I have a new friend who recently lost her older brother and it is affecting me tremendously. I am not close with this new friend, although I could see us becoming good friends. I really like her. I don't know why I feel so strongly about her loss. Every single time I think about her loss I start crying (or choking back the tears if in public). Seriously, every single time. I just can't imagine the pain, even trying to imagine it guts me.
I didn't find out about her loss until she was already on a plane back to her hometown and although I have emailed her, we haven't had a chance to talk. I don't know if she was particularly close with her brother. She has 7 siblings. I don't know how he passed away or anything.
What I do know is he was her older brother. He was 30. He had a family. I have an older brother, who is 30, who I miss a ton. I am, on one hand, putting myself in her shoes, because it's easy to with the similarities, but this hurt I feel isn't just a reaction out of a fear of my brother passing away. I'm sure that's part of it, but I think a very small part. I just feel for her. I hurt for her.
I suppose this is one of those moments in life when you realize how finite life is and how we aren't guaranteed a long life with time enough to say goodbyes. That, that right there, hit me at a whole new level. I'm not over here acting all crazy and overly sensitive (not that it would be bad if I did). I'm just throwing this out there.
Have you ever dealt with something like this? It's intense.
To Kate, if you ever come upon this, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I pray for you and your whole family to get through this hard time together, with love, with God. I pray for his family. I pray that you never feel alone on this topic. I know we're not close, but I am here for you, if you ever need to talk, have alone time, or need a dinner delivered. I really mean it, I am here for you.
I'm Theresa, he's my Corey, and we've been blessed with 3 littles. We're a fun-loving, adventerous, God-loving family living the Air Force life.
25 November 2013
27 October 2013
Daily Schedule with 3 kids (4,3,6 months)
Let me start off by saying that this is our schedule, but we don't always follow it to a T. Most days this is how it goes, but with kids I've learned to be flexible. I have to tell you with 3 little ones I rarely feel like I've "done" anything all day. It feels like my day is mostly things that have to be repeated every day or every week. I'm learning to embrace it, because fighting it does nothing and just makes me more tired, ha! I also have to say, that while I have an encouraging, supportive, low-maintenance husband, his work schedule changes almost every 3 months, so we have to adjust when that happens. I have a baby who is slowly lengthening his schedule, so we adjust then too. AND, Little Girl S is going to nursery come this January, so we will adjust then also.
FINALLY, here it is:
FINALLY, here it is:
On Wednesdays from 9:30am I have PWOC, Fridays I grocery shop, the 1st & 3rd Thursdays are MOPS (which I mostly go to), the 2nd & 4th Tuesday are special events for PWOC, those mornings I don't have anything planned I either run other errands, catch up on deep cleaning, or do something special with S. After the kids get in bed, I do some clearing up (which we also do as a family throughout the day). I find time to squeeze in other chores too. Morning chores are laundry & dishes. I do work for PWOC and my bible study after the kids are in bed. Also, the kids help with chores around the house, including making meals. Learning Activities are different each day of the week. Monday is art, Tuesday is science, Wednesday is literacy, Thursday is math, and Friday varies, but usually is a "field trip".
We're still working things out, but this is what we have so far. I hope to add working out (at 6am) starting tomorrow. It'll be nice when J is on a 4-hour schedule & crazy different when S is at nursery part-time.
How do things in your house go? Are you more laid back? More scheduled? What do you hope to add/clear out?
25 October 2013
the BEST Pumpkin Scones
I love fall. I love sweaters and boots, scarves and mittens. I love the cold gently nipping at my nose. I love drinking hot coffee without feeling like a weirdo. I love soups. I love the food. I love the colors. And until recently I loved all things pumpkin. I don't know what changed, if the novelty just wore off, but slowly I have been disappointed by pumpkin food one after the other. Until NOW! I had a girly function to bring food to and saw this Starbucks Copy Cat recipe all over the internet. I thought I would try pumpkin one more time (*you hear me pumpkin, this is your last chance*).
It was delightful and pretty easy to pull together. Lots of people asked for the recipe. I made them for 2 other events in the last 2 weeks! They are good plain or for extra indulgence add the glazes. YUP, glazeS! Of course, they are totally calorie-free, sugar-free, fat-free... ;) HEY at least pumpkin is a veg, right?! I could have posted a chocolate chip scone recipe... ohhh next week!
Alright, here ya go! *SORRY I failed to take pictures, next time...*
PUMPKIN SCONES
2c flour
3/4c sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2c pumpkin puree
3 Tbsp half & half
1 egg
6 Tbsp cold butter (please for the love of all things, use real, unsalted butter!)
1. Preheat oven to 425F/218C. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and dust lightly with flour.
2. Mix all the dry ingredients together (first 8). Using a pastry blender, two knifes, or a food processor, cut in the butter, until it resembles fine crumbs. Set aside.
3. Mix the pumpkin, half and half, and egg together. Gently fold into flour-crumb mixture. It will be sticky, but if it's way too sticky to handle, throw a little more flour at it ;)
4. Turn out onto floured cookie sheet, pat into a rectangle. cut in half length-wise. Then cut each half into 3 triangles (I made minis so I cut each third in half). *I floured my knife in between cuts* Pull them slightly apart. Bake for 14-16 minutes (I checked on my minis at 10 minutes).
Plain Glaze
1/2c sifted powder sugar
1T milk
Mix together (add more milk if necessary) and brush on top of almost cooled scones.
Spiced Glaze
3/4c sifted powder sugar
1-2T milk
1/4tsp cinnamon
1/8tsp nutmeg
pinch of ground cloves
pinch of ground ginger
Mix together, should be slightly thicker than plain glaze. When plain glaze is almost set, drizzle spiced glaze over. I used a fork, you can also try a squeeze bottle or piping bag, but why dirty something if a fork works?
Now GO! Make these easy peasy scones & feel like a domestic goddess!
It was delightful and pretty easy to pull together. Lots of people asked for the recipe. I made them for 2 other events in the last 2 weeks! They are good plain or for extra indulgence add the glazes. YUP, glazeS! Of course, they are totally calorie-free, sugar-free, fat-free... ;) HEY at least pumpkin is a veg, right?! I could have posted a chocolate chip scone recipe... ohhh next week!
Alright, here ya go! *SORRY I failed to take pictures, next time...*
PUMPKIN SCONES
2c flour
3/4c sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2c pumpkin puree
3 Tbsp half & half
1 egg
6 Tbsp cold butter (please for the love of all things, use real, unsalted butter!)
1. Preheat oven to 425F/218C. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and dust lightly with flour.
2. Mix all the dry ingredients together (first 8). Using a pastry blender, two knifes, or a food processor, cut in the butter, until it resembles fine crumbs. Set aside.
3. Mix the pumpkin, half and half, and egg together. Gently fold into flour-crumb mixture. It will be sticky, but if it's way too sticky to handle, throw a little more flour at it ;)
4. Turn out onto floured cookie sheet, pat into a rectangle. cut in half length-wise. Then cut each half into 3 triangles (I made minis so I cut each third in half). *I floured my knife in between cuts* Pull them slightly apart. Bake for 14-16 minutes (I checked on my minis at 10 minutes).
Plain Glaze
1/2c sifted powder sugar
1T milk
Mix together (add more milk if necessary) and brush on top of almost cooled scones.
Spiced Glaze
3/4c sifted powder sugar
1-2T milk
1/4tsp cinnamon
1/8tsp nutmeg
pinch of ground cloves
pinch of ground ginger
Mix together, should be slightly thicker than plain glaze. When plain glaze is almost set, drizzle spiced glaze over. I used a fork, you can also try a squeeze bottle or piping bag, but why dirty something if a fork works?
Now GO! Make these easy peasy scones & feel like a domestic goddess!
15 October 2013
Mini-Post: Finding a Church
Here we are almost a year into our life in England and we have yet to find a church home. We knew moving here that we wouldn't find a church like our last (Alice Drive Baptist Church, in South Carolina, is AMAZING!) and probably not even one like our first church together (Parkway, in California, is wonderful!). I know finding a church takes time. It took us over a year to find Alice Drive, because we thought we found our church, but it didn't fit us. I am just bummed that we still haven't found our church here. We haven't been able to look non-stop, you know with having a baby and all. We thought we had found it twice, the last time being the base chapel. While both of the churches are good, we haven't felt right. Technically, those two are still on the table, but this weekend we'll be expanding the church search further out. Thirty minutes out! We'll see how it goes.
I'm already involved in the women's ministry at the Chapel and Awanas and MOPS, and I will stay with those groups. We are listening to sermons online from our old churches in the meantime.
We really aren't romanticizing a church and when I say "felt right", we are praying about it and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not just our feelings. Maybe we aren't going to find a church here that "feels" like ours, maybe we'll go back to the Chapel or Mildenhall Baptist, but we know we need to search a little more.
Oh, List Time, here are some things we'd like in a church:
*A community that does things together outside of sunday worship (ie dinners in small groups, harvest party, outreach get togethers)
*Small groups that are inviting
*Authentically welcoming
*Sermons that challenge you and encourage you to go further & deeper
*Contemporary Worship music, we don't need a rock concert, but it would be nice if everyone on stage was actually singing loudly and together.
*A GREAT children's program
*Maybe a nursery for Jack
What do you love about your church? If you are church searching, what are you looking for in your church?
I'm already involved in the women's ministry at the Chapel and Awanas and MOPS, and I will stay with those groups. We are listening to sermons online from our old churches in the meantime.
We really aren't romanticizing a church and when I say "felt right", we are praying about it and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not just our feelings. Maybe we aren't going to find a church here that "feels" like ours, maybe we'll go back to the Chapel or Mildenhall Baptist, but we know we need to search a little more.
Oh, List Time, here are some things we'd like in a church:
*A community that does things together outside of sunday worship (ie dinners in small groups, harvest party, outreach get togethers)
*Small groups that are inviting
*Authentically welcoming
*Sermons that challenge you and encourage you to go further & deeper
*Contemporary Worship music, we don't need a rock concert, but it would be nice if everyone on stage was actually singing loudly and together.
*A GREAT children's program
*Maybe a nursery for Jack
What do you love about your church? If you are church searching, what are you looking for in your church?
13 October 2013
Jack's Arrival
So, here it finally is! The story of how our little man entered the world!
Let me start with a quick overview of the pregnancy. Technically, Jack is a deployment baby, meaning he was conceived soon after daddy came home from his deployment. Cute, right? From the get go we had no clue when his due date was. According to my Natural Family Planning Charting, he would be due around April 26th. My general doctor first said his due date looked more like April 20th. Then the first appointment at the OB said April 24th. Then the first ultrasound said May 2nd. Then we moved and they did an ultrasound and said May 6th. We had to get another ultrasound and that one revealed May 8th! So they weren't sure if he was small for his size, the due date was off, or what, but they said they would go with the May 2nd due date, since that was in the middle and what the first ultrasound revealed. They did want to keep an eye on him because although he was growing it was at a slower than normal rate. DUHN DUHN DUHN. haha.
With the pregnancy I also had a hard time gaining weight. I didn't gain any weight until about 6 months. I ended up gaining only 20 pounds the whole pregnancy (not that you could tell that now). So, with the pregnancy I ALSO had a ton of pain in my hips and quiet a bit of Braxton Hicks. I mean we were moving during the main part of the pregnancy, but it was bad. I also had a lot of... *cover your eyes if your squeamish*...... need for panty liners (if you know what I mean, if not, I mean they yucky word... discharge. I HATE that word).
So, now on to the actual story. March 26th 2013. The day started like any other. Will went to Nursery (British Preschool). Sophie and I hung out at home. Around nap time I started to have even more than normal need for panty liners. I had to change my clothes even! I did the normal day, pick up Will, snacks, and play with the kids. I started to get really peeved at this down there business. Corey came home and told me to lay down. Then around 8pm I went to the restroom and thought, maybe this isn't normal, maybe my water broke. Corey I think my water broke. Still sitting on the toilet, still leaking water for 5 minutes. Yep Corey this has to be my water broken, this is not pee or *the other stuff*. I called the L&D and they said to come in to get checked. My great neighbor came to watch the big kids, even though they were sleeping.
Off to the Hospital we went. As soon as the doctor looked she was pretty sure it was my water. She ran the test anyway and yep it was my water. 5 1/2 weeks early!!! I seriously JUST got the nursery a little uncluttered. I JUST opened up the boxes with Will's old clothes. My mind was swirling. I was a little nervous, but I was never worried. I knew God had it under control even if it wasn't what we were expecting. Being from America I thought that you HAD to have your baby within 24 hours from your water breaking, but I wasn't having any contractions. The filled me with fluids, antibiotics, and anti-contraction drugs (even though I wasn't having any). Then they informed me that they don't deliver babies before 35 weeks gestation (that would be in 2 days) so I had to be transferred to a British Hospital. They were really acting like the Baby and I were in a ton of danger and it was starting to freak me out.
A bumpy ambulance ride without my Corey (he had to pick up some stuff from the house) and I was at the British Hospital. It was old and seemed a little dirty. Sadly Corey couldn't stay with me, but it was best, I wanted him at home with the kids. I sent out a FB message asking my closest girlfriends to please be in prayer for me and little man. I cannot begin to tell you how much that helped me. Knowing I had some awesome prayer warriors on my side. Those women are the biggest blessings! The nurses there were so nice and calming. Whereas the American Hospital's doctors were alarmist and freaking me out, the British nurses were calm and observant. They explained things calmly and without their opinion, just facts. In America it is standard to have the baby within 24 hours to prevent infection. In England, it is standard to wait, be vigilantly looking for signs of infection or low amniotic fluid (which apparently your body continually makes) in the hospital for 2 days. If the doctor sees all things are going fine they release you to go home, with a prescription for antibiotics and you return 1-2 times a week until you are 37 weeks, at which time they will induce you. So, I stayed in the British Hospital for 2 days being observed. Luckily, because I came from another hospital, I had to be segregated so I had a private room. Normally there are up to 6 women in one room until actual delivery of the baby. Their food was so good, btw. On the 28th I was released, but the American Hospital told me I had to return to them. Because I was now 35 weeks they planned on inducing me. They waited until 3am on the 29th to start, so that I'd most likely deliver during the day shift (with the most help in case Jack needed to be transferred to a NICU).
Being induced is no joke! The monitor wasn't picking up most of my contractions so they kept increasing the Pitocin and they finally realized I was having one contraction on top of the other. At 230pm I told them to bring on the epidural! By 315 I just finished getting the catheter in and I felt a TON of pressure. The nurse skeptically checked me & sure enough he was making a break for it. They set up everything quickly and had a lot of stuff set up just in case. Three pushes later the cutest, smallest lil guy ever was here! Born at 3:55pm on the 29th of March 2013. Weighing 5lbs 6oz.
They, obviously, had to check him first, but he was completely healthy. Everyone was happily surprised. With the help of the wonderful nurses he latched on within the first 15 minutes of life! The nurses were awesome! I'm not going to lie, I can barely remember anything about the doctors, but I still remember the sweet nurses. I was in the hospital for about 2 more days. I think technically we got to leave early, but at that point Corey had been taking care of Will and Sophie, running the house, and trying to visit me as much as possible for a week! He was spent (and had a totally new level of appreciation for me, as did the kids).
It was such a hectic time, but it was beautiful. There is something magical about spending those hospital hours with your new baby. As a first time mom I was scared and nervous and exhausted. The second time I was still a little nervous, but not scared and better at coping with exhaustion. This third time it was still tiring, but it was cake. My body was more sore (Pitocin? aging?), but it wasn't too bad.
This little guy has been such a blessing and we are all in love with him. His giggley, talkative, happy self.
Picture Time
Let me start with a quick overview of the pregnancy. Technically, Jack is a deployment baby, meaning he was conceived soon after daddy came home from his deployment. Cute, right? From the get go we had no clue when his due date was. According to my Natural Family Planning Charting, he would be due around April 26th. My general doctor first said his due date looked more like April 20th. Then the first appointment at the OB said April 24th. Then the first ultrasound said May 2nd. Then we moved and they did an ultrasound and said May 6th. We had to get another ultrasound and that one revealed May 8th! So they weren't sure if he was small for his size, the due date was off, or what, but they said they would go with the May 2nd due date, since that was in the middle and what the first ultrasound revealed. They did want to keep an eye on him because although he was growing it was at a slower than normal rate. DUHN DUHN DUHN. haha. With the pregnancy I also had a hard time gaining weight. I didn't gain any weight until about 6 months. I ended up gaining only 20 pounds the whole pregnancy (not that you could tell that now). So, with the pregnancy I ALSO had a ton of pain in my hips and quiet a bit of Braxton Hicks. I mean we were moving during the main part of the pregnancy, but it was bad. I also had a lot of... *cover your eyes if your squeamish*...... need for panty liners (if you know what I mean, if not, I mean they yucky word... discharge. I HATE that word).
So, now on to the actual story. March 26th 2013. The day started like any other. Will went to Nursery (British Preschool). Sophie and I hung out at home. Around nap time I started to have even more than normal need for panty liners. I had to change my clothes even! I did the normal day, pick up Will, snacks, and play with the kids. I started to get really peeved at this down there business. Corey came home and told me to lay down. Then around 8pm I went to the restroom and thought, maybe this isn't normal, maybe my water broke. Corey I think my water broke. Still sitting on the toilet, still leaking water for 5 minutes. Yep Corey this has to be my water broken, this is not pee or *the other stuff*. I called the L&D and they said to come in to get checked. My great neighbor came to watch the big kids, even though they were sleeping.
Off to the Hospital we went. As soon as the doctor looked she was pretty sure it was my water. She ran the test anyway and yep it was my water. 5 1/2 weeks early!!! I seriously JUST got the nursery a little uncluttered. I JUST opened up the boxes with Will's old clothes. My mind was swirling. I was a little nervous, but I was never worried. I knew God had it under control even if it wasn't what we were expecting. Being from America I thought that you HAD to have your baby within 24 hours from your water breaking, but I wasn't having any contractions. The filled me with fluids, antibiotics, and anti-contraction drugs (even though I wasn't having any). Then they informed me that they don't deliver babies before 35 weeks gestation (that would be in 2 days) so I had to be transferred to a British Hospital. They were really acting like the Baby and I were in a ton of danger and it was starting to freak me out.
A bumpy ambulance ride without my Corey (he had to pick up some stuff from the house) and I was at the British Hospital. It was old and seemed a little dirty. Sadly Corey couldn't stay with me, but it was best, I wanted him at home with the kids. I sent out a FB message asking my closest girlfriends to please be in prayer for me and little man. I cannot begin to tell you how much that helped me. Knowing I had some awesome prayer warriors on my side. Those women are the biggest blessings! The nurses there were so nice and calming. Whereas the American Hospital's doctors were alarmist and freaking me out, the British nurses were calm and observant. They explained things calmly and without their opinion, just facts. In America it is standard to have the baby within 24 hours to prevent infection. In England, it is standard to wait, be vigilantly looking for signs of infection or low amniotic fluid (which apparently your body continually makes) in the hospital for 2 days. If the doctor sees all things are going fine they release you to go home, with a prescription for antibiotics and you return 1-2 times a week until you are 37 weeks, at which time they will induce you. So, I stayed in the British Hospital for 2 days being observed. Luckily, because I came from another hospital, I had to be segregated so I had a private room. Normally there are up to 6 women in one room until actual delivery of the baby. Their food was so good, btw. On the 28th I was released, but the American Hospital told me I had to return to them. Because I was now 35 weeks they planned on inducing me. They waited until 3am on the 29th to start, so that I'd most likely deliver during the day shift (with the most help in case Jack needed to be transferred to a NICU).
Being induced is no joke! The monitor wasn't picking up most of my contractions so they kept increasing the Pitocin and they finally realized I was having one contraction on top of the other. At 230pm I told them to bring on the epidural! By 315 I just finished getting the catheter in and I felt a TON of pressure. The nurse skeptically checked me & sure enough he was making a break for it. They set up everything quickly and had a lot of stuff set up just in case. Three pushes later the cutest, smallest lil guy ever was here! Born at 3:55pm on the 29th of March 2013. Weighing 5lbs 6oz.
They, obviously, had to check him first, but he was completely healthy. Everyone was happily surprised. With the help of the wonderful nurses he latched on within the first 15 minutes of life! The nurses were awesome! I'm not going to lie, I can barely remember anything about the doctors, but I still remember the sweet nurses. I was in the hospital for about 2 more days. I think technically we got to leave early, but at that point Corey had been taking care of Will and Sophie, running the house, and trying to visit me as much as possible for a week! He was spent (and had a totally new level of appreciation for me, as did the kids).
It was such a hectic time, but it was beautiful. There is something magical about spending those hospital hours with your new baby. As a first time mom I was scared and nervous and exhausted. The second time I was still a little nervous, but not scared and better at coping with exhaustion. This third time it was still tiring, but it was cake. My body was more sore (Pitocin? aging?), but it wasn't too bad.
This little guy has been such a blessing and we are all in love with him. His giggley, talkative, happy self.
Picture Time
 |
| Getting ready to be induced |
 |
| First photo ever of Mr. Jack Warren Shipe |
 |
| Daddy cutting the umbilical cord. |
 |
| He was SOOO teeny! 5lbs 6oz |
 |
| Apgar tests |
 |
| Newborn Photo session |
 |
| His Lovey Monkey |
 |
| Jeremiah 29:11, my life verse |
11 October 2013
I'm Still Alive Over Here In England, LondonTrip
Hey everybody, remember me? Me neither! Sorry about leaving the blogging world for 6 months. I'm going to go ahead and blame the lack of blogging on the baby. That's a total cop-out, but c'est la vie.
I did try to blog the story of Jack's birth and his first month on earth, but I always forgot to come back and finish. So, I don't know what to blog now. We've got my original blog idea, our family trip to London, way back in July. We've got Jack's birth story. Or I can go with the standard fill-you-in-on-the-last-6-months. Since you all follow me on FB, I think for now I'll go ahead and post about London.
Our trip to London just so happened to be on the hottest weekend in London in a LONG time and got off to a very hectic start. However, we all had such a great time and can't wait to go back!
It started because we needed to go to the US Embassy to get tourist passports for all of us and a Consular Report of Birth Abroad for Jack. We made the appointment and booked the hotel, then we found out that we could do all those things at the RAF Mildenhall Passport Office (RAF Lakenheath wasn't doing it anymore and they are the bigger office, so we assumed...). Our hotel was non-refundable, so we were excited to have the whole time available for sightseeing.
We decided to drive to the Epping Tube Station and take the Underground into the city. The Epping station is about an hour from our house and then 45 mins tube ride into the city. We get there, buy our day passes, load up on the tube with the kids and our stuff (we were really awesome and packed all we needed into two backpacks. I could have made it one, but we had Jack's bottles and diapers). Then I get a phone call from our dog sitter. Apparently in the haste of leaving that morning, instead of leaving the house key on the counter and the door unlocked, I locked the door and had the keys with me! We had to hop off the tube, hop on to the other one, drive all the way back home (I made sandwiches for the fam), and drive all the way back to Epping. Good job Theresa!
So we finally get into London, switch a tube line and get out at Marble Arch and walk a little to our FABULOUS hotel. Then we hopped back on the tube and went to Westminster. We checked out the outside of Parliament, went through the beautifully air conditioned Aquarium, and took a sunset ride on the London Eye. We had dinner in one of the little cafes near by. By the time we got on the tube to head back to the hotel Lil Miss was passed out. It was 9pm after all. The kids went to bed without much fuss (good to know for future traveling) and I had the idea to put baby J in the bathtub (with all the towels as a mattress) as a bed. The darkness and quietness really helped, he slept like a log!
For the first time ever we ordered room service for breaky. Figured it would be easier with the kids. We got the full breakfast for 15 pounds (so about $24), but it was SOOO worth it. First because everything in London is SO expensive, we had our food waiting for us, and it was HUGE! There was 5 pastries, meat selection, cereal, juice, coffee, toast, and more! (Sorry I love talking about food).
Our second day we took a walk through Hyde Park. It was way too hot (90 degrees, but most of London doesn't have AC, including the Underground, it was Sweatsville UK and therefore pretty stinky). We looked out over the lake as we ate our yummy, organic ice cream, and then we took the kids to the Lido (swimming hole in the lake). It was a little gross, but cooling and a great experience. Will still asks to go back. That was all we got to do that day because Corey had to go to work that night.
It was great fun! We can't wait to go back! When you come to visit us we'll have to spend more time there :)
Now for the pictures!!!
On the Tube!!
Me in front of Parliment, aka Big Ben, The aquarium, and Marble Arch where philosophers, politicians, radicals, authors and the such gave speeches back in the day.
Will was SO excited to get on the London Eye! The line was long, but it went surprisingly fast, maybe 10mins.
On the London Eye. Look at how hot my husband is! Especially when he's holding a baby!
Finally, Hyde Park! That green wall next to Corey was from a concert a couple of days before. I think it was J-Lo and someone. The park is so beautiful!
22 February 2013
One of THOSE Days! No, The Good Kind
Yesterday around noon I got hit by a bug! A BIG bug that made it hard to breathe! I wasn't even sure if I was having an allergic reaction (that's how it felt when it started) or if it was a weird virus or what. I called Labor & Delivery at the hospital (that's what you're supposed to do after 20 weeks) to be triaged and they had me come in. It turns out it was the beginning of a horrible, no good, bad virus. (Do you know that kids book I just refrenced?)
I couldn't sleep last night, every time I lay down I couldn't breathe. Until, that is, I ate 1/2 a pint of ice cream (yep, i so did & don't even care). Then I fell asleep easily.
I woke up at 6:30 am to the sound of my two beautiful children WIDE AWAKE. AT 6:30 AM!! I almost indulged in a freak-out-whine-session to myself. Luckily, the Holy Spirit stopped me. I prayed a prayer of thanks (for my family, kids, life, etc.) & asked for sleep, peace, and health. I risked starting tantrums, went upstairs to inform my kids of the early hour. Our house rule is, stay in bed until 7am, they are allowed to read or quietly play with toys. (I'll have to post later how I accomplished this task being obeyed 98% of the time.) It worked! Both kiddos got back into bed & played/read quietly.
I zombied back to bed with an attitude of whatever-happens-happens. I knew the Lord would give me the energy and patience if my littles couldn't stay in their room. I also knew He was completely capable of giving me the rest I craved.
Cut to 7am, Little Thing 1 and his quiet sister, Little Thing 2, appeared at my bedside poking my nose. They took the iPad upstairs quietly. I thought Alright God, this works for me today.
Again, cut to 7:40am Will comes stumbling into the room, by this point I am so thrilled to have received the blessing of sleep. But our God, our sweet, wonderful God goes beyond. Ephesians 3:20 says our God "is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." (NIV). He goes beyond our idea of what beyond is. Will climbed on my bed and pushed some toys at my face.
"What's this?" I asked
His sweet little voice replied, "I made you breakfast for in bed".
Not only did I get my sleep and not only did the Holy Spirit interfere in my attitude and perspective, I was blessed by my thoughtful son first thing in the morning.
You see, I don't know about you, but I LOVE breakfast in bed. I LOVE food, I LOVE gifts, I LOVE my bed. Breakfast in Bed is probably one of my most favorite things. Of course, this breakfast was Jenga block "pretzels", a wooden orange, and a plastic strawberry, but the thought of it! OH the thought of it blessed my heart.
The rest of the day went so well. I was productive, but not to the point of tiring myself out. The kids obeyed so well. We did fun things. We did educational things. I got a nap. Even though Corey didn't make it home until after 5pm, it was a good day. I hope that as you meditate on how awesome our God is, how blessed we are with families and/or friends, that you will see in your own life God doing exceedingly, abundantly more than all you can ask or imagine. Even if it's just a bit more rest & breakfast in bed. I hope that you let the Holy Spirit interfere for you when you feel like having a private (or not-so-private) whine-fest.
I know I will be trying!
14 February 2013
28 weeks! How Did I Get Here?!
I'm really 28 weeks along in this pregnancy!! I would be further along too, if they didn't keep changing my due date! Tomorrow I'm 29 weeks. I seriously only have 10 more weeks. That may not sound soon to you, but I have a lot I need to get done in the meantime. Not really, I guess. I just have a feeling the rest of this time is going to fly by.
Lately, a question has been running through my head over & over, "How well will I adjust to having 3 kids?". I know God will be there for me & give me strength. I am thankful Corey will have 10 days paternity leave (wahoo). I just keep thinking about it (& giving it to God whenever the answer in my head is a stressed response, lol). When I had Will I was in a similar situation of not having a lot of friends or even acquaintances & being relatively new to the area. However, Im hoping because this is my third child, because I'm already getting connected, & because I'm older/wiser (?) that it wont be as hard this time. Sophia was easy peasy! She was a sleepy baby, my mom was visiting when she was born & helped a lot with Will, I had so many friends to encourage me & who cooked meals for us, it was easy. Ultimately, I know we will not only get through it, but thrive. If it is an easy transition, then sweet! If it is a hard transition, then at least I will grow & be refined through that trial, right?! RIGHT?!
After all that rambling, let me just say I am SOOOO excited to meet this little guy! I'm excited to see how he's going to fit into our family! I'm really excited to kiss & cuddle him!!
Today nesting instincts hit! I tackled some clearing out of the nursery (even though there is a lot more to do), I went through the final boxes left from the move, & straightened up several areas in the house that needed it. Now we have to move a couple big pieces of furniture, recycle boxes, & packing paper. I will be beyond joyful when there are no more moving boxes in my house!
BTW, Happy Valentine's Day! I love any excuse to give gifts to my loved ones, so I went a little big (is that possible?) for Wills & Phia. I got them a little bit of candy (& even let them eat it first thing in the morning! Yes, I'm THAT mom, who cares), these cute stuffed bear PEZ dispensers, cards with little crafts inside, & these awesome balloons. Will had been eyeing the balloons since the BX started displaying them & he was thrilled when he saw his! It makes it so worth it! His was Winnie the Pooh & Sophia's was a Love Bug. I didn't take any pictures, because I'm lame & wanted to just enjoy the moment. ;)
Well, I better go make dinner & vacuum downstairs, we have new friends coming for dinner tomorrow! Hope you enjoyed my random ramblings!! Oh & I know you all want more pictures of the kiddies, so here you go!
This is from last month, but my little boy is a ham! He just walked up to me like this & requested a picture be taken.
This little girl, quietly got into Mommy's make-up & accidentally broke most of it. This picture, by the way, was taken by William! Can a Momma get a nap without the kids wrecking the place please?! HAHA
23 January 2013
12 Dates at Home for 2013
One of mine & Corey's favorite things to do is steal time away from our littles & have some one-on-one time. We LOVE dates! Even boring dates! We feel so refreshed after spending time together away from the littles. Now that we've moved across the Atlantic and are settling in we are looking for a trustworthy, teenage (cheap), babysitter. It's harder to find than you would think! So, in the meantime we've (or rather I) have come up with some Home Dates for after the kids go to bed. Hopefully, we can make them just as much fun as going out! I came up with 12 & we'll do one a month, or just start repeating. If you have any to share, PLEASE do!!
Without further ado...
12 Dates at Home with the Husband
1) Spa Night- full body massage(s), with candles & relaxation music, the works!
2) Spa Night- hands & feet massages, again with candles & relaxation music. Can you tell I love massages?
3) Man Movie Night- Corey gets to pick the movie, with our favorite movie theater snacks.
4) Chick Flick Night- Theresa gets to pick the movie (which will most likely NOT be a chick flick), again snacks! You've got to make it authentic/special!!
5) Fire Pit Night- light up the fire pit, bust out the smores, & cuddle, all while star-gazing.
6) Book Night- read aloud to each other, while cuddling & maybe foot rubs.
7) DIY Project Night- do something together around the house, most likely something fun like painting canvases
8) Video Game Night- This one is TOTALLY for Corey, he always wants me to play & I really dont like to.
9) Board/ Card Game Night- Settlers? War? Battleship? who knows, but we'll spice it up with cheese, crackers & wine!
10) Decadent Dessert by Candlelight- preferably a bakery ordered baked good, so I dont have to cook! ;)
11) Corey's Free Pick
12) Theresa's Free Pick
19 January 2013
Menu Plan 1/21- 1/27
Menu Plan Monday!!
Seriously, one of the happiest parts of being settled again is the ability to menu plan fully. I am a complete nerd for this, I know it, and I am thoroughly okay with it. (I was also VERY excited to vacuum again). Anywho!! Here is our Menu Plan for January 21st- 27th, 2013.
1/21: B-cereal, rice milk, apple
L- rice, leftover meat & veggies
S- chocolate loaf, PB cream cheese spread, banana
D- Baked Tacos, salad, corn
1/22: B- pancakes, eggs, orange
L- pizza pucks, salad
S- more chocolate loaf
D- Loaded Baked Potatoes, broccoli
1/23: B- oatmeal, raisins
L- PBJ, carrots w/ranch
S- Wheat Thins, cheese sticks, applesauce
D- Corey Request: Mac & Cheese California Baby Blend veggies, crunchy chicken
1/24: B-pancakes, bananas
L- corn dog, green beans
S- homemade pretzel bites, grapes
D- Vegetarian Chili & cornbread (I'm looking forward to this one!!)
1/25: B- cereal, grapes, rice milk
L- leftovers
S- graham crackers, yogurt, apple slices
D- Cobb Salad
1/26: B- cinnamon butter crescent rolls, berries
L- out
S- spinach artichoke dip, french bread
D- Beefy Spaghetti, salad, parmesan garlic twists (a la Roundtable Pizza)
1/27: B- cinnamon butter crescent rolls, bananas
L- PBJ, carrots w/ranch
S- nillas, pudding
D- Leftovers
Our theme next week for "school"ing purposes is British Culture, so we will be making Shortbread cookies. Friday nights are Family Fun Nights, so we are making Best Brownies Ever.
If you would like recipes to any of these feel free to email or FB me. Some are also on my Pinterest Yums board.
What are you eating?
Seriously, one of the happiest parts of being settled again is the ability to menu plan fully. I am a complete nerd for this, I know it, and I am thoroughly okay with it. (I was also VERY excited to vacuum again). Anywho!! Here is our Menu Plan for January 21st- 27th, 2013.
1/21: B-cereal, rice milk, apple
L- rice, leftover meat & veggies
S- chocolate loaf, PB cream cheese spread, banana
D- Baked Tacos, salad, corn
1/22: B- pancakes, eggs, orange
L- pizza pucks, salad
S- more chocolate loaf
D- Loaded Baked Potatoes, broccoli
1/23: B- oatmeal, raisins
L- PBJ, carrots w/ranch
S- Wheat Thins, cheese sticks, applesauce
D- Corey Request: Mac & Cheese California Baby Blend veggies, crunchy chicken
1/24: B-pancakes, bananas
L- corn dog, green beans
S- homemade pretzel bites, grapes
D- Vegetarian Chili & cornbread (I'm looking forward to this one!!)
1/25: B- cereal, grapes, rice milk
L- leftovers
S- graham crackers, yogurt, apple slices
D- Cobb Salad
1/26: B- cinnamon butter crescent rolls, berries
L- out
S- spinach artichoke dip, french bread
D- Beefy Spaghetti, salad, parmesan garlic twists (a la Roundtable Pizza)
1/27: B- cinnamon butter crescent rolls, bananas
L- PBJ, carrots w/ranch
S- nillas, pudding
D- Leftovers
Our theme next week for "school"ing purposes is British Culture, so we will be making Shortbread cookies. Friday nights are Family Fun Nights, so we are making Best Brownies Ever.
If you would like recipes to any of these feel free to email or FB me. Some are also on my Pinterest Yums board.
What are you eating?
The 2 months Run-Down
I don't even know where to start on updating my blog. I feel like I almost need to re-introduce myself.
Want a run down of the last 2 months? Okay here we go...
*We lived in TLF (that's the base hotel, but it has a full kitchen & a living room, so like a condo) for 3 weeks. 2 weeks in a pet-friendly one (i.e. older & slightly stinky) & 1 week in a regular one (i.e. HUGE). Both were great.
*We had trouble with finances for about a MONTH! so frustrating. The Government Travel Card got messed up. The banks took forever to link up so we could transfer money in between them. Corey couldn't transfer his direct deposit for a long time. The travel voucher, the housing allowance, the housing allowance advance, and all that stuff of course took a long time also. BUT we are all settled in the finance department & figuring out our new bank's online system & how to pay our British bills & American bills.
*We moved into our new home the 7th of December, but we didn't get our household goods until December 31st. Until then we used borrowed furniture from the military & what we had with us.
*We bought a new car, a VW Roba (Rubba? idk), it's Corey's work car. It's a little, nothing remotely fancy car. We had plans of buying 2 cars, but a long story short, the bank is weird & even though we have perfect credit we weren't able to. SO we have to go to another bank & take out another loan. The first one was only $3k, so no biggie. BUT our car rental is due back by the 24th, so we need to get on it.
*Everything moves slow here & business all close around 530pm.
*We got our internet connected this week! And while I am soooo beyond thrilled to be connected again, our connection is too slow to be able to watch Hulu. We just live in a bad area (which by the way, most of the housing areas around here are bad areas for internet, go figure).
*Will started school the 7th of January. He goes 3 times a week, Monday 9-3, Wednesday 1-4, and Friday 9-3. The first week was hard adjusting. One of the teachers corrected him & now he freaks out just seeing her. In 100% honesty, she is overly nice/sweet when we come, which makes me think she may not be so sweet when parents aren't there. Maybe I'm paranoid, maybe it's instinct from working in childcare, or maybe it's just mommy instinct, but whatever it is I keep an eye on her. lol. He loves the food they cook & likes his Key Caregiver Jamie & another teacher Lottie. It's also hard on him going 6 hours those 2 days, but I see it as preparation for Reception, which he starts in the fall.
*I've started a PWOC bible study (Protestant Women of the Chapel), didn't know it existed. I think it's going to be good. I chose Faithful Abundant True, a study by Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, & Pricilla Shirer. I'm excited & hope to make some good friends there too.
*Our final crate of household goods (it was split to clear customs faster) arrives Monday! Hopefully all of the hardware that is missing for our bookshelves, Sophie's bed, & Will's bed is in there! Our dinning table will be in there & our hampers! lol. Good news: because we had it split, when they come to give us the rest of it, they will take all the boxes from the previous shipment! SCHWEET!
*Our house, like all British houses, is small & has little storage, but I am already getting used to it. We are asking our landlord to invest in a shed, because we do have quite a bit of outdoor stuff that needs it.
*It snowed! I was excited to move here for the hope of snow & people tried to crush those hopes, telling me it doesn't snow in England where we will be. Well, maybe it doesn't normally, but it snowed a good amount this past week! Take that nay-sayers! ;)
I'm sure there are things I forgot. Although we aren't fully settled (are military families ever really settled though?) we are getting there! We are making friends, searching for a church, organizing our house, finding our favorite places, and most importantly having fun with each other & the whole process.
Now that we have internet, look for me to catch up here in Bloggyland & to update more often. I hope you all are doing well wherever you may be, geographically, stage in your life, & spiritually.
Want a run down of the last 2 months? Okay here we go...
*We lived in TLF (that's the base hotel, but it has a full kitchen & a living room, so like a condo) for 3 weeks. 2 weeks in a pet-friendly one (i.e. older & slightly stinky) & 1 week in a regular one (i.e. HUGE). Both were great.
*We had trouble with finances for about a MONTH! so frustrating. The Government Travel Card got messed up. The banks took forever to link up so we could transfer money in between them. Corey couldn't transfer his direct deposit for a long time. The travel voucher, the housing allowance, the housing allowance advance, and all that stuff of course took a long time also. BUT we are all settled in the finance department & figuring out our new bank's online system & how to pay our British bills & American bills.
*We moved into our new home the 7th of December, but we didn't get our household goods until December 31st. Until then we used borrowed furniture from the military & what we had with us.
*We bought a new car, a VW Roba (Rubba? idk), it's Corey's work car. It's a little, nothing remotely fancy car. We had plans of buying 2 cars, but a long story short, the bank is weird & even though we have perfect credit we weren't able to. SO we have to go to another bank & take out another loan. The first one was only $3k, so no biggie. BUT our car rental is due back by the 24th, so we need to get on it.
*Everything moves slow here & business all close around 530pm.
*We got our internet connected this week! And while I am soooo beyond thrilled to be connected again, our connection is too slow to be able to watch Hulu. We just live in a bad area (which by the way, most of the housing areas around here are bad areas for internet, go figure).
*Will started school the 7th of January. He goes 3 times a week, Monday 9-3, Wednesday 1-4, and Friday 9-3. The first week was hard adjusting. One of the teachers corrected him & now he freaks out just seeing her. In 100% honesty, she is overly nice/sweet when we come, which makes me think she may not be so sweet when parents aren't there. Maybe I'm paranoid, maybe it's instinct from working in childcare, or maybe it's just mommy instinct, but whatever it is I keep an eye on her. lol. He loves the food they cook & likes his Key Caregiver Jamie & another teacher Lottie. It's also hard on him going 6 hours those 2 days, but I see it as preparation for Reception, which he starts in the fall.
*I've started a PWOC bible study (Protestant Women of the Chapel), didn't know it existed. I think it's going to be good. I chose Faithful Abundant True, a study by Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, & Pricilla Shirer. I'm excited & hope to make some good friends there too.
*Our final crate of household goods (it was split to clear customs faster) arrives Monday! Hopefully all of the hardware that is missing for our bookshelves, Sophie's bed, & Will's bed is in there! Our dinning table will be in there & our hampers! lol. Good news: because we had it split, when they come to give us the rest of it, they will take all the boxes from the previous shipment! SCHWEET!
*Our house, like all British houses, is small & has little storage, but I am already getting used to it. We are asking our landlord to invest in a shed, because we do have quite a bit of outdoor stuff that needs it.
*It snowed! I was excited to move here for the hope of snow & people tried to crush those hopes, telling me it doesn't snow in England where we will be. Well, maybe it doesn't normally, but it snowed a good amount this past week! Take that nay-sayers! ;)
I'm sure there are things I forgot. Although we aren't fully settled (are military families ever really settled though?) we are getting there! We are making friends, searching for a church, organizing our house, finding our favorite places, and most importantly having fun with each other & the whole process.
Now that we have internet, look for me to catch up here in Bloggyland & to update more often. I hope you all are doing well wherever you may be, geographically, stage in your life, & spiritually.
17 November 2012
& We Have Arrived!
Hello there! It's been an exhausting day. I wanted to give a quick recap of our adventure over here, while it's still fresh in my mind. As well, I need to stay up a little later than now to adjust to the jet lag.
Starting off with the fact that the night before we left, I really had a breakdown. It's so hard for me to admit when I have a breakdown, but I do it because we all do & better not to pretend like we are living charmed lives when we aren't. Right?! Anywho, there were several contributing factors to mine (aren't there always?), off the top of my head I'll say pregnancy, travel jitters, & not keeping God in my day. There's more, but it would take too much explanation, so that last one covers a lot. The breakdown was good though. I really talked to God & just got refocused & a plan of attitude. I knew I had to continually thank God for everything during the trip rather than get upset at the inevitable mess ups (which there were a few). I spent the whole trip in prayer & it felt awesome. Now, no lying, toward the end I started to want to cry, but I kept up the thankfulness & it all worked out.
SO, now on to the trip. We left Corey's parents house Friday around 3 pm to make it to the airport 2 hours early to drop off Molly. We got there & got put in this really slow line (think 90 minutes of waiting), that happened to be the wrong line. We checked our baggage & Corey took a cab across the airport to drop Molly at Cargo (even though we were told several times on the phone we wouldn't need to do that). P.S. One of the 4 guys it took to check us in, insisted for the first 10 minutes that NO DOGS AT ALL were allowed to be shipped to the UK from the US period. I, finally, looked at him & told him, "I'm sorry, you're wrong. I've been doing a million things the last month to get her ready to be shipped. I know you can." Then he made a huge stink when I didn't trust him about other things he swore about. UGH. God was gracious though. We were still all together at the airport, all of our expected money had come in (& more) making finances not a concern, the kids were behaving beautifully, I knew we had some awesome prayer warriors fighting for us in all corners of the country, & my husband is hot. Like that last one?
Corey got back at 6:20 (our flight was at 6:40), so we ran! & we made it to the gate minutes after they closed the door. haha! God is still good though, because we were all together, Molly was checked in, there was another flight that night (which before we were told there wasn't). We went to customer service & this AWESOME lady named, Purie, helped us get on the practically booked 10 pm flight & was super nice. The staff at the gate of the 10 pm flight was also helpful. They moved enough people around so I was with Will & Sophia (Corey was in a middle seat ahead of us), but our seats were in some special row that had TONS of leg room, reclined really far & had footrests that went up, so we practically had a bed to lay on! SCORE!!! Want another score? BOTH kids fell asleep, or rather passed out before we took off & for the most part stayed asleep the WHOLE flight! I caught a bit of sleep here & there. In the last hour or so of the flight Corey & I switched seats & he was able to sleep some & I watched a movie.
Alright, that's a lot for a blog, I'll have to make a part 2 later... Will have to title it something like No Shuttle, No Dog, No Money. haha Aren't you excited?!
Seriously though, God is awesome & I am so thankful for all the ways He has blessed us, for the way he has carried me through this day, which I could have taken not so well, for so much.
Starting off with the fact that the night before we left, I really had a breakdown. It's so hard for me to admit when I have a breakdown, but I do it because we all do & better not to pretend like we are living charmed lives when we aren't. Right?! Anywho, there were several contributing factors to mine (aren't there always?), off the top of my head I'll say pregnancy, travel jitters, & not keeping God in my day. There's more, but it would take too much explanation, so that last one covers a lot. The breakdown was good though. I really talked to God & just got refocused & a plan of attitude. I knew I had to continually thank God for everything during the trip rather than get upset at the inevitable mess ups (which there were a few). I spent the whole trip in prayer & it felt awesome. Now, no lying, toward the end I started to want to cry, but I kept up the thankfulness & it all worked out.
SO, now on to the trip. We left Corey's parents house Friday around 3 pm to make it to the airport 2 hours early to drop off Molly. We got there & got put in this really slow line (think 90 minutes of waiting), that happened to be the wrong line. We checked our baggage & Corey took a cab across the airport to drop Molly at Cargo (even though we were told several times on the phone we wouldn't need to do that). P.S. One of the 4 guys it took to check us in, insisted for the first 10 minutes that NO DOGS AT ALL were allowed to be shipped to the UK from the US period. I, finally, looked at him & told him, "I'm sorry, you're wrong. I've been doing a million things the last month to get her ready to be shipped. I know you can." Then he made a huge stink when I didn't trust him about other things he swore about. UGH. God was gracious though. We were still all together at the airport, all of our expected money had come in (& more) making finances not a concern, the kids were behaving beautifully, I knew we had some awesome prayer warriors fighting for us in all corners of the country, & my husband is hot. Like that last one?
Corey got back at 6:20 (our flight was at 6:40), so we ran! & we made it to the gate minutes after they closed the door. haha! God is still good though, because we were all together, Molly was checked in, there was another flight that night (which before we were told there wasn't). We went to customer service & this AWESOME lady named, Purie, helped us get on the practically booked 10 pm flight & was super nice. The staff at the gate of the 10 pm flight was also helpful. They moved enough people around so I was with Will & Sophia (Corey was in a middle seat ahead of us), but our seats were in some special row that had TONS of leg room, reclined really far & had footrests that went up, so we practically had a bed to lay on! SCORE!!! Want another score? BOTH kids fell asleep, or rather passed out before we took off & for the most part stayed asleep the WHOLE flight! I caught a bit of sleep here & there. In the last hour or so of the flight Corey & I switched seats & he was able to sleep some & I watched a movie.
Alright, that's a lot for a blog, I'll have to make a part 2 later... Will have to title it something like No Shuttle, No Dog, No Money. haha Aren't you excited?!
Seriously though, God is awesome & I am so thankful for all the ways He has blessed us, for the way he has carried me through this day, which I could have taken not so well, for so much.
10 October 2012
Hello, We Are Actually Moving
I don't even know what to tell you. I never doubted this move would go through since we got the orders, but it is really here! The movers come tomorrow to pack up all of our belongings. By Tuesday afternoon we will be at my Dad's house for a couple days & then in Maryland for a week and a half. Then BAM! we are flying across the frakin' ocean for 3 years! Can you tell it is really hitting me today?
I am so very excited for this adventure & the opportunity to explore Europe! And, in full disclosure, I'm scared. I know everything will be fine & great even, but it is still scary leaving the country you grew up in. Not knowing if you will indeed be able to come visit like you promise everyone.
Will I find friends? Okay, I know I will, but will I find at least one GOOD friend? You know the kind you can hang out with almost everyday & share everything with? You know the Janet, Emily, Michelle, Trinity, Korinne, Abi, Lindsey, -type friend? I have been extremely blessed to have had just 1 great girlfriend, I know that! But those times I didn't have one, whew! Those were rough times!
Will we find our church? For some obvious reasons this one is easier to place in the hands of God. I still think about it. I still pray for it. Everyday. It took us awhile to find Alice Drive, here in Sumter, SC. It is AMAZING! So, I have to let go of expectations & search for what God has for us. Where God is going to use us.
I almost cried on the way to pick the kids up from preschool. I was in my typical rush-rush-rush mode & I felt God ask me to slow down, to listen. He's so intuitive that God! Then I realized I'm leaving. For the better part of my time here in SC, Ihated strongly disliked it. The last year or two has been the turning point. I am connected to the people, mostly through the military & the church. So, I am going to cry. I don't like crying, especially in public. I'll probably cry tonight when I say goodbye to some of "my" girls in the youth ministry, as well as some leaders. I'll definitely cry Sunday when we say goodbye to our New Balance small group. I'll cry when I say good-bye to each friend I've made here. If anyone doesn't cry with me, I'll just blame my pregnancy hormones ;)
This is the hard part of the military life, saying goodbye. I look forward to blogging more about the GOOD part of the military life (i.e. adventures, making friends) in the upcoming... years! Bundle of emotions, yep, that's me!
Have a blessed day!!
I am so very excited for this adventure & the opportunity to explore Europe! And, in full disclosure, I'm scared. I know everything will be fine & great even, but it is still scary leaving the country you grew up in. Not knowing if you will indeed be able to come visit like you promise everyone.
Will I find friends? Okay, I know I will, but will I find at least one GOOD friend? You know the kind you can hang out with almost everyday & share everything with? You know the Janet, Emily, Michelle, Trinity, Korinne, Abi, Lindsey, -type friend? I have been extremely blessed to have had just 1 great girlfriend, I know that! But those times I didn't have one, whew! Those were rough times!
Will we find our church? For some obvious reasons this one is easier to place in the hands of God. I still think about it. I still pray for it. Everyday. It took us awhile to find Alice Drive, here in Sumter, SC. It is AMAZING! So, I have to let go of expectations & search for what God has for us. Where God is going to use us.
I almost cried on the way to pick the kids up from preschool. I was in my typical rush-rush-rush mode & I felt God ask me to slow down, to listen. He's so intuitive that God! Then I realized I'm leaving. For the better part of my time here in SC, I
This is the hard part of the military life, saying goodbye. I look forward to blogging more about the GOOD part of the military life (i.e. adventures, making friends) in the upcoming... years! Bundle of emotions, yep, that's me!
Have a blessed day!!
09 July 2012
Discipline for Sin, Not for Mistakes
I was browsing Pinterest (oh how I enjoy Pinterest!), found a pin on tips for marriage, which led me to another post on that blog about parenting & 10 Habits to Develop for Correcting Your Children. I have to be honest & say that I don't fully embrace all of the habits or everything from their blog, but this one, #4, was a good.
Discipline for sin, not for mistakes. Be sure that you have identified the sinful behavior of your child so that you can clearly point to scripture and discuss the sin. Never discipline your child for making a mistake, such as breaking a dish or spilling a drink. That is not sin. That is an accident! A child being annoying or embarrassing is not necessarily a sin; it might point to your own sin of neglect. Instead, keep your eyes open for issues of the heart. Some examples might include selfishness (fighting over toys… you have two sinners), deceit, disobedience, covetousness, etc
It's not that I send Will or Sophia to time-out for spilling milk, but I think I have this mind-set that I need to "discipline" (& by that I mean show frustration & make them know that I don't like that) for every thing that isn't positive. Does that make sense? I hope that doesn't come off as me being too strict/mean. I want to be parenting from the perspecitve of what God calls of us, not just good, "moral" society, raising up good kids. I'm not sure how much this will change what goes on in our home, but it will definitely be changing my heart. I'll let you all know if I see a change.
How about you? Do you like this Habit? Do you already have this habit? or Is this as enlightening to you as it was to me? Let me know!
Discipline for sin, not for mistakes. Be sure that you have identified the sinful behavior of your child so that you can clearly point to scripture and discuss the sin. Never discipline your child for making a mistake, such as breaking a dish or spilling a drink. That is not sin. That is an accident! A child being annoying or embarrassing is not necessarily a sin; it might point to your own sin of neglect. Instead, keep your eyes open for issues of the heart. Some examples might include selfishness (fighting over toys… you have two sinners), deceit, disobedience, covetousness, etc
It's not that I send Will or Sophia to time-out for spilling milk, but I think I have this mind-set that I need to "discipline" (& by that I mean show frustration & make them know that I don't like that) for every thing that isn't positive. Does that make sense? I hope that doesn't come off as me being too strict/mean. I want to be parenting from the perspecitve of what God calls of us, not just good, "moral" society, raising up good kids. I'm not sure how much this will change what goes on in our home, but it will definitely be changing my heart. I'll let you all know if I see a change.
How about you? Do you like this Habit? Do you already have this habit? or Is this as enlightening to you as it was to me? Let me know!
06 July 2012
Menu Plan 7/9- 7/15
Hey Everyone, so it seems I've been beyond MIA. Since Corey's been home from deployment things have been really busy around here!
There are several updates to post about, like how we are moving to England! BUT, I'm on here today to show you all my Menu Plan for this upcoming week. I am trying to makeover our diet into a more clean one. We are starting off slow. I don't want to jump all in & then get frustrated. Right now we are eating clean breakfast & lunch, during the week. I'm not an expert at all about eating clean, but we are trying. I'm working on cutting down treats (for myself & the kids, Corey doesn't care) to one a day. I'm sure that's a lot to some of you, but it will be growth for us.
Also, this week is my church's VBS (Vacation Bible School). I'm leading all of the Recreation so dinners will be early, preferably easy & fast to make.
Monday: B- cereal, yogurt, berries
L- noodles, cheese, green beans
S- Laughing Cow Cheese, crackers, grapes
D- leftover Baked Chicken Parm Casserole
Tuesday: B- oatmeal with cinnamon, eggs (whites for me), apple
L- Salad with sliced chicken & rolls
S- PB, banana, & honey "sushi"
D- Taco Casserole & fiesta corn
Wednesday: B- toast, PB, banana
L- turkey sandwich & carrots
S- cheerios, yogurt, berries
D- roast chicken, mixed californian vegetables, garlic rolls
Thursday: B- oatmeal with cinnamon, eggs, berries
L- salad with tuna & croutons
S- carrots, cucumbers, cheese
D- leftover taco casserole
Friday: B- cereal, yogurt, apple
L- chicken sandwich, cucumbers
S- pretzels, cheese sticks, pineapple
D- Homemade Pizza Nite
Saturday: B- chocolate chip waffles & bananas
L- chicken wrap
S- yogurt, cheerios, berries
D- OUT
Sunday: B- leftover waffles & bananas
L- PB & J & carrots
S- Laughing Cow Cheese & crackers, grapes
D- Burgers, sweet potatoes
There are several updates to post about, like how we are moving to England! BUT, I'm on here today to show you all my Menu Plan for this upcoming week. I am trying to makeover our diet into a more clean one. We are starting off slow. I don't want to jump all in & then get frustrated. Right now we are eating clean breakfast & lunch, during the week. I'm not an expert at all about eating clean, but we are trying. I'm working on cutting down treats (for myself & the kids, Corey doesn't care) to one a day. I'm sure that's a lot to some of you, but it will be growth for us.
Also, this week is my church's VBS (Vacation Bible School). I'm leading all of the Recreation so dinners will be early, preferably easy & fast to make.
Monday: B- cereal, yogurt, berries
L- noodles, cheese, green beans
S- Laughing Cow Cheese, crackers, grapes
D- leftover Baked Chicken Parm Casserole
Tuesday: B- oatmeal with cinnamon, eggs (whites for me), apple
L- Salad with sliced chicken & rolls
S- PB, banana, & honey "sushi"
D- Taco Casserole & fiesta corn
Wednesday: B- toast, PB, banana
L- turkey sandwich & carrots
S- cheerios, yogurt, berries
D- roast chicken, mixed californian vegetables, garlic rolls
Thursday: B- oatmeal with cinnamon, eggs, berries
L- salad with tuna & croutons
S- carrots, cucumbers, cheese
D- leftover taco casserole
Friday: B- cereal, yogurt, apple
L- chicken sandwich, cucumbers
S- pretzels, cheese sticks, pineapple
D- Homemade Pizza Nite
Saturday: B- chocolate chip waffles & bananas
L- chicken wrap
S- yogurt, cheerios, berries
D- OUT
Sunday: B- leftover waffles & bananas
L- PB & J & carrots
S- Laughing Cow Cheese & crackers, grapes
D- Burgers, sweet potatoes
22 March 2012
20 lbs GONE!!!
I generally try not to brag on blogger or especially facebook, but seeing as how I want to make this change permanent, I have to let you all know... I've lost 20lbs! I'm telling you all, because it will keep me motivated to not let the poundage creep back up.
I cannot believe that I used to be 20 lbs heavier! I am so excited to be at this weight, but I am not stopping. I have fallen in love with working out. It's the only thing close to coffee that can help me keep up with the kids & the house & all the other things I do. But, unlike coffee, there is no crash. Of course there is soreness, but that reminds me that I kick ass! *cough cough* Sorry about the language.
I really want to encourage everyone who reads this to take that next step toward fitness today! I never thought I would get here & less than 6 months later, here I am. I'm not a fan of the depriving yourself or working out so much you can't do anything else. I am proof that little steps get you where you want to go. If you need any encouragement, I would be happy to encourage you!
Thanks to ALL the friends & instructors who have taught me & encouraged me! Thank you Pinterest for your amazingly motivating Fitness section!
I cannot believe that I used to be 20 lbs heavier! I am so excited to be at this weight, but I am not stopping. I have fallen in love with working out. It's the only thing close to coffee that can help me keep up with the kids & the house & all the other things I do. But, unlike coffee, there is no crash. Of course there is soreness, but that reminds me that I kick ass! *cough cough* Sorry about the language.
I really want to encourage everyone who reads this to take that next step toward fitness today! I never thought I would get here & less than 6 months later, here I am. I'm not a fan of the depriving yourself or working out so much you can't do anything else. I am proof that little steps get you where you want to go. If you need any encouragement, I would be happy to encourage you!
Thanks to ALL the friends & instructors who have taught me & encouraged me! Thank you Pinterest for your amazingly motivating Fitness section!
03 March 2012
Real Food mini-challenges
It's been awhile since I've posted anything. What with my discovery of Pinterest, I've been busy making, baking, cooking, & doing things... really pinning more than any of that. Anywho, I love Pinterest! The other day I came across a pin that led me to a blog about a family who took a 100-day challenge to only eat "real food" . I have been slowly moving toward more whole food, more organic, & more local food. I'm not doing the 100-day challenge or even all of the mini-challenges they have. We already try to eat whole foods. The area of our diets that needs the biggest overhaul is our snacks! Typical snacks in our house are:
*Ritz crackers, natural peanut butter, & apples
*Nilla wafers, yogurt, & a banana
*graham crackers & strawberries
*Pretzel sticks & pineapple chunks (canned in juice)
See, not bad, but processed. So, I'm going to work towards less processed foods more consciously. Starting with Grahams, I've just found a pretty easy recipe, a la Pinterest.
Here are some of the other 14 mini-challenges that I am accepting:
*2 fruits &/or vegetables per meal (B & L we usually only have 1)
*Limited beverages (we will do this 90% of the time, special treats)- coffee, tea, water, milk & juice occasionally. We already do this most of the time.
*No fast food for 1 week. We go out to eat about 1 or 2 times per week, anymore than that & we aren't going to fast food, but healthier places like Panera
*100% whole grain. We do 100% whole wheat bread already, but pasta, rice, & other bread items we don't. (oh, we do do whole wheat Ritz! haha). Im sorry, but the Japanese in me doesn't think real rice is brown. Real rice is supposed to be sticky! ;) I probably will just keep with the white rice & switch everything else.
*stop eating when full- I already do this, I assume my kids do too, because whenever they say "I'm done" that's fine by me. I never push food on them.
*no more than 5 ingredients. Well... that one will be tough. I'll be waiting for Corey to come home to do this one, because I want to have the energy & time to bake a few things, so we wont starve. haha (a tad melodramatic? maybe)
Alright, Are you on board with me? Or if you checked out the link & looked at all the mini-challenges, which ones are you going to try?
*Ritz crackers, natural peanut butter, & apples
*Nilla wafers, yogurt, & a banana
*graham crackers & strawberries
*Pretzel sticks & pineapple chunks (canned in juice)
See, not bad, but processed. So, I'm going to work towards less processed foods more consciously. Starting with Grahams, I've just found a pretty easy recipe, a la Pinterest.
Here are some of the other 14 mini-challenges that I am accepting:
*2 fruits &/or vegetables per meal (B & L we usually only have 1)
*Limited beverages (we will do this 90% of the time, special treats)- coffee, tea, water, milk & juice occasionally. We already do this most of the time.
*No fast food for 1 week. We go out to eat about 1 or 2 times per week, anymore than that & we aren't going to fast food, but healthier places like Panera
*100% whole grain. We do 100% whole wheat bread already, but pasta, rice, & other bread items we don't. (oh, we do do whole wheat Ritz! haha). Im sorry, but the Japanese in me doesn't think real rice is brown. Real rice is supposed to be sticky! ;) I probably will just keep with the white rice & switch everything else.
*stop eating when full- I already do this, I assume my kids do too, because whenever they say "I'm done" that's fine by me. I never push food on them.
*no more than 5 ingredients. Well... that one will be tough. I'll be waiting for Corey to come home to do this one, because I want to have the energy & time to bake a few things, so we wont starve. haha (a tad melodramatic? maybe)
Alright, Are you on board with me? Or if you checked out the link & looked at all the mini-challenges, which ones are you going to try?
31 December 2011
See ya 2011, Hello 2012
So time to reflect on the past year & look ahead to what may lie ahead in the future year!
2011- It really was a great year. God has truly blessed us! Even in trials he has drawn us closer to Him & that makes it so worth it! We are at a pretty awesome time in our lives. There are always bumps, but this year (from what I remember) they have all been relatively small. Or more likely, my view from here makes them appear small. Here are some highlights. If I forgot one that you can think of, comment it!
* Had many good dates with my honey
* iPad for Valentines Day, we love our iPad
* Will turned 2 with an AWESOME Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme!
* We spent Corey's Birthday in Myrtle Beach with the wonderful Boeckhs! In a really nice condo, btw!
* Will's first real-ish Easter Egg Hunt! (he knew what he was doing & got a bunch of loot!)
* Will & Sophie experienced their first ever fireworks! They LOVED it!
* Meeting the Steinkopfs! I am so glad God crossed our paths!
* Being a DGL for the Silver Sparklettes at MOPS!
* We survived Corey's month long TDY to Alaska (even managed to have some fun & learn somethings!)
* Will started preschool!!! 3 hours, 3 days a week.
* Sophia's 1st Birthday! (that was the beginning of the month of sickness, but my Lil Ladybug had a great day!)
* Fun dressing up for Halloween
* Thanksgiving with my family (the best part was ordering the main parts)
* Christmas-time with Corey's family & some of my family up in Maryland
2012- I'm excited to see where God takes us this year. I feel like we are pretty open. Here are some things that I am looking forward to.
* Corey coming home!!! This is so much on my mind & my heart! I hope it's soon!
* My baby boy turning 3!! He is such a fun little guy!
* Speaking of little boy... Will being fully potty trained! (the week we have no misses will be a glorious one & I will throw a party! Seriously, I think I will! lol)
* Ocean City trip! We always look forward to this! Hopefully Corey will come home early enough to join us for this!
* Both kids will be in preschool! Which is so weird to me! I think I might not like it, but I can learn to ;) I'll be able to get SO much done in those 9 hours a week!
* Sophia will be turning 2!!
* Starting to plan Corey's 30th Birthday Week at Disney World!!! what what!! I have to go to ITT after I get the tax return haha.
* Start fantasizing about my 30th Birthday in Paris (okay okay, a little too early, but whatever! haha)
So, I don't really do resolutions, but I guess I kind of do... Last Year I wanted to lose 30lbs. (I lost 15!), I can't remember what else (I should have looked at past blogs to see if I blogged it, oh well).
For 2012,
* Daily giving up my plans & wants & ideas to God. Daily Dependence.
* Focus on my calling from God. I am called to show God's love to my children, to teach them who he is. I have a purpose!
* I want to spend 15 minutes outside everyday with the kids (even if the weather is extreme), we've already started doing this, but I'll throw it out here.
* Take more pictures. Too general right? Well, I signed up for a 365/52 project, I'm not sure if I'll stick with it, but I just got a kick-ass new PS which I'm able to carry around with me all the time. So that's a step in the right direction
* Workout more often & more consistently. There is always something coming up, but I love working out & it's good for me & my kids! My ultimate goal would be jogging 4 days a week with 3 days of strength training.
Thanks for your encouragement & support! What are some of your highlights? What are you looking forward to? Have any resolutions?
2011- It really was a great year. God has truly blessed us! Even in trials he has drawn us closer to Him & that makes it so worth it! We are at a pretty awesome time in our lives. There are always bumps, but this year (from what I remember) they have all been relatively small. Or more likely, my view from here makes them appear small. Here are some highlights. If I forgot one that you can think of, comment it!
* Had many good dates with my honey
* iPad for Valentines Day, we love our iPad
* Will turned 2 with an AWESOME Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme!
* We spent Corey's Birthday in Myrtle Beach with the wonderful Boeckhs! In a really nice condo, btw!
* Will's first real-ish Easter Egg Hunt! (he knew what he was doing & got a bunch of loot!)
* Will & Sophie experienced their first ever fireworks! They LOVED it!
* Meeting the Steinkopfs! I am so glad God crossed our paths!
* Being a DGL for the Silver Sparklettes at MOPS!
* We survived Corey's month long TDY to Alaska (even managed to have some fun & learn somethings!)
* Will started preschool!!! 3 hours, 3 days a week.
* Sophia's 1st Birthday! (that was the beginning of the month of sickness, but my Lil Ladybug had a great day!)
* Fun dressing up for Halloween
* Thanksgiving with my family (the best part was ordering the main parts)
* Christmas-time with Corey's family & some of my family up in Maryland
2012- I'm excited to see where God takes us this year. I feel like we are pretty open. Here are some things that I am looking forward to.
* Corey coming home!!! This is so much on my mind & my heart! I hope it's soon!
* My baby boy turning 3!! He is such a fun little guy!
* Speaking of little boy... Will being fully potty trained! (the week we have no misses will be a glorious one & I will throw a party! Seriously, I think I will! lol)
* Ocean City trip! We always look forward to this! Hopefully Corey will come home early enough to join us for this!
* Both kids will be in preschool! Which is so weird to me! I think I might not like it, but I can learn to ;) I'll be able to get SO much done in those 9 hours a week!
* Sophia will be turning 2!!
* Starting to plan Corey's 30th Birthday Week at Disney World!!! what what!! I have to go to ITT after I get the tax return haha.
* Start fantasizing about my 30th Birthday in Paris (okay okay, a little too early, but whatever! haha)
So, I don't really do resolutions, but I guess I kind of do... Last Year I wanted to lose 30lbs. (I lost 15!), I can't remember what else (I should have looked at past blogs to see if I blogged it, oh well).
For 2012,
* Daily giving up my plans & wants & ideas to God. Daily Dependence.
* Focus on my calling from God. I am called to show God's love to my children, to teach them who he is. I have a purpose!
* I want to spend 15 minutes outside everyday with the kids (even if the weather is extreme), we've already started doing this, but I'll throw it out here.
* Take more pictures. Too general right? Well, I signed up for a 365/52 project, I'm not sure if I'll stick with it, but I just got a kick-ass new PS which I'm able to carry around with me all the time. So that's a step in the right direction
* Workout more often & more consistently. There is always something coming up, but I love working out & it's good for me & my kids! My ultimate goal would be jogging 4 days a week with 3 days of strength training.
Thanks for your encouragement & support! What are some of your highlights? What are you looking forward to? Have any resolutions?
10 December 2011
Potty Learning Saga
Wow. Really with the potty learning?! We started with Will in September. He did GREAT, at first. Slowly he has progressed to not pooping in the toilet at all. He will pee & is perfect with pee, but poop has not touched his potty in a long time.
I've been through a wide range of emotions over this. I knew the whole time I should stay calm & not make a big deal about misses, but I failed several times along the way! I decided a couple weeks ago to back off (with the stress in it) & see if that improved things. Maybe I need to just work on it longer, but so far it hasn't improved anything.
I know it's really not something you can push. They'll get it when the choose to. I guess I'm just stressed that I'm messing things up on my part. Either from my stressed out moments or from not giving him the thing he needs to encourage him to do it!
We started out with the bare bottom approach & that worked for awhile, but then it didn't. I've tried rewards, that worked for awhile, but now it only does sometimes & not for poop. I think I just need to get back to my original plan. The Montessori way. I am going to help him to be as independent in this process as I can. No pushing, inviting him to use the toilet at regular times. Maybe keep record of when he poops. I think I may even start having Sophie sit on the potty after meals & before nap/bed.
I know this is silly. I know he will eventually get it. I'm not really stressed about the cleaning up anymore, I've resigned myself to it. I really don't want him to feel bad, because i huff & puff about misses. He is a great, strong, competent boy & I know he'll get it soon. Just know if you are doing this, or about to, I'm here with you. I feel ya. I smell what you're steppin' in!
I've been through a wide range of emotions over this. I knew the whole time I should stay calm & not make a big deal about misses, but I failed several times along the way! I decided a couple weeks ago to back off (with the stress in it) & see if that improved things. Maybe I need to just work on it longer, but so far it hasn't improved anything.
I know it's really not something you can push. They'll get it when the choose to. I guess I'm just stressed that I'm messing things up on my part. Either from my stressed out moments or from not giving him the thing he needs to encourage him to do it!
We started out with the bare bottom approach & that worked for awhile, but then it didn't. I've tried rewards, that worked for awhile, but now it only does sometimes & not for poop. I think I just need to get back to my original plan. The Montessori way. I am going to help him to be as independent in this process as I can. No pushing, inviting him to use the toilet at regular times. Maybe keep record of when he poops. I think I may even start having Sophie sit on the potty after meals & before nap/bed.
I know this is silly. I know he will eventually get it. I'm not really stressed about the cleaning up anymore, I've resigned myself to it. I really don't want him to feel bad, because i huff & puff about misses. He is a great, strong, competent boy & I know he'll get it soon. Just know if you are doing this, or about to, I'm here with you. I feel ya. I smell what you're steppin' in!
01 December 2011
Our Advent Activities
Instead of a chocolate advent calendar (because we'll get enough of that anyway), I decided to make the advent a little more special & do activities with the kids! So here's our countdown list
1. Hot chocolate with candy cane stirrers
2. Decorate house
3. Open & hang special Christmas ornament for the year
4. Decorate the little Christmas tree
5. Make & hang snowflakes in the window
6. Visit Santa
7. Christmas art (trying to decide which one I want to do)
8. Cotton ball Snowmen
9. Gingerbread house
10. Make grandparent's ornaments
11. Hot Cocoa & Cookies Party (a small party)
12. Christmas Movie Night: Elf
13. Make a gift for the Moppettes (childcare providers at Mom's group)
14. Holiday Treats
15. Go out with Uncle Mike
16. Swan Lake Lights
17. Snowmen Ornament craft
18. Take the neighbors their gifts (muddy buddies)
19. Christmas Movie Night w/Steinkopf's: (not sure which one yet)
20. Visit Janet & "Papa" (btw Janet, lol, I was thinking what if I stayed with you to break my trip up to Maryland up. Im not 100% on this, but tell me your thoughts since here it is, lol)
21. Leave for Maryland
22. ICE @ Gaylord Nationals (Indoor thing with tons of ice sculptures with the Merry Madagascar theme)
23. Make cookies for Santa & family
24. Tutu's Christmas Eve dinner
What do you all think? What are your plans for the holidays? What are you doing for your advent calendars?
1. Hot chocolate with candy cane stirrers
2. Decorate house
3. Open & hang special Christmas ornament for the year
4. Decorate the little Christmas tree
5. Make & hang snowflakes in the window
6. Visit Santa
7. Christmas art (trying to decide which one I want to do)
8. Cotton ball Snowmen
9. Gingerbread house
10. Make grandparent's ornaments
11. Hot Cocoa & Cookies Party (a small party)
12. Christmas Movie Night: Elf
13. Make a gift for the Moppettes (childcare providers at Mom's group)
14. Holiday Treats
15. Go out with Uncle Mike
16. Swan Lake Lights
17. Snowmen Ornament craft
18. Take the neighbors their gifts (muddy buddies)
19. Christmas Movie Night w/Steinkopf's: (not sure which one yet)
20. Visit Janet & "Papa" (btw Janet, lol, I was thinking what if I stayed with you to break my trip up to Maryland up. Im not 100% on this, but tell me your thoughts since here it is, lol)
21. Leave for Maryland
22. ICE @ Gaylord Nationals (Indoor thing with tons of ice sculptures with the Merry Madagascar theme)
23. Make cookies for Santa & family
24. Tutu's Christmas Eve dinner
What do you all think? What are your plans for the holidays? What are you doing for your advent calendars?
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