Day after Thanksgiving

Happy Day After Thanksgiving. I really did mean to post yesterday but...we did stay pretty busy. I thought about the things that I am thankful for and I had the typical list: freedom, God, family, etc...so I started thinking about the smaller things. I am thankful that Walmart was open yesterday because it meant that I could do my grocery shopping without having to fight the huge after Thanksgiving crowds (especially since we always go as a family). I am thankful for the friends that I have and that they understand my weird sense of humor. I am thankful that my husband puts up with my crazy ideas and babies me. I am thankful for the church service that we had Sunday morning and the pastor preaching on the religious beginnings of Thanksgiving. It didn't just start with the pilgrims! As I spoke with people throughout the day, I thought about how many of my friends aren't nearly as blessed as I am with the friendships that they have. After all, they did get stuck with me. My list goes on and on.

But on to other things...Wednesday, we went to Dollywood with some friends and had a wonderful time hanging out, riding rides, and looking at all of the beautiful scenery. We took some very cute pictures of the kids hanging out together. This trip to Dollywood also got me to thinking about my influence on others, as sad as that thought is. I often make fun of others, only in good humor but I do struggle with thinking nice thoughts all of the time. I noticed that my dear friend made a "negative" comment about someone while we were there. My thought is this...Does everyone think the negative thoughts (like I do) and refrain from stating them out loud or do they simply become negative thinkers (so to speak) because of my influence? I think that it is human nature to mentally form an opinion of someone else (be it positive or negative) but we tend to only verbalize those things around those that it is safe to do so with (with me as an exception to the rule).

Tradition is something that was never really big in my family. Since getting married and having my own family, I've attempted to get some traditions for us to have and pass on to our children and grandchildren. However, I am struggling. I tried to get the girls to watch the Macy's Parade but they became bored. I have attempted the Christmas tree decorating, wrapping presents, adopting a family, etc...the list goes on and on, but none of these things seem to stick or work for us. I am continuing with the struggle to find traditions that are right for my family so if you have suggestions or words of encouragement, I am all ears.

One tradition that has seem to have lasted for several years now is that my dear sweet husband shops on Black Friday so I don't have to get out of bed or out in the crowds. Most of you know that I struggle with being nice. This mornings journey only included Toys R Us to purchase Eyeclops for Sweet Pea, since she has requested it for a year now and I couldn't stand the thought of paying $60 for a toy that I doubted she would play with too much. My husband also made a trip to GameStop for himself but I don't really consider that as a favor for me (ha ha).

So far, that has been our break. We plan a few shopping places tomorrow and I am getting a haircut (hopefully). I would also like to take the girls ice skating and bake cookies so we will have to see what the future holds.

Celebration

Just wanted to share the good news that I received in the mail yesterday...I passed my last exam that I had to take for my license. My application has been submitted and I am now following through with the little tasks that are required to have it fully processed. I will be so happy to have this over with.

Just wanted to also say thanks to our dear friends who came over to visit Saturday. It was very nice having you guys over and you putting up with my still not feeling great. I really do miss hanging out with you all.

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Pie has become much more motivated in her piano playing since her sister has been taking violin lessons. You have to admit she has improved since her last recital.

Sweet Pea

It is hard to believe that she has only been in violin for 2 months. Do not turn the speakers on too loudly but enjoy the effort and skill that she is already exhibiting.

Our Christmas Tree

I convinced Matt that we needed to put the Christmas tree up last night. The girls enjoyed it and I have to admit that it looks quite lovely.

Couple of Pics from Disney On Ice

I want a bathtub for Christmas

If you will recall, Sweet Pea requested a hot air balloon for her birthday (which she got). I spoke with her the other night about what she is wanting for Christmas and she informed me that she wants a bathtub to go downstairs, because she might want to take a bath downstairs sometime. I'm betting she will not get that wish!

Don't try this at home

Matt was giving Sweet Pea her bath tonight. While playing with her swim pup, she was coaxing him with, "Come to mommy! Come to mommy! Good job!" Of course this was in her sweet voice. She continued to play and then came out with the following: "Do not try this experiment home." Matt asked her where she came up with that and she stated, "Mythbusters!" I guess she watches television with her daddy a little too frequently.

What are they teaching our kids

I picked Sweet Pea up from school this past Tuesday. On our way home, I ask about her day and what she has learned. She stated the following: "Today, we learned about Thanksgiving, Indians, and I learned what a SPORK is." Of all things for her to learn about and to stick out in her mind...I guess that knowledge has to come from somewhere.

Feeling Bad

I am very sorry that I have not been keeping in touch with everyone. We have been pretty stressed out with some stuff and my chronic fatigue (if that is what it really is) has wore me out completely. We did go to Disney on Ice this past Saturday and out to eat with some friends. We also took the girls shopping for some "Angels", which Sweet Pea did not really get in to and Pumpkin Pie kept thinking about/talking about the things that she wants. I felt like it was a very unproductive trip in that aspect. I have almost convinced Matt that we need to put up the Christmas tree this weekend, which is always fun family time. I'm getting very excited about the celebrations coming up. That also leads me to another thing that I want to blog about as soon as I start feeling better. I will also post some pictures from Disney on Ice and hopefully from the Christmas tree soon.

Happy Birthday Sweet Pea (part 2)

We took Sweet Pea to violin lessons, which she done wonderfully at. Then, we went to Build-A-Bear, where she made Marshmallow (her new pet penguin). We had an absolutely wonderful evening. Several people called to sing Happy Birthday to her. That brings me to my next small story...while waiting on her violin teacher, Sweet Pea spoke with several people that passed by. She will talk to anyone! Anyways, she informed everyone that it was her birthday. When they did not offer to sing to her, she politely stated, "This is the part where you sing to me." She was very cute about it. She also used her birthday as an excuse to get sweets. It went something like this..."It is my birthday and you want me to have a happy birthday, don't you."
Sweet Pea is so much like me, yet I love her so much. I guess that is why we get along so much better than she gets along with her daddy. I really enjoyed our day together and look forward to many more happy birthdays with my baby girls.

Happy Birthday Sweet Pea

Today is Sweet Pea's birthday. I can't believe how big and beautiful she is and continues to grow more so each day. Her personality shines in everything that she does. I cannot believe the day that we have already had (and it is not even half over).
I woke Sweet Pea up with singing Happy Birthday and then let her open a couple of small gifts. We then went to the doctor's office because Pumpkin Pie is having some really bad headaches. After both girls got the flumist (and Sweet Pea pitched a fit), we ran some errands. While at the eye doctor's office, Sweet Pea told the receptionist that she was not very smart. Then we went by the sleep center, where she politely told a lady waiting on the doctor, "This is my mommy and you will never take me away from her." Almost sweet but not very nice! Then, while talking to her mamaw, she informed her about the fit at the doctor's office. She went on to say that she was not scared but her nose was. I really do not know where she gets this stuff from. We are now watching "Dora and the Snow Princess" and eating lunch, which consists of a cheeseburger, chicken nuggets, and chocolate ice cream. It's her birthday! We should all be so lucky to eat and watch what we want. We still have lots planned for the day so I will be sure to post more later.

The Red Boots

When I saw these boots, I knew that Pumpkin Pie would absolutely love them. She loves flashy things! I also knew that it would so totally go to her head. So, I delayed buying them, as I contemplated whether she would be able to handle the attention and desire to show them off to EVERYONE. I broke down last night and decided to buy them, thinking that if it was meant to be, they would be there. Of the five pair available, one pair was her size. I guess it was meant to be. The look on her face was priceless. She walked around the living room for about thirty minutes just admiring her new Red Boots!

Happy Birthday Kendra

Today is my very dear friend's birthday.

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Kendra!
Happy Birthday to you!

Tomorrow will be a Very Merry Unbirthday again! (5 points for anyone who remembers what childhood movie that song is from!!!)

Shout out to Brad, whose birthday was on the 25th! I hear he has a nice behind!

Birthday Party

We had a birthday party for the girls today. The kids absolutely loved it. We had so many close friends and family to join in the celebration and the girls got more gifts than they deserve. We are a very blessed family! We bought the girls MP3 players and accessories. Pumpkin Pie had been snooping in our bedroom though and had found it already (much to my surprise). Daddy had opened them to load them with goodies before they received them, so they would be ready to use. Sweet Pea received some activity stuff, Vera Bradley purse, some baby doll clothes, and her favorite gift- a hot air balloon kit. Believe it or not, at almost five years old, the one thing she has been requesting for her birthday is a hot air balloon. Her aunt found a science company that makes a hot air balloon kit for her to make her own really big balloon, which daddy gets to make with her. She also got the Swim to Me Puppy that she has been asking for, since it was advertised. Pumpkin Pie got a mentos experiment tube, a Vera Bradley eyeglass case, American Girl puzzle, DS game, AE hoodie, and several other wonderful presents. The girls also received the new Tinker bell movie and watched it while they were winding down, after the party.
The girls were very appreciative of all of their gifts, but mostly of the special people to celebrate with. They had so much fun spending time with family and friends. It was a beautiful day to spend outside. I have not had the opportunity to go through the pictures yet but may have a couple that I can post on here later.

Never wrong

Sweet Pea is so much like me! We went to Sam's today to pick up the girl's birthday cake. While there, mini-me-being her little social self, made friends with an older ZZ top looking feller. He introduced himself as "Billie." Sweet Pea informs me that her new friend is "Willie," but when daddy corrected her, she stated the following: "No his name is Willie but with a Bill!" She can just never be wrong. I don't know where she gets it from.