First Snow 12/18/10

On Saturday, it snowed big flakes. It didn't stay, but Clayton just HAD to go play in it!

Can't Help But Smile!

Even on rough days like today, when no one wants to listen to instructions or take a nap, I just can't help but smile! I mean, who could be cuter?!

Sibling Love ... well, at least for the moment!

Cute and smiley even with banana hair!

Adorable even when telling me to stop taking pictures!

And, of course, feeding time is always a happy time!

Love these smiling faces!!!

Parentisms....

So there are some "parentisms" that I said I would NEVER say! Things like "because I said so" or "life's not fair". However, now that I am a parent, I find myself either saying them or on the brink. What is it about being a mom that makes all of these sayings make sense or at least come out of your mouth?

Clayton's favorite question is WHY. Usually this question is preceeded by me asking him to brush his teeth, or put his his pajamas on, or put his plate in the sink. To which I can only come up with one response, "because I said so". Right now, this is the only reason he will actually respond to. If I try to explain that the sun has gone down, which means it's bedtime, and thus he should put his pajamas on, he asks WHY again. So if I just say, "because I said so", then I waste less time.

Even more recently, Clayton has begun saying that things aren't fair. (Hence the picture of him yelling at me to stop taking pictures!) Like when it's time to clean up his art stuff or leave the house, he yells saying that it's not fair. I'm not one who is a fan of the "life's not fair" bit, but I have said that I am the parent and that's how it is going to be. I think he confused the word "parent" to "fair one", since one day he told me that he was the fair one. Interesting twist of words, I think.

There are still more parentisms that I don't really think I can see myself using. Most of which I refer to as "eddie-isms", my dad, since I don't know that anyone else used them. When we were in trouble or jokingly talking about someone getting in trouble, my dad would say "Katie better bar the door!" Not that any of us were named katie, this is just what he said. Then, if we asked my dad where he was going, he would respond with "Hollywood". So, as you can tell, these parentisms would not easily be in my parenting vocabulary.

So my question is, anyone else have a better response to the age-old question of "why"? And what other things do you catch yourself saying to your kids that you swore you never would?

Clayton in a box

As we decorate for Christmas, and bring out the boxes, Clayton finds a new pastime....

Clayton, meet the box ... box, meet Clayton!

We have a semi-contortionist on our hands!

In my opinion, Christmas is done ... we just have to get him a box!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 30!

I am thankful for crockpots and yummy recipes! On this rainy, cool, fall day, I am so excited to have stuffed meatballs going in the crockpot. Mouth watering?? Here is the yummy recipe (via Paula Deen):

1 lbs ground beef
1 lbs ground pork (i think your favorite ground meat will do)
4 T grated parmesan cheese
1 to 1 1/2 cups italian bread crumbs
3 large eggs
1 t salt
1/2 t black pepper
2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 T fresh basil, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 t dried oregano
4 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into 12 pieces
2 jars spaghetti sauce
2 pounds spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente

Combine meat, parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic, basil, parsley, and oregano. Add bread crumbs to mixture 1/2 cup at a time until mixture is not too wet and can be molded into a ball. Make 12 meatballs. Make a hole in each meatball and place a piece of the fresh mozzarella inside, then mold over again.

Heat up a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet. Place meatballs in skillet just until browned. Add meatballs to crockpot and pour spaghetti sauce on top. Cook on low for about 5 hours. Serve over spaghetti noodles.

I thoroughly enjoy cooking and when I can find an easy recipe that I can assemble, let cook, and still play with the kids.


As a reflection, I have enjoyed my 30-Day Thank You (thanks for the idea, Jessica!). Looking back, I have so much to be thankful for! And even though there were days that I really had to think and get creative with my thank yous, there is always something. So grateful for all of my blessings!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 29

Today I am thankful for shatterproof ornaments! Clayton and I decorated the tree today and between the two of us, I think we dropped at least a dozen ornaments on the hardwood floor. Love that they bounced and came right back to us! Christmas is at our house!!

Is Christmas at your house??
November is almost over ... what are you most thankful for??

30 Day Thank You ... Day 28

Today was a much needed day! Patrick had to speak in church and spent the majority of the morning preparing his talk. So it was me and the kids eating breakfast, playing, getting dressed, etc. And they were so well-behaved!

Then, off to church we went, running a little behind schedule. Patrick's parents were there to hear him speak, so I had extra help to watch the kids. However, Maecie slept the whole time and Clayton was extremely well-behaved! He sat by my side, played with his etch-a-sketch, and didn't cause a disturbance.

Patrick wasn't the only one to speak, there were two other women who also gave talks. Being that we have 2 children, I don't normally get to hear the speakers. We spend a lot of time in the lobby or making trips to the bathroom. But with Maecie sleeping and Clayton quietly occupied, I was able to hear all 3 speakers. It was as if the meeting was made just for me!

The first speaker spoke about time...having time for your family, church, and loved ones. And not always worrying about having everything perfect. I am constantly worrying about keeping the house clean, dinner made and happy children. But I need to slow down and make sure I am making time for my family, prayer time, and the most important thing in my life.

The second speaker spoke on having an attitude of gratitude. When the house is a mess, or the dinner burns (or never gets cooked), or money is a little tight, it is better to be thankful for the things you do have. Strong, healthy children and a roof over our heads or "that crayons and play dough are non-toxic"! These two ladies helped me to realize that I am in a stage of my life, where my kids are my top priority, my house is lived in, and I need to be paying attention to the things that matter most - quality time!

Then Patrick spoke on the Holy Ghost and how it can be a comfort and a messenger. We need to be listening to the Spirit so we know what it is that we are to be doing.

So today, I am thankful that I was able to hear the speakers, know what my Heavenly Father has in store for me, and to remember that I'm not the only one! I am not the only one who struggles with the kids, the house, and balancing my life. But if I continue to listen to what Heavenly Father has for me, I will be blessed!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 27

Today is an easy one .... I am thankful for CHOCOLATE! I love it in just about any form ... cookies, cakes, candy, chocolate chips ... dark, milk, or semi-sweet. But of course, white chocolate does not count cause it's not real chocolate!

And I'm thankful that my son has inherited my love and thankfulness for chocolate! We made brownies last night and he licked the bowl!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 26

Today I am thankful for pictures. Pictures capture the memories, the moments we never want to forget, and the way things were. Without them, I might forget how adorable my little boy was when he was a baby, or what things looked like at my wedding. However, with the ability to take pictures, print them, frame them, or put them into books, we can keep these memories fresh! So thankful for pictures and the people who are able to take GREAT ones!!

The following pictures were taken just a week ago!

30 Day Thank You .... Days 23, 24, and 25

So I'm a little behind ... oh well! Here's to catching up...

Day 23 - I am thankful for Grandparents. My grandparents are wonderful, caring people who have always shown me great love and a great example. And now that I have children, I'm glad that their grandparents are just as awesome! I love that Clayton knows his grandparents, asks about them often, and when he sees them, runs to them, calling their name and gives them a 'slam hug'! (a slam hug is one where you are running as fast as you can, with arms outstretched, and don't stop until you slam into the one you want to hug.) It warms my heart that my children love their grandparents as much as I do!
Grandparents want to hold children, feed them, take them on play dates, and give me a much needed break! How awesome!! (did I say that already?)

Day 24 - I'm thankful for the gym. I headed to the gym today (the 24th) in hopes to work off my pre-Thanksgiving calories. We'll see how well that one works! However, the gym I attend offers childcare and I LOVE it! The workers in the childcare know my children by name. They smile when the kids come in. And my kids smile when they see the workers too! Maecie kicks her legs when they pick her up....Clayton talks Ms. Mindi's ear off about all the things he has done in the morning. I can work out without worrying about my children because I know they are in capable hands. So thank you gym and thank you to those helping me get to the gym (you know who you are!)

Day 25 - It's Thanksgiving Day! Meaning there are only a few days left in the month! And today, we are going to Florence and eating with extended family. This is probably the first holiday in many years that we have spent with extended family. Growing up, we had many holidays with aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends. And as we got older, these family gatherings were few and far between. Now, they rarely exist. My siblings and I have spouses and children of our own, making it hard enough just to get the immediate family together.
So today, I am thankful for my extended family, our 'family gatherings' (that my parents used to make me go to and as a teenager i dreaded), and the fact that we can get together and continue to share stories, "memories", and eat wonderful food! Love my family!!!

30 Day Thank You ... Days 21 and 22

So this week is kind of nice. While I used to be one counting down the days to a few work-free-fun days, I am now unsure of what a "day off" entails. But VERY happy about it at the same time! So this morning, after going to the gym, I promised Clayton we would go to the park and play. It was nice because there are quite a few parks in the Charlotte area within a short driving distance. Nothing to rush off to, or worry about cleaning the house for, so we played until we were done. My thank you? I am thankful for these FREE public parks that are well-maintained and that my son loves to play at. It gives us a break from the mundane-ness of playing in the house or just the front yard. And usually they are covered in trees and walkways and just pretty nature.

Day 22 Thank you goes out to understanding mothers! Today, I commiserated with one mom who's husband had to work all weekend and didn't feel the difference between the weekend and a week day.
Another mother complimented Maecie's hairbow today and we discussed how important it has been to accessorize our daughters. It may see silly to some, but having just the right bow, pair of shoes or tights, can make her cute dresses and outfits even cuter. And don't all mom's want their children to be THE CUTEST?!
I then went to the store. And as I had loaded up my baby carseat and toddler into the shopping cart to head into the store, another mother, in my same predicament, was exiting the store. We gave each other sympathetic glances and she said "good luck!". Not necessarily because my children are bad or hers were bad, but just the everyday activities, like going to the store, are not easy. And when your child does scream because you won't buy every box of cookies they ask for, it's nice to have a smile from passing stangers, instead of dirty looks.
To all the mothers out there who are doing the best they can, you are a great mom! Way to go!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 20

Some sew, some decorate, some make bookshelves ... I bake!

The smells of Fall and Thanksgiving are some of my favorites. I don't know what it is, but as soon as the weather turns chilly, I am ready to bake! So here are my latest endeavors...

Homemade bread is just yummy! Especially straight out of the oven...

Oatmeal raisin cookies give off that sweet cinnamon smell when they bake...Patrick said they taste like a khashi bar, but there is way too much sugar and butter to be healthy!

And best of all ... orange rolls! Had these for the first time in college while visiting with my roommate's family for Thanksgiving and fell in love!

Oranges, cinnamon and bread ... thankful for these lovely fall smells and the ability to bake them! Now, who will help me eat all of this?!

30 Day Thank You...Day 19

So thankful for my DVR today! Since I am curbing Clayton's tv time, I am unable to catch all of my favorite shows. Because of my DVR, I can watch whatever I would like when the kids go to bed and I have a moment to relax.
Also, because of DVR, I have "The Cat in the Hat" or "Chuggington" or any of Clayton's other shows 'on demand' for the few times a day he gets to watch a show.
How did we ever have successful tv shows before the DVR??

Why I Love Music!

An example of my love for music. This is an actual clip of one of my choirs (actually, my favorite all girls choir) that I taught. They were 7th and 8th graders at the time, but now are 10th and 11th graders. Of course there are some improvements that could have been made, but they made me cry this night!

30 Day Thank You .... Day 18

Today I'm thankful for music. I know that is kind of a general thing, but knowing me and my background, music is a pretty BIG thing in my life. I have been a part of choir in school and church since I can remember. And what better way to express your feelings that through song?

For example, words can be moving and inspirational. But when put to music, it can warm your heart and move you to tears. This can happen to me at church at any given moment. The words, the instruments, the voices, all coming together at just the right moment and I can just feel the goosebumps starting.

Consider Christmas music. No, Thanksgiving has not yet occurred, and yes, you can already find Christmas music in stores and on the radio. HOWEVER, there is no Thanksgiving music. I'm pretty sure that if there were, that is all you would hear. Instead, we begin listening to all of the great music out there to get us in the spirit of family, togetherness, and service. I'm one of those, that on a rotten day in July, I might be inclined to put in a Christmas cd and forget all of my worries. Christmas music makes you happy! Listen to it and get happy!

If none of those things express how important music is/can be, then consider a bad day. You are driving home from work/school/or an uncomfortable situation, and feeling sad or mad. Then your favorite song comes on the radio. Turn it up and see how quickly your mood shifts.

Music is so comforting that those who claim they don't listen to music are really missing out! Pretty sure that if some of our politician and school representatives would take the time to turn on the radio, visit the Opera/Broadway/Symphony, things could function just a little better.

So thankful for music in my life!!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 17

Today is my Mom's birthday! And for her birthday, she and my aunt have always attended the Southern Christmas Show here, in Charlotte. I have only been able to attend with them one other time and that was 4 years ago. Today, I got to go again! My sweet, wonderful, and fabulous husband took the day off, stayed home with the kids and let me spend whatever I wanted!! (well, he never complains anyway.) Because of his sacrifice, I was able to not just spend the day with my mom, but also with my Aunt Carrie, and two of my sisters, Candice and Logan.

My mom is my one of my best friends! I can call her on any day and receive advice, reassurance, and love for anything I need. Today, I'm thankful for my mom and the wonderful person that she is. And also for my husband for letting me celebrate this day with my mom!

Clayton and Grammie in deep thought, watching cars go by!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 16

Thank you, PBS! Because of you, I can let my sweet boy watch a little TV while I make dinner or take care of a not-so-happy baby, and he won't be copying bad manners. No, with PBS, he will learn new words , like "immaculate", and have ideas, such as making birds nests with objects from home. And don't forget PBS.org, which gives me a great ideas as a parent, and gave me some good ideas when I was teaching! Thanks for being a refreshing, good influence!

The nest that we made with leaves, twigs, raffia string, streamers and paper.

A very proud little boy of his make-shift nest!

7 Months and Standing?!

I have always heard that girls hit milestones faster than boys. But I am not prepared for this little princess! At 6 months she was crawling! And now, at only 7 months, she is pulling up and standing every chance she gets! I just know she's going to be walking soon, but can't she slow down just for a little bit?!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 15

Every Monday is Zumba day! I started going to a zumba class about 2 months ago and LOVE IT! And I love the fact that it's on Monday. It kick starts my week in the right direction.

Zumba is a workout class that is more like a dance class to me. It's high energy and tons of fun! And even though I danced as a child and teenager, nothing has prepared me for watching myself, two kids later, in the wall of mirrors, trying to "pump it"! But thank goodness no one judges! :)

30 Day Thank You ... Day 14

Today I am thankful for technology! With family and friends living farther away than I would like, technology is a HUGE necessity. I can email, text, or send a picture within seconds. If I need a "pick-me-up", then my mom is just a phone call away.

The coolest thing was when I was able to upload Maecie's rolling over video online. Even family in Texas were able to view the event! How cool is that?!

So thanks technology gurus for all of your intelligence to make communication better!

30 Day Thank You .... Day 13

Two thank you's in one today....

I am thankful for KHOLS! It's such a wonderful store that has great prices. I also LOVE the fact that they send coupons at least once a month. Sometimes your coupon can be 15%, or 20% or you can get lucky and get 30% off! And what did I get just before Christmas ... 30% ... WHOOHOO!

Now, who introduced me to this lovely store that I love? My wonderful mother-in-law. She showed me where to find the clearance and to only go during coupon times. I find great clothes for my family and save money!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 12

Today I am grateful that my kids want to play with me! I enjoy taking time out of cooking and cleaning and folding laundry to play games and laugh with my children. Today, Clayton asked me to play cars with him. So we raced our cars down the hallway to see who could be the fastest. Then, we faced each other and tried to crash the cars into each other. Each time, Clayton would laugh and Maecie would giggle. It was the greatest!



Racing cars down the hallway...

Maecie pulling up on her chair while watching Clayton race cars!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 11

With today being Veteran's Day, I am thankful for all of the men and women who have served our country! I am also very proud of my Grandfather, Ed Watkins, aunt, Libby Rhodes, Uncle, Tim Harvey, and the MANY other family members who have served in the Armed Forces. I personally know that they and their families made sacrifices to make sure our freedoms are secure.

Because I live in America, I can worship how, when, where, and who I would like. I can wear the clothes I would like. I can buy the things I want. I can have my children and teach them in the way I would like for them to grow up. And every person who has fought to allow these freedoms, I am thankful for!

Even as I write this, tears come to my eyes. Because I can only hope and pray that we are able to continue to fight and live the way we are accustomed to. I am not sure if my children will experience the same freedoms as they become adults. However, I know that if we continue to pull together and fight for our country, we will always be the America we have grown to love.

30 Day Thank You ... Day 10

Dear Movie Theatre,

Not only do you provide great entertainment, but you also offer a great place for a Girls Night Out. Which, being a stay-at-home-mom, I partake in much more often than I ever have! You have late night options, which allow for me to help put the kids to bed and still go out to enjoy some relaxation and socialization. And if the movie happens to have Matthew McConaughey in it, well then, it's just all that much more enjoyable!

Thanks for being you!!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 9

These pieces may not look like much right now. But eventually they will be the floor, wall, and ceiling of my new shower. And even though I don't have the shower of my dreams YET, I am thankful for the shower.

Some days a shower is the only "me" time I get. So to stand in the shower with warm water beating down on my worn-out muscles from small children climbing on me or being in constant motion, is pure heaven.

Once the crawl space has been dug out and the plumbing run, I will then be well on my way to having a 4'x7' shower, with 2 shower heads and one rain head in the most gorgeous bathroom my 1965 house has yet to see! Ahhh....can't you just feel the relaxation?!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 8

Today I am thankful that I do not have to wash clothes via a washboard, such as this one...

With two kids and a husband who makes a living from a "dirty job", I feel like I am FOREVER doing laundry. Just 3 years ago, we purchased an HE washer and dryer combo with drawer pedastals for them to sit on. And even though laundry is my least favorite chore (mainly because it is NEVER done), I am thankful to have items to do the hardwork for me!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 7

I am thankful for Sunday's for so many reasons. One is the fact that we attend "late" church. It doesn't start until 1pm, which is not always conducive to children and naptime. However, it does allow us to relax in the mornings and pretty much hang out in our pajamas all morning.

Another reason I am thankful for Sunday's is because I am usually guaranteed a complete family day. No work, no errands to run, no major activities to complete other than just spending time together. For example, this morning, Patrick and Clayton played "hide and pounce" this morning. One would hide under a mound of pillows while the other would pretend not to notice and pounce on top of the pillows. Maecie and I just watched and laughed. Then this evening, we hosted some friends for dinner, ate brownies and chatted by the fire. Ahhh....sweet relaxation!

One of the last, and greatest reason that I love Sunday, is for my opportunity to go and exercise my faith. I am proud to live in America, to be able to worship how and where I would like. My faith is the center of my family, my life, and my happiness. I am grateful for the sacrifice that the Savior made for me. And for the chance I have to renew my faith each week.

Since my children are small, and I teach Nursery during Sunday School, I don't always feel like I get the renewal I need. However, I am able to serve others, spend time with the greatest little munchkins out there, and teach them about our Heavenly Father and His love for us.

Yes, Sunday's don't get much better!

30 Day Thank You .... Day 6

Today, I am thankful for random family visits. My sister and brother-in-law stopped by for lunch on their way to the airport. And my brother, sister-in-law, and their sweet baby boy decided to join us. We had a great time talking, eating, laughing and holding babies. And of course, being entertained by Clayton who can manage to change subjects 3 different times in just one sentence.

A sweet Charlie boy with is "awesome" dad, as we hang out at the restaurant!

Clayton and Maecie showing off all of their "tricks" to Aunt Shea, Uncle Tim, Aunt Annie and Uncle Adam

So thank you to my family members who took a few hours out of their day to make my mundane Saturday, that much more interesting! And those who were unable to be here, we thought about you. I'm so excited for the holidays when I will be able to be with them all! Lots of love!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 5

Today, I am so thankful for the change in seasons.

It is truly Autumn, here in North Carolina. The colors of the leaves and the chill in the air attest to it. I find that as the seasons change, I am grateful for the beauty of nature and that I am able to experience all four seasons separately. You just can't get better than this gorgeous picture!

Picture courtesy of Expressions in Focus

30 Day Thank You ... Day 4

Today, I am thankful for the kindness of others. This morning I participated in a little service project of helping to sort food so that others could come and have enough meals for their family for the week. I was one of about 20 people who came out on a cold, rainy morning at 7am, to put unload a truck, sort food, and then fill orders for families.

Now, I'm not trying to toot my horn. It was the other people involved that impressed me the most. First of all, my husband had to stay home with the kids, and get a late start to his workday in order for me to attend this event. Isn't he great?! Secondly, many people had to donate money, time and food in order for this process to work. And this is not something that is done just because it's November and close to the holidays. This is done every two weeks to make sure that parents, children, and other adults are fed.

A perk for me during this morning of service, was having a sweet, older gentleman, who is also a family friend, comment about how skinny I looked. After having a baby, only 7 months ago, I feel like I am just now starting to reclaim my body. He was not required to send such a great compliment my way. But it has managed to put a smile on my face the whole day.

So, the moral of the story is, giving service offers double rewards. You are being kind to others, and in return, kindness will find it's way back to you.

30 Day Thank You ... Day 3

Okay, so maybe I'm cheating somewhat, but today, I'm thankful for my little girl, Maecie. Not only did she allow me to be a mommy to another adorable, sweet, and healthy baby, but she evened out the odds. Now, with two boys and two girls, I can go shopping with my cute baby girl and Clayton and Daddy can go work on something that boys like to work on.

Maecie's name is one of the most important things about this little girl. She shares some important heritage, with the "mae" portion coming from her great-great-grandmother and her middle name, "Jane" coming from my best friend/cousin, Sarah Jane.

Maecie has not disappointed in her brief 7 months. After only about 8 weeks, she was sleeping through the night. At 5 months, she began taking 3-hour long afternoon naps, allowing me to clean, take a shower, and give Clayton some individual time. And at 6 and 1/2 months, she began crawling.

My baby girl is always grinning, just ask anyone. People are constantly asking me if she ever gets fussy. The answer is yes, but it's so few and far between, that it doesn't really bother me. If I could be promised that every baby hereafter would be just as sweet and mild-mannered, I would have a dozen more!

30 Day Thank You ... Day 2

On July 20, 2007, at 11:36 am, my sweet little baby boy, Clayton, was born and I became a mommy. Over the last 3 years, this little guy has learned and taught me so much!

After conquering the major things, like crawling, walking, and talking, he went on to learn everything he could. At two, he learned to say the Pledge of Allegiance and months of the year. He loves to sing songs, just like me. And loves to "fix" things, just like Daddy.

A couple of my favorite Clayton quotes are when he asked me what I was doing, I responded "Going crazy!" He then replied with, "I want to go crazy with you!"

As stated earlier, Clayton has learned the Pledge of Allegiance. And just like any other kid, he never performs on demand. So when Grandma tried to get him to say the pledge for one of her neighbors, his response was, "Holy Crap!" Just have to laugh, though.