christmas catch up, part one

Well, we went to Ice On Main in Greenville.  1) I spent eighteen dollars that I can NEVER get back, and 2) It was a train wreck from the very beginning!  Don't get me wrong...it had nothing to do with the facility itself.  It had EVERYTHING to do with me and JP. 

When I was in high school, my friend Heather and I went to the Pavilion every Saturday night to ice skate.  I loved it.  In light of those experiences, I knew I would be able to skate with no problems.  It's like riding a bike, right?!  WRONG.  I have bruises on both of my ankles to prove it.  My hat's off to those of you who have tried this and are able to glide gracefully around the ring with your loved ones.  More power to you...   JP and I will not be going back any time soon.  At least we laughed a lot and made a nice memory!

I enjoyed a nice dinner at my girl, Kerri's house while JP was with his dad over the weekend.  She made HOMEMADE bread... Yum!  And then we played games with the kids.  It was another fun night!

For Christmas I was surprised with a new Max Lucado Bible and a mini iPad!  I LOVE both.  Another gift I received was a "Live, Laugh, Love"  wall hanging for my room.  I finally put it on my wall today.  Thanks to my friend, Kathi for that!

Just what my wall needed!

That's all for today, friends.  I hope it has been a happy New Year's eve for everyone.  I will be enjoying the Wizard of Oz at the Peace Center tonight... I cannot wait!

Until next time...

our "to do" list

This holiday break has been so busy for our family.  I said that I would not be posting until after the New Year, but I thought I would give you a peak into what this last week of break looks like for us, and share a few pictures from our Christmas.  Otherwise, I will get really backed up! 

 

 

This week, I am looking forward to:

 

Ice on Main

 

JP has been begging me to take him ice skating.  Because I do not like to spend money, I have not taken him.  Until now!  I'll share pictures of this at a later date.  I am really looking forward to watching JP have fun on skates... this should be interesting!



I do not know much about this movie, but I have heard (via Facebook) from several friends that it's pretty good.  I still have a Regal gift card from my birthday, so we are heading out to see Walking with Dinosaurs this week!  Movie review to follow...

I am most excited about this one!  My best friend, Kerri, and I are taking our boys to Dollywood on New Years Day.  I have not been during Christmas in several years.  It's beautiful! 

So anyway.  That's going to be our week.  I love having my boy home with me!

Now, for a few pictures from this past week:

JP spent time with his dad and the Beam family.  Santa came to two different houses for him...spoiled boy.  Pictured above is Scott's grandmother, (Mimi), Amy's kids and JP.  I love this picture! 

While JP was gone for the weekend, Preston and I spent a little time downtown.  Falls Park and Starbucks hot chocolate...so much fun!

Christmas morning, we had a birthday celebration for Jesus.  This was JP's idea.  We lit candles, sang Happy Birthday and sent the balloons to the birthday King.  I am always so proud of my little guy for his love and belief in God and His son.

The weather was so nice the majority of the time.  Naturally, we spent time at Furman.  I swear, I LOVE where we live.

We celebrated Christmas with my mom's family the day after Christmas.  All I'll say about that is,  IT. WAS. SO. LOUD.  These tiny little people make LOTS of noise -- but, I love them!!  (I will post more pictures from this night later.)

Like I said, it was a busy week.  But, I love ending my day like this!  Makes my heart feel good.  My prayer is that all of you had an amazing Christmas.  Now, for New Years resolutions!  Hmmm, I'll have to think on that.  I will continue to post the remainder of the Christmas pictures throughout this week, and then resume writing after the New Year.  Have a super week, everyone!

Until next time...

have a happy new year

nothing could be finer than downtown greenville south carolina

We spent the majority of Saturday downtown.  It was a perfect day to be out.  We looked at all of the Christmas trees at the Hyatt and Marriott hotels. 

After the Hyatt, we sat outside for a picnic before riding the trolley...

 Turkey and pretzels!



 Waiting for our trolley ride...

Santa was in the lobby of the hotel.  FREE!!  The photographer took pictures and then emails them to you...free of charge!  He was a really good Santa too!  He got an ear full from JP.

Preston made it onto his lap and told him what he wanted him to bring before bursting into tears.  He was a trooper - I never expected him to make it that far.  I was so proud.  JP, on the other hand, would have talked all day long.  Bless.

We LOVE our downtown!  If you are ever in the Greenville area, you MUST check it out. 

Unfortunately, this will be my last post until after the holidays.  In addition to the hustle and bustle of the Christmas madness, there are things in my life, at this time, that require my undivided time and complete attention.  I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and an even happier New Year. 

Please check back with me the first week of January for pictures and updates.  I appreciate all of you.

Until next time...

soap box

I am going to keep this VERY short and sweet.  I could go on for pages on this topic, but I will spare you.  For two reasons:  1)  I have said it before, but I will never allow this blog to become a platform for spiritual, religious, moral or political arguments.  And 2)  I am on my way to bed because I have strep throat and feel really crappy!

I am sure you have all heard of the controversy surrounding the star from Duck Dynasty.  For those of you who may not have heard, one of the stars from the show has been suspended permanently.  Apparently, in a recent interview, he was asked his stance on same-sex marriage.  I won't attempt to quote him, but he basically said that it was a sin.  From what I DID read, he was not judgemental, condemning or hateful.  He simply answered the question. 

I can't say that I have seen a full episode of Duck Dynasty.  I don't like it.  I know, I know!  I am definitely in the minority.  Don't get me wrong, I am a Southern girl.  I love country music and a good pair of boots.  I just can't seem to get into the whole back woods, hillbilly humor.  I don't think they're funny.   I definitely do not like camouflage, hunting or long beards. Sorry, but it's the truth.  Having said all of that, my heart goes out to this man and his family.  We do live in America, right?!  When did it become unacceptable to share an opinion.  Or, in this case, a belief?  I would be the first to shake my head if he had been nasty towards the homosexual community, but he wasn't.  How very sad!  Rest assured, if a television star was fired from their position on a show because they were gay, all HELL would break loose.  The media would eat them alive!  Someone please explain to me how this is any different.  Christ-followers are accused of being "intolerant."  (And a lot of them are!)  But, is firing someone because of their Christian beliefs not a form of intolerance?  Is it not discrimination?  I am confused.

That's really all I have to say about this.  Even though I do not watch the show, I sincerely hope and pray it does not go off the air for this reason. 

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Until next time...

dear jp (throw back thursday)

* This is a post written for JP (on my other blog) on June 17, 2007, the night before I flew to Guatemala to bring him home. *

Hey little man! I am finally coming to get you tomorrow! I am really excited and a little nervous.  I wanted to tell you that I have dreamed of this day for six months now! It's finally here! We are going to have so much fun together. I know that you are happy where you are living now, but I promise to give you the best life possible here in South Carolina. You have a lot of people who have prayed for your arrival and who are ready to take care of you! It may be a little sad at first for you. MiMi has loved you and cared for you up until now. Even though you will be a little confused about who I am, God has ordained our reunion and I am completely confident that we will have no trouble bonding. Enjoy your last night in your home and know that your mommy is on her way to bring you new life!

It is going to feel so good to hold my heart again.......I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER,    Mommy

tuesday & then some

Today was a good day, but I am really glad that it's over.  I taught a second grade class yesterday and today.  Both classes were really good, but I am not accustomed to being on my feet all day long.  I have been SO tired in the evenings.  I won't complain though!  I have enjoyed myself.  Both days I was at my old school.  It is always so much fun to see my friends there!  I came home with a stack of pictures and notes that my students made me.  One was a picture of a rainbow.  It said, "Welcome to our school Ms. B and you are pretty."  Simple?  Yes.  Powerful?  You know it!  Especially when your self esteem is bruised.

Believe it or not, our house has been pretty peaceful and relaxing this afternoon/evening.  Both boys are currently obsessed with cutting with scissors. 

In fact, our mantle is covered in holiday crafts!

I wouldn't trade our decorations for anything in the world!

The boys took such a great picture together in front of the tree, I attempted to take one of the three of us... it didn't turn out as well! LOL.

I am excited about a few up and coming EVENTS I have planned!  Monday, my best friend Kerri, and I are taking all of the boys to Fountain Inn -- apparently the whole little town is lit up for Christmas.  I will have to take lots of pictures.  Neither of us have been before, but Kerri heard that it was worth the drive.  I will definitely let  you know.

Saturday,  JP and I are heading to Charleston.  The weather is supposed to be really nice.  74 degrees and mostly sunny.  Hopefully it will work out this week.  I was supposed to go last weekend, but the weather was yucky.  I plan on buying a Subway sub and picnic-ing  in the swings downtown on the water.  And then, of course, we'll make our way to the beach!  I haven't decided if we'll hit Folly Beach, or drive to Sullivans Island.  What I do know is, I will have a ton of pictures to share with you!

Our Christmas plans have changed somewhat.  We no longer have plans on Christmas Eve.  That will feel a little strange.  For as long as I can remember, we've celebrated Christmas Eve with my mom's side of the family.  This year, we've changed our meal to the day after Christmas.  Both of my cousins married nurses -- we are working around their schedules, which is fine.  They are worth it!!

The only other big thing I have planned is on New Years day.  Kerri, Kathi and I are taking all the kiddos to Dollywood.  I am really looking forward to that.

I guess that's it for now.  I hope that everyone has an amazing HUMP day!

Until next time...

naughty or nice?!

Apparently, I am out of the loop.  You may already know of this video, but I just learned of it from JP's aunt this afternoon.  I am so excited!  Move over Elf on the Shelf ---  THIS is the new behavior police in our house!  For those of you who have been in the dark, like me, there is a video message from Santa that you can personalize for your child.  I had mine sent to my email and told the boys that Santa sent me an urgent message.  You can also send the video through Facebook, iPad message, or text.  I made one for both Preston and JP.  Their reactions were PRICELESS!  Especially JP.  He was terrified.  At one point I actually felt sorry for him.  Santa takes out his "big book" where he keeps a log of everything that you do.  He puts it into a machine and the meter lets Santa know if you have been naughty or nice. 

 

Just look at these precious faces... (wink!)

Of course, both Preston and JP were on the "nice" list.  You can enter naughty, nice or undecided.  I'm telling you,  I have hit the jackpot with this thing!!  JP has been apologizing to Preston all night long for everything he's ever done!  LOL   We'll see how long this lasts!  Click HERE to set up your video!

Christmas is so much fun with children.  Especially when they believe.  Two nights ago the boys wrote their letters to Santa. 

JP:

 The Smurfs 2 movie (which is super cute!)

 



Goosebumps chapter books (don't ask!)

 

A Flippy hat

 

GAK (yuk!)

 

He loves to download apps onto his iPad

 

 

The Furby Boom -- all I know about this expensive little critter is that it (somehow) interacts with your iPad.  JP is obsessed with this!  Whatever.

 

A Nintendo 2DS and the Mario Mansion game

 

(This one was my idea)  He will LOVE this!  The Wizard of Oz has always been one of JP's favorite movies... Thanks to his Gaga, we have AMAZING seats to see the production at the Peace Center in a couple of weeks!!  He will be so surprised!

 

 

 

Preston:

 

Preston has asked for a "real" bike.  Whatever that means

 

and...

 

...a car!  Simple enough, right?  I guess he's going places.

 

 

JP's list may be longer, but it appears that Preston's is definitely more expensive!

 

 

Until next time...