Whew!!!!!

Okay....so I posted EVERY day in November.  Might I say that was a lot of work, but when the challenge came to do it...I had to see if I could.  Some posts were CHEESY, others were about basically NOTHING, but some were pretty good and that makes me happy!

I am super excited that December is just about here.  I do love the month of December, though I am not a fan of freezing cold temperatures.  I will definitely continue blogging...but it won't be every night.  I hope everyone has a GREAT December!!!!  Stay warm...it's cold outside!  :)

Randomness...

So, I am SUPER excited...the leappad that I blogged about yesterday, has been found!  Yay!  I am super excited and super grateful to my friend Jennifer for finding it!

I am excited about baking cookies!  We have several "staple" cookies that must be made this time of year.  I have listed a few of my favorites, in no particular order.

1. White Chocolate Chip
2. Peanut Butter
3. 7 Layer Cookies
4. Oatmeal Raisin (though these are more Mark's favorites)

I love to bake...though I don't do it very often!

Have a GREAT night!!!

Jingle All the Way...

Okay....so I love the movie Jingle All the Way!  It's about this dad (played by Arnold...not even going to spell his last name...you know who I'm talking about!) who waited until the last minute to get his son a Christmas present that is son REALLY wanted (Turbo Man)!  Well, needless to say it is sold out and Arnold's character and another dad (Sinbad) go in search of this elusive toy!  It is pretty hilarious and it makes me laugh!

What the "dads" were searching for!!!

Well, it is November 28th and I am on that hunt!  I am stalking all the stores like some kind of crazy lady!  What am I looking for?  A Leapster Leappad.  Now, have no fear, I am on like 5 different stores lists of people to e-mail if it comes in.  I also call stores every other day to check on their supply.  I find it incredible that my child wants a toy that is in such demand!  Now, I should point out that I can find this product for about $100 more than it's worth....it's just I don't want to pay that much.  This has NEVER happened to us before and there is still plenty of time before Christmas!!!  So, I am being very optimistic!!

What I am searching for!  :)

I will continue to stalk the stores, and spend too much time on the internet looking....but, if you happen to see one....let me know!!!  :)

Wish me luck...I'm a lady on a mission and only 26 days to find this treasured item!  :)

Brrr!!!

What a nice day!!!  Okay, well nice may not be the word to describe the weather...it is COLD outside.  However, today the girls slept in and I slept in.  Then we had pancakes and have been watching Christmas movies in the Christmas lit living room ever since!  Today has been primarily ABC Family Channel movies, but I'm sure I will check out the Hallmark Channel at some point.  I love being snuggled in at home with my family.  Mark is hunting today, so it is just us girls.  I should be baking, should be cleaning, should be shopping, should be doing bunches of other things....but not today.  Today, I am enjoying the cold day inside my warm house!!

Enjoying....

Thanksgiving was wonderful.  Today, I went to the gym and we did a "Turkey Tamer" 2 hour workout...which was a kicker and then I came home to find the family decorating the outside of the house. Ahhh!!!  Made my morning!  I love decorating....but I am always so glad to get to actually enjoy it!!!  We have worked on the inside of the house some too, and it is coming along nicely.  I am also enjoying the Hallmark Channel today!  I love it!  Christmas is such a special time....I can only hope I can truly appreciate the true meaning.  Have a GREAT day!!!

Black Friday...

For the past 9 years (at least) Mark and I have gotten up early for the Black Friday sales, this year we slept it!  It was wonderful!  We still got out, but not until later!  I hope you all had a GREAT day!!

Thanksgiving...

I am thankful!!  Today has been a whirlwind.  A great day....but gosh, I am tired!  So, for my blog today I just want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Thanksgiving Eve....

Tomorrow there will be 19 people eating Thanksgiving dinner at my house.  I LOVE to entertain!!!  Mark is fantastic about it!  :)  I am doing most of the meal and that makes me happy!  I am hoping everything turns out GREAT!  I have done as much as I can tonight.  I always find it so funny how everything/everyone is calm cool and collected until right before you eat.  Then, mass chaos!  I am ready!  :)

Have a WONDERFUL day tomorrow!!!  Happy Thanksgiving!  I am so thankful that you read!

Mesh!!!!

I am becoming queen of the mesh!  What am I thinking?  It all started the other day, when I went with a friend and got stuff for a wreath.  Well, I made the wreath and am super excited about it!  Now, I want to "mesh" everything!  Is it okay to use the word "mesh" as a verb?  Oh well, I am!  My husband actually put up our Christmas tree (the one for the living room) today so I could put mesh on it!  I've decided I can put mesh on the mantle...above the window in the kitchen...the possibilities are ENDLESS!!!   I am excited though, I have talked to some friends that are meshing everything too.  So, I don't feel like it is only affecting me!!!

I am hoping this is a phase.......but, until then....I will mesh on!!!!

Have a GREAT night!!!

Rain, Rain....

We have had so much rain in the past few hours.  Sometimes rain can be depressing, sometimes it makes me want to sleep.  I enjoy a rainy day occassionally.....but since we are about to have a house full of people Thursday-Saturday, I would REALLY like the rain to end so my yard can dry out and kids can play!  I am hopeful!!!!

Just a few things.....

I love weekends!  I love the fact I only have to work 2 days this week!  I love the fact that I made a wreath today!  I love the fact a friend helped me pick out stuff for my wreath today!  I love the fact I ate more cheese dip than anything else for dinner.  I love the fact I am watching a Christmas movie!  I love the fact my hubby got to stay up later tonight (since he won't be hunting in the morning).  I love my life!  :)

Breaking Dawn!!

I love fun little surprises and tonight it was when a friend asked me to go to the movies!!  Yay!!!  Breaking Dawn!!!!  Now, I have loved all of the Twilight movies....I read all of the books....and I must admit I was concerned about how they were going to make Breaking Dawn.  Well, let me say I was NOT disappointed and if anything I was super impressed!  LOVED it!!!

Can't wait to see it again and can't wait for Part 2!!!!  Wooo Hoooo!!!!

Frustration...

I consider myself a pretty positive person, but I do feel sometimes I have to work harder at it than I want.  Typically my not so positive moments revolve around others...which is bad.  I shouldn't let others dictate my mood.

Do you ever have times that you feel like you are the one that tries really hard, but the effort isn't returned? Do you ever feel like you take the time to check on others and they don't take the time to check on you?  There have been a few sayings lately on Pinterest that I have really liked...probably because I secretly think them!

Now see....this is terrible, but it makes sense......

I really like this one.....

Love these people.....

Dumbledore is so wise.....

I want to be a positive person, one who gets along with everyone, one that is appreciative of others....with that being said, I will admit I have some work to do.

I am so thankful for people who are what I aspire to be.  Have a wonderful night...thanks for letting me vent a little!  :)

Come on Friday...

The week before the week of Thanksgiving seems to drag!  I'm so ready for Thanksgiving...the time off, the food, the time with family, shopping...just a few things!

I am glad tomorrow is Friday.  Friday means the weekend is here and I love weekends!  I hope you have had a GREAT week...enjoy Friday!!!

Comfort....

I love certain "comfort" things.  It seems like the colder it gets the more "comfort" I need/want.  So, I compiled a list of certain things that just life more comfortable!

I love soups, especially when it is cold outside!!

I love fuzzy socks.  They just make me super happy...the brighter the better!

I love my flannel pants!  Again, the brighter the better.

I also love a good no-brainer kind of movie...whether it be something I have seen over and over again, or something simple to make me laugh.  To be honest sometimes I like a boring movie...so I can take a nap!

Have a great night!

Pageants.....Yikes!!!

Last night was the Jr. Miss Panther Pageant and Autumn was in it!  I never thought I would have a child in a pageant (but I also never thought I would have a daughter that deer hunted).  When she told me she wanted to be in it, I asked why...she said because she wanted to.  I probed deeper...which of your friends are going to be in it.  Her response, um..none, why would I have to do something my friends are doing?  So...we entered the pageant!  :)

Autumn did a get a new dress for the pageant...something she will wear again for Christmas.  She also had to prepare for sportswear...she chose what she wears when she has gymnastics.  Then she had interview.  They asked her what her favorite hobby was and why?  She picked deer hunting, because she gets to go to with her dad.  I know Mark was BEAMING!

Though I never expected my daughter to be in a pageant, I'm not sure I could have been much prouder of her than I was.  The fact she was willing to get up in front of everyone and do that...I am inspired by her confidence and so proud to be her mom.

Sportswear

Dress.....some girls had DEFINITE pageant dresses

Interview!!

My sweetheart...

Not tonight....

Okay, so I am trying to blog every day in November, but I think I have a migraine. So, I am going to bed and will do better tomorrow!! Goodnight!!

Elf....:)

I love the movie Elf.  It is one of my favorite Christmas movies and it was on tonight.  My friend Jill was the one who let me know.  Then we proceeded to quote lines from Elf for a bit.  Autumn came and snuggled with me as we watched it!  It was GREAT!   I can't wait to watch Christmas movies every day!  I know everyone has favorite Christmas movies.  Here are a list of a few of my favorites...

Elf...of course!

Miracle on 34th Street---the one with Maureen O'Hara!  This is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES!!

The Christmas Story--more for memories from my childhood, I always think of my dad during this one.

The Christmas List---this one isn't one many know about, but I love it.

A Very Brady Christmas--I cry every time!!

Polar Express---magical!!!

White Christmas---CLASSIC

Scrooged---makes me laugh

I know I left some out...but gosh, there are just so many wonderful ones!

Have a GREAT evening and I hope you have a wonderful week!!!

L-A-Z-Y!!!

The fact I am blogging today is an accomplishment.  I have had no desire to do ANYTHING.  I woke up earlier than I wanted to and I think it was pitiful from that point on.  I did a little cleaning today, only because I had to!  We got our carpets cleaned yesterday and I still had stuff piled places.  So, I did a little cleaning, a little throwing away, and then I sat down.  I did, in my list of accomplishments pick up Autumn from a friends house, but that was about it.

It just looked dreary outside.  I just wanted to snuggle under a blanket.  The nicest part....I did just that AND it is okay.  I will try and be more productive tomorrow, if not...oh well!  :)

Have a GREAT night!

Notes....

I used to love to write notes when I was in school.  I REALLY loved getting notes!  The excitement of seeing what was inside...was it from my BFF or was it about a boy???  FUN!!!!  I remember my mom would put notes in my lunchbox. Once for April Fools, she put the note in my sandwich....yep, I took a bite of it!  UGH!  :)  Made my day though!

The girls love getting notes.  Sometimes we put them in their lunch boxes and lately they have been writing each other notes!  I LOVE it!  They sneak around so the other doesn't see them and then can barely contain their excitement that they did it!

Tonight Autumn is staying at a friends house and as I went to put Allie in bed we found a note.  Autumn had left a note on Allie's pillow...short and sweet..."I'll miss you."  How perfect is that?  Allie tucked it behind a pillow on her bed and just smiled.

Short and sweet....LOVE my girls!!!

Simple pleasures.....

I think it is so fun that little things make me happy!  Like this morning, I was so excited to start my car from inside the house so it would be nice and warm for me and the girls!  Now, normally I park in the garage, but tomorrow we are getting our carpets cleaned so we had moved some furniture to the garage.  Speaking of carpet cleaning....I am super excited about that!  We have lived in our home for 8 years and this will be the first time we have actually had our carpets cleaned!  Yay!!!

I just kind of put together a random list of simple pleasures that make me happy!!

1. My cups with straws

2. letter in the mail
3. an inbox message (OMG....they make me feel so important!!!)
4. Mark insisting we pick something up for dinner
5. Chick Fil A (are you surprised it is that far down on the list???) :)

6. a bubble bath

Do you remember this scene from Friends???  Too funny!!!

7. visiting with a friend
8. a text message
9. finding a holiday movie on TV
10. a fun song on the radio

It's funny...other than the cup or the dinner out...all those things are essentially free.......so why do I look to buy things to make me happy???  Hmmmm.....I'll have to continue to think about that (especially since I have seen some really cute things on Pinterest!!!)  :)  I think what I need to remember is to look for/enjoy the simple pleasures in life and try to bring others happiness too!

Have a wonderful day!!

Barely made it...

So, I am about to go to bed and I realized I never blogged!  Since I am trying to blog each day in November, I had to write a quick something!!

Today was a good day.  One nice thing about my life is there are more good days than bad.  In fact most bad days....aren't really bad, they are more just icky.  :)  I am super happy that the weekend is almost here and I am super happy about the fact that it is getting closer to the holidays!  I am hoping there are some good holiday shows on this weekend!

Have a restful night, I'll try to blog better tomorrow!!  :)

Making time....

It's amazing how little time we actually have to do things.....especially when it involves groups!!!  There is a group of us that graduated high school together...or at least graduated the same year, that all ran together. We are hoping to get together soon...but gosh, it's hard!  Trying to find time to get 7 girlfriends together in the midst of families, the holidays, and the miles between us is tough!

I am not giving up and I know that we can make it happen....but sometimes I wish we could just freeze time and transport everyone to specific destination and we could just all be kids again...just for a few minutes...or maybe hours. :)

I just know we can make it happen!!!

Have a GREAT night!

Eyes...

So, my eyes have been acting a little weird lately and being that both sides of my family have had eye issues, I went to the eye doctor today.  Luckily, it is nothing serious.

I simply have a stigmatism in both eyes.  So, we are changing my contacts.  For now, both my eyes are dilated and I can't see anything up close, the positive side....it did allow me to take a nap today!  :)

On the sad side of it all, my sweet eye doctor (who is great) did tell me the only reason I am noticing the stigmatism is because I am getting older.  Yep, there it is.....one of the first times that AGE has caused something NEGATIVE!!!  I hit 35 and my warranty is up!  :)

Oh well.....I am sure it is the first of many negative things that will happen because of age.  For now, I will just fumble my way around and hope my eyes go back to their normal size!  :)

Have a GREAT day!!

Changing colors...

I LOVE fall.  I love weather where you can wear a long sleeve shirt and I love seeing the laves change colors!  I took a few pics of the family today. 

I am so thankful for the beautiful fall leaves!!   Have a wonderful week!!!

Today....:)

Today was a great day!  Mark and Autumn left around 5 a.m for the youth deer hunt.  I never thought I would have a daughter that hunted, but it is what she wants to do and I will support her!  :)  She had killed a doe by 9 a.m.  She was sooooo stinking excited (as was her daddy)!!!

Autumn and her deer!  :)

My sweet Alliebug crawled into bed with me a little before 8 and told me she loved me more than anything!  I just love that sweet girl!

I watched a few holiday movies on the Hallmark Channel...that made me so happy!  I just love holiday movies!!!

Tonight I tried a couple of things that I had seen on Pinterest!  Oh my scrumptious!!!

This is a hashbrown casserole that is AWESOME!!

Crescent rolls with cream cheese, jalapenos, and bacon! Yummy!

I am thankful for today.  Have a wonderful night...time to watch the Hogs beat South Carolina! WPS!  :)

Day 4....The Little Things...

My day was made by 9:30 this morning!!!  My sweet friend Andrea made my whole day!!!  She lives 3 1/2 hours a day and made my day...my weekend!!!  How can that be???  She wrote to me/about me.  That's all it took!  How many times do I think of friends during the day and NOT let them know.  That's awful!  I need to let my friends know that they are on my mind, that I am thinking/praying for them, and that I miss them.  Thank you Andrea!!!

My sweet friend Andrea and I....this is the most recent picture I have!
We need a new one!  :)

Isn't it funny how sometimes it is littlest things that can make our day better, or bring a smile to our face!  I didn't have to work today and was able to schedule a massage and facial.  It was FANTASTIC!  I need to do those type of things a LOT more often!

I love the fact that when I do things for others it makes me feel good and I love that taking time out to do something for myself makes me feel good.  Sometimes I think we all need to focus on what makes US feel better because let's face it, we are better spouses, parents, people when we feel good.

I am so thankful for the little things......:)

Have a GREAT Friday!!!!

Teaching....

I ALWAYS knew I wanted to teach.  I just wasn't sure which grade I should teach.  I loved each one I was in.  :)  I was the kid who at age 8 had a chalkboard in her bedroom and would teach my dolls and stuffed animals!!   I thought elementary would be fun because I could twirl a whistle at recess, but I chose high school.  I love high school kids, though they can make you a little crazy.  I chose to teach social studies because I had a few social studies teacher that took what many considered a "boring" subject and made it interesting.  I would have to thank Bob and Sandy Thompson for that!  :)

I have taught in two different places and have loved them both.  High school kids are a lot of fun, a lot of work at times, but a lot of fun.  There is this misconception about teachers....this idea that we have a lot of time off.  :)  I won't lie, it is one of the perks of the job....time in the summers, time around Christmas, my Spring Break....but the the amount of time I actually put in at work is a lot and makes up for quite a bit of that time off.

Teaching is an emotional job.  For some of the kids school is the only "safe spot" they have.  Their teachers are the only ones who are truly looking out for them.  Since I have been teaching I have lost at least 5 students.  Each of those lives was taken, in my opinion, too early.  My most emotional loss was, of course, Miryah.  Sometimes I still look at the clock and think, I should be at her house, working with her right now.....unfortunately I can't.  I recently worked with another student that had no food in her home....can you really imagine that, I mean...it wasn't that she didn't have what she wanted in her house..it was the fact she had NO FOOD!!!  Heartbreaking!

I love the idea that I am making a difference.  I love it when the kids tell me they wish they could stay in my class instead of going to their next class, I love it when the kids tell me they want to be teachers.

I have always felt that with teaching I have had the best of both worlds...lots of time with my girls, but still a fun job to go to each day.

I am so thankful that I have a job I love.  I am thankful I work with great people and get to make an impact on kids lives.  I am also very thankful that I am off of work tomorrow!  Have a GREAT day!!  :)

Me...trying to look professional!  :)

November 2nd.....Laughter...

Laughing is wonderful!  It is actually one of the best "core" workouts you can have.  Laughing where you are hurting in your sides is a great way to burn calories!!!

I love listening to laughter....especially my girls.  Sometimes they can't stop laughing and they can't even tell me why!!!  I LOVE that!!!

I love laughing with my family and friends.  I just always feel so much better.  It is nice to laugh away problems, laugh for enjoyment, and laugh at ourselves.

I am thankful for laughter and hope you have something your life that brings you lots of laughter too!

November 1st....Thankfulness

I feel like I am a pretty thankful person, but I know I could do a better job of it...especially of expressing it. So, for November I will blog each day (that is my plan) about what I am thankful for!  It is GREAT seeing people on FB updating their statuses with THANKFUL things!  

So, day 1.....

I am thankful for my amazing family and my wonderful friends.  

I am blessed beyond belief with an AWESOME husband and my girls can make any bad day all better. I am super blessed with my family, those near and far!!   I am so grateful for my friends too!  I have some of the BEST friends ever!  I am also so thankful for FB, it allows me to keep up with friends who don't live as close as I would like.  

I hope you all had a wonderful day!!!  Happy November and find something to be thankful for each day!!!  :)