Happy Birthday Andrew!

And Jesus, of course!

Up On the Housetop Reindeer Pause

Merry Christmas. May the Peace of the Season be with you always.

Visions of Sugarplums Danced In Our Head

I love sweets, and Christmas is definitely the time to indulge your sweet tooth. I love it all - low and high end chocolates, I don't play favorites. A friend gave me these funny looking little candies for Christmas from her daughter, who is in my Girl Scout troop. They were fabulous! And simple too. The girls and I set out to make our own tonight. Ingredients - pretzels, Rolos, and M&Ms. The perfect combination of sweet, salty and gooey. Also the perfect project for little hands.


Maggie and I did the prep: unwrap Rolos, eat a Rolo, put one in the bowl for Georgia, and repeat. Georgia was in charge of construction.



300 degrees and 3 minutes later:



YUM! So easy yet so good. Thanks, Amy, for the new chocolate fix!

Sweet dreams my friends. Sweet dreams.

Happy Birthday Brad!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday Georgia!!

Big Brother

My big brother Andrew and his wife Michelle came for Thanksgiving. It's always fun to see them. We hadn't met up since July, so a visit was long overdue. Michelle is expecting a baby girl in the Spring. They have 5 nieces already, with no nephews, so they'll be adding another princess to the mix. Holy hormone-y. Family get-togethers will be high-drama for sure with all these females running around! Andrew is the most excited expectant father I know! I'm thrilled for them too!! My girls can't wait to have another cousin around.

Brad likes to comment on how loud my family is. We are pretty loud really. The volume is always on high for some reason. And when my mom and I laugh, you can hear it 3 doors down. I have neighbors tell me they know when I'm outside because they can hear me laugh, or guffaw, as Brad likes to say.

Sweet mama-to-be Michelle. She was itty bitty before becoming pregnant. Now, at 6 months, she's still itty. She definitely makes pregnancy look easy.

Off now for some ham rolls, ham sandwiches or just plain ham. I bet tomorrow we'll have ham biscuits.

I Went For a Walk on An Autumn Day

Ahhh... The scent of Autumn is in the air. There's a crispness to the wind, colors against the sky, and of course, football.

Maggie and I enjoyed the wonder of it all in the backyard, where she found the biggest leaf I've ever seen, while Brad enjoyed the wonder of consecutive first downs.

What a beautiful day for a little walk. Kiki joined us, sniffing the new smells of the Season. Maggie likes to play follow the leader with her, but she can't quite get to the places the cat can-though she tries.

Oh Look - my favorite pink Vans are having a good time too!

I love this tree in our front yard. Red is my favorite leaf color, and we have a beautiful Gazing Light tree in front. I made that tree name up; I have no idea what kind of tree it is. But lovely just the same. Sidebar- my brother and I share many things - a birthdate, love of sweet tea and chapstick, and overuse of the word 'lovely'.

With Autumn comes Thanksgiving. Maggie's class had their Thanksgiving feast the other day at school. Her teacher painted her face Indian style. Or is it Native American style? Either way, she dug it.

People are always saying she looks like me and Georgia looks like Brad. This is true. But, at the store the other day, a woman in line behind me and Maggie says to me: "You two have the same wave pattern. There's no denying her." Wave pattern??? Is this code for something?? I realize she means the wave in the back of our hair. Odd - I know. Do you comment on people's 'wave patterns'? A first indeed. Lovely.

Oh.My.Gosh.

I took my Brownie troop camping this past weekend. I'm so happy this is past tense. As Daisy Scouts last year, we could not go camping, much to my relief. My camping skills are nonexistant. Brad got a big laugh out of the idea of me attempting this feat. So, I had all required camping training through the Girl Scouts - HOURS of it, and all it did was increase my anxiety levels. Square knots and make-shift slings?? My head about exploded.

I put most, not all, of that anxiety aside and 6 out of the 12 girls in my troop and I, along with my co-leader, headed to Camp. I was a mess the 2 weeks leading up to the trip. All the packing, Girl Scout required paperwork, and worries over these 6 year olds being away from Mom reeked havoc on my poor fingernails. I've bitten my nails for 30+ years and have been fairly successful in quitting (Finally!) until this trip came up.

On the ride up I was literally shoving pretzels in my mouth just from the nervous energy. Note: I HATE pretzels. I'd rather go hungry than eat them.

We bunked with 3 other troops in a cabin. I was told the cabin was the nicest accommodations there, and we got it since my girls were the only first graders from Brentwood to attend (Yay us). Hmmm.... the leaky shower and funky floors made me think otherwise. Remember - I've never been camping in my life. There were 40 girls and 10 leaders total in this cabin, and it was pure chaos. The girls were up until 11pm, WAY past their bedtimes, and I finally fell asleep at 2am. My co-leader and I were in a room by ourselves next to the only bathroom. Girls were in there all night, and the shower dripped water on the cement floor relentlessly. It was some form of sleep deprivation torture. And, all parties up at 5am! 40 girls in one room = one up, all up. My head was pounding.

The mattresses, and I use this term very loosely, were about 2 inches thick. Fine if you're a newborn, but not so good for grown adults. I slept on top of my sleeping bag, which was purchased solely because of this trip, for a little extra comfort, therefore I froze. I had Georgia's coat on my feet, another girl's towel around my middle, and my sweater on my shoulders. Aww, sweet dreams came easily that night (NOT!).

The day went like this: Breakfast, flag raising ceremony, 3 legged race, tug-of-war, hay dive, egg race, pee break, swinging bridge, trail, lunch, horse loving and groomin, crafts, tie-dye, then home. This was all between the hours of 8am-3pm. I was literally throwing stuff in my car to get the heck out of there. Don't get me wrong, everyone had a great time, but I was in serious need of a hot shower and bed.

Oh, and that swinging bridge part. Remember I don't like elevators and trams, well swinging bridges are on that same list. I envisioned rainbows and unicorns as I crossed - twice nonetheless.

We all survived. The anxiety and preparation were worth it. My troop got shout-outs from other troops for doing such a great job their first time around. They really were super little girls out there. It was magical and all that which is required for perfect scrapbooking.

I seriously have no idea how people tent camp. Too bad we won't be the youngest girls there every year!

Girly Ghouls

I took the girls to the Ghouls at the Zoo on Sunday night. Yay- a chance to dress up before Halloween and get candy too! We hadn't been in a couple of years, and the zoo really went all out. We went on a haunted hayride that had Maggie scared. Actually, most things scared her, especially the mad Scientist lab. You know, cauliflower brains, that sort of thing. She was literally running out of there. We walked the zoo for 3 hours! My feet were scared (scarred-either will do) too after that.

Georgia took some pleasure in her fear - as big sisters do. It was a warm-up for the real deal tomorrow night. I snuck in Georgia's room that night while she slept and swiped some M&M's. Tee-hee-hee.... I'll have some great pickings tomorrow night for sure!

Generations to come

Today is day #2 of Fall Break for Georgia, so we spent the morning with Brad's grandmother, Ms. Willie. Brad has 2 grandmothers living, and both are in Nashville. How wonderful is that?! I would give anything to have a grandparent still alive, but also in town would be the best thing ever.


The girls and I went to visit Ms. Willie, take her to the store, and then to lunch. She was thrilled to see the girls, but I think the girls were more thrilled to see her. Ms. Willie moves a bit slow now - she is 91 - and I always forget this when we go out. I'm used to running around like a maniac in a store just trying to get out! With 2 children with me, I don't like to mess around. But, mess around we did at Dollar General today. I must have done 5 laps of the store, saw every item available, vetoed those items for purchase when asked, and paid for what we needed while Ms. Willie perused the cards. The girls actually gave up on begging for things and just sat down in the floor while we waited.

I wonder if that's what I'll be like as I age? It's hard to imagine your life slowing down and speeding up at the same time, as so many people and things change around you. Anyway, waiting for Ms. Willie to shop was nice. It was heartwarming to see the pleasure she got from being out; she kept referring to it as 'a treat'.

I used to bring my grandmother, Virginia, chocolate milkshakes when she could no longer get out. It was such a simple thing to do and it brought tremendous joy to both of us. I'd bring her a shake every day now if I could.

Back to today, we then headed to lunch. Ms. Willie chose Shoney's for the food bar. Lunch went long, as eating is slow too. The girls were surprisingly well-behaved. It's like they don't want to push their limits when out with Ms. Willie. Perhaps she needs to be with us more often!

She was bummed that we couldn't come back into her apartment after lunch, but Maggie was due a nap. Ms. Willie was all smiles as we dropped her off. So were we.

Put a smile on the face of someone you love today.

Finally!

The weather is finally cooling off. We can look forward to crisp days and cool nights. Football weather! It's also the time of year that holidays start bunching up with birthdays. It seems like we quickly go from one to the other. We start planning for Halloween and Thanksgiving in September and Christmas in October with birthdays sprinkled everywhere in between. We have 8 family birthdays between now and Christmas, assuming I haven't forgotten someone. Just in our house alone it's Georgia's in November and Brad and I in December. Also in December my Dad and brother. We'll be celebrating left and right! Cakes, cakes, cakes.


The girls have their Halloween costumes picked out. As you know, this is serious business. Georgia picked the 'perfect' witch and Maggie is going as the latest Barbie princess, The Island Princess Rosella. I think they time children's movie releases in time for Halloween and Christmas to maximize merchandising opportunities. And of course, we oblige with open wallets.

Kitty Lovin

Kiki, our cat, absolutely loves Georgia. Not so much Maggie though. As soon as Georgia gets home from school, the cat seeks her out. She knows she's guaranteed lots of good rubbing.

About 3 years ago, Georgia was allergy tested. We found out she is allergic to cats, and her allergist told me we had to gid rid of Kiki. Well, that was a big no-can-do! Georgia would rather sneeze all day than not have her kitty. So Kiki lives the good life in Georgia's hands. She hisses and slaps at Maggie, which is kind-of funny.

Get Your Head In The Game

Brad and I took the girls to see High School Musical: The Ice Tour this Saturday. They were excited to do anything HSM related, and had been looking forward to this day since March, when Brad bought the tickets.

We pack up enough food and beverage to last through 3 shows and we're off. We had great seats right on the ice. I must say, ice shows are a little odd. The voice-overs and skating interpretation get curious at times, but the girls didn't notice.

They did notice the merchandise booths every 10 feet. I was SHOCKED when Brad agreed to get them each $20+ items. I get cheap when it comes to this stuff and was trying to talk them into $10 items (the least expensive there). What's Brad smirking about here?!?

Hopefully we've had our fill of Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and Ryan for now. At least unitl HSM 3 arrives.

Day 1

I had my first day of school yesterday. It's ridiculous the amount of time I have put in preparing lesson plans for a 3-year old class. Like they care about having the perfect mix of free play, science, art and music. They're all about the free play and eating. It has made me feel a bit guilty about the lack of planning I actually do for my own children. I take them to the park, zoo, plays, puppet shows and storytimes, but I don't sweat over making sure they make 3-d art at least twice a month.

Between this class and my Brownie troop, I have come across a lot of fun science experiments for children. Simple things, like mixing common household ingredients to create homogeneous or heterogeneous mixtures. Remember that stuff when you were little? It was like magic.

Back to first day of school - it was crazy! These kids are a great group, but nine 3-year olds together know how to tear up a room. I'm going to have to let some things go I now realize.



Bruise update - it's a nice shade of yellow. Progress is being made.

Looks like Africa

It has now become the biggest bruise I've ever seen. Check this out:

And She's Down

Today I was setting up my preschool room and got this great idea for hanging something above the door. I pull over those itty bitty kiddy (not kitty) chairs to stand on - mistake #1. I put the chair on the non skid-proof mat in front of the door (mistake #2), and get to work.

I reach to tape something up and BAM- I'm on the floor. The itty bitty chair had slipped on the non no-slip rug and I'm down. Luckily, Maggie's playtime was not interrupted by my fall; no need to see if Mommy's O.K.

I am left with the funkiest bruise ever on the side/back of my thigh. Brad felt I must blog about it. He insisted on a picture with a pen to show scale. So here it is, my current ailment. I'm sitting on a bag of ice, not directly touching my skin of course, as I type. Too bad you can't see the swelling for full effect.

Happy Birthday Diane!

This post is a little late, her birthday was August 20th. I've been a bit busy being busy, but wanted to wish Brad's Mom a Happy Birthday for all to see.

She was gun-shy about having her picture made, so this is all I could come up with on her birthday. Further down is a better picture.



I wanted to say what a wonderful mother-in-law she is. I hit the In-law Powerball with her and Wayne. Diane is such a loving force in our lives, and for that I am truly grateful. She has really come through for us on so many occasions I cannot count. She and Wayne have come over at the wee hours of the morning when I was ill and hospitalized and when I went into labor with Maggie. There are no words to describe what it means to have people you can truly depend on, especially when your own children are involved. I have no worries (even though I may call like a maniac) when my girls are in her care. I grew up 2 doors down from my grandparents and wanted so badly for my girls to have the same kind of relationship with their grandparents as I did with mine. It warms my heart to see it become a reality. Every night Georgia and Maggie say their prayers and thank God for Granny Di and Poppy, and so do I.

When I think of Diane, so many wonderful things come to mind, but one particular memory pops in my head first. Shortly after Brad and I were married and living in Atlanta, we came to Nashville for Christmas. Diane had made my favorite cake, red velvet, and it said 'Happy Birthday Elisabeth'. My birthday is Christmas Day and so is my brother's. My entire life I have always shared a cake with my brother, and it always said 'Happy Birthday Andrew and Elisabeth'. I was touched to tears by this red velvet cake. That Diane had done this for me on such a busy and very important religious holiday meant so much, and I don't know if I've ever told her that. It sounds sorta silly, but really it's not. It's the kindness and thoughtfulness behind the act that meant so much. Thank you, Diane.

Okay, enough with the ushy-gushy stuff.

I also love that I can call her up about anything. She has a fantastic sense of humor and can take a joke. If you can't laugh about stuff, then life's no fun!



So Happy Birthday Diane! Know that you are loved and appreciated every day.

Rock With the Red and Roll With the Blue

The Brentwood Blaze had a pep ralley Friday night for all the football players and cheerleaders. It was actually really fun. Poor Georgia's uniform is too big, so it's pinned to stay on. It made the night a little difficult for her. It's interesting being the parent at these events now versus the child, because I remember this kind-of stuff so clearly from when I was in Grade School (as it was called before Elementary School).

The cheerleaders did a few cheers and then formed 2 lines for the players to run through. It was great, although Maggie was only there for the snowcones (she had 2). It got everyone pumped for the season, including me. I now go to bed with these cheers in my head and wake at 4am with them in my head.

I told Brad seeing all those cute litte boys in their uniforms almost made me want another baby. ALMOST.

House Party

Georgia comes home from school every day thinking that Maggie and I have been living it up while she's gone. Like Disneyland is 3o minutes away and we head there as soon as the bus pulls off. The reality is more like this:

Maggie eats cereal out of the box while standing on a chair. If this plus doing dishes and laundry is exciting stuff then the party is definitely at my house.

Back to School Again

The day has arrived. Loved by many, dreaded by many more. The first day of school. The anticipation, the picking of the right outfit, the perfect backpack. You remember those days.

Georgia rides the bus every day. Today she and Maggie waited at the bus stop together. The bus stop is basically at the end of our driveway. It's technically the driveway across the street, but depending on the direction of the bus it either picks up or drops off in our driveway. PERFECT!

I went to the school after she got on to take her school supplies for her, since they weigh too much. She got off the bus and was greeted by her Kindergarten teacher from last year. She was so excited to see her.

And here she is looking no so happy to be there. Maggie and I were happy though! We headed to Chik-fil-A for breakfast.

Whirling, Twirling Cartwheels

Georgia is cheering this Fall for football. She loves cheerleading, and this team is all about doing things right. So, pretty much everyone but Georgia can do cartwheels, flips, roundoffs, back handsprings, etc. YIKES! We're now working overtime trying to get her up to speed. Needless to say, I have never in my life done so much as a cartwheel. Apparently Brad has. This is news to me, so I had to document the feat.

He finished it off with a round-off. Perhaps Brad leads a double life that I know nothing about that includes megaphones and tight shorts!

Happy Birthday Maggie!

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

We spent this past week at our first ever family vacation. Brad and I have made previous trips without the girls, and Georgia has caught on to this. We decided to go to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg since they are both very family friendly places. We're not really beach people, so that was definitely out. We actually stayed a mile or so outside Pigeon Forge in Sevierville, TN. We loved where we stayed! We had a one bedroom condo with a view of the pool. They had this great kiddy pool that was only 2 feet deep and had a mushroom in it. You can see it in the far back of this picture. There was also a 3 foot heated lazy river that was really nice to relax in as the current moved you along. It is in the forefront of the picture. The regular pool is in the middle. Maggie kept saying she wanted to go in the kitty cat pool. I had no idea what she was talking about. It took me a full day to realize that when I was saying 'kiddy' that she was hearing 'kitty'. Hence the cat pool.

We were then off to Dollywood to ride rides, play games and ride more rides. No shows for us. No glass blowers or metal workers to be seen, we had rides to ride. Brad and I hit a big roller coaster each, but mostly we stuck to the smaller stuff for the girls. I rode the Tennessee Tornado with my eyes shut the entire time, no reason to see the terror when I can feel and hear it.

Next stop was Nascar Speedpark. More rides, putt-putt and go-karts here. Georgia literally cried when getting on these go-karts, remembering her less than pleasurable previous experience with me. She rode with Brad this time.

One day was spent at Ober Gatlinburg doing - you guessed it - riding rides! This is what we like to do. We rode the tram up - which I did not like at all. Trams are on my do not like list with elevators and planes. I thought the Stone Mountain tram was bad, then I got on this one! On top of the mountain we also saw a black bear exhibit. The girls really enjoyed that.

So now I need a rest from our vacation. We were going and going the entire time. I grew up in East Tennessee, so my family and I have been to Dollywood and Gatlinburg countless times. We used to go when Dollywood was still Silver Dollar City. But this time was different. Taking my children was a completely different experience. It was truly wonderful to see the look of sheer joy on their faces as the enjoyed the parks and pools. Brad and I were saying how we have found a new appreciation for what our parents did for us. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Oh Say What We Saw

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July! We did here. We hung out by the pool a bit and then headed to Nolensville for their first ever fireworks show. It was a lot of fun! Georgia was desperate to have a snow cone since her 2 best friends have had one and she hasn't. We stood in line forever at one place that had syrup but no ice. We then went somewhere else that had ice and no syrup. How does this happen?? I was too tired and hot to get ice at the second place and go back for syrup at the first. She had to settle for just a cup of crushed ice - YUM!

The girls got a bit scared at times though. Georgia was afraid the fireworks would catch our car on fire. Here are some pics of the show. My camera has a 'fireworks' setting, and this is what it caught:

On another note, my Dad lives in Oak Ridge and their show got canceled because no one there got a state permit for the display! Wouldn't that be step 1? Someone seriously messed up there. I can only imagine the disappointment, and hate mail, that ensued.