Busy

I've been busy lately and not in a blogging mood. Going to try to get back into it. A few of my friends are doing a blog topic together answering some questions. It sounded like fun so I thought I'd give it a go.

1. What's your idea of the perfect day?

I love days where I'm just hanging out with family and friends. Here at home, at my mom's or grandparents' house, camping. Anytime we are just relaxing together. Good food is usually involved, too.

2. Do you think crying is a sign of strength or weakness?

I don't think of it as a sign of weakness. However, I hate to cry. I fight it anytime I feel the water works coming on.

3. What will you never do?

I don't like to use the word never but I think I will never eat raw oysters. I can't get past that they look so slimy.

4. Where else would you like to live and why?

I would live back in Tennessee. That is where I grew up and my side of the family lives. And it is one of the most beautiful places I know. :)

5. Is there ever a time when giving up makes sense?

Yes. For example, there are 10 questions but I am only doing 5.

That was a great idea with the questions. I had one post in January and I am barely getting one in for February. Let's see if this helps me get back in the swing of things.

You Are My Sunshine

This year for Christmas we decided to make my grandparents' Christmas presents. Pinterest has so many fun ideas. Where else can you find ideas for craft projects, ways to lose weight, and the best looking recipes all on one page? I found an idea to make a sun using the kids hands. They actually really like to paint. I think I need to buy more just so they can paint more often.

First they painted the whole canvas blue.

Then they added clouds. (I didn't get a pic of that step.) Next we painted their palms orange and their fingers yellow for the sun.

The last thing we did was paint on the words at the bottom. My oldest did that part.

I think they turned out fantastic! My grandparents loved them, too. Did you make any of your gifts this Christmas?

Christmas Pictures 2012

For a few years now we have been doing pictures of the kids for my in-laws. This year it was just really hard to get all of the grandkids together at the same time. So we had shirts made with each grandchild's age and did individual pictures to go in a big frame. We did them outside on a chilly day with temps somewhere in the 30s. Brrr.

We had them wait in the car until it was their turn. Can you tell she is cold?

I almost have two teenagers...tear.

My Little Bit is not very little anymore.

It was a cold day, but the kids were great. Not many complaints. They usually are really great with all of our ideas, even if they seem crazy. :) It was really too cold to play outside. So, we took quick pictures and left. The pictures turned out great!

We also had some fun!

We had a great Christmas. We had some amazing family time. I just haven't had the time or energy to blog. Hopefully, I will get back on track soon.

A God Full of Surprises

You guys probably know that I have an amazing nephew who is waiting for a heart and double lung transplant. His name is Weston and he is 6 years old. He is such a wonderful little kid. (If you would like to know all the specifics of his story you can join his Facebook page Praying for Weston.)

He has been in the hospital this time for over 17 months. There have been times when we weren't sure he was going to make it. However, he is so strong and such a fighter. I did not see how he could leave the hospital before he received his transplant. Well, our God is full of surprises and miracles! Today our sweet boy left the hospital.

I am full of emotions about him leaving the hospital. I am happy, nervous, excited, joyful, and nervous... I cannot even image how my bother and sister-in-law are doing. And Weston! He went into the hospital 17 months ago when he was 4. Wow. Since I learned he may get to leave the hospital I have been praying so hard for him to be able to have a smooth transition. Here is he outside of the hospital. It was so surreal seeing this picture today.

All I can say is thank you for all of your prayers and kind words. And also thank you, God, for being full of surprises. What a mighty God we serve!

12

Today is the day that my "baby" boy is 12. 12?! How can it be? I still can't believe it. He is such a sweet boy. He is very kind. He is extremely funny and silly. God truly blessed us with him. We got together with family last night to celebrate his birthday. He wanted breakfast for supper. So, we had waffles and cereal. Then, because we hadn't had enough sugar, we had cake!

It was the birthday boy's idea to get a cookie cake and make it look like pizza. It turned out really cool. The sauce is red icing. The cheese is grated white chocolate. The pepperonis are flattened red gum drops. The sausage is crumbled up Reese's peanut butter cups.

My mother-in-law also made some Rice Krispy treats dipped in white chocolate. She colored the chocolate yellow to make them look like Pikachu. They turned out awesome!

Happy birthday to my boy! We love you!

Jordyn Wieber Gymnastic Clinic

Katelyn has been loving gymnastics. Sometimes she doesn't want to go to practice. I think she prefers one on one time with her coach. They had a clinic at the gym with Jordyn Wieber, the Olympic Gold Medalist. :) Here is Jordyn talking with my boss.

They split the kids up into several different groups. They rotated between different events. I explained to my gymnast that they couldn't all be with Jordyn at the same time because they would have to wait a long time. She understood that. Here she is working on the beam with a very serious face. Love her!

They learned a little dance to the hand jive. It was super cute!

Handstand competition was one of Little Bit's favorite parts.

 It is hard to believe that this girl is only 17.

 My hubby and I were able to go together. It was so much fun watching all of the girls with Jordyn. I don't think she had her medal. Hmmm....wonder where she keeps it...

Fall Break

We have had a great fall break. A full week this year. We are at the end of our break. We were able to go to my mom's for a few days. We had SO much fun. I was able to see several people in my family, a good friend, and get some pumpkin pie. My grandma knows what I like. :) I was so busy having fun and visiting that I took zero pictures. Ugh! 

On our way home from my mom's, we stopped by my sister-in-law's new place. The kids were very excited to see each other. I did snap some pictures with my phone during our visit. 

Kids Playing

Snuggling with Doodle

More Snuggles

My Doodlebug with Little Doodle

We were able to stay for a couple of hours and then headed the rest of the way home. We have been just hanging out at home, going to work, and of coarse band practice. Two more competitions  left in this season. And then begins the winter guard season... We are busy, but trying to enjoy every minute.