A Trip Down Memory Lane...

In order to fully appreciate the story I'm going to tell, you first have to know two other stories.

The first one involves my great-grandma, who we affectionately called Nanny Jones.  She was my dad's grandma, and as feisty a woman as you'd ever encounter.  Feisty meaning she would go outside and shoot a squirrel out of a tree if she wanted to make a squirrel stew.  She would babysit us sometimes and we just loved her to pieces.  She passed away when I was in high school, but she had been hit by a truck when I was in fourth grade and that was when I lost the Nanny I knew.  Some of my most vivid memories of her were how much I loved her sweet potato pie-I've never tasted another like it.  I don't even eat them anymore!  I just gave up.  Also, every time you left her house, she would give you a "piece of money" as she called it.  She would fold up a $1 or $5 bill and end up with a small square about the size of a postage stamp.  She would put it in your pocket and tell you "Don't tell your Mom and Dad I gave you this piece of money."  We loved that!  And of course we always told!  Ha!  My favorite memory of Nanny though was dancing with her in her living room.  She had a HUGE radio, you know the old ones that were a huge piece of furniture and took up half the room?  That was her radio.  She loved George Jones.  We spent many nights dancing to George Jones in her little living room. 

Fast forward to January of this year, and my Uncle Jimmy was at the very end of his battle with brain cancer.  He had insisted on listening to a country music television station for days.  It was a little after midnight when a religious song came on.  No one had heard a religious song on the station, but one came on at this moment.  There was about 30 people in the room talking, and suddenly everyone was quiet.  The song was so perfect for the situation and when it ended, he took his last breath and went to be with the Lord.  Everyone was amazed at the timing and the "Jesus moment" we all shared.  It was too ironic to be coincidence.  The song was one I had not heard, "Me and Jesus" by none other than George Jones.  My aunt had it played at the funeral, but you just couldn't re-create the moment at the house unless you were there. 

It is a peppy song, and I decided to download it this weekend after my cousin said it had been running through her head for days. 
I played it for the kids, who immediately started dancing.  I found myself being beckoned to dance in the kitchen to George Jones, with my three kiddos, who now know most of the words to "Me and Jesus" because they had me play it over and over and over......

It has been probably 24 years or so since I've danced joyfully to George Jones.  Interesting I thought.....

The song is good if you want to download it-very "old school country". 

It says "Me and Jesus,
            We got our own thing going....
            Me and Jesus,
            We got it all worked out....
            Me and Jesus,
            We got our own thing going..
             We don't need anybody to tell us what it's all about." 

Enough said I think!  :-) 
Amen, George! 

I'm Back!

I've apparently been on a brief hiatus from blogging.  It was unintentional, I just seem to busy these days!  Our days have been full of dance classes, swimming lessons, SNOW!, church, birthdays, watching the Olympics, doctors appointments, and just life in general.  I think life will always be busy as long as I'm a mom, wife, sister, daughter, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, cousin, and friend.  It's a good busy though, and I am thankful for every role I have.  I will get back into posting this week, I hope!  There is so much to again catch up on-with our little Henry turning 2 on Valentine's day!  I can't believe my "baby" is 2.  And to quote my grandma, "I don't care how old he gets, he will always be MY baby!".  So true, especially with my little sweet cuddle bug!  He was actually the grumpiest birthday boy I've ever seen-more to come on that.  Emilynn is having some major stomach issues, and we are awaiting test results from a bunch of things we did last week.  I hope everything is totally normal with that.  On the other hand, I hope we get an answer, whatever it may be, so we can move forward to solve her issues instead of treating symptoms and dealing with the unknown.  It has been frustrating.  I should do a whole post on our stomach issues.  Oh, and we had a 2 year old check up for Henry.  I can't even remember his stats-I will have to look them up to post.  Funny how things are different when you have several kids.  The 3rd one has no pictures taken, no baby book finished, I have no clue what he weighs even though we just went to the doctor on Wednesday!  Actually I do have plenty of pics of him.  Just saying.....
We got our free circus tickets last week too!  I can't wait till we go to the circus this week!  And if you know me even the teeniest bit, you know I love free!  I will have to give a shout out to the circus in a post because you know how I fussed last year at the cost and marketing of the cheap, plastic souvenirs that cost a small fortune.   I will still stand by that opinion, but the reading program is great.  See, I give positive credit where it is due! 
I am really hoping to do the Bible in 90 days reading plan soon.  It's been on my heart for a while to do it, so I really want to start that soon.  It will be a huge commitment, so I want to be sure I'm ready before I start and stick with it! 
Well, that's all that's been going on around here.  More to come.....stay tuned!  It won't take me two weeks to post again-I hope! 

Christmas

Well, I am almost caught up with posts.  I have yet to post about how our Christmas was, and it's February! 
Christmas this year was my favorite so far.  I don't say that every year.  I just feel like this year was the most peaceful one we've had.  I know some of my family said it didn't feel like Christmas, so I don't know!  I thought it was so nice, and so relaxing!  Especially after all the running around for the twins' birthday, and all the events leading up to the holiday. 
When Dustin and I first got married, we had four stops to make on Christmas day.  It was hectic, and left me in tears on more than one occasion.  I knew I wanted change, but you can't just turn the whole holiday upside in one year.  We began by celebrating Christmas with his grandma on a day other than Christmas.  It worked out great because we got her to ourselves instead of sharing her attention with everyone that day. 
Then, my Mom decided we should try doing Christmas with her another time as well, so we wouldn't be so rushed.  We all agreed we liked that better too, so that's how we've done it since. 
Ever since having kids, we've had just 2 stops to make on Christmas day.  We would always see my grandparents in the morning, my Dad at night.  It was fine, but two trips to my hometown in one day was just one too many, we felt.  It made the day seem so rushed still.  Last year I decided we'd just get to my grandma's when we got there.  This year, I decided to change even more.  We decided to wait and go later in the day, and make one trip for both visits.  It just made much more sense.    So, this year we woke up on Christmas morning and we were not rushed AT ALL!  It was so nice, and so special to have our own family time together for the holiday.  I can see us transitioning into making traditions for our little family of 5.  The kids did not wake up early, which surprised me.  We were up before them and well rested! 
Then, they did not tear into their gifts at all.  They took their time opening and enjoying each one. 
I set out a breakfast/lunch of all the leftover finger foods I'd made to take to the various holiday gatherings and the birthday brunch so we just ate when we wanted to.  That worked great too. 
We took our time getting showers and getting ready to head to my grandparents' house. 
We enjoyed visiting with them a while, then headed to my Dad's.  What I didn't realize is that even though we didn't do as much travelling around, the kids were still tired and pretty much DONE with the whole holiday thing by the time we got to Dad's.  This resulted in quite a few meltdowns. 
Who knew a Jake and the Neverland Pirates Tiki Hideaway toy would bring out the inner devil in my children.  I've never seen a fight like we had once they opened this toy that was to be shared by all 3.  I honestly didn't see that one coming, and I don't think Meme did either!  At least she knew it was something they would love, for sure. 

Here are a few pics from the day.  Some have asked me if I take pictures just for the blog, since I don't put the kids faces on there.  Actually, I usually don't.  I just always end up with a few blocked shots that work!  I really prefer action shots to the staged ones anyway, so it works out that I usually have a few to use. 

One of Henry's most favorite things-a Thomas the Train take and play set.  I found this at the semi-annual consignment sale for around $5.  I bought a few trains at the regular consignment shop for $8, and called it a gift!  He loved it!  It is the perfect size for him to play with, and I love how it holds all the pieces together.  I looked online and the little house/track part retails for around $65!  I love finding bargains!  It was in great shape. 

Carson's helicopter.  It goes with his Imaginext City Rescue Center.  That was his main gift. 

Emilynn's dollhouse.  This is the Fisher Price Loving Family one.  It was a clearance find and actually the boys even love playing with it too.  I didn't tell you that though!  :-)   We already had most of the furniture from last year, when she got my old dollhouse for Christmas with the furniture.  She was not impressed with my old dollhouse, and I have to admit, it wasn't that fun to play with because of the way it was made.  It wasn't as kid-friendly and more for older kids.  I thought it would be a sentimental thing...I was wrong.  I put it up, and she got this one this year.  Much better. 

And yes, she's taken off her jammies.  Sigh....I don't know why my kids do this all the time! 

The Big Wheels!  My grandma bought 6 of these!  Each great-grandchild except Baby Landon has their very own, with their name on it.  They all love riding things around my grandma's deck, but there's always been drama because there wasn't enough ridey things.  Then, we all found more ridey things at yard sales and Goodwill.  Then there were fights because they were different. 

Now, no fights!  All are the same except Emilynn and Morgan's are pink. 

The neat thing is my sister, my cousins, and I had the same big wheels at my grandma's house when we were little. 

 

Another thing I loved about the holiday was that no one went overboard on gifts this year.  Santa didn't, grandparents didn't, it was nice.  And we still have too much! 

I hope next year to do even less. 

 

The kids got some really useful non-toy things too, like sleeping bags and flashlights from my mom, bean bags to watch t.v. on from my dad & co., the big wheels that stay at my grandma's house-not ours, books, clothes, and money. 

 

We also got Carson a Bible, because he wanted one (Emilynn already has one from her Veggie Tales visit), Henry got a "Baby Henry" doll because the twins each have one that looks like them.  Baby Henry is an American Girl Bitty Twin that is like Henry-blonde hair, blue eyes.  So cute and he loves it.  Yes, I got my son a doll.  I don't think it's a huge deal.  He likes to push him around, and he's practicing to be a good Daddy we say!  He also got a John Deere apron I had a lady make him for me, because Carson and Emilynn have one as well, and they all love to help me in the kitchen. 

The twins got new bathing suits and dive sticks for the Y-all were on clearance at the end of the season, and that was about it other than little things here and there. 

 

It was such a nice holiday that focused more on Jesus' birthday than presents I think!  As it should! 

 

 

Twins' Kid Birthday Party

I wanted to do something really fun for the twins' fourth birthday, something really kid-oriented.  I looked online for somewhere we could have a private party.  I have been to Monkey Joe's on a Saturday and it's not pretty.  I lost my kids a couple of times there, even with my Mom's and sister's help watching them and honestly it was not fun AT ALL.  Sorry Monkey Joe's!  I left there frazzled. 
I found somewhere I had never heard of online-Romp 'n Roll.  It looked perfect as it was geared towards kids 6 and under.  It was private and affordable.  I went to see the place (minus the kids) in August and booked it!  It looked so cute and I knew they would love it. 
We scheduled the party on their birthday, at 5 pm.  Since brunch was at 11, I figured we would have plenty of time to get there.  In actuality, we didn't have much time to spare! 
It worked out okay though. 
You started the party out in a little room painted to look like a house, called "Rompy's House". 
Then, you moved to the main gym, which had a bunch of equipment kid-sized.  We had a two hour party, so we got lots of free play time, plus a few instructor-led activities.  I worried two hours would seem too short, but it was a perfect length and everyone-including adults was tired at the end! 

Here are a few pictures from the fun. 

Emilynn on the trapeze.  This is where my little "monkey" spent most of her time.  My cousin Kristen may have also gotten on the trapeze.  Adults were welcome to do whatever activities along with kids! 

 

 

My mom even got in on the action with the boys!  That's her "laid out" on the balance thingy....not sure what you call that! 

 

 

 

Cousin Hunter climbing the rock wall. 

 

Getting instructions for an activity-we did a "snowball fight" with parents verses kids, a parachute activity, a bubble party, and had a bouncy house. 

Trying to "blow up" the bouncy house. 

Parachute activity.  This was a lot of fun. 

We finished up the night with a bubble party.  We sealed it with a hand stamp and headed home! 

It was great fun! 

 

The cupcakes I made for the party.  Each child got to keep the favor on top-either a princess or pull back Monster truck racer.  Plus we gave calendars to everyone-either princess or monster truck.  I thought that was a good favor.  I'm trying to give nicer favors that won't end up straight in the trash.  I get tired of throwing away favors, its seems so "un-green".  :-) 

 

As far as food goes- I took pizzas, cupcakes, ice cream cups, bottled water, and juice boxes to Romp 'n Roll.  The instructors set all the food up, and cleaned it up.  We didn't have to do a thing, which was nice. 

 

On another note, we kept the party small.  I had wondered about inviting dance or swimming friends, but in the end decided to keep it small and simple, with just family or close friends. 

 

We had 8 kids plus Baby Landon there, and I think it was a good number.  The place isn't huge, so I wouldn't want to overcrowd it.  We only had 4 that couldn't make it, not counting the kids who would be older "helpers" like my niece and nephew who are too old for Romp 'n Roll. 

 

I think it was the perfect place for a four year old party.  It was super-age appropriate for them.  Henry was a bit hesitant at first, but at the end when the lady said it was time to go home, he looked so sad.  He was just getting the hang of it.  A Romp 'n Roll party may be in his future in the next few years!  I would definitely book it again. 

 

I already have a 5th birthday party location in mind- the Y!  They just started doing parties, and since we are members it would be super-reasonable.  How cool to have a winter swim party, since that's what stinks sometimes about a winter birthday!  I know my sister with a January birthday always wanted a pool party! 

 

Anyway, I have a few months to figure that out!!! :-) 

 

 

 

Monday Musings

• I'm back!  I've been unplugged for a few weeks.  I just hadn't felt like being on the computer.  It seems to use up SO much time, and then I have "helpers" who want to push buttons.  At night, Dustin mainly uses the computer.  I guess that means I haven't had time for Internet.  That's okay.  It is nice to have a break.  I do hope to be more consistent, as this is a journal of sorts so I will remember what all we've done.  I may try to blog during the day and if I need to look at fun stuff, like recipes or blogs, I can do that on my Kindle Fire at night in bed....I definitely plan to put time limits on my plugged in time.
• Speaking of electronics, I got my new phone and I love it!   The only thing is it's hard to text cause my fingers hit every key.  Honestly, if it looks close, I just send it on!  Ha!  I'm getting better though. 
• Cabin fever is running rampant at this house!  The kids and I have been stuck indoors with snow, and now this week is supposed to be just rain, rain, rain!  Of course, no one knows what to play with, they are bored!  If that is the case-I think I'll pack up all the toys and get rid of them!  They mostly play with non-toys it seems anyway- pots and pans, soup/canned food cans, couch cushions/pillows, boxes and containers....etc.etc.  I really think the toys are more of a hindrance to their imaginations!  Every month when I buy a case of paper towels, at least two days are spent making "towers" with the towels.  I let them do this for a few days as long as they don't unwrap any rolls.  I remember my sister and I played far more with stuff around the house-mostly the wood pile than anything! 
• We had four year old check ups last week-I have to get those stats posted. 
• Henry's birthday is next week!  I haven't even finished the twins' birthday posts. 
• It's February, a month of the new year is over!  I haven't posted my year's goals yet either. 
• I am reading an awesome book right now-I must share soon. 
• We toured pre-schools.  I think we've made our decision.  I will share about how THAT went too!  It is a huge decision! 
• Henry has been asking to go pee-pee in the potty and has been going!  Wow!  We've been changing diapers for four straight years now.  We have entered the 5th year of diapers.  I can't even imagine how it will be not to change diapers all the time.  I'm not even going to think about it yet......don't want to get too excited!  Santa brought him some big boy Mickey Mouse undies which he loves to wear over his diaper-baby steps!  Carson was the same way to potty train though, he asked to go potty, and he did.  And that was it.  Could I be lucky enough to get another one like that?  Emilynn was SO HARD to train.....I deserve a break on the boys.  And whoever said girls were easier DID NOT meet my daughter!  I say boys are easier-hands down, no question about it!!!!! 
• I have been cooking up a storm around here lately.  We've been on an eat at home kick, which is always good for our health and budget.  I can't wait to try a few new recipes from my favorite show-The Pioneer Woman.  It's a great show and the kids even like it.  Carson calls it the "cowboy cooking show." 
• We have made it to Sunday School two weeks in a row!  That is an accomplishment at this house, with all the kiddos.  They definitely need to be in Sunday School though, so it is now a big priority since we aren't doing AS much Bible lessons at home.  Also, Henry is getting better about leaving me at church, so that is a good thing because I missed MY Sunday School class.  It's an awesome group of ladies! 

Well, that's all we've been doing around here!