O Christmas Three

The trees have started going up! I am finally getting excited about Christmas. I dread it at the same time, too. It seems that from Thanksgiving on...time is in warp drive speed. It is the time that I get most with my girls though, other than summer, and that I like, but I do find it hard trying to fit in all the people and places that we have to visit...or try anyway.

I have 4 or 5 trees; my BIG tree, my pre-lit trees, the girls' tree, and a lil' ol' generic tree, but this year, I am not putting them all up. I am doing 2 trees only. In fact, I have already given away one of the trees for a friend's classroom. One, got the boot...well, the trash can. Another never came out of storage, and well, that leaves 2.

The BIG tree is getting an overhaul this year. The hubs wants a blue tree. I have caved, b/c I have never liked blue decorated trees, but it will not be a UK tree THAT I can promise you...LOL.

Today, I posted a few ornament pics from our red, black, green, white tree. (Yes, it started out as an Earnhardt tree, but has kinda moved into a "family" theme tree. It is a beautiful tree, but I think next year, the tree itself has got to get bigger.)

Here's to the holiday season. Remember to make it your best Christmas ever!

Mrs. B

New Moon

OK, so my girls suckered me into going to see this movie. I have to admit, too, not having read the book (or any from the Twilight series) it was not that bad. In fact, it was a great love story and had very little, in fact none that I can remember, making out scenes. I do now feel an obligation to read the series, but I can't seem to get started...LOL.

However, spending the evening with my babies, watching a girlie flick, was the best date I've had in a long, long, time...the company was priceless.

...and for those of you wondering...

I'm Team Edward...the girls--Team Jacob.

CBB

Happy Birthday to you Ella-Bella!

Today, my daughters' little sister turns 2. She is such a sweetheart and I love her so much. I love watching my children play with and tend to her. It is a beautiful, heartfelt moment when it occurs.

When I get to see her, she hugs and kisses on me. I love the idea that God has given my ex and his wife such a blessing and that we all get along enough that this situation exist. This week, though, was really special to me.

Most nights when I call the girls, they don't answer. Ella does. I mean, someone else may answer, BUT Ella does, too....LOL. This week, she had the phone while I was talking to Claudia, and said, "Kisty, i yuv you". I, almost, cried. It was such a sweet moment for me because I love her, as well. I love the joy, happiness, and memories that she will bring to MY girls.

So today...Happy Birthday, Ella. You are LOVED!
Mrs. B

Happy Birthday, Ms. Adkins!

Great friend.

Loving mother.

Kind soul.

...that's you.

CBB

I love showers and parties.

Spent the last few days planning my baby brother and S-I-L's baby shower for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I am frustrated to say the least. I can't do a lot due to school right now and their schedule is even tighter than mine. However, the invites turned out quite cute. I will try to post them later along with pics of the "preggers" couple.

Where did that week go?

I really have nothing to write about. This week went by so fast...I'm still spinning. I had Open House at school. (I always LOVE that...meeting the parents.)

I have been working on the house for hell and ever- it will never look the way I want it to...like it came from a Pottery Barn catalog...LOL.

Mr. Chad and I have been lazy and I have missed the girls like crazy. I have quit counting the days and am now counting the minutes 'til they get here. :o)

Tried making a Christmas gift list, but can rarely get into the holiday spirit until after Thanksgiving. Truly, being thankful and counting my blessings is far better than a new sweater. Right?

I hope your week was slower/better and that you got to stop and smell the roses. Mrs.B

Those weren't angels singing...that was you, Neil Young!

Wow. Until this moment, I never realized how much my husband looked like a young Neil Young...LOL. That aside.

Short story. My husband went to church with me today. It is the first time he has ever attended a service, that I know of, that didn't have someone in a box at the front of the room surrounded by flowers.

We went with our friends, Mary and Joseph. (If you read this blog, you know I am not kidding about their names.) I have been going to "their" church every time I get the chance. I love it there. I prayed my husband would, too. I mean, I prayed that he would "get the message" and enjoy the "style of worship".

We go in and take a seat, my best friend in the whole wide world joins us (Hey C2, I love u!), and the music starts and my heart jumps up into my throat. Is that Neil Young they are playing? IT IS! They are starting service with Keep on Rockin' in the Free World. Are you kidding me? It was like a message from Jesus, saying, "Am I good or what?"

...and Lord, I must say...YOU ARE GOOD!

The service was wonderful. It was about appreciating what God has blessed you with. Are your needs met? Not your wants...YOUR needs. Sitting there, thinking back, I have been blessed my whole life. I can never remember going hungry, or not having a place to call home, or not being surrounded by those I love. I was truly washed over with happiness and the true spirit of the Lord. I hoped my husband felt that way, too.

After service, we all ate at good ol' Bob Evan's and as I sat there and thought (minus the girls not being there with us) this is how a perfect day goes. I wish Every Sunday was just like this.

Thanks for the blessing, Lord...both inside the church and out!

CBB

iLife '09

I have spent 2 days of my life, which I can not get back, learning a program that I can not use...THIS is Professional Development? I teach school and 24 hours of a scholastic year is set up to help us "develop" our teaching skills and strategies...and I used 12 on this!

However, I did walk away wanting a MAC more than ever. I think it would be a great tool in the classroom and I think the kids would love it, too!

Problem is, very few-- if any, of our student population has a MAC at home.

So what do we "develop" that?

Mrs. B

Day of the Dead

I do not know much of this holiday, but I like it. I love the artwork associated with it for some reason. According to Wiki:

The ''Day of the Dead'' (El Día de los Muertos or All Souls' Day) is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and by Latin Americans living in the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration occurs on November 1st, and 2nd in connection with the Catholic holiday of All Saints' Day which occurs on November 1st and All Souls' Day which occurs on November 2nd. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.

I think that is a great way to remember those that have gone on before us...celebrating our lives and reflecting on how they touched us or influenced us. A day like "Memorial Day" just not as somber. I hope when I do passover to the other side, I am remembered joyfully.

Mrs. B