Has anyone ever heard the term "pennies from heaven?" Well I had never heard it called that until my grandmother passed away on Christmas and several weird (and I say that in a good way) things happened and my grandfather told me about this phrase. Basically, it means that when our loved ones are watching over us from heaven that they send us little messages so that we know they are there - such as finding a penny in our path! These are just a few "pennies from heaven" that we have had the privilege of experiencing in these past weeks.
1)My parents have a Christmas cactus at their house that they've had for several years. These are supposed to bloom around Christmas, but for some reason, theirs had never bloomed - EVER and they had no idea what color it was! That is, until this year. The day before my grandmother passed away, it bloomed!!! And, not that this was enough, but the color of the blooms were the same exact color of the sweater that she had picked out to be buried in!!!!! Who knew?! Also, the sweater she picked out had a jeweled bow on it that was very festive looking. It was like she knew that she was going to be with Our Saviour on his birthday!
2)Before she got really sick, my grandmother had ordered Christmas snowglobes for the great grandkids for Christmas. Grandaddy gave them to me to give the girls, but I kept forgetting to get them out of my car. Finally, while cleaning out my car, I found them and put them in the house, still in the box. The box was just a gold box with no pictures, words, etc. As soon as I cleaned my car out, we had to run some errands, I loaded the girls up and off we went! Well, out of the blue, Mary Mac says, "Mom, do you know what would be perfect for my playroom?" Since it was just a few days after Christmas and new toys and all of the decorations were put away, I was not expecting her answer. She said simply and matter-of-factly,
"A snow-glo!"
me: "What? You mean a snow-globe?"
MMC: "Yes, ma'am, that's what I meant. You know, the round things that have white stuff blowing around inside?"
me: "Yes, I know what you're talking about." I then went on to tell her about what Mamaw had bought for her and Grandaddy wanted her to have it, blah, blah, blah
MMC: "I know, she told me!"
Well you can only imagine what or how I felt by this statement being that we had only buried her the day before. Not to mention, I have no idea how she even knew what a snow globe was. We don't have any of them in our house, not even as Christmas decorations. When we got home later that afternoon, I opened the box and gave it to her. With her sweet innocent little voice, she said, "That's perfect and beautiful and just what I imaginated (that's how she says imagined)! Can I put it on my shelf in my playroom so that when I miss Mamaw I can look at it and remember her?" Oh, can we just say that the tears were FLOWING by this point!!!! It just reaffirms to me that our loved ones are watching us and wanting us to know that they are ok and definitely in a better place! Also, does anyone else think that maybe as adults our hearts are so hardened that we ignore these things until a child makes you stop and think, well, maybe?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A Whole Lotta Nothing
Not a whole lot has been going on around here these days. It has been so nice to have a little (and I mean, little) down time. I have been crazy busy though trying to play catch up at work and at my house, but we have not had any plans on the schedule the past week other than the usual.
A funny story about Mary Mac: every night as she is getting in her bed, she always asks for us (whoever is doing bed-duty) to tell her a secret. I have no idea where or why this started, but never fail, she asks EVERY night! So, the other night as Sam was putting her to bed, he was at a total loss of what to tell her, so he tells her that we were going to get my grandmother's (the one that just passed away) jewelry box and that she was going to be able to pick out something for herself to keep for when she was older. I had no idea he had told her about this and was really not planning on saying anything to her about it until we actually did it (you moms/dads know about that anticipation thing with kids). The next morning after she got out of her bed, this was our conversation:
MMC: "Mom, when are going to have our treasure hunt?"
me: Ok, I think, hummm, treasure hunt? "Well, I don't know! What treasure hunt are talking about?"
MMC: "You know, the treasure hunt with Gran?"
me: "Oh, well, did Gran tell you she was going let you have a treasure hunt at her house?"
MMC: looking so confused (as was I), "You know, Mom!"
At this point in the conversation, I just happen to glance Sam's way and see this look on his face that means "Oops!" I say to Sam, "What is she talking about?" Sam then finally confesses that he may have mentioned to her about going through the jewelry last night as her "secret". OOOHHHHHH, I finally get what she's asking about - the mind of a 4 year old makes me laugh! Her little brain had processed all that information about picking out a piece my grandmother's jewelry as going on a treasure hunt! So cute!
Needless to say, my mom and I finally had a chance to go through her jewelry and I picked out a few pieces that I wanted to keep for myself and the girls. We also found a drawer full of silk scarves. My mom was not sure what we were going to do with the scarves when I immediately thought --- SCARF DANCING---- The girls love to scarf dance at ballet, so why not put those scarves in the dress up box so that they can scarf dance anytime????? They found them last night and had a ball running around with them and dancing. I told Sam that I bet my grandmother was smiling down at them dancing, and laughing saying, "why didn't I give them those scarves a long time ago!??" These are just couple of ways that I have found comfort in remembering her and we will be able to enjoy for years to come!
A funny story about Mary Mac: every night as she is getting in her bed, she always asks for us (whoever is doing bed-duty) to tell her a secret. I have no idea where or why this started, but never fail, she asks EVERY night! So, the other night as Sam was putting her to bed, he was at a total loss of what to tell her, so he tells her that we were going to get my grandmother's (the one that just passed away) jewelry box and that she was going to be able to pick out something for herself to keep for when she was older. I had no idea he had told her about this and was really not planning on saying anything to her about it until we actually did it (you moms/dads know about that anticipation thing with kids). The next morning after she got out of her bed, this was our conversation:
MMC: "Mom, when are going to have our treasure hunt?"
me: Ok, I think, hummm, treasure hunt? "Well, I don't know! What treasure hunt are talking about?"
MMC: "You know, the treasure hunt with Gran?"
me: "Oh, well, did Gran tell you she was going let you have a treasure hunt at her house?"
MMC: looking so confused (as was I), "You know, Mom!"
At this point in the conversation, I just happen to glance Sam's way and see this look on his face that means "Oops!" I say to Sam, "What is she talking about?" Sam then finally confesses that he may have mentioned to her about going through the jewelry last night as her "secret". OOOHHHHHH, I finally get what she's asking about - the mind of a 4 year old makes me laugh! Her little brain had processed all that information about picking out a piece my grandmother's jewelry as going on a treasure hunt! So cute!
Needless to say, my mom and I finally had a chance to go through her jewelry and I picked out a few pieces that I wanted to keep for myself and the girls. We also found a drawer full of silk scarves. My mom was not sure what we were going to do with the scarves when I immediately thought --- SCARF DANCING---- The girls love to scarf dance at ballet, so why not put those scarves in the dress up box so that they can scarf dance anytime????? They found them last night and had a ball running around with them and dancing. I told Sam that I bet my grandmother was smiling down at them dancing, and laughing saying, "why didn't I give them those scarves a long time ago!??" These are just couple of ways that I have found comfort in remembering her and we will be able to enjoy for years to come!
Friday, January 02, 2009
Christmas Pictures
Well I guess in the midst of all the craziness we did get to take a few pictures during Christmas. I did take a video of the girls coming down to see what Santa brought them and will try and post it later.
Happy New Year to all of you bloggers out there! I really cannot believe it is 2009! Wow, it feels like just yesterday we rang in the New Year in NYC in 2000! And now, here we are just on the threshold of another decade gone by!
Pop and his girls at my aunt and uncle's house
(Anna was asleep and this is one of the many nights of fever for Mary Mac)
Our Family On Christmas Eve
Anna playing in her "house"
Mary Mac guarding the door of their new house
Anna just "had" to try on her new Dora big girl panties. No, she's not potty trained yet, but very interested - so why not buy panties? Every girls loves great panties don't we?
Peek-a-boo! A rare moment of them playing so sweet and together in their new learning tower that Gran and Pop gave them for "helping" mommy in the kitchen.
Anna playing in her "house"Mary Mac guarding the door of their new houseAnna just "had" to try on her new Dora big girl panties. No, she's not potty trained yet, but very interested - so why not buy panties? Every girls loves great panties don't we?Peek-a-boo! A rare moment of them playing so sweet and together in their new learning tower that Gran and Pop gave them for "helping" mommy in the kitchen.Happy New Year to all of you bloggers out there! I really cannot believe it is 2009! Wow, it feels like just yesterday we rang in the New Year in NYC in 2000! And now, here we are just on the threshold of another decade gone by!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
I know I know...where have we been?
Ok, so sorry for the lack of posts and a lack of pictures on this post, especially from Christmas! To be honest, I'm not really sure if we got any pictures from Christmas this year - so sad, but true! We have had a heck of the past several weeks and to keep from boring you here is a quick synopsis of our lives: the girls have both had colds off and on for about 3 weeks now; I got food poisoning and then was in a panic to try and get everything finished before Christmas after being in the bed for 2 full days; we went to Mobile to see my mom's family and Mary Mac had a fever virus at the same time that lasted for 5 full days; we had to put my other grandmother in the hospital that same weekend; Christmas Eve and Christmas morning came and went in a flash; my grandmother (the one in the hospital) passed away Christmas day (more on that later); more family Christmas events and and gatherings; planned a funeral; more family (as in my brother's family and Sam's sister's family came in town)! Whew!!!! I know it's a lot in the span of about 2 weeks. We are all still trying to grieve and celebrate and recover! When I get caught up at work and home, I will post more on the loss of my grandmother and the special things that have taken place as a result as well as my thoughts and feelings in regards to our loss! We are also all still battling with colds and have had to put sweet Anna on another round of antibiotics for an ear infection. Oh the fun the winter time and kids! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Excitement is building
The Christmas excitement is building at our house and Santa is trying to finish up those last minute gifts! Its been a struggle though the past few days as I have been suffering from food poisoning since Sunday morning! I am finally on the mend, but just trying to build my strength back up! Needless to say, I have been worthless and have not felt like getting those last minute things done. We are supposed to be going to Mobile Friday for the weekend with my mom's family! Hopefully I can get it all done before next week AND get everything organized for our annual Christmas Eve Chili and Cheer for our family, friends, and neighbors!
I also have a prayer request for those of you who are prayer warriors. . .one of our beloved babysitters aunt's is undergoing a biopsy on her lungs. Please pray for a good report and quick recovery! Also, we are praying for all of us (and all of you) that we all stay healthy and happy for this joyous time of year as we celebrate the birth of Our Savior!
I also have a prayer request for those of you who are prayer warriors. . .one of our beloved babysitters aunt's is undergoing a biopsy on her lungs. Please pray for a good report and quick recovery! Also, we are praying for all of us (and all of you) that we all stay healthy and happy for this joyous time of year as we celebrate the birth of Our Savior!
Monday, December 08, 2008
More Pics
These are Sam's 
Snowflake at work again - if you can't tell he spelled out "Hi Mary Mac, B Good 4 Santa!"
Again, Snowflake rolled the tree!Pictures I Promised. . .
Merry Christmas from our house (literally) to yours!
My Little Kitchen Helper
Snowflake on the fan A Country Christmas
All I have to say is . . .AAHHHH! What a nice weekend we had! Sam's mom, his 2 sisters, and I planned a girl trip to go to A Country Christmas this past weekend in Nashville. We went all out too. We got a room at the Oprland Hotel with a balcony overlooking the Delta Atrium and it was awesome! Our balcony actually looked directly over the huge waterfountain that they had programmed to with music every hour. The decorations were amazing and I have no idea how they take care of all of the plants they have planted - I struggle with the 3 or so real ones in my house! Thursday we went to the Grinch Ice exhibit where they recreated scenes from the movie but it was all made of ice in all the bright colors of the movie. It was freezing in there (obviously) at a cool 9 degrees and they gave you a coat as you went in. They also suggested not leaving your camera on because the cold would run your battery down - had no idea that was possible! Then that night we went to the Rockettes show and had fantastic seats - center section on the 7th row! I don't know if you all would agree, but I personally think I have legs like that naturally. . .HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Friday we went on the General Jackson Showboat and then to the Grand Ole Opry which is being held downtown in its original place, The Ryman Auditorium. It was neat to be there and listen to all the old-school country music. The only names we knew were Marty Stewart and Emmylou Harris, but it was good none-the-less. Then our final day was spent at the Treasures Craft Show and just walking around the enormous resort. That night after watching the SEC spanking game until half-time, we had tickets to the Louise Mandrell Dinner Show. She was so cute and funny and totally talented! I think she played about 15 different instruments and sang and danced. Well, lets just say she tried to dance - that was not her best talent! We all agreed that she needed to be nominated for the next season of Dancing With The Stars because she could use the training and she is talented enough that she would be able to make huge improvements! We had a fantastic time together and it was a nice break from the kids. Thanks so much to my sweet and wonderful husband for not only letting me go and leave him with the girls for 4 days, but for also encouraging me to do things like this and making sure that I have nothing to worry about while I'm gone! I loved spending time with Sam's family too especially without kids around - they make me feel like another sister and I appreciate that more than they know!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and More. . .
Sorry for the lack of posts this past week - as was everyone else, we have been busy decorating, celebrating, and cheering (in a few short words)! We had a great Thanksgiving this past week. It was kind of quiet which is unusual for us at holiday time. Normally we have all of my family (and I mean ALL) at my house for Thanksgiving dinner, but with several circumstances out of our control, my parents went to my brother's house to celebrate with them this year, my grand parents and extended family stayed in Mobile and celebrated, and Sam's siblings all went to thier in-laws, so it was just Sam's parents and our family. It was cozy, relaxing, quiet, and perfect. Not to say that I didn't miss the chaos and hope we can resume it all next year!
Friday, after seeing the possible weather forecast, all of us decided that we did not want to go to the Auburn - I know, Crazy!!! So instead we opted to try and sell our tickets on eBay. And that we did - so not only were we able to watch the game on big screen in the comfort of dry warmth, in recliners, enjoying some munchies, and watching the Tide Roll, but we also were able to pad our pockets with a little cash! Sweet!!! Now, what am I going to spend my $200 on? Hummmm?
We also had the chance to put the finishing touches on our decorations at home (I will post a picture when I have more time). And our elf has been up to NOOO GOOOODD! Our elf, affectionately named Snowflake, has been visting us since last weekend. Sam says we may have been a little premature on his visits because we are already running out of ideas. My favorite Snowflake moment so far was last Wednesday:
I had been trying to get things prepped and prepared as much as possible so that all I had to do Thursday was put it all in the oven so I let the girls just have a hay-day in the playroom - so long as they didn't bug Mom! Ha, that was just a dream! Anyway, after I was finished I went to the playroom and it looked like Toys R Us had puked in the floor of our playroom! I was sooo tired and exhausted (and didn't feel great from the lovely productive cough I had) that we put the girls to bed and I didn't even think about the playroom OR Snowflake. I would just worry about all of it in the morning before the girls woke up. Well, morning came a little faster than I wanted and the next thing I know, both girls were in our bed wide-eyed and bushy tailed! It immediately hit me - oh no, I forgot Snowflake!!! I looked at Sam with those "oh, sh**" eyes and said I would be right back. He quickly mumbled "it's done." So off we all went to see what Snowflake had done ( I think I was more anxious than the girls). We finally found Snowflake - he had cleaned the playroom spotless, left a note to the girls (reminding them that Santa would be very upset if they let the playroom get messy again), and he had hopped on Lucy (one of the 100 horses we have) and was standing on top of the ceiling fan! It was perfect!! Man I love that Snowflake!!! I wish he would continue this kind of mischief all year!
Other than this great event, Snowflake has rolled our Christmas tree (before it was decorated, of course), taken ornaments off the kids tree in the playroom, taken the stockings down, made a bed out of a Dora lunchbox and slept with a stuffed giraffe, made snow angels on our kitchen table, and made a mess out of cereal in the pantry. Like I said, we are running out of ideas - please provide some new ones if you have any!!!
Sorry for the long post, but it's been a long week and lots of activities! By the way, Mary Mac trotted yesterday at her horseback riding lesson - actually she trotted 4 times and trotted a post (basically that means that they put a pole on the ground and the horse trotted over it). She was so proud and excited! She is riding a horse named James Brown - gott love the name! Her only problem is that her legs aren't quite long enough so when she kicks him to make him go, she's really just tapping his sides and not his underbelly! (not sure if that is the correct term, but I'm sure Sam will correct me) Oh well, she will grow!
Friday, after seeing the possible weather forecast, all of us decided that we did not want to go to the Auburn - I know, Crazy!!! So instead we opted to try and sell our tickets on eBay. And that we did - so not only were we able to watch the game on big screen in the comfort of dry warmth, in recliners, enjoying some munchies, and watching the Tide Roll, but we also were able to pad our pockets with a little cash! Sweet!!! Now, what am I going to spend my $200 on? Hummmm?
We also had the chance to put the finishing touches on our decorations at home (I will post a picture when I have more time). And our elf has been up to NOOO GOOOODD! Our elf, affectionately named Snowflake, has been visting us since last weekend. Sam says we may have been a little premature on his visits because we are already running out of ideas. My favorite Snowflake moment so far was last Wednesday:
I had been trying to get things prepped and prepared as much as possible so that all I had to do Thursday was put it all in the oven so I let the girls just have a hay-day in the playroom - so long as they didn't bug Mom! Ha, that was just a dream! Anyway, after I was finished I went to the playroom and it looked like Toys R Us had puked in the floor of our playroom! I was sooo tired and exhausted (and didn't feel great from the lovely productive cough I had) that we put the girls to bed and I didn't even think about the playroom OR Snowflake. I would just worry about all of it in the morning before the girls woke up. Well, morning came a little faster than I wanted and the next thing I know, both girls were in our bed wide-eyed and bushy tailed! It immediately hit me - oh no, I forgot Snowflake!!! I looked at Sam with those "oh, sh**" eyes and said I would be right back. He quickly mumbled "it's done." So off we all went to see what Snowflake had done ( I think I was more anxious than the girls). We finally found Snowflake - he had cleaned the playroom spotless, left a note to the girls (reminding them that Santa would be very upset if they let the playroom get messy again), and he had hopped on Lucy (one of the 100 horses we have) and was standing on top of the ceiling fan! It was perfect!! Man I love that Snowflake!!! I wish he would continue this kind of mischief all year!
Other than this great event, Snowflake has rolled our Christmas tree (before it was decorated, of course), taken ornaments off the kids tree in the playroom, taken the stockings down, made a bed out of a Dora lunchbox and slept with a stuffed giraffe, made snow angels on our kitchen table, and made a mess out of cereal in the pantry. Like I said, we are running out of ideas - please provide some new ones if you have any!!!
Sorry for the long post, but it's been a long week and lots of activities! By the way, Mary Mac trotted yesterday at her horseback riding lesson - actually she trotted 4 times and trotted a post (basically that means that they put a pole on the ground and the horse trotted over it). She was so proud and excited! She is riding a horse named James Brown - gott love the name! Her only problem is that her legs aren't quite long enough so when she kicks him to make him go, she's really just tapping his sides and not his underbelly! (not sure if that is the correct term, but I'm sure Sam will correct me) Oh well, she will grow!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thanksgiving Program
Our little turkey getting ready to go on-stage
Nanny and Mary Mac
Pancake (aka Aunt Kate) and Mary Mac
Nanny and Mary MacPancake (aka Aunt Kate) and Mary MacThis morning was Mary Mac's annual Thanksgiving Program at school and here are some pictures. Sam and I weren't real sure if she was really going to "perform" or not since lately she has had a little stage fright at other events (refer to posts about Halloween and ballet). So we were delightfully excited when she did actually perform instead of the usual hands-in-mouth! Her class were turkeys and we've been practicing the songs for a while now! Anna's class does not yet get to perfrom, although I think Anna would do better than some of the older kids! She will get to do it next year, so stay tuned . . .
Random Video of Mary Mac
I have been trying to load this video of Mary Mac singing in the car for months - since her birthday actually - and this is the first time I have been able to get it to upload with errors! Hope you enjoy as much as I do! This was the morning of her birthday party and she had gone with me to pick up her cake. She just started singing this and it made my heart melt because it was so heartfelt and a perfect song for her day! This Is The Day! Please notice how she says "have's made" instead of "has made" - too cute! Oh, and yes, I was driving and taping at the same time but be assured that I just pointed the camera back there hoping to get her face in the picture and my eyes were on the road the whole time! Promise!!!
Friday, November 21, 2008
More Photos
Just a reminder that the Family Photo Album over there on my list of friends is a link to even more pictures of our family. I add pictures all the time to it and there are more pictures there than I usually post on the blog! Enjoy!!!!!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
New Music
I keep forgetting to post that I've added some new songs to my playlist! I love these songs so much that I open our blog everyday at work just to hear the music AND read new posts! So if you are reading via Google Reader, click on our blog and hopefully you will hear the new songs! Hope you enjoy!
On a side note, I am happy to report that I have completed my Christmas shopping! Woohoo! I did a lot of it online so that helps speed up the process. I am only lacking a few last minute things for stockings and gifts for school/teachers. I'm going to wait until they all decide what the class will do before I buy anything though. Oh, and Sam and I haven't decided what we are doing for each other - probably not much since we are trying to cut back this year. The girls are getting one big thing each and a few small things and that is it! Mary Mac is pressuring me daily to start decorating (after seeing a neighbor who has already decorated), but I think we'll wait until Thanksgiving weekend when we have more time! There's just too much going on this week to even think about it.
On a side note, I am happy to report that I have completed my Christmas shopping! Woohoo! I did a lot of it online so that helps speed up the process. I am only lacking a few last minute things for stockings and gifts for school/teachers. I'm going to wait until they all decide what the class will do before I buy anything though. Oh, and Sam and I haven't decided what we are doing for each other - probably not much since we are trying to cut back this year. The girls are getting one big thing each and a few small things and that is it! Mary Mac is pressuring me daily to start decorating (after seeing a neighbor who has already decorated), but I think we'll wait until Thanksgiving weekend when we have more time! There's just too much going on this week to even think about it.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Two Words . . . Roll Tide!!!
Ok, sorry for a delay in posts! We have had a crazy week or so with 2 deaths of family and like-family and trying to play catch-up while also attending to the daily chores! I have not posted yet (and can't believe I haven't) on the excitement of our football team !!!!! ROLL TIDE!!!! We have been to all the home games and will go to Auburn game! And if Sam's letterman status will allow, we have ordered our tickets for both the SEC Champiuonship and bowl game (whichever we make it to). However, I will not get to go to the SEC game because my sweet mother-in-law wanted all of the Collins girls to go to Opryland for A Country Christmas and we just happened to plan it for that weekend - this was planned way before we even had an inkling (is that a word?) of the success. Oh well, I'm sure Sam will have a ball and I am looking forward to my girls trip!
As for Mary Mac and Anna, they are great (as usual)! We had a bit of a melt-down last week at ballet with Mary Mac. For those of you who know her, this is SO Mary Mac! Anyway, it was parent visitation day at ballet and I had totally forgotten! Sam had a meeting so he was no where to help or watch and Anna had to tag along. Anna could not understand why she couldn't participate (she is taking on Thurs. mornings) at this class. Well, the class starts and Mary Mac is just standing there staring at the parents and not making a move while all the other little "princesses" are gracefully dancing and showing off for their families. I look at her with those "mommy" eyes to say, "you better start participating or we're leaving!" She then proceeds to yell that she has to "TEE-TEE" - never fails! Makes for a great giggle from the crowd. Since I had Anna in my lap one of the teachers had to take her. Well the teacher comes back in, but no Mary Mac in sight. When she finally creeps back in with her hands in her mouth, she runs to me to tell me her stomach hurts. So who knows? Does it really? Not sure so I take her outside to try and keep her from disrupting the other dancing beauties! We have a long talk and she loudly proclaims that she hates ballet and never wants to come back. Stomach is suddenly better! Needless to say, we leave the studio AND forget her bag with her tap shoes in it. So, the next day I decided to have a serious talk with her about it and see if she really wants to quit or if she just didnt' like the parents watching. She, finally after my little speech about committment (you think a 4 year old "gets" that?), looks at me as seriously as possible and says, "Mom, I have a new thing now?" Taken aback by this statement I ask, "Well, what is your new thing?" She says in a "like duh" kind of way - "Horseback Riding!" So, I guess it's settled - she is not going to be our little princess ballerina - but, honestly, she's never been and I really don't see her ever being like that. We'll stick with horses for now!
Maybe there is hope for Anna! I did notice Anna last night (as I watched Dancing With The Stars) that she picked up her babydoll by hands and started spinning her doll around like she was dancing with her - sooooo cute! And pretty smart too! She just kept saying"dance, dance dance".
I'll have to post on Mary Mac's horseback riding lesson yesterday - she actually got her horse to jump! And she's only 4!
As for Mary Mac and Anna, they are great (as usual)! We had a bit of a melt-down last week at ballet with Mary Mac. For those of you who know her, this is SO Mary Mac! Anyway, it was parent visitation day at ballet and I had totally forgotten! Sam had a meeting so he was no where to help or watch and Anna had to tag along. Anna could not understand why she couldn't participate (she is taking on Thurs. mornings) at this class. Well, the class starts and Mary Mac is just standing there staring at the parents and not making a move while all the other little "princesses" are gracefully dancing and showing off for their families. I look at her with those "mommy" eyes to say, "you better start participating or we're leaving!" She then proceeds to yell that she has to "TEE-TEE" - never fails! Makes for a great giggle from the crowd. Since I had Anna in my lap one of the teachers had to take her. Well the teacher comes back in, but no Mary Mac in sight. When she finally creeps back in with her hands in her mouth, she runs to me to tell me her stomach hurts. So who knows? Does it really? Not sure so I take her outside to try and keep her from disrupting the other dancing beauties! We have a long talk and she loudly proclaims that she hates ballet and never wants to come back. Stomach is suddenly better! Needless to say, we leave the studio AND forget her bag with her tap shoes in it. So, the next day I decided to have a serious talk with her about it and see if she really wants to quit or if she just didnt' like the parents watching. She, finally after my little speech about committment (you think a 4 year old "gets" that?), looks at me as seriously as possible and says, "Mom, I have a new thing now?" Taken aback by this statement I ask, "Well, what is your new thing?" She says in a "like duh" kind of way - "Horseback Riding!" So, I guess it's settled - she is not going to be our little princess ballerina - but, honestly, she's never been and I really don't see her ever being like that. We'll stick with horses for now!
Maybe there is hope for Anna! I did notice Anna last night (as I watched Dancing With The Stars) that she picked up her babydoll by hands and started spinning her doll around like she was dancing with her - sooooo cute! And pretty smart too! She just kept saying"dance, dance dance".
I'll have to post on Mary Mac's horseback riding lesson yesterday - she actually got her horse to jump! And she's only 4!
Friday, November 07, 2008
Finally Halloween Pictures
Ok, so I have to admit that none of these pictures are great, but these days we are finding it hard to get any good pictures of the girls together. Mary Mac has mastered this lovely fake smile that she does in almost every picture unless I take it while she's laughing or talking. She must get this from her Pop! And Anna is constantly on the move these days so she is usually trying to run away or busy doing something besides posing for pictures. Just a reminder . . . Anna is Dorothy (the cutest Dorothy I've ever seen) and Mary Mac is a unicorn (I wasn't very creative with the rest of her costume, but she didn't care). She was happy as long as I painted a rainbow on her face and she could take her rainbow ribbon with her. I really wanted to a paint her whole face into a rainbow, but she wasn't so sure about that. Oh, and the deal with the rainbows is that she always says that unicorns are magic and that they are the ones who make all the rainbows in the world. I think we've watched a little too much of My Little Ponies!
Dorothy (aka Anna) - doesn't she look so old with her hair in a pony tail?
Rarity (aka Mary Mac) - caught her before she could give her fake smile!
At the Parade/Pizza Party
Mary Mac and her friend Marion dancing to the Blue Brothers (story below)
And here's Anna Gettin Jiggy With It! (is that even still cool to say - just kidding I know it's not but it's the only funny saying I could think of to go with her picture!) She had a ball dancing with the Blue Brothers and was trying to get to the front (um, I'm having flashbacks of my childhood - OHHH, Sam and I are in trouble!)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Halloween
With all of the excitement of Election Day and after our weekend with the stomach virus, I almost forgot to post about our Halloween fun! The girls looked so cute in their costumes (I forgot my camera to upload pics, but I will soon, I promise!)! After picking them up from school, we rushed home to get all of our "gear" on and get ready for the neighborhood parade and trick-or-treating. Our neighborhood has an awesome tradition (a tradition that many neighborhoods around the area have tried to copy, but ours is still the best) that has been taking place ever since I was a little girl living in the same neighborhood. On Halloween night, all the kids and parents gather together (and a local firetruck) and have a costume parade down ones street and then we have a pizza party for the kids before the trick-or-treating begins. This year was special because it addition to the tradition, one of our neighbors (whose family has had a band for YEARS) and his dad were dressed like the Blues Brothers along with his twin 6 year old sons - so cute!!! Well, next thing we know we hear loud music coming from one area of the cul-de-sac and notice that they have broken into a scene from the Blues Brothers and are dancing and lip-syncing to the music. It was so much fun and the kids all had a ball dancing around with them to the loud music. While I told this neighbor that he had now raised the bar for next year, there was a true purpose to this performance. The elementary school that is adjacent to our neighborhood (where all the kids go and ours will go) is in the process of re-building a community playground. They had to tear the old one down last year due to it being un-safe and falling apart. They've had big fundraising events and have almost raised all of the money, so this little impromptu performance was done in an effort to raise more money for the playground through tips! What a great idea! I'm not sure how much they raised, but I saw just about everyone putting money in the tip buckets, so maybe they raised the final amount!
After the parade and party in the neighborhood, we then took off on our Halloween pimped out golf cart. I found battery powered lights in purple and orange that we hung on the golf cart to look like a spider on the top. It was too cute! The girls thought it was so cool! We made it down 2 streets and decided it was too cold for Anna (who had on short sleeves) and so we dropped her and my parents off at the house and Sam, Mary Mac, and I continued on to more houses for more candy (just what we needed). Our final stop was to one of Mary Mac's friends in the neighborhood who was also having a party for the kids with blow-up bouncy things, more pizza, candy, etc. You get the picture!!! We then went home and were able to spend a little time with Sam's sister and her triplets (yes, that is 3 six year olds - 2 girls, 1 boy) who had just come in town for the weekend for Alabama's Homecoming. It was a great night and I am so thankful that we are able to provide such fun for our family and spend it together!
By the way, we had big plans to take the girls to the Homecoming festivities on Saturday, but Anna woke us up in the middle of Friday night with the stomach virus! YUCK! Hopefully we are all done that now!
After the parade and party in the neighborhood, we then took off on our Halloween pimped out golf cart. I found battery powered lights in purple and orange that we hung on the golf cart to look like a spider on the top. It was too cute! The girls thought it was so cool! We made it down 2 streets and decided it was too cold for Anna (who had on short sleeves) and so we dropped her and my parents off at the house and Sam, Mary Mac, and I continued on to more houses for more candy (just what we needed). Our final stop was to one of Mary Mac's friends in the neighborhood who was also having a party for the kids with blow-up bouncy things, more pizza, candy, etc. You get the picture!!! We then went home and were able to spend a little time with Sam's sister and her triplets (yes, that is 3 six year olds - 2 girls, 1 boy) who had just come in town for the weekend for Alabama's Homecoming. It was a great night and I am so thankful that we are able to provide such fun for our family and spend it together!
By the way, we had big plans to take the girls to the Homecoming festivities on Saturday, but Anna woke us up in the middle of Friday night with the stomach virus! YUCK! Hopefully we are all done that now!
It's Election Day!
I have to apologize for Sam's comment about voting for Obama and not being welcomed at our blog. Although it is no surprise that we are hard-core Republicans and McCain/Palin supporters, I still welcome you even if you are not of the same opinion! So with that said, do your civic duty and GO VOTE! I've already voted this morning and am anxiously awaiting the results!
Monday, November 03, 2008
GO VOTE!
This is Sam once again wanting to remind everyone to go vote tomorrow and if you vote for Obama you are NO LONGER WELCOME AT THIS BLOG!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
I'm game!
Ok, so normally I don't do the little "Tag" games, but this one is easy and kind of fun to look through old pictures, so here goes:
I've been tagged to do the following:
1) Choose the 4th folder (on computer)
2) Choose the 4th picture (below)
3) Explain the picture
4) Tag 4 other people
This was Anna's birthday and the first time Mary Mac got to see her new baby "tister" (as she called her) and the first picture together as our new Family of Four. Mary Mac looks like she's gotten into the "sauce" and she looks so little; Sam looks to be still in shock of our April Fools suprise; I am a looking a little pale - maybe still trying to get over my spinal; and sweet Anna looks so chubby. Wow how things have changed in our house! I could never have dreamed of a better life and family!
I've been tagged to do the following:
1) Choose the 4th folder (on computer)
2) Choose the 4th picture (below)
3) Explain the picture
4) Tag 4 other people
This was Anna's birthday and the first time Mary Mac got to see her new baby "tister" (as she called her) and the first picture together as our new Family of Four. Mary Mac looks like she's gotten into the "sauce" and she looks so little; Sam looks to be still in shock of our April Fools suprise; I am a looking a little pale - maybe still trying to get over my spinal; and sweet Anna looks so chubby. Wow how things have changed in our house! I could never have dreamed of a better life and family!I tag:
1. Molli
2. Susie
3. Rachel
4. Sarah
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