Busy! Busy! Busy!

Things are a little crazy right now! My plan is to decorate Christmas Tree's tomorrow and bake for Thanksgiving. Lots of "running around" to do for Pictures with Santa on the Square Thursday night. Going to Atlanta early Friday morning for our girl's Christmas shopping trip. Isabella, of course, is going with me so I'm not sure that I will be purchasing a lot of gifts. If anyone has access or knows of location that I can purchase a WII FIT, please let me know. PHYLLIS will you check at your local stores in PA? I need one for the snowboarding game that I have bought Bella and Henry for Christmas. I don't know about you guys but I am behind! Anyway, hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and this will probably be my one and only post for the week, as I will not return from ATL until Sunday and we will be lighting the Manger Scene at church on Sunday night.

Gingerbread House

I was hoping and praying that my dear sweet babysitter would have assembled the gingerbread house with the kids today while I was at work. Well, she was really considerate and saved it for the kids and I to complete tonight. I know this should be fun, but really.........It isn't! Of course, we are an impatient family and we did not want the walls of the gingerbread house to dry before we started decorating. I'm a little OCD and I just finally had to back off. Isabella said, "Forget it mom, You bought a cheap gingerbread house and that is why it will not stay together." Hello! I paid $9.99 for it. She wasn't sure if that was a lot or not so she did not comment. Henry absolutely loved it! He was so excited. He wants to eat it. I really don't care at this point.


The beginning.




The End


He is so Happy!


Is this a joke? Martha Stewart does not live here!

Doctor and Dentist

Hen had a cavity filled at the dentist this morning. Instructions were, "DO NOT BITE YOUR LIP OR GUMS AND YOU CAN'T EAT FOR 2 HRS.". Hello, we know this! It isn't our first rodeo! Unfortunately this is our 2nd cavity. Anyway, he was NPO due to being medicated this morning.......no juice, no food. Of course, he was thirsty and starving when we left the dentist. MOM, can I PLEASE have something to eat. Hum, well.....OK! I stop at McDonald's and get him a hash brown and instruct him to take tiny bites. Well, I stop at store to look at Christmas decorations and when I get Hen out of the back seat, I noticed his lip is swollen and looks as if it has been put in a meat grinder! "Henry, What did the dentist say?" "Do not chew on your lip". Well, then it starts. The crying and whining because his lip hurts. I'm sure it's my fault since I gave him the stupid hash brown. Why doesn't McDonald's serve grits? Anyway, we also went to allergy/asthma doctor. We just completed 20 days of AB and he is still congested. "HE NEEDS ALLERGY SHOTS!", said the DR. Ok, Ok, I'll talk with the husband. Henry is going to love this. He had a sinus x-ray and he was such a big boy. I am so proud of him. We ate lunch with ma-ma and then picked up big sister. First thing out of her mouth was, "What is wrong with your lip?". HELLO!

He doesn't look bothered by the swollen lip.

I have not bought one Christmas present for my children. I have got to get focused and start shopping. The month of December is going to be crazy, so I'm sure I will not have a lot of extra time. Bella and I are going to Atlanta the day after Thanksgiving. I haven't informed my husband nor my son yet. I'm sure they will be bird hunting the entire weekend. They probably will not even realize we have left.

Henry's Christmas List.

He wrote it himself. (I will interpret.)

1. Rifle 2. Gun 3. Four Wheeler 4. Computer

5. Puppy 6. Log Skidder 7. Excavator 8. Dump truck

9. JD Tractor 10. Front End Loader 11. Blue Tick Hound

Bella wants a GA Golf cart with a radio, Guitar Rock Band and Guitar Bedroom sheets/comforter from pottery barn teen. I'm sure she will come up with some more items. Neither of my children need one thing.

SURVEY.

http://preppypearlgirl.blogspot.com/ had this survey on her blog. It took me forever to complete this questionnaire and I have found that I am so boring. ITEMS IN BOLD APPLY TO ME.

Appearance:-
I am 5′4 or shorter
I think I'm ugly.
I have many scars.
I wish my hair was a different color.
I have a tattoo.
I am self-conscious about my appearance.
I have/I've had braces.
I wear glasses.
I'd get/have gotten plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free, scar-free.
I've been told I'm attractive by a complete stranger.
I have freckles.

Family/Home Life:
I've sworn at my parents.
I've run away from home
I've been kicked out of the house.
My biological parents are together.
I have a sibling less than one year old.
I want to have kids someday.
I have children.

Embarrassment:
I've slipped out a "LOL" in a spoken conversation.-
Disney movies still make me cry.
I've snorted while laughing.
I've laughed so hard I've cried.
I've glued my hand to something.
I've laughed till some kind of beverage came out of my nose.
I've had my trousers rip in public.

Health:-
I was born with a disease/impairment.
I've had stitches.
I've broken a bone.
I've had my tonsils removed.
I've sat in a doctor's office with a friend.
I've had my wisdom teeth removed.
I've had serious surgery.
I've had chicken pox.

Traveling:-
I've driven over 200 miles in one day.
I've been on a plane.
I've been to Canada. -
I've been to Niagara Falls.-
I've been to Japan.
I've been to Europe.-
I've been to Africa.

Experiences:-
I've been lost in my city.
I've seen a shooting star.
I've wished on a shooting star.
I've seen a meteor shower.
I've gone out in public in my pajamas.
I've pushed all the buttons in a lift.
I've been to a casino.
I've been skydiving.-
I've gone skinny dipping -
I've played spin the bottle.-
I've crashed a car.-
I've been in a play. -
I've met someone in person from the Internet.
I've caught a snowflake on my tongue.
I've seen the Northern Lights.
I've sat on a roof top at night.
I've played chicken.
I've seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
I've eaten Sushi.
I've been snowboarding.
I've been snow skiing.

Relationships:-
I'm single.-
I'm in a relationship.-
I'm available.
I'm engaged.
I'm married.
I've gone on a blind date.
I've been the dumpee more than the dumper.
I have a fear of abandonment.
I've been divorced.
I've had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.
I've told someone I loved them when I didn't.
I've told someone I didn't love them when I did.
I've kept something from a past relationship.

Sexuality:-
I've had a crush on someone of the same gender.
I've kissed a member of the same gender.
I've had sex with someone of the same gender.-
I've had sex with more than one person at the same time.-
I am a cuddler. -
I've been kissed in the rain.
I've hugged a stranger.
I have kissed a stranger.
I have had sex with a stranger.

Honesty/Crime:-
I've done something I promised someone else I wouldn't.
I've done something I promised myself I wouldn't
I have lied to my parents about where I am.
I am keeping a secret from the world.
I've cheated while playing a game.
I've cheated on a test.
I've driven through a red light.
I've witnessed a crime.
I've been in a fist fight.
I've been arrested.
I've shoplifted.

Drugs/Alcohol:-
I've consumed alcohol.
I smoke pot.
I regularly drink.
I've taken painkillers when I didn't need them.
I've taken cough medicine when I wasn't sick.
I've done hard drugs.
I've been addicted to an illegal substance.
I can't swallow pills.

Mental health:
I have been diagnosed with depression.
I shut others out when I'm depressed.
I take anti-depressants.
I have had an eating disorder.
I've slept an entire day when I didn't need it.
I've hurt myself on purpose.
I'm addicted to self harm.
I've woken up crying.

Death:-
I'm afraid of dying.
I hate funerals.-
I've seen someone dying.
I have attempted suicide.-
Someone close to me has attempted suicide.
Someone close to me has committed suicide.

Random:-
I can sing well.
I've stolen a tray from a fast food restaurant.
I open up to others too easily.
I watch the news.
I don't kill bugs.
I hate hearing songs that sacrifice meaning for sake of being able to rhyme.
I swear regularly.
I am a morning person
I paid for my mobile phone ring tone.
I'm a snob about grammar.
I am a sports fanatic.
I play with my hair.
I have/had "x"s in my screen name.
I love being neat.
I love Spam.
I've copied more than 30 CD's in a day.
I bake well.
I don't know how to shoot a gun.
I am in love with love.-
I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS.
I eat fast food weekly.
I believe in ghosts.
I am online 24/7, even as an away message.
I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room.
I am really ticklish.
I love white chocolate.
I bite my nails.
I play video games.
I'm good at remembering faces.
I'm good at remembering names.
I'm good at remembering dates.
I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Christmas Memories

Bella's Christmas Crafts

Henry's Crafts......

I think he was playing most of the time instead of making the crafts. He was really too young to attend, but since I was working he was allowed to join the fun.

Our church had a "Christmas Memories" workshop for the kids in 1st grade thru 6th. They made the cutest ornaments, frames, gingerbread houses etc....... My sister-n-law and I were responsible for for the popsicle stick reindeer. I'm not sure who had the most fun decorating, the kids or the adults.

Pictures with Santa

I've been working on a couple photo card's for Pictures With Santa on Thanksgiving night. I can't decide which one to use. Maybe I'll just print both. Another member of Juniors is working on a design also. She is super creative, so I can't wait to see her sample. Since I am Home Life Chair of Juniors, I am responsible for the Pictures With Santa fundraiser that will benefit the Love Light Foundation at our local hospital. Love Light is a fund that purchases items for our children's wing at the hospital. On Thanksgiving night, many families in our community will go downtown to watch our Christmas Lights being turned on for the first time of the season. I guess you could say it's like a mini-festival. Anyway, myself and many others will be working instead of enjoying the festivities. My children always have a good time. They feel extra special because Mommy knows Santa Claus and she gets to take pictures of him for 2 hours. :) I do enjoy listening to the children tell Santa what they would like for Christmas...........I may get a few pointers. SPEAKING OF CHRISTMAS, LET ME TELL YOU THE SADDEST THING THAT MY DAUGHTER SAID TO ME TONIGHT. SHE SAID, MOMMY THIS BOY IN MY CLASS SAID THERE IS NO SANTA AND THAT THE PARENTS GIVE THE PRESENTS. "IS THAT TRUE?", SAID BELLA! "ABSOLUTELY NOT", I SAID. BELLA WENT ON TO SAY, "NONE OF THE POOR KIDS IN MY CLASS BELIEVE IN SANTA". OMG!!!!! THIS BROKE MY HEART. I'M SURE THE PARENTS HAD TO EXPLAIN TO THEIR CHILDREN WHY SANTA DOESN'T BRING THEM GIFTS. THIS WAS SO SAD. MY DAUGHTER HAS ASKED ME SEVERAL TIMES WHY SANTA DOESN'T GIVE PRESENTS TO ALL CHILDREN. AT TIMES LIKE THIS, I REALLY JUST WANT TO "FESS UP"! It is so sad. This year, some friends and i are hostessing a "Wine and Cheese" Christmas party to benefit children that are in Child Protective Services or Foster Care. Hopefully, we can brighten some child's Christmas. Last year, we could adopt a child at my daughters school. Our child was a little girl and she was a couple of years older than my daughter. I was so worried about Bella identifying the child by the clothes that we bought her for Christmas. If Bella knew who our child was, she never said. Thankfully. Anyway, I urge all of you to help a family this year that may be having a hard time financially or emotionally. A family in our town just lost their 18month old daughter. She drowned this weekend in the family pool. Of course, the family is devastated and are dealing with guilt and the loss of a child. I just cannot imagine.

New Printer, New Pictures

Pictures from our Halloween.

Starring..... Daddy as Mommy for a Night

I had a Juniors Board meeting tonight, so dear husband had the kids tonight. I came home and they were all watching television.........I start looking at homework folders and ask, Clay, did you review homework? Did you review questions for Bella's test on Wednesday? Did you let Henry read "Hop and Pop" and did you read him a book? Did you make lunch for tomorrow? Did you swap clothes over in washer..........WELL, he can't do everything!!!!! Really! Who would have thought. He proceeded to review Bella's math homework and they were both screaming and yelling and she was crying. Now he understands my frustration! HOMEWORK is so much fun. Bella brought home a report this weekend that her teacher made her re-write because she did not indent the paragraphs. OH! She was not happy that she had homework over the weekend. She completely rebelled and finally I told her that I did not care if she did the report or not. Informed her that I had already finished school and it wasn't my grade! There! Well, it did not work. Still whined and fussed! Lord, help me when both of my children need homework help. I will need to be medicated. Probably need to be right now.

Christmas Shopping

Cute Jackets that I purchased for daughter at Gap.


My new printer. I'm so excited.


Hot cocoa set. TJ MAXX.

OMG! Could not wait for Christmas to get here, so that we could purchase these Awesome Cookies! You absolutely cannot eat just one! You have got to try these. Can get them at Target.

Wrong Date. Bought these beautiful linen guest towels at store that was having "fire" sale. 50% off!

Wrong date again! Target.......2.50

TJ MAXX $24.00. I love it! I want a whimsical tree this year!

Cute ornaments at TJ Maxx. Great Teachers gifts for school and church.

7.99 for Rug at TJ MAXX. Lovin It

PICTURES FROM "WALKING WITH DINOSAURS"

Yesterday, the kids and I saw, "Walking with Dinosaurs". It was really interesting, especially since my daughter is studying Fossils and Paleontologist. I was worried that my son would be scared but he loved it. Lots of FSU fans were tailgating around the Civic Center. It was a crazy. Anyway, after the show we went shopping. My friend, Darbie and her son, Jackson were with us. Have you ever tried to shop with two 5 year old boys? NOT FUN. Of course, it did not stop us from spending money. Went to church this morning and when I stepped out of the car, my daughter opened her door from the back and hit me........Needless to say, my entire cup of coffee splashed up into my face and my hair. I dropped the bible and I had coffee all over my NEW boots! Was I happy? No! My husband said that I handled it exceptionally well......UMM, you can't exactly go freaking crazy in the church parking lot! Wow! What a way to start the morning. I bought a new printer yesterday and I installed it today. I'm so excited. The new printer was $99.00 and with my old printer, I would have bought two print cartridges for $65.00. I was tired of ordering cartridges from Dell every time I was out. I mean, I just want to go to Walmart or Target and get a cartridge! My new printer has slots for SD card download, which is great since my computer has completely rejected the idea of downloading pictures. Hope you all have a great day!

Book Fair at School

My children's school is having their Book Fair next week. I stayed in the library all day helping librarian (friend of mine) set-up. She asked me to decorate the Teachers Wish List Board. I warned her that I was not creative and that I was a little OCD when it comes to this type of thing. Two hours later I think she believed me. Anyway, it worked out. They had the cutest and funniest books. I need to limit myself and my children. This morning my daughter asked me if I was going to eat lunch with her and I said, "Of Course". She told me to dress nice! Hello, I have a little common sense. Anyway, I put on my Argyle cardigan with tee shirt underneath and my IT! Capri jeans and topped it off with my palladium slippers. Well, after I completely dressed she took one look at me and said, "You don't have to eat with me today. Just go ahead and eat with my brother"! I know I did not look THAT bad. Hen was proud to have me. I helped his class for one hour and quickly came to the realization that I cannot and would not be a teacher. Teachers are definitely underpaid.

After school the kids and I went to look for a pair of "Sperrys". Bella's are worn out and we have decided to trash them. Of course, she needs a new pair. Doesn't matter that she has 1200 pair of shoes in her closet. A month or so ago, one of our gift shops in town had a small fire in the front window of their building.......some idiots set the hay bales on fire that were in front of the store. Anyway, all items are 50% off. I shopped a little yesterday and today. She has beautiful linen tablecloths, runners and napkins. Tried not to go crazy since I am having dental work done and it is going to cost a small fortune. That's another story. We have a football game tonight; however, we do not have any water in the city. I wonder if this means the concession stand will be closed. My children will elect to stay home if they can't eat piles and piles of junk food at the game.

SPEECHLESS

I'm just not sure what to say this morning; except, where in the world did the First Lady Elect purchase that hideous dress that she wore last night? She really needs to stop choosing her own clothes. I was disappointed that McCain was not elected as our future President! The 1st question my daughter asked me this morning was, "Who is our new President?". When I told her she said, "WWHHHAAATTT!". Ewe, Daddy and Maggie are gonna be mad. Hopefully, the next four years will go smoothly. And that is all I've got to say about that. I've got meeting in 30 minutes and I've got to finish getting ready. Have a blessed day!

100th post giveaway by Peeptoe Pumps and Pearls

http://peeptoepumpsandpearls.blogspot.com/ Peeptoe Pumps and Pearls is giving away a beautiful pearl necklace in celebration of her 100th post. Stop by her blog and leave a comment. You could be a winner!

Soles for Souls!

Oh, I almost forgot, Please gather new or gently used shoes and make a donation to "Soles4Souls". This organization helps aid adults and children worldwide that do not have an adequate pair of shoes. http://www.soles4souls.org/index.html. Below are shoes that my children donated to soles4souls this month. I have not cleaned out my closet yet, but it is on my "to do" list.

Baking, Cooking, decorating, Partying and a little working (by me)!!!!

We visited Mark's Pumpkin Patch on a Sunday Afternoon. As you can tell, once again, my husband is not in any pictures. He is picking his crops (peanuts, cotton and squash) and this is a 15 hr a day, 7 day a week job for him until he finishes. After he is done picking, he will focus on paying bills and rent for next year. He will probably spend 4 or 5 days in the office posting charges to each farm and separating bills for each farm. He also has the peanut mill and trucking company that he needs to "catch-up" on paperwork. Bless his heart. I really do feel sorry for him. I don't know how he handles the stress. I will be in the office on my days off trying to help (or getting in the way). He will make his plan for next year and the cycle starts again. I feel like we don't even see him this time of the year and when we do see him, he is so tired that he just wants to rest. Henry does ride with him about 3x per week.

Bella does not look very happy. Neither of them wanted to dress in Halloween garb! I mean, really, get with the seasons! I just gave up.
Henry picked up so many pumpkins. I think we actually purchased 4 or 5 pumpkins. We bought one pumpkin from each of the piles surrounding him. Pushing the wheel-barrow with the pumpkins was interesting. It is kind of like pushing the buggy at the grocery store and everyone wants to help. I think we only dumped the pumpkins onto the ground one time.

Frankenstein. Waited in line 45 minutes for face painting! I could have done that!
Well, maybe not!

Bella was a clown. Did not get her finished look.

Henry and Cal. Best buddies. And yes, he is a true red-head and all boy.

Last year I decorated for the fall festival at my children's' school and I said that I would not do it again. Well guess what, I lied! A friend of mine did help. We both have children the same age and she was elected as my "co-chair" by one of the teachers. She was just thrilled. Anyway, the lunchroom turned out cute. I did not get any pictures of the outside.

HALLOWEEN PARTY.

We attended a Halloween Party on the 19th. Our Hostess, Donna, really enjoys sharing her love of Halloween with others. I felt like I needed to leave her a donation when I left the party. She had everything....Dinner, Hayride, Haunted Houses, Carnival Booths, Desserts and "Cool" Prizes (per Bella and Henry). The Haunted House was awesome. My kids were terrified! The party took a lot of planning and labor on her behalf!

Jeans were a little too low! Peep Show! Oops! One of the Adult Men jumped in to help the boys and I just couldn't take that. I attempted to help the girls; however, I was having clothing difficulty!

Hen trying on a mask that he grabbed in the Haunted House........after all the scary ghost and monsters had left and the lights were turned on.

Hen at donut booth!

Bella eating worms and cool whip! Yum

Henry digging for a prize! It has to be just the right one.

The kids and I enjoyed a night of Baking and Cooking.

Finished Product: Strawberry Choc. Royale

Hen placing cream cheese and strawberry preserves into cake mixture. He is a Pro!

Bella displaying her baking skills.

Henry showing off his Frankenstein Rice Krispie treat that he decorated with sweet baby sitter.

Party, Party, Party..................

Wow, it has been a busy few weeks. Finally, I can relax. I'm sure that all my friends feel the same way. We have attended 4 Halloween Parties and hosted one Halloween Party. Two Fall Festivals in October and we baked or cooked something for each party..excluding one Party. Whew, it was fun, and I'm glad its over. We can concentrate on Thanksgiving and Christmas. My bank account is really taking a hit with all this partying! I can't wait to download some Halloween pictures, but right now my computer is not cooperating with my SD Card. Last week, I went to CVS and downloaded some pictures to a Disc. When I returned home and tried to print, there was not a single picture on the disc. Of course when I called CVS for a little help, the sweet little guy that answered the phone said, "I can't help you ma-am, please call back tomorrow and speak to Tammy". What did I expect? Anyway, I had to go back to CVS and make another disc. I am so glad that I did not erase my memory card. I would have been a little upset.

MOVIE WORTH WATCHING!

The kids and I watched "Journey to the Center of the Earth" this weekend. It was great! Wish we had 3D Glasses. If you purchase the movie, you get 4 pair of glasses. Think I just might buy it! My 8 year old really enjoyed it. We are going to see "Walking with Dinosours" this weekend at the Tallahassee Civic Center. I think my children are a little scared and aren't sure what to expect. Me either! Hopefully, the show will be worth the money that I paid for the tickets!