Halloween 2009

We had so much fun this year for Halloween! I think because it was on a Saturday and we could just enjoy the day together instead of rushing from work, practice, errands, etc... It started with us decorating pumpkins. Yes, we waited until the day of to do something with them. How lame.HA! The kids couldn't make up their minds about how they wanted to make theirs and I wasn't pushing the issue. Finally, Brynn decided to paint hers and Parker wanted to paint and decorate with felt. I got the idea from Living With Lindsey. So cute!

Our little town had Trick Or Treat on Main Street on Halloween night as well. We went there first and it is always so much fun. It's like a costume parade because everyone walks in a line to each of the businesses and you get to see all the cute and creative costumes. Brynn was Tinkerbell and Parker was a chicken. He was so adorable (if I do say so myself). He has such a sweet personality and just loves to have fun. The costume couldn't have been more perfect for him. And my sweet Brynn, she was so beautiful as Tinkerbell. I can't believe she is going to be 7! this month. My heart aches that my sweet baby is growing up so fast, but I am so proud of the beautiful girl she is becoming. What a wonderful heart she has. Afterwards we went to a huge neighborhood not too far from our house to see if we could pick up some more goodies. We ran into some friends and had an awesome time even though it was raining and quite chilly for Halloween in Georgia. We walked and walked and Greg went back to get the car to pick us up so we didn't have to walk all the way back to the clubhouse. Even though the kids were worn out, they still didn't want to stop when he picked us up! They had him drive us to the last few houses in the neighborhood and poor Parker was dragging his chicken self up to the doors. It was too funny! When we got home, they asked for 1 piece of candy and went right to bed! I know, I was thinking who are these children? Obviously not mine! LOL! After Greg and I had a taste of their candy we went to bed too. I think we are getting old. HA! I look forward to all of these holidays now as they are getting older and understand more. It is so fun to watch things through my children's eyes.

A Weekend Away

This past weekend we took a trip to Cartersville. Brynn had a meet on Saturday and Gregs' parents came down from Myrtle Beach to visit. We headed up on Friday night and traffic was HORRIBLE! We finally got there 3 hours later, for an 1 1/2 hour trip, that is crazy. Anyway, on Saturday we all headed to Brynn's meet. She had ripped her hands really badly on the bars at Thursday's practice and they were still bothering her. Unfortunately, she did not do well at all. She tried her best and didn't complain to her coach about her hands, but we saw her blowing on them after each event. She didn't medal and that was terribly devastating for her. As the medals were being given out, she was clapping and cheering for everyone else, but her eyes were filled with tears and her lips were trembling. Talk about heartbreaking, I could barely stand to watch. I couldn't go to her to comfort her, so I was just watching. So sad. Afterward, she ran to me and broke down sobbing. I, of course, joined her and we were just a mess. We are so proud of her whatever she does, but seeing her disappointed in herself was just emotionally draining. There is always the next meet.

Since Saturday was pretty much a wash, we went out to eat with the team then headed back to the hotel to relax, watch TV and snuggle. Just what we needed! Sunday morning we decided to head to Ellijay on the way home. Gigi and Boompa joined us too. We went to an apple orchard and picked up pies, cider, apples and sweet potatoes. So yummy! After we said goodbye the the grandparents, we headed off to Dahlonega. Parker and Brynn wanted to "go mining" so we stopped at a gold and gemstone mine. The kids and I mined for gemstones and Greg panned for gold. It was so much fun! We found some beautiful stones and Greg found several pieces of gold. Certainly a successful trip. It was so nice to spend time as a family doing something fun. Lately it seems that we have been running from place to place so much that we really haven't had time to enjoy each other. I hope we can make more of an effort to do these things together, making memories that we can all cherish.

Our Anniversary

Our 11th wedding anniversary was on October 3rd. We celebrated our wonderful day by first taking B to cheer at her Homecoming game. Greg walked her out on the field to be announced. It was so sweet and she had such a big smile on her face. What a good daddy! After her game (we won!) my mom took the kiddos home with her and we headed off to celebrate our anniversary. Greg had reserved us a room at a hotel in a nearby city. We checked in then got dressed for dinner. We met our friends, who coincidentally share the same anniversary, at the Melting Pot to enjoy each others company and a wonderful meal. Afterwards, we parted ways and headed back to the hotel to exchange gifts. Greg gave me a gift I have been wanting for years...a simple pair of pearl earrings. I was over the moon! I think he enjoyed his gift as well, Gran Turismo for the PSP. He did wait until after our anniversary to play it though. HA! The next day we did a little shopping at the mall and stopped by an appliance store on the way home. We found a SUPER deal on a Kitchen Aid mixer and I have been wanting one for.ever. So, I am now a proud owner of the "best mixer on the planet". Seriously though, I have been looking for things to mix! It is so easy, I am just in love.

Where to begin?

I feel so bad that I haven't posted in so long. When I first thought about creating this little blog, it seemed that I had all the time in the world (well at least as much as one can have while raising, schooling, driving around and organizing two small children). But then, things started becoming crazy. P started soccer, B started cheering and her competition season was starting for gymnastics. I became President of the Booster Club at her gym, team parent for her gymnastics team, broke my toe...well the list is endless. I have barely had time to breathe. I can't complain, because I LOVE to be busy. I have just had to rearrange my schedule and while it is still not perfect, everyone is happy for now. I hope to be able to post more and document some wonderful memories we are making, because before we know it, our children will be grown and making memories with their own families.

Decluttering

I have really slacked this week on my cleaning plan, so today I plan to catch up on everything, including the dreaded decluttering. My closets look hideous, my poor children can't get the games out of thier closets for fear that something will hit them on the head and I have no idea what is in my pantry. Sooo, as it is raining here today, I have nothing better to do (well, I would like to craft a bit) and the kids are playing happily for the moment I have no excuses. I'll let you know how it goes! Have a great Friday!

Please Pray...

I'm sure most of you know MckMama at http://www.mycharmingkids.net/. Right now, she needs our prayers. Stellan is in the hospital and is very ill. Please take a moment to read his story and say a prayer for all of them. Thank you!

Spring Cleaning

Sping is right around the corner and I am feeling the need to scrub the house. Don't ask me why. I rarely feel the need to clean the house in the most basic sense so the prospect of actually cleaning top to bottom is a scary one. I seem to suffer from "if it can't be done perfectly, it shouldn't be done at all" syndrome. And really, how many of us have time to do things perfectly every time? Certainly not me! I need to let go of the standard I hold myself to, because I end up accomplishing nothing. So, it's a new day and I am going to take small steps to reach my spring cleaning goals. Here is the checklist I will be using.. It looks completely doable... I'll let you know!
SPRING CLEANING CHECKLIST
KITCHEN
___ CLEAN OUT AND ORGANIZE REFRIGERATOR
___ CLEAN INSIDE OF AND UNDER STOVE
___ CLEAN MICROWAVE
___ CLEAN TOASTER OVEN
___ CLEAN AND ORGANIZE PANTRY
___ CLEAN AND ORGANIZE FREEZER
___ WIPE DOWN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF KITCHEN CUPBOARDS


BEDROOMS
___ WASH OR DRYCLEAN BEDSPREADS
___ ORGANIZE/PURGE MASTER BEDROOM CLOSET
___ ORGANIZE/PURGE CHILDREN'S CLOSETS
___ ORGANIZE/PURGE CHILDREN'S TOYS


GENERAL
___ WIPE DOWN ALL DOORS; CLEAN DOOR HANDLES & MOLDINGS
___ WIPE OFF WINDOW SILLS
___ CLEAN INSIDE OF WINDOWS
___ WASH OR DRYCLEAN CURTAINS
___ DUST MINI-BLINDS
___ CLEAN SLIDING GLASS DOORS INSIDE AND OUT
___ REMOVE MARKS FROM WALLS; APPLY TOUCH UP PAINT
___ CLEAN WALL MOLDINGS
___ DUST CEILING FANS
___ DUST PICTURE FRAMES
___ DUST LAMP SHADES
___ STEAM CLEAN CARPETS
___ STEAM CLEAN FURNITURE
___ WASH OUT WASTEBASKETS
___ DUST ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
___ CHANGE BATTERIES IN SMOKE DETECTORS
___ ORGANIZE LINEN CLOSET
___ WIPE DOWN AND CLEAN UNDER WASHING MACHINE AND DRYER

OUTSIDE
___ CLEAN UP FLOWER BEDS
___ FINISH RAKING LEAVES
___ PREPARE PLANTERS FOR PLANTING
___ CLEAN AND FILL WATER FOUNTAINS
___ STRAIGHTEN STORAGE SHED
___ HOSE DOWN PATIO
___ CLEAN PATIO FURNITURE
___ CLEAN WINDOWS ON OUTSIDE
___ INSPECT AND REPAIR WINDOW SCREENS
___ WASH OUT GARBAGE CANS
___ CLEAN BARBECUE

Have a great Wednesday!