Life in the Green House

introducing... Me

2012-02-26T01:44:00.000-06:00

I'm writing you from the beautiful Gaylord Opryland hotel and my much anticipated trip has come to an end. I'll be heading back to my sweet home of Alabama, just a little south of here, in a few hours. I want to tell you so much about the trip and show you all of the amazing things that I experienced. More importantly I'm coming back with a renewed passion for blogging and writing.

But before I go any further I wanted to take the time to introduce myself to the wonderful people I met and the new followers that I've seen through Google Friend Connect Recently. Hi!

A recent picture of our family from December. To get to know us even more click
on the About Me button at the top.

This blog has a little of everything. A collision of family, parenthood, crafting and cooking. Essentially this blog is a snapshot of our life and I tend to write deep posts on those defining moments. I can't help it, writing is my outlet.

I'm married to my very favorite person, Allen and we have an (I can't believe I'm going to say this) almost 2 year-old. I stayed home for the majority of the past 21 months but now I'm teaching kindergarten.

I don't pretend to have it all figured out and I'll be the first to tell you that parenthood is tough and overwhelming at times. But, those times are always overshadowed and quickly forgotten because of the sweet and rewarding moments.

I'm a huge believer in following your heart, not other people, doing what you love and Starbucks iced caramel macchiatos with nonfat milk and an extra shot.

I'm a chronic list-maker and balance seeker. That's right, I'm searching for balance because that's one item that really needs to be checked off my list already.

Now it's your turn, leave me a comment and tell me a little about YOU!

i should be packing, but...

2012-02-23T01:46:00.000-06:00

I got a little video happy instead...

I mentioned that BK loves to sing "Moves Like Jagger," she first heard it when someone sent me the link to Little Big Town's banjo picking version. She absolutely loved it and she said over and over "Again, Moves, Mommy." So we played it over and over and she's danced her little self until she just can't dance anymore on many occasions.

I thought I would post a quick video of her version of the song.

And because I never shared it but this used to be her favorite song, can you have Beiber Fever this young? Or is it just a case of catchy lyrics and make a toddler wanna dance music since she's never actually watched the Biebs himself perform this song.

Here's another not so short video of B at 22 months. I talk about her so much but I wanted you to actually get to see her in action, because sometimes that's more fun :)

A few things to note:

I asked her about frogs because she is so scared of them. It's a long story but basically my mother is terrified of frogs and Debbie decided to torture her with one at the lake house a few weekends back. Braylen wanted nothing to do with the frog and now if you even mention it she does the funniest thing. Of course, she wouldn't do it while I had the camera out but I'll definitely be trying to get that on video.
And spiders because she has the Eric Carle book and she won't look at that spider. She says "Oh, no it get me, I scared."
I don't know where her fascination with monsters has come from but she's always talking about them. I promise I don't use monsters as a scare tactic. In fact, it would probably scare me even more.
This is typical Braylen. She plays and talks and sings and dances like no one is around and she throws in a little drama every once in a while.

And making faces in my phone ranks right up at the top with a few of her favorite things to do these days.

22 Months

2012-02-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

Sweet Braylen Kate,

Here we are, 22 months in and absolutely smitten with your sweet smile. You are such a bright spot in everyones life, they all have sweet stories about something funny you told them or some dramatic face you made over something. You are quite the entertainer and you aren't shy one bit. I see so much of myself in you, you love to talk and you literally talk from the time you wake up until the time your eyes close. Your talking is in full sentences and no one ever wonders what is wrong or what is on your mind. You are at full speed from the time your feet hit the floor in the morning until we tuck you in at night. I see so much of your daddy in you as well, as you patiently put your puzzle together, giving it way more time than I ever would. That's one of the triats I prayed you would pick up from him before you were even born. I think that's his best quality, his patience. It's something I joke about but something I have to work on every single day, but not him. He's a natural and worry free, you picked that one up to. You're carefree and fun-loving just like an almost 2 year old should be.

As people talk about the "terrible two's" approaching it's funny that you have mellowed out a bit on the heels of your two's. I wonder if that will change? This past few weeks you have been the sweetest, most loving, girl I have ever met. You have turned into such a daddy's girl. But when I ask you who your best friend is you still smile really big and give a very excited, "Mommy!" as your answer. You love the nursery at church and you love to play with your friends there. I hear that you're a little bossy in the nursery, but you play well and you don't mind sharing. If you want to sing a song or play a game, you think everyone else should be playing it with you.

You love to eat out and be on the go. Your daddy and I love to eat out so we definitely feared that day would come where you would be too rowdy to sit still and eat but you aren't. It's funny because you are busy and on the go all day long but you don't mind sitting still and eating. You are quite the little foodie. You went to your first sick baby doctors visit this month and it looked like there might be an ear infection on the horizon, you temperament never really changed and well, it should be long gone now.

I've moved away from worring about you grow up too quickly to just being thankful that we have such a special person in our lives. It will always be my prayer that no matter how fast your grow up that you never outgrow your love for Jesus. What a blessing he has given us in you.

Clothes Size 24M/2T and 18M jeans
Diaper Size: 3
I know you weigh around 25 pounds but I'm not sure how tall you are, probably between 33-35 inches.
You wear a size 6 shoe.
Your vocabulary is excellent and we've yet to stump you with a word. You repeat everything we say. Your big vocabulary is still impressive and you string words together and make sentences like a pro. You mainly uses sentences as your form of communication. When you want something you say "Mommy, I want an ______" and when you don't want something it's usually "No, I not like that." or "I not want that"
You are so very polite and say "Please" and "Thank you" after everything. The other day you even asked Coco, "Please, I have it" when you were trying to get her ball.
Your favorite toys are your kitchen, your tent, Melissa and Doug ice cream set and alphabet puzzle and your baby dolls.
Your favorite tv show is Bubble Guppies and the only other one you even remotely like is Dora.
You love to sing (Twinkle, Twinkle, Moves Like Jagger and Jesus Loves Me are your favorites), play with other babies, play the piano and guitar with daddy, hide and let us come find you, color, play outside, ride in the car, put on your "makeup," dance and "cook" for us from your kitchen.
Favorite foods: Greek yogurt, pancakes, oranges, bananas, apples, peanut butter, goldfish, spaghetti, chicken, popcorn, and cheese. You love water and milk too.

Project 365: Week 7

2012-02-19T08:13:00.004-06:00

Here we are at Week 7, I feel like P365 has really turned into a recap of our week. I mean I could just give you a picture but writing a little about it allows me to document our lives a little more and hey, you know I'm all for that.

As usual I'm linking up with Laura and you can too. Just click on the button below.

Sunday, February 12, Day 43. We celebrated my Nanny's birthday after church. For those who don't know my Nanny comes over during the day and keeps BK while I'm teaching. It is absolutely ideal and I am more grateful than I could ever put into words that she keeps her every day. It's nice to know BK is with someone who loves her so much and who she adores as well.

Monday, February 13, Day 44. We spent the evening doing all things Valentine's. Handprints, cards and these yummy treats. I'm still thinking about these and if I had even an ounce of self control I'd be making some more today.

Tuesday, February 14, Day 45. Pink water in the bathtub for Valentine's Day. I owe the blog a V-day recap too. I'll have to get on that for next week.

Wednesday, February 15, Day 46. Ring Around The Rosie with Kristen at church. She learned how to play last Sunday in the nursery and now she's obsessed. She wants everyone to play with her and she wants you to do it "her" way and don't even try not falling down when she gets to that part, Miss Bossy Pants will let you know if you aren't playing right.

Thursday, February 16, Day 47. Did I ever show you the playroom? Well, probably not because it's never in any shape to show anyone. She loves her playroom and thankfully there are no plans for #2 in the future because she would surely be heartbroken if I turned this into a nursery. Hopefully, we'll be in a more accommodating house at that point.

Friday, February 17, Day 48. Seriously? I'm constantly swooning over those gorgeous lashes she sports.

Saturday, February 18, Day 49.
Allen went fishing with a couple of his friends this weekend so BK and I slept in on Saturday morning. When we woke up she wanted to drive, and then she said, "pleeeeease, mommy. A seatbelt, I wear it." So we sat in the car and listened to the radio in our pj's for a good 30 minutes.

you deserve a hug

2012-02-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

I know you've seen these "pinned" all over Pinterest in the past few days (orignial pin here). I'm here to tell you that you should run to the grocery store, get the ingredients and take the 20 minutes it takes to make them. You won't regret it, until your pants get too tight, that is.

They are so simple, really. Just lay out pretzels on a parchment paper-covered cookie sheet. Unwrap a bag of Hershey's Hugs and place one on top of each pretzel. Stick the cookie sheet in the oven (preheated to 175 degrees) for 4-6 minutes. Just long enough so that the chocolate is soft but not melted.

When they come out place an M&M into the center of each one. Now, this is important advice from yours truly, use peanut M&M's. Really, trust me here. Unless, of course, you're allergic to peanuts and in that case you should obviously use the regular ones. I'm sure they're divine as well.

And there you have it, the perfect blend of sweet and salty and I bet you can't stop at just one. I checked My Fitness Pal and it looks like they come out to about 75 calories for two, which is really not that bad. If you only eat two, that is.

date night in a jar

2012-02-15T22:16:00.001-06:00

Hi, I'm Jennifer and I am the most indecisive person you will ever meet. I'm over think things so choosing between two places to eat on Sunday afternoon when church lets out is something I try to avoid every single week. Why? Well, because I take many things into consideration. Who's going with us? Will they like it? Did they eat this type of food yesterday? Will there be a wait (I have a toddler, you know)? Am I on a diet this week? Those are the first set of questions that go through my head. Did I also tell you I'm completely ADD? It's a horrible combination when each time I over think something my ADD kicks in and it leads me on a different path. Like right now, I'm way off base.

Back to the point of this post, Allen and I opted for new clothes and weekend trips this year for V-Day. He's going fishing this weekend and I'm going to Blissdom next weekend. BUT, I thought, why don't I do something creative and inexpensive for him so that he can have something on Valentine's day. I thought perhaps a date night at home bag, I've seen those "pinned" all over the place recently. You know, a movie, popcorn, coke, candy, all in a cute little bag and ready for "date night" at home? Well, in the midst of searching for those I came across this cute idea for "Date Night In A Jar."

I tweaked it just a little and created this "Date Night In A Jar" for Allen. Okay, and for me too I'm thinking this will help in a major way when we can't decide what we want to do and neither of us wants to make the decision. Hence the reason I talked about my indecisiveness up there in the beginning.

I started with just a plain mason jar with a wide mouth. Little known fact, I have about a million mason jars in my laundry room. My grandmother cans veggies and such from the garden each year and her only request is that she gets the jars back for next year. That's right, we aren't mentioning to her that I used one for a craft project ;)

I used big popsicle sticks and spray painted them different colors. Each color represents a different type of date (and each color is explained on the tag) and the white sticks were used as fillers.

Red sticks have more expensive dates on them that require planning on our part.

Bed and Breakfast
Dinner at a fancy restaurant
Hotel stay for the night
Auburn home game and away game
Concert and dinner (his choice)
Concert and dinner (my choice)
Weekend away
Coupes Massage

Dark pink sticks have "at home" dates:

Chopped Challenge (like the television show on FoodNetwork)
Fondue and Almost Famous
Takeout and board games
1,000 piece puzzle and pizza
Football game and nachos
Popcorn and a chick-flick
Crosswords and breakfast for dinner
Make a dessert together
Friday Night Lights marathon
Homemade pizzas and an Italian movie

Light Pink dates have things we can do away from home but are less expensive than the red and don't require as much planning.

Dinner and a movie (my choice and his choice)
Laser tag and go carts
Mexican night at Cocina Superior
Drive-In date
Dessert only date
Window shopping for the house
Bowling
The Melting Pot
Coffee Date

And a little key on the back of the tag for the colors.

I'm so excited about this and it eases my indecisive mind for sure. Plus, it's a cute little craft to sit on the desk in the bedroom :)

Toddler Tuesday, Valentine Edition

2012-02-14T08:02:00.001-06:00

It's Tuesday and Valentine's day so I have a quick Toddler Tuesday post. It's not educational but it is something that is quick and easy and I think it'll be something we'll cherish when her hands aren't quite so tiny.

So a few special people in our life got this today for Valentine's Day from our sweet toddler. I would have taken more pictures of the during but it was an all hands on deck type project. She loved having the paint on her hands but she didn't want to press them to the paper and she kept saying "more, red!"

I didn't worry about trying to center her hands, instead we just stamped them out on a big piece of white paper and cut them after they dried. I picked up a few frames and voila, a cute hand-made Valentine.
You can link your Toddler Tuesday activities below :)

Project 365 Week 6

2012-02-13T23:09:00.003-06:00

I'm a day late for Project 365 this week. My OCD sets into over-drive when I don't have a post for you everyday and last night at about 11:00 when everything was finished I thought about sitting down and blogging but the warm and comfy bed won out. So I set my alarm clock for an hour earlier to get my blogging done for this week (that's 4:15, y'all) but I woke up around 4:00 and set it back to the normal time. I love blogging, I love writing and sharing so much of our life on here and that is the main reason I didn't stay up late or get up early. I don't ever won't blogging to be something that I dread or I feel like I have to do. Moving on from that way too long, borderline-whiny, explanation of the delay in P365, I give you the goods...

Sunday, February 5 (day 35), A way too short nap resulted in a not-so-happy baby during church, she entertained herself with my iPhone camera and the genius "switch" option, ideal for self-portraits. Oh, and we broke the rule and gave her the paci before bedtime, all of the other church members were thankful, I'm sure, they could hear about Jesus in peace :)

Monday, February 6 (day 36), Allen's birthday!! We had Mexican with the fam and BK was on cloud nine when they sang and played the guitar, but she remained unsure of the pint-sized sombrero they placed on her head.

Tuesday, February 7, (day 37), After bathtime Allen put this little nightgown on her instead of her usual pj's and she thought she was the cutest thing ever. Okay, she was the cutest thing ever but she kept saying "My nightgown, I love it, I'm a princess." Indeed, little BK, you are. The funniest part? The next day she wouldn't take it off, she wore it until bathtime.

Wednesday, February 8, (day 38), My Blissdom box came in the mail and I was reeling with the fact that it is only about 2 weeks away (now, just a little over a week). When I planned this back in August it seemed like ages away.

Thursday, February, 9 (day 39), We have a closet overflowing with smocks but play clothes were a different story so we went on a little shopping date and picked up lots of new play clothes and every day wear. Afterwards we stopped by Mt. Fuji for hibachi because that's always a fool-proof way to get her to eat more than she has all week combined. Homegirl loves her rice.

Friday, February 10 (day 40), I am still completing the February Photo-A-Day that I posted about last week. I do that challenge and P:365, but for the most part I keep them seperate. Today's picture was suposed to be a "self portrait" I couldn't help but post this one on here too, I love that sweet face and she loves putting makeup on with her mommy.

Saturday, February 11 (day 41), Allen surprised me with a little Valentine's shopping money so off we went. I know, I know shopping two days in a week, I feel like a bit of my former self was revived and I didn't mind at all. BK was so sweet for us the entire time we rewarded ourselves with Starbucks and a cake pop for her.

it's working out

2012-02-10T11:12:00.002-06:00

I'm linking up today with other working moms on Kelly's Korner for Show Us Your Life. I think it will be great to find other blogs of working moms and network with them. I've been a SAHM, I've worked from home and now I am working away from the home. I tried for the first 2 years to find my place, I spent countless hours praying and talking with Allen about what was exactly right for our family. I am thankful that he was so so supportive. I wanted to stay home? Well, go for it. I wanted to start a business? Have at it. I wanted to go back to work? Do what makes YOU happy.

It's hard for me to accurately put into words what I need to say regarding staying home and working. I don't think one is easier or harder than the other. I don't think people who work do more than people who stay home and I don't think that people who stay home have a lesser job than those who work. I don't think I'm horrible and missing my child grow up because I work. They are two completely different things and I don't think one is superior to the other.

Time was something that I really struggled with while I was staying home. What was I doing with the time I had with BK? Was I taking it for granted because I had so much of it? One of my biggest faults as a SAHM was the time after Allen came home from work. I would be in desperate need of "me" time and sometimes mentally or phyically check-out from the evenings. Now that I'm working the quanitity of time may be less but for me I find that the quality of our time is far greater. That isn't a one size fits all statement, I'm sure that everyone feels differently about this and that's perfectly fine.

In the beginning I always felt like I had to justify working, becuase there's a huge stigma attached to women who work and don't necassarily have to work out of financial obligation. I would try to justify it by using the angle that insurance would be way better or we could save more for later but the truth is it works for me. It's great for us and I am so content in this role. I think of it as the right balance for my family and not a choice that is wrong or right. I'm a big believer in following your heart and letting the rest work itself out, it always does.

In some ways I feel like it works so well because my situation is ideal for me. I work less than 5 minutes from home as a kindergarten teacher and BK never has to leave the house. I am home by 3:30 most days and I get long breaks during holidays and of course, my 2.5 months in the summer. I have enjoyed so much going back to work and I really feel like I am right where I should be at this point in my life. Sometimes it's a busy life and sometimes a little crazy, but its ours and I wouldn't trade anything for it.

And, of course, this little girl and the hours I spend with her in the evening are the absolute highlight of my day.

And of course, her daddy too...

where i am today

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

There are definite times in my life when I feel like God flat out tells me "No" and while I can't see it right away, there is always a lesson to be learned. Sometimes my plans, my goals, my dreams, my expectations move way too fast. I've already told you that I am the only girl on either side of my family and coupled with the fact that there are 6 years between my brother and I makes for some rather interesting inbeded character traits. It's a mix of I-thought-I-was-an-only-child reality shock, oldest-child mentatility and "our only baby girl" syndrome. What I'm really trying to say (and what I don't really want to say) is sometimes, er often times I get a case of what I like to call the "I want it nows." Perhaps you're familiar with this?

The "I want it nows" plague me relentlessly. I know, I'm an adult now. I live in the real world and as much as I'd like to throw a fit sometimes when things don't go my way, I know that certainly won't be the answer. In fact, I'll just look like a crazy person. But don't you think that sometimes when my jeans don't fit me or I can't find my car keys I don't want to sit down and cry until someone fixes it for me. (And yes there are much bigger problems in the world and in life, I'm working on it.) And we wonder why toddlers throw tantrums to get their way. Hello, it's easier.

I really am writing all of this for a specific reason, stick with me here. Last August, on a whim, we looked at a house in what to be the perfect location. It was in the middle of my parents, Allen's parents, church and work. It had the land that Allen had desired, 5 completely flat acres, a pool, the specific number of rooms I envision. We made an offer and put a contingency contract on the house. The contract said we would purchase the house within 30 days of closing on our house. Okay, great, we've got a plan, we've got a time frame and now we need to sell our house. I need to be honest with you here and tell you that I was suffering greatly from the "I want it nows." I wanted a new house, that new house and I wanted it as soon as possible.

We put our house on the market the next week. We waited. And we waited. We waited for 2 long months and we had people look and we had low offers, but we weren't satisfied. Our house came off of the market in September and I was a little sad. Not as sad as I would have been had you told me in August we would still be living here, but sad nonetheless. That was it, the house I just knew we were meant to live in for years and years to come. And if we were meant for it, why wasn't it working out?

I cringe at that person who couldn't see a bigger plan because I was stuck on what I wanted, when I wanted it. That immature way of thinking almost landed us with two mortgages. I was so caught up in my own selfishness that I wouldn't have believed you if you told me I would sit here, nearly 6 months later, and be so thankful that our house didn't sell. So thankful that I am not living in the house I thought was perfect for us. Today, I am more aware than ever that I don't make the plans. I don't write the story. I don't even choose the place and it's certainly not on my timeframe. Today, I'm a little more concerned with being thankful for what we have and a little less worried about what we might get tomorrow.

Our house is on the market again, as of Saturday. And wouldn't you know we looked at houses this weekend and I absolutely fell in love with one (and I also wondered what in the world EVER made me think I just had to have that other house). This time we didn't make an offer, no contracts, no talk of purchasing it before we can sell ours. This time I realize there is a step one (and logically it should come before step two) and consuming myself with relentless thoughts of "what if" and "why not" is incredibly counterproductive.

My answer last time was a definite "no" and who knows it may very well be the same way this time, but that's okay. I've learned my lesson and I'll silence the voice inside of me that wants it right now. Lord knows if it's patience that is being taught I need to be on the front row taking notes.

Toddler Tuesday

2012-02-07T08:08:00.000-06:00

Here we are again for Toddler Tuesday and I must say that this week flew by, so it definitely snuck up on me this week. One of B's favorite things to do is color, crayons and a blank sheet of paper could keep her entertained for the longest. I decided we would make some chunky crayons and shapes using a muffin tin and cookie cutters. This was a fun little project and it turned out to be pretty hands-on for little B.

First, we made heart shaped crayons. We peeled the crayons and broke them into pieces. She especially liked this part. At first she said "Mommy, you broke a color. Oh no, oh no!" But then she quickly realized it was fun.

I picked up a pack of glitter crayons to melt in with the others just for an added touch of fun.

Put aluminum foil under the cookie cutters so they don't leak out. This step is important and you should make sure it's tightly wrapped around the cookie cutter and secure or they will leak out. And... you will have a mess. Just FYI. Put the broken pieces into the molds. Another important thing is to fill them up with as many crayons as will fit. I didn't put quite enough and now I'm wishing they were thicker. Bake on a cookie sheet at 300 degrees for about 5 minutes. Be careful and make sure you take them out right as they start to liquefy. If you leave them in too long after they have liquefied then it will make one big ugly color.

They wouldn't have made such a mess had I secured the foil, but I didn't so it leaked out on the tray. Once they cooled I used a knife to loosen the edges and they popped right out.

Then, we peeled even more crayons to make chunky crayons in the mini-muffin tin.

Fill the muffin tin with crayon pieces and place in the oven on 300 degrees for about 5 minutes again. Once again, I was left wishing I had filled them a little more so they would be thicker, but they still turned out great.

After they cool pop them out of the containers. I just popped them out with a knife and they came out clean. They turned out so pretty and it was neat to see how the colors mixed together. BK was coloring with them before I left for work this morning and she loved her new colors.

Here's another look at our Valentine's Day inspired crayon.

Now it's your turn, what fun toddler activitiy do you have up your sleeve? Do share :)

28 for 28

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

Some special guy is having a birthday today and he thinks he's getting old but I think it's just another great year to celebrate. What better way to show him 28 isn't such a bad thing than to give him 28 reasons why I think he's the best.

He makes me laugh like no one else. He's the best kind of funny, the kind you don't expect, the kind that catches you off guard. Never corny, always in good timing.
He keeps it real with me. I have a really funny story to tell you that demonstrates this. One day, pre-BK we were listening to the Zach Brown album while driving to church and the song Free started playing. And if you aren't familiar with the song there is a part where it says So we live out in our old van and travel all across this land, me and you. Upon hearing that part of the song I looked at Allen and with sincerity said, "I would live out of a van with you." To which he replied, "Jenn, you won't even go camping, in an RV, you would not live in a van." Silence. And then he says, "Anyway, I would hope you would tell me to go get a job if I tried to make you live out of a van with me."
He is the greatest dad I have ever seen.
He is a wealth of knowledge about the Bible. He reads and studies it more than anyone else I know and I could sit and listen to him tell me about it for hours.
He squishes bugs for me and doesn't think I'm crazy for screaming like an ax murderer is about to get me when I see one.
He doesn't make me do yard work. Ever.
He lets me sing Famous In A Small Town, Kerosene and White Liar in my completely out of character, best, and loudest Miranda Lambert voice. Oh yes, just about every time we ride in the car.
He can pick up a new instrument in the morning and play it by the end of the day and he genuinely thinks it's no big deal.
He lets me talk a lot and he's really listening, sometimes.
He tells me I'm beautiful all of the time.
He tells me I'm right when I say that Smart Water and Evian taste different than Dasani and Aquaphina. They do, you know.
He stayed up with me until 4:00 on Saturday morning getting the house ready to put on the market. He cleaned carpets and rugs, helped me organize boxes in the basement and generally kept me on task. We make a good team, us two.
He loves vacations and sometimes even plans everything for us and takes care of all the travel details.
He took off from work last week because BK wasn't feeling good and he wanted one of us to be with her, they went to the doctor and IHOP by themselves.
He always puts her in the carseat and gets her out. Sweet bliss.
He is such a big kid, we always have to buy a kite at the beach and he's in the yard playing football anytime there are enough people around to play.
He doesn't complain about taking pictures because he knows just how happy they make me.
He can build anything and do anything around the house. In fact, most of our home improvements were done by him.
He makes a mean blueberry pancake and homemade biscuits.
He doesn't make me watch scary movies.
He gets up in the middle of the night to check things out when I think I hear something outside.
He is calm and collected at all times, he fixes things when I get stressed out and frustrated and he even helps me find my missing shoes in the morning (even if I promised to put them back where they go the previous morning).
He said it was okay if I picked our next house based completely on the kitchen and closet size. I won't, of course. Obviously, I'll consider other things too, like a good front door and a nice shower. Priorities.
He always thinks of others first and drops what he's doing to go help his friends.
He changed every dirty diaper in the hospital and never complained even though he had a double ear infection that he wasn't disclosing.
He pays the bills. I mean literally, pays the bills and makes the budget and insists I stick to it.
He is supportive of any decision I make.
He knows me best and still loves me way more than I ever deserve.

Happy Birthday from both of your girls, we love you more than you know. May this be the best year yet.

Project 365: Week 5

2012-02-05T08:21:00.000-06:00

I'm way late tonight, we've had a busy weekend but I wanted to get this weeks Project 365 post completed. So few words, but all of the pictures. Here we go.

Sunday, January 29 (Day 29), BK and Kristin hanging out before church started. Kristen is Braylen's friend from church and anytime she talks about church, she talks about Kristen.

Monday, January 30 (Day 30), Very blue water thanks to the Sesame Street Fizzy Tub Colors that she loves even if she did call it "yellow" the whole time.

Tuesday, January 31 (Day 31), Her very first antibiotic and she is not a fan at all.

Wednesday, February 1 (Day 32), Hanging out with daddy while he studies for church.

Thursday, February 2 (Day 33), a little breakfast date with daddy at IHOP.

Friday, February 3 (Day 34), Trying on Allen's hat on the way to stay the night with my parents, Allen and I worked until 4:00 Saturday morning getting our house ready to put back on the market.

Saturday, Fenruary 4 (Day 35), helping Big work on the lake house, she kept saying "I fix it, mommy."

I'm linking up with Laura again this week. Go check out her blog for other Project 365 posts.

product(s) of the week

2012-02-03T11:08:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite bloggers, Aly, has this cool weekly link-up where you can share your favorite product. It can be anything and I thought it would be fun to start linking up with her (the link-up day is actually Thursday, I'm a day late).

This week I have two things to share with you.

First up is my favorite hair dryer ever. I bought a hair dryer like this right after Allen and I got married and it lasted me about 4 years. When it bit the dust I bought a different kind, a more expensive kind and I didn't like it at all. I'm back to this one as of last week and it dries my hair so fast, it's safe to say I'll never go back. Actually, I should probably buy one and keep it as a back-up, hair is that serious, y'all.

It's a Remington T-Studio tourmaline hair dryer and I picked mine up at Target for around $40.

Next up, this CamelBak 1L water bottle. I've had it on my mind to start drinking more water, I used to drink a ton of water and then diet Coke took its place. Healthy, huh? Since I've cut out diet Coke I've still not been drinking water like I should. So I ordered this water bottle from Amazon and I've managed to stay on track everyday that I've used it this week. Miracle worker? Perhaps.

If you like lemon in your water, add a little True Lemon to it. You'll be glad you did :)

What are your favorite products this week? Check out Aly's blog and link up!

full of firsts

2012-02-01T23:11:00.000-06:00

I need to update the blog about several "firsts" around here. I figured it would be easiest to do it all in one post.

This week BK had her first sick visit to the peds office. She did get sick a few days after she was born but she went straight to the hospital that time. This was our first trip that wasn't a well-baby check-up. She woke up on Sunday with a runny nose but I didn't really think much of it because that was her only symptom. On Monday, when she woke up she said "a ear hurts," when we asked which one she pointed to her left one every time.

She didn't act very sick but if she was telling me her ear hurt then we would definitely get it checked out. Her daddy stayed home with her on Monday and took her to the doctor while I was teaching. Turns out he said the left ear looked a little red and perhaps she had the beginnings of an ear infection. Amoxicillin was prescribed to go ahead and remedy any infection there might be.

I'm thinking nearly 22 months isn't too shabby, she's been a healthy little girl.
Here she is telling me which ear hurts. She looks pretty sick, huh? :)

Moving on to another first for Project 365. I downloaded the app so I could just add the pictures to the calendar. The first month of 2012 is over and I have a picture for each day. I love how we can look over the whole month at a glance. So fun!

And for the first time this year I'll be starting the Instagram Photo A Day challenge. Many of my Twitter friends already participate so I decided I would jump in for February. Just what I need... more pictures. Oh, and this isn't replacing P365, I'll just have two different calendars now.

I didn't blog about this but on the 13th we went to see Beauty and The Beast in 3D. She loved the movie and had the best time. She sat still with Allen and I for the entire movie.I was a bit surprised since she isn't interested in sitting still, ever. We enticed her with popcorn and gummy bears and that did the trick.
Here she is ready to go! She kept saying "I see a Beast movie"

And without our first trip to the movies I would have never captured this funny moment. Her 3D glasses and personality? A winning combination.

Last Wednesday after church my Aunt Shelia trimmed BK's hair for the first time. She barely trimmed away the stray hairs and shaped up those cute little ringlets. She pretty much lost her mind and started crying so hard when we put the cap on her, this time we enticed her with a candty cane. Whatever works, people, whatever works. I can't believe that the tiny amount of hair she cut made such a huge difference. It looks thicker and longer already.

Toddler Tuesday

2012-01-31T10:42:00.000-06:00

Toddler Tuesday is going to be become a regular weekly series on the blog. Each week I'll blog about a toddler activity that I did with BK from the previous week. I also had some interest in the link-up part so I'm going to add the linky at the end. You can even link to a previous post from your blog, it doesn't have to be one you wrote for today. I don't have the blog button yet, but I'll share it as soon as I get it!

So this weeks activity wasn't very educational but it is something I've wanted to do for months now. Pre-BK I always put my make-up in the bathroom, but when she started crawling and walking around she became very interested in whatever I was doing. We have a huge mirror in our bedroom so I would just sit in the floor in front of it to do my makeup. She would always sit so still in my lap and watch my every move.

She is so infatuated by the process. She wants to give me my makeup and pretend to use the brushes on her face. She'll hand me the mascara or eyeliner and say "eyes?" Now, this isn't Toddlers and Tiaras so I needed a way for her to feel like she was doing the same thing as me, without all the mess.
I know I saw a pin about this months back but I can't seem to locate it now and the one I could find didn't link to a specific blog. Basically, I just bought some cheap makeup at Target, I spent $11 on several different things and a few brushes.

I just popped the metal inserts out. I used a knife and once I got under the edge they came right out. Then I filled each spot with nail polish.

I let it dry overnight and voila, mess free makeup.

This was a hit for BK she loves and she keeps talking about "my makeup," as she calls it. Even though, she thinks I should be wearing hers now.

Quite the makeup artist I have on my hands.

Such a fun and easy project. I was surprised at how long she played with this last night.

Now it's your turn, what fun and easy project have you done with your toddler lately?

Us plus one

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

If I could sum up the common theme for last years blog post is would be: Time, please slow down. There are times when I don't want things to change anymore. I don't want time to pass so quickly. I don't want to start a new season. Times when I wish life came with a pause button. I'm a big believer in living in the moment, this moment. Not waiting for bigger and better things but enjoying the things that are right before me. Doesn't mean I always do this but I am always aware of this. When Allen wanted a baby so badly and I didn't want us to change it wasn't because I didn't think I could love a baby or because I wasn't ready to be a mother. It was simply because I knew it meant that us would evolve into an us plus one. I struggled with the change and what it would mean.

So we waited and when we decided that we wanted to add to our family, I was ready. However, I still think about that us, two very different people than the people we are today.

We didn't know love like we know now. While I was pregnant with Braylen I remember countless mothers telling me how special it would be when I first feasted my eyes upon that tiny little beauty, how I would love her with a love like nothing I've experience before. I didn't quite get that, I'll be honest. But at 1:53 PM in a cold operating room I felt a love that radiated a warmth inside my soul like nothing before.

It was a different love than the love I have for Allen. Not a greater love, a different love. It's different with your husband because it's a love that grows over time from the first awkward moment you meet. In the beginning, we went on a series of dates and through countless hours on the phone we learned each other. What we like, what we didn't like, our fears, our strengths, our weaknesses. We both had a story to tell. Even now, we're still figuring each other out.

But with Braylen, it was far different. She didn't have a story to tell or a past that may not be fun to share. Our love for her came quick and without effort, it didn't start small, it was bigger than life at first sight. She was unwritten when they placed her in my arms and she may have only weighed 6 pounds but the weight of responsibility that fell on us that day was greater than 6 tons. It was no longer about which diapers to use and whether or not the diaper bag was functional. This new us, this us plus one, somehow immediately felt absolutely perfect.

And here we are, nearly two years in. I can't help but to think of us sometimes. The us who planned a vacation on a whim and had date nights in the middle of the week. Except then we didn't call them date nights, and I'm sure we would have laughed at you had you told us we would one day need to actually plan to go see a movie. Sometimes I catch a glimpse of those crazy kids, they haven't left, they're just wearing a more responsible hat now.

Our new norm is us plus one and I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that it is sweeter than I ever imagined. We're living in this moment and we're caught up in life; crazy, busy, life. Rarely do we talk about changing this dynamic to us plus one more and if I'm being honest I think we're still a while away from that yet. I know I'll love that season just as much as this one but for now we're just enjoying the weather here, with our sweet plus one.

Project 365: Week 4

2012-01-29T22:08:00.001-06:00

Week 4? And I'm still here? It seems this New Years resolution might out last the others. And by the way, Week 4 is how far I made it last year. Yep, just 4 short weeks. Don't worry, I have every intention of seeing you next week this year.

I'm linking up with Laura and if you want to join in just click on over to her blog and get started.

Sunday, January 22 (Day 22). Allen took this picture of us before church. He actually took several. This is by far the worst one, it's blurry and I look 12, but BK? She is smiling so big and I can't help but smile as I'm typing this, I love how happy she is.

Monday, January 23 (Day 23). We woke up to horrible thunder and lightening, the wind was blowing and the rain was beating against the windows. We grabbed BK out of her bed and headed for the basement, since April 27 bad weather isn't taken lightly around here. We turned on the news as soon as we got down there and the man himself, James Spann, was talking about our little town of Childersburg and a possible tornado in our area. It was a scary few minutes but eventually the threat was over and school was delayed 3 hours. The next day I read about 10 confirmed tornadoes, 1 of them being in Childersburg. Thankfully, there was no damage here but it was still scary for us.

Tuesday, January 24 (Day 24). Her spring and summer smocks are starting to come in and I get way too excited about checking the mail every day.

Wednesday, January 25 (Day 25). After church we stopped by my mom and dads house and my Aunt Shelia gave BK a much needed trim. The plus side of depriving your child of candy? You can entice her to do anything with a little sweet stuff. She sat still and didn't mind at all when we pulled out a candy cane. She didn't cut much at all, just a little to shape it up and make it a little more manageable.

Thursday, January 26 (Day 26). Also known as "The Great Closet Clean-Out of 2012" I worked for hours on my closet and BK loved trying on my clothes. She would put on dresses and look at herself in the mirror saying, "Ohhh, I princess."

Friday, January 27 (Day 27). My sweet husband came to rearrange some things in my classroom and BK had the best time coloring and playing with blocks. I was pretty impressed with her "B" that she made.

Saturday, January 28 (Day 28). I worked a little more in the classroom on Saturday while Allen and BK went to watch our nephew, Lawson, play basketball. I was proud of Allen for remembering to take a picture, her she is playing with Bailey.

a brain dump, of sorts

2012-01-27T10:55:00.001-06:00

It's Friday, friends! So how about a brain dump/favorite things post?

Toddler Tuesday is set and it'll begin this Tuesday. The talented Jenn at Munchkinland-Designs is designing a cute button for the occasion. I'm pretty excited to share the activity we did this week!

I'm way behind on this trend but I picked up a pair of black booties at Target. I want to be brave and wear them with my skinnies but so far I've only worn them under dress pants. And you know what? They didn't even kill me to wear them all day. Score.

Those New Years resolutions? Oh my. I don't think I've ever had quite so many opportunities to eat out as I have in the last few weeks. All of this temptation is maddening and not even a resolution and the lack of diet coke in my life can make me turn down Mexican. But alas, I must. Our goal for February is to eat out only 1 time each week... we'll see.

Since last Thursday I've eaten a bowl of this popcorn every single day. If I gain weight this week I'm going to chalk it up to water retention from the insane of amount of sodium I've taken in this week. It's just microwave popcorn and Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded and melted over the top. I won't tell you that I've eaten it for dinner 2 or 3 nights this week.

Regarding weight loss. My Fitness Pal has been instrumental to my motivation and accountability thus far. I'm down 5.4 since Christmas and 7.9 since the beginning of December. I keep telling myself I need to workout more and I just can't find the motivation. This week I'm challenging myself to work out at least 3 times.

Another goal for this year was to send more hand-written notes, Sarah designed and printed this adorable stationery for me. I love the bright colors. She's opening a store soon and I'll be sure to let you know when that happens.

Kari made this cute shirt for BK, I love her unique style of children's clothing and the quality was impeccable. Check her out on Etsy, she has cute baby stuff too!

Have you experienced the joy of a Starbucks k-cup? Oh. my goodness. I think I've tried about every k-cup imaginable or so it seems. But this doesn't even compare. Even Allen, hater of the $6 coffee franchise, agreed that it was way better than the other k-cups.

Happy Friday, friends!

freezer meals, round 2

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

Last Tuesday evening I made a few more freezer meals. I am loving the convenience of pulling a meal from the freezer for dinner and clean-up is a breeze. I still find myself missing actually cooking the meals some nights. I'm trying to work out a better balance where we have freezer meals a few nights and I cook some easy favorites a few nights too.

The last round of freezer meals was all about chicken, this time I used ground turkey. You could certainly use ground beef instead, actually most of the recipes call for ground beef anyway. You'll see in the picture that I had to use round pans, they were out of the square pans but they would have worked much better.

Easy Lasagna (I omitted the mushrooms)

Hamburger Macaroni and Cheese

Enchiladas (I omitted the olives and added a can of chopped green chiles, a dash of paprika and cumin).

what I wore wednesday

2012-01-25T10:55:00.002-06:00

It's been a while since a What I Wore Wednesday post has graced the blog. Since I've been back to work I thought that I'd try out another. Of course, I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday.

Here are a few outfits I wore to school last week. From L-R: Wednesday- Express wide leg pants, Express basic tee, Thursday- Express dolman sweater in charcoal, wide band Editor pants in black necklace- Lia Sophia, Friday- boots in cognac from Target, Express super skinny jeans, Gap basic tank, J.Crew cardigan.

On Saturday it rained so I was able to try out my Sperry rain boots. BK wore her Missoni rain boots. She adores these shoes and wears them even when it isn't raining. I'm sort of jealous of the cuteness of her rain boots. How can you not love a good chevron print?

Sunday- dress from Express, shoes, Jessica Simpson I don't have a picture from Monday but the second picture is yesterday's outfit.

My style? Well that's where I have a problem. I'm not sure where I fit and I'm so ADD that I end up buying tons of random things that I never wear. Literally from one extreme to the other. I purged my closet last night and got rid of no less than fifty pieces and I'm still feeling the need to scale back. I need to figure out my fashion identity and then there wouldn't be as many wasted shopping trips and money.

I've been doing a little online shopping and I have my eye on a few cute tops and a dress from Anthropologie. I get a little distracted when I'm shopping online so I'm much better at shopping in the store, plus things just look different in person. I need to squeeze in a major shopping trip before Blissdom next month.

L-R; Fresh as Air top, Dolman Loop Tunic, Vermillion Reflections Dress

toddler tuesday

2012-01-24T06:45:00.000-06:00

When it was certain that I would be returning to work I pinned several toddler activities. Sometimes it's easy to play with BK with the toys she already has, who am I kidding, that's always the easiest thing to do. I wanted to find activities that would strengthen her fine motor skills, her letter recognition, her colors and numbers. Things that would center around an upcoming holiday, perhaps.

Them life got busy (which could also read: I was a little lazy) and I didn't think much about it anymore. Don't get me wrong we play every single day but coming up with a new activity and executing it falls by the wayside in the midst of sheer day-to-day living.

So I thought, if I started a weekly post on the blog about an activity we did during the week it might hold me a little more accountable. You'll see, I'm all about accountability.

From that thought, Toddler Tuesday was born. Each Tuesday I'll share an activity that we did from the previous week. Even more? I'm thinking about making a weekly link-up on the blog. I think a link-up would be perfect since it would be a place to share ideas with each other. Let me know what you think and I'll get a link-up going next week if I have a little interest.

A few weeks ago I decided to try out the glow sticks in the bath tub trick that I've seen pinned everywhere on Pinterest. After Halloween I bought a ton of glow sticks at Wal-Mart because they were literally about 5 cents each. A few weeks ago I pulled a few of them out and let B play with them in the tub. She absolutely loved them.

No, I mean she really loved them. Borderline-obsessed with them. She kept calling them her "sticks" and if she would drop she would say "Oh, no my sticks! My sticks!"

At first, she didn't like that we turned the lights off in the bathroom and she said "lights off, no-no sleep" but she eventually realized that we weren't actually going to sleep.

I was amazed that I had a mere 15 cents in this little activity and it provided so much entertainment for her. She even took all of the sticks with her when she got out of the tub. I had to pry them from her hands before she got in her bed to go to sleep. Okay, I lied I let her keep one and later snuck back in to retrieve it.

read, read, read

2012-01-23T06:45:00.000-06:00

From as far back as I can remember I have always loved to read. I can remember my mom having to ask me to put my book away to eat dinner or worse, to clean my room. In elementary school our books were color coded by grade level and I can remember making it my goal to read all of the books for my grade level each year. And read them, I did. Every last book on the red level, then the blue, even the yellow, green and purple.

Then somewhere along the way life became a little busier. And there is nothing like having to read a million pages in some college text book to make you dread reading anything you aren't required to read. I would sneak in books over the summer and on breaks but I never really read like I used to.

I could tell you a million things I could do other than reading each night, but the truth is we make time for the things we love or want to do. So that means turning off the television and trading in some mindless reality television for a little me time with a good book before bed each night. And honestly? I'm really excited about it!

I did manage to squeeze in a few books in 2011.

First up, Something Borrowed and Something Blue. I absolutely loved this books, they were fun and easy reads and the movie doesn't compare to the book. I also read Heart of the Matter and Baby Proof, also by Emily Giffin. Those two were just so-so compared to Something Borrowed and Something Blue, but still both easy, fun reads.

I also read a few healthy living books and a parenting book. I'm sure plenty of people get something out of these but I didn't. Actually, since Christmas I've been counting calories and getting my tale on the treadmill and it has been more beneficial than any book or crash diet I've ever attempted. To each their own. And the No-Cry Nap Solution? Well, it didn't work for us but I have a copy I'll ship you if you want to try it out!

What's in store for 2012?

I set a goal of 20 books for the year, I'm currently midway through the first book in the Bridal Quartet series. They are on loan from Erin so I decided to start with them.

Then it will be on to the Hunger Games series. Mainly because everyone has recommended them to me.

And then perhaps a little Divergent?

I already have both of these I've just never actually read them. 2012 seems like a great time to dive into them.

And if you're a math whiz you probably see that I came up a few short of my 20 book goal. So I could use a little help.

Have you read anything lately that you loved? Do tell!

Project 365: Week 3

2012-01-22T21:20:00.000-06:00

I almost completely forgot to post a Project 365 for today. I don't usually blog on the weekend so this will take some getting used to still. If you're doing Project 365, you might want to check our Laura's blog and link up, if you haven't already.

Bath time has always been her favorite thing. Every night when we tell her it's time to take a bath she drops whatever she is doing and runs straight to the bathroom. And the water? She isn't scared at all and even pours cups of water on her own head, on Sunday she was drinking it straight out of the faucet. (And the yellow water is a result of those bath tabs that she insists on each night :))

I was off on Monday and we had a lazy day at home. She loves her tent and she kept getting in it throughout the day. This time she took her phone in and started talking away. I'm sure this is a taste of what's to come as she grows into a teenager who won't stay off the phone. For now, it's the cutest thing ever.

I implemented this new station board in my classroom on Tuesday. It is magnetic and the kids love moving their stick to each center. It has worked great so far.

On a whim after church on Wednesday night we tried to get rid of the paci. Allen cut the end of it off and her reaction was priceless. She put it in her mouth and LAUGHED. Then she said, "Mommy, I love my funny paci." Not quite the reaction I was hoping for but she seemed to be fine without it. Bedtime rolled around and she went to sleep and slept through the night without it, the next day she was fine without it at nap time, but Thursday night was a different story. The short version? She has her paci back for bedtime only. We'll try again another day.

We had a little movie night on Thursday. Allen picked the Muppet movie from the red box and it was a bust but the popcorn? She couldn't keep her hands out of it!

Look who we got to love on Friday night! It was so good to see Jenn and Matt and how cute are these two precious babies? BK is pretty fond of them too!

Chase stayed with us on Friday night to go hunting with Allen on Saturday morning. The weather was horrible so we were stuck inside, when the boys came home they pulled out these blocks and she played with them a good part of the day.

10 in 5

2012-01-20T12:20:00.001-06:00

I hear a good bit of talk about losing yourself after you become a mom. I was reading an article a few weeks back and it challenged women to step out of their mom and wife role and talk about who they really are. I think it's easy to talk to new friends about your children or what your husbands might have in common. I could tell you stories about BK for days. Days, people.

This article encouraged you to take 5 uninterrupted minutes and talk about yourself to a friend or your husband, or even if you just journal for those 5 minutes. When talking about yourself you couldn't mention your children or husband, that was the only rule. Well, you know I love a good list and you know I love to blog so what better way for me to approach this?

I took the challenge and put a different spin on it. I challenged myself to come up with 10 things about myself (separate from being a mom or a wife) in just 5 minutes. 10 little quirks or things that would make good "ice breakers." 10 things that people might not know about me.

I am the only girl on either side of my family. On my moms side there are 5 grandchildren (4 boys and myself) and on my dads side there are 4 grandchildren (3 boys and myself). IF I am spoiled it is no fault of my own. So yes, that means BK was the first girl in 24 years and for this reason Allen is convinced that we will have a house full of girls.
I love a vacation. There is nothing in this world I wouldn't give up budget-wise to go on a trip.Okay, I lied. I'm not giving up my blonde hair. But anything else, eating out, new clothes, new shoes, I'll wear cheap make-up just let me keep my salon visits.
I sing really loud in the car. For some reason I think louder means better. I turn the radio up loud and sing loud and a strange thing happens, I sound just like the person on the radio. Crazy, huh? :)
Teaching has always been my clear career path. My second choice? A lawyer.
I am overly sensitive at times and I find myself wishing I had "thicker skin" more times than I care to think about. I just don't like mean people. Period.
I have an impeccable sense of discernment about people I meet. It's almost creepy at times.
I am a people-pleaser like no other. I want to make everyone happy and I sometimes put myself out to do it. It seems like a good quality, but there definitely has to be some balance. Read: I need to say "no" more.
Decorating my house is the bain of my existence. I buy random stuff hoping that it will go together and when it doesn't I just put it in the basement. We have so many random home furnishings, I could probably make bank at a garage sale.
The great outdoors? You can keep those. Every time I have ever been camping I woke up to a sinus infection the next morning. Which I'm pretty sure means I'm allergic.
I am annoyingly OCD about plans. You can't just tell me that we're going to do something next weekend. I need to know when, where, what time, who is going, how I should dress. I like the deatails, I can't help it.

I didn't proofread those. Truth be told, I rarely proofread the blog because when I do I usually end up deleting things or over-analyzing myself. So I apologize for the typo's in this post (or any other for that matter).

what's in my makeup bag?

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

A while back the fabulous Erin at Blue Eyed Bride did a "What's in my..." post. I was feeling a little inspired and wanted to share with you the contents of my makeup bag. I love posts like these because I always find amazing products I didn't have a clue about and I'd definitely love to hear from you in the comments. Tell me, is there a beauty must-have that I'm missing?

Let's take it from the top. I currently use this adorable Coach makeup bag that was a recent birthday present from my mother.

I'm not a huge make-up-wearer, I mean I wear it every day but it's quick and easy. Obviously I put more effort into it if we're going out but for everyday wear I keep it simple.I start out with this primer from Mary Kay, it does a good job at keeping my foundation on all day.

Concealer is always the first thing I use. Look at this concealer on the left, it is cheap drug-store concealer that a friend recommended. Those two on the right combined probably cost five times the one on the left. I'm a big believer in brand-name make-up but I'm here to tell that the Maybeline Age Rewind works better than any concealer I've ever used.

Next up, mineral powder. In an effort to avoid wrinkles I refuse to rub anything on my face with one of those sponge things or my fingers. I'm completely serious. I don't need any help in the aging department and I'm doing my best to combat it while I'm young. So I use mineral powder and apply it with a brush. I've used just about every mineral powder out there but I'm currently using Mary Kay, it's one of my favorites.

I'm actually wearing a lot of Mary Kay right now. My sweet friend Brittany sells it and she drops it off to me at my house. It definitely beats taking a toddler into the nearest Ulta, 30 minutes from my house. I've been completely satisfied with their products. I use their blush, mineral eye shadows and mascara.

But eyeliner? I'm a believer in Mac eyeliner. It's seriously the best I've ever used and I don't have any plans of changing.

I keep another makeup bag in the closet with foundation, tons of eye shadow and liner colors and other fun stuff for when I really need to be "made-up," but these are the things I use on a daily basis.

And speaking of make-up bags I have a list of new things I want to fill mine with thanks to Birchbox! This month was the best yet...

FIX Malibu Immaculate Complexion Advanced Antioxidant Serum
Juicy Couture perfume
VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything Lotion
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof eyeliner
Witchcraft granola

And the best part? It's just $10 each month! Click here to sign up so you can get the February box!

be careful little ears

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

It's funny how everything changes when you become a parent. It's like suddenly every single action and thought has a new dynamic added in, like every word you say should be thought about for a second longer before it falls on your lips. For us, curse words and such weren't an issue so I never really thought about revamping the things I say.

Then the other day I put Braylen's high chair tray on the desk in the kitchen and when I slid it back it knocked over the Scentsy warmer. The white wax poured all over the countertop. "Oh, crap!" Allen quickly said and then an echo, "ohhh trap, Mommy." Uh-oh. Certainly not a phrase I want my toddler repeating, but in an instant it had entered her vocabulary, without a second thought. Obviously, that's a phrase we hear or use on a near daily basis. And really? It probably won't send you to the principal's office in school. But I hung on to that little phrase. BK saying "ohhh trap," over and over, it replayed in my head. My thoughts? They weren't centered around that silly little phrase. This was about something much bigger.

In my head, I replayed the things I said in front of her. What words had I been using? Because in that instant I was made forever aware of just how closely those little ears were listening. You see, that little curly-headed girl of mine is certain of one thing, she loves her mommy and daddy. And those big blue eyes are always on us, even if someone else is holding her. Even if we're in a crowded place. When she's scared, when she's unsure, when she's about to do something she knows she isn't supposed to do, it is us she looks to.

I thought to myself about the words I say about myself. When she's right there in front of me, sitting in my lap as I put my makeup on in front of the big mirror in my bedroom. How many times have I pondered the lines on my forehead or the size of my nose. How many times when she sat in the bathroom did I complain about my hair? How many times when I was getting ready have I made a comment about losing weight or going on a diet or had a bad attitude because my clothes didn't fit. Or worse? When I compared myself to someone else. I wish I had her hair or that body. Don't mistake my point here, healthy living is absolutely key. Instead of obsessing about these things I should make changes in my life, I'd like her to see me always make healthy choices when I'm eating or remember that we went on walks together. I should let go of my insecurities right here and right now because if I don't they will become hers one day.

I thought about my attitude. How do I handle it when things aren't going my way? Am I teaching her that she controls her attitude or circumstances around her control her attitude? I thought about all of the times I misplaced something and instead of calmly looking for it I blamed it on someone else. Or when (heaven forbid) I didn't get what I wanted. Because let's be real, I lean a little to the spoiled side and that is certainly not the reflection I'd like for her to see. Instead I'd like show her that those petty things aren't even important in the grand scheme of life.

I thought about my love for Jesus. Does it show in everything I do? Am I portraying the things she learns in church or the words we sing? This one was a hard one as I thought about times I may have repeated gossip or said something mean. I would never want her to think it's okay to say or do mean things to others. But is that the example I set ALL of the time?

And I know she's still tiny and some of these things she doesn't quite understand. The point is that a change now is a preventative measure for later. The first step is awareness. I'm raising a little girl who will grow into a beautiful young woman. In the meantime it will be me who she looks to when she makes decisions and I don't want her to have any doubt about the right thing to do. It'll take years and years of parenting by example because words won't do any good if I'm not living them.

Obviously the picture is unrelated, I just like it :)

20 & 21 Months

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

Braylen Kate,
How in the world did those two months go by so quickly? Maybe because we were having so much fun with you. You are a ball of energy and a real joy to everyone around you. You never fail to make everyone smile.

You love your kitchen and you "cook" for us all of the time. You'll give us food and say "Mommy and daddy, eat it!" and you'll make us an ice cream cone with your ice cream set and say "it's delicious!" You always pretend you are drinking coffee out of your cups and put the food in your microwave and say "beeep" when it is finished. We love watching you play!

Your vocabulary never ceases to amaze me. You talk in complete sentences and you tell us what you want or what you don't want. I can even give you a choice for meals and you pick the one you like best. You answer "yes" or "no" and I even get the occasional "yes ma'am." You refer to yourself as the baby and if we ask you "Who's special?" You say, "The baby's special." Indeed, you are. You can also tell us that you are fantastic, pretty and sweet, I'm gladly you think just as highly of yourself as we do.

Anytime you fall down or bump your head you say "I'm sorry" I think it must come from me consoling you and saying "I'm sorry" to you. I'm not completely sure but I do know that it is absolutely precious.

As you get closer to two you are becoming more independent. You like to put puzzles together and take care of your babies. You feed them and rock them and then tell them "night, night." You love to hide in your tent and your daddy and I spend a good amount of time in there hiding with you. I was so impressed when you put your M&D alphabet puzzle together the first day I showed it to you and each day you retain a few new letters.

You love music and singing and dancing. You play your piano for us and sing your own little songs all of the time. A few favorites are "Jesus Loves Me," "The ABC song," and "Twinkle, Twinkle." And I'm not sure where you heard it but you also love "Baby," your daddy must have played it for you!

And dressing yourself? You think that is pretty fun too. If you could you would wear your boots everywhere we go, especially if I'm wearing mine.

We adore you sweet BK and each day is a little more sweeter than the last.

Clothes Size 24M/2T and some 18M
Diaper Size: 3
You weigh around 24 pounds and are 33 inches long. You're still so tall and skinny, just like your daddy was at this age.
You wear a size 5 1/2 shoe.
Your vocabulary is excellent and we've yet to stump you with a word. You repeat everything we say.
I can't believe how well you are talking and using sentences. You say things like "I want an orange" or "Mommy, I cook for you" It's crazy that in such a short time you've really learned to express yourself so well. I am constantly amazed at your big vocabulary.
Your favorite toys are your kitchen, Melissa and Doug ice cream set and alphabet puzzle and your baby dolls.
Favorite foods: Greek yogurt, pancakes, oranges, bananas, apples, peanut butter, goldfish, spaghetti, chicken and cheese. You love water and milk too.

Project 365: Week 2

2012-01-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'mmm back! Just like a few of my other resolutions (well except for the eating out thing) I'm keeping true to the Project 365, er 366.

I'm linking up with Laura again to bring you this weeks photos.

On Sunday, we ate Mexican food after church and she showed her love of cheese dip. She is so fun to go out to eat with and she usually tries whatever we give her, such a little foodie.

I wore my houndstooth and red on Monday to cheer on the Tide in the National Championship game.

We've been practicing a new form of discipline around here ;). No really, she loves Coco's crate and we always have to latch the door back to keep her from getting in it but on Tuesday she showed us that she was smarter than we thought.

I've been working hard on the classroom and finished up this little project this week, here is a quick picture I snapped on Wednesday. I can't wait to show you more!

On Thursday we went to pick out new Sunday school literature and grabbed something to eat while we were out. I snapped this quick picture of her curls.

She went straight for the candy on Friday when we took her to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D.

Sometimes I can't believe how big she is getting! She turned 21 months old this week and I took this picture on Saturday.

Advent calendar, an update

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

Remember our Christmas Books Advent Calendar? It turned out to be such a fun tradition. At first, I was worried that she wouldn't really get it but after the first two nights of opening books she quickly figured out that all of the packages were books. After her bath she would sit in front of the tree and say "my books."

I picked a few of my absolute favorite "book opening" pictures.

She even took one with her to my parents when she stayed the night with them.

This was such a great tradition and it's definitely one we will continue for years to come. Next year, I think she'll be a little more excited about reading the whole book and not just the first few pages :)

Christmas Family Pictures

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

I mentioned in one of the many Christmas posts that Brooke came over to take pictures of us, as a family. It was such a great idea and we finally managed to get a great picture with everyone together.

I love, love, love this picture! In the middle of taking pictures some birds flew over us and this is the reaction from BK. I am so glad we have a picture of this!

And our little family...

A few of a very excited Braylen Kate with her cousins, Bailey and Lawson.

And then, clearly, she was finished.

In her defense, it was a little chilly that day...

Such a fun time! I think we should start a tradition and take pictures every year!

these things

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

There are things I don't want to forget. Things I want to bottle up and pull out later in life when I'm older and things aren't quite as fast paced. There are things I want to remember that I can't accurately convey in words on a blog. Things that won't feel the same when I read them back later in black and white Arial font. Like the way my heart feels when she laughs so big in the morning when I first walk into her room to pick her up from her crib. Or the way she snuggles up to me when I rock her to sleep. The feeling I get when she tilts her head to the side and smiles so big before she says my name.

There are things that a picture or a video can't even accurately depict. They show what's happening but they don't show the most important things. Pictures and videos can't show you just how funny she is when she tries her hardest to coax Coco into riding in her wagon. Or the way she takes my hand and excitedly leads me wherever she wants me to go. Her eager, "'mon mommy, come on."

There are things that I know will change, seasons will come and go. As she leaves babyhood far behind and ventures knee-deep into toddlerhood things will change. Actually, things are changing. In a strange way I don't feel quite as sad as I think I should. I have to believe that these things will always be there in the back of my mind hidden deep in my memories.

That one day when she grows into an independent young lady I'll catch a glimpse of that baby girl who wouldn't let me help her put her alphabet puzzle together. The one that took her so long to figure out but that she was determined to finish on her own.

Or one day when she's a strong-willed teenager testing my patience I'll remember that smile she had as I told her for the billionth time not to touch the ornaments on the Christmas tree. The one where she knew she was clearly testing her boundaries.

Perhaps she'll always call me with exciting news, just like she wants to run and tell me anything she does right now. And then, I'll remember the way her little feet sounded running across the floor to find me.

More than anything I hope that her love for Jesus outshines everything else. Then I'll always remember her version of Jesus Loves Me "Jesus, for the Bible tells you do" and I'll always hear that sweet baby voice.

Miscellaneous Monday

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

There's a pretty big game on tonight and you can bet I've got my houndstooth on today. Of course, I want my team to win but I do think its pretty cool that there are two SEC teams playing for the title. Best conference in the country, y'all!

My first week of teaching was a success. We fell into a routine and BK just waved bye as I left every morning. I am so thankful. I would hate to leave her crying but that's far from the reaction I get, she's happy to stay at our house with her nanny Helen. I called one day to check on her and she said "Mommy, you teach babies." I love, love, love that sweet girl.

I downloaded the pictures from my camera to my computer yesterday I came across some that Allen took of Braylen when they were playing on Friday. Clearly, her daddy dressed her, but she looks like such a big girl! And those Missoni boots? Her favorite shoes ever!

As far as New Year's resolutions go the first week was a success. The diet coke and sweets thing? The two I was most worried about? Not a problem at all. The eating out thing and the exercise thing could use some improvement.

Speaking of resolutions my overall goal was to get healthy! I downloaded the My Fitness Pal ap and I used it every day this week. It has been instrumental in holding me accountable for what I eat everyday. Actually, I'm two pounds down after the first week. Best of all? It's free and has a barcode scanner!

You know I snuck in a little twin loving this weekend. I got to help out while Brooke took their pictures. We're definitely not thinking about #2 anytime soon but this does do a number to the baby fever.

And we took the youth from church bowling on Friday night. It was a lot of fun even if my bowling score was embarrassing.

I've wrote and scheduled all of my posts on Sunday last week and it worked really good! It's a good way to keep the blog up to date and not stay up way past by bedtime writing a post for the next day.

Project 365: Week 1

2012-01-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Remember that time I attempted Project 365 last year? Hopefully not because it was a big fail. I just stopped doing it actually. I thought it wouldn't really matter but at then end of the year I was really sad I hadn't followed through.

This year is going to be a little different. Laura is hosting a link-up every week for added accountability. I'm also creating a photo book with the pictures and even writing a little about each day. I think this is such a fun project and hopefully I'll improve my photography skills along the way.

Sunday, I snapped a quick picture of Braylen in the bath tub. My intent was to capture those swoon-worthy eyelashes. Mission accomplished.

Monday, we went to see baby Jocelynn and J.P. I thought Braylen might be a little jealous but she wasn't at all. She has been talking about them all week!

Tuesday, I broke out the glow sticks for the bath tub.

Wednesday, I was greeted by this sweet smile when I came home from work.

Thursday, Allen took this picture of us in her tent, one of her favorite Christmas gifts.

Friday, I came home to Allen pulling her around in her red wagon, another favorite Christmas gift. Along with her rain boots that she is obsessed with wearing right now.

Saturday, we slept in and it was so nice. I can't get over this bed head!

Twice Blessed

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

A couple of our favorite people, Jennifer and Matt received a huge blessing just in time for the New Year. As long as I've known Jennifer she has dreamed of being a mother. She's collected clothes and baby things and stored them away in her hope chest. I honestly can't think of anyone more deserving, more fit for this role as a mommy to two precious little ones.

Of course, I snuck in a little twin-loving when they were born! They are absolutely beautiful.

And BK was on cloud nine, not jealous at all, just so infatuated with tiny Jocelynn when I held her. I can hardly believe she was ever that small. Take note of that "cheese" face she has been making lately, it's a classic.

And if you want to read more about her journey to motherhood you can check out her blog here.

Freezer Meals

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

Eating at home is something that I absolutely love. I get so tired of eating out and every time our life gets a little busier than normal we end up eating out several nights per week. Bad for the budget and the diet. With my job starting I knew that we would fall into this same routine if I didn't make a solid plan.

I've been wanting to try to make some freezer meals to have on hand for nights that I am too busy to cook or I just don't feel like cooking. I did a little research on freezer meals and pulled a few recipes that I knew would make good freezer meals to start with. For this round I used only chicken recipes. In about three and half hours I had 16 separate meals from 8 different recipes.

Here's what I made:

Chicken Roll-Up's

Poppyseed Chicken

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Southwestern Egg Rolls

3 cups shredded chicken

1 can corn, drained

1 can black beans, drained

1 package taco seasoning

1 tablespoon Cumin

1 tablespoon paprika

1 can green chiles

shredded cheese

1 package egg roll wrappers

Combine chicken, taco seasoning and a little water in a medium sized skillet on the stove. Let this simmer for a few minutes before adding the remaining ingredients (with the exception of the egg roll wrappers). Combine well and let the mixture cook for 15-20 minutes over medium heat. Then add the mixture to the egg roll wrappers, top with cheese and fold them just like you would traditional egg rolls (there's an easy tutorial on the package). Put these on a cookie sheet in the freezer for about an hour before transferring to a ziploc bag. When you are ready to cook them just put them in the over on 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until browned.

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

3 cups shredded chicken

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1/4 c milk

1 package frozen, mixed vegtables

1 c diced potatoes

2 frozen pie crusts

Mix all ingredients together and put in a 9x13 baking dish. Place the pie shell over the top of the mixture. You may have to piece it together. I made mine in round aluminum containers and split this recipe between the two, if you have a bigger family you probably won't be able to split the recipe. Cook on 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until crust has browned.

Chicken Taco Cups

3 cups shredded chicken

1 jar salsa

1 c pinto beans, drained

1 package taco seasoning

1 tablespoon Cumin

shredded cheese

1 package wonton wrappers

Mix all ingredients together in a medium sized skillet and let cook over medium heat about 15-20 minutes. Place two wonton wrappers in a muffin pan and then fill with the chicken mixture and top with cheese. Place the muffin pans in the freezer for about an hour before transferring to an aluminum pan. When you're ready to cook just transfer them back to the muffin pans and cook on 350 degrees until cheese is bubbly.

Cheddar-Broccoli Chicken Bake

3 cups shredded chicken

1 can cream of chicken soup

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 cup dry stuffing mix

1 package frozen broccoli florets, cooked

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In a 9x13 pan (or split the dish into two smaller pans) layer the chicken broccoli, soup mixture and cheddar cheese. Then sprinkle dry stuffing mix over the top. When you're ready to cook just cook on 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until bubbly.

Breakfast Casserole

(the one exception to the chicken dishes)

1 lb turkey sausage

6 egg whites

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded cheese

4 pieces of toast

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Brown turkey in skillet and drain. Cut bread into small squares and layer in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Spread crumbled sausage over bread. Mix eggs, milk and dry mustard and pour on top, add shredded cheese. When you're ready to bake place it in the oven on 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.

New Years 2012

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

We took a little trip to Atlanta for the weekend to ring in the New Year and to see Auburn play in the Chick-fil-a bowl. We planned it about a month ago when we first got word of which bowl game Auburn would be playing in. Atlanta was perfect, only about 2 hours from our house and we knew it would be a fun place to celebrate New Year's Eve.

We booked a room downtown so that we would be able to walk to the game. I've always heard about the infamous Peach Drop at midnight in the Underground area so I knew we'd be able to get to both places on foot if we stayed downtown.

It's no secret that I have always been an Alabama fan but it doesn't bother me at all to put on a little orange and blue for games with Allen.

Pre-game we went to the FanFest area they had set up. Mainly so Allen and Josh could see Tiger Walk.

We got there a little early, perfect photo-op :)

We had so much fun at the game and the people around us proved to be quality entertainment. Two Virginia fans were escorted out and the alcohol was too much for several others around us too. The beginning was a little rocky but the Tigers pulled out a win.

After the game we walked to the Peach Drop and made it with about 10 minutes to spare. It was crazy crowded so we watched from afar.

After the Peach Drop we had a pretty low key night and by low key I mean we ordered food from the hotel bar and then went to bed. So much fun, we are. :)

We checked out Saturday and we were starving, like usual. I'm a big fan of a little show that comes on Food Network called "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" and anytime I see somewhere that I think we might have a shot at going too I make a mental note. I remember seeing this little place on a barbeque episode and I suggested it for our New Year's lunch.

I have to be honest and say I almost backed out when we pulled up. Thank goodness we didn't judge this place too quickly because it was seriously the best barbeque I have ever eaten and everyone agreed.

Here we are with Brooke and Josh, inside Daddy D'z.

Our eyes were certainly bigger than our stomachs and we ordered way too much food. We made sure to eat the traditional New Year's Day foods like collard greens, black-eyed peas and pork. I can't imagine going back to Atlanta and not eating here, it was just that good.

This was our first time to leave Braylen overnight for a trip and I have to say we missed her like crazy but she had so much fun staying with her Mawmaw and Papaw.

Resolved, 2012 Edition

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not a New Year's resolution maker, per se. I actually shy away from commitments like that. I don't think there is anything wrong with making or not making resolutions I've just never had the desire to really commit to something or the lack of something for an entire year. As I was thinking about resolutions this year and why I don't make specific resolutions each year I eventually decided it was because deep-down I thought I might not be able to keep them all year. Basically, letting the fear of failing keep me from trying.

Ridiculous, Jenn, ridiculous.

So, I thought, I can do this whole resolution thing and late last night in the comfort in the hotel bed in downtown Atlanta I made a list. Yes, a list. You know, because I'm a list maker and all. In one single moment of empowerment high on a win from the Tigers and the sound of fireworks and all things "New Year" I quickly scribbled a list on hotel stationary and looks like this:

Read the Bible every day.
Exercise more.
Drink more water.
Eat out no more than 1 time per week.
Start and complete Project 365.
Stick to our weekly budget.
Give up "sweets" for one year.
Give up diet Coke.
Read more books.

The overall theme of my year is health. I need to cut out the diet drinks and get my tale on the treadmill. I need to step away from restaurant food and Mexican restaurants and drink more water, the sweets need to go. I need to strengthen my spiritual life and really spend time working on my relationship with Jesus. My personal relationship with Jesus that is strengthened through His word and quiet time.

It's a long list full of things that on the surface seem impossible but in reality everything is possible. Giving up "sweets" and diet drinks are more of a testament to my willpower, they aren't something I'm dreading or I'm scared of or something I dread. I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow and all of the changes this year will bring.

Happy 2012, y'all!

2011 at a glance...

2011-12-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

2011 was a great year. It was much different than 2010 because we really had the hang of this (as much as one can) parenting thing and we were able to relax a little more and have a little more fun.

In January, Allen's beloved Tigers played for the National Championship and reigned supreme in college football. Thank you, Cam.

The death of our family dog caused great sadness. I actually can't read that post without teary eyes, still.

February brought the announcement of Braylabee's. A little business I had high hopes for and over the year it far exceeded my expectations, it changed and evolved and it was more work than I ever imagined.

Allen celebrated his 27th birthday and I showed a little sappiness with this post.

We took a little trip to Nashville for Valentine's weekend.

Oh, March, AKA the worst "teething time" we'd had to date. All four one-year-old-molars decided to make their appearance at the same time. I'm still waiting on my mom-medal for those sleepless nights.

In, April we celebrated Braylen's first birthday with a fun Candy Land themed party.

April also rounded out the last of the firsts as far as holidays go and we celebrated her first Easter.

April was good and April was bad. April 27th is a day we won't ever forget, the tornadoes took a huge toll on our state. We volunteered and saw first-hand the damaging effects of the tornado. The lost of life, the loss of property, the loss of home. We also saw an unmatched resilience, that made me proud of my state. We also made some wonderful friends who recently moved into their new home where their old home once stood, we had dinner with them recently and I think it's safe to say there are lots more dinner dates to come.

With May came the warmth of summer and a fun trip to the beach and my second Mother's Day.

May also brought a new ride for BK and myself. I traded in my fun pre-baby Lexus iS 350 for a more mommy-friendly Tahoe. I don't know how we EVER manage in a car that small.

Chase graduated high school and I certainly felt a little older that day. He's my BABY brother, y'all!

June meant Allen's second Father's Day.

June is also for weddings and I was honored to serve as a bridesmaid in Lauren's wedding.

And a third out-of-state trip to a water park in Choctaw, Mississippi. It was hot, hot, hot and I don't recommend babes and water parks. Holy tired mama and daddy!

July was HUGE for us because BK finally decided to break her non-walking streak and walk. In one day. No few steps here and there, full on walking.

August meant swallowing my pride and facing my fear of the vlog. I actually found two vlogs from August, the Erin Condren Life Planner and that fun little accent vlog.

August was also full of other fun life family photos, a fun girls trip to Texas and I opened up about our family of three. I just re-read that post and I have to be honest, I stil have those same feelings. It'll be just the three of us for now.

September brought a fabulous, 9 day trip to the beach (that I haven't even finished blogging about yet!) and a reflection on my life now.

I reflected on 6 years of wedded bliss and braved my first What I Wore Wednesday post.

October brought the second Halloween costume, the cutest duck you've ever seen!

I spent the day in denial but alas, I finally admitted that my tiny baby was 18 months old. I still don't know how it happened so quickly I didn't even have time to think about before she turned 19 months and now 20.

I answered most of your burning questions here, kidding aside, this was a really fun post for me and I think I need to revisit it in the future.

We took another trip to Gatlinburg. What can I say? We love a good vacay!

November, my birthday month, Thanksgiving, my favorite month.

I was honored to be a bridesmaid in Susannah's amazing wedding.

December was full! We are still recovering, but here's a quick recap.

We decorated, visited Santa, I hung up my Braylabee's hat to go back to teaching, celebrated Christmas, and had holiday pictures taken.

BK grew! Look at the difference in a year:

This year was full of fun! I can't wait to see what next year has in store! Bring on 2012 :)

l

Christmas Day

2011-12-30T15:12:00.001-06:00

This is the last of the Christmas recap, there were just too many memories to pack into a day or two.

After church we headed to mom and dads house. This is the first year we haven't opened presents with them as soon as we wake up. After Allen and I got married we still stayed with them on Christmas Eve and last year we went to their house as soon as we played "Santa" with BK. So this year was a little different but still every bit as fun and memorable.

Chase and Haley bought BK a little ride-on four-wheeler and he couldn't wait to give it to her. She seemed to like it at first and then Chase pushed the button to show her what it would do and she wanted no part of it. She's finally warming up to it now.

Love this sweet girl...

Braylen with Chase.

After a (late) breakfast the fun began. My mom always goes all out for our Christmas. It's her favorite time of year and she puts so much thought into everyones gifts. The gifts under her tree were out of control this year, but I'm sure that just made her even happier. I'm surrounded by great gift-givers which means I have an extra hard time trying to surprise them or out do them. No complaints here though :)

Braylen opened some boots from "Donna" and she realized they were like mine and she had to wear them immediately. What I haven't told you is that she had already been trying to wear my shoes throughout church and at our house before we left. This girl loves shoes!

And she takes present opening seriously.

More boots!

Allen and I got new lamps for our bedroom! We've actually been using some old lamps my parents gave us because I am so indecisive when it comes to purchases for our house. My mom surprised us with these and they are beyond perfect for our bedroom.

My mom called dibs on buying BK her first kitchen last year so when everyone was stressing over which kitchen to buy for their toddler I was able to rest easy knowing that it was taken care of already. A side note here: She loves this kitchen and she spends HOURS "cooking" for us and making sure we "eat it, eat it" as she instructs.

A new handbag and wallet for me!

After we finished we started setting up for our next Christmas get together. My family comes to their house for Christmas dinner/snacks. Mom and I set up this little hot chocolate bar and it was a hit!

BK's other great-grandparents (my dad's parents) bought a little red wagon for her and she loves it!

Look who decided to smile again...

I hope you all had a VERY Merry Christmas too! :)

Christmas Morning

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

The night before Christmas Allen put together B's new piano while I prepped the breakfast casserole for the next morning. After we had set everything out we talked about how special Christmas is with a child. It really is like experiencing it all over again, through her eyes. I take time to slow down and really be in the moment with her. When she opens her presents at a painstakingly slow pace, I sit and wait, patiently. When she decides that she wants to play with the $3 electric toothbrush more than she wants to finish opening presents, we play with the toothbrush. No need to rush. No need to change anything about the way she is having Christmas.

I never imagined it would be so fun to play Santa, but I was every bit as giddy as I was when I was a little kid who couldn't sleep at night in anticipation of Santa's Christmas morning loot. I vividly remember laying in bed at night and closing my eyes so tight, willing myself to fall asleep against all of the excitement, all of the magic of Christmas. And still, this Christmas Eve after the presents were set out I found myself lying in bed imagining her reaction to the newly "delivered" presents in our living room.

She was obviously a good girl this year and she got her very own piano, a rocking horse, books, a pillow (she's obsessed with pillows and pretending to be asleep), a Melissa and Doug train, alphabet puzzles, ice cream set, numbers puzzle and magnetic animal set, clothes, a pop-tent and a few games.

She started with her stocking and I thought we would be stuck here forever. She quickly became enamored with an electric toothbrush and wanted nothing else. Her stocking was filled with practical things I needed to buy anyway.

Do you see that crazy bed head? This picture makes me laugh because I can clearly see where it came from.

The piano or "p-nana" as she calls it, was a huge hit!

If you wonder why she's yawning it might be due to the fact that she decided to wake up at 5:15!! It was crazy because she woke up so happy, like she knew this day was special. The look on her face when she came into the living room was priceless and I am so glad we captured it with the video camera.

The Melissa and Doug ice cream set quickly became her favorite.

We've tried a few different ways to handle Christmas morning for the two of us, from only filling stockings to only buying one gift to not buying at all. This year we decided we would buy for each other again and not put any rules on it. I had the best time buying for Allen and it's been so hard to keep his gifts a secret. He ended up with a calendar of B to put on his desk, a wedding band (because he lost his) and a tool box for his shop along with a few other small things and clothes.

I just thought I did good on his gifts until we started opening. It's no secret that he is stellar at gift buying and surprising me and this year was no different. He bought me a pair of Tori Burch Revas, Uggs, a stand mixer, gift cards to my favorite stores and mani/pedi's. He did the sweetest thing with the mani/pedi gift certificate. He actually bought two so that I could take someone with me and have a little girl time. Major, major points with that move.

Oh, and the tent! She took her ice cream set inside and played for the longest time!

We had a wonderful Christmas, our little family is blessed and we have so much to be thankful for. We headed to church around 9:30 for a Christmas morning service. I love that Christmas fell on a Sunday, what better way to celebrate His birthday than in His house?

Christmas Eve

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

Our Christmas Eve is set every year. We always go to Allen's grandparents at lunch and then we spend the evening with my grandparents (and my mom's side of the family). It works good and I don't mind being away on Christmas Eve, it definitely adds to the excitement that comes with Christmas day.

BK with her Papaw (Allen's dad)

She's so funny these days. She minds really well, I can give her "the look" and she quits what she is doing and crosses her arms as if to say, "What? I'm not touching anything..."

She was so excited to see Lawson and Bailey again. She took her gift and sat beside Bailey. Sweet girls!

Next stop, my nanny and papaw's house (Braylen's great-grandparents). Here's a quick family photo. The real Christmas miracle is that she actually smiled for the camera and took a picture with us at the same time. She's so busy lately that these times have become few and far between.

See! She was all smiles!

She's really into opening the presents, they don't have to be hers, she helped Nanny open hers and was thrilled to be helping.

She had so much fun opening her gifts too. I remember last year she was so excited to "help" open them but still not old enough to really understand she was actually opening a gift for herself. This year, was a different story...

Puzzles were a hit! She wanted to open all of the puzzles and anytime she was gifted a puzzle she would say "Open it, open it." She even got her own little Coach wristlet. What can I say? My girls got style!

My Papaw always buys my Nanny things like a refrigerator or new dryer. This year, we talked him out of an appliance and into something a little more fun. She was so surprised about her new Coach purse.

Christmas Eve, Eve

2011-12-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

Keeping true to last years Christmas posts, I can't skimp on Christmas. I can't combine the fun with all our families into one or two posts so the best way for me to do this is to divide it up into parts.

First up, we had Christmas with Allen's family on Friday night. We like to get together before Christmas Eve or Christmas day so that we can enjoy each other without having to rush off to another Christmas party. It was so much fun, we all sat and ate together in our dining room (it literally gets used a few times per year so I'm always thrilled to eat at the dining room table with family or friends).

I made a mini version of the hot chocolate bar I've seen pinned all over Pinterest. Just sprinkles, marshmallows and chocolate dipped peppermint sticks for stirring. The hot chocolate K-cups were so good too!

Braylen had the best time playing with Lawson and Bailey, the guys took to playing music and singing Christmas songs and the girls were able to just sit and talk, we had the best time.

Cindy (Allen's mom) arranged for Brooke to come over and take pictures of everyone as a family. It's just so hard to get pictures of everyone together and this was a perfect idea. She came over first thing so we could take them outside before it got too dark I can't wait to see how they turned out.

Following My Heart

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

After my temporary teaching position was over last year I decided that I wouldn't go back to work, instead I would stay home with Braylen. Allen was completely supportive of whichever path. His only concern was that I might need to find something I could do on my own, separate from being a SAHM. Something I could call my own.

So out of that simple request, Braylabee's was born. I never, ever could have anticipated the amount of orders that I would ship out every week. I ended up staying awake until 3:00 in the morning most days and Braylen spent at least one day a week with someone else so I could catch up on orders. So instead of loving this "hobby" of mine I was tired. So tired. Allen and I even talked about considerably decreasing the amount of orders I would take after the first of the year.

And then about two weeks ago I received a phone call about a teaching position literally less than 5 minutes from my house. When I decided not to go back last year, I decided that I wouldn't interview or pursue a job at all. I remember Allen asking me about this school, he asked if I would go back to teaching if I were offered a job there. My reply was that it would be perfect, the best of both worlds (in my opinion) and I would seriously consider taking that job.

So I prayed and my answer was crystal clear. Everything lined up so perfectly. I had such a peace about my decision. I thought about Braylen and how tired I've been, how I haven't been able to give her my full attention. I thought about last year, when I worked, how sweet and precious our time was together. How I cherished every. single. moment. Somehow I had lost sight of that, I had taken it for granted. More importantly, I had taken my time with her AND Allen for granted. As soon as he came in I would rush downstairs to fill orders.

As you know I firmly believe that God is in the details. I knew before I even took time to think about my decision what it would be. Everything fit together seamlessly, so many little details fell into place over the past few months. I can see now that God has been working, even when I didn't know the plan, He did.

So effective January 2, I will start teaching kindergarten for a teacher who took an early retirement last month. I've already met the class and I've been working in the classroom. Braylen went with me the other day while I worked and she played with blocks. I couldn't help but think, "My heart is full."

What about Braylabee's? I won't be taking any orders at this time. I will have "wall sales" on Facebook from time to time for custom clothing and accessories. To everyone who purchased from Braylabee's, promoted Braylabee's, supportive Braylabee's, I thank you. It has been such a fun year and I am humbled and thankful for each person who played a role.

What about the blog? The blog is here to stay. It is the perfect way to document our lives and it's something that is a priority. Plus, when I worked before I had no problem staying current with the blog. Life in the Green house will continue!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2: 1-19, NIV

Santa!

2011-12-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

I wasn't sure of how Braylen would react to Santa. She's usually willing to go to anyone and happy to talk to anyone she meets. We waited in line and while we were waiting she was such a sweet girl. She kept saying, "I see Santa Claus." I prepped her by telling her that she was going to sit with Santa and say "Cheese" so she even practiced saying "Cheese" and smiling her biggest smile over and over again while we waited.

When our time came we took her up to see him and she waved and said "Hi, Santa Claus" but going to sit in his lap was a different story. It started when he asked her would she sit with him and she promptly responded "No, no, nope, no." The moment we sat her down she acted like we had just tricked her and she looked so sad and then the tears came...

As soon as I picked her up she was completely fine. She waved bye-bye and blew him a kiss, but sitting on his lap? It was just too much.

And just for fun look how tiny she was last year when she met him.

Christmas Pictures

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

My favorite and the one that made the Christmas card this year. I love the couch, the colors, everything about this picture.

But it was the pictures of our sweet Braylen Kate that absolutely stole my heart. She's literally danced around as Brooke took her picture. She is so fun-loving and happy and strong-willed all at the same time. I think it translated well in the pictures. Have I told you I love this age?

I can't believe how much we've all changed since last year when we took Christmas pictures.

Christmas Cards

2011-12-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

I finally managed to get the Christmas cards out last week (with the exception of a few that I still need an address for). I mailed them on Monday so I am assuming they have safely made it to everyone's mailbox by now and I won't ruin the surprise by posting them on the blog.

I ordered from Erin Condren. I know her work is great and her customer service is top-notch so I didn't hesitate when she put her Christmas cards on sale a few months back. Even though I purchased early I was still able to up load the photos after Brooke took them last month.

I love the way they turned out. One great thing about ordering Christmas cards from Erin Condren is that they come with fun-colored envelopes and matching return address labels. Bonus!

I also ordered from Shutterfly, but EC designs for Shutterfly so I chose one of her designs on their website too.

Weekend Recap

2011-12-19T08:00:00.001-06:00

I looked at our calendar in November and realized we didn't have a free weekend until January. this season is just so busy. I love it, I really do, but it gets off schedule and makes things a little hectic around here. Remind me that I said this when we have nothing to do and its too cold to do anything outside.

First up, we went to Reese's birthday party on Saturday. Reese loves The Little Mermaid so her Under The Sea birthday party was perfect. She even had a special guest, Ariel.

Braylen was right in the middle of opening presents.

The birthday girl!

The next few pictures are of Reese and Braylen sneaking into the cake. I really shouldn't deprive my child of sugar and then perhaps she wouldn't act like this at birthday parties.

Chase played Santa for our church Christmas play and gift exchange. You'll see later in the week that this reaction was much better than the one she had when she saw Santa at the mall last week. She was only happy when Kristen (her very best friend from church) sat with her. They are only a few weeks apart and adore each other. If we even mention church Braylen says "Kristen? Friends?" They play so well together and love seeing each other.

I have plenty of pictures to share with you from our 25 Days of Christmas Books. Usually we wait until after she's had her bath and is in her Christmas pajamas. Tonight, she went straight to the books, sat down and started opening one. I guess someone has this Christmas Book thing down to an art.

Deck The Halls

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

I'm linking up with the Blue Eyed Bride, The Nester and Kelly's Korner to show you our Christmas decor.

I love decorating for Christmas. I love the way my house feels more cozy when all the trees are lit up. Christmas decorations combined with all of the other wonderful things this season brings just warms my heart. I didn't decorate as much as I normally do this year. Basically, Allen brought everything up and I decorated until the boxes were sending my OCD into overdrive. If it takes longer than a few days, it just doesn't get finished.

Let's start at the beginning, the ornament wreath hangs on the front door.

Into the living room, our main tree full of sentimental ornaments that represent little memories throughout the years.

With the new tree skirt. What a difference!

This year I wrapped everyones gifts in brown paper and tied red and green tulle around them. Braylen's gifts are wrapped in the diamond pattern.

Our stockings from Pottery Barn Kids.

Of course, Meredith's reindeer pillow! It is so cute and Braylen loves it too, even if she calls it a "horsey."

Down the hall and into Braylen's room, she has a funky feather wreath on her door.

You know I couldn't resist a pink tree in her bedroom. It has pink ornaments, pink and green feathers and a few other pink festive picks. The green and pink ornaments are the ones we're collecting for her every year. She'll get them for her own tree one day and each is personalized and has the year.

Up the stairs to our bedroom we have a white and blue tree. A little silver, a little blue, and some deco mesh and it was finished.

The Holiday Bucket List on the kitchen chalkboard.

I also have a few decorations spread out here and there. Like a sparkly table runner with a reindeer and sled in the dining room.

Of course, this little one loves to see our house decorated for Christmas...

Santa, Jesus and why we Believe

2011-12-15T15:00:00.000-06:00

Before I became a mom I truly wasn't aware of all of the great debates that motherhood brings. To work or stay at home, to give your baby formula or not, bumpers or no bumpers in the crib, cloth diapers or disposable diapers, make your own baby food or buy it from the store. I could literally go on and on, but I'll spare you. With Christmas fast approaching one that seems to be in full force involves the right jolly old fellow himself, Santa Claus.

For those that decide not to let their children believe in Santa it seems to be about lying to their children. The argument I've heard over and over is that if you teach your children about Santa and then they later find out he isn't real, will this affect their belief about Jesus? Will they think that Jesus, isn't real?

I can tell you that Santa visited our house every Christmas and my faith in Jesus is unwavering. Santa wasn't used as a scare tactic around our house, instead he just added a little joy to our Christmas mornings. I don't distinctively remember a time when I found out that Santa wasn't real. I do remember knowing that there wasn't a big guy in a red suit riding around and delivering presents, yet I was still giddy when I went to bed on Christmas Eve. Actually, I'm 25 years old and next Saturday night I'll be giddy and excited when I go to bed. There is something so special about Christmas morning.

You see, around here we talk about Jesus all of the time, he is the center of everything. We say bedtime prayers every night, we ask the blessing over our meals, we have books filled with Bible stories, we sing hymns and Jesus Loves Me and we attend church multiple times each week. Jesus IS the center of everything we do and not just at Christmas time.

And Santa Claus? Well, Braylen first said his name about a week ago, the first time she saw him on a Christmas decoration and we put a name with the character. We don't talk about him every day and in less than two weeks he'll be forgotten about until the holiday season next year.

When she finds out one day that Santa isn't real I don't at all think that it will turn her away from Jesus. The two aren't mutually exclusive. Just like when she finds out that her imaginary friend isn't real, or her stuffed animals don't actually have a tea party and talk with her and that characters are actually people wearing a costume.

If there was a confusion between Jesus and Santa Claus and who this season belongs to I would think that I wasn't doing my job as a parent and not that the world had taken charge of this holiday and ruined it for Christians.

We'll teach Braylen that Jesus is always with her watching over her, listening to her prayers and guiding her. Completely different than Santa who lives in a snow covered place at the North Pole and needs you to send your requests via the United States Postal Service.

Backpack, Backpack

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

I hope the title of this post put that catchy little "Backpack" tune in your head. B picked it up from Dora and it quickly became clear to us that this girl had to have a backpack. I had a smaller one downstairs in my Braylabee's stock and when I brought it up to her you would have thought she won the lottery. She was so excited that she put it on her back and walked around the house with it on her back.

Last week before we left I told her to go and get some things she wanted to take with her and put them in her backpack. She went to the playroom and came back with this Melissa and Doug shapes puzzle.

And these keys (that she hasn't played with in forever)...

I asked her if there was anything else she wanted to add and she quickly said, "Books, books" and brought these to me...

She stood at the end of the hall way where the nativity scence is set up on a book shelf and studied it for a moment. First, she grabbed baby Jesus then she carefully chose one of the three wise-men to come along with us.

As I was zipping it up she said "me-mote" I talked her out of taking the remote and she didn't seem to mind.

I've laughed all day thinking about the random items she chose to put in her back pack. Essentially a shapes puzzle, two books, a set of keys, baby Jesus and a wise man. I just wish I knew her reasoning behind these choices. I definitely felt a little better having baby Jesus around all day!

Ruffled Tree Skirt

2011-12-14T00:45:00.001-06:00

One of my more lofty goals for this holiday season was to make a ruffled tree skirt. I saw them on Pinterest and fell in love but time was my main issue. Well, my sweet mother and grandmother came over yesterday and we set out to make the tree skirt.

I've seen the "no sew" version and to be honest, it looked much harder to me. I thought I could just use the serger to put a rolled hem on the edges and then change the settings to ruffle the other side of the strips of fabric. It actually worked perfect using the serger.

Let's start at the beginning:
(This is the quick version of how I cut the canvas for the base of the tree skirt, this tutorial has more detailed instructions.)

Fold a 4 1/2' by 4 1/2' piece of canvas (or other sturdy material) into quarters.
Fold it corner over corner to form a triangle.
Cut a semi-circle into the edge of the fabric. It will look like a good bit of fabric is being wasted but it's necessary to make the circle.
Cut a small quarter circle from the point of the triangle.
Open the canvas up and cut along one side of the fabric starting at the radius. (This is to have an opening in the tree skirt for when you put it around the tree.)

Now, here's the fun part. Start cutting your ruffles!

I used 5 different types of fabric and cut 6" strips. If you aren't planning on using a serger check this post out. If you don't want to use a sewing machine at all, go here.

Since I used the serger I started by putting a 3 thread rolled hem on each of the strips of fabric.

Then I used the ruffle setting for the other side of the fabric. Have I told you how much I love this thing?

I started several inches up on the canvas, just make sure the ruffle will hang over the edge. Using hot glue attach the ruffled fabric to the canvas base.

Keep going until you have made a complete circle.

Then on to the next color. Once again I don't have specifics on the measurements. I was mainly trying to make sure I left enough space so that it would show the ruffle underneath.

Repeat until you get to the center.

At the center I hot glued a piece of grosgrain ribbon to cover the ruffled edge of the fabric.

You know I couldn't resist putting it beneath the tree immediately, right?

Now I think BK needs a tiny pink ruffled tree skirt for her tree :)

Sources:

Miss Mustard Seed's Turorial via HGTV, I used her tutorial for the base of the tree skirt.
Prudent Baby This was the inspiration for the bold color choices and using a machine instead of the "no-sew" technique.

Weekend Recap

2011-12-11T23:57:00.001-06:00

We are certainly feeling the "busy-ness" that this season brings. I love this time of year, holiday parties and present wrapping, included. It is busy and sometimes stressful but it is by far my favorite time of the year.

Saturday morning started off with a quick trip to see Santa. He was in town and I really wanted to see how BK would react to him. There wasn't really a line and from the time we walked up she was so intrigued by him. She kept saying things like "wow, Santa Clause" and telling him "Hi." When she actually sat in his lap, it was a different story. She wanted nothing to do with him.

She definitely only loved him from a distance. She even told him "bye-bye" and blew him a kiss. We'll see how it goes when I take her to see Santa at the mall next week. My guess is you'll see another screaming Santa picture.

Afterwards we went to Jean and Len's (family friends) for Christmas dinner and Dirty Santa. Braylen with Haley after she opened her present.

And with Chase too.

Our attempt at a family picture. It is nearly impossible :)

My favorite girl, without her bow, she decided that she wants other people to wear her bows too. She kept taking them out and getting other people to put them in their hair. She really thought it was the funniest thing!

Afterwards, BK stayed with my parents while Allen and I went to a Christmas party at Paige and Jared's house. It's fun to make an effort to get together with friends from high school. I don't have a picture of everyone, but here are a few I managed to get.

Dustin, Treadwell and Jane

We had a good time catching up and as always I look forward to next year and all the changes another year will bring!

Last but certainly not least I have to share this picture of Braylen from last night when she was opening her Christmas book, I love that big smile!

The Christmas Tree that wasn't

2011-12-09T02:05:00.001-06:00

I need to preface this post by saying that my sweet mother has no idea I'm posting it. I'm trying out the whole do it and ask for forgiveness later :)

Let's talk Christmas trees for just a moment. You know, the kind you chop down yourself or pick up at one of those handy Boy Scout tents or you maybe you even pick your up at a local store. Either way, you know which trees I'm speaking of her, the live ones. The ones that fill your house with that Christmas tree smell that even the best candle companies can't quite figure out. It's a lovely fragrance and for most it probably takes them back to Christmas as a child. A smell can do that, it can take you back to a different place in time in an instant.

For me that Christmas tree smell is a little different. I don't purchase the Fraser Fir candle or the Festival of Trees Scentsy bar. Nope, not me. You see, when I smell that Christmas tree smell I can't help but go back to a certain little memory I have from my childhood. One that ensures that we will forever trim an overpriced, pre-lit, Christmas tree.

It all started about the first week of December many years back. Our family went and picked out a Christmas tree for our house. We brought it home and my dad got it all set up. My brother, mom and I decorated the tree. And that was that. We had a tree, it was real, it smelled good, Christmas spirit was abundant, all that good stuff.

Now, here's where it all went wrong. The tree started to die and not in the normal sense of your Christmas tree dying. I mean they're all dying, someone chopped them down. But this tree? My best guess is that someone must have cut it in August. It's not an exaggeration when I tell you that when someone walked by this tree you could literally hear the needles fall onto the neatly wrapped presents below.

Well.... One evening my little brother decides to play under the tree. He's taking his Hot Wheels and zooming them all around. Up and down the presents around the tree, it was his personal Hot Wheels wonderland. And then it happens and he knocks over our tree. Those teeny tiny needles that had already been falling off? Well, they can't withstand the fall and they ALL abandon ship. I'm quite certain that every single pine needle fell off of that tree. We are literally left with a Charlie Brown tree. (Side note: To this day he still denies knocking over the tree but he did, I promise.)

So we have a huge mess, billions of pine needles everywhere, a tree in the floor and my brother denying he had anything to do with the whole fiasco. So, what does my mom do? The logical thing, of course, she threw the tree out the front door into the yard. For real. Lights, ornaments, precious angel of Jesus on top, it all went straight into the yard. Meanwhile I'm literally trying to grab ornaments off the tree as she is chunking it into the yard.

My dad worked nights then so you can imagine his thoughts when he came home to a tree, our tree, in the yard. Oh and did I mention that this is only a few days before Christmas? Finding a replacement tree was a fiasco in itself.

To this day my mother has never purchase another real tree and I told Allen early on that I only do fake trees, it's just how it has to be :)

Countdown to Christmas

2011-12-08T15:45:00.001-06:00

This year is all about making fun little traditions in our house. I know BK won't remember the things we do this year, but she has so much fun with them that it is completely worth the extra effort. A few months back I read about the Christmas Books Advent Calendar on Meredith's blog. I knew this was something for us.

The first reaction I get is But, didn't that cost a lot of money? And the answer is no. I've collected these books over the past few months. Some from the bookstore at the outlet mall cost as little as 99 cents. The fact that I was able to spread it out over time helped with cost as well.

I wrapped all of the Christmas books and put them in this little basket under the tree. From time to time B asks to open one during the day and I'll say "Lets wait until Daddy gets home" and she is completely fine with that answer. I thought maybe it would be a struggle but she's done really well about not trying to open the books until it's time.

This picture below is so funny! I asked her to sit in front of the tree and take a picture with her new book and she literally sat as close as possible to the tree. We laughed so hard because she was more like under the tree then in front of the tree.

She sat down and read her new book with me, I can't wait until Christmas because she was SO excited to open the book. I know Christmas morning will be full of excitement.

She's a smart girl and points to the basket and says "books!" throughout the day. We've obviously lost the element of surprise :)

This is such a fun tradition that I can't wait to do every year. Someone even suggested wrapping books you already have. For instance, Twas the Night Before Christmas could be saved for Christmas Eve every year.

What fun traditions do you and your family have?

Smocks & Giggles Winner

2011-12-07T21:46:00.001-06:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway!
The winner is #19- Angie from And I will Praise You in This Storm

Everyone else be sure to check out the first Smocks and Giggles Facebook sale tomorrow!

All I Want For Christmas...

2011-12-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Allen and I haven't made a huge deal out of Christmas (for each other) in a few years now. When I was pregnant with Braylen we decided to purchase the nursery furniture and last year we had a really low key Christmas as well. This year we agreed to go back to the fun of buying for each other and splurging on things we would normally hesitate to buy for ourselves. Merry Christmas to me :)

Today, I'm linking up with the Show Me Christmas series to show you my Christmas list...

I need a new pair of Ugg boots. Tall and black like the Tall Classic.

I'm convinced that I Kitchen-Aide stand mixer is my long lost kitchen love and we need to be reunited. The colors, the possibilities, the ease. Please?

Our rules last year were to exchange only ONE gift. Allen cheated and went over our set limit to get me the Michael Kors tortouise shell and I literally wear it all of the time. I like this Show Stopper too, FYI.

Before I had Braylen I was all about a good heel. Like literally jeans and heels to the grocery store. I haven't entirely given them up but I am more likely to wear flats while running errands and such. So if I have to wear flats then I think they should at least be Reva's.

And of course, I always love new clothes, Starbucks gift cards, mani/pedi's, handbags... (Just a little hint to that husband of mine).

Smocks and Giggles Giveaway

2011-12-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

You know I'm a little obsessed with smocked dresses, right? Lately I've gotten caught up in all of these Facebook sale sites where they post smocked deals, they make it so easy to just comment to purchase and then pay through Pay Pal. It's become quite an addiction and I'm thankful my husband hasn't logged on to Facebook in years. :)

Really, who could resist? There is nothing cuter than a little girl in a smock bishop or a little boy in a smocked longall. And the prices? AMAZING! I can purchase several for what one would cost in a local boutique.

Smocks and Giggles contacted me about a fun giveaway. They are a new company and will have their first sale on Thursday. The good news is I'm giving away a $25 gift certificate to the store! I'll be choosing a winner on Wednesday, just in time for the first sale!

All you have to do is be a follower of Life In The Green House and "Like" the Smocks and Giggles page on Facebook. Leave me a comment with your email address :)

For additional entries you can:

Tweet about the giveaway.
Post on Facebook about the giveaway.
Blog about the giveaway.

Just be sure to leave a separate comment for each. Good Luck!

Scentsy

2011-12-01T23:27:00.001-06:00

I've recently discovered a way to make my house smell AMAZING. I think I've made my rounds through all of the candles from Yankee to WoodWick to Bath and Body Works. We've used Glade Plug-Ins and reed diffusers and most recently, Wall Flowers. Now I realize that you probably think my house stinks, I assure you, it doesn't. I'm just obsessed with it smelling really, really good.

In the fall I want it to smell like pumpkin pie and during Christmas time I want it to smell like a real Christmas tree even though I use a fake, pre-lit tree. I like for my laundry room to smell like freshly washed clothes and not like the pile of dirty clothes sitting in the hamper. When a house smells good it becomes so inviting and cozy.

A few months back, Megan introduced me to the wonderful world of Scentsy wickless candles. They have surpassed anything else I have ever used. To make things even better they are completely safe for children, pets and even classrooms.

What makes them safe? Well, it's a ceramic warmers that uses a low watt lightbulb to melt specially formulated Scentsy wax. As the wax melts a long-lasting aroma is created and it fills the whole room. The warmers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are all beautifully designed.

They have literally thought of it all from Scent Circles for your car to Room Sprays to Antibacterial Hand Foam and even Scentsy Buddies for the littles. Actually, Braylen loved this monkey so much that she's getting one for Christmas.

Right now I'm hosting a Scentsy party and I have some great incentives for you.

The first purchase made through my party on Megan's website gets a bar of their choice.
Also, everyone who purchases from the party will be entered in a drawing to win a plug-in of their choice.

If you haven't purchased from Scentsy before I would definitely recommend something from the Combine and Save. I think Combine and Save is the perfect way to try out the different products that Scentsy offers.

A few scents I love are:
Camu, Camu
Skinny Dippin'
Newborn Nursery (perfect for Braylen's room)
Snowberry
Festival of Trees
Pumpkin Roll

You can order online from the party by clicking here.

Happy Friday!!

Toddlers and Christmas

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

I can't tell you how fun Christmas shopping for Braylen was this year. I had to stop myself from over buying because I literally could have bought and bought for her. I would see things and think "She would love that!" The fact is, she loves anything new! Here are a few fun things I think she would love to wake up to on Christmas morning...

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Ice Cream Parlor Set

The Melissa and Doug Ice Cream set is one of my favorite M&D items.

Schoenhut 30 Key Classic Baby Grand Piano

Without a doubt, this baby grand piano will be under our tree on Christmas morning. She loves playing the piano with her daddy and I think she'll be thrilled for this mini version that is just for her.

Books

Books, books, and more books. BK loves to "read" so we'll be sure to include lots of books. I'm going to throw in a few of my favorites that she doesn't have yet as well.

Red Wagon

She started out being unsure of the red wagon but since she rode in one for Susannah's wedding she has absolutely been obsessed with wagons.

Melissa and Doug Puzzles

Melissa and Doug puzzles, specifically the alphabet and numbers puzzles. Wooden puzzles are my favorite and they are perfect for early learning.

Easel/Art Desk

A recent favorite of Braylen's is drawing and writing. I think an easel would be the perfect addition to the playroom.

Play Kitchen

Doesn't every girl need a kitchen to play with? She's only been around one other kitchen but she played with it the whole time, she would love one of her own.

Any other fabulous toddler toys that need to make an appearance on Christmas morning?

O Christmas Tree

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

After the Iron Bowl on Saturday we started the Grinch and set out to decorate the Christmas tree. BK even put on her new Christmas pj's for the occasion. She was a big helper as we fluffed the branches.

We put up three Christmas trees. One main Christmas tree in the living room, one in our bedroom and a pink tree in Braylen's room. The tree in our living room is a mixture of ornaments that we've collected over the past six years. I love decorating this tree since each ornament holds special meaning.
Like this one from our first Christmas together...

And this one that Allen made when he was a child...

We picked this one up on our trip to the Biltmore Estate a few years ago...

Braylen's tiny handprint from her first Christmas last year...

And a sweet ornament from a student I'll always remember...

I could go on and on about the ornaments on this tree and the special meaning each one holds. We'll continue to add to it each year. The only theme being memories.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Does it have a certain theme or is it a mixture of ornaments like ours?

Holiday "Bucket" List

2011-11-29T13:02:00.001-06:00

Remember our Fall Fun Bucket? Well, I knew I wanted to do something similiar for Christmas and the Holiday season but I just couldn't seem to find anything that really stuck out to me. I have enough Christmas decorations sitting around so I didn't want to add anything else to the counters.

So I decided to use what I already had, the chalkboard in the kitchen...

I picked up Chalk Pens at Michael's yesterday and listed out the things we plan to do during the next month on the chalkboard. Simple and inexpensive.

Braylen-isms

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

I've probably told you once or twice that BK is full of personality. I mean FULL of it, she's funny and silly, she's serious and dramatic and she never meets a stranger. I've been waiting and waiting to do one of these posts and it seems that now that her vocabulary has taken off it would be the perfect time to start.

"Hi boy" or "Hi Big Boy"
This is what she says to our dog, Coco. I have NO idea where this came from or where she first heard someone say it. Obviously we don't call our bog "boy" or "big boy" since Coco is a 9 pound, female. Not big or a boy, in fact.

"Hep Me, Hep Me" (Help Me)
I hear this no less than twenty times per day. When she shuts the door to her bedroom, she can't pick up the couch, she wants to open the refrigerator, she turns the television off or she wants to put on my shoes.

"Hold You"
She says "hold you" when in fact she means "hold me."

"Ahh Wa" pronounced (ahhhwa)
When we were looking for her paci one day and she was ready for a nap and really about to loose it, I suggested we call her paci. I said, "Braylen, let's call your paci, Paci? Where are you?" From then on she started saying "Paci, ahh wa?" Well now that her vocabulary is bigger she actually says "Where are you?" Somehow in the mix-up she started calling her paci "ahh wa" and now when she wants her paci she says, "Ahh wa, where are you?"

"La-La"
La-La is water to Braylen, always has been and I'm not sure how that came about.

"Hot Dog"
That would be Mickey Mouse and while she does call him "Mick-Mick" sometimes she usually refers to him as hot dog, you know because of the Hot Dog song.

"Yellow"
Braylen's universal color for everything. When she's really paying attention she'll pick out red, blue and pink. But most of the time her color name of choice is yellow.

"Panpake"
Only her favorite breakfast food second only to Greek yogurt"

And on a not so funny note, she pronounces sit like it has the letter "h" between the "s" and "i".

We have so much fun with her. She's constantly making us laugh with all the things she does and says. She's certainly has her share of toddler meltdowns but they pass quickly and they become fewer as she tests her boundaries. She makes us dance with her and sing, play the piano and guitar, rock her babies and read her books. We wouldn't have it any other way. :)

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. We started out the day by watching the parade and cooking a few things. Braylen loved the big balloons and the music, she was so mesmerized by the parade.

I get the fun task of making duplicates of everything. Double the green bean casserole, double the Symphony brownies and double the mac and cheese.

Each Thanksgiving we visit Allen's grandparents and have lunch with his family around noon. Then we head to my parents house and eat again around 2:00. Both sides of my family come to my parents house for Thanksgiving. I can't tell you how much better this makes things for us. The first year we were married we went to FOUR different places for Thanksgiving. Combining Thanksgiving at my parents house helps us to enjoy the holiday and not feel as rushed.

Braylen playing with her great-grandfather.

And with her mawmaw and papaw (Allen's parents).

As expected Braylen loved seeing everyone. Our attention-loving girl was on cloud nine since everyone wanted to play with her.

We even got the chance to take a family picture.

And out little family's photo op wasn't as successful...

If she was looking, I wasn't...

Thanksgiving is such a sweet time of the year. I think it reminds me to slow down and enjoy the blessings in my life. It causes me to stop and reflect on the past year and count all of our blessings. Each and every thing we are thankful for. I saw a quote the other day that said, "What if you woke up with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?" Now that's something to think about.

Hope you all had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!

thankful.

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

There's something different about this time of the year. I don't know what's in the air but something about the holidays makes everything a little better. People become more generous, their hearts a little kinder and even if its just for a few months I think the level of happiness increases slightly amongst the general population.

I always hear people say "you should be thankful all of the time, not just at Thanksgiving" and you should. We all should, without a doubt, be thankful every single day for all of the wonderful things that we have. But at the same time Thanksgiving is here to remind us of what we are thankful for. I know I need to work harder to really thank God for all of the blessings in my life each and every day and I can't think of a better time to start than right now.

I've made my final trip to the grocery store for the things I plan to make for Thanksgiving. I've been busy cleaning the house today while Christmas music plays and the smell of cookies fills the air in our house. I can't help but smile a huge smile when I think that the holidays are here, at last.

And for me, they'll be even sweeter this year. I have a little girl napping away in the next room who will be so happy to see everyone on Thursday. Her face will light up at so many of her favorite people gathered in one place. She'll be able to eat all of our favorite Thanksgiving foods and sneak a few bites of pumpkin pie. I'll let her watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade while I cook our Thanksgiving favorites on Thursday morning.

What else could I ask for? That last paragraph alone is full of things to be thankful about. I never want to get so caught up in other things that I forget the significance of just being together.

So for this Thanksgiving holiday I'm going to turn my phone off and shut the lap top. Put the iPad away and not even think about the my to-do list. The only thing that will be on our television is the parade and holiday movies. After all, these are the days we'll always remember, surrounded by friends and family, creating traditions and making memories.

Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese

2011-11-22T13:31:00.001-06:00

I'll have to apologize in advance for sharing this recipe. I can't imagine it being healthy in any way, shape or form and calculating WW points for this would be insane. But, hey its the holidays and I promise its worth every single calorie. Just don't think about it :)

The recipe below is the original recipe, doubled. I always double it when I'm taking it somewhere, but you can cut in half if you're just serving it at home and it will still be plenty.

Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese

16 oz. elbow macaroni

8 cups of cheese (I use half cheddar/half sharp cheddar)

4 eggs

3 c. whole milk

2 cups evaporated milk

salt and pepper

Cook noodles until tender (per directions on package).

I add salt to the noodles while they are cooking.

Mix together noodles, eggs, cheese (reserve about 1 1/2 cups for the topping), whole milk, evaporated milk, and pepper.

Cook on low 5-6 hours.

Add remaining cheese to the top about an hour before serving.

19 Months

2011-11-21T18:04:00.001-06:00

Braylen Kate,
Life is busy and I'm a little late getting your 19 month post up. It's been a busy, busy month for us and you've done so much fun stuff. In fact, last Sunday you were the flower girl in your "Aunt" Susannah's wedding. You did such a good job and we were so proud of you.

You are growing like crazy and getting taller by the day. Your hair is so curly and its getting thicker and longer. Our days are full of laughter as you run from room to room hiding from us and playing with your toys. Your personality shines and people are continually commenting on "what a personality you have." You talk to everyone you meet.

You have the brightest smile and the most infectious laugh. You adore Coco. I mean wake up asking for her every morning and when you see her? Your face lights up and you say "Hi, Coco." Sweetest thing ever. You like to dance and sing, play the piano and guitar, get the microphone at church and sing on the stage to everyone. You aren't scared of anything and you aren't shy at all.

You love bows and shoes and I'll take all of the blame for this one. You get your shoes out of your closet and line them up on the rug in your room. You want everything to be in just the right place and I should probably take the blame for the one too.

BK, you are so strong willed. You know what you want, when you want it and if you don't get it... well, you get over pretty quickly. You say "please" and "thank you" like a pro. Everything isn't "no" anymore you now say "okay" or "yes" to answer questions. You call all other kids "babies" even if they're bigger than you and your face lights up when you see other children.

I say it every month and I'm here to say it again, I don't know how we ever lived before you. You are the best thing, our whole heart.

Your 19 Month Stats:

Clothes Size 18M
Diaper Size: 3
You weigh around 23 pounds and are 33 inches long.
You wear a size 5 1/2 shoe.
Your vocabulary is excellent and we've yet to stump you with a word. You repeat everything we say.
A big thing happened this month and you started really using sentences. It happened the day before the wedding and you were playing in the back seat while we were driving. It went something like this:

Braylen: "Dada"
Allen: "What?"
Braylen: "Wanna hit the ball"

After that you've been talking in sentences really good. If we leave a door open you say "Shut the door." You also say "come on," "sit down," "wanna eat chick-chick," you also talk in sentences on the phone, for example, "hello, what you doing?" We just sit back and listen it sounds crazy to hear you talk like a big girl.
You are excellent at following directions. You can go and get something we ask for and you can pick out specific things.
You can count consistently to five and after that it usually goes something like this, "five, six, five, six, five, seven, eight" You really like five.
We still work daily on colors.
Favorite food: Greek yogurt, bananas, apples, peanut butter, goldfish, spaghetti, chicken and cheese. You love water and milk too.

Christmas Ornament Wreath

2011-11-21T16:01:00.001-06:00

I am determined to get some holiday crafts finished in time to enjoy them at Christmas this year. I always have big ideas and end up spending the time leading up to the holidays running around and searching for presents or getting caught up in the general hustle and bustle that the holidays bring. Last year I was literally monogramming Christmas gifts at 2:30 in the morning on December 23. Not this year, friends.

All of that to say that while I was working last night I was doing a little multi-tasking to create a Christmas ornament wreath. I've seen them pinned everywhere and a friend of mine recently made one. I asked her about it and she said, "it was so easy I just covered a straw wreath with felt and hot glued ornaments to the wreath." And so with a straw wreath, some felt, the hot glue gun and a ton of ornaments I set out to make the wreath.

I started with a straw wreath. They are sturdy, but still light weight so they make the perfect base for a wreath that's going to have some weight to it. The straw is messy and thankfully the first step is to cover the wreath in felt. I bought 1/2 yard of felt and cut it into strips, wrapped it tightly around the wreath and secured it with plenty of hot glue.

Then start gluing the ornaments onto the wreath. You'll want to start with the largest ornaments and then use the smaller ornaments as a filler. I wanted the base to be a solid silver and the smaller ornaments to be colored. You could certainly do a mixture of colors as well.

The ornaments weren't secure enough (for me) when they were only hot glued to the wreath. So I added a drop of glue where the ornaments touch to ensure they would stay in place.

Continue working your way around the wreath. It takes A LOT of ornaments.

At this point I realized I needed to add something to hang the wreath so I opted for grosgrain ribbon. I probably used a stick of hot glue on that one piece of ribbon. Don't be afraid of the hot glue, you can clean it up later.

After I filled the whole wreath with the large silver ornaments I went back and started filling in the holes between the ornaments with smaller green and red ornaments.

I decided it needed a little something extra so I hemmed the edges of a scrap piece of silk and embroidered it with a "G" to make a sash. I absolutely love the way it turned out. Such a fun little project.

Other Info:
Original pin can be found here.
I used an 18" straw wreath and two containers of shatterproof silver ornaments from Hobby Lobby.
I also used one container each of small red and green ornaments.

In 25 years I've learned...

2011-11-17T13:23:00.001-06:00

As a new year starts for me today I feel the need to reflect on a few things I've learned. Most I already knew but a good reminder never hurts.

1. Be the friend you want. Sometimes I feel like I'm putting way more into a friendship than the other person. Sometimes I feel like I don't get the respect I deserve. I still continue to be the friend I would want them to be to me. People learn by example.

2. Being angry and holding on to resentment only hurts one person, me. I once got my feelings hurt about something silly and I remember Allen saying to me, "Look, Jenn, this is ruining your day and they don't have a clue. They're resting easy, let it go."

3. Having a baby changes everything, for the better. It made me stronger, it made me a better person and it gave me a love that I never thought possible.

4. I need to stand up for what I believe. It doesn't matter if it isn't the most popular opinion or the coolest thing. I'll always regret it if I don't.

5. Everyone has a filter. You can't just say something and blame it on "not having a filter." We all control our words and our actions.

6. 30 isn't old and giving the rate at which times passes it'll probably be here before I know it and if the next few years are as sweet as the last few, then bring it on.

7. Ignorance is only bliss if you're the ignorant one. I see people post things on public forums and social media networks and cringe. Of course, you have the freedom to say what you want but when its deliberate and hurtful or an uneducated opinion then it becomes more than just exercising your first amendment right.

8. Listen more, talk less.

9. I make mistakes every single day. I can learn from them or let them define me. As a mother, wife and friend. There's always redemption.

10. Writing is my true outlet. Some people paint, some people run, some people bake. I actually love all of those things that I mentioned but nothing compares to writing.

My favorite day

2011-11-16T21:59:00.001-06:00

As people get older I think birthdays tend to matter a little less. Around here, that's not the case. Birthdays are my absolute favorite. So in this house, on February 6, April 13 and November 16 someone is being spoiled. A birthday is more than just a date on the calendar serving as a reminder to add another year to your age. It's a celebration of a whole year. Even if you have a horrible year, its a reminder that "if I can make it through that, I can make it through anything." Not that this year was horrible, it was anything but horrible.

It's been an amazing year as I've celebrated sweet happenings in my life and the lives of those around me. Braylen turned one, Allen and I celebrated another anniversary, we watched as B took her first steps, I decided not to go back to work, I watched a friend who tried so long for a baby get the news she was having twins and I watched two friends say "I do." I've laughed a lot, I've cried some, I've read "Oh, the places you'll go" more times than I can count, gone on a few great vacations and here I am ready for another year. Because I know it will only get better.

This morning Allen let me sleep in while he took care of Braylen when she woke up bright and early. I thought we'd go out for a cupcake for breakfast but the weather had other plans and I wanted to wait until the tornado warnings expired. Allen snuck away from work early to take me to lunch but I had left my lights on in my car and the battery was dead. We just laughed it off.

We finally made it to P.F. Chang's for a late lunch and Braylen couldn't get enough of their egg drop soup.

After lunch, we went over to Barnes and Noble because I wanted to pick up a few Thanksgiving books to read with Braylen next week. This train table distracted her and she played with it for the longest time. Actually, she didn't want to leave. She kept saying, "choo-choo train, peease"

After we left the book store we headed to my favorite bakery to finally get my cupcake. I tried the Banana's Foster and it was so good!! Even Allen wanted mine instead of his usual red velvet.

And Braylen? She got a petit four and obviously she's deprived of things like this, she dug right in...

After church this evening we went to my mom and dads for cake and ice cream. Yes, more cake.

My mother informed me that this was the first year she had to buy two packages of candles since only 24 come in a pack.

Braylen thought she was the star and kept singing "happy cake."

I really had the best birthday. I now have money and gift cards to go shopping, a new iPhone, a new makeup bag, storage for my fabric downstairs (more on that later) and so many other sweet surprises . Allen also called and arranged for someone to start cleaning the house every other week. Don't tell him but that could have been my birthday, anniversary, Christmas and Valentines Day combined. ;)

ten for tuesday

2011-11-15T18:14:00.001-06:00

1. I'm not sure how my birthday slipped up on me this year, but it's tomorrow! I had to get my present from Allen (an iPhone 4S) a few weeks early because my old iPhone met an unfavorable fate when it hit my garage floor one night. This is iPhone numero 6. Sixth time's a charm, right? Right?

2. Did I mention that tomorrow was my birthday? It is, and all I can think of is a big piece of white cake.

3. Have you joined Birchbox? I just joined a few weeks ago and my first box came today! It's so cool. You only pay $10 per month and you get a box of beauty samples. This time I got nail polish, moisturizer, skin firmer, a chocolate treat and all natural baby lotion. But the coolest part is that you customize your own beauty profile and the products are geared towards things you would like. You can gain points on their site to buy the very products they send out and so much more. if you're interested in joining, check them out here.

4. If you're still looking for Erin Condren products or deals you should check out One Kings Lane this week. There are a few Erin Condren products in their holiday gift shop (the purple box to the right on the home page).

5. I have a folder in iPhoto with vacation pictures to blog. You know from that beach vacation nearly two months ago. I need to blog them for memory sake, I wouldn't want to forget about pictures like this...

6. I am determined to make a ruffled tree skirt, an ornament wreath for my front door, a red and green feather wreath for inside my house and several other things I have pinned. Along those same lines I'm also determined to get all three Christmas trees up this year in a timely fashion. We're going to try our best to actually enjoy the season and not fall victim to the hustle and bustle that comes with it.

7. I'll have more on this later but I've been busy purchasing books for our Christmas countdown this year. Meredith blogged about it here and I think its a wonderful idea. I've been busy purchasing books from places like Zulily and Totsy and getting amazing deals on them.

8. Braylabee's is having a giveaway on Megan's blog, just FYI :)

9. Braylen turned 19 months on Sunday and I haven't even started buying things for her 2nd birthday party. This is a totally different position than last year when I was buying and planning like crazy. Am I in denial?

10. I need one more thing to make it 10 but I'm at a loss and I really need to go finish up some turkey shirts.