East Texas Weekend

Dressing herself in her Princess costume as she calls it!
Poor Boots. 15 screws and a plate. I'll post the post op pictures once I am back to my lap top sitting on the floor at home. :) He weighed 80 pounds when he went in for surgery and is 10 months.

HG decorated a tree for Poppy. We bought a new tree last year but it has yet to be found. Off to Wally World we went and thought we scored a good deal. It is colored lights! ugh! Luckily, it goes well with his cabin themed house.

We are doing good. In Texarkana for a visit since it had been 8 weeks from our last visit. It is such an easy trip so we headed on over so Poppy didn't have to make his weekly drive to see his favorite little one. I am not sure HG will want to leave as she is in love with everything here. Poppy has been spoiling her. Whit is on his way over, a baby shower this afternoon and possible girl time tonight. I think we have been eating since pulling into town. Oh and HG is determined Auntie CaCa is taking her to CEC. Have fun girls! :)

I hope this video is okay, the volume is missing on dad's computer at the house. We were laughing so hard so I hope nothing bad came out of my mouth. :)

It happened.

It happened. Slapped us right in the face. HG is going backwards in potty training. Her entire class is. Why you ask? No idea. They ALL are. She was doing awesome and hadn't pooped in her diaper in months. Now, she begs for diapers. I spoke to a few other moms today who also had concern about their little ones, mainly girls, also going backwards. Hopeful after the Holidays and traveling out east, we'll get back on track. I just feel like all that work went down the drain. So what did I do? Let her run around naked after we got home from school. Not one accident. Not a single one. Maybe I'll send her to school naked on Tuesday. Only joking....well sort of.

Chris made it to North Carolina safe and sound. STARVING but good. The training team arrived today and they hit the ground running. I think he is really thankful to be out of Irving store for a bit. It has been open for almost 4 months and has been quite the ride. Pretty sad for the great quality of food. I'm researching North Carolina and making a list of things we would like to do while there. Who knows if we will get the items crossed off or not but it is a start. We're excited about exploring a new area. I do love South Carolina so it has to be good.

I was lucky enough to have lunch with Cristin, Tyler and her brother Matt. She is one of my favorite people ever and Tyler is just too cute. I love little boys and cowlicks. Soo cute! They had been up here with her family at the Great Wolf Lodge having a blast and I caught them on the way out of town We went to Babe's. Of course. I love when people come to town because they always want some good ole FRIED CHICKEN.

After MDO today, we stuck around and had a little play time with the moms and children. I love being able to get to know all the parents. After long talks today, we decide to do a class gift for the teachers. Much nicer and I can return some of this stuff. I will however still give them a small gift from HG. Her 3 main teachers will get a nice Teacher's mug filled with hot chocolate, TONS of Aspen Creek stuff, candy and a ornament. The admin and music teacher will get a spiced candle and Aspen Creek stuff. I am also feeding the teachers and office next Thursday. Pretty good Christmas all the way around for the lovely teachers. They are AMAZING. I wish I could keep HG in here for the next couple of years.

HG and I spent some good quality time together this afternoon and evening. I have pictures to put on here from my cell but they will just have to wait tomorrow unless I can't sleep again tonight. 4 hours last night.

Good night for now.

Great hair

Wrapping gifts for her precious cousins.

Baby girl was blessed with some amazing hair. It is perfect all the time now. I remember how wild it used to be. I love perfect hair.

Catching up

Friday

Wow, we have had a busy weekend. Friday was full of play time, a bad car sick little girl, lunch at Chipotle and then daddy had to close. I guess they were really slow because we spoke to him more than usual at work. He had wanted us to dine up there but HG went to sleep early.

HG's new watch

Saturday

We slept in, finished our left over Thanksgiving food and headed to Weatherford for Grandpa's 90th birthday party. It was great to see some of the people out there and HG enjoyed running around outside and seeing the neighbor's goats. She wrapped the gift, put stickers all over the card and couldn't wait for her great grandpa to open it. I think he really enjoyed the party. He is such a great man and gave us great advice while we are out there. It was along the lines that we have created our own family and we have to do what it best for us.

Working on our 6 Teacher gifts

I'll have to post the finished products!!

Sunday
Poppy sent a text that he was coming over to Christmas shop and wanted to come see us. HG ran around like a wild child so excited he was on his way. After lunch of simple chicken and rice, we headed to the Town Square for a bit. Poppy even got HG to sit in Santa's lap. He must have been bribing her. :)

Dinner at BW3

Errands, dinner at BW3, and Redbox was a perfect ending to our Holiday weekend.

Monday

HG and I put the last of the Christmas decorations we can manage to cram in the apartment and destroyed the house with toys. She was such a big helper with dinner too! We all loved the CMA Christmas show.

Tea parties are a must at our house!

Tuesday

HG was back at MDO. Oh MDO how we missed you dearly. I cleaned, wrapped, laundry, errands, etc in the 5 free hours I got. Tonight, we had left over spaghetti and watched Shrek and the Fashion show.

Wednesday

Slept in until 10, so nice. Clothes argument with a little red head. Lunch at Double Dave's was an adventure. Packed Chris for him to fly out to North Carolina. We're going to miss him dearly for the week we are apart. BUT... NC were we come! We had planned on DC as well but our friend is actually going to be in Texas. Kind of bummed about it but hopefully we'll see her in early January.

Worn out and wearing UCLA gear!! Yay for Uncle Ryan!!

PRAYERS NEEDED:

Seems as if there are a lot of sickness/pain going around.
1. Mom's surgery went great and she is resting welling in Batesville. She broke her knee cap in half so if you could say a little prayer for a speedy recovery it would be great. She can't drive for 6-8 weeks, YIKES!

2. A friend is going through something very exciting and very emotional. Prayer for success, she deserves it more than anyone I know.

3. A childhood friend is loosing her dad to Kidney Cancer. I HATE kidney cancer, it killed my mom. Please pray for peace and comfort, she is precious to me.

4. My ever so funny friend Cristi had to put her dad in ICU. His stomach is full of blood, organs are covered in blood and he is really in pain. They are running a bunch of tests and hope for answers in the morning. Her sister's baby shower is this weekend and I am going to get her boys on Saturday.

5. C's grandmother is still recovering from her broken bones which can be a long road right here at the Holidays. She is a strong woman and we know she'll do great.

6. Pray for the little toddler that was lost at Target. Pray that he was just hiding and scared and not gone. It was one of the scariest moments ever.

7. Boots and Copper got out and Boots got his by a car. He had a double break but wasn't killed. He is in a kennel for the next 6-8 weeks with screws and plates in his legs. Poor Puppy, he isn't even a year. Copper is going to be bored.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. God is in control and we are along for his ride, his plan.

Hug your kids tight

I have another blog that I am working on but laundry and errands keep coming in the way. I promise I'll post it soon.
Right now, it is serious me posting on our blog. I ran into Target for things I couldn't live with out, I mean doesn't that include everything in Target? As I was in the check out line, a mom was talking to a Target employee in a panic. You could tell something was wrong by the tears strolling down her face. I decided to step forward just enough to listen. Her little one was lost. She couldn't find him anywhere. After looking all over Target, she asked the worker for help. Unfortunately, the worker described the little one to a T, down to the beanie worn. My heart dropped because the next thing that came out of the worker's mouth was that the little one left with another adult a minute ago. The mom dropped everything and ran outside with the worker close behind. I think ALL the moms standing around in Target said a prayer right that instant. Tears were vi sable on many faces. The cops arrived, the workers searched Target, you had to check out with an employee when leaving and couldn't leave until the cops were present.

It only takes a second for a toddler or child to turn around and walk off. A second. Those of you who have kids, understand that. You might be reaching for the cheese and they wonder off that fast. It is scary. It could have been any one of us. Hold your kids, keep them in the buggies or on a kid friendly leash. Oh gosh, I couldn't imagine the pain going through that mom's body. It is something I pray I never have to experience. I've "lost" HG in stores from climbing under clothes. I panicked but found her in a matter of a minute or two. I was in the check out line for over 15 minutes.

Black Friday

I don't venture out much on Black Friday. I'm not even sure I even like Black Friday. I mean who really likes crowds? Fighting and rushing for an item only to be pushed down or sitting out in the freezing weather for hours to get inside? Not exactly my style but part of me wishes it was. I fought the crowds at COACH a few times and then at Discount tire only by accident. COACH is totally worth it and I usually get 70-90% off so who would turn that down? Now, throw in a little sweet red head and you rethink the crowds, traffic and early morning. You put on your big girl panites and venture out. Kuddos to my friend Kristen, she made Kohl's at 5 this morning. I wish I had her drive for sure. She snapped a few great deals. I do love Kohl's and their sales.

My alarm went off at 7 as usual this morning but where as I usually turn it off and use HG as my alarm, I was wide awake. I hoped the crowds were slowing as I braved the cold and headed to Hurst. We have Express Toys R Us in Grapevine/Southlake but Hurst is the closest full store as they call it. While the place was still crowded, there were no lines to get in the door. I waited in the parking lot for a buggy because I assumed there were none inside. My assumption served right and I was eyed with envy as I strolled in. Poppy asked me to do his Christmas shopping for HG as well so I was hoping to knock the rest of ours out as well as his. I have a few cute items already in great hiding places (a remote dog on a leash, bracelets, lip gloss, H purse, dress up shoes, dress up clothes, Diego, Dora night gown, Dora Crocs, Dora house shoes, etc) so really we could have survived without adding anything else. But, with young children it is so fun on Christmas morning seeing the excitement in their eyes. I'd spend every penny I had just to see that excitement, it makes all the crowds and money worth it. I scored a Fisher Price Little People doll house in pink (not the one I wanted but it is cute and doesn't include a million pieces. 2 year old and lots of pieces can't never be good), Olivia purse, Olivia jewelry box for her diva jewelry, Wonder Pets school house, Tuck bath toy (wonder pets), dr kit, 3 adorable outfits 50% percent off so $7.49 for the top AND bottom....one of which HG found today and decided she had had to sport it. Little did we know that a bad case of car sickness was soon to arrive. Another one was really deep purple with ruffles and last but not least, zebra pants with a pink top with zebra edging. All are simply adorable and steals. I'm tempted to go back tomorrow!!

Next up was Carter's where I was pleasantly surprised at their sales. Two thermal pj's, one that is winter theme and one that is pink with monkeys for $8 each, 1 pair of fleece aqua pants for $5, a black fleece zip jacket with pinks, aquas, yellows and white for $7, a pair of knit pants in the same colors at the fleece jacket for $5, a aqua ruffle top for $5, grey polka dot knit pants for $5, a light pink peasant top for $5. All are interchangeable which makes for a nice morning around our house.

Then they nicely placed a Children's Place next to Carter's. Here I found a purple velour sweat out fit, a thermal long sleeved shirt, a pink hoodie with matching knit sweat pants and a long top. I think the tops were like $4 and each piece of the set was $7. HG had previously picked these outfits out.

I'll have to take pictures of the stuff already hidden in the closet. I found her the cutest little purse ever!!! She is still really into Dora, loves Olivia, the Wonder Pets, Tinkerbell and loves all her baby dolls.

Thanksgiving

Today didn't go as planned. You know when you listen to something all to time and are finally done with it? Yes, that happened. I was done. And left. It felt good. I've been done so many times but never to this extent. Sometimes it just takes years to learn but you do.

Rushing to Albertson's today provided us with the perfect meal. Thanksgiving turned out to be great. We dined on an Italian cheese pork loin, green bean casserole, broccoli and cheese casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, corn bread dressing, rolls, carrot cake and brownies. We tried to make the best of our last Thanksgiving in Texas. Sounds strange right? We will live somewhere else next year and will be having Thanksgiving at our house. Hopefully Colorado.

Today provided us with good news, lots of hope and mucho laughter. We spoke to old friends, called the family and spent time together as a family. Chris leaves in a matter of days for a month. :(

Hope everyone had a wonderful day!!