Pre-Christmas

The third grade had a Christmas program the last week of school. It was super cute. Cade was a dancer, and was excited for weeks about his part! He did a great job and it was alot of fun. They did the song twice, and the second time, they each chose an adult to dance with them. I was the one Cade chose. He didn't think I did such a great job, and in fact, the last picture I'm laughing because he was telling me I was doing it wrong! The little girl he was dancing with was super cute. I wanted a picture of the two of them but never got a chance.

My pictures came out horrible!! I have a Nikon D90 and don't think they should look THIS bad! It's not very good lighting...but still!! Anyone know what I need to do to do better next time?

Ready!!

This southern girl is ready for freezing Beijing!!! Bring on the TA!!

Hope you all had a great, blessed day. We had a wonderful day with family. I'll post some pictures later.

Now, I'm ready to get all this Christmas stuff out of here so we can start packing for China!!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!!

We didn't send a card this year because I just couldn't bear to do it without Wesleigh. I'll send a card after the new year when she's home and our entire family is together.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

All I want for Christmas are 2 little letters: TA!! We're praying hard over here!! There's a plane leaving 1/14 that we need to be on!!

LOL...I'm just noticing that Mrs. Claus is holding Cade's football! Santa brought that football for Cade that night, and somehow, Mrs. Claus is holding it!! Too funny!!

The Monogram Fairy

I have been collecting things that I needed to take to get monogrammed and just got them back today! They are too cute not to share!! I don't know about where you live, but here in the south, everything's better with a monogram!!!

Here is her diaper bag. Is that not the most adorable thing? It's exactly what I was looking for.

a> Here is her carrier for China. I found it on ebay, but didn't think the denim was girly enough, so I had to add some pink!

Bloomers to wear under her dresses ;)

How cute is this? This little velour was about $6 on sale at Gap. She put the zebra applique and her initial.

It was hard to get a good picture of her night light. I made it!! The fabric is so adorable. In fact, my SIL is making me a blanket and a dress (both monogrammed, of course) out of the same fabric. I was so proud of myself!!

This is a hooded towel for her bathroom. Since I was in the bathroom, I figured I'd share what it looks like since I've finished the painting.

Hand towels

Since nobody will be showering in here, I decided to go with regular panels on either side of the tub. I love them!

And, here's the sink/mirror. It looks so girly in there with the pink paint and towels! I LOVE it!!

There were actually quite a few more items, but I'll have to share them later. We are making alot of little A-line dresses and each of those have a monogram. I'll post them when we're done!

How?

How is it possible to miss someone so badly when you have never even met?

Trying this email posting!

I'm trying to figure out how this posting through email will work.  I would like to keep using my regular blog to post while we're in China, so I'm trying to figure out the best way.  I know that blogger is blocked in China, so I'm hoping this might work.  I could also get someone else to post while we're away but if this works, I wouldn't have to ask someone to do it. 

 

I also thought I'd treat you to a new picture of Wesleigh!  I recieved these a few weeks ago but couldn't bring myself to share them.  Right before these were taken, she fell and cut her cheek.  She has stitches in this picture!  It just breaks my heart.  It has taken me a little while to be ok with it.  I'm waiting to hear if her care package arrived.  I'm getting a little antsy about it!! 

 

Come on TA!!!  The waiting is KILLING me!!

Twas The Night Before Christmas

I thought we could all use this about now ;)

Twas The Night Before Christmas...Mom Style

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode
Only 1 creature was stirring & she was cleaning the commode.

The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of X-Box & Barbie flipped through their heads.
Yes, and dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half constructed bicycle propped on his knee.

So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?"
With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.

He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug,
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."
"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, I'm glad you're awake."
"your gift was especially difficult to make."

"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "So, I've made you a clone
A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?"
"Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat."

Then out walked the clone -
The mother's twin,
Same hair, same eyes,
same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch TV and rest.
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!"

From the room above, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy?! Come quickly,
I'm scared and I'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."

"Hey," the mom smiled,
"She sure knows her part."
The clone changed the child and hummed her a tune,
as she bundled the small one in a blanket cocoon.

"You're the best Mommy ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you too.
"The mom frowned and said,
"Sorry, Santa, no deal.That's my child's LOVE she is going to steal."

Smiling wisely, Santa said:
"To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here."
The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.

"Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
Sometimes I forget,
it won't be very long,
before they'll be too old for my cradle and song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side, Santa said:
"Goodnight.Merry Christmas, dear Mom,
you'll be all right."

Sometimes we need reminding of what life is all about.
Especially at times when the Holiday season shouts,
and all we do is clean, bake, and procure.
You get the picture -- I'm sure.

So stop for a moment and hug that little one so dear,
whether he/she is 2 or 22, or even older this year.
For they are the gift that God gave us from Heaven above,
And what a special gift to be treasured, with endless LOVE!

May The Real Meaning Of Christmas Be With You All Year --