Strategic Gifts

Bounding into the house after a day out with Paul, Cooper began yelling “Happy Birthday Mommy!”.  I had to laugh wondering what he was up to since it’s a few months past my birthday.  Digging into a shopping bag, while Paul stood watching quietly, he pulled out the surprise he’d told me he’d chosen especially … Continue reading →

White Out

The wind has been howling and snow blowing down from the sky.   My thin southern blood is no match for the cold. No matter the layers and hot cups of tea, my fingers and toes will always be cold. Yet, as I bundle up to keep myself warm, the boys think that shorts and t-shirts are fine … Continue reading →

Three Gifts

I either get flack or positive remarks on our family holiday gift giving tradition.    Aside from what the boys receive from Grandparents, Godparents and a few very close family friends, they only receive three gifts each from Santa.   Nothing comes from us and the boys believe the three gifts are from Santa, which of course … Continue reading →

The First Stocking Lost No More

Just in case you thought I was exaggerating in my post yesterday titled The First Stocking, I received an email from my mother this afternoon with a photo. After all these years, the elephant condom stocking was found and it wasn’t hanging in the elephant house at the Zoo. Go figure! Discovered last week while organizing her holiday decor, my mom found … Continue reading →

The First Stocking

I was determined, 12 years ago, to make our first Christmas special. With no room for a tree in our small urban condo, we spent our evenings admiring the lit and beautifully decorated trees in the living rooms in the building next to us.   It was a good thing we didn’t have any room for … Continue reading →

Soup’s On

It was bound to happen. Both boys home sick from school. Coughing like bandits and sounding like they’ve got clothes pins on their noses, complaining of aches and everything in-between, we’re hanging around the house in our jammies until the germs decide they’ve had enough of us and give up.   One would think that these … Continue reading →

A Four Letter Word

I asked Tucker, as I do everyday, how his day was at school. He said, “Not Good“, then came a flood of tears. I swooped in with a hug and began to peel back what was hiding behind the tears streaming down his face. It was a four letter word. A little girl in his … Continue reading →

Tree Hunt Beauty II

Off we ventured this weekend to our favorite tree farm in North Georgia in our hunt for the 2010 family Christmas tree.  From the tractor ride out to the fields, to the hide and seek games among the trees and the roasted marshmallows afterward it was yet again, a fun-filled day. I’m a sucker for tradition and got sentimental as … Continue reading →

Breaking Down The Holiday

Our kitchen was full of conversation, our yard full of playing children, our tables and bellies full of food, much laughter was enjoyed and our hearts full of gratitude as we celebrated with friends and family by our side Thursday. It was a great time and so wonderful to reconnect with an old friend and … Continue reading →

Season of Thanks

The crisp cool air, falling leaves, sweaters and down vests, the warmth of a crackling fire in the living room, aromas of hearty home cooked meals permeating the house, college football on TV, endless games of backyard ball, runny noses and rosy cheeks, and of course Thanksgiving.    I love Fall. It’s by far my favorite … Continue reading →

Boxes & Soap

Whoever decided to re-merchandise the Pharmacy area at my grocery store should have probably been in line with me on Friday to see where they may have possibly gone astray. Waiting to pick up a prescription with too many other people in line, my boys goofing around next to me, I counted the minutes until my sitter arrived … Continue reading →

Observant Eyes

  This morning, walking Cooper downstairs for breakfast, he looks at me concerned and says…  Mommy, do you still have a headache? Since we both have colds and have been a tad miserable off and on for the past few days, I assumed he was referring to our colds.  No buddy. I feel fine this morning, just … Continue reading →

Twelve

It was going to be awkward having to tell all of you who’ve been praying, thinking of us, crossing fingers, sending well wishes and good vibes that you didn’t put enough effort into it all. Good thing I don’t have to have THAT conversation with you. Now that would’ve been awkward. We’re boasting a 12-0 … Continue reading →