Month in Review: March!!

Easter is one of my favorite holidays, and even though it falls late this year, I couldn't wait to decorate at home! Caleb says I have an obsession with bunnies. Seeing my mantel, I guess I do :D For some reason bunnies and holiday things make me remember my Grandma, who was always decorating. 

My mom had surgery early in the month, in Winston Salem. She had a complete knee replacement. Awhile back, she had a hip replacement. Arnold likes to joke and say that she is bionic woman now! Anyway, Arnold and I took off work that day to spend the day in Winston with her and dad. The kids just happened to be off school that day for a teacher workday, so we took them down with us. 

I got to go back with mom when they were prepping her, and meet a few of her drs/nurses. I really don't like seeing my parents so vulnerable and about to have major surgery, so its been tough because I've seen that a lot lately. But the surgery went great! She only had to stay in the hospital for one night, and then dad took her home. She has been spending a lot of time at home in her recliner watching tv shows, reading some books I let her borrow, and napping. She has to do physical therapy a few times a week and they say she has already made great progress, and now she is walking around with a walker. The only time she doesn't feel very good is right after physical therapy and she gets tired and sore and its hard to bounce back. 

Dad is having to do a LOT more lately.. even though mom made sure to freeze a lot of meals for him before she went off to surgery ;) Dad has been cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, picking up our kids from school, and lots of other things while Mom can't. I am very thankful he was able to step up because I couldn't be working without their help with the kids!! 

Since we knew we'd be spending hours at the hospital just waiting while mom was in the operating room, we took the kids over to Hanes Mall for awhile. We all got some Dippin Dots, and walked around and looked at some stores. We even found a store with some discounted Simply Southern shirts (the girls' latest obsession!) And before we headed back to the hospital to see mom, we picked up a Get Well and smiley face balloon to lift her spirits :) 

One of my bffs Joanne and I hardly see each other these days since we're always so busy.. so we made plans to go out to dinner one Friday after I got off work. We went to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings, and then to walk around the mall some. There really isn't that much to do in our town.... but it was fun just being with her!

Brooke is always posting Instagram pictures of herself and making silly expressions or faces, etc. I am always picking on her about it, and so one day I decided to recreate the pictures and show her how silly they look. Although I know I exaggarated a little bit, it's not far off :P All she could do was laugh at me and say she hoped no one saw these pictures. Which they did..... oooops! 

Arnold and I try to go on a date every month, and for March we decided to go to the movies to see a Madea Family Funeral! We love all the Madea movies. Sadly, this is the last one Tyler Perry made, so we knew we had to go! We actually went to the earlier movie since it was cheaper, but the line was SO long, and the people before us actually got the last tickets. So we bought tickets for later on that night. Then we went out for awhile to some stores, and out to dinner. 

I am a fan of the Instagram page called "Woah Wait Walmart." They post really cute things that Walmart has lately, and always makes me want to buy! When I saw this shirt and sandals posted awhile back, I knew I wanted to get them. Actually I was only going to get the brown ones, but I said what the heck and got both. Im usually spending on the kids and not myself! ;) The Time and Tru line they have out right now is really cute and there are some good finds if you look. I'm not really picky about clothes, if it's cute I'll wear it. I have higher end stuff and cheap stuff! 

The girls have wanted to match a lot lately, so that is cute. I did their hair in side braids one day they were going to a friend's birthday party. Brooke said they made her look so much younger, but I said it's ok, I don't want her growing up so fast!! 

My parents graduated highschool in 1969, so this fall is their 50th class reunion! My dad was the class president, so he has to plan the thing! Whoever knows my dad knows that he is NOT a party person and he is sort of introverted and quiet like me. Although I find it crazy that in highschool he was so crazy popular. I was looking back at old pics of him and he was the captain of the football team, super smart, and won all kinds of awards. Mom was absolutely gorgeous (still is!) and was a majorette. I loved seeing all their old pictures! Mom says dad used to flirt with her all through highschool but she'd never agree to go on a date with him! They didn't even date til college! I love it when they tell me stories of when they were young. It's crazy and interesting to hear about what they were like before they got older and had kids. 

We celebrated St Pattys Day! My favorite color is green, so I love any day you're supposed to wear green clothes! It fell on a Sunday so Arnold and I both wore green shirts to church. Everyone said we were cute matching.. I know we're dorks but I'm big on tradition ;) And no im not Irish or anything, I just like the color!! (at least I think Im not... Im adopted and don't know much about my background! ;)

I think Rachel went a little overboard! ;) I got her the shirt and the headband, necklace and bracelet were actually a gift from someone at school. She was loving her look though ;) 

I found the BEST shop downtown that sells Simply Southern shirts, and Alex and Ani bracelets! My newest obsession is those bracelets! I was browsing around for the girls (like usual) and spotted the bracelets. They were having a sale that day, so I said maybe I should get one! I ended up picking the owl, because everyone knows I love them ;) The other bracelet is one my BFF Joanne gave me for my bday last year. Apparently the "thing" is to stack several of them! I already have my eye on the next one I want! ;) (HINT HINT Arnold for Mothers Day! ;) 

SO! I finally got around to getting a mouth guard, to wear at night. I grind my teeth in my sleep.. I have no idea I do it but the dentist says my back teeth look AWFUL from it, and it would be beneficial to get one. I just got one you can mold to your mouth at CVS. Arnold helped me make it... you had to boil the thing before you put it in your mouth.. although arnold forgot the step where you had to rinse it in cold water first, and he stuck it in my mouth! It was burning my gums and I kept saying OUCH! That hurts! Arnold was thinking I was being such a baby and said just hold it in there for 2 minutes! After 45 seconds I couldn't stand it and jerked it out. When he figured out he had burned me, he felt so bad. It's ok Arnie, I still love you ;) 

And to end up the month, ALEX flew into NC for the weekend! It was kinda a last minute decision so I was so excited!! He helped mom and dad do some work around the house and yardwork. We went over to have dinner with them Saturday night and Dad made homemade lasanga! Mom usually makes it for us, but since shes still recovering he did it! I was so proud of him ;) Then we took Alex to Pelicans to try a Snoball! He tried to strawberry shortcake flavor and really liked it! Arnold joked around and said he should open his own Pelicans stand in Florida! ;) 

Sunday morning Alex came to visit our church! Arnold, the kids and I all sat together on one row with him. Then we went back to mom and dads house and all had pizza for lunch! He flew back home Monday morning. I always hate having to say bye to him.. but the good news is that hes planning to come back and visit towards the end of the month! 

While we were waiting at Pelican's, the kids played games with their Uncle Alex! I love days where we are all together! I'm glad they have gotten to know their Uncle! 

Dad made all the yummy food and salads for us Saturday night! 

Just hanging out at Mom and Dad's (notice Mindy in the picture too.. their 14 year old black lab! We LOVE Mindy!!!! :) 

MY TOP THREE!!

FAVORITE NEWER SHOWS
This Is Us
The Good Dr
Splitting Up Together

FAVORITE MOVIES
Grease
Father of the Bride
Dirty Dancing

FAVORITE BOOKS
The Help
The Shack
Where the Crawdads Sing

FAVORITE ALL TIME FAVORITE SHOWS
Golden Girls
Friends
The Office

FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT
Applebee's

Mellow Mushroom

Red Lobster

FAVORITE HOLIDAYS

Christmas
Easter
July 4th

FAVORITE SUBJECTS IN HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE
English/Writing
Science
Psychology 

FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT MY JOB
I've made some great friends

I get to work with babies every day,      I don't have to work weekends

FAVORITE DRINKS
Sweet Tea
Fresh Lemonade
Cherry Coke

FAVORITE DESSERTS

Cookies N Cream Icecream

Brownies

Pelicans Snoballs

FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE

Proverbs
Genesis

Corinthians

FAVORITE FAMILY TRADITIONS

Southern Christmas Show
Oktoberfest, Fireworks

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES

Micah 6:8
1 Corinthians 13:4
Isaiah 41:10

FAVORITE WAYS TO MAKE TIME FOR MYSELF
Reading a book
Blogging, Shopping

FAVORITE TRIPS IVE BEEN ON

Cancun

Disney World

New York

 PLACES I STILL WANT TO VISIT

Italy

The deep south

Paris

 WORDS TO DESCRIBE MYSELF

Sensitive

Caring

Anxious

 FAVORITE BANDS

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Dave Matthews Band

Coldplay

 DISNEY MOVIES

The Little Mermaid

Aladdin

Beauty and the Beast

THINGS IM MOST PROUD OF

Giving birth to Brooke all naturally, drug free

Giving Joseph a better life through adoption

Going back to college as an adult

Month in Review: February 2019!

Rachel had awards day at school, and she got AB Honor roll!! She has been doing so great in 4th grade so far, and has stayed on the honor roll consistently. She also made Citizen of the Month!! We were surprised on that one. She asked me what is a good citizen?? LOL. I really am proud of her though, she is a sweet kid and helpful and kind to others. 

After 3 long years, Brooke got her braces off!!! The reason she got them on at such a young age was that they said we needed to correct her jaw shape. It was a V shape instead of the normal U shape, and pretty misaligned. You can tell from the pictures it really did make a big difference in her jaw and her smile. She was so happy to finally be able to eat taffy and popcorn again. She has to wear a retainer for awhile now, but it is the clear slip in kind, rather than the metal kind I had as a teen, so not too bad! 

Arnold and I have found our home church! It was one of my goals this year and it is now accomplished! I grew up Methodist and so switching over to Baptist made me a teeeeny bit nervous, but they really aren't that different! Although Baptists don't celebrate Lent, Ash Wednesday and giving something up leading up to Easter! Who knew?! Anyway, we officially became MEMBERS the other week, and we are thrilled. We have met a lot of amazing people already.

Arnold has become part of the praise team! Every few weeks he gets to get up on stage with the other musicians and play guitar! The kids and I have gotten a big kick out of watching him. We're like his own little fan club ;) The first day he played he was blushing on stage and so nervous, but I think he's getting the hang of it now! 

We have been really great about going to church every Sunday, and getting back into the swing of things. I have had to get out of my comfort zone a little and wear dresses, leggings, etc. to church on Sundays. We came from a very laid-back, casual church before, so I was used to wearing jeans! And I know it doesn't technically matter what you wear to church, but I was always taught you dress up nice for Church out of respect ;) Poor Rach isn't loving the dresses either, shes more of a tomboy these days! ;)

What do you do when you get your braces off?? Go out to celebrate and eat cheesecake of course! You think she would have picked something with caramel or nuts, something she wasn't supposed to have while she had braces. But she was happy with plain ol strawberry cheesecake! It was ok because I got to finish what she didn't eat ;)

I have gotten back into reading on a regular basis this year, and I still prefer a good old-fashioned book to a kindle, so one weekend I went out searching for a new book to read. I had heard great reviews on "Where the Crawdads Sing" and so I picked it up. Well it lived up to the hype-- I loved it!! It actually will probably be added to my list of all-time favorite books! It's somewhat of a mystery, but the actual story is just really good and sucked me in. I stayed up one evening really late and had to finish it! Then I loaned it to my friend Kim. And she loved it too! Now my mom has it and I think she'll enjoy it as well! 

We had a tree cut down in our yard last month. It was the pecan tree in our front yard. Arnold had been saying for a while that it was unsafe and the way it was positioned in front of our house, it would have been dangerous if we had a bad storm or something, and it fell on our house. Luckily our neighbor across the street cuts down trees and he gave us a great deal! We made it a family affair afterward and had everyone pitching in to clean up all the limbs and sticks in the yard, because it was a mess! I know it's silly to get so emotional over a tree, but I hated to see it go. We often took pictures of the kids in front of that tree. 

Brooke has been growing her hair out for a long time, and everytime I suggest cutting it, she fights me on it and says that she looks soo much better with long hair and she would never cut it. But there have been so many frustrations and tears over knots that would constantly get in her hair, and she eventually agreed to go get some cut off. So although it wasn't drastic, she did get a few inches cut off and the split ends are gone, and it looks so much better. 

That same day we were at the mall getting Brooke's haircut, we stayed at the mall for awhile, doing some shopping, and the kids had to stop for soft pretzels and lemonade! My mom used to always get me a pretzel when I went to the mall with her as a kid :)

Our poor Rachel got the FLU last month!! We got a call from school one day saying she had a fever. Arnold took her to the dr and sure enough, she had flu! A few days later, Brooke got the flu also! Our house was full of germs for days! I am SO happy and confused as to how Arnold, Caleb and I didn't catch it, but thankfully we stayed healthy! And this all happened over Valentine's, so we didn't have much fun this year! And Rachel missed her class party! :( But her teacher was sweet enough to save all the valentines and candy she got and bagged it up for her when she got back :)

One day while Brooke was at a friend's house, we took Caleb and Rachel to Udderly Delicious for Icecream! We love going there, the icecream is the best! I usually get cookies n cream in a waffle cone. They also have the best icecream cakes for birthdays and special events (hint hint Arnold ;) 

2019 Resolutions & Goals

1. Find a church home and get involved
We are in the process of this right now. We have found a church we really like, and we actually know a lot of people that go there. We have been between churches for awhile and I hate to admit it, but we didn't attend church as much as I would have liked this past year. We are ready to change that. At this new church, Arnold has already gotten involved with the praise band and will play some sundays. I will probably end up helping in the children's ministry, because let's be honest, that's what I'm good at ;) Arnold and I also plan to join a small group, and we want Brooke involved with the youth group.

2. Go on a date every month with Arnold
Arnold and I are already pretty good about going out on dates once a month. It really is important to spend one-on-one time with your spouse if you can. Even if it's to do something simple. Thankfully our parents live close by, so they have always helped out with the kids. I know it's hard when you don't have family nearby to babysit. I think our March date will be to go see the new Madea movie.. I can't wait!

3. Get more organized.
I'm ready to Marie Kondo the heck out of this house. I read her book a long time ago and loved it, but I never really did any of her steps. Now the Netflix show is a big hit, and I'm watching it. It's giving me the itch to be organized. I have always been horrible at being organized. I did clean out a few of Rachel's drawers the other day, got rid of some old clothes, and neatly folded her things. I found out two things-- I love being able to see everything when it's all neatly stacked in the drawer. And that girl has WAY too many pairs of pajamas. I'm ashamed to even write the number I counted. Arnold says I have a problem.

4. Read 75 books. 
I am already on my 9th book for this month. But that is not the norm. I usually read a little less than that a month. I spend way too much time on social media and my phone than I should. I could be spending that time reading. I help out at work with toddler naptime, and IF they all go to sleep that day, I get to read for awhile, which is awesome. Anyway, I am going to make my goal 75 books this year... we will see if that really happens. I need to still blog about my book review for everything I read last year.

5. Get my anxiety under control.
Yes most of you know I have *horrible* anxiety and have since I was a kid. I have learned to manage it a little better over the past few years, but I am going through a rough patch lately. I have been dealing with some things, seeing a therapist sometimes and adjusting some things with my medicine. I'm not ashamed to say these things, either. So many people suffer with mental issues and it's nothing to be ashamed of. I actually probably will blog sometime about my struggles with it. I know I am not alone!

6. Do family and couple devotions.
We used to be pretty good about doing devotions with the kids every night before bed, since we were reading books to them anyway. We've slacked off some but I want to get back into the habit. Especially now that the kids are getting older, dealing with new issues and things, and I want them to have a solid faith and positive home life so hopefully they make good decisions when they aren't with us. Arnold said he wants us to start some couple devotions, too. We've never done those together, but I think it'd be fun!

7. Write more blogs.
I love to write. Always have. Even if it's something simple and I know noone will ever read it. I have enjoyed blogging for the past 10 years. I use it as a way to remember things we did, kindof like a family journal. And sometimes I use it for theraputic purposes.. it always makes me feel better to write things out. I used to blgo a lot more when I was a stay-at-home mom, but since I started working I've slacked off. I want to start again though, so I'm going to try my best.

8. Be a better friend.
One of the things I pride myself in is being a good and loyal friend. When I become friends with someone, I am there... to have fun, listen, spend time, and whatever you need. I keep secrets, plan fun things to do together, and pick out special gifts, even just because gifts. Anyway--- I feel like this past year or two, starting to work so much and also dealing with some anxiety, I haven't been the greatest friend. And to those of you out there reading this that I know are my good friends-- I need to say I'm sorry. If I haven't messaged enough... asked enough about how you are doing... planned enough girls nights... I really do care and you guys mean the world to me. I plan to be better this year. Starting with a fun GNO in February! ;)

9. Be more active.
At the end of the day I'm just plain exhausted. I don't want to do much but sit around and rest. But I know that getting outside and walking is for the best, and I plan to do that more as a family this year. Ok maybe not RIGHT NOW when it's freezing cold, but at least soon... as it gets towards Spring time ;)

10. Make me a dental and yearly dr appointment. 
As I am a naturally anxious person, I'm sure you can understand that I absolutely HATE GOING TO THE DENTIST AND THE DOCTOR. Hate it with a passion. I get nervous, I get embarassed, I just hate everything about it. Luckily I have been blessed with not a SINGLE CAVITY my whole life. How that is possible, I don't know. BUT, I do know that I still need to go to the dentist more often, and go get those dreaded woman checks we are supposed to have. I'm behind on both, so I need to just bite the bullet and call and schedule these appointments. I know I'll hate it, but I know my body/teeth will thank me!

A Look Back at 2018!

1. What did you do in 2018 that you have never done before?

-Got my nose pierced (didn't last long!)
-Rented a car (for our disney trip)



2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for 2019?
I wanted to lose some weight and lost about 12 lbs. Not much, but it's a start.


3. Did anyone close to you give birth in 2018?
Surprisingly, no! My cousin found out she is pregnant, though.


4. Did anyone close to you die in 2019? 
Thankfully NO! But our sweet dog Charlie died :(

5. What states/countries did you visit this year?
Georgia and Florida. Caleb went with his Grandparents to Missouri. 

6. What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?
Condidence and Patience-- that is what I'm always lacking! 

7. What date from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Mothers Day was the day we watched our sweet Charlie die. It was so sad. 
On a happier note-- the day we walked into the Magic Kingdom with the kids! 


8. What was your biggest struggle in 2018?
My anxiety flared up pretty badly again and Ive had some struggles.

9. Did you suffer any illness or injury in 2018?
I fell and hurt my ankle pretty badly.. ended up at the hospital but thankfully it wasn't broken!


10. What was the best thing you bought this year?
A new car!

11. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Rachel did amazing at school! She made honor roll all year and made amazing scores on her End of grade tests! 

12. Whose behavior disappointed you?
My ex-sister in law. Man that girl went crazy insane. And really hurt a lot of people. 

13. Where did most of your money go?
Probably to bills, food, and Christmas gifts

14. What did you get really really excited about this year?
Our trip to Disney World and paying off some big debt

15. What song will always remind you of 2018?
"If It's Meant to Be".   Good gracious I heard that song way too much.

16. Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, much nicer or richer?
I feel about the same-- we are a little more well off now that my job now pays more. 

17. What do you wish you had done more of? 
Spent more quality time with the kids.. a lot of the time were were working or so tired FROM working.


18. What do you wish you had done less of?
Probably should have spent less time on social media! 

19. Did you fall in love in 2018?
More in love with Hubby ;) hehe

20. What was your favorite TV Program in 2018?
My favorite new show I watched was The Good Doctor

21. What was the best book you read this year?
When We Were Young by Karen Kingsbury 

22. What was your greatest musical discovery this past year?
I got more into country music, and especially Eric Church. Thanks to my coworkers ;)

23. What did you want and get?
New floors in the living room!

24. What was the best movie you saw this year?
Kids Movie- Incredibles 2.. but also Christopher Robin. I LOVE Winnie the Pooh! 
Adult Movie- Mama Mia 2

25.What did you do on your birthday and how old did you turn?
I turned 33. Went out to dinner with some friends, and mom made homemade lasanga for me like she always does!

26. What one thing would have made your year more satisfying?
To have been able to get new kitchen floors, but we used too much money paying off debt! 
27. How would you describe your personal fashion statement this year?
Mostly khakis and polos, I am always at work!

28. What kept you sane this year? 
Jesus, anxiety meds, hubby :)

29. What celebrity did you fancy the most? 
The girls got me into Cole and Savannah Labrant, they are youtube celebrities.

30. Who did you miss this past year?
My brother and nieces who are in Florida!!!!

31. Who were the best new people you met this year?
Sylvia and Briana who became co-workers of mine! :)
32. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year:
Things can change in an instant, so value every moment you have. 

December and Christmas 2018!

Early in the month of December we got some snow!! We don't get a lot of snow in NC, so it's always a big deal around here. We also got WAY more than we usually get, around 12-14 inches in our area. The kids and I aren't huge on the snow, so we took a few pictures and mostly stayed inside. But it did make the backyard look beautiful! I got a day off of work from it, so that was nice! And the kids got practically a whole week off. Our town practically shuts down when there's snow, no one knows how to handle it ;) We were so lucky we didn't lose power though, so many of our friends and family did! 

The month of December we made a lot of weekend shopping trips to buy presents! Rachel went with me most of the times, and we always had to stop by to get some treats. Sometimes it was hot chocolate from Starbucks! 

We went to see the new Grinch movie and it was so cute! And yes I really do have more than one child. but Rachel is the only one who lets me still take a lot of pictures of her! The other two are grumpy preteens these days. 

One of Rachel's favorite things to do is draw. She decided to draw some pretty Christmas themed pictures, and gave some to me and Arnold. Arnold took his to work and taped them up outside his cubicle, I thought that was really sweet. And Rachel felt proud ;) 

We did our week of Secret Santa at work. My friend Scottie had my name. I wasn't sure who mine was, but halfway through the week I started getting suspicious because of how she was always interested in what I had gotten that day ;) The first day she got me some cute owl ornaments! I collect owl stuff, so that was perfect. The next day she got me some butterfingers and funyuns, so it was a nice snack that afternoon at work. Wednesday she got me a big pack of diet cokes. Which Arnold and the kids stole from me! Thursday she got me some body sprays and cute fuzzy socks. And on the last day which was the big gift, she got me a Chick Fila giftcard, and some monogram earrings, all in a CUTE pineapple basket filled with chocolates! She did GREAT and I am thankful for all my stuff!!! :) 

This year we had planned to go to the mountains to pick out a Christmas tree, but we never made it. So we bought one down the road at Foodlion. Sometimes they have good, full trees, but this year it was a dud! I told Arnold how ugly it was, and I seriously wanted to cry because it was skinny, had bare spots, and a few branches even broke right off. But we made do with it and I learned my lesson-- next year we WILL be headed to get mountains to get a good tree! ;) 

Brooke had moved up to WOMENS size clothes! I can't believe it. At Old Navy they had some really pretty shirts I thought would be nice to wear to Christmas events, and when she saw mine she liked it. So I offered to get her the same one. I figured she'd say that was lame because we'd be matching, but to my surprise she loved it! We had to take a matching picture! Aren't we cute sisters?! ;) I always joke that I hope I age well so one day maybe people would mistake us for sisters ;) I'll only be 38 when she graduates!!!!

We had a wonderful time at Arnold's cousin's annual Christmas party. So much of Arnold's family comes over to her house and we have a big meal and it's a lot of fun. This year Beth made homemade lasanga and it was delicious! Rachel picked out the most adorable dress this year to wear, and she looked like a little candy cane! Everywhere we went people commented on how cute she was. I will miss it so much when she doesn't dress "cutesy" anymore! Anyway, I think we all looked pretty good.. even Arnie wore a tie! ;) The kids got some sweet presents, and racked up on some cash to pick some stuff out at the store, which they love doing! 

Max thought he would be my helper this year when I was wrapping gifts! Everytime id get started on one, hed come running and jump onto the paper and sit there. I had to end up putting him in the bedroom so I could finish! I started wrapping the presents and Arnold finished the ends, which I hate to do! 

Christmas morning was so much fun... we had picked out a lot of fun gifts for the kids this year. Not pictured is Brooke, who got a new cellphone. She was on cloud 9. I got a video of her opening it up. Arnold and I braved the black friday crowds to get a great deal on that phone, so I told her shed better take good care of it! She DID use her own money to buy a nice case for it, so that made me happy!!

Rachel still loves dolls and toys, which I love. This year might be the last year of buying stuff like that, so I MIGHT have went a little overboard! She ended up with a few new dolls, a Hatchimal, LOL dolls, a Fingerling panda, and all kinds of the "trendy" toys right now. One thing I got her, she was surprised she got and said she didn't even know what it was. I told her well you circled it in the toy catalog! And she said she basically circled everything! Oops! Oh well, it was fun. Arnold is just frustrated with all the little pieces around the house from all her playsets, so we have to get them organized! 

Caleb mostly wanted Xbox stuff, like games and a new controller. He also got some new Cuddleduds sheets for his bed (the SOFTEST!!) and a few other things, and of course, NEW BOOKS! He actually likes to read like I do. The girls do not really care for it :(

Arnold and I said we weren't going to exchange gifts this year, but of course he surprised me with a few things! He even wrapped them up and stuck them in my stocking.. he is so sweet. He got me a matching necklace and earrings which were a greenish stone, my favorite color! They are so pretty. And some penguin fuzzy socks. AND a 2lb Reeses pack! Those reese cups were HUGE and I couldn't finish even one in a sitting.. I felt sick after all the peanut butter. But I loved everything he got, he is so thoughful! 

Later on Christmas day we went to mom and dads house for lunch and presents. Brooke and Caleb got new hoodies. Rachel got more LOL doll stuff. I got new leggings and a Barnes and Noble gift card (Ive already bought 2 new books with it!!) I got my mom some Soma pjs, a photo calandar of the kids from this past year, and a book called Letters to Mom that I filled out for her. She said she has already read it several times and just loves it. It is filled with memories and inside jokes and everything.. I think my dad was a little jealous! I'll have to buy the Letters to Dad version for him for Fathers Day! Anyway, if you need a sentimental gift for someone, check them out on Amazon! They have versions for all family members, and teachers and friend, etc! 

Rachel recently got a new shirt that said Me plus Dad equals Awesome Squad and that is what she wanted to wear, even though it wasnt Christmas themed at all! She wanted to take a picture with her Daddy, and I guess they think they are all that ;) 

Mom of course made her FAMOUS HOMEMADE LASANGA for Christmas lunch! There is nothing btter in the world! Dad picks on me for taking so many pictures for Facebook and my blog.. he says no one cares what we are eating!! So I take a picture of her cooking at every holiday now as a joke ;) 

Later on that afternoon we went to my Grandpas house to visit for awhile, and then that night we didn't have anything to do, we decided to go out for dinner. Theres not a lot open on Christmas day, and NY Hibachi Grill was too crowded so we ended up at the Hickory Station. I had never been there before. Its not really kid friendly, but it was ok. I loved the shrimp and grits that I ordered, it was delicious! 

Why Preschool Teachers are the Best!!!

Here's to all my co-workers and friends who do these things on a daily basis. Thanks for making a difference in the lives of sweet little ones!!






1. We spend 32, 35, some even 40 hours a week with your little ones.

2. We wipe butts, noses, and spit up off our own clothes.

3. We read books-- sometimes the same book-- over and over again.

4. We sing Baby Shark in our sleep at night because we sing it that much.

5. We soothe tantrums over lost shoes, pulled hair, and not sharing.

6. We search for and locate lost socks, pacis, and favorite toys.

7. We organize parties, special days for the kids, and help fund raise.

8. We know your kids favorite color, what they did last night, and what they say they dream to be when they grow up.

9. We can prepare a bottle, soothe a crying child, and change a diaper all at the same time.

10. We can pat 3 toddlers on different cots at naptime, trying to get them to sleep.

11. We give breathing treatments, apply icepacks, and kiss boo boos.

12. We know your child's special quirks-- how they like their bottle. the only place they will sleep, and what to do when they are grumpy.

13. We have perfected our animal sounds and special voices to get laughs.

14. We can spot a paci thief a mile away.

15. We know how to distract a class when the "scary trash man" pulls up at school.

16. We clean up cheerios, puke, and tracked in dirt off the floor.

17. We scarf down lunch, run to the bathroom, clean up the room on the rare occasion everyone is asleep at at naptime.

18. We say things like "dont lick the wall." "Put your clothes back on." And "If you sleep for just 15 minutes I'll give you a sticker."

19. We add parents on facebook so we can keep up with "our babies" as they grow.

20. We love each and every child, and secretly tear up a little when they move on to the next class.