Keeping Up with The Joneses

"Mommy, come look!!!"

2009-10-24T19:22:00.001-07:00

"Don't laugh!!! They are doing their exercise!!!"

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Her name is Lovedy......

2009-10-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

for she creates such lovely things....but I like to call her "Love" for short!
I am over the moon excited about my new machine. Thank you for my new machine Honey!!!

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I call the back seat!!!

2009-09-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

Because I will now be living in the car!!! Mac LOVES soccer and wanted to play again this fall. It was such a successful venture last fall that I didn't think twice about signing him up. This year, Lily Kate is eligible for extracurricular activities too and if brother gets to do one, so does she. She chose dance. While all of this sounds uber exciting in the summer (i.e. when you are required to sign up for these activities AND when the kids are busy doing NOTHING in the lowcountry heat), you are surely thinking to yourself, "WHY didn't I let them do the same activity???". Well, it is all gonna work out. After all, within the last 7 days we have had our first day of school, day of work, soccer practice and dance practice. All I can say is, I am glad gas isn't $3 a gallon. I know for sure that this is just the tip of the iceberg, so I need not vent for long. I am thrilled to do it; really I am. I consider myself lucky to be able to tote them from here to there! I give it a couple of weeks and we'll have it down to a science...just in time for Lily Kate to decide she hates dance or for one of us to come down with the flu...just kidding karma.
These pics are Lily Kate rich..I know this. I apologize! At Mac's soccer game I felt so sidetracked with keeping her off the field that I didn't get to snap any pics of Mac practicing. Without prompting, she struck a pose next to our friend Mr. Mark, and shot the breeze. Ms. Ashley grabbed the camera and captured the moment!

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Nay, Roar, Quack Quack Quack!!!

2009-09-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

The time has arrived!!! School has begun for ALL of us!!! Mac has been talking incessantly all summer long about being in the "Pony" class. For those who have no idea what this is, let me borrow from the vast vocabulary of Mac-speak and say it is the "big kids class!". Mac is officially in the pre-K class, sniff sniff. It is his last year at home before starting kindergarten and while I am trying to make this time count, he is already talking about all his desired career paths (first a soldier, then a police man; just in case you were wondering).
Lily Kate is in the Tiger class; ROAR!!! She has incorporated this new milestone in her life as part of her actual self. I know this because she was asked yesterday if she was three years old and she said, "no, I not three, I a tiger". She is quite proud and already in love with Ms. Sonya who gives her a lollipop each day.
Mommy went back to school too! I am in the Ducks class...as an assistant, not a pupil that is. I work two days a week and am very overwhelmed with gratitude for this incredible blessing. I couldn't ask for a better place to work AND I am right there with my babies!!! I won't be following them all the way to college or anything, so don't worry. Mac is a little too cool for me now though...on the playground he informed me he was now a "pony" and ran off. Here is a quick snapshot of the kids on their first day....

A perfect day for an applique....

2009-09-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today was a sewing day..surprise. Leslie and I let the kids run wild in the house while we buckled down to accomplish some applique work. She is so generous with her machine as I don't yet have one with this capability. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to get one soon. The kids did so good and were so exhausted that they were asleep within ten minutes of going to bed!
In other news, Mac had a small dental emergency on Thursday. I was cleaning the bathtub so I didn't here what preceded the screams, but he and Lily Kate were playing in his room and he hit his mouth on his headboard. There was lots of blood so I was panicked at first, but after visiting the dentist to make sure all was fine I was okay. He was okay too. The tooth was loose and may fall out, but may not. It was a tooth that was dead anyway from a previous fall when he was two. While we were at the dentist office, Lily Kate could not leave the hygenist alone. She was so curious! Finally, she suggested Lily Kate get in the chair with Mac to get a birds eye view and he agreed. I had to snap this picture...

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Just another day in paradise....

2009-09-03T08:01:00.001-07:00

Daddy sent pics!! For those who don't know, Michael recently left for Afghanistan for a little while to do some work in "the sandbox". We miss him terribly but are hoping that he will stay super busy so that the time goes by fast. Nonetheless, we are lucky to be able to keep in touch by emails and frequent phonecalls. Here are some pictures he sent to show us what his life will be like for the next little while. If anyone would like his email address over there, just let me know as it is different than the one he uses on this side of the world! Back soon for sure this time...we are totally up and running now!!!

Before he was in Afghanistan, he was staying in Kuwait at the Kuwaiti Hilton for a few days. This is the view. The beach is man made and manicured daily with a rake by the staff.

I don't want to know what that black smoke is....

Kinda looks like M.A.S.H. to me, except khaki interior. Maybe I could sew him up some nice home dec stuff now that I know his color scheme...

Michael's bunk. When the kids saw this picture they said, "look! there's Daddy's shoes!!"

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Where you been???????

2009-06-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Tail between legs, here I am.

It has been the usual amount of busy at the Jones house, but with a few complications and human defaults. Old, slow computer. Old, tempramental camera. Cell phone dropping in the toilet. Potty training. Eight baby gifts to make and a slightly tremendous increase in my sewing creations. All of these things are my excuse. Well, and a couple of other things that you really don't care about, but anywho...

Got a nifty new little cell phone that I am a tad addicted to. The camera is working for the moment and when it isn't, the cell phone will do. My new phone has allowed me to do a lot more, therefore I am feeling a little more organized and back on track. Plus, summer is here!!! Hey!!! We all feel a little better about things when summer arrives!!!

I have been running my own little sweatshop here at the house, and want to show all of the pics but am having trouble with uploading the slideshow that I created to the blog. So, I guess I will just upload a few pics at a time to posts as I go because you don't want to spend your whole day scrolling.

Oh, the kids!! Yes, they are still here. School has ended at it was a really good year. Mac has mastered the alphabet and their sounds and we are just going to work on some word recognition over the summer. He also has shown a great interest in geography, so Michael has been working with him diligently on learning all the states. He is up to 48!! I am so proud of my little pumpkin!

Lily Kate was potty trained over Christmas and is doing really well except for a pull up at night. I'm fine with it but Daddy feels otherwise. She is just as sassy as ever. So animated...our little actress. The arteest.

Jack is hanging in there...just wants to sleep all the time so we do all we can to make him comfortable. He is healthy as a horse though!

Michael's work has kept him pretty busy. Between him cleaning up the crime brought on by the economy and stupidity, and an office that is a few men short, he stays quite tied up. He is gearing up for his annual camping trip at the beach with some guys. Did I say gearing up? I meant counting down. Seriously counting down.

We also just finished a 13 week Dave Ramsey class through church. We met one night a week, but it felt like that one night took 3 days off our week. It was really great though...we saw a huge difference in our finances within the first few weeks of the class.

I'll post more later, but hopefully this brings things up to date!!!

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Sassy Do for a Sassy Girl

2009-02-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

It just got ten times harder to tell her "no". That girl...I was toying with the idea of chopping off her hair and boy am I glad I did. I am way biased, but she's so cute..I can't stand it. I almost wrecked coming home from the kids' hair appointment because I kept turning around to look at her. The pictures aren't good because she will NOT be still for a second, but hopefully you get the idea. I am still sewing away...hope to post more about all the things I've been making soon. Most of them are gifts, so I can't yet! Otherwise we are just LOVING the weather here and looking forward to "balemtimes" day!!! Happy hearts to you!!!

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He's Home!!!!!!

2009-01-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

Our sweet dog is home!!! The surgeon had no reservations about doing the surgery and did so yesterday afternoon. He came home today and isn't himself because he is so groggy and exhausted, but that's okay. His incision and stitches really scared Lily Kate, she cried a lot to be exact. We told them that his hair would grow back and he would be back to normal in no time. Thank you to everyone who had him in your prayers!!!!

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Well, well, well....

2009-01-27T10:41:00.001-08:00

Hmmmm, let's see. Straight shooter I am, even if it takes me ten minutes to get there..so here it goes. Our computer is so slow....so slow that I dread checking email, facebook, anything. I haven't felt like posting a thing because of this and many other reasons which are to follow. Our camera is pretty much dead..I've been relying on the photos from others and we all know that is frustrating...well frustrating for us who have blogs. The holidays...they were wonderful but like everyone else's, busy. The new year has been quiet until recently. The kids have been sick off and on with various things. For a month a tummy bug was in our house; we all took turns having it. Seasonal depression; yes..it's here. And last but very much so not least is the current situation with our precious and very loved dog Jack. He's old...twelve in May to be exact. I had a strong feeling just after the new year that this would be his last. He has had trouble lately with getting winded very easily. We took him to the vet last week and as I write this post he is being seen by a specialist. I have prayed numerous times today for him and ask that if you are reading you will say a prayer too. He has a condition called laryngeal paralysis...it effects his breathing and sounds horrible...like he's a victim of emphysema or something. It can be fixed, but he has to be a candidate which is what we will find out today. Bless him...bless his bones. He's our baby...Michael and I have had him since before we were married. I just keep thinking of my babies and how to make them understand should he not be a candidate. Such a mixed kind of a day...not only is today a big day for the family puppy, but it is also my sister's birthday (shoutout AMU) and God reminded me that today five years ago I found out I was pregnant with my precious little pumpkin pie...Thank you God for a ray of sun in such a cloudy day.
Speaking of cloudy...would the sun just come out already?? I mean seriously...we can't help the emotional grayness of our problems...be it Jack or the economy or the world, but could we just have a little light??
Mama's been sewing a lot...got a new toy for Christmas...a SERGER. Yummy! I've been tackling projects left and right since I love it so AND I happen to know of like 8 babies that will be here by April. Wish it were in my water!
We've been working hard with Mac on learning letters and sounds. He is doing well..last night we let him watch Wheel of Fortune. We try to keep the kids guessing on our teaching tactics around here....hehe.
Lily Kate could care less about colors and shapes...God help here and us. She is so sassy...shaking that finger and everything. She really would just like to learn about fashion and makeup.
So...I will try to upload some pics today to go with the post, but don't bet on it. We are alive and could use your prayers...we covet them. Blessings to you all.

By the way...the pictures of the kids in red pj's was from a ride on the Polar Express...complete with hot chocolate, a bell and a visit from Santa. Mac realized in all the excitement that he had forgotten to give a hug to Santa...which explains the picture above! The kids are still talking about it! Thank you Nanna and Pawpaw for the trip!!!

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My Apologies

2008-11-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

Although the below post doesn't make up for it, I do apologize for being slack on the blog. I have been looking for the motivation, but couldn't find it anywhere. The post below is one that I had been working on and didn't finish until recently. Sometimes I just wish I had some balance!! All I have been doing lately is sewing (aren't those turkey outfits just precious??), especially with the holidays coming. I am having a lot of fun with it! Other than that, the Joneses are finally on the mend...we are all healthy, happy and busy. Soccer is finished for the season and now we are gearing up for a big trip to the mountains for Thanksgiving with the other Joneses. Here are a couple of pictures that will hopefully bring you some Thanksgiving cheer! We hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and know that even as tough as times are for so many, remember that it can always be worse. There is so much to be thankful for!!

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And the beat goes on....

2008-11-02T11:52:00.001-08:00

So...it has been yet another eventful week in our house. Shall I recap???
MONDAY
Mac's four year checkup. For those of you with older kids (lest you forget) or none at all, this particular doctor visit means shots...four to be exact. Everybody say it with me, TRAUMA. I prepared him for it. Told him it was going to happen and that I knew he could be brave. Even told him if afterward we would get a special treat. Cool as a cucumber was he. Ignorance truly is bliss. He howled, kicked, screamed so many tears..Mommy too. A second nurse had to come in to hold him down after the third shot. After the tears had been wiped dry and we were leaving the office he looked over at the nurse who held his legs down and said, "I'm sorry that you hurt me with the shot." Bless him...at least he has manners!
TUESDAY
The funk returns as Mac has a horrible, horrible cough. It drove him crazy because he couldn't even stop long enough to eat his food. We soldier on through the day as I really think it is just the beginning of a cold.
WEDNESDAY
PJ day at our house...Mac needs the rest anyway. Mommy gets to finish a sewing project she has been working on..a new purse!

THURSDAY
Mac's first field trip with school! Mommy went along with the class to the pumpkin patch and Daddy met us there. There was a hay ride, crafts, story time and we still have that horrible, horrible cough. I probably shouldn't have let him go, but he has literally been talking about it every single day for three weeks.

FRIDAY
Halloween...Mac completely gets it this year and they are both so cute! Papa and Ganny suited us up well with Halloween bags and lights for trick or treating, along with lots of other goodies! Michael took them out while Mommy handed out candy. Mac was Mr. Incredible and Lily Kate was a bumble bee. Happy Halloween all!!!

SATURDAY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!! While our day was busy with errands and activities, Daddy liked that he wasn't the center of attention. Sunday we celebrated with a cake and dinner. WE LOVE YOU DADDY!!!!!! Mac did make a trip to the doctor today because he began complaining of his ear hurting..sure enough...ear infection. Well, at least he will now be on the mend! Maybe the funk will decide to go somewhere else this week.

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Busy Weekend...

2008-10-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

I swear, our kids social schedules are killing us. I cannot complain...we have the best friends ever, but I do know that it will only get worse!
Last night I trekked with the girlies to Columbia for a birthday dinner for Sugar..so much fun. I miss her so much and wish I could kidnap her to bring her back to the ville' for selfish reasons. I know I am not the only one who feels this way and thus wouldn't even have to ask for help in committing the crime. Plus, she would so meet us at the end of her driveway! It was great...I just can't say enough. We did miss our Clairee..it wasn't an outing with out her.

Next we had two birthday parties and soccer practice all back to back. Luckily, the practice was cancelled so it did give us some reprieve. The birthday parties were super fun; a rockstar party and then a monster party, ROAR! Mac had a blast at both and I was caked out!! On top of all of that, there was football on TV, company over for dinner, etc. It did turn fall sometime during the day and I luckily had dusted off my jacket. Maybe the cool weather will stick around.

Lastly Sunday brought church where Mac sang during the offering. I love it...I have been so excited about this. Wish I could have taken pictures during, but I didn't want to be the Mom who embarasses the kid, yet anyway. I spent the rest of the day at the sewing machine...what I had been pining for all along. We hope you all had a fantastic weekend and that all of your teams you were rooting for won!

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The house of funk

2008-10-16T19:01:00.001-07:00

We are so funkalicious over here it isn't even funny. I get a letter; A LETTER in the mail from the Health Department which states "please contact me immediately regarding Lily Kate's latest lab tests". Seriously??? I mean the heart beat DID stop. After nervously waiting by the phone for the nurse who sent me the letter to return my call (apparently they aren't at work at 7 AM in the morning), she finally called back. Three weeks ago Lily Kate had a horrible stomach virus. However, we now find out it was not a virus, it was salmonella. Oh, it doesn't stop there. She and I both went to the doctor on Monday for some kind of funky rash stuff we had. They were totally different from each other. Turns out hers is related to the salmonella, mine is shingles. Shingles. Really? Don't you have to be like 60 to get that??? Like I said, welcome to the house of funk, enter at your own risk. Oh, and keep us in your prayers!

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Here it is....

2008-10-15T19:09:00.000-07:00

my first smocked dress for Lily Kate!!! I am excited...and proud since I did it from start to finish..every bit. I won't say how long it took. I will say that I couldn't have done it without Leslie. Thank you sweet friend for holding my hand through this whole process!!! Here's to more!

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Rain, rain we don't care if you stay...

2008-10-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

We're having fun anyway!!!! So it rained...non-stop...the whole weekend. But who cares??!! We had fun just breathing different air, being in a different house and I mean really, it was the beach. Good friends, good times..I hated to see it end!

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Fun Time in the Fall

2008-10-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had a wonderful visit from Nanna and Paw Paw. They brought lots of surcies for Mac since it was his birthday "week" and some Cinderella gear for Lily Kate. The kids loved the presents!!! On Saturday they got to see Mac in action at soccer practice and then we all headed over to Mount Pleasant to the Scarecrow festival at Boone Hall Plantation. There was lots of fun things for the kids like jump castles and slides, a pumpkin patch and a corn maze, goats and bunnies to feed, etc. The best part (we all agreed) was the hay ride. They took you through the woods on the plantation and had gone to great lenghths to decorate it with lots of scarecrows, cobwebs and lots of other halloween stuff! The kids loved looking out for the spiders and ghosts! We had a great time!

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One long week.....

2008-09-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

to say the least!! I thought that the easiest way to play catch up would be to make one huge post with several slideshows. So, sorry ahead of time for the overabundance of our lives!!! However, there is lots of good stuff here!!!!

I will first start by stating that my sweet little Lily Kate was sick four days last week with a horrible tummy bug. She was so pitiful! However, when she did feel like eating again, she helped herself....

So, let's start with Soccer. Mac started last week and it is his first time ever playing a sport. Needless to say, we are thrilled!!! He is loving it; having loads of fun (not to mention that he is so stinkin' cute in those shin guards)!

Next was a birthday party for one of our greatest friends; Harper!! She had a super cool party with face painting, popcorn, sno-cones and a jump castle! We had such a good time and the kids loved getting painted up!

After Harper's party, it was time to get ready for Mac's.....

Mac's birthday was Friday and since Lily Kate was still recovering from her tummy catastrophe, I opted not to venture out during the day. However, I was convinced that by dinner time she could handle an outing. So, we celebrated the actual birthday with a special dinner at Chili's. I thought for sure they would sing to him, but no. Oh well, he didn't know the difference. We sang to him but I don't think he heard us because he was way too in to the dessert...can't blame him! Lily Kate just didn't understand why it wasn't her birthday...too cute.

It was the perfect day!!!! Mac's party was wonderful: perfect weather, cute costumes, wonderful friends...need I go on? The best thing about it was that this year, Daddy was here for it!!! So, we really outdid ourselves. Spiderman jumpcastle, ice cream sundaes, spiderman action cake, and a spiderman bicycle!!!! We had so much fun and cannot believe our little pumpkin is four! Oh, and I have to give a special "THANK YOU" to Leslie...she was such a great help that one of the children told her "thank you for having me!" before he left!

Lastly, the morning after was filled with party hangover in the air. Mommy's eyes were swollen she was so tired..no picture of that. So, to lighten the mood, Mimi broke out her surcies for the kids. As you can see, they had no complaints!!!!

So, that's it in a nutshell. Hope it was worth your hour to browse through our week!!!

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A royal affair...

2008-09-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday was our good friend Abby's 4th birthday. A prince and princess party. Luckily, I was able to find a knight costume and as most people are aware, princess outfits are available anywhere all year long. The kids were thrilled to be dressing up and had a great, great time!! Cotton candy, cookie making station, jump castle, yah!!! Oh, and don't forget the cupcakes and princess cake! Happy, happy birthday princess Abby!!!

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May we NEVER EVER forget....

2008-09-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

No matter how hard we try words simply cannot express the horror, the shock, and the revulsion we all feel over what took place in this nation on Tuesday morning. September 11 will go down in our history as a day to remember.
Today we say to those who masterminded this cruel plot, and to those who carried it out, that the spirit of this nation will not be defeated by their twisted and diabolical schemes. Some day those responsible will be brought to justice, as President Bush and our Congress have so forcefully stated.
-Rev. Billy Graham

I am SO proud of my country. I will never forget what happened and hope that no one else does either.

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Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

Told you he was obsessed...

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A funny from Mac...

2008-09-08T12:48:00.000-07:00

Setting: About 3 miles from our house a Chili's is being built. Michael and I love Chili's and have been talking to each other about how we can't wait for it to open because we don't have one near us and never get to go (i.e., the kids have maybe eaten there once). Mac is currently obsessed with ANY and all superheroes. He has spiderman, batman and superman pajamas and one batman costume complete with mask. While Mimi was visiting this weekend he bounds downstairs in his batman costume and walks up to Mimi.

Mimi: "Hi Darlin!"
Mac: "No. I'm batman"
Mimi: "(with hands on her cheeks and a scared look; playing along perfectly) Oh my! Batman, are you here to save me?"
Mac: "No. I am here to take you to Chili's."

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First day of school

2008-09-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yah!!! School has begun and no one could be happier than Mommy!! The kids had no problem; they went right in and began to play with toys. I did however keep Lily Kate home with me due to a nasty all over rash. We "acted as if" and took pictures just the same, but maybe she will get to go on Thursday. Either way, I am just glad to be back to a schedule!

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A very unlaborious labor day

2008-09-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

We hope you had a great Labor day too!!!

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She just couldn't help herself

2008-08-31T18:22:00.001-07:00

So Aunt Anda came to visit for the week and we are soooo excited!!! The kiddies love some Aunt Anda time! She got here Saturday and after everything had settled down after lunch, we all laid down for a lazy Saturday nap. Several hours later when Michael and I wake, imagine our surprise to find that neither of the kids have woken up either!! Michael goes to investigate further and finds Lily Kate in the middle of her bed with a huge mess. She had found Aunt Anda's makeup bag and just couldn't help herself. Check this out....

But of course it didn't stop there. What is the purpose of delving into such goodies if you cannot apply them somewhere?

I suppose the only good thing that came out of this is the dirtying of the Tennessee blanket (Go Dawgs!). That's my girl. (just kidding Nanna and Pawpaw..it came clean!)

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A picture is worth a thousand words....

2008-08-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

All I can say is, it's just been a really rough week

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Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

I do my best work when I'm....

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Feelin' Squirrely

2008-08-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

Mac made the cutest little birdfeeder at school last spring. We hung it on the tree in our front yard not long after..I was so proud! So, imagine my surprise and disappointment when I looked out the window the other day to see a squirrel demolishing it in his attempt to get the food off of it. That is the 2nd feeder they have broken of ours. Mac's reply? "Oh well, I will make another one at school." Boys soldier on!

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Our first encounter!!!

2008-08-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was our first encounter with baby Olivia...the newest addition to the Jeffcoat family. She is a miracle, and not just because she is from God, but because she is the fourth and final child for Sugar and CJ. She has three big brothers!!! Praise the Lord for some pink!!! She is perfect in every way and I am so happy for them!!! Oh yes, and we had a great time visiting with Sugar too!!!

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Weekly Roundup...Tour de South Georgia

2008-08-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it's the weekly round up of pictures and updates. We went to Waycross, Valdosta and everywhere in between last week. Papa (my Daddy) retired after almost 39 years with Georgia Power. What a moving ceremony! I have always been proud of my father, but on this day I was able to see him through his coworkers eyes. I was even more proud of him than ever before. My Dad is a hard worker, this I knew. However he was such a good friend to so many. Needless to say there were lots of tears shed. I love you Daddy and am SOOOOO proud of you!! After a brief adjustment period I am sure he will settle right in to retirement! We had such a good time visiting with aunts, uncles and cousins whom we don't get to see very often!

We also were able to have a good visit with Paul and Nancy whom we love to pieces! Paul has a tractor; translation: Mac is in love. Even though the visit was during naptime and they got to see the kids at their finest (enter sarcasm here), we all had a great time!! We can't wait to see you again!!

So, we're back at home in our beds and catching up on rest. Unfortunately Daddy couldn't go, so Mommy is whipped! Now we will try and have our last little bit of summer fun and get ready for school to start!

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Note to self....

2008-07-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

When you have an oral child i.e. one who loves to put anything and everything in her mouth whether it be a pacifier, thumb, small toys or anything that she can fit in there, you might want to watch her at all times. Otherwise she may put a penny in her mouth and swallow it. If this should happen, the penny should pass. When the penny does pass, you are likely to feel relief..that is if you are aware that she swallowed it in the first place. If you are unaware, you may question the contents of her diaper, want to yell at her, feel like a failing parent, etc. In that case, please re-read the above three lines. Oh, and then you should feel relief as well because know that if you had not received that little copper surprise in her diaper, it could have caused an obstruction that would have required surgery to remove it.

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You're still the one!!

2008-07-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you for a life beyond my expectations..you are an incredible husband, father and best friend. I love you with all of my heart!!

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Don't call the dogs out just yet!!!!

2008-07-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

We're back!!!! Oh my goodness I have never gone this long without blogging...such rediculousness!!! I have been so knee deep in projects and keeping the kids entertained that I have had to sacrifice the blogging. However, the activity level isn't even about to let up. We are headed out of town day after tomorrow so I really needed to update things as there will be even more to blog about after our next trip.
We have been busy with the Wright girls! Whether it's playdates, pool time, sewing or meeting at the Y, we have been doing quite a bit with them these last couple of weeks.
We had water day at Mimi's pool. When the pool got boring, we all {even the Mommies..I don't recommend it..it's not as fun as when I was little} tried the slip n' slide. When in the pool, my kids had more floats on than a navy ship. Mac is getting much friendlier with the water, but Lily Kate is still a ball of nerves which is fine with me. It's hot these days down here in the Lowcountry, but the pool is the way to go for my crew. Plus they take awesome naps when it's all over!

How is it Leslie still manages to look tres chic even on a slip n' slide?? Pure glamour that girl is.

Okay, next is our report of the projects we have been knee deep in. Mommy more so than Daddy, but still. We had hardwoods put down in the whole first floor. Quite exciting! We had been planning on it since we moved in, however it is just now coming to fruition. The kids and I packed up and spent two days and a night with the Kabine's so we wouldn't be in their hair. All that is left is the quarter round, but take a look at the before and after!! I have to say I am a bit embarrassed at our carpet. I just always knew we would put down these floors so I failed to vaccum every day (I think that is what it takes to keep carpet looking good when you have a dog and two kids). Oh well. It's done now! Here is the before:

And the after:

I guess because we went with a dark wood that these pictures are so dark looking...even though they were taken at the same time of day as the before pics! Nonetheless we are enjoying them! Of course the living room is not at all in place, but that will come with time. Now we need paint and I need to get busy on the curtains. The projects are neverending!
Other projects include making a shelf unit for Mac's room, and lots and lots of sewing. I have been working with the fabric from you-know-where making two table skirts and a duvet cover. What a nightmare, take a look:

Matching up this oh-so detailed pattern on the fabric has been a task. I look forward to it all being done!
As if I needed more to do, I have taken on the task of learning how to smock!!! I am quite excited about this as I can take it everywhere with me and do it anywhere. Leslie has been teaching me and I think she was so excited when I told her I was ready to learn. Since she's been teaching me, we meet and smock!! I know this sounds boring to most, but it is wonderful!! The kids play or sleep and we just get to sit and mentally unwind. I think I am ready to start my first project, so stay tuned!

Family fun has been in full swing too. We all went to our first Riverdogs game (baseball team here). Even though it lasted a whole 45 minutes, it was fun! Mac spiked a fever and we had to leave, but we know we will go again! Here are some pics from the day:

Lastly we took a small trip to see Nana and Paw paw in the mountains over the weekend. Aunt Lisa, Uncle Keith and all our cousins were there which made it super duper fun! Here are some pictures from our trip!

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Express Yourself!!!

2008-07-03T11:51:00.001-07:00

Where is my camera when I need it...and even if I have it, I can't seem to work it fast enough! I have seen several bumper stickers lately that have cracked me up. I was telling Michael about them and he told me about some that he had seen recently too. I don't have any bumper stickers or stickers of any kind on my car. Some people take it way too far I think; like they are trying to see how many they can get on there. Then there are some who have just a couple that they thought were hilarious when they first put them on (and unique), but now they look stupid because everyone else has one like it too (did they think that the store would stop selling them after they bought one??). I will go ahead and throw her under the bus because she doesn't have a blog or uncommon name, but my friend Amy made me swear to her one time that I would never put those stupid "Mom" stickers on my car as my kids got older. You know, the ones like "My kid is an excellent student at such and such.." or the one of the football with the kids name and number in the middle. I know it is a huge source of pride for parents..I don't mean to knock it. But sometimes, just like fashion, a little teeny detail of self expression goes a long way. There's my thought for the day and below are a couple of my favorites.

Don't be fooled by the car. My real treasure is in heaven

Nobody died when Clinton lied

Support wildlife. Throw a party!

Piss off a liberal. Work hard and be happy. {my personal favorite}

If the van is a rockin' don't come a knockin'

(CBS logo here {it looks like an eye}) see BS

Work harder, millions of people on welfare are depending on you!

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Life's a beach...then you get burned!!!

2008-06-28T19:15:00.000-07:00

So today was a perfect day to go to the beach and Mommy had been aching to go. The kids had such a good time and played soooo hard. They both are getting more and more confident in the water. Mac began playing with a little boy who had on green swimming trunks. They rolled around in the water and when I asked him if he had made a friend he said, "Yes!!! He was berry nice and he just have on green underwear!!" After we got home we saw that even though we loaded up on sunscreen, more came off than we realized. We felt horrible!!! The kids haven't missed a beat though!

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I'm In the Lord's Army! Yes sir!!!

2008-06-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

How stinkin' cute!!! Today was a ball! Mac's last day of VBS was today and they had closing ceremonies. Even Daddy got to come!! All of the children sang the songs they had learned all week. I had such a blast watching Mac sing with all of his friends. Lily Kate was a loose cannon to say the least. She wanted to run here, run there and was so overstimulated with all of the activity. It was easy to see why she thought it was a party!!! She just couldn't contain herself....

...so she decided to join them all and dance!!!!

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Re-discovery!!!

2008-06-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I ever put down reading for pleasure. Recently, Claire loosely suggested that we start a book club because there was a book she had heard about and wanted to read. So for her birthday I gave her a copy of the book and a promise that her wish would be fulfilled. Since I bought the book 7 days ago I am already well over halfway in to it and CANNOT put it down. I am not blogging about this to plug the book (although I totally recommend it!!) but rather to say I am so glad I have rediscovered reading for pleasure. I am kicking myself for ever putting books down when the kids came along. Though I truly didn't have the time, I have completely missed the outlet that they always give me. If you are a Mom and read this post and aren't reading for pleasure (kids books don't count), pick up a book. I could have soooo used the healthy outlet during those crazy times. Besides, to have my kids see me with a book in my hand can only reinforce the same for them!!!

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"Slacker" is such a strong word,

2008-06-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

I prefer busy, tired, unable (our internet connection was down for a week!!), etc. Summer is keeping us busy!! Since the cruise, we have been trying to beat the heat and enjoy our long days. Last week we were blessed to have our friends Joslyn and Brinley come and hang out. We had tea parties, played in the sprinklers, watched movies and took walks. We have also had birthday parties, baby showers, Mom's night out; you get the picture!!! This week is vacation bible school for Mac. The theme is BOOT CAMP!!! I love it!!! He is having a blast and loves his soldier shirt that he has to wear every day. I am enjoying my one on one time with Lily Kate while he is away too. We will try to do better on our posts...!!!

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Is there such a thing...

2008-06-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

as too much fun?? Mommy and Daddy took a much needed vaca with some great friends this past weekend. It was hard to come back, even though we missed those babies!!! We discovered the beach that you see a picture of in every travel agent's office...you know, the one that is also in that Corona commercial? As Claire put it, "I hope this is what Heaven is like". We all got great tans and nobody got too terribly burned thanks to 150 proof sunscreen (that's three coats of SPF 50, per Michael's genius). The kids apparently had a blast at Papa and Ganny's too...so much fun that my Dad affirmed that kids are for the "young folks" only!! Back to grind!!!

We've been busy!!!

2008-05-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

I have been such a slacker on the blog lately, but we have been so busy!!! Birthday parties, school parties, playdates, boatrides, etc. Mac and Lily Kate keep this family hoppin'!!! However, my social schedule does too!!! It was Dena's Birthday and the crew helped her celebrate in style!! Mom's night out was wonderful too..a new restaurant that is ta die foah!!! For whatever reason, it always ends up as us four at MNO...guess everyone else has been as busy as we have!! School is officially over for my tots (sniff sniff) until the fall. We plan to have a busy summer and decided to start it off right with our first trip to the beach today. The kids were so tired tonight that I am almost positive they were asleep before their heads hit the pillow. According to my daytimer, things won't be slowing down anytime soon, so I will try to do better on the blogging!!! Here are a few pictures from our latest outings!!

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Did somebody say Cruise????

2008-05-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

Das' right...Mama crusin' again!!! I think I am officially addicted! Claire's wonderful husband Chris suprised her with a cruise for her 30th. I have two things to say to this....one, did you say 30? What a baby! Two, can I come??? Lucky for me the answer to the second question is "YES!!!" Chris told Claire if she wanted to invite her friends that she could...I suppose he would like some male company, so Daddy is taggin' along too!!!! I need NO EXCUSE to go on a cruise AND being a Mommy of two little ones means NO ONE can give me a hard time for going!!! Hehehe!!! CANNOT WAIT.....We board June 6th!!! Can you say Exercise????!!!!! God bless that Chris Kabine!!!

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Tea for two and two for tea

2008-05-09T07:05:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I was cordially invited to a Mothers Day tea by Mac at his school. I really couldn't wait..Mothers Day is getting fun these days!! When I got there, they had pink tablecloths, roses in vases, muffins, tea, juice and some very wonderful goodies that each child had made their mothers. We sat down and Ms. Terri said a very, very special prayer about Mommies that made me cry. This is a big deal as I don't cry too easily these days! Ms. Brady had previously asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grew up and while we ate she read the answers aloud. Mac's reply was "A Daddy". This warms my heart of course!! After our tea, the children sang songs that that they had learned in class and continued to charm the Mommies!! Such a special, special treat!!!

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Thursday Thirteen

2008-05-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

Thirteen things my Mama told me. (Some lessons, some just burned into my brain)

1. "If you're too sick to go to school, then you're too sick to go out"
2. "If you don't like the rules, then you can do it different when you have your own"
3. "You are not to old for me to spank you"
4. "Always chew with your mouth closed and don't ever talk with food in your mouth"
5. "There is nothing you could ever do to make me stop loving you"
6. "No pain, no gain"
7. "Can't is NOT a word!!"
8. "You'll feel better once you get to school"
9. "No, you can't do that because it's a school night"
10. "Just because so and so did it does not mean you can do it too..."
11. "Money does not grow on trees"
12. "Please use correct grammar!"
13. "Practice, practice, practice"

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MAMA!!!

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Update on Nana

2008-05-07T11:16:00.001-07:00

Yah!! Nana and Aunt Sandra are back on our soil!!! For those of you who weren't aware, my grandmother (above with Mac at 7 mos.) had a mini-stroke while vacationing in Europe. She was in the hospital for about 5 days and it was questionable if she could make the flight back but thanks to some very, very good friends (Thank you Tony!!), connections and an excellent supplemental insurance plan that my grandmother had she and my aunt are back!! They are currently in Charlotte and she has a doctor's appointment tomorrow. Praise God she made it back safely. Thank you everyone who had her in your prayers!!!

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Note to self

2008-05-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

...when your child gets into your clear nail polish and mistakes it for makeup and then proceeds to apply it all over his/her cheeks, neck or chest, you should know that when you try to use fingernail polish remover, it will sting the cheeks and they will scream uncontrollably and run from you. Using soap and water may remove it, but not right away. This is especially true if the clear polish is applied to the skin more than one time, thus making the skin oh so shiny. You may have the thought that you have ruined the child's skin or caused an irritation because his/her cheeks are so red from the vigorous scrubbing, but not to worry. The cheeks regain their normal color the next day. Also, be sure to take a picture of this adventure as it is one that you will not want to forget.

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Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

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Partay time!!!!

2008-04-28T20:40:00.001-07:00

We had such a great time at Lily Kate's 2nd birthday party. We couldn't have asked for anything more!!! We had perfect weather, perfect company, perfect food and the cake was more than perfect...I truly hated to cut it it was so stinkin' cute!!! Let the celebrating continue!!!

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Happy Birthday Lily Kate!!!

2008-04-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

I have thought about this day and the things I would say for awhile now. However now that I am here, I am so stumped by the fact that you are two that I cannot remember my previous thoughts!!! I will start by saying that I love you. I cannot believe how much I love you!!! Having a girl has been wonderful. You are sweet and a bit sassy and you have stolen your Mommy, brother and Daddy's hearts like you will never know. I love your curls and that cute little dimple that is so subtle on your cheek. You have so many of your Daddy's features!! This past year you have begun to talk, and very well! You talk all the time and your vocabulary expands more and more each day. You have a raspy little voice that we all love to hear. You love to play with your brother, no matter what he is doing. You can switch from hot wheels to baby dolls in an instant; you are so diverse and we love that about you. You love to help. You always want to help me unload the dishwasher, sweep or use your wipes to clean anything. You adore your brother more than I can express. When I pour the two of you milk, you always want to take his cup to him. You offer him your toys (most of the time) and if he is engrossed in something other than you you do your best to get in the middle of that thing. You are very good at apologizing, I rarely have to ask you twice. Aside from your love for us, you adore your dog beyond belief. You curl up next to him with your lovie. When you are coloring you make sure to show it to him. You strive to share everything with him. Whenever you see him, you literally light up. You love to throw the ball for him to fetch and of course you love to tell him "no" just as much. You are such a little mama!!! You love to sing!! While most children like a book before bedtime, you love to sing songs. What a year and how fast it has gone. This is the first birthday that I have felt sad about. I just don't want you to grow up!!! I want you to stay this way forever!!! I love you so much...I can't kiss and hug you enough. You light up my life little girl...I love you!!! Happy Birthday!!!

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Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that my baby girl is turning two!!!! It seems like just yesterday she was this little...

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Surcies from Daddy

2008-04-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

Daddy got home Friday from a two week long trip to DC for a class. No, he didn't see the Pope, but he did bring us all back some surcies!!! Mac is officially obsessed with his Secret Service/Presidential vehicle set and Lily Kate loved her Barney (the Bush's black scottish terrier)replica (complete with carrying bag, as I am sure Laura Bush has the exact same thing and uses it just as religiously as Paris Hilton). He had a great time. He made it to a Washington Nationals game, a tour of the white house grounds, many monuments and memorials; you get the picture. Anywho, we are glad to have Daddy back safe and sound and hope this is the last work trip for awhile! Oh yeah, and Daddy brought this back for Mommy....

Just kidding..he didn't get this in DC, but we did trade in the ol' Van. We just couldn't keep a vehicle that had major frame damage. According to Daddy, his manhood has been reclaimed!!!

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Thursday Thirteen

2008-04-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

Thirteen reasons why April is quickly becoming one of my most favorite months!!!

1. It's my baby girl's birthday month!!! I can't believe she will be two next week! It is also my Dad's birthday month...the more cake the merrier!!
2. Easter, well usually. This year it fell early, but often Easter is in April and it is one of my favorite holidays.
3. Storms. April showers bring May flowers!! I love a good thunderstorm. I love to watch it roll in, the smell, the thunder and lightening, the darkness, all of it. Can you tell I grew up in the south where we always welcomed the rain?
4. Flip flops. Okay, so you can almost wear them year around here, but come on, they have been put up for two months. Two whole months!!
5. St Paul's Tea Room. Oh, this year was only my second year going, but I have been looking forward to it since last year. The best tomato pie ever..I even eat the crust!
6. Warmer weather. It is officially warmer in April. Not to hot, not too cold, just right!
7. Lower pollen count. For all of the suffering you endure in March, April is welcome with open arms. Rough.
8. Everything's green. Suddenly you are driving down the road and everything is so crisp and green like the trees have bloomed overnight. It is so nice!!!
9. Flowertown Festival. This is awesome and is always the first month of April. It is packed...by far the best town festival I have ever been to. Great food, great vendors, rides for the kids, etc. Did I mention the awesome kettle corn??? Check out our pics below from this years trip.
10. Less clothes. Short sleeve shirts, skirts and shorts. Ahhhh, the comfort.
11. Shopping. This is always on my list of "favorites". Since my birthday is in March and I always get money, I always use it to go shopping. Spring clothes are my very, very favorite to shop for!!
12. Tax time. For some it is dreaded but not so much this year for us. We did really good and with the stimulus package, everybody did good. The refunds are usually rolling in by this month. Plus those hokey tax filing commercials can now stop.
13. Longer days. Well, this officially fell earlier too this year. However I became desperate for a #13 so there you go.

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Wordless Wednesday (not really)

2008-04-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

Since the star chart is only going so-so with Mac, I have to take his toys away when he is bad. My closet is starting to look like a towyard for Tonka.

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Thursday Thirteen

2008-03-27T11:05:00.001-07:00

Thirteen questions for Mac and Lily Kate

So I sat down and asked the kids these questions, and this is what they had to say...
First, we'll ask Mac:
1. What is your favorite color? greem!
2. What is your favorite thing to eat? popsicle
3. Do you have a favorite toy? a fourleeler (a four-wheeler)
4. Who is your friend? Abby
5. When you get to be a big boy, what do you want to do? I wanta be like a football player
6. Are you scared of anything? I scared of monsters
7. Where do you live? I borned in Norf Calina and I lib in Souf Calina
8. What do you like to do with Lily Kate? Hug her
9. What does Mommy say when you are a bad boy? Mommy say "no no"
10. What does Daddy say when you are a bad boy? Daddy say "clean up"
11. What do you know how to do? I know how to do clean up!! I'm a good clean uper!!
12. When you took your nap today, what did you dream about? I dream about bulldozers
13. Who gives the best hugs and kisses? Mac then gives me a big kiss and hug!!

Now Lily Kate (with a little help from Mommy):
1. Can you count for Mommy? "shee, shore, shive, shix!!!"
2. What do you see? "a shoo!"
3. Can you sing Mommy a song? I really wish you could hear this....she begins to sing Jesus loves me!
4. What does a horse say? "wheeeeee"
5. What is your favorite thing to do? Probably snuggle with her lovie while sucking her pacifier.
6. What is your name? (As I point to her and say "who is this" she looks down at her nightgown and says, "muhmay!!!" (mermaid)
7. What is your favorite book? The wheels on the bus
8. What do you want to play? Pay Nini (play with Nini)
9. What is the first thing you do when you wake up? I Ask Mommy, "where baddah"
10. What do you want to eat? shack (snack)
11. What do you want to drink? meeyuk (milk)
12. Who do you play with at school? Bawa (Barnwell..her boyfriend!)
13. What are you good at? Saying "I'm sorry"

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We've been busy!!!!

2008-03-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

Whew!! Easter weekend brought lots of activity here at the Jones residence. A visit from Nanna and Paw paw, a trip to the Yorktown, wonderful weather...need we say more? Spring has arrived here in the lowcountry and we are so excited!!!!

Hoppy Easter!!!

2008-03-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Here's some pictures from our Easter! We hope you had a great one too!!!

And this weekend we....

2008-03-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

...were completely busy!!! After some Ragsland parties this week, the kids and I were exhausted!! Oh well, life goes on, and did!! Saturday morning brought the Flowertown Run. I made it there sans family, but met English right away. What a woman...English hasn't ran a race since the reindeer run in December and she did awesome!!! Some people are just natural born runners, not me. hehehe!!! I have to say I couldn't have made it without sweet Dena; she was on her front porch bright and early waiting for us to run by her house so she could cheer us on!!! When we came back around she was still there!!!
A little later the whole family was scheduled for Easter pictures that have yet to be seen...stay tuned! Saturday night Michael and I headed out to an Oyster Roast that Melissa and some friends hosted. So much fun!!! We had laughed so hard our cheeks were hurting!!!! I really didn't want this weekend to end!!!

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Thursday Thirteen

2008-03-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

Thirteen things I am eagerly anticipating...

1. The pollen disappearing. I mean to tell you I ran a week ago today and I am still not right. I even take allergy medicine everyday!!! I hate this!!!

2. Michael coming home. He had a small overnight business trip and I had a horrible dream about him last night. I can't wait to see him!!! The kids are ready for Daddy to be home too!!!

3. Our taxes to come in the mail. No, I don't mean the checks. Our accountant is out of town and he has to mail them to us. They are ready, but we have no idea what the outcome is and they can't tell us because of privacy act stuff. We are sooooo curious as to the outcome!!!

4. Easter!!! I love Easter!!! My in-laws are coming in this year and it should be really fun now that Mac is older and Lily Kate just does what he does. Easter egg hunts should be fun too this year!!!

5. The Flowertown Run. I have been trying really hard to get ready for this race. It will be my first attempt at trying to run the whole thing without stopping. It is only 5k, but hey, I am soooo not a runner. If I can do this I will be so excited!!! It is Saturday, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

6. The Flowertown Festival. Oh so much fun!! I love it!! There are so many vendors and booths filled with wonderful things. The azaleas are beautiful, the food is good and the kids love it!!! I love this festival here in town!!!

7. Warmer weather. Although our winter thus far has been short, I still can't wait to get outside and do stuff. The kids love it, Michael loves it and the time changing early has really gotten us in gear for it! We love taking walks after supper.

8. Retirement. Within the next 12 months, 4 of our 5 grandparents will be retiring!!!
We are so happy for them. I do have to admit I am curious to see what happens when they retire.....hopefully we will get to see them more often since they all live out of town!!

9. Lily Kate's birthday. My little bitty will be 2 in one month!!!! I can't believe it. As much as I can't wait to celebrate her special day, I am a little sad that she is getting so big so quick. I get sad when I pack away clothes that don't fit anymore.

10. My to-do list to get shorter. Things just keep getting piled higher and higher. I haven't been able to sew in forever and it is really irritating me. My bible study is falling behind, I just can't get it together. Maybe if I got off of this computer.....

11. The Avon Breast Cancer Walk. In October, Claire, Melissa and I are doing the Breast Cancer walk in Charlotte. We have to raise $1800 each and then walk 30+ miles over two days. It runs in each of our families, so we are serious about it. It is going to be so much fun!!!!

12. Shopping. This girl love a shopping trip. I can't wait to buy some new spring clothes with my birthday money!!!! It is my favorite time of year to shop for clothes.

13. My maid coming. Oh yeah, I don't have one. Anyway, I really can't wait until this house is clean.....whenever that is.

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Wordless Wednesday

2008-03-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

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You say it's your birthday.....

2008-03-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday too!!!! Wow, I have had a wonderful birthday!!! Even though the world doesn't stop when it is your birthday (darn), it was a great day!!!! Whenever I got a birthday well-wish, I at first felt clueless. You know, after your 21st, it just seems like any other day!!! Mac wanted to argue it was his birthday; normal. Daddy made sure to order a cake from publix as he loves their birthday cakes and he took me out for a super nice dinner and a trip to Target. Ah, what more could a girl ask for? Seriously, Target was my idea. I never get to go anywhere and just "look" anymore. Uh huh, I heard you other Mommies out there; that's right. I got so many calls and cards...THANK YOU!!!!

Oh, I also wanted to include this...I so completely agree with it and feel it suits me. How perfect that it fell on my birthday!!!!!

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Thursday Thirteen

2008-03-06T11:04:00.001-08:00

So I was informed by Kane (honorary Mommy in our playgroup) that I have one too many nicknames for my kids. Sorry Dude..it's how we roll round' here. Mama like a nickname....after all, my name is "Buffie"!!! So, here are 13 nicknames we use around this house with a small explanation of each if available. You know me and my details...hehe!!!

1. "Mac"- okay this is my son's name, but it is a nickname. Mac is a combo of Matthew and Coleman (his full name). This was how we compromised on what to call him. Plus, his initials are MCJ and that is the only info we gave before he was born. So we took to calling him baby Mac and it kind of stuck.
2. "Macabee"- a spin off of Mac
3. "Pumpkin"- Daddy and I have called him this since birth, such a pumpkin pie he is!!
4. "Brother"-My Dad and Aunt have always called their oldest brother "brother", this has to be where I picked this up.
5. "Nini"- Our dog's name is Jack and don't ask me how he is also a nini..
6. "Birdie"- another nickname for Jack. No idea..
7. "Kiki"- One of Lily Kate's many, many nicknames. She was a big kicker in the womb and didn't really stop once she was born. We also take it a step further and call her Kiki Lee, I really don't know why.
8. "Bitsy"- Lily Kate again. It came from a song I sing to her..."Bitsy bitsy boo, I love you!!" Mac sings it to her too and it is pretty cute. We also shorten it to "Bitty" sometimes since she is the smallest in the family.
9. "Sweet Pea"- I thought I would call her this once she was born since it is the flower for the month she was born in, but it didn't seem right once she got here. I use it every now and then.
10. "Sissy"- Lily Kate once more.
11. "Lils"- This totally came from Dena. Funny sidenote...I called Abby "Abs" one day and she corrected me by saying, "My name not Abs, it Abb-y-gail!!!"
12. "Buffie"- I have been called this since birth. I think after a cute little girl from a show long ago. My real name is Scarlette and no I won't go there.
13. "Honey"- what Michael and I call each other. I never ever heard my grandparents call each other anything but this.

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The Latest and Greatest....

2008-03-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

So nothing much to report here, just kind of updating the blog on the comings and goings of our family. Daddy is back!!! He was gone for three weeks to Brunswick for a class and we missed him so much. The kids aren't used to it yet...they still ask if he is going to "class" every day when he leaves for work. As soon as Daddy returned last Thursday, Mommy left. I headed out to Seabrook Island with Claire and her church to a womens retreat at Camp St. Christopher. Awesome...totally awesome. It was great; the fellowship, the weather, the accomodations, the food, everything was great. During my free time on Saturday I tried to squeeze some exercise in and spotted a total of 10 deer. I love it when I see deer...they are so peaceful and gentle. It's so spiritual to me!

Anyway, before that, Mommy had Mom's night out last weekend. The theme was "date night". Our "cruise director" (she does all the planning for our playgroup each month, so we nicknamed her this!) thought it would be neat for us to pair up with another Mommy we don't normally get to chat with often and have dinner downtown, then all of us meet back up for dessert and drinks. This was fun!!!! We have a great cruise director and she is so creative. So I got paired with Dena and Mom came into town so she tagged along. Dena picked Tristan's. None of us had ever been here, but I do have to say that it was really great. I got White Tuna. It was so good!!!! Really flaky, buttery and light, like a monkfish or something. Below is what Dena got.....

No, your eyes didn't deceive you, that is a ribeye with the rib still in it. Excuse me, a $55 ribeye. She ate all of $20 worth.
So afterwards we headed to Kaminsky's dessert cafe, yum!!!! Claire's crazy brother Trey and his entourage of women joined us. In all of my days, even a young handsome thing like Trey with his entourage of chics want to join the Mommies...I guess we just totally rock!!!!

So really nothing earth shattering is going on. Lily Kate is getting some painful teeth in and is crabby. Mac is doing so well on the potty training!!! The writers strike couldn't come at a better time as the political arena is keeping us entertained. Somebody has a birthday next week, so stay tuned!!! Hehehe!!!

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Wordless Wednesday

2008-02-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

YEE HAW

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Finally...something to blog about!!!

2008-02-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

I'd like to say that our lives have been eventful and they have (for us) but definitely nothing blog-worthy. Until now!!! Sunday was Annabelle's 4th birthday party..dem' Bailey's know how to throw a party!!! It was a Dora party complete with a Dora jump castle, cotton candy machine, popcorn machine and a visit from Boots!!! WOW!!! The kids had a blast...some were afraid of Boots and wouldn't go near him (or is it her??? I really have no idea!). Mac and Lily Kate happened to be one of these kids except Mac actually warmed up to ol' Boots. Once he let Boots hold him, he pestered Boots the whole time. Occasionally I heard him say things like, "Hey Boots...I am a big man!!!" or "Boots, look at my booboo on my knee!". Poor Boots, he couldn't shake Mac off of him. Abby was so afraid of Boots that she hid in the Dora jump castle back in the corner the WHOLE time Boots was there. She finally came out when the cake came out. Speaking of cake, Lily Kate was very helpful after we sang "Happy Birthday" to Annie. She insisted on helping Granny pass out plates to all of the children. Once the cake was cut and she thought no one was watching, she took a small swipe at Dora's hair. Ummmm, she thought and proceeded to take more swipes. Priceless...both my kids don't like the cake so much but do love the icing!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNIE!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!

Finally, Mac warms up to Boots!!

Hey Boots, whatcha' doin'?? Hey Boots...watch this!!!

Princess Abby stranded atop her castle. Unable to join in the birthday fun, paralyzed by her fear of oversize monkeys, waiting for her prince charming to save her.

The birthday girl with Boots...she was so excited that she couldn't stop laughing!!!

Lily Kate insisted on making her own personal mark to the birthday cake...

"now that everyone has had a piece of cake, I am sure it is okay if I resume my own personal sampling...."

Definitely a sign of a good time...Lily Kate's socks

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Funnies from the Jones'.....

2008-02-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

We have been pretty slack lately with updating our blog; sorry!!! We have a lot going on to say the least. Here are some funnies recently heard around our house; it was more fun to post these than the winter funkiness that is otherwise going on!!

Our neighbors across the street are smokers and only smoke outside. From the window in our kitchen, we have a birds eye view of their back porch. Since it has turned cold, the Mom bundles up in a huge blanket when she is outside smoking. The other morning Mac says to me (in his covert spy whisper), "Mommy, do you see that (pointing across the street)?" "See what?" I ask. Again pointing he says, "Over there, look! It's the Baby Jesus!"

Mac: "Mommy, I want to go outside on a tricycle ride"
Me: "I don't think so Mac, you don't feel very good"
Mac: "But I want to go outside on a tricycle ride"
Me: "Honey, you are a little bit sickly and I think you should stay inside"
Mac: "But I not sick, I smilin'!"

The other night Michael was putting Mac to bed. He had just finished up a story and prayers and was getting ready to leave his room. I was in our bedroom and this is what I overheard.
Michael: "Okay buddy, just turn off the light when you are finished looking at the book. I love you, nite nite."
Then Michael comes into our bedroom.
Me: "Uh, excuse me, but when did this new routine of him staying up to look at books begin?"
Michael: "It's just for a few minutes!"
Me: "Okay, so the next time he asks me to keep the light on when it is time to go to sleep and I say "no", you know I am going to get it, don't you?"
Michael: "Well I think that now would be a perfect time for me to tell you that when you are not around I let him smoke crack"

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A Shuckin' we will go!!!

2008-01-27T18:44:00.001-08:00

It's Oyster Roast time at Boone Hall and the Jones family like an oyster!! Well, more specifically Michael loves them. So, we went last year and loved it and made the trek again this year. We took along the Kabine's, secured a sitter and met Frank and Jennifer. It was a grand time!! BEEautiful weather, good food, good friends...it all equaled a good time!!!

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Well, I have had better days....

2008-01-26T17:56:00.000-08:00

..but everything will be okay. I should have known that it was going to be a rough day when the alarm didn't go off, thus leaving me to sleep late. I was entered to run in a race over in Sullivan's Island (a good little hike from where I am). Anywho, then I couldn't find my running shoes. I finally figured I must have left them at Dena's on Thursday, since that was the last place I had them. Still okay since I have a 2nd pair that I never wear. So the weather is sooooo yucky. We are even under a winter weather advisory watch!!! I make it in time, but when I step out of the car I realize that I never factored in that coastal breeze I would be getting!! My eyes immediately teared up from the wind!!! No backing out now, and the race actually went well.
So afterward I call home to tell the fam the details of the race and that I was stopping at one store (since I was on that side of town and never am) and then I would be home. I head home and am about halfway there, cruising on I-26 in the fast lane with my cruise control set (such a favorite feature of mine). All of the sudden, BAM!!! Someone completely slams into my rear. I didn't even hear breaks squealing beforehand. I look in my rear view mirror to see a car right behind me turned sideways and immediately say a prayer that I am not hit again.
Let me stop here and say that I am fine. A little sore today, but fine. I also want to add that this is the very FIRST time I have ever been in an accident that WAS NOT my fault. I have always said that whenever this day came, I would get out and do a cartwheel. Alas, I did not perform this gymnastic feat; I was way too freaked out!!!!
Long story short, some dude was a fulyin' mach 10 up the highway and came around a corner and there was me, doin' the speed limit. He had nowhere to go but into me. So he hits me, then flies across three lanes of traffic into the woods hitting a fence. When the ambulance comes he won't cooperate. When the police come he won't cooperate AND becomes combative, assaulting a police officer. He is arrested and taken to jail.
Michael is frantic; I mean frantic!!! He is at home with the kids. I have the minivan which has the car seats, so he can't get to me. He can't get a hold of anyone to come and watch the kids nor is he really able to think of who to call. Bless his heart, he was truly more a bundle of nerves than I was. He sends Frank (a coworker and great friend of ours) to help me out. Luckily Frank knows this kind of drill and just tells me what to do. I can't say enough about when it comes to how blessed I am to have relatives and close friends in this line of work. When something like this happens, you need all the support and direction you can get. I totally wasn't thinking straight and Frank was so helpful. This is why Michael was worried...he knows what happens when accidents occur. The right questions don't always get asked and people get taken advantage of. The moment is gone and it all happens so fast. I am so grateful and yes, even in the midst of this horrible incident, I can say God is Good, even when things are bad. There may have been an even more horrible accident further on up the road involving fatalities had my accident not occurred..you just never know.
So, here we are safe and sound. I am so blessed that my babies were at home warm and happy on the couch and that this is behind us. It was just one of those days. It's over and on to the next!!! Lesson learned today: NOTHING is in my control. No matter how many rules I follow (i.e., speed limit, defensive driving), I can't control what someone else does. I pray that young man is okay.
Oh, and by the way, Michael says the pictures really don't do it justice. We are hoping that the frame of the car isn't bent! I was so happy I had my camera with me...total bloggie material!

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I Voted...did you????

2008-01-20T18:17:00.001-08:00

What a little cheeser I have!!! Maybe it's the hat on backwards...anywho. Yesterday was vote day here in SC and when Mommy said, "Daddy and I have to go vote" Mac said, "I want to go get on da boat too!!!". So we went separately (the weather here was horrible yesterday, so we didn't take Lily Kate out in it) and Michael took Mac with him to get the full experience. I think he was just excited to get to use all his rain gear and get a sticker. Since this was the first primary for us ever, Michael and I were excited to be able to participate. Woohoo!!! What an interesting election this is. Thank goodness we are into politics, cause the TV these days just isn't that good!!!

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All swole' up....

2008-01-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

Poor Lily Kate. She has had a rough last couple of days. Daddy and I woke up to her early Sunday morning screaming with a super high temperature. I knew right away it was teeth. She is expecting her eye teeth (Michael says canine, but I think that sounds like she's a dog, so I am saying eye teeth) and I know this because they are the only ones she hasn't gotten in and her nose has been running lately. So, she kept a high fever all day Sunday and was so whiny and mopey when she wasn't sleeping. Then today at lunch her tray came off of her booster seat unexpectedly and she went flying forward hitting another chair on her way down. The result was a shiner, a big one. She has bruised and scraped under her eye and even on her cheekbone. As I write this post, her eye is so swollen still, almost swollen shut. I gave her some tylenol tonight (thinking she must have a headache from the fall!) but I am quite sure it has had the opposite effect. She and Daddy are having a party in our bed right now!! Maybe we should call Annie (certainly she's awake!!)!!!

Other than that, things have been a little uneventful at the Jones house. Mac did take his first trip to the movies this weekend with Daddy. It was a reward for doing so well on his star chart for potty training. He and Daddy went to see the new Veggie Tales movie. Daddy really wanted to be there when he went to his first movie (so did Mimi, and we are terribly sorry about that!!!), but by the time they came home I could tell Daddy had had his fill. Oh well, it's over and done and didn't seem to be that big of a deal to him. He was more interested in the video arcade area. Shocking.

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Deceptive? YES

2008-01-06T17:30:00.001-08:00

Delicious? Not so much. I got this cookbook for Christmas (at my request). It is full of recipes that are mostly kid friendly that have vegetables hidden in them. Who doesn't want their kid to eat more vegetables? I dove in to this cookbook head first and spent most of last weekend steaming, roasting, pureeing and freezing vegetables.

Over the last five days I have seen my children gag and even throw up more over their meals than ever. I am really not kidding. Michael and I have laughed so hard watching Mac gag (it only sounds cruel...wait until you try to make your kids eat something they don't want to!) I mean anyone who knows me knows that I love to cook. Love to. Yes, there are tons of corners to cut here like low-fat this and low-fat that. I skipped all that, used the real thing and this stuff is still pretty yucky. I will be making a couple of more things this week as I have already planned the meals and bought for them. They did eat a couple of things. I made the pizzas hiding pureed spinach under the sauce. Well of course it became visible after a bite or two. "Eat your pizza Mac!" "But Mommy, there's grass on it". The kids and I did eat the chocolate chip cookies with chickpeas, but so far that's it. They took like two bites of the brownies, two bites!! I'll definitely post if anything changes, but Michael went ahead and told me to take it to our garage sale pile. I also can't help but think about those poor Seinfeld kids. Do they seriously like this stuff? Bless their little hearts. They should come down here and visit. I'll make em' somthin' with bacon, butter or mayo and they won't ever want to go back!!! Hehe!!! Oh!! I almost forgot. My apologies Paula Deen!!! I should have known better than to stray!!!

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THURSDAY THIRTEEN!!!!!

2008-01-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

Thirteen things going on in the Jones house right now....

With the new year, we haven't slowed down one bit. Here is a glimpse of what is currently going on with us.....

1. POTTY TRAINING!!! Lovely. Oh what a ride it has been. I was sadly mistaken to think it would take two weeks of hardcore, n leaving the house, running around naked, 100% focus on potty training. I thought I would take the two weeks the kids were out of school to do it. Mac is doing fabulous. I really cannot complain. He responded really well to treats if he went in the potty. So well that he was able to "hold" himself so that he would go a little each time and therefore accumulate more treats. Therefore it is a battle of the wills. So, yesterday I began a star chart...stay tuned.

2. Football. This is it. No more college football after this month and the NFL will end either this month or next. If it weren't for this, January would be my least favorite month of the year.

3. Toys, toys and more toys. We are swimming in them. Daddy is threatening to take 1/2 of them to goodwill and Mommy is constanly looking for parts of this and that. In between battery changes we are wondering why in the world we ever got them as much as we did for Christmas...they had plenty to begin with.

4. Running. I am going to sign up for two different runs within the next three months and really give it a shot. Therefore, I am going to be training!!!! Anyone want to join me??

5. Decepetion. Hmmmm, not really, but yes. I got a new cookbook for Christmas that I requested, Deceptively Delicious. It's recipes that have vegetables hidden in them so that you aren't running after your kids screaming, "just one bite!!!". Tomorrow we are having brownies with spinach in them...again, stay tuned.

6. Decorating. My new years resolution, to finish what I began over the summer. I will be painting and sewing when I'm not running, flushing or pureeing.

7. Dating!! No, not what you think. Michael and I have started something new, a date night once a week. I have a couple of friends who do this with their husbands and I must admit I was a bit jealous hearing about it. We are going to do our best to stick to it and you know Mama is excited about a night out!!

8. Shopping. I know it sounds crazy, but Michael and I of course got money and gift cards for Christmas and now is the time to spend it baby!

9. Downloading songs onto my new ipod!!! I am so in love with this thing...my own little computer!!

10. Sewing. It seems that my pile of mending is getting deeper and deeper. Not to mention the curtains that aren't finished (see #6).

11. Drooling over clothes. I have gotten about five different childrens clothing catalogs (for spring/summer) in over the last 2 weeks and they all are just adorable clothes!!! Plus Dena is getting Easter dresses in already!!! I thought her buying the store was a good thing, but I am sure to go in debt just knowing her...hehe!!

12. Weaning...oh the holiday food. It was so wonderful, but now it is time to get back to reality, the baking is over. sniff sniff.

13. Smiling. I am so happy...I have so much to be thankful for and it is going to be a wonderful year!!! Hugs and kisses to all!!!

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My little pixie.....

2008-01-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

Today Lily Kate got her first haircut! I was so excited. It has gotten to the point of being so stringy and unmanageable. I had told myself I would wait until Michael came back from Iraq before I did anything. I wanted him to be here for her first haircut and I also was putting it off because I was afraid that once the curls got cut they wouldn't come back. As time has gone by, I have become more confident that the curls are permanent, so I finally made an appointment. Here is her before picture.....

She did great!! Chip (the kids hairdresser) said he wished more kids sang while they were getting their hair cut!!! As long as she was in my lap and had something to play with she was happy. He wet her hair and pointed to a specific amount to cut off and I said "that's fine" not really being able to tell because it was wet!! Oh my!! My little girl has a pixie cut!!! I know it will grow and it is already curling again, but all of her hair is gone!! I guess as long as I can still get a hair bow in it, I am fine.

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Tis' the season!!!!!!

2008-01-01T17:31:00.000-08:00

It was a WONDERFUL Christmas here at the Jones house!!! Daddy was off of work quite a bit, and when he did have to go in to work he was home early, so it was nice to have him around more!!! Mimi and Aunt Anda came in for the holidays and we had a blast singing, baking, exchanging gifts and laughing all the while. The kids loved having them here...they played nonstop!!! Mommy and Daddy loved having them here too!!! We are holiday-d out, but had so much fun!!!!!

I have taken a while to get some pics up and my apologies for that! As you can see, my two monkies were all smiles about Santa. Mac got a tent with a backpack, sleeping bag and flashlight. He also got his coveted garbage truck and double helicopter that he talked to Santa about so many times. Lily Kate got a kitchen, her own table and chairs and a tea set. All of the toys were a hit...Mac went running right to his things and Lily Kate to hers. They both also totally loaded up on Georgia gear from Aunt Anda and Mimi. I mean totally loaded up....Daddy just mutters under his breath when they wear it! Daddy got lots and lots of clothes for work, at his request. He also got a lot of gift cards to go shopping with. Mommy got a nano!!! She is absolutely thrilled with it and having so much fun. She also got some great new shoes, cookbooks, serving dishes and the coolest bookmark for her Bible.
So, overall we had a truly wonderful Christmas. Good food, good family, good times!!! We wish everyone a happy happy new year!!!!

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Just feeling Thankful....

2007-12-21T18:02:00.000-08:00

Perusing through some blogs, taking a break from reality I am suddenly overcome with gratiude. Great, great gratitude. I have had a yucky day, and this is a bright spot, so if you feel so inclined to read, beware as I may ramble!!!

I am thankful for so much that I really don't have the space, time or energy to list them all. I am first and foremost so incredibly greatful for the fact that this Christmas, I am suddenly aware of its truest meaning. I mean of course I have gone to church all of my life and I know the meaning of Christmas. However this year it means so much more to me. "O Holy Night" and "Do you hear what I hear" bring tears to my eyes almost every time. I know that it is because Mac is now old enough to understand Christmas, and I feel the full weight of responsibility to explain to him the true meaning. I love him so much and I delight when he can point out the baby Jesus among all of the other loud decorations out there. How is it that I never owned a nativity scene until this year??!! So glad I splurged the $9.88 and got one at Wal-Mart!!

I am thankful for my husband and children; my family. You can ask my grandmother and to this day she will tell you "all Buffie ever wanted was to get married and have babies!!" I desired a mommy, daddy and babies all under one roof so badly...I dreamed of it like some may dream of a specific career. There are so many days that I thank God that I am living my dream. I have all I have ever wanted.

Lastly I just want to say how greatful I am for my friends. They listen to me rant, teach me patience, love me unconditionally, challenge me and make me laugh all of the time. ALL OF THE TIME!!! Laughter is so much better than tears...I am so blessed to have such wonderful women in my life.

So, this Christmas, I am excited about the traditions we are beginning as a family, about the wonderful life through Christ I get to convey to my babies and for all the warmth I feel in my heart and soul. The warmth and happiness that only come from a life that is complete with Christ, family and friends. I only pray that I can somehow pass on my good fortune!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

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THURSDAY THIRTEEN

2007-12-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

Thirteen things heard around our house these days.....

1. "I know!!! I have to stop the train again!!!" Mac, quoting Polar Express. I swear if I hear this one more time....it has to be one of my twelve pains of Christmas this year.

2. "yuk Mommy, bubba" Lily Kate pointing to the funky bubble light contraptions on our tree, you know, those things from the seventies that amazed me when I was little?? Turns out those 2007 babies are just as amazed as the 1974 babies.

3. "I am going to start working out again this week". Yeah yeah, this can be heard by either Michael or I lately.

4. "no, I don't haf to go potty". Mac's millionth response of the day. We are on day two of potty training in our house. Yesterday I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown; stay tuned for the updates...

5. "What's the weather going to be like today?". Last week we had summertime temps, this week, we are either at or near freezing each night. Hello Tylenol Sinus!!!

6. "Hey Mommy, we hear dat song in our car!!" Mac's response to any Christmas song he hears, whether in Wal-Mart or at home. Christmas music is everywhere and I am not quite tired of it yet!!!

7. "Do you have some playbooks from da' mail today?" Mac pestering me daily, sometimes twice daily about whether or not any sale papers from the toy store came in the mail.

8. "muk muk muk muk muk". Lily Kate requesting something to drink...broken record style. One would think she is asking for milk, but really she means anything that will wet her whistle.

9. "LILY KATE, NO NO!! THAT IS FOR THE TREE!!!" Me getting on to Lily Kate for licking the water off of her hand after dipping it in the tree stand. Upside: she smells of fresh Christmas tree all the time.

10. "But Mommy I wont a double helicopter and a garbage truck!!!" Mac pleading each day with Michael or I about his Christmas wish. So far we have scored a garbage truck, but if anyone knows where we can find a double helicopter PLEASE tell me!!!!

11. "Kiki Cause". This is how Lily Kate says "Santa Clause" and it is so stinkin' cute.

12. "Don't talk to me like dat'!!!!!" Mac's response when he is told what to do by Michael or I. In other words, when he is told something that he doesn't want to hear. We are getting quite sassy these days and our response to him is, "don't talk to me like that!". I guess he thinks it's reciprocal.

13. "Oh look Mommy, it's da' baby Jesus!!! Mac's response every time he sees a nativity set. I love it. Praise the Lord!!!

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Funny from Mac

2007-12-19T19:12:00.000-08:00

So tonight we were at a very small Christmas Party here in our neighborhood. There were only three children there, including ours. The little girl was really cute and Mac was following her around, of course wanting to play. She was (from what I could tell) of hispanic descent, so she had deep olive skin and the cutest, curliest dark hair. Michael and I were trying to redirect him to the playroom and he wanted her to come too, so he called out to her, "Hey girl! Hey, chocolate girl, let's go play!!". Luckily, Michael and I were the only ones to hear....we didn't stay much longer.

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Tour de South Georgia

2007-12-19T07:56:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we did the South Georgia tour...that is we went to visit and celebrate Christmas with Papa and Ganny in Valdosta. The kids had a grand time, but the visit was too short, as always. We visited Santa Clause and got the same outcome as we did in Summerville, i.e. Lily Kate pitched a hissy and Mac was eager to make sure Santa knew his wishes. We ate good food and watched a ton of football and of course exchanged gifts. Papa and Ganny have a whole playroom full of toys and Mac pretty much camped out there. Papa and Ganny gave Mac a truck that is totally pimped out, all it is missing is a remote control. When certain buttons are pressed, it sings loudly "WHO LET THE DAWGS OUT? WHO WHO WHO WHO WHO LET THE DAWGS OUT?" and on cue Lily Kate begins to dance...it's quite a sight!!! Thanks Papa and Ganny!!!! Lily Kate received a huge box of blocks and her very own Disney Princess trycicle!!! I can't wait to put it together and watch her on it...she is constantly wanting to crawl on Mac's so it is great to have her own! The kids also got some great clothes and Mac also got a guitar!!! I am so excited about this as I want to encourage any love of music with both of them. We are having to be selective about when he can have it out though...he's every bit of three years old with it if you know what I mean!!! I didn't do so well with the camera this weekend...I mostly got shots of the kids eating a chocolate cake that Ganny made. They thoroughly enjoyed it!! We also made stops to Aunt Deans house and Paul and Nancy's house. Again, too short and no pics. So now, we are just recovering from our travel hangover. Tis' the season!!!

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Annie's Parade Party!!!!

2007-12-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

Sunday was the Summerville Christmas Parade and Annabelle's annual parade party afterwards; such fun!!! The parade was great, Mac was totally in to it and Lily Kate just wanted to run around (surprise!!!). It is unseasonably hot, I mean like 80 degrees hot. Kinda hard to get into the Christmas spirit, but I wore a long sleeved shirt at an attempt to do so. Not a good idea as I am the only one who paid that price. Anywho, afterwards we walked to Dena's to celebrate and had a really great time. I mean that Annabelle knows how to throw a party!!! Great fried chicken and fixins', crafts for the kids and a huge pile of leaves in the back yard for the entertainment of the little ones. Mac had a really great time just being a boy and Lily Kate did her usual routine at parties; picking food off of the floor and everyone else's plates and drinks. Good thing she didn't know she was grabbing a beer at one point. She wasn't quite sure how to operate a canned drink, so she just kind of let it spill out onto her dress instead of actually putting it to her lips. Oh well, what can I say? She's mine and I'm proud!!!

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An attempt to visit Santa.....

2007-12-09T16:24:00.001-08:00

So we went to visit Santa today and Mac was excited, but nervous. After all, he had been pumped up by us for awhile now! We felt sure Lily Kate wouldn't go for it, and we were right! Mac and Daddy rehearsed on the way about what he would ask Santa for and then explained that he would have to wait his turn. Once that turn came he went right to Santa and Lily Kate's grip on Daddy tightened. It was one of those grips that if Daddy let her go she would still be hanging on. Mac hopped up in his lap, but refused to look Santa in the eye, it was so funny!! He managed to mumble his requests out while Lily Kate screamed for us and that was it!! It happened so fast, but we did get a picture. We started to leave, but then Mac got really upset. "But, I want a big truck!!!" he said. Apparently, Mac thought that all he had to do was tell Santa what he wanted and Santa would deliver right on the spot. Not so we explained. We'll see if he understands in the days to come!! It was a fun trip and I feel certain it won't be the only encounter with Santa that we have this season!

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THURSDAY THIRTEEN!!!! FINALLY!!!!

2007-12-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

Thirteen things I have been doing the last two weeks!!!!!
Sooooo busy and as more time went by the more anxious I got about trying to catch up in bloggieland. So, thanks for the tip Dena!!! This is the perfect way to catch up and get back on board!!!

1. Did a 2 HOUR spin class with Les to build up endurance...what was I thinking??? I was so nervous beforehand, but we both made and it felt great afterward!!!

2. Traveled to the Joneses for Thanksgiving. My sister-in-law and her whole crew were there and we did anything but lay around. We enjoyed the scenery (and the turkey!!!) and had a great time!!!!

3. Made it through a week without Daddy!! He went back to the mountains to hunt for a whole week after we got back. We missed him a lot; it made us wonder how in the world we ever made it 4 months without him!!!

4. Participated in the Reindeer Run with Leslie, Sugar, English & Melissa. This was a blast!!!! I am so proud of all of us for doing it! This was my first run I have ever participated in and I had so much fun!

5. Getting into the Christmas spirit!! Daddy brought home a tree for us from the mountains. He and his Dad used to grow them, so they have a few or so left that we get to take advantage of each year. Most people don't know it, but this is the best part of being married to Michael; I get a free tree every year!!! Of course I am just kidding!!! Mac and I also made a gingerbread house at his urging, it really was a lot of fun to do this with him!

6. Went to the Summerville tree lighting with all of our bestest!! It was a great time, even if we did miss the actual lighting!!

7. Havin fun fun fun with Daddy!! We have really had a chance to settle into Daddy being home and we are enjoying every minute of it.

8. Shopping!!! Yah!! Mommy loves to shop, but she is feeling a little overwhelmed with all that she has to get done before Christmas gets here!!! However, I have discovered something that just might save me this year; Steve and Barry's. If you haven't been, I strongly suggest you check it out!!!!

9. Fighting the power. Oh yes, it has happened. The in-laws have joined Michael in his fight to ward my children of all their Georgia Bulldog wear and talk. Mac has learned the famed "Rocky Top" song, along with several other Tennessee chants such as "Go Big Orange!!!". I hear them all of the time. In addition, both of my children received Tennesse fleece blankets for Christmas that now adorn their beds (thanks to the insistence of my husband). What is this world coming to?

10. Catching up with others via bloggieland. I have to send out a huge "hurray" to Shelley and Shannon. They are two friends who have joined bloggieland!!! I am so excited and want to let you both know how much I am enjoying reading your blogs!!

11. Saying my prayers each day that the writers strike ends in Hollywood and I don't have to keep watching re-runs of my favorite shows.

12. Listening to Christmas music constantly and enjoying hearing Mac learn the songs.

13. Cooking. No, not this early for the holidays, but since Michael is back home and we are easing back into our routine, that means I am cooking every night. I am enjoying it so much. My body, wallet and kids (as you can see!!) enjoy it too!!!

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Thursday Thirteen

2007-11-22T06:42:00.000-08:00

Thirteen Things I am Thankful for this year

1. Michael. He's home, he's healthy and he's happy..we all are!!!
2. Mac & Lily Kate. They're healthy and thriving!
3. My health
4. My extended family's health, especially my Dad this year.
5. My friends. I am one lucky girl!!!!
6. Our safety. We had a safe trip to the mountains and as it stormed here last night I thought of all those on the road and prayed for travelers mercies.
7. Bible study. I am learning so much and it is making a huge impact on my spirituality and relationship with God. I am sooooo grateful!!!!
8. Relations. In the past, relationships with others may have been in a rocky place. I am grateful that this year all is well with everyone...such a good feeling!
9. A roof over my head, food in my belly and a log in the fireplace. I am so very grateful for the provisions God has given our family. We have all we need.
10. Laughter, simple but true, we have so much to laugh about and it is the best medicine!
11. Our freedom. Something we all take for granted, myself included. Michael reminds me often of how lucky we truly are to be living in this great country of ours.
12. Hobbies. Sounds silly, but without them we would drive those around us crazy!!! I am so grateful to have learned how to sew!!!
13. Those things that went awry...odd as it sounds, without things going awry, we wouldn't be where we are today. I have no regrets about anything, as ALL things have made me who I am today. Thank goodness for the peaks as they give us the valleys!!!

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Eclectically dining

2007-11-14T16:47:00.001-08:00

So it has been a week since Daddy has come home and we are all finally getting used to each other. We have been busy trying to make up for lost time by taking "adventures" at least every other day (adventure: an outing of any sort; can be as simple as out to dinner or a walk around the block!). So yesterday our adventure for the day was playgroup, i.e. to the park to play with our best buddies. Afterwards we headed out to dinner at the Eclectic Chef (or, as we like to call it, the Electric Chef), a fave of ours. Tuesday nights kids eat free there and we are all about a deal in the Jones household. So after we bust in the joint we see the Lee's are also dining. They are staples to this establishment. I mean when they make their grocery list, Eclectic Chef is on it. I wasn't surprised as they are there without fail every Tuesday evening, but I didn't want to crash their family time either. So, they were cool to have our company and we had an extended playdate!! It was great b/c Jonathan was late, so Virginia got to be graced with our adult conversation while she ate!! We hated to go, but did find out before we left that it would be the very last kids eat free event at the Eclectic...WHAT?? Shame shame. They sure are gonna miss us!!! Hehe!!

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Wordless Wednesday

2007-11-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

She was crying so hard and when I grabbed the camera to document the meltdown she tried to say "cheese!" and smile through her tears!!!!

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Thursday Thirteen

2007-11-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it isn't Thursday and I am late, but oh well!!!

Thirteen things we have been doing since Daddy came home....

1. Wrestling on the floor!! What fun!! Daddy wrestles the best!!!
2. Sleeping, sleeping, sleeping. Daddy had jet lag, but besides that he is really good about going to bed at a decent time and waking up at a decent time. So, he has been a good influence on Mommy, who's sleep was really out of whack while Daddy was gone.
3. Talking. Michael and I were incredibly fortunate to get to talk just about every day while he was away, but not about everything. Since it wasn't a secured line, he couldn't talk about all that was going on over there. So, he and Mommy have been catching up and talking about different things with the kids and family. Daddy has also been getting lots of calls from family and friends who just want to hear his voice and know that he is home safely!!!
4. LAUGHING!!! Michael is getting to hear Mac use complete sentences and say really silly things that 3 year olds do. He cracks us up!! Lily Kate is really starting to talk, so he gets to hear all that he has been missing for the past four months!!
5. Eating. Daddy had some really yucky food over there and has missed so many particular foods. Today we had Chick-fil-a for lunch, at Daddy's request. He said that he saw a commercial for them only one time while he was over there and has been dreaming of a #1 combo ever since!! I also made him a german chocolate cake for his birthday and a couple of his favorite dinners. We are really just getting started!!
6. Laundry. Michael's clothes stunk..not like body odor stink, but just a musty kind of smell. Poor thing. They definitely didn't use Tide or Gain over there. So, I have been washing all of his things to get a good smell back into them. Some things are hopeless and they are going in the garage...
7. Being outdoors. Daddy is so glad to see trees!!! He is also so glad to not be breathing in so much dust and sand. He has commented several times that "that sort of air quality just can't be good for you". I know he is enjoying the intake of some fresh air by taking walks with the kids and playing with Jack (our dog). Plus, the weather there was horribly hot and it is really nice and crisp here. It just so happens to be his favorite time of year!!!
8. TV. Michael asked me the other day, "has the new season started". Um, yeah. He has a LOT of catching up to do. PLUS, he gets to watch football tomorrow!!! He is pretty psyched!!
9. Drinking lots of water. In Iraq, their only water source was the Euphrates river. They would get water from here and treat it so that it was "potable". This meant that it was safe to drink. However, Michael said it was still nasty. May explain the odor in the laundry. Anyway, he has been drinking lots of water since he got home, simply because it tastes good!! He also commented that it was nice to actually take a shower and have the water not stop in between rinsings. Apparently the water there was in such a shortage you could only turn it on to rinse.
10. Reading. We have been reading lots of books to the kids...its quality time with them and Mommy isn't splitting her time between the two of them. They each get our undivided attention.
11. Potty training. Now that Daddy is home, we are really trying to buckle down on Mac's potty training. Who knows, Lily Kate might not be that far behind. She constantly goes up to her brother when he is on the throne and says, "potty!"
12. Scratching. Okay, I know this sounds weird, but Michael's back is CONSTANTLY itching and always in need of scratching. Especially when he wakes up in the morning. He gets it from his Dad. I always see his Dad rubbing up against a door frame like a bear against a tree. Anyway, it back to normal for us as I am constantly scratching his back!!!
13. Thanking God every day that Daddy is finally home safe with us. PTL!!!

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Wordless Wednesday

2007-11-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

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OH HAPPY DAY!!!!

2007-11-05T17:36:00.000-08:00

We can hardly believe it ourselves, but the day has finally arrived!!! Eight teeth, a diaper and clothes size up, a new season, many, many photos and blog entries, endless long distance calls later, Daddy is home!!!! We had Mr. Frank meet us at the airport to videotape Daddy's arrival with us and we got there early!! As soon as we saw Daddy coming up the corridor Mac began to run to him and had to stop just short of the TSA agent who stopped him. Really? I mean he IS only three years old!!!! Daddy ran up and Mac couldn't get enough. Lily Kate took off to Daddy too, but got distracted when she realized she was the center of attention and no one was actually chasing her!!! We are so happy to have him home with us and are diving into that readjustment period just swimmingly!!! Everyone has been so sweet to keep us in their thoughts and prayers over the last four months and we all thank you so much!! We also received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Leslie, Dena, Sugar and Claire...I guess they heard me yap about missing Michael so much on the cruise that they were looking forward to his coming home just as much as I was!!!! Thank you!!!!Our family is once again complete!!!

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Weekend!!!

2007-11-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

What a weekend!!! And it isn't even over!!! We have been busy here at the Jones house. Between the fair, birthday parties and preparing for Daddy coming home, we're a hoppin' household!!!
To start our weekend off, we headed to the fair. With the crazy week we have all had, Mommy really wasn't itching to go, but am soooooo glad that we did! Mac had a blast!!! We went with Emma and Anna and Claire. It helps Mommy to go with another Mommy because sometimes juggling Mac and Lily Kate are hard to do in such overstimulating situations. I made the mistake of buying a handstamp for Lily Kate when I bought Mac's, but oh well. She was just too little to ride any of the rides except for the carousel and I couldn't very well do that with her all night long. She was quite the trooper though, she loved watching brother ride the rides and giggled every time he came swinging around. Mac had fun on EVERYTHING!! I think Anna loved the roller coaster the most. They all begged to ride the ferris wheel, but the one for the kids was broken. The kids even learned how to milk a cow!!! We all had fair food...Mac had his first taste of cotton candy!! It was perfect fair weather too, cool and a little windy. Mommy was so glad that we all went!!!

Saturday came and it was time to head over to the Kemble house for Baylee's 2nd birthday. Just a few friends and family came and we were honored to be invited!! The weather was perfect for an outside party, but a little windy. At one point a gust came and blew the umbrella off of the table!!! Watch out!! Thank goodness no one was hurt!! Mac and Lily Kate were too busy playing to eat any lasagna, but of course rethought eating when the cupcakes came out. Before I knew it Mac came to me boasting, "look Mommy!! I on number free!!!". He had eaten only the tops off of three different cupcakes. I was so busy making sure Lily Kate didn't eat the paper with her cupcake that I hadn't even noticed. When it was time to open presents, Mac really put up a fight when I told him he couldn't open Baylee's presents. Couple the left over exhaustion from the fair the night before, ingestion of only three cupcake tops and you've got a perfect recipe for a meltdown. That was exactly what everyone got to see and Mommy got to feel if you get my drift. I high tailed it out of there with my tail between my legs. It was just one of those days!! Needless to say we are laying low for the rest of the weekend, counting down the minutes until Daddy is home!!!

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Cruise info...finally!!

2007-10-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay. So I have been so very slack on posting about the cruise!!! Apologies, but when there is only one of you and two children, the week of Halloween can be crazy I have found out!!! Alas, it is now over so I can share the pictures and fun times!!!
I had an amazing time!!! I only felt a little funny (seasick wise) on the last day, an it did take me a whole 3 days to rid myself of the sea legs. Since this was my first cruise, I can only compare it to what I have heard from others. Honestly, it was an absolute blessing to just get away for 4 days (Thank you Mama for keeping the babies!!!). I was able to walk away with wonderful memories and quality time with the girls, a little bit of sun and some definite relaxation time to boot!!! I would do it again in a heartbeat. The ship itself was clean and the food was just okay, but you wouldn't be able to tell it from looking at my butt. Heheh!! We stopped in Nassau unexpectedly, but hey, I am always up for an adventure. Dena loves it there, so she was thrilled beyond belief. The beach excursion here was unparalleled...I mean really. The beach was beautiful, even if it did almost claim each of our lives because it was so rough. The racketeers set us right up with chairs and drinks, so we really didn't have to want for anything. The Atlantis was in sight, but we didn't quite make it there. Maybe on our next trip??!!! The sand was so beautiful and fond of Dena's scalp...I hear she is still picking it out!!!
Leslie quizzed us all on the last day: "What was your highpoint, and what was your lowpoint?". Well my highpoint was the time spent with the girls; phenomenal. Lowpoint was seeing all the couples on the ship...it made me miss my Honey even more!! Did we all miss our babies??? Why of course we did!!! That is why we are all awesome Mama's and totally deserved this cruise!!! (And the one coming up!!! Hint hint!!)

THURSDAY THIRTEEN

2007-10-31T21:14:00.001-07:00

Thirteen reminders of my age while on the cruise

1. I bought t-shirts for my kids and nothing for myself
2. I didn't "flip" every 30 minutes while laying in the sun to ensure an even tan
3. I did a jigsaw puzzle on a Saturday night
4. I did a jigsaw puzzle while in a bar, watching football, sitting across from Leslie while she smocked
5. We ordered room service first thing in the morning, coffee that is...
6. My tab was one of the cheapest at disembarkment
7. I unpacked my clothes from my suitcase and utilized the drawers in my room
8. My teeth were brushed and my face was washed each night before I went to bed.
9. I couldn't tell you how many bars there were on the boat, but I can tell you where all of the restrooms were.
10. The exercise facilities were one of the first things I located after boarding
11. I saved my souvenir cups for my kids to use as bathtub toys
12. I was in bed by 11pm every night
13. We came up with this silly little pistol slinging dance while away. I have since found out it is the Wiggles signature move...nice.

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Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

2007-10-31T21:03:00.000-07:00

So it is the biggest bummer that Daddy isn't here today as today is his birthday!!! Though he is just as miffed as we are, it is a huge consolation that he will be home so very soon!!! Therefore, we will choose to say that we aren't missing his birthday, but postponing it!!! Nonetheless, we are thinking of you today Daddy and cannot wait to see you...We love you with all of our hearts!!!

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Happy Halloween!!!

2007-10-31T20:51:00.000-07:00

It was a blast!!! After working on costumes for what seems like forever, the kids and I headed out for the big night with the Kabine family. Mac was Peter Pan, Lily Kate was Tinkerbell, Anna Claire was Tiger Lily and Emma was Wendy. We had so much fun!!! We went to a cookout with all of Claire's family that was sooooo much fun!! The dracula teeth were a hit with all of the little ones, I even had to tell Mac that he HAD to take them out before he ate!! Then we headed out in a caravan of decorated golf carts to trick or treat! It was so much fun watching Mac...he finally "got it" this year!! It took him a few minutes to figure out that what was going on, but he battled that hot fleece and did a great job!! Lily Kate mostly stayed in the golf cart but when she did get out, she just wanted to walk into everyone's house!! We missed Daddy and hope he enjoys these pictures of the big night!!

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THURSDAY THIRTEEN

2007-10-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

Thirteen things I will be doing in the next seven days....whew!!!

1. Spin in the morning!!!
2. Bible Study
3. Making desserts for Mom's Night Out
4. Mom's Night Out. Pizza and Swap meet at Dena's!!
5. Jahnz's Birthday party. Yah and happy 3rd!!!
6. Partay at the Lee's; lordy lordy, Jonathan's 40!!!
7. Church
8. Birthday party for a classmate of Mac's
9. Traveling to Columbia to take "Aunt Anda" back to Columbia; sniff sniff..
10. Going to the Pumpkin patch with our wonderful friends!!
11. Playgroup outing to the zoo in Columbia
12. Finish sewing Halloween costumes
13. CRUISIN'IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh so busy...what's a Mommy to do?? I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

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Take a deep breath...

2007-10-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

So this past week has been rough. Both of my babies have been sick with that oh so horrible cold going around. It's a little more than the typical cold, but yet I don't know how to describe it. I have used a million and one of those vapor strips, been tag teamed by my kids for hours on end, spent a small fortune on medicine and kleenex and said many prayers that I don't get it. All I can say is, I am sorry sweet babies that you are so sick. I am sorry that Mommy has snapped several times this week and yelled at you both. I am sorry that I have not been able to hold you each more as my time was truly divided this week. I love you both and hope that tomorrow brings a better day!! Oh, one more thing, it is exactly 12 days until the cruise and it can't come sooner!!

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Oh Beth Moore....

2007-10-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

So I just joined a bible study a week ago with some girlfriends. It is a Beth Moore study titled "The fruit of the spirit". I was curious and anxious about starting..I definitely felt like I was ready for one as I had never done one before. Wow what I was missing!!!! It is speaking so loud to me...it is wonderful!!! I am soooo loving it. I know that it is all happening according to plan, I wouldn't have been open to hear the things I need to hear until now. I am so greatful that Leslie invited me and so greatful that I agreed to go. I just had to blog about how great Beth Moore is even though so many of you already know that!!!!

Just what exactly is going on here????

2007-10-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

Come on...SEC football for me this weekend was so not good.....

As all of my ten or so blog readers probably know, Michael is a huge Tennessee fan and I am a huge Georgia fan. Those same ten readers may or may not know that these two teams played each other this weekend. I am so sad to say that Georgia lost. Hmmmm, Georgia lost. Let's see, I could stomach those words a little better had the winning team been um, let's see, LSU? Florida? Or heck, even South Carolina?! But Tennessee??? Come on, they have had a completely horrible season thus far and even last year. So bad, that I would be willing to bet that Phil Fulmer loses his job after this season. THIS is what ticks me off about Tennessee, but at the same time makes SEC football so very, very exciting and wonderful. You never know what is going to happen. I like it just fine, as long as we aren't on the losing end, right?

This particular game is a big one at our house. Since Michael and I have known each other we have seen each team win and lose, so neither of us dreads the game as it has become a fun one. Over the years, we have sat on opposite sides of the couch, as far away from each other as we could get. I have hidden behind pillows, afraid to watch field goals that might be missed or made to win the game. We have dared to look at each other, for fear of what might come out of the others mouth. It does make a game interesting...

I remember our first year of marriage when the famous game came on. Michael was a state trooper then and had to work really late...like into the wee hours late. So, I sat on the couch alone watching the game, calling each time something big happened...well, each time Georgia scored or Tennessee fumbled, you get the picture. He was so ticked he had to work and miss the game. Georgia had been losing to Tennessee for the last several years, so it was a truly big deal for me when they beat them thar' Volunteers. I was high as a kite, so full of energy and no one to direct my smack talk to. So, I thought I'd stay up, wait for him to come home and rub it in real good. I couldn't make it, I got so tired. So, I pulled out a tube of body glitter (okay, I know what you're thinking here, but don't. Some girlfriend [who shall remain nameless], just for laughs stuck it in with a gift she gave me at a lingerie shower before I was married) and wrote on my stomach "UGA 4-EVA". I left him a note that he couldn't miss which said to wake me up when he came in. I knew that whenever he made it home I would be in no shape to chant junkyard dawg tunes, but this seemed to get my point across.

So, the deal in our house these days is, the spouse who's team wins gets to fly their team flag outside the house for the rest of the season. So, Michael asked me today when he called if his flag was up. Sorry honey, I seem to have misplaced it. Darn Fulmer...what a spoiler. Can't wait til' next year and we can watch it together!

Funnies from Mac....

2007-10-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so some of these have not happened within the last 24 hours, but they are still pretty funny..

We are sitting in a restaurant in a booth and a man takes the booth directly behind us. He is wearing a doorag (however you spell it, that black nylon thing..skull cap, whatever) and Mac is staring. He then turns to me with great excitement and says, "Mommy look!! A pirate!!"

My mother in law is quizzing Mac about his colors and points to the color white and says, "Mac, what color is this?" Mac replies: "Milk"

Another time in a restaurant our waitress decides to chat it up with Mac, or vice versa. Pointing to Lily Kate she asks Mac, "what is your sister's name?" Mac replies, "this is Lily Kate!". She then points to me and says, "is this your Mommy?" and Mac replies, "my hot mama!!"

Lately whenever Mac receives milk he feels the need to bust into this song:
"da cowsth gibe usth milk, da cowsth gibe usth milk, hi ho da hairy oh da cowsth gibe usth milk"

The other day, I wanted Mac to tell his babysitter where Michael was. Until this conversation, we had always said that Daddy was "working on the big airplane" because that was the last place we saw him (airport). I guess he somehow has heard otherwise....
"hey Mac, can you tell Miss Ali where your Daddy is?"
"my Daddy'sth in my rack"

Thursday Thirteen

2007-10-04T11:09:00.001-07:00

Thirteen things I would rather be doing today....

1. Picking up Michael from the airport

2. Sleeping

3. Shopping

4. Sewing my kitchen curtains

5. Spending one on one time with Mac or Lily Kate. Preferably shopping with them and for them.

6. Baking

7. Pulling away from Charleston on a cruise ship

8. Presenting the winning ticket to the SC lottery commission

9. Mom's Night Out

10. On a beach with optimal weather, white sand and clear blue water

11. In spin class led by Temple (for those of you who don't know, she is an awesome spin teacher at the Y)

12. Sleep--okay I know I already put this, but I really want a nap!!

13. Truly, nowhere else. I am the luckiest chick ever. I have all I could ever need and am as blessed as I can possibly be. It just sounded like a fun list to make!!!

Wordless Wednesday...

2007-10-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

...or sort of. Don't be alarmed, Lily Kate didn't get hurt. I just dropped a whole container of black beans on her. She didn't mind, she just said "uh oh!" and proceeded to pick them up off the floor and eat them.

Mac got to try out his new raincoat and matching umbrella that he got for his birthday. Let's all sing it together... I'm singin' in the rain!

10 Things that make me smile!!!

2007-10-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

So I have been tagged by Claire to list ten things that make me smile. Hmmmm, only ten???

1. My husband. Humor is very important to me in a relationship and he is so witty; he can always make me laugh, but especially when he isn't trying. He is also the most supportive partner. We totally balance each other and he is such a strong man in that he doesn't shy from what he believes in. He's an incredible father and I am the lucky one in our relationship.
2. My babies!!! Especially when I go to get Lily Kate out of her crib in the morning and she is in the best mood. Mac makes me smile whenever I pick him up from school or the YMCA and he is SOOOOO happy to see me!! They also make me smile when they are laughing at each other or just laughing period. I love it when they chuckle.
3. My friends. I always can smile when I see them, even if I am in a yucky mood. They will always share my burden with me and if nothing else, try to cheer me up if I am down. Besides, just seeing them puts me in a good mood!! They always have a funny story, or good news, or ideas of stuff to do. They are the best!!
4. When God puts himself in front of me in an overly obvious way. If God is trying to tell me something and I am not listening, it can really make me smile when I finally hear him. For example, if there is something that I want to buy but he doesn't think that it is really a good idea, my effort to do so is stopped in some way or another: the store closes before I can get there, they are out of the item when I finally do make it, they only take cash or check and I have neither, etc. Conversely, when I totally do hear God's will and I obey it...that makes me smile too to know that I am doing the right thing.
5. Spin Class. Okay, maybe I don't smile during it, but afterwards I am feeling pretty dog gone good.
6. Helping a friend. The best thing to do to get out of myself is to help another...so if I am not smiling, I can do this and I will always end up with a smile on my face. I love it when someone asks for my help or to bend my ear and God just puts the words right in my mouth. It feels awesome when he speaks through me to others because it never just helps them, it helps me too.
7. Clothes shopping for my babies. I never tire of it.
8. Elaborating on number 8...a good bargain always makes me smile. Comparison shopping or finding the deal of the century makes my day because I know that Michael works hard so that I can stay home with my babies. This is my way of making sure his hard earned income goes far for all of us.
9. A good storm. Some people are scared of thunderstorms, but I love them!!! I love to watch the clouds roll in and then come inside where it's nice and dry to watch. We usually always need the rain around here, so I look forward to it for what it does for our surroundings but it is also so good to be stuck inside with my family every now and then. The hum of the frogs afterwards is nice too!
10. Sewing. I love to do it, even though I procrastinate about it. There is nothing like making something then using it in your everyday life. How gratifying!! Kind of goes back to number 8 too!!

I tag Susie!!!

It was just too short...

2007-10-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

Yah!!! Girls weekend finally arrived!!! I was so excited and luckily the drive was only an hour and a half away from home!!! It was too much fun. Good company, good food, good shopping, good digs, good football watchin', good times!!!! Virginia was soooooo very gracious to let us all descend upon the beach house, which was more than enough room and sooooo beautiful!!! Bless her bones, she was recovering from food poison from Thursday night, so even though she wasn't 100% over the weekend, she went through with it. We all had a ball!! I can't wait for the next one. Hmmmmm, maybe the mountains next time? By the way, check out Claire's shirt...the picture says it all (in case it isn't clear it says: Chocolate lovers are the best lovers)!!

Now I lay me down to sleep....

2007-09-28T08:05:00.001-07:00

Every night Mac and I get on our knees to say our prayers before he goes to bed. He tries really hard to keep focused, but he is three after all. Here is how it goes each night...

MAC: Now I lay me down to sthleep
I pay da loord my sthoul to take
If I should die befoa I wake
I pay da loord my sthoul to take
blessth a famaly, nanna and pawpaw, papa and ganny, mimi and aunt
anda
(now the eyes are open, wandering around, getting distracted)
MOMMY: Mac, close your eyes, who else do you want to pray for?
MAC: Oh, tank you fa all are friendsth!!
(now he's looking at his toys)
oh, tank you for all a molocyclesth and BIG BIG trucksth!!!
MOMMY: How about Miss Sugar and Miss Lindsay?
MAC: and pay for Missth Sthuger and Cole and Donah and Dudah and Missth Lindsthee and...
(now we get a second win)
Oh and tank you all are popsthiclesth and all da' isth cweemth!!
in da fada, da sthuuwnn and da holy sthpirit, AMEN!!!

Now we can read a book???