Maggie's Valentine's

I feel the need to document the fact that it is January 31 and Maggie's Valentines are ready and waiting!!  She saw these straws at Hobby Lobby and wanted them.  It was a great fine motor skill having to get the straw though the top and bottom hole. She is doing so well learning to write her name this year!!  She's growing up!

Help from sweet friends

Maggie got injured yesterday while playing in the gym at school.  Her sweet friend Hailey was quick to show compassion and help her!  I thought this was precious!  So thankful for her sweet little friends that she has been with for the last 4 years!!

Night Night Everybody

I went to check on the girls before bed and found this.  That sure is a lot of sweetest in a teeny, tiny, twin bed!

Friends and Family Day at DQ

Today was half price treats at Dairy Queen.  So we had a late lunch and enjoyed dessert for dinner!  The girls thought it was fabulous!

Wrestling Date

 Andy, Caroline, John and Tyler enjoyed a fun night with some of the old wrestlers Andy grew up watching.  Caroline had a blast and couldn't wait to tell me all about it tonight when they got home.  I can honestly say I never thought my daughter would enjoy wrestling but she loves it and I think her daddy loves sharing his love of wrestling with her.  Maggie did ask tonight how old she had to be before she could go to wrestling so we might have another fan on our hands. :-)

 Caroline got to met the Boogie Woogie Man, Jim Valiant.  She was thrilled!

Chaperone days...

I've been hearing a lot about ski trips lately and it made me think about our days as chaperones for youth ski trips.  Those days as chaperones or youth leaders were so much fun!  I look back now and think, where we really old enough and responsible enough to chaperone????? It's crazy to think that most of the kids that were on this trip are now career adults, married and some with children.  Time flies!!

Afternoon drinks

One afternoon this week, Caroline said she would make a surprise snack for everyone.  She wouldn't let us in the kitchen to see what she was doing.  She brought out super cute drinks with hot chocolate and marshmallows for she and Maggie.  When she brought me my drink (I was totally expecting a glass of hot chocolate as well) she brought me lemon water with fresh fruit. When I asked why I didn't get hot chocolate, she said "well I know you are trying to be healthy!" :-)

Hoe Cakes

One of my absolute favorite meals Mema made for me was "Hoe Cakes."  Anytime I spent the night over there or when she had us over for dinner during the winter, we had hoe cakes and cheese grits.  She spent approximately 16 years trying to teach me how to make them.  In the later years, she would say that her arthritis was getting to her and I would have to do it on my own.  Within about 5 minutes, those sweet hands would be in the mix showing me what I needed to do. 

For my 35 birthday, she gave me a handwritten copy of her recipe, a cast iron frying pan and a sweet devotion she read the day before my birthday.  I haven't been able to bring myself to make them without her but yesterday I was craving them.  So I pulled out my recipe, bought my ingredients and had Caroline help me in the kitchen.  I would give just about anything to have that sweet lady helping us prepare this batch.

These were yummy but not Mema yummy.  We still have a lot of work to do but it's a start!!

Cleaning Day

We were super excited to have the day off today especially after staying up so late last night.  We were lazy until about 10 am and then I told the girls it was time to get busy...they were like "but we had plans today that didn't include cleaning!"  Welcome to the real world girls!  They were a huge help and I am thankful for all that we got done!!

Lunar Eclipse

When I heard about the big lunar eclipse, I thought it would be great to stay up with Caroline to see it.  However, as 8 PM rolled around, I thought it would be just as great to see the pictures...however, my girl HAD NO PLAN of going to bed early.  So we binge watched Hallmark movies and I might have dozed off a few times but we did it!!  The picture above was taken by a professional photographer and the picture below was taken from our front yard.  I can honestly say I am so thankful we stayed up.  It was really neat to watch!  Caroline thought she was extra special getting to stay up so late!

What's making that noise?

Poor Mags went down super fast last night.  One minute she was fine and the next minute she had a 102.5 temp.  She was devastated when she found out that she couldn't go to school today.  She and I were on the couch resting and she said "Mommy I don't know what is making that noise?" I asked her what she was talking about and she responded "You know, that whistling..."  I said "Baby girl, that is your nose making that noise."  She was shocked... :-)

Early Dismissial

Today Caroline's school had early dismissal, which meant she got home about the same time as Maggie and I!  I know that early dismissal makes life crazy for so many families but Maggie and I are SUPER thankful to have the extra time with Sissy!

Bojangles Family Night

Last week Caroline's school sponsored a Bojangles Family Night.  A portion of the sales are given to Caroline's school.  It made perfect sense and was a real gift not to have to cook dinner!  Caroline saw a few friends and was excited to have her picture taken with the "chicken."

An afternoon nap...

I guess preschool is hard work???  This kid can sleep anyway, anywhere! :-)

No GRACE or MERCY!

These sweet sisters are loving sleeping together every night!  I absolutely love watching them snuggle together!  Well earlier this week, I heard Caroline getting frustrated with Maggie.  The next thing I know, Caroline throws the covers back, stands up and says "THAT IS IT!  I CAN'T TAKE IT!  YOU CAN'T STOP FLAPPING YOUR JAWLS AND I AM READY FOR BED!!  GOOD NIGHT!

Maggie begged her not to go...

Caroline responded "Well that's it...I will only stay if you are quiet and not say a word!  I will NOT show you ANY GRACE OR MERCY!  I will get out of this bed and go to my room!  Be quiet!!  Not a peep!  Look this way, don't turn your head away from me!  I want to see your face...if I see your lips move I am GONE!  Got it!"

I didn't hear another peep out of either one!  :-)

Surprise Chick-Fil-A playdate

Maggie and I were in the drive through at Chick-Fil-A when we spotted her friends.  They invited us in to play but we were stuck in the line.  Maggie suggested "Can we get our food and park and go inside?"  I was excited to say "sure."  We had a sweet time playing with friends...these sweet girls have been friends since Fun Ones. :0)  I love them and I am so thankful for their friendship!

Maggie's first shiner

Earlier this week as we were preparing for bed, Maggie bumped the rocking chair with her eye.  She cried and we knew it had to hurt.  She woke up the next morning and it was a light purple.  As the week has gone on, it had turned darker purple and now it's beginning to change to all sorts of colors.  Bless her heart!  I've decided that she will either put me on anxiety medicine or she will teach me not to be so anxious!!  Goodness gracious! :-)

Growing Up

This afternoon, I found Caroline sitting in her room working on her homework.  I love seeing her using the same table and bench that I used to do my homework at growing up.  I especially love seeing Charlie Brown right beside her!  I guess he figures that if sits beside her that she will finish her homework quickly so that they can play!   

Maggie's Office

Many mornings Maggie often hangs out with one of the teachers on my hall before school starts. From day 1, these ladies have always welcomed Maggie to play while they prepare for their day.  It is such a treat for me because I can actually get my head around what I need to do for the day.  Of course, Maggie LOVES it!!  Last night I received this picture from Mrs. Baker.  She said Maggie was in her office doing her 'work.'  I immediately LOVED this picture!!  I LOVE that our preschool is based on child centered play.  I love seeing their imagination run wild.  Maggie is using an ironing board, a flip phone and a laptop to take care of business!  So fun!  I better watch out, she might be training to take my job!!

Sweet Moments

I don't know about you but when I thought about how my children would treat each other...it wasn't exactly an accurate picture.  I thought we would teach and model love and the bond these girls would have would be just so sweet.  Well the reality is, they can be nasty and down right mean to each other.  It drives me nuts!  How much do I ignore and how much do I intervene?  However, I have learned in recent years that they fight and argue over the little stuff but when it comes to the big stuff, they are there for each other.  If one is sick or hurt there is a sweet, tender compassion shown.  Every once and a while I get a glimpse of everyday kindness and I smile, because maybe they really DO LOVE each other after all!

Yesterday was one of those moments that I wanted to capture to remember...our weather here has been gorgeous!  We've tried really hard to get out everyday for some sort of physical activity.  Maggie hasn't always been a fan of physical activity.  She started The Little Gym in August and we have seen a HUGE improvement.  She is slowly building up her upper body strength as well as strength in her legs.   She is actually asking to go for bike rides or rollerblading or for a ride on her zaggle.  It's so encouraging to watch.

She loves riding her bike but you can tell it really requires her to focus on what she is doing.  And guess who is her biggest cheerleader!  Her big SISSY!  Caroline purposely goes slower just to let Maggie take the lead.  She reminds her to look forward instead of down at her feet.  She tells her what a good job she is doing and how she is winning the race!  Shortly after I took this picture Maggie took a tumble.  Caroline jumped off her bike to check on her before I could get there.  Maggie tore her pants and scraped her knee pretty bad.  Caroline encouraged her to get back on her bike.  She told Maggie that she would get a bandaid for her once we got back.  Maggie said "I'm a tough girl" and got back on her bike.  Once inside Caroline cleaned her scrap and put a bandaid on it and all was well.

Today was a sweet parenting day...not all days are like this.  However, I want to capture these moments because they really are big moments in our family.  Parenting is hard and it's easy for me to focus on the hard...wonder if I have any clue what I am doing and will my children end up in therapy because of me...only time will tell! :-)  I am thankful the Lord is using my children to continue to grow me and mold me into the person He wants me to be!!

We made it!

 We made it!  I had a van full of happy children excited to go back to school!  They couldn't wait to see their friends and their teachers.  Hopefully this excitement continues throughout the rest of the week! :-)

It's time but it's not easy...

Caroline received Pie Face Sky High for Christmas.  We tried it out yesterday afternoon on the back porch.  It was a beautiful SUNNY 70 degree day!!!  After all the rain, it was a wonderful sight!  We enjoyed LOTS of laughs!!

We have enjoyed 2 1/2 LONG weeks without an alarm clock, regular after school activities and very little scheduled plans.  It has been glorious!!!  We have had our moments where we wanted to scream and shout at each other and moments where I wanted to pull my hair out but it has been SUCH a blessing to have this time together!  The girls were super sad to see Daddy go back to work on Wednesday. 

Last night I asked the girls what were their highs (happiest) and lows (saddest) of Christmas vacation.  I wanted to record their answers here:

Highs:

• Caroline: visiting family during Christmas and Christmas morning
• Maggie: going to the beach with Abby, Josie, Noelle and Eden

Lows:

• Caroline: missing REACH, not seeing her friends and teachers and safety patrol (can you guess who is super excited we go back to school tomorrow?)
• Maggie: miss talking to her teacher Mrs. Cooper

So while it will be hard, I guess it's time.  I'm mentally not ready to juggle work, mommy and wife duties again but we will get back into our routine slowly but surely.  I am thankful for the good, the bad and the other parts of Christmas vacation.  I am most grateful for a job that allows me this time with my family!

Lunch with Peep

Today Peep came to church with us.  Afterwards we joined her for lunch in the dinning hall at her apartment.  Their Sunday lunch is always yummy!  We love their fried chicken, collards  and salad bar.  Maggie and Caroline especially love the ice cream selection! :0)  The girls have met a lot of Peep's friends and everyone always speaks to the girls.  They are quick to remind Andy and I what beautiful girls we have! 

Dentist Visit

The girls visit the dentist twice a year.  One visit is typically during the summer and one during the school year.  This year it managed to fall during Christmas vacation but I didn't realize that when I scheduled our standard 8 AM appointment.  YIKES!  I let the girls sleep until the very last minute...I told them we would get breakfast after the appointment.  We would eat out somewhere if they did well during the appointment or come home and eat if not.  (Caroline always does great...Mags hasn't always been a fan of the dentist.)  Well I am happy to report both girls did great.  Maggie wanted me to lay in the chair with her but she let them do a complete exam.  Caroline did great as well.  However, we finally got the official referral we felt sure was coming...we get to visit the orthodontist.  Caroline isn't too excited and honestly neither am I...Andy had braces and was able to talk a little about that fun adventure.  Maybe Daddy will be in charge of orthodontics! :-)  

Anywho, after the appointment we drove really slowly and the girls played in the play area at Chick-Fil-A while we waited for the fluoride to dry.  The girls were super excited that we got to eat inside AND that they were the only ones in the play area.  

Christmas with Tyler and Nori

Today the girls had Christmas with Tyler and Nori.  The last two years we have made a big day out of it...we did the zoo during the day, Mexican for dinner and then Christmas lights and hot chocolate afterwards.  This year, sadly as hard as we tried, it just didn't work out.  Both sides were bummed and couldn't believe we weren't 'doing like we always did.'  Anyway, everyone seemed happy when we got together today.  Thankful for sweet friendships that started with their parents...glad they like each other!! :-)

Happy 2019!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy 2019!!  How in the world is it already 2019!  I graduated high school in 1999, how in the world was that 20 years ago?????  I started this blog on this day in 2008 never knowing that it would be the year we welcomed our first child!  I see more and more why the Lord lead me to the title "His PLAN, our JOURNEY!"  We really have NO control of what happens in our life but HE does and HIS plan is always better!!  Blogging isn't always easy and sometimes I struggle to keep up but I am SO thankful for the folks who "call me out" when I haven't updated in a while...it motivates me to take time to document our lives.  I hope that my girls will treasure these gifts!!

2018 was filled with some really sweet moments for our family as well as some really sad moments.  However, every experience we have make us who we are.  We are excited to see what 2019 brings and the memories we will make!