Snow Day

Well, kind of. A Louisiana snow day. And boy did it make returning to school after the holiday season pretty difficult. I tried to convince Millie Bug to stay home and snuggle with me, but that school-lovin' priss cried because she wanted to go to school ... even as I was checking the news on television and Internet, sure I had missed the announcement that schools were closed for the day.
Alas, they were not. So I shuffled my snow bunny off to pre-K and met Daddy at the doc where we were told Brother has the ... FLU!!! Bless his heart!!! He's been so lethargic and clingy but today, while the "blizzard" raged outdoors, he lifted his feeble little voice to join Barney for some lovin' and huggin' in his closing theme song before returning right back to his fever-induced sleep.
I made a yummy, hearty, warm white bean chili and a fruit salad and fresh tea to soothe our appetites as we hunkered down for the cold weather. Now, I'm up because after being up all night last night with a feverish baby, I could no longer stay awake and took a 9 p.m. nap. Not smart normally, but seeing as I'll be up throughout the night again with Brother, it was probably a good idea to recharge before the graveyard shift.
Winter has set in.
And although the snow was exciting for us Southerners, I prefered to think about the snow from early December. Bundle up! Baby, it's cold outside!

All boy. Enjoying is first play in the snow.


Yep. That's a real snowflake!


Warming up with some hot cocoa with marshmellows.

Fell fast asleep ... with a chocolate mustache ... before a second romp.

Hold on, Wait a Minute

In all the hustle and bustle at our family Christmas in West Monroe, I misplaced my camera USB. If you could see my parents' office and all the plugged-in devices, you would so understand. We're def. WIRED!!! I have so many memorable moments to share with you!
Daddy and I are finally getting into a groove with our Christmas Day travels, and they are so much more enjoyable for all of us, I think.
This year has been so tough on us financially, and I think that has definitely allowed us to focus on the simple beauties of our everyday lives. God has certainly en"rich"ed our lives in ways unimaginable to us before.
He loves us so much more than we deserve and has always provided. Always.
Blessings for a prosperous new year!

Can't Sleep

It's past 2 a.m., and I can't sleep. Ugh!!! A million things running through my mind.
1. Hope mom is sleeping soundly in her hospital room ... without any interuptions. Imagining what that must feel like. And being ashamed for thinking that way.
2. Where did these 10 pounds come from?
3. If I were an Elf not so on the Shelf where would I like to "BE"?
4. What will Millie Bug wear to school tomorrow? And why didn't I lay it out earlier like I do every night?
5. Why are my kids in bed with me?
6. Is it time for a Tony's World Famous Egg Nog daquiri again? That should really be a daily thing. That might explain one or two of those 10 pounds.
7. I'm gonna feel lousy in the morning.
8. How cute it is when Brother does something he shouldn't and then says, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." New tonight: "It was an accident." Hardly.
9. How am I going to work up the courage to authorize massive haircuts next week?
10. Bound and determined to get the Christmas shopping done this week to enjoy the month.
11. What is the perfect project for the needy to involve the children in this Christmas?
12. Looking forward to reuniting with my Louisiana Tech Orientation staff this weekend. Has it really been 10 years?
13. I want to hear my husband singing along to Christmas music.
14. I'm in agreement with him that the Sufjan Stevens Christmas box set is yes, one of our best purchases ever.
15. Really grateful to the Fritter's mommy for sharing her MOPs re-investing in friendships story.
16. Laugh because I remember I told Eric that I wanted 10 kids of my own, 10 adopted. That number went to 5 biological after we married. I have two, one of each. And God gets the last laugh.
17. How much I enjoyed crafting Millie Bug two sunflower barrettes for her braids at midnight after she let it slip that evening that her given Indian name for her Thanksgiving feast at school the next day would be "Sun Flower."
18. How much I enjoyed room mothering for that feast.
19. Need to balance the checkbook.
20. How amateurish I've been about couponing. It's time to get my game face on.
21. How am I gonna arrange my sister's due date so I can run that 1/2 marathon.
22. I will read the Twilight series. If no reason other than to prove to myself that I still remember how to read ... something other than juvenile picture books and primers.
23. Where art thou "What Not to Wear"?
Sweet Dreams.

Octoberfest!

31 Days of Frivolity
Getting ready for Trunk-or-Treating at BUMC's Block Party!!! Thank you, Miss Angie, for always being such a great hostess!!!

Brother finally got the hang of it. First year out of the stroller. And Costume #1 for 2009.

Playing Batman!

Treats from Mimi and Papaw

Dance demo and wear-your-costume to class all in one night!!!

If you give a man a pumpkin ...

The Pumpkin Shine is a tradition. We usually go before the "shine" and in costume in order to make another event later that evening. You'll notice Brother in Costume #2. Max's wolf costume was still at the seamstress. Such a darling event!

Headed to the FBC Minden Fall Festival, another tradition. We always have a good time. Love the way this church family loves my kids. And my apologies to Millie Bug for the last photo. It's not very lady-like, but it sure is funny! Bless her heart! We forgot bloomers for Wonder Woman!

Millie Bug and Brother managed a trip to the dentist right at Halloween!!! Perfect checkup at that! Little did we know we'd be driving home from the appointment as the tornadoes were striking downtown.

We tackled Sci-Port's Halloween Festival. The children always have such a ball at that place.

Millie eating the World Famous Rice Krispies treats made by the one and only Queen of Halloween herself Aunt Beth! They were so good! Aunt Beth and Uncle Ricky had us over at their house Halloween night. Hands down, a hoot! Aunt Beth had every nook and cranny of her house decorated. My favorite spot was the "Sleepy Hollow" corner. The deck was "decked" out complete with a cauldron and spooky gate. We were treated to the Krispy treats, a snack tray, and "witch's brew." Totally worth the whole Candy Corn witch get-up I donned. I was duped into thinking I had to dress up to get my share of Rice Krispies treats! Whatever. It was worth it!!!

Sweet P's parents (Check out his blog to the right.) hosted a Halloween carnival at their home. It was so much fun! There were games, smores and plenty of goodies to eat, including some really awesome candied apples Mrs. Amanda made. Yummy!!

Our Motley Crew Halloween Night at Grandaddy and Becca's

Marlie and Me -- Millie loves lovin' on her baby cousin. These girls have to stick together. My sister is expecting a boy in February. Can't wait!!

Um. Not so sure what this is about. We started going to Monday night story time at the library because Millie is in school during the preschool hours during the week. Brother still goes to the baby and toddler class. His attention span isn't quite where it needs to be to attend preschool hour without disturbing the other children. Although, I will admit, he does behave better than most. In fact, he didn't move a muscle or make a peep during a recent viewing of "The Nutcracker." More on that later. But I was proud. Anyway, the kids get to wear their pjs to this story hour, and Dr. Spaghetti's their librarian.

Actually, these were taken early November. They're of the rising Ouachita River. It's the highest I've ever seen it. My dad, who owns a nuclear pharmacy downtown Monroe, took us on a little field trip. Funny thing is, I remember my daddy dangling my sister and I over the docks a la Michael Jackson when we were little. But he's a good daddy. The best, in fact, so no need to worry. We turned out just fine.

Driving Miss Daisy

God is Good, God is Great

Remember fighting with your brother or sister over who would say the blessing at dinner? (ha. ironic.)That time has arrived at the Anderson Dinner Table. Couldn't help but document brother as he leads the family on this particular night with the most sincere of sing-song mumbles of praise and thanksgiving. Amen.

Pumpkins in a Pumpkin Patch