From One Holiday to Another :D

I soooo enjoyed the past week!  I hated to see Monday come again.  Thanksgiving was relaxing and full of tons of family time.  I think I was a bit spoiled!  However, not too many more days until Christmas when I will get Danny home even more!

Today I thought I would share some of the Thanksgiving events and some of the plans I have to celebrate Christmas.  First, a cute picture of my little turkeys to get you in the spirit!

Thanksgiving morning we got up and made pumpkin muffins.  I got this recipe from my momma.  It is super easy and only takes two ingredients - of course, I added more to make them even better (but not better for you).  :D  You mix together one box of spice cake mix (I knew there had to be a use for that stuff.) and one can of pumpkin - not pumpkin pie filling - just plain old pumpkin.  Mixing this together will not make your arm fall off but you will come pretty close.  It is dense!  Then I threw in dried cranberries and chocolate chips.  Throw it in muffin tins and into the oven it goes on 400 degrees until a toothpick comes out clean.  Not only do they taste delicious, they make the whole house smell like fall.  Perfect for Thanksgiving morning!

Next, we all cuddled up to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.  This did not last long because we can't sit still that long.  We finally made it through.  Highlights from Jonah: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (which he only knows from the Toys R' Us magazine), the Mickey balloon, and the Dora float.

We spent the rest of the afternoon playing outside and getting dinner ready.  The boys had extra fun because there was an extra playmate - Uncle Ronnie!  In his honor (and because we are having Thanksgiving food again this week) I put a Latin twist on some of the dishes.  He had given me a cookbook which is where I got the inspiration, but since I can't link to a cookbook I found the recipes online in case you want to try them. 

Chilied Corn - http://mexicanfood.about.com/od/savorysides/r/cornwithchile.htm

Camote - http://mexicanfood.about.com/od/sidedishes/r/camote.htm

I also tried boiled peanuts in the crock pot - success!  Although, it took longer for them to get tender than the recipe said.

So, now I look forward to continuing and starting Christmas traditions with my little family of wild boys.  I love Christmas!  However, it just doesn't feel right celebrating Christmas when December is not even upon us.  It seems to me that the time between Thanksgiving and December 1st has been super long this year.  Maybe if we go ahead and start December will come faster. ;)

One tradition that I love (mostly because I am a mommy of three cutie boys) is our tree skirt.  I started it when Jonah celebrated his first Christmas.  Each year we add on hands.  Here is what it looks like this year!

Being a former school teacher I also have plenty of Christmas books.  I wrapped 24 of them with last year's left over wrapping paper.  Now the boys can fight over who gets to open that days book . . . I mean . . . now the boys can open a book each day for us to enjoy reading together.  Also, because I love to be educational, each wrapped book has a shape, number, or letter written on it for Jonah to find.  For example, "Today's book has a rectangle. Can you find the book with the rectangle?"  I know, takes all the fun out of it.

I was also introduced to Jesse's Tree this year.  It is a daily advent that starts on December.  Each day has a Bible story with a corresponding ornament.  The Bible stories trace the promise of Christ through the Old Testament.  I am super excited.  The ladies at our PWOC all chose an ornament to make 38 of and then we are trading so everyone has a complete set!  I will let you know how it goes!

Of course our Christmas tree is up - with a gate around it.  Even with the gate the score is Twins - 3 Ornaments - 0.  Hopefully there will be some left for next year!

Now I must go and eat some more sweets.  Tomorrow is my glucose test.  Just in case I fail I need to get in enough chocolate to last me for the rest of Christmas!  Hee hee!

Give Thanks for . . . 11-20!

We have had one of those weekends that is suppose to be relaxing, but ends up you need a weekend to rest from the weekend.  Danny was leading a Strong Bonds event at Myrtle Beach. (I don't see the reason of being at the beach in the winter unless, I guess, you want to avoid seeing anyone in a bathing suit.)  We spent the weekend pouring into marriages and families.  While it is a wonderful event I miss my kiddos (who end up in childcare) and my sleep (we all shared a one room hotel).  So, I am very thankful for . . .

#11 - God's Provision

I am thankful for the roof over my head, the food in my kitchen, and the ability to be able to stay home as a full-time mommy.

#12 - My Church Family

Even though we are far away I am thankful that church family is always family.  Whether they are from our childhood churches or from those we have been a part of as adults, they have blessed our lives so much!

#13 - God's Word

I am so thankful that I can sit face-to-face with my heavenly Father each day!  His word is full of so much encouragement, challenge, and promise.

#14 - The Army

Never thought I would say this, but I am thankful for the Army.  Not only do they pay my husband, but they have given me a great opportunity to learn a lot about myself and my family.  PWOC has been a blessing, and I also appreciate the "free" medicine and doctor's appointments.

#15 - Books

I am thankful for so much to read.  I especially love to read with my boys!  It probably has something to do with all the cuddles I get!

#16 - Sleep

I really appreciate the time I get in my bed!  I am thankful that the boys sleep until 8 so I can sleep and still get up and get things done before they wake up.  Not only my sleep, but also nap time.  I get so much done during that "quiet time".

#17 - Health

I am so thankful that I can exercise and that I feel great most of the time.  I don't have to spend time in the doctor's office and I can run (well, most of the time) until my heart is content!

#18 - The Great Outdoors

I think if I had to stay inside all day I would go crazy.  So, I am thankful that God made everything from my backyard to the wonderful Dahlonega mountains!

#19 - Friends

Just realized that not all my friends are family/church members.  Some of them fall into my life to run with me, have play dates, or watch my kiddos.  I am thankful for all those that God brought into my life to make me a better person and to lend a helping hand.

#20 - My Education

While some would say I don't use it now, I disagree.  I use it everyday teaching three of the best students!


There's 11-20 and I think I will stop there because tomorrow is Thanksgiving!  I want to enjoy my time with my little family.  It will be the first time I haven't eaten at Maw's on Thanksgiving in my whole life!  I guess I should end with being thankful that she taught me how to cook!  :D

Giving Thanks for . . . Family!

I see soooo many people posting what they are thankful for on Facebook.  I think it is a great idea, but if you know me you know I have no shortage of words, and one line to say what I am thankful for each day is just not going to cut it.  So, I thought I would post once a week with seven "thankfuls" and use all the words I want!

#1 My Heavenly Father

I am so thankful that God called me to be His at such a young age and that He is still working on me.  He is forever faithful and the ultimate example of love, mercy, and grace. 

#2 My Man!

Not only does God love me, He loved me so much that he made the perfect match for me.  I am thrilled to have spent the past six years with Danny and can't wait for many more.  He is patient, sacrificial, forgiving, humble, and such a servant.  He is also a wonderful father to and example for our boys.  I love that he prizes family time as much as I do.  It brings a smile to my face to watch him wrestle with our boys.

#3 Jonah

My first little boy is such a precious gift and I am thankful for everything that makes him him.  He is smart, witty, and nothing gets past him.  He loves to read (which is a favorite hobby of mine) and will cuddle if I "use my words".  He loves schedules like his Momma and loves to be my helper in the kitchen.  He is adventurous and full of energy which makes me leave my comfort zone and do wild things that mommies of boys do!

#4 Huxton (aka: Huck, Huckle, Huckle Buckle, Huckleberry, Chunky Monkey, Rascal)

I am so thankful that God added Huck to our family.  He provides hours of funny faces, tons of energy, and lots of silliness.  He keeps me humble because whenever I think I have finally figured out this discipline thing he throws a wrench in it.  He is creative (which also means he can find new ways to get in trouble).  I love how kissable his chubby checks are!

#5 Eli

I am thankful that God made Eli with a heart just like his Daddy's. He is the most loving and giving child I have ever met. I am thankful that he brings peace to the playroom.  His little smiles make me smile too!

#6 Baby ?

I feel so blessed to be carrying our fourth child.  I know God has big plans for all my children, but He is using this baby already to teach me faith.  God knew Danny would be gone for the first 8 months we had this little one, and He will give me the strength to thrive during that time. 

#7 My Momma

I am thankful for my mom.  She is such a strong woman of wisdom and love.  She gives selflessly and is a more-than-wonderful grandmother for my children.  I am thankful that she loves to talk as much as I do because I call her ALL THE TIME.  :D

#8 My One and Only Sister!

I am thankful God gave me a baby sister - even if I didn't get to name her Grits.  She is funny and genuinely cares about others.  She makes an awesome aunt!  I am thankful she found a job doing what she does best - teaching.

#9 The rest of my family ( I realize that if I keep going one person at a time I will never fit in anything else I am thankful for.)

I am thankful for a close family.  I have a Maw and Poppy that I enjoyed spending hours with when I was younger.  Maw is so sacrificial and serves our family all the time.  Poppy is great with math homework, funny, and always has candy waiting.  I am thankful he saved me from getting in trouble more than a few times.  I am thankful I got to spend my growing up years right beside my Uncle Darryl, Aunt Anita, Dustin, and Hannah.  They overflow with love!  So many four-wheeler rides!  Now, Jonah, Huck, and Eli have fun playmates every time we visit.  I am also thankful for my Dad's side of the family.  Although I don't get to see them much, they have helped me make some wonderful memories.

#10 My In-Law Family

God blessed me with a LOT of family when I said, "I do".  I am so thankful that they love the Lord and love me like I am their own.  I finally got the brothers I always wanted.  I always wanted two brothers, but five will do :D  I also got two more sisters, more aunts and uncles than I can count, and another set of grandparents!

There are my first ten "thankfuls"!  Boy, I am one blessed girl because these are family that money can't buy! 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  ~ James 1:17

The House . . . Finally!

It has only been three months.  That isn't that bad, right?  I have been having fun with my boys!  My thoughts: My boys matter in eternity - no one read this in heaven.  :D  So, my days have been filled with library trips, lots of playing, singing songs, doctors appointments, and tons of hugs!

With that said, I figured it was about time to post the pics I promised a long time ago. . .

We have lived in this house for five months now, but since we found out shortly after moving here that we would only be here for seven to eight months we didn't have much motivation to unpack or decorate. 

Here is my favorite kitchen in the world!

 

 

I love the counter space and the fact that I can cook and watch the boys at the same time!  The yellow room that you see is the playroom.  I will not post pics of that because that would mean I have to clean up all the toys.  Can you say pointless?

Here is my very decorated entry way - ha!  If only I knew how to turn it the right way.  It was the right way when I uploaded - I promise!

Here is the Master bedroom and bath:

There is a big ole' tub that is on the side you can't see.  I have yet to use it, but the boys think it is wonderful!  Through the door is a closet and my favorite room - The Secret Room.  Jonah calls it that because the little boys are not allowed back there.  It is where we craft and exercise.  He likes to string beads and stamp while I sew.  It also holds all of Danny's Army gear, so we won't have a picture of that either.  :(  I know, I wish it were just my room too, but sometimes we have to share.

Here is the guest bedroom.  It is Ree Ree's room if you ask Jonah.  However, any guest can sleep there and I do wash the sheets. :)

One final note.  I know you are all wondering - Is her house always this clean?  My answer: Of, course.  Just give me 24 hour notice if you want to visit in person.