Lunch with Emily

Last Thursday, we had Thanksgiving lunch at school with Emily.  I was so glad that Chris was able to go and I know Emily was too!!! 

Thanks Gran for the cute turkey shirts.  We love them!!! 

To say that it was organized chaos is a total understatement!!!  But it was still fun being able to share this time with Em!

Gracie was so fussy and I couldn't understand why.  Then it hit me!  I only purchased 2 plates, thinking that she would eat off one of our plates.  She was upset because she didn't have her own plate!!!  When Emily finished and started socializing, she finished her food and was much happier!!  That girl (Gracie) is a mess!

Emily and Brinley

We walked Em back to her classroom and said goodbye.  I love her so, and I'm so glad we could spend this special time with her!

Go, Go, Go!!!!!

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you have somewhere to go everyday?  Well, since last Friday, I've somewhere to be everyday....sometimes being gone all day long!!!  Granted, most of it was for fun stuff, but none-the-less, it can be hectic!!  So here are the gory (and somewhat boring details)!  

Friday, I spent the whole day with my brother.  I asked him to ride to town with me, and it ended up being the best day.  Jeff was on vacation, so he didn't have to work.  We had lunch and strangely enough, went shopping.  I wish so bad that I would have brought my camera with me because, like I said, we had the best day.  Nothing fabulous, but as you know, when you get older, life kind of takes over, and you are doing your own thing.  It was great to have some time with him.  And Gracie enjoyed seeing her Uncle Jeff.

On Saturday, I went shopping in Birmingham with my friends Tammy and Dawn.  They are my neighbors and we have planned this several times but it usually fell through, but we finally nailed down Saturday.  We had the best time!!!  We talked and laughed (both of which I LOVE to do) and it was great to get to know them better.  I was able to buy a few things for Christmas which makes me happy to feel ahead of the game.

I had to fix breakfast for our Sunday School class, so I was bright eyed and bushy tailed come Sunday morning. Then we had to run a little errand Sunday afternoon ;). Monday, Gracie and I played catch up all day and I washed a TON of clothes!!  I mean, seriously, it was bad!

Tuesday came, which was my cousin Jenny's birthday.  I had a full day of things to do, so my mother-in-law was kind enough to watch Gracie so my load would be lighter.  Although it was easier to get from A to B by myself, I did miss my partner in crime. 

Jenny and I met for lunch. I hope she had a great birthday because I enjoyed spending it with her.

With it being Tuesday, Emily had dance.  This day was special because we were able to go in and see the things that she has learned.  I must say that I was a little nervous that she would back out because she had talked about how she was scared all week!!!  We talked about it every chance we got and she pulled through with flying colors!!!!!  I was so very proud of her!!!

After they showed us their moves, they had a sweet little tea party for the girls.  Lots of goodies and treats!!!  It was so fun to be able to share this with her.  This is the stuff I LIVE for!!!

Today, we had to hit the floor running!!!!  Gracie had her first dentist appointment this morning.  When Emily had her first appointment, all they did was count her teeth, which in itself was a disaster, but you know, it just kind of eased her in.  So when I made Gracie's appointment, I thought that's all it would be.....a little teeth countin'.  Oh no my friend!!!  They straight up cleaned her teeth!!!  I'm so glad I didn't know this before hand because I would have worried about it the whole time.  And it was as bad as you could imagine!!  Screaming, snot....the whole 9 yards!!!  But all was fine.  No cavities!!!!  I love their dentist, so I know Gracie was in good hands.   Emily's second visit was much different. She loves going now.  So I hope G will feel the same way.   But I won't hold my breath!!!! HaHa!

After we finished at the dentist, we headed to eat lunch with Gran.  She has been out of town for the past few days, so it was so good to see her.  Gracie told her several times, "You so sweet" and "I love you".  And I do believe she kissed her 20 times. 

Gran giving Gracie a little "make".

By the time we finished lunch, it was time to pick up Em.  Emily had her first phone call from a school friend today.  I thought it was so sweet, then I found our that Emily passed her phone number out to a few friends at school.  A friend from Sunday School sent me a message that Emily had put her phone number on a little piece of paper and given it to her daughter.  I'm so thankful that she only gave it to people we know!!!!! And NO BOYS!!!!  But Brinley called and they talked a bit.  It was so funny to hear them talk about TV and stuff like that.  Oh I could just squeeze Emily she looked so cute.  And the best part was that Gracie crawled right up beside her while she talked.  If only life could always be this sweet and innocent!!!!

It has been a busy couple of days, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world!!!! 

Happy Wednesday y'all!!!!

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child may not be a new thing to you, but if you've never heard of it please take a few minutes to watch this video.  

For the past few weeks, we have watched videos like this on Sunday morning during church.  I've not made it to the end of one without crying yet!   To see the faces of the children who receive these boxes puts Christmas in a whole new light.  We have participated in OCC for the past several years, and I'm telling you, there is nothing that compares to seeing the joy it brings to these children. 

This past Sunday we watched a video of a man who, with is daughter and wife, has packed over 8000 boxes.  That's not just 8000 children that will get a toy on Christmas, but it's 8000 children who hear the gospel of Christ and hopefully decided to give their hearts to the Lord.  What an opportunity!!!! 

So if your church has this ministry, there's still time!!!  Get involved!!!!  If they don't, then find a church that does!!!  You won't be sorry!!! 

Gracie and I went and got our items today for a boy and a girl, and tomorrow night during Mission Friends, Amy and I are going to show the kids what Christmas is really about. 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15

Great Weekend

Our weekend was great and very relaxing.  Saturday morning we where all very lazy.  The girls got up and played and played and it was so nice not to have anywhere to go!!!  We eventually got out later in the day to go celebrate Jenny and Aunt Carol's birthday, so Emily got busy making them card. 

I got up pulling out our Christmas china and putting it in the china cabinet.  Then Emily talked me into getting out the Christmas tree.  She really didn't have to do too much talking because I love to see her face when the tree goes up.  That smile on her face is really what life is all about!

Gracie's face was priceless too!  She was asleep while we were putting it up.

Emily helped me hang the ornaments and she did a great job. 

This is Emily's First Christmas Ornament.  My friend Yvonne and I went to Birmingham to a craft show and they painted Emily's little hand when she was just 5 months old. Every time I hang that ornament I remember how much fun we had that day. I also can't believe that was 5 years ago!!!  Life is going by way too fast! 

Later Saturday night we headed to Aunt Carol's house.  Believe it or not, Kate was excited to see me!

My Mom and Aunt Carol

Gracie trying to decided which candles to put on the cake.

The girls played great together!!!  They laughed and screamed and had a good time. 

Hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil!!!  Ha Ha

My mother got this sign for Aunt Carol.  Funny because between my mother and AC, they have enough fabric to open up their own store!!!! 

Jenny's birthday isn't until next week, but we celebrated a little early.  She and I are going to meet for lunch next week to celebrate her big day!! 

I got tickled because their Birthday numbers look like a zip code.

We had a great time visiting with the family, and Sunday was great too.  We went to church, which the service was GREAT, and relaxed the rest of the day. 

I hope you all had a great weekend as well. 

Last But Not Least

Sunday afternoon, our church had their Trunk-or-Treat.  We all decided to dress up.  Chris went as a farmer because he had overalls.  I went as a doctor because I had scrubs from my old job and the girls went as Dorothy. 

Since we had more ground to cover, Gracie was going to have to wear shoes and it just turned out to be a HOT day. I decided to dress Gracie in Emily's 2 year old costume because it was much cooler.  They were so cute as matching Dorothy's

This is Emma.  Her parents, Casey and Brandon, are in our Sunday School class. I do believe she is the cutest Wonder Woman I have ever seen.

Later that night, we made our way to my parent's church.  They had all kinds of fun games but the hit of the night were the pony rides. 

My niece, Robin.

Cloe the Cowgirl.  How cute.

Tessa was kind enough to let us borrow Robin's costume from last year and she was also kind enough to carry Gracie around.   This picture cracked me up because Gracie carried her candy bag just like all the big kids. To me is was just so cute.

Well, Halloween was a blast this year.  But I must say I'm glad for some down time.  And I'm sure you'll be glad that I'm done with the pictures. HA!

Halloween Part 2

Saturday we went to Trunk or Treat at our home church.  I've not talked much about it, but during the summer, Chris and I decided to move to a church closer to home.  It was not a decision that was easily made, but it was something we prayed about and God opened a door.  It's always good to go back home!  These people will ALWAYS be our family! 

Easton was cute as a little monkey.

Sophie Clare ever the sweet strawberry.

Grandmother painted Em's face.

I got the best call Saturday morning.  Derek, the pastor's son and great family friend, called and asked if Emily could be a flower girl with Katie in his wedding this coming Summer.  It was all I could do not to cry!  He told me not to, so I choked it back. But I'm so excited!!   Emily and Katie get along great and it will be so fun to be apart of their special day!

Gracie as a lady bug.  She wouldn't wear her shoes, so she had on pink flip flops.  Oh well.

Jaylin was a sweet Southern bell.

Farrah as Jessie.  We love Toy Story at our house!

I got tickled watching Gracie dig in her bag of candy. 

We drove by our old house and stopped to see our neighbors.  Colton was so little when we first met him, and it's still hard for me to believe he has grown so much. 

We had a fun time, but the girls we pooped when they got home.  Gracie laid down in the chair and Emily covered her up with all her blankets.  They are so cute when they play together (that is when they not fighting...haha)!

Special Snack

 You will be so sick of Halloween pictures before this is over!  I have a ton!!!   So we might as well start with Friday. 

Instead of a party, Emily's class had a "special snack".  They are only allowed 2 parties a year, so this snack was very low key.  I helped the room mom, Jennifer, pass out all the snacks to the kids.  I love the fact that Gracie just fits into wherever she's at.  Not to say that she wasn't a little "all-over-the-place", but she was so sweet and the other kids just loved her.

Gracie sat in every one's lap!!!  Kids were saying, "Come sit with me Gracie".  I was very proud of Emily because she wasn't a bit jealous.  When we got there, the kids were making candy necklaces and using the pieces to do a math assignment.  It was funny, because Gracie started eating the candy at Emily's table.  Before long, we started passing out food and all the kids brought Gracie their candy. Mrs. M even asked about a candy necklace that was left on a table and Gracie said, "It's mine!" That brought a laugh from everyone!

My hats off to Mrs. M.  Her kids love her and she does a great job managing her classroom.  Even on a crazy day like "special snack", the kids were really good. 

I love sharing these moments with my kids!!!  I can't wait for more!!!