Christmas Recap

   I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas - we did! It was a pretty low key week with family, which is always so nice.

The week between Christmas and New Year's is always such a let down to me. It's kind of like being in waiting... one of my least favorite places to be.

As for Christmas, we had a ball. The night before Christmas Eve, we made Christmas cookies, which proved to be a blast and a mess. At the beginning of the season, I asked my oldest what her favorite part of Christmas was and she said, "Baking Christmas cookies with my mommy!" I beamed. :) Now baby sister is joining in on the tradition.

Christmas Eve we had my entire side of the family (minus, much to my dismay, my brother, sister-in-law, and their two baby boys who live in Kansas and couldn't be here) over to our house.  And that night, Santa was good to us all.

Christmas morning we blew the candles out on Jesus' birthday cake. Disclaimer: I AM NOT A BAKER.

Go ahead and get in a good laugh... you know you want to.

Christmas day we went to spend time with the Wells clan. 

Here's what I got for Christmas....

As of now, it's been sitting in the box staring at me. I have no idea what to do with it, but I'm hitting up some sewing lessons soon. Let's just hope I'm better at that than I am at baking! Geez!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas filled with thankfulness, love, family, friends, and good food!

I have to go - my first weight watchers meal of my new year's resolution is waiting to be cooked. This is typical. Encourage me people!

I'm baaackk!

Well, hello, blogosphere! After a crazy month (ok, more), and a little nudging from a few readers, I'm back... so hold on, it's going to be a long post.



Whew, what a crazy few months! First and foremost, an update on my father-in-law. He is doing really well. After basically crushing the right side of his body, nearly a month in ICU and a week and a half in acute care, and 8 weeks in a rehabilitation facility, he is home at last and blowing by all expectations for his recovery. It really is amazing to watch. He is in surgery today for an outpatient procedure associated with the trauma, so please keep praying for him. Please keep praying for not only his physical health, but his spirit and mind as well. His life has obviously completely changed - not only did he lose a friend a coworker in the crash, but his day to day life is upside down - I can only imagine what he's going through. But - he is a strong man and the constant prayers are working. Just don't stop!


Here he is walking - yes, I said WALKING!- with my girls. It's nothing short of a miracle.



Also, earlier in December, we had quite a treat here in hot, humid, Mississippi. It snowed - for the SECOND year in a row. For those of you who don't live in the deep South, you have no idea how big of a deal this is. I'm pretty sure my kids have seen more snow in their few years on earth than I did my entire childhood!




It definitely jumpstarted the Christmas spirit! Speaking of, we have been in full out Christmas preparation mode. Tree is up, stockings are hung, and gifts are bought and wrapped. Now all we have to do is celebrate...
This is my Mammaw - I have so many memories of helping her in the kitchen as a kid and I can't explain to you how great it is to see my girls bake Christmas treats with her.

This season, my five-year-old is still terrified of Santa, so we've abandoned the idea of taking them to sit in his lap. It's pointless, really. Santa showed up at her school party and she freaked out and took off out the back door. Sigh.

This year she has asked for an American Girl doll and baby girl wants a "pink bike," "pink house," "pink car," and a puppy dog. Lord help us.

Last week we had a Christmas party at our house for our bible study group and played dirty Santa. I thought my husband looked quite stunning in his gift... pretty sure it's on backwards.

I WILL be back soon. I promise! Until then, Merry Christmas!

Thanks for the prayers

Sorry I've been absent, it's been a whirlwind of a week. Today marks one week since the helicopter crash and by the grace of God, my father-in-law is still with us. While he hasn't made any leaps and bounds improvements, he's slowly making baby step in the right direction and he's alive, which in itself still blows my mind.

Larry is such an amazing man - a great father to my husband and grandaddy to my girls, but to me, he's so much more than an in-law. He's one of the most compassionate, loving, and joyful people I know, but the amazing thing is that he is only a glimpse of the God he serves, the God that's holding him in the palm of His hand as we speak.

Prayer is amazing. I always knew it, but this has me further convinced. There have been so many people praying for him and so many people praying for the family, and they have been working. We have a web site that we update with his progress, so check that out - www.caringbridge.org/visit/larrywells.

Thanks so much for the prayers. God is good!

Pray, Pray, Pray

It's 1 a.m. and I just got in bed from a long night at the hospital. My father-in-law was in a terrible helicopter crash today and is fighting for his life as we speak. Please, please, please, please stop and say a prayer for him. It's a miracle that he is alive and reaffirmation that God is in control.

Please stop and pray!

Sisters

In case you didn't know yet, my kids are awesome.

I have an older brother, and that's a relationship like no other. Plus, he's always been such a great big brother, so I've ALWAYS loved having a big brother. But, since having two girls, it's been so fun to see how their relationship has evolved. I think that too is a relationship unlike any other.

When we brought baby girl home from the hospital two years ago (what!??!?), big sis was so excited, but confused, to say the least. Now they are just about inseperable. They play together, laugh together, and occasionally pull each other's hair and scream. I think having a sister would have been fun (although I wouldn't trade my brother for anything!), I'm so glad I get to see them grow up together. I can't wait to see how they are when they're grown.

My sweet girls are just that - sweet as sugar.

Creepy

You know what creeps me out? Yo Gabba Gabba. To all those moms and dads out there, please tell me I'm not alone. I finally managed to tolerate The Wiggles, since my girls both have loved them at different times. But this I just don't think I can deal with. It's just plain weird.

The TV was on and the creepy music started when I hear "Gabba! Gabba!" from my baby's mouth.

Creepy. Creepy. Creepy.

It's a two way street...

There's been a lot going on in the Wells household that I won't even begin to get into, but please say a prayer for our family. The last week it's felt a little like the world is crashing down on our shoulders and to be quite frank, that's a really crappy feeling. My husband is such an inspiration, though. I can think of three main times in our marriage where he has had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Each time, I've been lucky enough to see him trust God wholeheartedly and manage to be strong for the rest of us. Last week there was a moment where I had to be the strong one, which was tough to say the least. But, I can honestly say that God has given us a marriage where we really balance each other. He gave me strength when Nathan needed me to have it.

I'm so comfortable in my life, which is disturbing. I really like my life and I've been blessed, but getting out of my comfort zone freaks me out, which is exactly what God calls us to do. Every time God allows something to happen that makes my life a little less comfortable, that's when I call on Him, which I'm sure is why He keeps allowing things to happen. I'm apparently hardheaded. I've hit rock bottom before and that's when I turned to God. I call on God and He is always, always there, but God calls on me and I have to check my schedule. That's really screwed up...

He has promised a fulfilling, purposeful life if I follow Him. When we Christians say "that prayer," (you know the prayer - i'm a sinner and want to follow you) it's too often a Get Out of Hell Free Card, not a commitment to truly follow God. There have been times when I've devoted every ounce of my being and then there are times when something shiny catches my eye and I stray, knowing I have my Get Out of Hell Free card. But slowly, and sometimes shockingly rapidly, God pulls me back into fellowship with Him. What an amazing, merciful, powerful God we serve. He has yet to write me off and He has promised that He never will.

A friend posted Phillipians 4:6-7 on Facebook today. Although I've read it time and time again, I saw it in a new light today - "Do not be anxious about anything, but by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests before God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

The very fact that the peace of God transcends all understanding is comforting beyond belief. Pray for peace and understanding for our family and pray that we will come before God with thanksgiving and praise. Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord, including me.

My Newfound Discovery

Maybe I'm behind the times. Or maybe you've never tried it either. I just discovered how incredible a nice cup of hot peppermint tea can be.

Being a Southerner, through and through, it's odd that I don't like sweet iced tea - at all, actually. But I love a cup of hot green tea. I have a problem when my kids go to bed about snacking, even when I'm absolutely not hungry. So, since I discovered peppermint tea, I've been trying to fix a cup before bed. It actually acts as an appetite suppressant, so I'm loving it.

Try it!

Splish Splashing Birthday Fun

Well, Saturday was a hit. My baby turned two with a bang.

It was a GORGEOUS day. In mid-July in mid-Mississippi it's rare to have a day that you can stand the sweltering humidity, but this was one for the record books. Sunny with a nice breeze - a high of only, yes, I said ONLY 86 degrees.

We had a slip and slide, two baby pools, water guns, water balloons, and of course the huge blow up water slide...

...which my dear husband couldn't help but try.

I hit the slide myself after the party wound down, but rest assured, I captured no pics of that. My husband wants to get one every weekend now. I promised I would rent him one for his birthday if he really wants me to. That is, if he wouldn't rather have pony or train rides. We'll see what he's into closer to time. :)

And of course the day wouldn't be complete without some sweets. I couldn't have been happier about how these cupcakes turned out.

And no, I didn't make them. We all know how that would have turned out. They are from Cakes & Candles in Ridgeland, for all the locals. I've ordered from them before and have never been disappointed. Every time I go to pick something up, it's so much cuter than I had hoped.

We also had Bop's. Again, for you locals, you know what I'm talking about. Only the best frozen custard on the planet.

Like I said, the day was a hit. And well deserved for this special little lady. She's been such a blessing to our family with her sweet, loving personality and her hilarious facial expressions. I love her so much and as sad as I am that she's already two, I wouldn't have it any other way. These two years have been so much fun and I can't wait for the rest.

Happy Birthday, my baby!

Bad, Bad Blogger

I've been busy - so shoot me.

Baby girl's birthday party preparations are well under way. Tomorrow she'll be two and we're celebrating with a huge blow up water slide. Should be fun, just hoping it doesn't rain! This morning, she has been "helping" me clean while her sister has been asking over and over who all is coming to the party.

Have a great weekend - I know we will!

It's off to work "we" go...

Thanks to the stupid economy(and my shopping habit), I've taken on a part time fundraising job. Although I love the life of leisure (if that's what you want to call spaghettios and dirty diapers), I'm excited about joining the working world yet again. I'll be working with some really good friends but will have minimal office time, so that means I get to work from home the majority of the time, which translates into time with my babies. Score! Of course when I have events, I'll be a basket case, but you do what you gotta do.

I worked full time 8-5 when I had my first baby. When I had baby number two, I kept my full time job and worked from home for a few months, which was taxing, to say the least, but this is a much different situation, so I'm looking forward to it. Oh, work, how my brain has missed you! Plus, after a year of staying home full time, office time is actually really enjoyable. I went into the office today and it's nice to have a Mommy break on occasion.

No worries, though - writing is my first love and I'm planning on continuing to write!

Happy Birthday to America

Better late than never, right?


We kicked off the Fourth of July weekend with celebratory pancakes courtesy of Daddy. I even let them eat them while they watched Dora Saves the Mermaids.



We spent the majority of the day at the swimming pool and then cooked out with the neighbors before heading back to the pool for night time swimming and fireworks. The late night resulted in the invevitable terrible two tantrum when we were trying to leave for church the next morning. Welcome to my world...

And that was after I got her dressed. Getting her shoes and hairbow in was nothing short of Divine Intervention. Trust me.

But this makes it all worth it:

I haven't posted much of my writing lately, mainly because of negligence. This month's Portico Jackson magazine featured a story I wrote on the Mustard Seed in Flowood. I've always heard so many amazing things about this place, but had never had the opportunity to visit. My friend Mandy works there and was such a help with the story and arranging a tour.

I hate to say that the Mustard Seed is a "facility" for mentally challenged adults, because it is so much more than that. It's a community, a home, a refuge, and so much more. If you live in the Jackson area, I urge you to find out more about this awesome place. When I was doing the tour, I told the executive director that I had never felt so good about myself as I did walking through those doors, simply because I got so many hugs and the "seedsters" were just so excited that I was there to visit with them.

After my tour, I got an email from Mandy that said - "We drew names at Christmas. Jerry loves High School Musical, especially Troy Bolton! So when Megan drew Jerry's name, she knew the perfect gift. My favorite part isn't Jerry's reaction, it is how genuinely happy everyone else is for him." She sent this YouTube link. Check it out for a taste of the Mustard Seed.

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth!

One of "those" moms

We all know that mom whose house is always clean, she cooks every night, her kids never have snotty noses, her waist stays small and her makeup's always on. Yeah, well, one of "those moms," I am not.



Case in point - my failed attempt to make cupcakes for my kiddos last night.





I think the picture says it all. I'm not Betty Crocker. BUT - they were good (and made from a mix with a can of frosting, I'm proud to say).


I actually enjoy cooking, but need a break about every other night (my husband hates this about me, I'm sure). My kids are lucky to get Cheerios in the morning.




It's 11 a.m., excuse me 11:30 a.m., and I'm still in my pjs. Hey, at least it's a.m., that should count for something! There are toys all over the house, all the pillows from the couch and the beds are in the office where my kids have been making a "clubhouse," and I've finally decided I'm ok with it. I'll clean up later.


So to all "those moms," good for you. I'm jealous at times and sometimes exhaust myself trying to keep up. But the way I see it, I have really amazing, fun kids, despite their mom's baking abilities. I mean, they don't lose any sleep at night.





I'll order cupcakes for birthday parties and I hear Cheerios are good for your heart, that's what the box says anyway!


I'm off to play in the clubhouse! Happy Thursday, everyone!

Drama Queen

My four-year-old and I just had our usual morning argument over what to wear. I said, "Goodness, you're such a drama queen." Her response was shouted at the top of her lungs, hands on hips, "I am NOT a drama queen! Do you see a crown on top of my head?!?!?"

I couldn't help but crack a smile. She never ceases to say something funny in her rage.

Go get The Help by Kathryn Stockett!

So I mentioned earlier that I was in the middle of The Help. I finished it on the ride down to the beach last week. Yes, it's that good that I read it in the care, despite nausea.

It is incredible and really cool to read if you're familiar with Jackson (and if you're not too). I miss the characters now that I've finished the book. I can't wait to see what Kathryn Stockett writes next.

Back in the swing of things... sort of.

So the saying goes that you often need a vacation to recover from vacation. I second that.

We arrived back home Saturday night around 9 p.m. and woke up to go to church on Sunday, which was of course Father's Day. So we had to do what we do best - marathon family days - as not to make anyone feel left out. We had lunch with my parents and went to Crystal Springs for dinner - two happy dads (or moms more like it).


Monday was actually a semi-chilled out day, thank goodness. We went to the gym, the grocery store, picked up my two little cousins (ok, they aren't so little any more, being 14 and 18, geez, I'm getting OLD!) and went to the pool. It was very nice.


Yesterday was my turn to host bunco at my house, so an afternoon of cooking ensued. I can't get in the kitchen without hearing this chair slide up to the counter. My little helper just can't let me cook alone. Gosh, I love this kid. She's such a sweetie and wants SO BAD to be grown up. She copies everything I do, which of course, makes me so happy. I'm glad she thinks mom's cool. That will change soon enough, I'm sure.





Baby sister thoroughly enjoyed the fruits of our labor - cookies!

Happy hump day everybody!

Whew!

It's back to the real world. We got home last night from our week in lovely Seaside, FL. I've decided that I want to move there. Besides laying around on the beach and eating good food, I rode around on one of these all week-

The water, weather, and scenery were amazing and I'm a little sad to be home. Although I love my bed here, I really do.

Here are a few pics -

The Help

A few months back, I bought a copy of Kathryn Stockett's book, The Help. It sat on our bookshelf since then. I threw it in my beach bag before we left for Perdido and dove into it when we got there. Whoa. It's amazing. I could not put it down.

Stockett is a native of Jackson and the book is set in Jackson in the 1960s, during the Civil Rights movement. It's told from the view point of the black maids that raised the rich white people's babies, cleaned their houses, and cooked their dinners. It's funny, revealing, and probably pretty accurate. It is really making me realize how far we have truly come as a nation, especially here in little ol' Jackson, Mississippi. I don't think people realize it, but it only 40 some odd years we have come so far.

I'm right smack dab in the middle of the book now. My husband told me he's glad to see me reading. Kind of made me feel stupid. He said he hasn't seen me that involved in a book in a while. My response was, "Yeah, I had babies." Geez, when they aren't pulling on me, I pass smooth out. Like I have time to read. That's how you know this book is good. I don't fall asleep immediately.

Off to bed. I'll sneak in a few chapters before I doze.

I have to brag...

...on my husband. The Mississippi Business Journal featured him this week as a young business professional that they are "keeping their eye on." Since I've known him he has really worked his tail off and I'm glad to see that he's getting recognized for it. He is such an incredible man and he deserves it! Read the story here.

Tan and tired...

...that's what we are. We had a blast in Perdido. It was a great time with even greater friends. I took basically next to no pictures, so I don't have much to show for it. The girls adored the beach (and the pool) and managed to reach the point of sheer exhaustion each and every day we were there (score!).

The drive down was not so fun. We left around 10 a.m. and the excitement coming from our back seat was overwhelming (and loud), so we decided to leave around 7:30 p.m. coming home so the girls would sleep. And sleep they did. We finally fell into our beds around 2 a.m. this morning and I'm paying for it. 2 a.m. seems so much later than it used to. I can't handle it.

We leave on beach vacay numero dos on Saturday. We'll be spending the week in Seaside with the Coleys and the Maleniuses and their kiddos. It should be a ball. I miss the beach already!

Beach Bound!

I can't wait till tomorrow. We're headed out on beach vacation numero uno for the summer. We're going to Perdido Key with our friends the Registers and their two adorable kids. My water babies. I can't wait to sit around (yeah right, with a two year old and a four year old, but a girl can dream) and do nothing. Hopefully my water babies will wear themselves slap out and sleep well.

We'll be back on Tuesday, so bon voyage!

Summer, Summer time

So we've been swimming... A LOT. My kids are like fish. My oldest is perfectly satisfied at the pool to just splash around and practice her new skill of swimming. My youngest is a daredevil in the water, plunging under the water only to come up coughing and giggling. It's been fun, to say the least.

But, this is what happens when we spend nap time at the pool -

I was changing her diaper and clothes when we got home and she smooth passed out in the process... I love a worn out baby!

2 pounds down last week, only 8 more to go...

I'm just putting it out there.

This past week our neighborhood pool opened up and I poured myself into my trusty black one-piece. I thought it was slimming when I bought it last year, you know being black and all, but a winter full of deep fried Southern food, soups, and holidays begs to differ. Yuck.

As my husband and I were sitting on the edge of the pool this past weekend, my cover up still on and his belly bulging a bit, we decided it's time to do something for sure. I go to the gym most days, but it's not really doing the trick. I have to start watching what I eat, there's no doubt about it.

We go to the beach June 13, and my goal is to lose 8 (preferably 10) by that point. My ultimate goal is at least 10 (preferably 15) pounds. Monday we started dieting (good old weight watchers) and my dear, sweet, husband has lost 6, yes, 6 pounds already. I have lost a grand total of...wait for it... nothing. In fact, the scale shows I've gained a pound!

Encourage me, people. My trusty swimsuit can't take it anymore!

And the streak continues

As I've said before, I'm on a DIY kick, so I'm milking it for all its worth until my fuel runs out. Today I finished my latest project - a framed fabric bulletin board. My refrigerator was getting a bit ridiculous and little hands managed to pull everything off of it at least a few times each day, so I made this. -

At Hobby Lobby I found a 24x36 inch cork panel and 2 yards of fabric that were in the "cheap" bin where they throw everything that has been cut and abandoned ($3 -score!). I then covered the cork in the fabric and stapled it to the back. Then I went back to Hobby Lobby and found a perfectly sized ready made open back frame and tada! I hung it in our hallway off of the kitchen and am so excited to have a clean looking fridge once again.

My next project - make these hand me down chairs look somewhat presentable at each end of my breakfast room table. The constant brown throughout my kitchen and breakfast room is driving me nuts. I bought some red spray paint today, so stay tuned! It could likely be a disaster!

And, by the way, baby girl did great in her big girl bed. The first night she woke up screaming at 4:30 because she didn't know where she was, the second night was the same and last night, she stayed asleep until 7:30 this morning.

My baby...

Is not a baby anymore. Tonight will be her first night in her big girl bed, sharing a room with her sister. Geez, when did this happen? She's growing up so fast! She has always been a baby that LOVES her baby bed up until the last month. She doesn't want to go anywhere near it, so we're giving this a whirl. I'll let you know how it goes.
Although I'm a little sad about the new sleeping situation, I am pretty excited about the nursery becoming an office. As of now our office and playroom are one in the same, not a good idea, by the way. Now I have two new decorating projects - the girls' room (which was just my oldest's and the beds were bunked) and the new office. Exciting or daunting? I can't decide quite yet.

It's hot, y'all...

So we broke out the slip and slide. Summer's here and the girls are enjoying every second of it, as you can see. Last year, my baby was still a baby and just sat around and watched the other kids play, but this year, oh this year... it's no holds barred.



I'm trying to break my oldest of this weird "Disney channel/High School Musical/I think I'm a teenager" pose she strikes each time I take a picture, so this is the only one where she still looks four. Lordy, Lordy, we are in t.r.o.u.b.l.e.

And the sassiness doesn't stop there. She's passing it down to her baby sister. I got out of the shower tonight and found them rummaging through my closet. I was told they were getting ready for their "runway show." What can I say? They get their love of heels honest.

I've had a terribly exhausting day today and my kids are of course the main reason, but as draining as they can be sometimes, they are so much stinking fun!

Happy splashing!