Christmas Break Highlights

2 visits to the pediatrician (Ryan)

1 case of RSV (Ryan)

3 infected ears (2 on Ryan, 1 on me)

1 sinus infection (me)

1 very cute gingerbread house made by Will (and me)

3 visits with Santa

Dozens of cookies baked

2 Christmas trees trimmed

2 times Ginger and JW watched "Christmas Vacation." (It's still hilarious every time!)

1 visit to the Frist Art Center

Countless number of Christmas stories read, Christmas carols sung, gifts wrapped and opened, blessings received, prayers prayed and answered.

Our gingerbread house- which turned out pretty cute for a $7.99 kit from Michaels

Ryan ready to open a gift on Christmas Eve

Christmas morning- the boys each got new jerseys

Christmas morning breakfast with cousins Libby and Ainsley

Ryan slept on the couch while we opened gifts on Christmas Day- bless his heart he was so sick this day.

The Frist Art Center has an amazing hands-on area for kids. Both boys enjoyed working with clay. There was a great photography exhibit that I really wanted to see, but the boys were less enthusiastic.

The painting station was very neat. Ryan loved it. He painted 4 paintings!

Despite all our sickness, we had a great Christmas. Today was beautiful and we were able to get outside and meet some friends at the park. We are enjoying our break, but Will has been asking when he gets to go back to school. Ryan informed me earlier today that he was going to school on Thursday! I'm glad they love school, but it is also nice to have some days without an agenda.

Merry Christmas!

9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2:9-14

For the love of food

I'm pretty sure I like food more than the average person. I like to think about it, talk about it, read about it, write about it, cook it, make it, grow it, buy it, and of course, eat it. I am a dork and even enjoy grocery shopping.

The thing about cooking is that it takes time. Something I don't have a lot extra of with two active little boys. And the other thing about cooking is that you have a big mess that someone has to clean up- me. I really don't like the cleaning up part.

I've been thinking about food and how it connects us today as I've been making a trillion dozen Christmas cookies for Ryans class party tomorrow. The food is one of my favorite parts to the holidays. There are so many good memories for me surrounding Christmas foods.

Every year when we would arrive at my grandmothers house in West TN for Christmas, she would have an entire cart full of candy that she had made. My grandfather would make the peanut brittle and she would make divinity, fudge, pecan logs, and other varieties that I'm sure I'm forgetting. I remember being so impressed by all the beautiful candies on the crystal dishes. This woman was superwoman in my mind.

Every Christmas morning of my entire life I have gone to my Nana's house (now my uncle's) for the same Christmas morning breakfast. This is the best food I eat all year long. Even JW agrees with me now. It is incredible. Local country ham and sausage, cheese grits, eggs, fried apples, homemade angel biscuits, and fried cheese (yes, fried cheese- you haven't lived until you've had fried cheese.)

I won't even start on the cheese ring recipe my Mother has made in the past. This thing is so good I could cry. But, she won't share the secret recipe with me. (Because of some old lady in her hometown- anyway...) I really don't want the recipe, Mom, I just want you to make it!!

Food keeps us connected, makes us feel loved, and gives us history. We take it when someone is born and also when someone dies. We make it in celebration and we make it during sickness. My friend Stacey says my food taste better because I put so much love in it. That is one of the best compliments I've ever received. And yes, Stace, you will get an apple pie when Miller is born!

Go make something for someone you love.

Nick the Red-Nosed Retriever

Nick came over this morning to pull the boys on the toboggan. I don't know when I've seen two boys have so much fun! It was a true Winter Wonderland outside this morning.

Snow!

I couldn't resist sharing this picture I just took in our backyard. It is a pine tree next to our pond. JW put the big old-school colored lights on it and we love it. But, covered in snow, it looks magical! The snow is helping me feel a little more festive!

I was tagged

Cindy tagged me to post the 4th picture from the 4th folder of my pictures. Because we just finished backing up all our pictures to CDs, this one is actually from this year. If not, you probably would have seen something from 4 years ago! It was high time we cleaned up our pictures.
So, here it is. Obviously, this was at JW's law school graduation. It was a fun day. Afterwards we all went to Regas for a great dinner. The next morning we left for Hilton Head. Good times!
I would tag someone, but everyone has already been tagged. If you want to do this, go ahead. Leave me a comment letting me know.

Lack of Blogging

Between my computer monitor dying and the fact that I got the dreaded stomach virus over the weekend, I haven't been able to spend much time at the computer. I am currently looking at an ancient monitor that JW dug out of his parents basement. It kind of hurts my head if I stare at it too long. We are hoping this is just a monitor problem and doesn't mean the entire computer is about to die, but it is prompting me to back up all my pictures quickly!
Having the stomach virus over the weekend really set me back in my all my Holiday shopping and decorating. Kind of put things in perspective for me. So much focus is put on the buying, spending, and checking people off lists. I just don't like it and it has made me scrooge-y lately. Everyday I get a note home in one of the boys folders for something I need to give money to or buy a gift for. (excuse the dangling prepositions.) I'm tired of it.
The boys love Christmas. Their excitement is so innocent and pure. I remember feeling that way when I was little and it is magical. I just want to stay home and bake cookies with my kids.
Anyone else feel this way?

Thanksgiving

Every year the Kindergarten at Will's school puts on a Thanksgiving program and lunch. This event goes back many years, in fact, JW and Aunt Gini both participated in the same program when they were in Kindergarten. There is much to be said about tradition and taking comfort in the fact that some things don't change. Maybe that is why we like to eat the same foods every year on Thanksgiving. I take great comfort in knowing that my Nana's dressing is going to taste the same way it has tasted for all of my 33 years. (Here is where I feel sorry for people who aren't from the South because they don't know about things like dressing, chess pie, and deviled eggs. But, that is a whole other post.) Food and family are comforting and I am thankful that some things don't change.


Enjoy these pictures from today-

My flash was not cooperating, so the pictures of the program didn't turn out- but you get the idea



1 little, 2 little, 3 little Indians

(Marshall, Will, Bailey)

Will, aka Golden Tiger (they all had Indian names)

Here we are eating the delicious Thanksgiving feast all the teachers prepared

Golden Tiger and Singing Daisy

(I couldn't leave this one out. Karly is the love of Will's life. Isn't she adorable?)

Twilight Tonight- Review

UPDATE: Since I know you are all breathlessly awaiting my review, I won't make you wait any longer- ha! The experience last night was crazy! Even though we had tickets to the 7pm show, the line was still almost out the door. Women had been there since 5 pm to get into the theater. There were showings every 15 minutes and it was very confusing as to what line to stand in, so we just kind of marched up to the front around 6:45 and stood there until they opened the ropes to our theater. Then people ran! I kid you not, ran! We ended up getting great seats. I tried to take pictures, but it was just too dark.
As soon as the movie came on, the screaming started! I was worried it would get annoying, but it was funny. I was so glad I went last night with all the hype and hysteria- I loved it!

So, to the movie: It stayed amazingly true to the book! I was so proud of the integrity of the script writers. But, the low budget was obvious. Some of the special effects came across as cheesy. Yes, Melanie, Dr. Cullen's makeup was nasty!! But, I thought Edwards hair was amazing, not distracting. I loved Edward! I thought Robert Pattinson was a great Edward. I was very worried he would not live up to my ideal Edward, but he did a great job of being the sexy, brooding, self-depricating vampire. I am hoping because of the success of Twilight, that the other movies will be filmed with a higher budget. I have heard that New Moon is already in the works- yay!
My last thought- I recommend reading the book before seeing the movie. I might have been confused as to "what is the big deal?" if I had not previously read the book.

Now I am off to the Kelly's Kids Warehouse Sale- nothing over $14.99- YAY! Then home to get out Christmas decorations! What a great weekend!



Twilight is officially at theaters. There was a midnight showing here last night, but I'm just not as young as I used to be.........I digress.

I am going tonight to the 7 pm showing that has been sold out for weeks. I was smart and bought my ticket weeks ago on Fandango.

No, it has not received good reviews so far. Book adaptations are never as good as the book so I don't have high hopes. Also, Twilight was made on a ridiculously low budget with no name actors. They aren't no names anymore, though. Robert Pattinson is now being called the new Johnny Depp. (We'll see about that.......)

JW can make fun of me and all my Twilight hype, but I will be there tonight-proudly wearing my "Edward" shirt.

Raking Leaves

We have an abundance of trees in our yard, which means lots of leaves. The boys have had tons of fun in the leaves this Fall. Here are a few pictures I snapped the other afternoon.

Yes, they have on matching turkey t-shirts
Will really enjoys raking. He does not get this from me.

Look at this face. He looks like such a big boy. It makes me sad, but I could still eat him up!

This would have been a really cute picture if I hadn't cut off the top of Ryan's head. Oh well, I had to throw it in here because it makes me laugh. The boots are classic Ryan.

What to Read Now?

I have not picked up a book since finishing Breaking Dawn. That was okay because I watched much of the election coverage at night. But, now that the election is over, (and all television is terrible this season with the one exception of Brothers and Sisters) I needed a book to read.
Apparently I am not the only Twilight addict with this problem, because on Stephenie Meyer's website she has a reading list on what to read when you can't read Twilight anymore! Hooray! I was so excited to see the list that I quickly searched my library database looking for suggested books.

So, I have started reading Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale. So far, so good. Not Twilight good, but still good.

Happy Veterans Day

For some, Veterans Day might just be another day when banks are closed, you don't get mail, and state employees don't have to go to work. But, for just a moment, let's pause to thank those who actually had to leave their families, go off to war, and risk their lives. It does not matter one bit what your political views on war might be, American citizens give up time with their family, and in some cases, their lives for our country. That is huge. What if it was your husband? Your son? I pray my boys never have to see war in their lifetime, but mothers all over our country have hugged their boys and sent them to war. So, let's just take a moment and see this day for what it really means.

Vote!

The record number of early voters is astounding! People waiting in 3 and 4 hour lines and it's not even Election Day yet! I voted last Tuesday and my wait was about 15 minutes. JW says he is waiting until tomorrow to vote so he can be a part of all the hoop-la! Only JW.....

I do not enjoy politics. I do not like to get into political discussions with my friends or family. I'd rather discuss religion any day. I don't care who you vote for, I just think we should all exercise our right to vote.

Have you voted yet?

Happy Halloween!

When I was a senior in high school, my class threw a Masquerade Ball around Halloween. We had just moved into a beautiful new building and this was the first big school party. I was on the committee throwing the ball. In fact, I think I was technically the committee chair. (Which is a scary fact in itself, as my party-planning skills are not great. I am way too unorganized.) But, it was great! We had a DJ, dancing, professional photographer, palm reader, a graveyard, the works! My best memory, however, is the hand-made Tinkerbell costume my Mother made me. My Mother likes to keep it a secret that she can sew, but she went all out for my Tinkerbell costume. Gold shimmery fabric with white glittery tulle. I had wings, a wand and gold slippers. I had the best costume at the ball! I really wish I had a picture to share with you.

Fast forward to Halloween 2008. We are going to a Halloween party tonight. The moms thought it would be fun to dress up. You know- so our kids would think we were cool, etc. So, I think "oh, fun! I will be Tinkerbell. She has always been my favorite Disney character." Well, I am no longer 17. I couldn't fit my big toe in the original costume my mom made me. And all the other Tinkerbell costumes out there for sale are VERY skimpy. Made for 17 year olds- not 33 year old Moms.

So, alas, I am having a very middle-age, suburban mom moment. I have realized I am not little and cute like Tinkerbell anymore. I still feel 17 in my mind. But, reality is very different, isnt it?

Trunk or Treat

Our church held trunk or treat this afternoon. This was our first trunk or treat experience and it was great. Perfect afternoon- sunny and 70 degrees. I guess this is just the beginning of the candy craze. We have Halloween parties at school this week before the real Halloween on Friday. I think Mommy is going to have to hide some of this candy!

This is the best picture I could get of all 4 cousins
Will enjoyed handing out candy after he made his rounds

Batman and Superman digging for candy

Meme and John had the best set-up. Inflatable Snoopy, hay bails, pumpkins, gourds, and TONS of candy

Look at the precious little puppy!

Pumpkin Patch Day

Will's class went on a field trip to a pumpkin patch today. Most of the moms went too and we had a blast. The weather was sunny and cool. The perfect fall day! After the pumpkin patch we went to a park down the street for our picnic lunch and play time. It was the perfect day. I love Kindergarten! I love 5 year olds! I heard myself constantly saying "this is the best bunch of kids!" And they are- they are sweet to each other, considerate, funny, smart, and amazingly well-behaved. We are blessed to be at a school with such great kids. (These are the pictures I got before my camera battery died. )

Class picture
Being silly

We found two perfect little pumpkins

Will, Bailey and Marshall

Music and Molasses

We went to the Music and Molasses Festival today. It was the perfect fall weather- clear and cool. As the name tells you, there is lots of music and molasses-making going on! Also, a working pioneer village, hands-on farming activities for kids, crafts, delicious food, and a hands-on craft area. We had a great time!

Ryan working in the corn

Will making a real candle in the crafts village

Ryan and Will "painting" a barn with friends Maia and Peter

One of my favorite reasons for going to Music and Molasses- the fried pies and hot apple cider- Yum!

Breaking Dawn

All good things come to an end, I guess. I read this book slowly, savoring every word, because I did not want it to end. What to do now? No book will ever, ever meet the high standard I now have for reading. Stephenie Meyer has just set the bar too high. Everyone I have convinced to start reading Twilight, comes back to me saying "this is not a book, this is an addiction!" I know, I know! Breaking Dawn was the best one of the 4, so keep reading. It is so worth it. Now, time to focus on the movie coming out on November 21st. And hope that Stephenie Meyer will start writing again very soon.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread is one of my favorite things to bake and eat in the Fall. I shared my favorite pumpkin bread recipe here last year. Well, I found another favorite. This one is different because of the addition of chocolate chips. It is from Cooking Light, one of my favorite food resources. If you try it, let me know what you think.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

2 cups sugar

2 cups canned pumpkin

1/2 cup canola oil

1/2 cup fat free vanilla pudding

4 large egg whites

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 35o degrees. Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring to mix well. Combine flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl, stirring to mix well. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture, mixing well. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Spoon batter into 2 loaf pans coated well with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until a tester inserted comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans.

IT'S OFFICIAL

Bar Exam results came out today!

JW is now officially a licensed practicing attorney in the state of Tennessee!

click here to see his name

Book Club

I attended my first official book club meeting Monday night. Sorry to those of you who are tired of hearing about my book club, but, I am probably not going to shut up now.

I had to miss the first meeting where they discussed The Shack. Fine with me. But, I was so excited to be there this time because we discussed Twilight. And my excitement was fueled by a Starbucks Grande low-fat vanilla latte. Oh, and I forgot to say "decaf." Not a good thing for me at 7 p.m.

Oh. My. Goodness. Even those who were skeptical before are now true believers. Our group ranges in ages and occupations. We had a doctor, some teachers, and some full time mommies there the other night. Our discussion was amazing. It was so interesting to hear what different people got from this book. The different themes and questions everyone brought only added to my love for this series. The Romeo and Juliet theme is very obvious from the beginning, but through our discussion the search for soul and other spiritual aspects became clear as well.

I love my book club. I always wanted to be in a book club. It fulfills my dorky, English major side and I find myself reading more now than I ever have before in my life. The pick for next time is Three Cups of Tea. It is non-fiction and will be very different from Twilight. Has anyone out there read Three Cups of Tea?

I think some of us may need to form a second book club just for the Twilight Series because I am still not done with Breaking Dawn! Mary Alice?

Greta went swimming

"Momma, I'm sorry I was chasing that squirrel. But, I didn't mean to fall in the pond."

"Okay, momma, seriously. Put the camera down and get me out now!"

*the worst part about this whole secenario is that I had just picked her up from the groomer a few hours ago.

Go Commodores!

We are huge fans of ESPN's College Game Day. In the morning they are going to be at Vanderbilt. We just might brave the crowd and make our way down there! The Vanderbilt v. Auburn game should (hopefully) be quite exciting. Anything, I mean watching paint dry, is more exciting that UT's season so far. We have always been Vanderbilt fans. At least for basketball, anyway. And JW is a Vandy grad. But, their football team has always left a bit to be desired. This year, however, is turning out to be quite exciting. So, we'll see. Maybe I'll catch a glimpse of Herbstreit, anyway!

Eclipse

621 pages later, I have finished Eclipse. This one was by far the strangest of all 3 that I have read. Not that there is anything normal about being in love with a vampire........but, moving right along.
Only 1 more book to go in the Twilight Series, Breaking Dawn. I am sad that the series will be over, but I am so excited to see what happens with Bella and Edward. At least then I will have the movie to look forward to in November!