchased at Trader Joes on my bi-weekly trip.

They called my name as I entered the store.

Really the did.

These called my name as well.

The orange ones are for the girls to paint faces onto.  

We saw some already decorated pumpkin pals at a local grocery store the other day.

Of course they wanted one but they were priced ridiculously.

Plus this way they can create their own and have fun in the process.

The white with orange was just unique to me and only 99 cents.

I thought I would use it somewhere in my Fall decorations.

Our mums are in bloom, so pretty right now.
Everything is screaming Fall.
I'm itching to get the decorations out.
If only we had the time.

Maybe Sunday?