7 Things I Learned in December

I know December is really about all things Christmas, but I'm sharing some things {seven things, to be exact ...} I learned this month THAT ARE NOT CHRISTMAS RELATED. Of course, if you want to read about our Christmas, I wrote about that.

Here. {A Jesus Birthday Party Tradition}

And here. {Christmas Around Here}

And here. {Merry & Bright}

So, closing out 2015, here are seven things I learned in December ...

1. Rachel loves this Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat.

I don’t feel compelled to buy contraptions for my babies with the exception of the papasan swing all three have loved. But when I saw a picture of a friend’s baby in it, I knew she’s love it.

Of course, now with Christmas, she has some new contraptions I’m sure she’ll soon also love because already loves standing in our laps, trying to be bigger than she seems.

2. Goodbyes are hard regardless of your age.

One of my best friends and her family recently moved from Murray. They’re still in Kentucky – but they’re about four hours away and settling into a new normal that’s far away. This has been sad for Ben too because Sarah’s oldest child, Davey, is his age and they haven’t known their first six years without each other.

For years, we’ve lunched together nearly every Sunday after church. Sarah and I would get together during the week and text an ever-continuing conversation throughout the days. Thankfully, the texting remains!

And then THE SAME WEEKEND this month, our college friend who has been one of the few people outside our immediate circle to babysit our kids moved. I mean, congratulations, Amber, you graduated. But, um, we miss you already.

3. Cate and I have revived our back-and-forth journal writing and it’s good for my soul – both as a writer and a momma.

4. Tornado watches and thunderstorms are possible on Christmas Eve Eve. 

And then it kept raining FOR DAYS, literally. Now nearby Kentucky Lake is rising above normal summer pool IN THE WINTER. (There’s a whole long explanation about the dam and the river that I barely understand.)

5. Cate now wears adult women’s shoes. 

She's 8 1/2 years old. Geez. How did THAT happen?! The day after purchasing some size 6 purple Nikes, she borrowed my socks.

6. "The West Wing" is good. 

I know, I’m a whole decade behind. But it’s our latest TV binge.

7. Speaking of television shows, Cate’s into “Full House,” which makes me happy and nostalgic.

Tell me about your December. How was your Christmas? Did you learn anything worth remembering?
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I'm linking up with Emily Freeman, like I do at the end of every month. 

{2013} June. July. August. September. October. November. 

{2014} January. February. March. April. May. June. 

July. August. September. October. November. December. 
{2015} January. February. March. April. May. June. 
July. August. September. October. November.

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Merry & Bright

This past weekend we’ve had Christmas with Greg’s two brothers and their families, watched the two oldest kids in a Christmas program at church, went to a potluck lunch with a couple of the Guatemala missionaries we served with this summer, and caroled at two local assisted living homes.

It was a fun, Christmasy weekend.

Rachel was wearing a cute “merry & bright” outfit at Gran-Gran’s house. I’m glad we snapped some family pictures before Greg’s brothers and their families arrived because Rachel promptly pooped on the white onesie.

The kids had fun with their cousins – including my three, there are 11 total. The oldest turns 12 in a couple weeks, and the others are 10, 8, 6, 6, 5, 4, 2, 17 months, 5 months, and 3 months. We managed a couple pictures of all the cousins, my favorite of which is above.

By the time Monday came, we were all glad to have a slow morning – well, you know, except Greg, who had to go on to work. The kids and I lounged around, ate a good breakfast, and caught up around the house on our first day of Christmas Break.

Kids aren’t the only ones who rejoice when Christmas Break comes around, y’all. This momma is welcoming the break in our routine.

But we did have to venture out on the rainy first day of break to the grocery. We needed bread, eggs, milk, cheese, and butter. For real, talk about being out of the basics. And we aren’t even expecting snow. (If you don’t live in the South, you may not know what I’m talking about.)

In fact, apparently it could be 70 degrees for Christmas. And rainy. Again, in the South you never know what you’ll get.

Anyway, back to the grocery store, one kid didn’t feel good, another was coughing, and the third was asking a million questions. But we made it – mostly smiling. I filled their bellies at Qdoba before we ventured into the grocery store, so maybe that move paid off. And then we got back to the van in the parking lot and I realized I left one door wide open – like I was inviting someone in, where I had $65 in cash sitting on the passenger front seat. Thankfully, nobody accepted my absent-minded invitation.

We have some plans with friends tonight and tomorrow night. We’re doing Christmas Day here – partially at our house and partially with extended family at Greg’s grandma’s house, which is conveniently next door to us. And then we’re headed to Louisville to hang out with my family.

Sometimes outfits get poop on them. Other times momma forgets to do the most ordinary tasks. Groceries still have to be bought and little bellies fed. Kids are loud, have lots of questions, and share germs.

But it’s still Christmas. So may your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white. (Or rainy. Whatever. Because merry & bright certainly doesn’t mean perfect.)

How are you celebrating Christmas?
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It's the #Christmas edition of #ThreeWordWednesday at @kristinhtaylor's place. Come gather with us! http://bit.ly/1PjKppU {Tweet that.}

An InLinkz Link-up

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Seven Things I Learned in March

I love this time of the year! March was full of basketball and transition from winter to spring, mostly. Dirt has been tracked in the house because the kids have been spending more time outside. That also means more showers are required! The days are longer, which I love for the evenings. Although we've all struggled to get up in the dark mornings since the time change at the beginning of the month.

Without further ado, here are some snapshots of my month, at least the parts that didn't involve watching basketball ... 

1. NEEDTOBREATHE is releasing a live album from the show I was at in September 2014! It was such a fun night and I'm so excited to have it to listen to over and over again. You'll want it too!

2. Third Day worship music is my favorite. I love the new stuff.

3. I'm not a fan of mopey, rebellious Rory Gilmore. Like the one at the beginning of season six. Thankfully, I'm past that now.

4. In the middle of wintry temps, just before a snow storm, a 65-degree day is possible. Like a reminder that spring is coming. We involved ice cream. In Murray, we have an old-fashioned, walk-up Dairy Queen that really does make ice cream taste better.

Then later in the month, I had the air conditioning on one day and the heat on the next. We've worn flip flops and down vests in one week. Ah, Kentucky weather ... 

5. Pizza quesadillas are delicious. "Dashing Dish" inspired me. You'll just need tortillas, pizza sauce, cheese, and any other toppings. So far we've used bacon and pepperoni, but the possibilities are endless.

6. We (almost) sold our lake house. I don't like that circumstances beyond our control dictated that we needed to, but I'm glad we have the sale under contract and we can move on. Maybe to another place on the lake one day. I still manage another vacation rental property at Kentucky Lake that someone else owns.

7. Choosing joy is always good for my soul. Yeah, not new, I know. But here we are, three months into the new year, and God is still using my counting joys for the good.

167. Ben working on learning to ride his bike. 168. America Adopts Daniel party and celebrating with friends. 169. Jaclyn's birthday lunch & trivia night in the same day - more celebrations! 170. Long lunch at Tumbleweed between church & business meeting while UK wins 34th game. ... 173. Being able to help Sarah with kids while Susannah was born. ... 175. Getting hair colored, highlighted, and cut. 176. Walking outside, finally. ... 181. Purging/organizing kids' clothes. 182. Cate and Ben playing with neighbor kids. 183. Ben meeting Murray State's Cam Payne.

How was your March? Learn anything fun or interesting? ________________
I'm linking up with Emily Freeman at Chatting at the Sky. Read previous Things I Learned posts: {From 2013} June. July. August. September. October. November. {From 2014} January. February. March. April. May. June. July. August. September. October. November. December. {From 2015} January. February.

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Gather the Memories :: Reflections of a Snow Day

I'm joining the #FiveMinuteFriday community today. Kate Motaung gives a prompt and people write for five minutes. Just five minutes. 

This week :: GATHER 


Somehow we are still excited about the snow. Even after the last snow a few weeks ago hung around for 12 days and closed school for a week, we still were excited when we woke up Thursday morning to nearly a foot of snow.

A foot.

We live in Kentucky, where I'm happy to say winters are usually mild. Even with 95 degrees and all the humidity possible, I'm a summer girl at heart.

But I've loved these snow days. I almost feel bad about generally thinking I don't like snow. I may not love it. And I'm certainly not driving in it. Yet the snow has been beautiful and forced us to slow down.

We gathered. We gathered with each other. We gathered memories.

My girl has gotten some much-needed sleep after some trouble falling asleep in recent nights.

My kids explored outside. They laughed and jumped and went sledding with neighbors and played. Inside, there were LEGOs and Mario Kart.

The kids drank hot chocolate and we lunched on our new favorite pizza quesadillas.

I scrapbooked and watched more "Gilmore Girls." I tended to some lake house management business. I texted with some friends and talked to my mom.

My husband shoveled our driveway so we could be Nashville bound to watch our Murray State Racers later today. He worked some and played some.

God's been reminding me he's the artist, creating the snow-laden views and orchestrating the moments that make up life. He's encouraging me to choose joy as I gather these memories. {Tweet that.}
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After I wrote this post, my TimeHop app showed me a post from last year, on this exact day. It's the same sentiment. Rather than think about the redundancy, I'm choosing to see how God truly orchestrates time and cares for our souls. 

Other snow-day related posts :: How Snow Days Free Us. Make Memories Now. Family Game Nights for the Win. 

I'm linking up with Kate Motaung and the #FMF crew. When I was laying on the couch last night scrolling through Twitter and saw the "Gather" prompt, I knew I had to write because it's one of my favorite words. 

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

How snow days free us

I remember the faintly sounding phone ringing. It interrupted my sleep enough I knew what it meant – I could go back to sleep. Long before the days of texts and automated calls, the phone tree went to work spreading the good news our school district was closing for a snow day.

My dad was a principal of one elementary school and my mom was a teacher at another. There was one year my brother, my sister, and I were all at the same elementary school where my dad was principal. I was in fifth grade, Kevin in second grade, and Cassie in kindergarten.

We rejoiced on snow days.

In a family whose life revolved around the school calendar, these unexpected days off were treasures. I figured when I grew up, I’d care less about snow days, being a girl who loves summer and all.

Not true. I still really like them.

Sure, having snow day often means moving the last day of school back another day. But there’s something freeing about a day you didn’t expect to have totally at home. {Tweet that.}

I couldn’t do it forever, but I can hunker down with books and my scrapbook table. The kids make tents and build with LEGOs. Cate makes crafts and reads so many pages from so many books. Ben pesters his sister to play with him and asks about time like he understands what minutes and hours really are.

And when the school principal send the text mid-afternoon to inform everyone that tomorrow is another snow day? That’s the best. I don’t even have to set an alarm for the next morning. Yesterday was a scheduled day off for Presidents’ Day – ironically, it was a built-in snow-day make-up day, but we didn’t have any days to make up. Until yesterday.

The kids went sledding with our nearby friends. We ate two batches of snow cream and leftover soup. There is a pile of clothing by the front door and my husband’s hanging coveralls keep spooking me because I think there’s a person standing in our foyer.

The kids watched episodes of “My Little Pony” and “Wild Kratts” while Greg and I watched “Blacklist” and “Scandal” on the DVR. There were rounds of Phase 10 with Cate after Ben went to bed. And then there episodes of “Blue Bloods.”

Evidence of our day at home is all over – crumbs under the table, layers of clothing scattered in multiple places, dirty dishes that didn’t fit in the dishwasher, books and toys in every room. Real life isn’t always tidy, but it’s full of joy. {Tweet that.}

Today is Snow Day #2. There’s probably at least six inches covering our yard, maybe more. And there is another inch forecasted for tonight with lingering cold temperatures. This is Kentucky, so who knows when we’ll go back to school and our normal routine.

But maybe when we do go back, we’ll be a little more relaxed, less stressed, and ready to soak up the joy around us. Snow days are opportunities to breathe deeply and regroup. God gives us a chance to remember that he makes all things new and washes us clean because spring is coming. {Tweet that}

What’s the weather like where you are?
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I'm linking this with Mary Carver's Works for Me Wednesday. Despite loving summer, snow days do work for me. They're good for my soul. The interruption in routine is freeing for my Type A self and teaches me to let go and be present. 
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EDITED on Friday, Feb. 20  :: We're on Snow Day #5 now. And there are more flakes falling. I recently shared about #FringeHours ... and what a week to epitomize that. This week has been full of time at home with my favorites, opportunities to sit at my scrapbook table, and chances to cuddle up on the couch and read fiction. Next week may be a rude awakening when "real life" sets back in, but, for now, I'm enjoying the extra time to care for myself and my family in simple ways. 

I'm linking up with Jessica Turner, author of "The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You," who hosts a weekly link up focusing on how women like to spend pockets of time dedicated to self-care. 
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Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox." Amazon affiliate links included.

Come on, adventure awaits ...

We woke up Saturday morning without a plan.

Weekends have been busy for months, so it was so refreshing. {Yes, the fact my family let me sleep until 8 a.m. added to the refreshment.} We slowly made a plan, deciding to go out to a favorite local breakfast spot and then stock up on some fresh veggies from the farmers’ market before going to some yard sales. We struck out at several yard sales before our last one offered some great clothes for Ben and my newest nephew as well as some colorful ink pads for my girl and her stamps.

As we finished going to yard sales, my friend Sarah texted me about their morning fishing outing that had failed. She was disappointed for her husband, who wanted to take advantage of Kentucky’s weekend that didn’t require a fishing license.

I told her Greg had wanted to go to Land Between the Lakes to fish, so we ended up making an impromptu plan for the afternoon. After gathering fishing and lunching supplies, I took care of my one lake house management commitment, which happened to be on the way to our chosen fishing spot.

Well, honestly, Sarah and I talked while four of the five kids and husbands fished.

After a few hours, we loaded back up our mini vans to travel the 34 miles back to town. Right as we pulled away, I received a few weather-warning texts about a thunderstorm and possible tornado. While discussing what we should do, the skies ahead looked dark and had occasional bursts of lightning. We decided to seek shelter rather than take the chances crossing a narrow bridge over Kentucky Lake and wish we had taken shelter while it was near.

We ended up spending another hour with Sarah and her family at the Land Between the Lakes Visitor’s Center. The guys kept an eye on the radar and we all decided we made the right decision.

Maybe the day felt adventurous because I’m such a planner. Perhaps planning not have plans is necessary for me to embrace spontaneity.

Regardless, I loved our adventurous day.

The adventures continued Sunday when we went out to my mother-in-law’s house in the country just south of the Kentucky-Tennessee line after our usual post-church lunch. Greg wanted to target shoot and the kids like to run free out there. So that’s what we did. I humored Greg with some target shooting – and liked it. The kids played outside and ate ice cream inside. Ben caught a frog that he helped swim in the bird bath. Cate used binoculars to watch hummingbirds.

Greg talks about wanting to live in the country one day. I’m not sure I’m ready for that. But I do love having country adventures available to us. Like not having plans, shooting a .22 rifle at a target takes me out of my comfort zone.

But, you know, it’s not so bad out there. I should step out more because adventure does await.

Have you had any adventures lately?
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I'm joining the Soli Deo Gloria Gathering, which is back after Jen Ferguson listened to God about revamping the community. This post of mine isn't exactly deep, but it does go along with Jen's focus on FUN this year. 

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8 Things I Learned in May

God's still continually teaching me about the beauty and joy that come when I stop to smell the flowers. Or play with the kids. Or read a fiction book. So there's been plenty of those lessons this month, during which we've transitioned from our school routine to summer time!

And I've learned other things this month too ...

1. Kroger sells my favorite kettle corn. Kroger is where I grocery shop {at least} weekly, but I just discovered the red bags of deliciousness ... in the health food aisle near another family favorite, White Cheddar Cheetos Puffs. Obviously, I haven't spent much time in the organic/natural/health food aisle, but it seems I may be there more often now.

2. May really is my favorite month, even if the temperatures fluctuated from 85 degrees to 57 degrees in a matter of days. Thankfully, we're back on the warm end now.

3. A 5K can be both physically and emotionally exhausting, but God still shows up.

4. The Amtrak train is the way to go to Chicago. And there's so much to do once you get there.

5. Online conversations can naturally move into real-life ones. Meeting my blogging friend Beth in Chicago was so much fun. She's the fourth online friend I met in person and it continues to amaze me how real these online friendships are. Ashley started a mastermind group {think like-minded people who brainstorm together and encourage each other} this month. I'm excited to be part of it and have already seen good things happen there.

6. I really liked "Justified." And not just because it's set in Kentucky. Greg gave me {us, really ...} an Amazon Fire TV for my birthday, which makes watching shows on Amazon Prime simple. Plus we catch watch Netflix and listen to Pandora that way too.

{P.S. Doesn't "Justifed" star Timothy Olyphant look like Josh Duhamel? They don't sound alike though.}

7. My newly imposed "Don't get out of your bed until 7 a.m." rule may work. I just instituted it this week, our first week of summer, but it seems to be working. Ben recognizes 7s as upside-down Ls on his digital clock. Whatever works, son. If this is successful, we'll all be nicer people around here this summer. {This rule doesn't apply to Greg, who prefers working early in the morning before his office phone starts ringing.}

8. I'm still addicted to the Pioneer Woman's cinnamon toast that reminds me of how Nanny used to make it when we were kids.

You'll need ...

• 8 slices of bread {We're big fans of Pepperidge Farm Oatmeal Bread.}
• 1 stick of butter, softened
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

It's simple, really, because I only make simple things in the kitchen ...

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Soften butter and mash any remaining chunks with a fork. Mix sugar, cinnamon and vanilla with butter. And spread mixture onto slices of bread on a baking sheet.
• Switch oven to "broil" and then cook for a few minutes. Typically takes a little less than 10 minutes, but you'll want to watch closely so it doesn't burn. 

How's your month been? Learned anything fun or meaningful?

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I love these month-end posts prompted by Emily at Chatting at the Sky. Here are previous month's recaps from 2013: June. July. August. September. October. November. And from 2014: January. February. March. April.

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Snow Week

Cate and I have learned to Rainbow Loom. Ben has built various things about of Legos. We've wrestled and played games of Uno. We've sledded and eaten snow cream. They've watched TV shows and I've worked on my book. Appointments have been rescheduled. Greg even worked from home one day.

We've ordered pizza, eaten the best cinnamon toast ever, and cooked tortellini corn chowder, corn bread and chocolate chip cookies. Jaclyn and I {and four of our five kids in five years} met for lunch on Tuesday and we both knew soon after pulling out of our driveways we shouldn't really even be out on the roads. Greg and I played Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries {appropriate choice, huh?} with Jaclyn that night, knowing we could walk home if our van got stuck in the few blocks between our houses. Jaclyn and I met again today with Sarah joining us at the local restaurant with a ball pit so the kids {that's eight kids 7 and younger among us} could burn some energy. We weren't the only ones in town who ventured out today. The main roads were much better.

Today is Snow Day #4 this week. And another one is coming tomorrow.

Really, I'd normally be thinking Bring on spring! Let's have these days off school in May, not the first week of March. But it's come at a good time.

Cate's been weary from school and homework. Admittedly, the seven-hour school day is still long for her. I was gone over the weekend, which is rare for me, so I've been glad to have the time at home with the kids.

Yes, it's completely possible I will regret these snow days come May 19, when we we're starting a new week of school we weren't supposed to have, packing lunches, doing homework and setting alarms. And, yes, "we" is how we roll with school around here. It's totally a family affair.

But these snow days are exactly what I didn't know we needed. Snow days are kind of like spontaneous vacation. Had this been a scheduled break, I'd probably have planned a bunch of fun activities and errands. My calendar looks conquered only because I got to mark off a bunch of stuff that got canceled or rescheduled. Seems kind of appropriate since I'm laying down my idol named Productivity for Lent.

Have you had snow days this week? If so, how did you spend them?
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Here are a couple recent posts that may help you through snow days, although surely spring is coming soon ... right? Make memories now. Joy comes at Family Game Nights.

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Snow Day Saturday!

We may have had three "snow days" this week, but we actually had snow when we woke up this morning! It was just an inch or so, but it was enough to sled down the hill across the street from our house at the park, build a snowman, and make snow cream.

Missions accomplished by 11 a.m.

And that was all after we had the delicious cinnamon toast {again ...} to which we're addicted.

The morning also included some reminiscing about three years ago almost exactly {Feb. 7, 2011} when Ben was 14 months old and not walking. He didn't love the snow then but his big sister did. Falling face first in the wet stuff did motivate Ben to take his first steps later that night.

My how time flies ...

They both were loving the snow today. We were the first to make sledding tracks down the hill. Definitely a perk of living across the street from the park!

Our snow cream was good! It's the first time I've ever made it. {Yes, I know, but I'm a Kentucky girl who prefers humid summers to snowy winters. But, hey, the kids have given me some inspiration to embrace seasons and adventure.}

Here's snow cream recipe we used ...

1 cup half and half {or milk}
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups snow

Combine everything but the snow in a large bowl. Stir until sugar is dissolved. And then stir in snow a little at a time until the mixture is creamy.

My kids added sprinkles to the snow cream. Seemed like a perfect way to top off a snow day Saturday morning.
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How snow days are like a vacation

That's the view out of front door on Monday.

After the first snow day this week, I told my husband the day was like vacation. An unexpected vacation. He laughed. And it is kind of funny.

Here I was recapping our Monday that involved both kids being home all day. Usually, Cate is gone for eight hours and Ben for half that. But, still. For a momma, a break in the routine that frees up some time and releases some responsibilities is like a vacation.

Then on the second snow day, we got out because I had a doctor's appointment, we lunched with my friend who had watched my kids, and then Ben had a doctor's appointment. During that time, there was freezing rain falling and gray skies to cover the entire day. It felt less like vacation, but it still didn't seem like a normal Tuesday.

And now we're on our third snow day this week.

"Snow day" is not really true anyway. We should call them ice days. I apparently live in some weather bubble where the snow goes just north and south of us, and we're left with the ice that covered tree branches and power lines. I don't care for snow, but I would like one snow day that actually involves inches of snow so my kids can make some snow angels, build a snowman and throw some snow balls.

Ice just doesn't work the same way. Still, snow days or ice days or any other expected days removed from routine are like vacation. Here's why:

1. We don't use an alarm in the morning and we stay in our pajamas longer. It also means we've eaten some delicious cinnamon toast instead of grabbing a granola bar as we race out the door.

2. Chores are easier to ignore, meaning I find it easier to sit on the couch with a book. Or two. And when I do get to the chores, there is more time to do them. Even on vacation, we need some clean plates for dinner.

3. The kids play more creatively when they whole day lays free before them. I've let them use Sharpies on balloons they then bat around the house. They've painted. Cate has her Valentine's ready for her class next week. We've written letters and drawn pictures for our Compassion kids.

4. There's new entertainment. Wanting to spice up Monday, I let the kids exchange the movies they picked out for each other for Valentine's Day. I'm notorious for giving Greg gifts early, so it's not really surprising I used the first snow day as an excuse. So they've watched "Stuart Little," "Stuart Little 2" and "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown."

5. Regular details of my routine don't have to happen. No lunches to pack. No carpool to drive. Errands can wait. No homework in the afternoons. Things get cancelled.

I'm not entirely sure how long this vacation will last, but I know I want to enjoy it while it's here. To fully enjoy it, I probably need to venture out to the grocery, somewhere I usually go at the beginning of the week. But at least I have the rest of the day to get that done.
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Six Things I Learned in January

Here we are. First month of the new year done.

I know. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything.

But it's true. And, yes, unbelievable. So, before it totally escapes, I'm going to recap these past 31 days with some things I've learned {or perhaps realized and remembered}.

1. It doesn't snow just because the temperatures are in the single digits. OK, so, I didn't learn this. But, really, if it's going to be 8 degrees, there might as well be inches of snow on the ground so I can't leave my house. Instead, here in western Kentucky, we had a bunch of really cold days. {All of this comes from the girl who loves summer.}

2. With the right number of doctor's appointments, it's possibly to make a good dent in that new deductible in just the first month of the year. I've visited the gynecologist, endocrinologist and orthopedic for various unrelated reasons. My son has been to the allergist and pediatrician. Then there's an ENT visit for him and another check up for me next week to start February. Plus there are my diabetes prescriptions that have been filled plus Ben's new EpiPen that accompanies us to twice-weekly allergy shots.

3. Certain kids music can be good even when the kids aren't still in the car. I'm almost entirely referring to Slugs & Bugs' "Sing the Bible." If we hadn't had the "Frozen" soundtrack on so frequently and the temperatures hadn't been so cold, I may have left that one on too ... at least for a few minutes. "Let it go ..." is kind of a theme for me. {I recently wrote about such here and here.}

4. People respond to real life. I posted a couple pictures online showing my real life laundry piles and dirty dishes and discussed dinner. People liked them and talked about their own houses. And at least two people even took their own pictures {here and here}.

5. I like binge watching TV shows more than watching movies. I guess this isn't something learned as much as it's something affirmed. We finished watch "Dexter" this month, thanks to Netflix. And this week we started "Covert Affairs," courtesy Amazon Instant Video. {Speaking of which, do you use Amazon Prime? Y'all. I'm addicted. The free two-day shipping has replaced some of my trips to the store. And now I found a show to watch for no extra charge beyond the $79/annual subscription fee.}

6. I do much reminiscing in January, a month that holds some landmark moments for me. I became a Christian in 1996. Greg proposed in 2002. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2004. We met Cate's birth mom for the first time in 2007. Ben's adoption was finalized in 2010. This month hasn't had life-changing moments like those, but it's been busy and full of real life with a house, a husband, two kids, a vacation rental house, a job managing another vacation home, school commitments, friends who are like family, and family who are friends too.

What's your month been like?
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Author Emily Freeman got me started documenting life this way. {See previous posts from 2013: June. July. August. September. October. November.} Emily's January post is worth your time as is sponsoring a child through Compassion International, as her post suggests. 

This post contains affiliate links. 

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'Round here something radiates

We had a two-hour delay this morning for school. Y'all. Every Monday should start with a two-hour delay. I know, I know. If it happened weekly, it wouldn't be such a treat. I certainly enjoyed it this morning.

I have this bad habit of staying up too late on Sunday nights. Usually because I don't want the weekend to end. It's funny, before I was a stay-at-home mom, I didn't understand how the weekends were different from the week days. But they're different. On weekends, the routine is gone and Greg is home. Now, I like routine, but I equally temporary breaks in routine. I also have a different mentality on the weekends. I don't do many chores. I don't cook much. And sometimes I can linger in my pajamas longer.

So Greg got home from playing basketball with his friends late last night. It was after 10 p.m., and yes that defines late around here. We prefer to go to bed at the same time, so even though I was tired and drained from of my own inner, emotional thoughts, I stayed up. And then we decided watching "The Good Wife" was a good idea. Yes, that meant bedtime was going to be after 11 p.m. But snuggling on the cough with my husband was how I wanted to end the weekend.

Well, turns out "The Good Wife" wasn't on last night. So we watched "Bones," courtesy Netflix. Good thing it was an excellent episode, or I probably would have been asleep on the couch.

Speaking of late nights, on Friday night, UK played Baylor. It wasn't schedule to tip until 9 p.m. Do I need to address I'm a late-night weenie these days? Well, in effort to hang out with my husband, I committed to watch it. And then the women's game before it went into FOUR OVERTIMES, so the game we wanted to watch didn't tip until after 10 p.m. At halftime I suggested we move the basketball-watching party to our bedroom, where there is a much smaller TV. I feel asleep before the second half started.

And speaking of Friday, the kids were out of school that day. We had some freezing rain. And then it snowed some. No, I don't have any pictures because it wasn't exactly a pretty winter wonderland. But it did keep us inside the house ALL DAY. I loved it.

The kids and I finished some Christmas ornaments. We stayed in our pajamas all day. Like we went to bed that night in the same pajamas we woke up wearing. The kids watched some movies and played mostly nicely together. I scrapbooked and blogged.

And now I want to create more scrapbook pages with every five minutes of free time I have.

I could have gone for another snow day today. But come May 16, I'll be glad we had minimal snow days.

My boys and their Racer stripes ... 

We did get out of the house to watch Murray State play basketball on Saturday afternoon. Then Sarah and Jaclyn's families came over for pizza and Settlers of Catan.

Our combined eight children who are 7 and younger were happy to see each other. And at one point in the night, they were all sleeping soundly while we finished a second game of Settlers. Sunday included our usual church and lunch and then our small group came over Sunday night for more pizza and our usual weekly meeting.

That's nothing like our weekend was planned to look like. We had a jam-packed Saturday. Now most of those plans have been shifted a week, when there are, thankfully, supposed to be warmer temperatures. But I do recommend a low-key weekend spent mostly in soft pants, as my girl calls them, especially so close to Christmas. Perhaps slowing down really is part of advent. 

Two more recommendations for you before I close this rambling update:

1. My blogging friend Whitney Cornelison has a new ebook about her family's journey through infertility. AND her book, "Infertility: A Silent Struggle and the God Who Hears," includes a small piece of my family's story from infertility to adoption. I've gotten to know Whitney the past few months and I'm so glad she's poured her heart into this book. It's one I wish I had in my hands before God led us to adoption in 2006.

Whitney is doing some giveaways this week as part of her book release. The ebook is just $3.99 and you can buy it here.

2. Hershey's Kisses with caramel. Enough said.

So, here's to a new week. One that should involve less freezing rain and no more pizza dinners!

Now, tell me, what have you been up to? Bonus points if you can identify the song that is now running through my head because of the post's title.
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Joining Jen Ferguson and others for this week's Soli Deo Gloria party. 

And then I joined Crystal Stine for her weekly Behind the Scenes. This isn't exactly behind the scenes of any photos, like usual, but it's a glimpse behind the scenes of my lack of photos. 

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B-E-N, Ben, Ben, Ben!

My nose has finally thawed out enough for me to tell you about Ben's 4th birthday party. And, yes, I'll get around to telling you why my nose was so cold.

But, first, my favorite picture of the birthday boy ...

That's how you blow out a candle with a mouth full of Kit-Kat. Just in case you ever wondered.

I've decided I really like morning birthday parties. They've become a trend around here, and I like it. Five families of friends and cousins joined us for a couple hours. Turns out, I fed my kids cake, M&Ms, nachos and kettle corn for lunch, but, hey, everybody had a good time!

The kids colored soccer ball pictures for our Compassion International boy Jean in Ecuador who shares Ben's birthday. Soccer happens to be Jean's favorite sport, which worked well with my sports balls-themed party. Jean turned 12 today. We collected some money to send his family in what's become a good way to make giving tangible for my kids.

{We started this last year at Ben's birthday party and continued it for our Compassion girl at Cate's party six months ago. You can read about how we incorporate giving to Compassion International as part of my kids' birthday parts in this post from earlier this year. And if you're inspired to do more, you can always sponsor a child.}

Continuing with the sports balls them, we lined the kids up for a rousing round of Pin the Ball on the Bat. Ben was disappointed when I told him we weren't playing pin the tail on any variety of farm animal, so he was thrilled when I tweaked the party tradition.

And then there was the baseball pinata he's been talking about for days. He had the bat picked out for days too. So, yes, he was ready to take a swing ... and collect candy.

There are kind gifts, a delicious cake from my friend Courtney, and concession stand snacks. And there was a house full of other families who are our people. We did miss Ben's best buddy Davey and family, who were recovering from three cases of strep throat and some ear infections among the three kids. All of these friends are like family and the family are like friends.

It's really the best kind of community. These people of ours came to celebrate our boy. And then a couple friends even cleaned up the crumbs that covered the floor afterward. True friendship, I tell you.

And then we went to watch Murray State play Eastern Kentucky in football. It was 44 degrees out, if you're curious. The game was exciting and we were in the sunshine into the fourth quarter. And then I realized my nose my numb. The layering and hot chocolate didn't help that my nose. For the record, you know it's cold if I'm holding and drinking a hot drink of any kind!

Oh and then they game went into overtime, of course. But Racers held on and kept the Colonels out of the end zone when it mattered and ended the football season with a win.

Memories were made. My nose has thawed. The kids are sleeping off all the sugar they ate. A happy day indeed.
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{Five Minute Friday} Tree

I've missed the Five Minute Friday link ups. It's been since August since I joined and even then that was the first one since May. Geez. But here I am. I wrote for five minutes last night when Lisa-Jo Baker offered a sneak peek to the word on Twitter. I should mention I wrote for five minutes while laying on the couch and watching "Grey's Anatomy." 

Five minutes. Just write. And then share. This week's word is TREE. 

I'm a summer girl. Give me hot days over snow. Days spent at the pool have always been among my favorite. I don't drink coffee or hot tea but give me a fruit slush or snow cone.

And then fall comes. And I love it. I look out my front door and see the tree. The one that arches over my yard. The one that welcomes mini vans and kids and bikes and strollers. The one that changes to a beautiful yellow and sends its leaves to carpet the ground.

And then the temperature dropped and the winds blew fiercely. All the leaves were down. The tree was bare.

Time is escaping my grasp. This season is blurring over into the next. And I'm reminded to embrace this day and this season and that tree.
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Seven Things I Learned in October

Yeah, I know it's already November. But October kind of got away from me. Even so, I didn't want to let it totally get away without remembering some of what I learned {well, actually, mostly, remembered ...}.

1. Kentucky has some crazy fall weather. I mean, OK, I didn't learn this. But I certainly was reminded. We've worn winter coats and shorts the past couple weeks.

2. I missed the soap opera that is "Grey's Anatomy." Well, OK, I didn't miss all the story lines. Like I could do without Arizona Robbins in her entirety. But Jackson Avery has won me over. And I've watched seasons 8 and 9 on Netflix and am catching up with season 10 on Hulu. Yes, I'm adding it back to my DVR queue.

3. I like to plan parties. Yes, again, this isn't new. But it's been revived lately. In the last few weeks, I've planned a shoe box stuffing party for Operation Christmas Child at our church, a Thanksgiving dinner with friends, Ben's birthday party, and a birthday party for Jesus. All but the Jesus birthday party are this month. Then December will be here. And did you notice there is a Saturday missing between Thanksgiving and Christmas?

4. Hair color is fun. Other than that one summer I put Sun In in my dark, dark brown hair and then had to wait a long time for the orange to grow out, I've never used color in my hair. I got caramel-color highlights the other day and love them. And the lighter streaks help cover the multiplying gray.

5. Saying no or not right now can be freeing, even when it's a good thing worth supporting. We are surrounded by good causes and projects but God doesn't call us all to them all at the same time. For me, I'm learning about being right where he has me and not cluttering my calendar.

6. Being siblings as grown ups is such a treat. I was reminded of this when we were in Louisville one weekend in October. The three of is siblings and our families along with some other relatives laughed often, reminisced much and sat around tables for long periods of time.

7. Grace is hard to grasp. My mind was really opened on the subject while reading "One-Way Love," which I reviewed here. The book is full of truth like this that make me think Tullian Tchividjian wrote the book for me: "The Gospel is not a command to hang on to Jesus. It's a promise that no matter how weak your faith and how unsuccessful your efforts may be, God is always holding on to you."
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Here are my past installments: June. July. August. September.

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catching up, merrily

'Twas a merry Christmas around here! And even though we still have some celebrating to do with my family this weekend, I wanted to share some of the highlights from Christmas Day.

But, first, I have to tell you. I loved Christmas Eve. We had two plans change and ended up spending the afternoon and evening together. Just our God-made family of four. And I loved it.

We went to redeem some Chick-fil-A gift cards my kids' got in their stockings from Gran-Gran in our first family Christmas the weekend before and happened upon a Jesus birthday party. We love Chick-fil-A anyway, so the party hats, party blowers, and live saxophone music were bonuses! Then we headed to the once-daily showing of the old-fashioned 2D version of "Monsters, Inc." Yes, I'm the mom who doesn't do 3D movies and takes her kids to movies that already exist on DVD. They don't the difference and like the theater.

We picked up some deliciousness from Panera Bread for our sick friends and our own Christmas morning breakfast, delivered said goodies, and then ate Mexican for dinner. Really, who doesn't want cheese dip for Christmas Eve?

The afternoon and evening were simple. And just right. 

And then there was this moment {pictured above} on Christmas morning.

I took Ben shopping for Cate earlier this month. Once I steered him away from the "Cars" stickers and Matchbox cars and trucks, he picked out a spiral notebook with a cat on the front, some Sesame Street and Tinkerbell stickers, and markers. Clearly, he knows her well, maybe even better than I do. Honestly, I thought the cat notebook was funny and random. She loves notebooks and generally has one near, but she hasn't expressed a particular fondness for cats.

At least not publicly. Until she opened her gift, that is. "He knew I loved cats." Um, yes, apparently he did.

Of course, while she was gushing about her present, Ben was enthralled in his own and totally ignored her.

Cate helped Greg pick out my stocking stuffers, evident by all the pinkness and purpleness. That's a cupcake-shaped soap dispenser, if you were wondering.

Legos have come a long way since I was a kid. And, yes, I loved seeing my kid build this tree house. I helped some. But it was more moral support than anything else.

It's no cat notebook, but Cate wanted to get Ben a fireman dress up outfit. He already has a fireman rain boots and coat, so she was happy to find these fireman accessories when we browsed Amazon last week. I do love that my daughter picked out my son's favorite gift.

Over the river and through the woods to grandma's house we go! Actually, we walked next door to Greg's grandparents' house for lunch, but, hey, the sentiment is there.

And so were all nine of their great-grandchildren, including my two ...

We did another picture of them lined up in birth order, but I liked this one better. In case you were wondering, that's nine kids 8 (almost 9) years old and younger. Three of them were born in 2009.

That's the whole crew that has descended from Anna Faye and Tommye D Taylor ... or at least married into the group. Just one of Greg's cousins and her husband were missing; they joined us later in the day.

My mother-in-law broke out the 1987 home movie that shows the homemade version of "The Night Before Christmas" my husband, his two brothers, and three girl cousins performed when they were some of our kids' ages. Our kids loved it. So much they watched it three times. 

Meanwhile, we were under a blizzard weather advisory. The evening rain and sleet turned to snow overnight, leaving us with a White {Day After} Christmas.

On your mark, get set, go ...

The kids loved sledding down the hill at the park across the street from our house. I couldn't believe we ended up being outside an hour. That's far longer than I ever wanted to be out when I was a kid.

I hear driving conditions were rough. Truthfully, we didn't leave the house all day or really ever get out of our pajamas, except, of course, to apply extra layers to stay warm for that hour yesterday morning.

And then there was Frosty with his vegetable facial features and very short celery arms. 
Tell me about your Christmas. May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white.   ________
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