Random Thoughts Tuesday

If any of you nearby (as in...in my town/county) haven't noticed, it did occur to me today that it has rain at least the last 3 Tuesdays. I made this observation when I first decided to write this random post today. You see, I came about this observation when I started to type, "Today is one of those days I'd like to be home out of the wet, chilly rain...." It dawned on me that for the last few weeks when I have posted a RTT on the blog that I pretty much mention that "today is one of those...blah blah blah." Interesting, no? So, there ya have it.... It is once again raining in East TN. And I had to make a drive over to the Girl Scout store in quite a downpour. There was nothing decent on the radio. So, I finally decided to just stop and listen to Dave Ramsey's show. I've caught myself doing that a lot recently. Listening to talk radio. I hate talk radio. Then why do I stop the station and listen?? Beats me!!! It's interesting sometimes though -- the forecast the last few Tuesdays as well as the show/talk radio.

I've been making a list and checking it...not once, not twice, but maybe like fourteen times over! The Christmas list. I swear I thought I had bought more or that I was done. Sure Annabelle is getting an American Girl doll and Isaiah is getting the Imaginext Sky Racer Carrier....and some accessory pieces for both of them. But there is still some shopping to do to make things even. Ugh. And of course it is mostly little things...stocking stuffers for Peanut, a few articles of clothing, a tube of lip gloss, etc. Ya know the stuff that can be done at almost any ol' time but it's those little piddly items that get to me. The feeling of my list being incomplete or so far (or thisclose!?) to having everything checked off of it just kind of irks me. But it will get done. I'm not one to go out shopping on Christmas Eve. 

I was suppose to go to the dentist for a cleaning today. I actually called yesterday to cancel the appointment because I thought it was on Monday instead of today. HA well, turns out I was wrong so I kept my appointment for today. However, I realized that Peanut also has an upcoming appointment (next Tues) so I thought why not switch the appointments with him taking mine today and me taking his next week because that would work out better... Mamaw could take him today and next week he wouldn't miss preschool. Jokes on me though.  The dentist's office wouldn't let me do that. Something about insurance and blahblahblah. Fine, I still wanted to cancel mine for today and take Peanut's (for me) next week so he wasn't missing the preschool time that I am paying for. For whatever reason the girl still did not want to let me do that. So, I got grumpyillmad and told her, "fine then, cancel them both!" I wasn't meanrudeugly either I just said ok, well just cancel them both and let me figure out the schedule. Poop nuggets. Since I got my braces I have been going for cleanings every 3 months instead of 6 and I can always tell when a cleaning is due even though I brush/floss real good. And darnit now it's time and I let my mood take over when I should have thought things through. Bummer. Lesson learned. 

I could write a whole blog post or 14 about how different this football season is from the last 11 seasons that hubby has been coaching. I will sum it up by saying that this season has been fantastically awesome and fun. BUT, there's always a but....I miss my hubby. I miss my clean house. I miss dinner at home with my family (all 4 of us). I miss the normal routine, if there ever was one. While I am compltelytotally100% excited about the fact that the Tornadoes are going to the State Championship game this Friday I will be 100%totallycompletely excited on Saturday morning knowing that football season is coming to a close and we can get back to the swing of "normal" in our house. This whole coaches wife thing is hard, even harder than before. Sure, in the beginning of this season I saw my hubby more and the kids saw daddy early each evening and now I see him less and daddy is carrying them already asleep to bed at night. The last 11 seasons were stressed filled and practically un-victorious (is that a word??) and this season is stress free and full of victory. To sum it up...

football season coming to an end will be bitter sweet. Now, GO TORNADOES and win one more. ;) 

Sometimes when I am typing the word just...

I catch myself because I notice I have typed "justin." 

Funny.

On Thursday (Thanksgiving morning) I got up at 6am and met friends to run an 8k race. Following the race I came home and got myself showered up to head to Thanksgiving dinner. After dinner we all headed home. I had the option to nap for a while or just stay up before heading out to shop for Black Friday deals. Guess which option I chose?

Annabelle has a Girl Scout assignment. Her leader (aka Mom) wants her to bake a batch of cookies to send to a neighbor as part of earning her "Caring and Sharing" Try It patch. She should really get on that! The problem is they are to go to a neighbor...would you worry about nut allergies or diet? What kind of cookies would you bake? Her daddy should just come up with some delicious recipe and get to work, huh!?

I did a photo shoot of sorts with the kids on Sunday night in an attempt to get the perfect picture for our Christmas cards. Hahahaha right. It turned out great in the end but it took some convincing from my pals for me to see that I had actually gotten the perfect picture for Christmas pics. Too bad I won't be able to see the look on my mom's face when she gets her card in the mail. I'm totally gonna do a post that includes pics of said photo shoot. 

I'm going to hold all of you (if anyone even still reads here) accountable for holding me accountable when it comes to blogging. I actually have a lot to blog about I just haven't. Lazy girl. So, YOU...yes YOU...remind me that I have blog topics and pictures to post. Please? thanks. :) 

Now, head on over to The UnMom, link up..be random.

Belle's Bowtique giveaway winner!!

I used Random.org today to pick a winner to receive these two super cute bows from Belle's Bowtique. Lucky #6.....

*Teresa* said...I also "Like" Belle's Bowtique on FB...Ive bought a few bows from her..awesome prices!!

SO, Teresa...get in touch with me so that I can get your new bows out to you! And thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway. Check back again because I will more than likely be doing another bow giveaway soon. 

Our 2010 Christmas card!

This year Shutterfly helped in creating a special holiday project which has become our Christmas card! I am thrilled with how it turned out. The process was easy from start to finish. Aside from getting the kids to cooperate for pictures, the hardest part of the process was deciding on a design for our card. I think it turned out great and can't wait to get them in the mail so that I can send them to everyone on our list!! Here is a sneak peak.

Frosted Glass Snowflakes Christmas 5x7 folded card

Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

A few days late...

It's been a busy few days around here with the Thanksgiving holiday, football and of course, my fave....Black Friday shopping!!! I should have written this post days ago but you know how I tend to procrastinate!

Anyway, I have so much to be thankful for this year!

I am thankful for my little family. Justin is the best husband and greatest dad. I am grateful for each day I get to spend with him. He does so much to make so many things possible for our family. I am happy that 12 years ago I moved to TN (even though I wondered why) and that I met my hubby and we fell in love. :) I'm thankful for the little family we have made together. As much as I complain about the kids, as much as they wear me out  and make me wanna pull my hair out I am really thankful for them. They each have their own little personalities that make them the special little loves that they are.

I am thankful for our little home. While it is nothing fancy, I am thankful that we have a place to call home. It's chaotic and messy and very unorganized around here most of the time, but it does feel like home. At the end of a long day I am happy I have a place to come to and rest. And one of these days (maybe) it will be a bit more fancy but definitely more organized (I make no promises though).

I am thankful that we both have good jobs and are able to provide for our family. We have a roof (see above) over our heads, warm beds to rest in, food on our table and clothes on our backs. And on some rare occasions we are even able to provide the kids and ourselves with many of the things we want! I won't say that we both always enjoy our jobs or never complain about having to get up and go to work, but I am thankful we both have been able to find good jobs.

I am thankful for my health as well as my family's health. We have had nothing more than a few minor hiccups with our health this year and I'd say that is something to be very thankful for. I am happy to be able to run and workout and that wouldn't be (as possible) if I weren't healthy. And because I do run and workout (and eat healthy, for the most part) I am able to say that I am healthy. (And if that sounds confusing, it's because I am lacking sleep!)  I am also thankful that my hubby and I are able to pass our healthy habits on to our kids. One day that will pay off and our kids will appreciate it!

I could probably keep going with this list but I've had very little sleep over the last few days and THANKFULLY I have a nice, warm bed to go rest my head in now. I will catch up on the rest of our weekend later! Hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Random Thoughts Tuesday

It is a rainy day here. One of those where if I could be at home I would. Seems like I have said that same thing not too long ago. In fact, it might have just been last Tuesday I said the same thing. haha We were talking at work that even if we could be at home (hoping for nothing to do) that we would still have so much to do at home that it wouldn't matter what the weather is! Makes sense. 

So remember my Happy List from the weekend? I talked about some awesome cupcakes my hubby made. Well, I have to make a correction about what kind they were. I stated that it was carrot but they were really pumpkin.

There were several of these pretty cupcakes left. I thought my awesome hubby wanted them out of the house as much as I did so I sent the remaining 18 to preschool for the teachers. Turns out hubby thought the last 5 in the other container were staying home and had his heart set on one for his post run treat. oops. 

I'm rethinking my Black Friday shopping. One reason is there isn't a whole lot I need to go out for since most of the kids gifts have been bought. The other reason is the weather, rain rain rain. Oh but the biggest reason is the babysitting situation. It's always a toughie especially for trips such as shopping. Haha I know I DO want to hit up Old Navy at midnight though. And if I go early and shop all day or even most of the morning then that means coming home in time to sleep but the kids will be awake. Keep in mind we have a football game that night. I'm sure to be a zombie the next day. Sounds exciting, right!? 

Remember when I mentioned Peanut having pictures taken at school? I sent him dressed to impress on the wrong day. Yeah. Well, I saw the pics this morning. My little dude is so handsome and has the prettiest little twinkle in his eye. I don't care if you don't agree. ;) He's my kid so I know I am biased. teehee Now the hard part is deciding which pictures to buy without breaking the Christmas bank. Chances are the pics I do buy will lay in a drawer for another year just like the pics I got last year because they were just soooooo cute and I had to have them. I know you other moms can totally relate to that. 

The weather for Saturday is suppose to be nice. Nice being sunny and mid 50s. I think that sounds like decent enough weather to drag my family or at least the kids to the park for some pictures. Maybe I can make that work somehow. 

Funny about my boy. Last night as hubby and I were getting in bed way later than we should have been (midnight or later) little Peanut walks in our room crying. He hopped in my bed on my side like he normally would every morning to snuggle with me. Daddy asked him something and Peanut replied, "I'm ready for breakfast." HAHAHA I got tickled and even told Daddy it would be funny to see him up at 12:30 am making eggs and sausage. Thankfully I was able to walk Peanut boy back to bed and snuggle with him a little bit. I'm not sure what had him up but enjoyed the little laugh and snuggle time with him before I went to sleep.

I discovered PandoraRadio today. I'd heard about it but just kept forgetting it existed. I was listening to Christmas tunes in an attempt to shake a grumpy mood. It didn't work so I had it search for a little P!nk. That did the trick. :) 

I say it every week how this week is so busy and I have SO much on my plate I wonder if I will get it all done. Blah blah blah. Really though, this week is super busy. I'm trying to figure out how to get all my workouts in between Girl Scouts tonight, Thanksgiving Thursday, football and shopping (hopefully) Friday. What I really need to do is make a schedule for cleaning instead of working out. I know priorities matter but of the two I admit to letting my workouts be the bigger of the two (between housework and working out). A bad thing? Probably just to my hubby who I admit does WAY more than he should (or than I do). Ah, it will all come together I know. It always does or at least we make it look that way.

I think kicking my Diet Coke habit, for the most part, has made my coffee addiction worse. I was drinking one cup of coffee in the morning. I am up to almost 3 now. yikes! I say yikes because I think it is the reason for the heartburn I've been having. Rutroh! Today I stopped at 2 cups of coffee. Tomorrow is a new day though and I plan to stick to one. 

Wanna know what is not so fun about this time of year and living with the forest in your backyard?

Spiders. Not just any ol' spider. Last night I killed one of these...

I am not even kidding. My hubby sprays for spiders but we've been told (or maybe it's just in my head) that these are hard to spray for given where we live. Either way. I don't like it. I had gone to let the dog out and feed her and saw one of these bad boys sitting on the door frame at the bottom. I kind of kicked at it and it didn't move. I kicked it again and it wiggle. Too bad the door was open because it whizzed inside real fast. Crapola. I squished it. Guts went all over my kitchen floor. Gross, huh. Better dead than in my bed though. haha I only said that to rhyme. 

Ok, I'm done. It's your turn to get random.

Join The UnMom for more random fun.

O' Christmas Cards, O' Christmas Cards!

So many lovely choices!

 Did you sing along with me to the tune of O' Christmas Tree??

If you say you did I won't feel so cheesy about the title and first few lines of this post. haha

This time of year can be stressful and for me making Christmas cards is one of the tasks that can add to the stress. I have to deal with trying to come up with outfits for the kids, getting the tree just right, fighting the kids to behave for at least 10 minutes to get a couple of good shots to use on photo cards and then trying to get them in the mail on time. And this year is no different! Here I am coming up on Thanksgiving and the tree isn't even up for me to take pictures for our card this year. What I am NOT stressing about in regards to my Christmas cards is where I am ordering from.

Shutterfly has so many different types and styles of cards to choose from. From folded cards, stationary cards and photo cards the possibilites are endless. In the past I have done a basic 4x8 photo card and because there are SO many designs most years I send two different cards. I haven't used Shutterfly for our bulk order of holiday cards before but I have made individual cards for events such as Father's day and birthdays. I've made photo books for gifts for all occasions and the process is easy and the prices are great!

Here are some of the contenders for this year's Christmas card.

*none of the above images are my own, they came from Shutterfly

 

 

As you can see there are so many awesome choices for holiday cards Shutterfly. The hardest part (after I get a pic) will be narrowing down which card to actually use. The process in arranging the photo on their site and adding a message to the card for personalization is the easy part! Needless to say, I am anxious to get my Christmas tree up this weekend so that I can put the kids in their Christmas jammies and snap a few shots to get started on our cards!

If you are looking for a few gifts for those special loved ones on your list check these items out.
 A Desk calendar  would make a perfect gift for Daddy to put on his desk!
Grandma could definitely appreciate this pewter ornament!
And you can't forget the coffee drinker in your life! Check out these photo mugs!!!
You just cannot go wrong with photo gifts for those hard to buy for people on your Christmas list. So, don't go spending hours on end at the mall. Instead you should head over to Shutterfly and turn your photo memories into gifts that will last a lifetime!

Weekend Happy List #2

Mamarazzi is hosting another Weekend Happy List meme so head on over, link up and get to making your list of what has you so happy this weekend! :)

~ New running friends! If you have read this blog or my other blog you know I love to run. Of course I can run with my awesome hubby and enjoy that but (he knows) I have been wanting running pals for a while and yay, I have some! These wonderful ladies were great motivators for me today on our 5 miler and made me feel great! So to these ladies (you know who you are!!!) THANK YOU! And to my hubby, thank you for always always supporting me.

~ Hubby got the baking bug today. Woohoo! He baked some yummy carrot w/cream cheese frosting cupcakes. If I weren't feeling incredibly lazy I would get up right now to snap a pic. Maybe I will do that. Anyway, not only do they look gourmet and lovely they tasted it too! I did have a small little bit before dinner.  Made a lovely pair with my Pumpkin Spice coffee. Fall flavors make me happy!

~ Speaking of that hubby of mine. He makes me happy! He does so very much for me and the kids. Tonight he made his awesome homemade pizza. I'd been wanting to try buffalo chicken pizza made at home. He did it just for me! It was great. He makes the best crust ....from scratch. I love that he loves the kitchen (especially since he knows how much I hate it.).

~My kids make me  happy. Even though they fight, fuss, argue, cause me more gray hair than I can count....the list goes on..haha   I still love them and they make me smile.

Wordless Wednesday - words included!

  Does this look like a boy in pain to you?

 

Yeah me either!

But that's because I took this pic several hours after the little accident he had on the stationary bike at Mamaw's house yesterday.

This was also taken several hours after the event and a visit to Children's Hospital ER.

My 100% ALL BOY child described what happened like this:

"I had Burger King for lunch and it made me think about going really fast on the bike.  I pedaled so fast and my foot got hung in there. And I ate some lunch and I got a drink of my drink and then I got on and went really fast. And then Mamaw made me take my sock off." 

Mamaw called me at work yesterday panicked because it turned black and swollen immediately. It really did look really bad when I got there and we decided it was best to have it looked at just in case. Thankfully nothing was broken and we were on our way relatively quick. While we were at the hospital Peanut kept saying, "Papaw was suppose to put that bike in the garage." Haha Oh well. Peanut is NOT suppose to play on the exercise bike anymore. 

Peanut is enjoying the extra attention he is getting right now and he loves telling the story about going to the hospital. Hopefully this will be our one and only trip but I am keeping in mind that.....

BOYS WILL BE BOYS! ;)

Random Thoughts Tuesday

It's another rainy, cold day here in my town. Another day that I would like to be curled up in my cozy chair  under a blanket with a cup of coffee watching smut tv or a chick flick. Sigh. I'm at work in my office with 4 ugly panelled walls and no window enjoying the hum of my heater and my Camelbak full of water. And rather than moan and groan about how much work is on my desk that I don't want to be doing I am going to just smile and be thankful that I do have this job. :) 

I let Annabelle wear her new boots to school yesterday. When we bought them a couple weeks ago I had intended on them just being for church or other times when we have to dress a little nicer. But she wanted to wear them to school so I said ok. It wasn't a gym day so no big deal. That girl!!! When I picked her up from school I noticed the toe of one boot was scuffed. Really!?!? Actually my exact words were, "Really Annabelle!?!? Can you not just walk on the bottom of your shoes and do you really HAVE TO scrub the toes against the ground?" Ugh. I was frustrated. Not because of the cost of the shoes really because I had coupon and got the half off. I was aggravated because one would think I thought she was old enough to quit doing silly little things like that. I'm way wrong on that and if you happen to know my daughter then you also know she will likely never outgrow the silliness. Ever. And maybe I just need to start making her earn her keep a little more? Of course I think we have said that a time or two.....

I bought a Christmas cd last year (after Christmas) and put it away in a cabinet that it really has no business being in. I keep meaning to get it out and bring it to work to listen to. I just seem to only remember I have it at the most inoportune times....like right now or like last night when I was having a horrible treadmill run at the gym. I'm a list maker so I suppose I could add that to my list of things to remember but it is likely that when I leave work today I will forget my list on my desk and the cycle would repeat. 

Is there a purpose in having a fiber optic lighted Christmas sweater? NO, I do not have one but recently saw one for sale online at QVC.com. Might make a good gag gift, huh? 

It really is hard to believe that next week is Thanksgiving. The months just keep getting shorter and shorter (to me). I signed up for a race that day; an 8k to be exact. I've never raced that distance but really I'm not sure I will look at the event as a race (by definition) but more as a social event (which would be a first for me in the terms of my running) and I'm fine with that. Actually, I am excited about that. My only hope is for a dry morning. I'm not a fan of running when it is wet and cold. 

Thursday is when Annabelle's school is having Thanksgiving dinner for lunch. I sent money for Peanut and myself to go join her. I'm less than thrilled about even cafeteria food but my boy Peanut....

He is thrilled! He keeps telling me, "Mom, remember I get to go to that turkey dinner at Annabelle's school and I'm gonna learn how to eat in the lunchroom so when I go to kindergarten I will know how." Yep. He even keeps telling Mamaw that he is going and he just can't wait. We will see just how excited he is this same time next year when he will actually be in kindergarten. I hope he will be equally excited then (about school, not cafeteria food...lol). 

I've got two giveaways going on...

this one

and 

this one.

Check 'em out. Try to win something. I love winning something. I haven't won anything though (lately). 

Ok, I just filled my second 24 ounce water bottle. Time to chugalug and get some work done. Have a great day and if you feel the need to be random The Un Mom would like for you to link up.

Weekend Happy List

What makes me happy?

Let me tell you what has me happy this weekend.

~ the team my hubby coaches football with is now 12-0 for the season. They won their 2nd round playoff game last night 42-17 and have another week of football ahead of them. This is a first for our family. We (the kids and I) are EXCITED!!! Hubby is a wee bit on the nervous side (as well as excited) because he hasn't coached with a team like this before. It's been such an awesome experience. It makes me happy to see him happy doing what he loves.

~ Date night!!!  We had a date night scheduled for last weekend but ended up taking the kids out due to not having a childcare plan. Boo! But tonight my handsome hubby and I get to go on a much needed date. Even better is that the kids will be staying overnight with the inlaws! Score!

~ running. Yep, it makes me happy to run. I spent last night mapping out a run for today and as soon as breakfast settles we are on our merry way to the gym where I will drop the kids in the childcare room and head out the door. It's a cool, crisp morning and I can't wait to get out there to enjoy it.  I love how I feel after I run. Accomplished and happy.

~ My Keurig makes me super happy. It has my coffee brewed and ready in less than 2 minutes. If you don't have a Keurig and you love coffee, please go now and add a Keurig to your Christmas list because I want you to be as happy as I am while sipping a hot cup of joe.

~ Friends. near and far. Those I have known all my life and those (bloggy) friends I haven't met.

Do you have a happy list?

Head over to Our Dandelion Wishes  and link up with Mamarazzi to share your list of "happy" things.

Somethin' for the ladies....

The lil' ladies that is. 

If you are the mom, aunt, sister, grandma or even friend of a lil girl then this post is for you!

My Sweet Girl..

 

 

 

 

 

 has a serious addiction to BOWS! 

And I suppose that I can admit to being slightly addicted to buying her bows. She practically has one to match anything and everything she has to wear and if not I am sure I can buy her something to wear to match a certain bow or buy a bow to match something she already has. I've been doing that a lot lately. I'm sure my hubby rolls his eyes every single time he sees a paypal transaction on the online banking statement. haha

Anyway....

Here is where the something for the ladies comes in. 

I am giving away 2 holiday bows for your little sweetie. 

 How cute is that little snowman? 

And Mickey? OH Mickey with his little reindeer antlers and Christmas lights! 

These bows are about 3.5 inches wide. Annabelle and I like to put them on top of one of her bigger bows to make a really big double bow. Wouldn't these be cute paired with a red bow or black bow? Love it!

They are yours to win.

They come from one of our fave bow suppliers...

Belle's Bowtique

Check out her website or if you are on Facebook go ahead and check her out here.

I will keep this giveaway open until November 29th. 

Here's what you have to do to get entered to win.

1. Become a follower of my blog.

2. "LIKE" Belle's Bowtique on Facebook.

3. Post about this giveaway on your blog.

Be sure to leave a comment for each entry!

Good luck!!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for those men and women who have, who are and who will fight for this great country we live in. Thank you to all service men and women for your sacrifices. God bless!

Wordless Wednesday

My younger sis (Elizabeth) and I at her surprise 30th birthday party!

She's my sis but my friend. We talk a bazillion times a day by phone or through text. And on days we don't, like the weekend one of us ends up finally texting, "Haven't heard from you!" I probably don't tell her enough how much she means to me. So, Lizbo, if you're reading this (because I think sometimes you do) thanks for being my friend. Love you!

Random Thoughts Tuesday

I had good intentions yesterday and even sat down a couple of times to write a blog post but nothing came to me. Well, things came to me but nothing of any real substance. I could have very easily written a random post yesterday but then what would I write today!? 

Last week we were offline at work for a day and a half. It was not fun. I got slightly behind on my work but was able to get stuff off my desk at the same time. Funny how that works. 

Ruby red grapefruits are a tasty little snack. Just cut them in half, sprinkle on a bit of Truvia and voila.. deliciousness in a bowl. 

This week my son's preschool is doing class and individual pictures. The dates were Nov. 9 and 10. There are three classes - 3 yr olds, 4 yr olds and 5 yr olds. Peanut is in the 4 yr old class. On the newsletter they wrote, "3 year old and 5 year old," but in the next line wrote, "four year old." I apparently didn't look at the newsletter well enough because I just put on my calendar that his pics were on the 9th, which is today. I've had that in my head for days. I got my handsome little guy dressed this morning (nevermind the fact that daddy was at Old Navy shopping last night at 8:30 for the perfect outfit...score!) and we headed to school. Upon walking into his class I realize picture day for him is not today. :( Bummer, dude! I immediately felt ashamed of my mistake. Mommy guilt overloads me sometimes. How could I have failed, again!? Anyway, instead of the teacher saying, "No big deal, the photographer is here so we can just take him down there in a bit." She says in a rather sing song voice, "Well, it was on the newsletter. But you sure do look handsome." She must have seen the look (and tear form) in my eyes because she did say, "Do you want me to take him down there today?" Um, yes, please because we went through enough just getting him clothes that fit and were picture perfect! I didn't say that. I didn't say anything other than, "Would you mind?" And then I bolted for the door with eyes full of tears. 

I said all that to say, sometimes I get too overwhelmed with remembering things and all the dates/times/events just run together as one. I hate that. I hate that I am so unorganized and scatter brained sometimes. My hope is to one day not be that way but I make no promises. 

I have that itchy, watery eye and dry nose feeling. I hope this isn't a sign of sinus problems coming on or a cold about to hit me. Fingers crossed. 

I've been putting off a trip to the local Walmart to pick up some Christmas gifts I ordered online. Every time I remember I should go it seems the kids are with me. It wouldn't be wise to go pick that stuff up with them in tow. I could probably go now since I am pretty much doing nothing and it's fresh on my brain. Chances are by the time I am done with this blog I will have forgotten. 

Annabelle looked cute for school today. I sure wish I had snapped a photo. She wore some cute leopard print leggings, a grey cord skirt, white tee, and a denim vest. Her new grey tall boots completed the look. I just love having a girl to dress up. I know eventually she will want complete say in her clothes though. And there will come a time when she is completely over wearing hairbows. I hate thinking about that. Boy, they grow up way too fast. 

Speaking of my girl, she's got quite a smart mouth on her lately. She could probably use a prayer or two. Or mom and dad might even use some! I'm hoping this is a short lived phase we can all make it through. 

As always, head over to The Un Mom to link up and be random.

The Last Shameless Plea....

As you know (because I have only posted it here a bajiliionzillion times), I ran the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on October 30th (I set a new PR, by the way).  This cause is very dear to me as I lost my grandmother to breast cancer and know so many others battling this disease. I don't know the specific statistics but I'd venture to say breast cancer affects all of us in some way whether it be a family member or friend. I set up a fundraising page this year and my goal is to raise $250. I am at $215. $35 away from that goal. If you'd like to help by even donating $5 I would be forever grateful. :)
Please visit my page HERE!!  But do so before midnight tonight as that is when time runs out!!! Thanks!!

Thankful Thursday

I know a lot of people are posting what they are thankful for the whole month of November. While I am sure I could come up with something every single day that I am thankful for I haven't decided to join my friends (mostly on Facebook, but some here) in doing that daily. I think I will stick to making that my Thursday post this month though. If you want to join me in doing so, feel free. I'm sure there is already some kind of blogging meme out there for this but I am too lazy (or tired, actually) to go doing any research on such tonight. You forgive me, right!? Thought so. ;)

So, here is a short list of what I am feeling thankful for today.
* my family- I have the most kind, caring and loving husband. He does so much for me and the kids. And my kids, while they get on my nerves OFTEN, I love them so much. They both have completely different personalities but at the end of the day I thank God for making me their mom (and my his wife!).
* my health - I know far too many people who are sick and lots of cancer diagnosis around me. I am thankful that me, hubby and the kids are all relatively healthy!
* my job - I'm thankful to have a job to wake up and go to everyday. I think I complain about it a lot and definitely take it for granted some days, but I'm glad I can walk into my ugly panelined office with no windows every day and bring home a paycheck.

Trick or Treat, Smell my feet...

My kids got lots of treats to eat!

We went trick or treating with the kids twice this year! Saturday night we went to the mall...

Annabelle went as a jellyfish. Thanks to FamilyFun.com for the wonderful idea. It only took this mama 2 hours to make. And Annabelle wore it for less than 2 hours. Something about that is just not right! haha
Peanut went as Optimus Prime for mall trick or treating. He decided not to wear his mask. Does that still count as a costume? If you ask my boy it does because he says without the mask he is just a truck. Gotta love Transformers and my boy's imagination! :)

Sunday night we met friends to do some neighborhood trick or treating.

Annabelle decided Sunday afternoon that the jellyfish costume was just too much for Trick or Treat in. So, she asked if she could be a vampire cheerleader. We had the cheerleading outfit, I just had to tease up some pigtails and stop by the dreaded walmart for hair spray (white of course) and face paint..voila.. Draculaura (she called herself). I thought she looked pretty good if you call the zombie look good!

Peanut was IronMan. He lost the mask half way through Trick or Treating. And close to the end he stripped completely out of his costume. Thank goodness I thought to put pjs underneath!

Wordless Wednesday

Random Thoughts Tuesday

Another month has come and gone. 

October was a busy and fun one for us. And it looks as though November might be equally exciting if all goes well with football! Fingers crossed. :)

We had family in from out of state this weekend to help watch the kids so that Justin and I could run the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I am proud to say that I am 20 lbs lighter than I was this same time last year. I have pics to prove it but will save that! ;) I finished the race in 33:06 and hubby in 30:40. I am SO proud of both of us. I pretty much haven't stopped talking about it (or being proud of myself for how far I have come!). It was freezing cold Saturday morning, by the way. And afterwards my treat (as it was last year) was a stop at Dunkin' Donuts for pumpkin donuts and coffee. My coffee wasn't quite sweet enough so on the way to drop hubby off at his parents for his truck I decided to go in and sweeten my coffee a bit more. Too bad that what I thought was Splenda ended up being sea salt. Good bye $3 cup of DD coffee. 

We let the kids Trick or Treat twice this weekend. Saturday night at our local mall. And Sunday in one of the bigger neighborhoods nearby. The mall was great and I have decided that is the thing to do. We got there right at 5 when it all started so we didn't really have to wait in line and not many places had run out of candy yet. My kids did little complaining as well so it was a success. :) Sunday night we went with some friends and walked a huge neighborhood where the kids got entirely too much candy but the good thing is that it wasn't raining or cold like last year! Fun times. And I promise to post costume pics soon. Both kids wore different costumes each night so I have double the pictures! Woohoo. 

I griped last week about my dying Blackberry. My wonderful hubby took me Friday afternoon to get a new phone. Love him. I got a Motorola Blur and I am still trying to figure it out. Hubby says if I will just read the little instruction booklet that came with it I might learn how to use it efficiently. Ha! Just like a teacher to expect one to read a book in order to figure out just how something works. ;)

I have bought sweet Hubby 2 indestructable wedding rings. His original wedding band has diamonds in it but out of fear for knocking them lose and/or losing them he decided it would be best to only wear it for special occasions. So, one year I got him a titanium ring. You know the ones they say have to be cut off in case of medical emergency. Yeah. Well, hubby has managed to BEND that ring on his own. Anytime we have taken it to be polished up the jeweler is amazed at the destruction hubby has been able to do to the ring. Last year I got him a tungsten ring. Again, indestructable. NOT. We noticed this weekend that his ring is cut through. How that happened we still do not know. So, we are really looking for a ring he can wear that won't be destroyed. I'm considering the silly band ring as the next option. Hey, it's cheap and if the first one breaks I still have 11 or so more in the pack... they're interchangable! teehee

Annabelle has been doing SO much better with her sleeping. We are grateful for this. We have only heard the door alarm sound a few times. Those few times she has gone back to bed ok. Last night though she was off her routine as she fell asleep on the couch around 8:15pm. I didn't wake her but let hubby carry her to bed later. She woke up and knew she hadn't taken her medicine so we got right on that and off to her bed she went! She did wake up one time when hubby and I were going to bed but after a hug she returned to her room. This morning she woke up SO happy and proud. She said, "Mom, Dad..I have good news!! I didn't wake up all night long!" Ahhh. Hopefully this new plan is working and we can get a good grip on the "childhood behavioral insomnia" she has been dealing with for so long. Sleep is an important and very precious thing. I am glad we are all finially getting some! 

Ok...

I think I should get productive in my work day. 

You guys have a great day and head over to The Un Mom and get random!!

10-0

That's how regular season football ended for us this Thursday night!

Never in the last 11 years that my hubby has been a football coach have we been able to celebrate such an accomplishment! I know how proud he must be and I am just as proud of him, the team and the community that stands by this great team! It is amazing.

Last week's game fell on Thursday rather than Friday and while I hated the fact that for us it was a school night I was glad to get it out of the way before our crazy, busy weekend. In my rush to get Annabelle from school and all of our football game attire ready I realized I forgot to change out of my flip flops into shoes/socks appropriate for cool weather. SO, I was determined to just be tough like those high school kids and hoped that I wouldn't lose a few toes by the end of the game. Success.

We all dressed in pink in regards to October being Breast Cancer awareness month. I loved that the game was called a "Pink Out!" Awesome! You guys know that the Susan G. Komen foundation is near and dear to me since I lost my grandmother to breast cancer. And I just think it is equally as awesome that high school kids are recognizing it and helping the fight! If you wish you can visit my fundraising page and make a secure donation. I am $60 away from reaching my personal goal in fundraising this year, so I would love to have you help me reach it! Even as little as $5 can go a long way.

ok, back to the game...
It was back and forth the entire first half and I got nervous, but I knew the Tornadoes were there to win and were going to fight until they did. And of course they did just that. 50-33! Way to go!

I did snap a few pictures at the game....

Lovely pink "A" at midfield! It looked great. 

By the 3rd quarter Miss Annabelle was pretty much ready to go. It was chilly, she was tired but even still managed a beautiful smile for me. :) 

Post game pic of the hubby and myself. 

And my little buddy! He was excited they let him wear an old #3 jersey. His buddy (and cousin) plays on the team and wears the #3. Peanut really looks up to him and of course loves all things Alcoa football!