Movin' On Up... 2nd ed.

We are less than two weeks away from go. As we prepare for "the move", I'm beginning to realize exactly how much STUFF we have accumulated! We started last week, packing just a little at a time. My OCD can't handle an all-out day of packing. But as we continue chiseling away a little at a time, I have come to realize that the the boxes fill up and pile up WAY quicker than the mounds of items around the house disappear into them. I mean, the china cabinet is packed in 6 boxes. Wow! My shoes will take 3 LARGE boxes!

I feel like we're doing a good job so far. Considering we still ive here, it's not for 2 weeks, and there is a 2 year old and his belongings everywhere, we're still ok!

TBC...

Movin' On Up... 1st ed.

Yes. I can proudly announce now that we are moving! Well... more so, upgrading. As long as things continue to go well and smoothly, I will call a new house "home" in less than a month. Yikes!

I would like to go on the record now and say that packing is like solving a puzzle. Whether packing a diaper bag, suitcase, car, or house. The biggest problem is that the more you pack, the farther you realize that you still have left to go! Fortunately, we still have plenty of time, if I just chisel away a little each day. Unfortunately, there is a LOT to do! I pack a box and feel proud. Then I look around and realize that is only one slice of the loaf! Then I look at the boxes in the corner, and then at the rest of the house. Ay-yai-yai! I didn't know I had crammed so much STUFF into this little ol' house!

I just have to think about the little train... I think I can, I think I can, I think I can! So if I head out in mismatched clothes and frazzled hair, bear with me. If I don't come out at all, send a search and rescue team- I'm probably buried alive!

Kissmiss Tee

Being the AWESOME mom that I am, I have NO pictures from Christmas! We spent the weekend before Christmas in Huntsville. I took a grand total of 5 pictures then. Christmas morning? I will spare you the pictures of me with Cutter opening his gifts. We didn't even get one of the three of us!

Cutter helped decorate the tree this year. This meaning that he helped me hang about 4 red balls before he was bored and grabbed his trains. When the tree was done, he did help Chris put Santa at the top. He loved it this year!

I know it is not in focus on him, but I love this one. He was amazed by the tree and the lights. Each morning, he would "Turn Kissmiss Tee on." Then, he would find Elf. No fancy name, no funny tricks here. Elf just found a new spot to sit each morning. He got so excited! Then, he got MAD when Elf went back to the North Pole with Santa. Needless to say, about the same reaction occurred when he saw the Christmas tree put away. I'd love to leave it up year-round too, buddy!

The only thing he asked Santa for was a blue truck. We made sure Santa got that request! That was the first thing he saw when he walked into the room. He went right to it and LOVES it! If you ask him what Santa brought, he'll tell you a "Boo Tuck." He also got a tee ball set. A little into it, but not much. It's one that will grow with him- later on, you put batteries in it and it shoots the balls out to you like at the batting cages!

We were blessed to spend the holidays with family, friends, and time with just the three of us. We had a very Merry Christmas!

Days of Thanks

I know these things come and go. I always think that it would be neat to do them. At the same time, I do not always take the time to actually follow through, for many reasons. Time. Energy. Feeling boastful. So I figured, I'd do a little at a time so by Thanksgiving, I can truly reflect on all of the things for which I am thankful. I ran a little behind, and got stuck some, but I did it. Many days of thanks, and many blessing to behold.

November 1- I am thankful for the way I was raised, to be able to be the Christian, woman, wife, mother, teacher, and friend that I am. As I work on an application tonight, I see that I have truly been blessed through my past.

November 2- I am thankful for my job. On days like today, the Friday after a busy Halloween week. I'm exhausted but am loving every minute that I am blessed to 1) have a job, 2) be good at my job, 3) love going to work each day, and 4) touch the lives of so many children who don't have the kind of mother at home that I try to be to them.

November 3- I am thankful for friends. In the middle of craziness to help throw a baby shower for my best friend, I am able to stop and reflect upon how lucky I am to have a good church home with good friends who will always go above and beyond a call.

November 4- I am thankful for Bible class teachers. Teachers who molded me growing up, to learn the books of the Bible and to search for passages (in ways that I will always remember). Teachers I have now who inspire me, make me think, challenge me, and give me peace in the middle of my crazy little world. Teachers who take in my little one and share the Bible with him. Albeit, screaming and throwing a fit when it is time for a new class change (sorry, Melissa!), he loves class more than I can tell you.

November 5- I am thankful for Mondays. This means a fresh start to the week. I feel more accomplished on a Monday than any other day of the week, simply because I have had a weekend to prepare for it.

November 6- I am thankful to finally fix my wedding ring. Having gone a few months without it has not seemed right.

November 7- I am thankful for Wednesday night church. This hour in the midst of the week/work load is a breath of fresh air. I am thankful for the ability to teach. Spending time molding minds of the littlest ones takes me out of my regular world and into a new one, without stress, without rushing, and full of smiles and fulfillment.

November 8- I am thankful for insurance, good policies, and doctors. Without each of these, simple procedures would be nearly impossible.

November 9- I am thankful for my husband. I know I should have done this earlier. I am truly blessed to have him in my life. His patience, calm demeanor, and levelheadedness compliment me so well! His strength, wisdom, and guidance are a great blessing. He is a perfect dad. Cutter admires him more than anything else. When I think I need a hand, he is there without fail. I love this man!

November 10- I am thankful for the reminder that not everything is going to go well in life. There will be ups and downs. Regardless, we continue on. Even if your undefeated team loses, there will always be another game.

November 11- I am thankful for Sunday afternoon naps. There is nothing in the world quite like them. Period.

November 12- I am thankful for my country, our freedom, and those who fought and continue to fight for and protect it. I am thankful for both of my grandfathers, who served in wars when they were younger. The example of patriotism they set still carries high regards and awe from me.

November 13- I am thankful for a home daycare. With a small setting, I know my child gets the attention he needs, the love he deserves, and the friends that everyone would like to have. Between Nanny and my mom, I don't have to call the doctor. We have been blessed to have her help raise our son. Since I can't be home daily to do it, I couldn't have picked a better helper.

November 14- I am thankful for weather. Though in Alabama this time of year, you can go from shorts to sweats in a single day, I love it.

November 15- I am thankful for my house. Though up for sale, I love it. I hate the stress of keeping it clean and presentable all the time. I dislike the disappointment that follows a showing and hopeful sale when it doesn't work out. I do not like the idea of leaving my first little house, but am excited to take the next step.

November 16- I am thankful for pizza. Friday night dinners are so easy with a phone and $6.

November 17- I am thankful for traditions with Chris. We have gone to an Alabama game every year since we started dating. I enjoy this time with him and wouldn't have it any other way.

November 18- I am thankful to be a mom. To spend the day playing with Little Man, devoted to him and his interests is a great blessing and break from society. To get on his level, expand his horizons, and show him the ways of life is a great honor. He is a smart, healthy, perfect child. I couldn't ask for more.

November 19- I am thankful for a week off of school. This breath of fresh air is a chance for me to unwind, gather myself, and prepare for the next weeks ahead.

November 20- I am thankful for safe travels. To have a child that travel as well as Little Man does is a tremendous blessing. To have a husband who now drives as much as he does is a great help. Granted, it's to avoid having to reach for toys and swap out movies, but nonetheless, it is a great help to me!

November 21- I am thankful for my mom. Today marks the end of her journey with breast cancer. She is officially in recovery. Her positive attitude, example of strength, and faith in God amazes me.

November 22- I am thankful for family and the time we have to spend together. Though spread across the southeast, we pick up right where we left off when we get together. I am also thankful for traditions. Nothing beats canned cranberry sauce, boys doing dishes, and a Thanksgiving Day Parade.

November 23- I am thankful for Black Friday and the fact that I do not go out during it. I have never like crowds and have not found a deal worth putting myself out there for. I will take the comfort of my bed and my sleep over the claustrophobic atmosphere, hyperventilation because there is not a clear way out of the crowd, and impatience from waiting in long lines.

November 24- I am thankful for rivalries. Although I do not always like them, I am glad we have something to support. Married into this, it was an adjustment, but I am so glad to share it with Chris.

November 25- I am thankful for Mexican food. Well, really, more thankful for Chris' love of it. When I don't know what to cook, this is always a great, cheap go-to.

November 26- I am thankful for good deals. I hate window shopping and browsing, so just looking kills me. Luckily, this just looking turned into a great deal when Chris gets 1/2 off a pair of shoes. THAT make a happy me!

November 27- I am thankful for our family doctor. I am glad to have someone to go see regularly, to keep one record of our health. Who looks closely at you, instead of throwing prescriptions your way.

November 28- I am thankful for our pediatrician. He is absolutely wonderful. He takes time to let me child warmup to him, makes him feel comfortable with him, and talks to him before starting with me. I love that. I'm also thankful for steroids, humidifiers, and making the decision to go to the doctor when we did so that the croup was only mild instead of full-blown and scary.

November 29- I am thankful for field trips. Though they are stressful and somewhat chaotic, I love the opportunity to teach outside of four walls. I am thankful to give some children experiences they wouldn't have otherwise.

November 30- I am thankful to have the time to think and reflect on our many blessings. Without realizing how blessed we are, I would not be able to appreciate life fully and understand where we stand in this world. I am blessed beyond measure each day in more ways that I can name.

Patches and Pumpkins

We loaded up and headed off the the pumpkin patch with a group of friends. This year, Daddy was out of town, so didn't get to go. We went to this one last year, but really got to enjoy all of the activities this  year.

 Starting off, we loved the tractor. So much in fact, that we had a meltdown when we had to get off for others to climb on and take pictures.

 Getting a group picture, with all looking, was quite the experience.

 While feeding the animals, he told me the sheep bit him. I didn't really believe him until I saw the picture! Oh well... no blood or bruise... we're good!

 He wanted to ride the train so bad, until he climbed in. I snapped this right before he FREAKED out, and almost jumped right out of it. He would not even look at the train again, and clung to me with all his might.

 We did, however, successfully ride the hayride to the pumpkin patch.

 It took no time to find a pumpkin.

 It was perfect! He carried it around the rest of the  day. We even had to tote it in the stroller with us since he wouldn't let the workers take it to the front with mine.

 We had a great time playing in the hay!

Thank you, Dreamfield Farms, for a great pumpkin patch experience!

Trunk or Treat and Halloween

 Remember this cute couple?

 Add a year and new costumes... and they get even more adorable!

 Pebbles and BammBamm were a hit again this year!

 We had a great time in the kids' area.

 Then riding around in the Bed Rock-Mobile.

 We FINALLY decorated our pumpkin the next night.

 For not liking things on his hands, he picked all of the seeds out of the goop for me.

And got to color his own pumpkin!

Honk, Honk, Choo Choo!

Cutter B turned 2!

To kick off the holiday season, we start with Cutter's birthday, which falls at the end of October. He still wasn't quite sure of it all to start with, but slowly got used to the cupcake, "Happy Day" thing as we went.

For his actual birthday, he got to take cupcakes to school. We also celebrated at home with cupcakes and presents. We went simple with us, since his party was just a few days away.



 Checking out our new Thomas the Train set.


 He wouldn't put Thomas down- even to blow out his candle!
 
Each year, he gets a new stuffed animal. They are the Jelly Cat brand and called Cordy Roy. We have the lion, elephant, and now the puppy. He loves them!

 Pre-party prep- a highlight!

 We had a car theme, on a VERY windy and cool day. NOT what the forecast called for!

 I love how the cake turned out! I might have to slow down on cake making and leave it to the professionals. It takes so long!

 Chalk is always a hit!

 We had pizza...

 And juice... everywhere!

 Wagon rides were fun.

 Until Cutter got tired of waiting on presents and dove right in.

 We now own stock in Thomas, trucks, and automobiles.

 Including our new big boy tricycle!

 Finished off with a birthday kiss...

 And a smile for Mommy and Daddy.

And one last look at this blue-eyed beauty chowing down on some cake!

Happy Birthday, Cutter!

On the Road Again...

I am blessed in so many ways. One imparticular- a child that travels well. A basket of toys and puzzles will suffice for quite some time, then there's always the good ol' DVD player.

 

In October, we made the trek to the northeast corner of the Tennessee mountains to see my mom's family for my grandfather's 85th birthday party. When I say mom's family, I mean her 5 sisters, brother-in-laws, and children. Needless to say, it was a rather large gathering. Cutter had only seen Papa and met one aunt, so it was an experience for him to see EVERYONE at once. Granted, he was quite the showstopper.

 

The trip would take about 10 hours, each way, so we broke it down into sections. Driving to mom's Thursday, to the mountains Friday, back to mom's Saturday, then home Sunday. We were ALL tired by the time our heads hit our own pillows Sunday night.

 

 Riding with Aunt Morgan

 Paul and Wanda let us stay at their house Friday night. Paul is Mom's cousin.

 Great-Aunt Laura lives right across the street, so we always stop and visit.

 Sorry these are sideways,  but I couldn't figure out how to turn them once they were uploaded! Cutter gets to see some of Paul's goats.

 

 "Eat eat, goat!"

 

 He LOVED the piles of leaves! Forget needing toys at this point!

 

 Favorite game ever... throw leaves off of the bridge.

 

 Walking with Grandpa.

 

 

 

 My mom and Papa. Isn't he adorable?!

 Yes, those are all of my mom's sisters.

 ALL the aunts and uncles! 

These are my cousins and some spouses.

 

 4 Generations

 We're silly at this point.

 And... we're about done! No nap this day, or the day before. We had a good time but were tired!