Stories of my family and the books I read and want to comment on!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
My Uncle
My Uncle Thomas passed away on Friday morning. I didn't find out about it until after school on Friday. My Dad (his brother), Mom, Kim and Sam were packed up and out of here pretty fast. I didn't have the option to go, and I thought that was okay. I have six kiddos, and that would have been a long trip back and forth for an Uncle I can remember, but didn't know that well. I learned more about him from reading his obit. I was trying to figure out why I've been downing junk food and putting off doing lesson plans (I only need to do 2 more) when I realized that I was still mourning. Good grief! And I'm a comfort eater, so hurray for me going to the grocery store today. I can just hear my hips saying: "Hey, come join the party fat cells!" I did get to volunteer today at the Polar Plunge. I showed up at 8:30am, got to see where the race ended, got a doughnut and a small piece of sausage pizza and manned the barricade the rest of the time. From about 9:30 to 12:30. Luckily, it wasn't too cold (although it was plenty cold), the sun came out, and pacing around the barricade kept me occupied. Kinda. I even got to see a few people go into the water (they went as teams, one group at a time). The Fox 4 News people were super nice. They talked to me on their way in and out. They said I needed a chair and felt bad for me not getting food. So sweet! I told them it was okay, because I got food before I went out and they brought me water! I went grocery shopping and came home to find that Kira had cleaned the Living Room and Emma had cleaned the bathroom! Wow! Color me impressed! The Living Room already needs to be cleaned again, but I'm so proud! We have some fantastic kids!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Heart of the Ocean Blog Tour
Another late review! What was I thinking signing up for two in a week? Craziness!
Heart of the Ocean
by Heather B. Moore
A dark secret . . . a grieving ghost . . . a handsome stranger . . .
What more could Eliza Robinson want?
Except for maybe her life.
In Heather B. Moore’s enthralling 1840’s historical romance, Heart of the Ocean, Eliza Robinson has turned down the very pretentious Mr. Thomas Beesley’s marriage proposal. As a business partner of Eliza’s father, Thomas quickly discredits the family and brings disgrace to the Robinson name.
While her father scrambles to restore his good name in New York City, Eliza flees to the remote Puritan town of Maybrook to stay with her Aunt Maeve. Although relieved to be away from all- things-male and unforgiving gossip columns, odd things start to happen to Eliza, and she is plagued by a ghostly voice. Her aunt’s explanation? That Eliza is being haunted by a woman who died of a broken heart twenty years ago.
After Aunt Maeve is tragically killed, Eliza's life is put in danger as she tries to uncover the mystery of her aunt's death. She encounters Jonathan Porter in Maybrook, whose presence in the town seems suspicious, yet she finds herself drawn to him. When she discovers that Jonathan’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust.
Author Heather B. Moore
Heather B. Moore is the award-winning author of ten novels, two inspirational non-fiction books, and two anthologies, including The Newport Ladies Book Club Series, A Timeless Romance Anthology, and Christ's Gifts to Women (co-authored by Angela Eschler).
Her historical fiction is published under the pen name H.B. Moore. She is the two-time recipient of Best of State in Literary Fiction, two-time Whitney Award Winner, and two-time Golden Quill Winner for Best Novel. Her most recent historical novel under H.B. Moore is Daughters of Jared (2012 LUW Gold Award of Excellence & 2012 LUW Best Book Trailer).
My Thoughts
I thought it was a pretty good book. I liked the fact that it was so many genres all at once. There is suspense, history, romance (some), a ghost story, and some humor. There were some swear words and some talk about sex (the main male character was an illegitimate baby), although generally it was a clean book. All of the information was fascinating to me, and I really felt like I got to know Eliza and feel for her. Who would want to be engaged to a 40-year-old man when they aren't even twenty? Especially a mean and nasty one? I was super surprised about who was involved, because I thought I knew already! Maybe it's just because I stayed up late to read it. I'm glad the ghost was a "friendly" ghost, because I really don't need bad dreams at night. I need sleep! I give it four stars! I got a copy that wasn't the final copy, so I really can't complain about typos, but they were there. Otherwise I would have to figure out how his mom's gravestone says she died at 11. And he was 3 when she died. It makes no sense!
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/3/12
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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| Tour Schedule |
by Heather B. Moore
A dark secret . . . a grieving ghost . . . a handsome stranger . . .
What more could Eliza Robinson want?
Except for maybe her life.
In Heather B. Moore’s enthralling 1840’s historical romance, Heart of the Ocean, Eliza Robinson has turned down the very pretentious Mr. Thomas Beesley’s marriage proposal. As a business partner of Eliza’s father, Thomas quickly discredits the family and brings disgrace to the Robinson name.
While her father scrambles to restore his good name in New York City, Eliza flees to the remote Puritan town of Maybrook to stay with her Aunt Maeve. Although relieved to be away from all- things-male and unforgiving gossip columns, odd things start to happen to Eliza, and she is plagued by a ghostly voice. Her aunt’s explanation? That Eliza is being haunted by a woman who died of a broken heart twenty years ago.
After Aunt Maeve is tragically killed, Eliza's life is put in danger as she tries to uncover the mystery of her aunt's death. She encounters Jonathan Porter in Maybrook, whose presence in the town seems suspicious, yet she finds herself drawn to him. When she discovers that Jonathan’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust.
Purchase
Heather B. Moore is the award-winning author of ten novels, two inspirational non-fiction books, and two anthologies, including The Newport Ladies Book Club Series, A Timeless Romance Anthology, and Christ's Gifts to Women (co-authored by Angela Eschler).
Her historical fiction is published under the pen name H.B. Moore. She is the two-time recipient of Best of State in Literary Fiction, two-time Whitney Award Winner, and two-time Golden Quill Winner for Best Novel. Her most recent historical novel under H.B. Moore is Daughters of Jared (2012 LUW Gold Award of Excellence & 2012 LUW Best Book Trailer).
My Thoughts
I thought it was a pretty good book. I liked the fact that it was so many genres all at once. There is suspense, history, romance (some), a ghost story, and some humor. There were some swear words and some talk about sex (the main male character was an illegitimate baby), although generally it was a clean book. All of the information was fascinating to me, and I really felt like I got to know Eliza and feel for her. Who would want to be engaged to a 40-year-old man when they aren't even twenty? Especially a mean and nasty one? I was super surprised about who was involved, because I thought I knew already! Maybe it's just because I stayed up late to read it. I'm glad the ghost was a "friendly" ghost, because I really don't need bad dreams at night. I need sleep! I give it four stars! I got a copy that wasn't the final copy, so I really can't complain about typos, but they were there. Otherwise I would have to figure out how his mom's gravestone says she died at 11. And he was 3 when she died. It makes no sense!
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/3/12
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Saturday, January 19, 2013
I am crazy
It seems everytime someone hears that I have six kids their mouths immediately gape open and almost everyone says: "Are you crazy?" Yes, apparently I am. If having six kids makes me crazy. Then when they know that I'm student teaching as well, I become "Super Mom!" Interesting. I am glad that I have the opportunity to student teach. I LOVE teaching and I really do feel as if it's helping some with my kiddos. But, I am SO not Super Mom! I always feel so bad for all the people who think that. All I can think is: please don't put me on a pedestal! My next thought is: Never come to my house (without plenty of warning)! For instance right now my kids rooms and the Living Room are the cleanest in the house. I'm pretty excited, due to the fact that I found something that would convince my kiddos to clean their rooms! Hmmm... Maybe I am super mom? Naah!
So, Josh is not flipping over very well from his tummy to his back. Once he gets on his back he's pretty happy, so he doesn't roll more. He's so adorable though I can't help helping him sometimes! He has the best smiles and giggles (just like all of my kiddos)! I love my lil' man and I'm so excited to get to spend an extra day with him (and the rest of my kiddos) on this 3-day weekend!
Cecilia is talking a LOT better! Tonight she even requested to watch Signing Time, which I was eager to help with! She is becoming quite the little go-getter and when she wants something, she wants it now! I LOVE the way she says "Thank You!" It's more like "rank you," like Scooby Doo! She gives very sweet kisses, has a hard time staying out of our bed, and is very attached to me. She works hard to break my heart when she cries for me!
Leah still talks about her school when she says her happy thing for the day, although she has done better the past couple of days! She did a fantastic job showing signs for mom, dad, grandma and grandpa! I was super impressed! She even helped clean her room a little (which shocked me)! She went to bed all on her own, because she was tired. So sweet!
Emma, oh Emma. She can write her first and last name (which is something some of my Kindergarteners are still working on)! I'm going to start her for real on sight words this coming week. I got the awesome Sight Word Watches and I'm going to print them on cardstock and let her color and wear one every morning. Kira, Leah and Cecilia are going to get one too (they come in fours). I have no doubts that she'll pick up on things quickly. And don't tell her I told everyone, but she has been doing an awesome job at not wetting the bed lately! She is so proud in the morning when she wakes up dry! She is fantastic at making sure that we share happy things every night at dinner!
Kira is still very much the drama queen and wants everything to go her way. She has done a pretty awesome job at staying up to date on her Mason Dixon book, so she can answer the daily question. She really wants to win something! I can safely assume that's my fault! She loves getting the mail to see what I will be reviewing next! She's always hoping it's something for her, and when it is, she is very excited! She is doing better at reading, although she still struggles with spelling. No matter how much I tell her that everyone has to study their spelling words, she doesn't believe me. Oh well! She desperately wants to be a Scout, because they do cool things every week! Ben didn't agree with her!
Ben is hilarious! He cracks me up with his straight face and jokes. He has some great jokes! What princess can you eat? Ra-pretzel! I love it when he laughs! It is so genuine and just awesome! He is expensive for me though. He always wants me to buy books and they aren't cheap! I did buy one on Thursday night, since I made him go shopping with me after Cub Scouts. It was a Captain Underpants book and he was cracking up reading it. He was on Chapter Five when we were checking out. Then later I found out that he hadn't started at the beginning! He's so silly! He tries very hard to do his best and is very disappointed when it doesn't work out. Very, very disappointed. Also, he is afraid of heights. None of us knew until his first night at Webelos on Thursday and the Leader picked him up. It didn't go well. At all. I'm hoping to convince him to go back next week. I hope, I hope! It wasn't the Leader's fault at all! I really should have talked to him beforehand. Poor Ben was already sad that he wasn't in my group anymore. He asked me: "How do boys do Scouts without their moms?" Oh, Ben!
No matter which way you look at it, I have fantastic kids and feel so very blessed. I am so not Super Mom, but I'm trying!
So, Josh is not flipping over very well from his tummy to his back. Once he gets on his back he's pretty happy, so he doesn't roll more. He's so adorable though I can't help helping him sometimes! He has the best smiles and giggles (just like all of my kiddos)! I love my lil' man and I'm so excited to get to spend an extra day with him (and the rest of my kiddos) on this 3-day weekend!
Cecilia is talking a LOT better! Tonight she even requested to watch Signing Time, which I was eager to help with! She is becoming quite the little go-getter and when she wants something, she wants it now! I LOVE the way she says "Thank You!" It's more like "rank you," like Scooby Doo! She gives very sweet kisses, has a hard time staying out of our bed, and is very attached to me. She works hard to break my heart when she cries for me!
Leah still talks about her school when she says her happy thing for the day, although she has done better the past couple of days! She did a fantastic job showing signs for mom, dad, grandma and grandpa! I was super impressed! She even helped clean her room a little (which shocked me)! She went to bed all on her own, because she was tired. So sweet!
Emma, oh Emma. She can write her first and last name (which is something some of my Kindergarteners are still working on)! I'm going to start her for real on sight words this coming week. I got the awesome Sight Word Watches and I'm going to print them on cardstock and let her color and wear one every morning. Kira, Leah and Cecilia are going to get one too (they come in fours). I have no doubts that she'll pick up on things quickly. And don't tell her I told everyone, but she has been doing an awesome job at not wetting the bed lately! She is so proud in the morning when she wakes up dry! She is fantastic at making sure that we share happy things every night at dinner!
Kira is still very much the drama queen and wants everything to go her way. She has done a pretty awesome job at staying up to date on her Mason Dixon book, so she can answer the daily question. She really wants to win something! I can safely assume that's my fault! She loves getting the mail to see what I will be reviewing next! She's always hoping it's something for her, and when it is, she is very excited! She is doing better at reading, although she still struggles with spelling. No matter how much I tell her that everyone has to study their spelling words, she doesn't believe me. Oh well! She desperately wants to be a Scout, because they do cool things every week! Ben didn't agree with her!
Ben is hilarious! He cracks me up with his straight face and jokes. He has some great jokes! What princess can you eat? Ra-pretzel! I love it when he laughs! It is so genuine and just awesome! He is expensive for me though. He always wants me to buy books and they aren't cheap! I did buy one on Thursday night, since I made him go shopping with me after Cub Scouts. It was a Captain Underpants book and he was cracking up reading it. He was on Chapter Five when we were checking out. Then later I found out that he hadn't started at the beginning! He's so silly! He tries very hard to do his best and is very disappointed when it doesn't work out. Very, very disappointed. Also, he is afraid of heights. None of us knew until his first night at Webelos on Thursday and the Leader picked him up. It didn't go well. At all. I'm hoping to convince him to go back next week. I hope, I hope! It wasn't the Leader's fault at all! I really should have talked to him beforehand. Poor Ben was already sad that he wasn't in my group anymore. He asked me: "How do boys do Scouts without their moms?" Oh, Ben!
No matter which way you look at it, I have fantastic kids and feel so very blessed. I am so not Super Mom, but I'm trying!
Take My Heart Blog Tour
I was supposed to review this yesterday. Whoops!
This is a fantastic book! I loved the interesting twist in the middle, although I had my suspicions... Poor Mercy just wanted to be a good sister and wow, did she! I can't imagine having a twin and then finding out that she went crazy and killed herself! Kat (Mercy's twin) sure made it sound like her husband was an ogre! I liked the historical information and how Mercy does her best to change her husband's previous ideas of her (since her sister really was a horrible person)! This was a great clean read! It made me feel so much better after having read (or tried to read) two "clean" books that were full of swearing. Ptooey! I thoroughly enjoy Marie Higgins books! There was some very good kissing, but that was it! Thanks for keeping the door closed!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
I love sales!
And steep discounts! Because I haven't bought anything from Snapfish in awhile, they sent me a 99% off code, so I paid 27 cents (plus shipping) for a desk organizer with a family picture on it! Then I had $20 off at Shutterfly, so I made a princess plate for Leah's birthday. She saw that I was making a princess plate and said she wanted one for her birthday, so I made it for her! It's way cheaper this way, but still a lot more expensive than a non-personalized plate. Grumble, grumble. Either way, I think it looks adorable! Check it out:
Plate
Disney Princesses 10x10 Plate
Create personalized greeting cards and invitations at Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
The sickness, oh the sickness
Ben decorated the little one and was very disappointed that he didn't win it!
Ben and his car before we had to take all of the pennies off and put tons of holes in!
The boys who won First, Second and Third
Obviously I forgot to take pictures of the medals. I have spares, so not a problem.
When Cecilia blew out her candle
Eating her cool cake, no I didn't make it (remember I was feeling rotten).
Ben is being Big Bird.
I LOVE reviewing things, and Monkeez and Friends actually gave me one for EACH kid! How awesome is that? Usually I have to choose one kiddo to get something to review, so this was fantastic! They all love them, a little too much even.
This was after his first couple of races, so there was no longer a beak on his Peregrine Falcon/Perry the Platypus.
My handsome lil' man today wearing his outfit that I got for $1 yesterday. I LOVE great sales! And cute babies/kiddos!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Heart of the Ocean Book Blast
Heart of the Ocean Book Blast & Blog Tour
by Heather B. Moore
A dark secret . . . a grieving ghost . . . a handsome stranger . . .
What more could Eliza Robinson want?
Except for maybe her life.
In Heather B. Moore’s enthralling 1840’s historical romance, Heart of the Ocean, Eliza Robinson has turned down the very pretentious Mr. Thomas Beesley’s marriage proposal. As a business partner of Eliza’s father, Thomas quickly discredits the family and brings disgrace to the Robinson name.
While her father scrambles to restore his good name in New York City, Eliza flees to the remote Puritan town of Maybrook to stay with her Aunt Maeve. Although relieved to be away from all- things-male and unforgiving gossip columns, odd things start to happen to Eliza, and she is plagued by a ghostly voice. Her aunt’s explanation? That Eliza is being haunted by a woman who died of a broken heart twenty years ago.
After Aunt Maeve is tragically killed, Eliza's life is put in danger as she tries to uncover the mystery of her aunt's death. She encounters Jonathan Porter in Maybrook, whose presence in the town seems suspicious, yet she finds herself drawn to him. When she discovers that Jonathan’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust.
Purchase
Author Heather B. Moore
Heather B. Moore is the award-winning author of ten novels, two inspirational non-fiction books, and two anthologies, including The Newport Ladies Book Club Series, A Timeless Romance Anthology, and Christ's Gifts to Women (co-authored by Angela Eschler).
Her historical fiction is published under the pen name H.B. Moore. She is the two-time recipient of Best of State in Literary Fiction, two-time Whitney Award Winner, and two-time Golden Quill Winner for Best Novel. Her most recent historical novel under H.B. Moore is Daughters of Jared (2012 LUW Gold Award of Excellence & 2012 LUW Best Book Trailer).
Blog Tour Now through January 25th
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Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/27/12
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Cecilia is 2!
Cecilia just turned two this week. Poor kiddo has had a super rough week though! She was sick the whole way home from Louisiana on Tuesday. We had to change her clothes at least twice! Once she actually made it to the toilet at a reststop. I'm glad we made good time, because I felt so bad for her! She's had a nasty runny nose for awhile, but does pretty well with it! She's been completely attached to me lately and is usually trying to sleep on/with me. I don't think next week is going to go well when I have to go back to school. Anyway, on her birthday she got TONS of Elmo presents! She LOVES her presents, but has been pretty good about sharing them. I don't know that she's played much with the Aquadoodle, since her older siblings have commandeered it. She got to pick the shows on Netflix and I fed her her favorite snacks. Scott and I weren't feeling well until the afternoon/evening, so I felt very blessed when my mom offered to cook dinner and we skipped Chuck E Cheese's. Phew! So, Cecilia was still able to celebrate her birthday on her birthday. Hurray! Pictures:
She was a very happy little girl! I'll add the rest of the pictures when I download them, soon. I can't believe school starts on Monday! For half of us, anyway!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Vacation
It's super late, and I'm FREEZING! Our living room is so cold, thanks to an open fireplace. I even have a blanket covering it, but not any help. Anyway, we were able to have a fantastic Christmas thanks to Secret Santas/Angels and awesome family. I think my little kids still don't have a clue as to how poor we are! Phew! Ben and Kira do, but that's okay. They're awesome kids! As we were headed down to Louisiana, I was "picking" houses on the side of the road (a game my mom and I always played) and I called this huge house! Ben was paying attention and responded: "That's way out of your budget!" Yes, yes it was. I could tell that he felt bad, because he added: "But maybe it could be in your budget if we build it ourselves." Seriously, a great kid! He was cracking me up on the way home too, when he started singing along with the "Stuck Like Glue" song.
He is all about the chorus! I love it! The video is pretty crazy, so just listen to the chorus. Yikes! Don't watch the video. She's a crazy stalker lady. Anyways. On to the vacation!
We have awesome family that helped us go on vacation! My parents let us borrow their van and paid for the food and gas for the trip! Wow! My sister fed our fish (Scott was really worried about the recent babies, so he was thrilled they were still alive when he got back) and lit our furnace (only once). And my cousin/Aunt let us stay in the travel trailer behind her house.
We headed down to Louisiana the day after Christmas and there was a ton of snow in Arkansas, so we were super late pulling in that morning. My kids haven't been on many trips, little less fourteen hour ones, so they were excited to be there. We took over the travel trailer. Ben and Josh were in a small bed, all of the girls in the big bed, and Scott and I in a small bed. It worked out pretty well. We got to spend a lot of time with my Mamaw (Have I mentioned how much I love her? Leah is named after her)! She is so awesome and has so many great stories. She knows a ton of family history! I always get updated four generation pictures when we're together. As long as possible! We got to go to my other aunt's house and see my cousins and their kids at my cousin's kiddo's party. We even took pictures of all of the Great Grandkids that were there! I got pictures of my cousin's baby that was born ten days before Josh and pictures of the crew of five-year-olds born in a little group. Ben had a blast playing with boys his age! He was so excited! I'm glad he got a chance to play with someone his age and could get away from girls for a little while! Poor guy is surrounded! Kira did a fantastic job of helping me when asked! Emma was super shy (as expected), but announced that she was good at lighting fireworks, so Scott let her and grabbed her to run away when it started sparking! Leah was perfectly willing to run around all over! Cecilia stuck close to us, except when outside. Silly girl! She LOVED the fireworks! Josh LOVES my Uncle Kenneth! I was sure he was going to go through a Kenneth withdrawal, but so far, so good! He liked being with other babies! He got to play a lot with my aunt's "loaner" baby that she takes care of about half the week. He's sitting up pretty well now and we were sure that his teeth were going to pop out, and they still haven't! My poor baby!
The trip back went pretty fast considering how sick Cecilia was! Poor baby threw up three times and I was just booking it home! We got home in thirteen hours on the way back and got home at bedtime! Phew!
Before we left we loaded up on our favorite Southern comforts- Roux, Raw peanuts (I'm so boiling them tomorrow, maybe), Lemon salt, Mardi gras beads, Caffiene Free Dr Pepper... I even got a hushpuppy mix! I used to love hushpuppies! I'll have to make a baked version, but I'm sure it will still be good!
So, now we're in a new year! It's great to be home! We cleaned a lot today and got some errands done! We used some of our gift cards too! My dad fixed our brakes after my miserable afternoon. I had the kids work hard to clean the Living Room, so that we could watch a show on Netflix, but the TV no longer works. It won't show anything but the channel and mute. Gggrrr... Then we needed to head over to my parents' house, so that my dad could work on my car. But, when I picked up Josh, my keys fell out of my pocket. I didn't realize it until we were out of the house. So, we were all freezing as I'm desperately trying to find my keys. I found a couple of keys, so I slowly walked to the backyard in very slippery snow. I fell several times, my hands were freezing, and my knee still hurts. Neither key worked, so I walked back, holding onto the fence when possible. Horrible! I called Scott and he came. By then we had gotten in the car, so it was a little warmer. Hurray for the conquering hero! He turned on the car while I grabbed my keys and we were off! My dad fixed my brakes, and the kids got to watch Brave. We got pizza and then Ben and Kira got to pick out stuff for Walmart gift cards. Kira's pretty excited about her Leapster! She got it for under $20 and I went online to find all of the games for $5 each at the Leapfrog store! So, I got most of them, and I'll give them out for birthdays, since Ben and Emma already have one and Mandy said she got one for Leah's birthday. Hurray for game variety! I got 6 games for the price of 2 (including shipping and taxes)! Interestingly enough, Lexi (my niece) is connected to my stuff as well. So, I'll be able to buy her apps? She got a Leappad for Christmas. It looks pretty cool!
On to the pictures!
He is all about the chorus! I love it! The video is pretty crazy, so just listen to the chorus. Yikes! Don't watch the video. She's a crazy stalker lady. Anyways. On to the vacation!
We have awesome family that helped us go on vacation! My parents let us borrow their van and paid for the food and gas for the trip! Wow! My sister fed our fish (Scott was really worried about the recent babies, so he was thrilled they were still alive when he got back) and lit our furnace (only once). And my cousin/Aunt let us stay in the travel trailer behind her house.
We headed down to Louisiana the day after Christmas and there was a ton of snow in Arkansas, so we were super late pulling in that morning. My kids haven't been on many trips, little less fourteen hour ones, so they were excited to be there. We took over the travel trailer. Ben and Josh were in a small bed, all of the girls in the big bed, and Scott and I in a small bed. It worked out pretty well. We got to spend a lot of time with my Mamaw (Have I mentioned how much I love her? Leah is named after her)! She is so awesome and has so many great stories. She knows a ton of family history! I always get updated four generation pictures when we're together. As long as possible! We got to go to my other aunt's house and see my cousins and their kids at my cousin's kiddo's party. We even took pictures of all of the Great Grandkids that were there! I got pictures of my cousin's baby that was born ten days before Josh and pictures of the crew of five-year-olds born in a little group. Ben had a blast playing with boys his age! He was so excited! I'm glad he got a chance to play with someone his age and could get away from girls for a little while! Poor guy is surrounded! Kira did a fantastic job of helping me when asked! Emma was super shy (as expected), but announced that she was good at lighting fireworks, so Scott let her and grabbed her to run away when it started sparking! Leah was perfectly willing to run around all over! Cecilia stuck close to us, except when outside. Silly girl! She LOVED the fireworks! Josh LOVES my Uncle Kenneth! I was sure he was going to go through a Kenneth withdrawal, but so far, so good! He liked being with other babies! He got to play a lot with my aunt's "loaner" baby that she takes care of about half the week. He's sitting up pretty well now and we were sure that his teeth were going to pop out, and they still haven't! My poor baby!
The trip back went pretty fast considering how sick Cecilia was! Poor baby threw up three times and I was just booking it home! We got home in thirteen hours on the way back and got home at bedtime! Phew!
Before we left we loaded up on our favorite Southern comforts- Roux, Raw peanuts (I'm so boiling them tomorrow, maybe), Lemon salt, Mardi gras beads, Caffiene Free Dr Pepper... I even got a hushpuppy mix! I used to love hushpuppies! I'll have to make a baked version, but I'm sure it will still be good!
So, now we're in a new year! It's great to be home! We cleaned a lot today and got some errands done! We used some of our gift cards too! My dad fixed our brakes after my miserable afternoon. I had the kids work hard to clean the Living Room, so that we could watch a show on Netflix, but the TV no longer works. It won't show anything but the channel and mute. Gggrrr... Then we needed to head over to my parents' house, so that my dad could work on my car. But, when I picked up Josh, my keys fell out of my pocket. I didn't realize it until we were out of the house. So, we were all freezing as I'm desperately trying to find my keys. I found a couple of keys, so I slowly walked to the backyard in very slippery snow. I fell several times, my hands were freezing, and my knee still hurts. Neither key worked, so I walked back, holding onto the fence when possible. Horrible! I called Scott and he came. By then we had gotten in the car, so it was a little warmer. Hurray for the conquering hero! He turned on the car while I grabbed my keys and we were off! My dad fixed my brakes, and the kids got to watch Brave. We got pizza and then Ben and Kira got to pick out stuff for Walmart gift cards. Kira's pretty excited about her Leapster! She got it for under $20 and I went online to find all of the games for $5 each at the Leapfrog store! So, I got most of them, and I'll give them out for birthdays, since Ben and Emma already have one and Mandy said she got one for Leah's birthday. Hurray for game variety! I got 6 games for the price of 2 (including shipping and taxes)! Interestingly enough, Lexi (my niece) is connected to my stuff as well. So, I'll be able to buy her apps? She got a Leappad for Christmas. It looks pretty cool!
On to the pictures!
Small rainbow in the sky
My cousin Joyce with Josh
Ben playing with boys and Emma
The five-year-olds
Ethan and Josh
Great Grandkids here
Two mamaws and Josh was a pampered baby!
He loves having his hand kissed!
Leah brushing her namesake's hair!
Cecilia told Leah to sit on her. Leah (Whya-as Cecilia says) had a bandaid under her nose.
Kira craving technology time!
They swapped. Leah had a harder time!
Look at those cute girls!
Looking up at fireworks
I'm pretty sure this is the one that Super Dad carried Emma away fast enough!
It started raining, so we did sparklers, poppers and pull confetti from the front porch
The extended four generation picture!
One of the many sights in Arkansas
They conked out about 8. Cute!
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