Thanksgiving

Well, today is the day that we are to reflect on those things that we are thankful for and, I must admit, that I have been dreading this reflection all month long.  Needless to say, 2011 has been just about the hardest year of my life - and I have had some pretty hard years recently!  But I realize today, as I try to do everyday, that I have 2 options: 1) to be bitter about the current circumstances or 2) to be thankful for all the blessings I have been given.  And, today, as I try to do everyday, I will be thankful!

I am thankful for...

• my Savior, Jesus Christ, and so many bible verses that have given me hope since I was saved 15 years ago;
• my precious children, Ian and Bonner, that have literally sustained me for the past 7 months;
• my parents who have supported me (and the children) throughout the insanity;
• my family that has listened to my rants and reminded me that God has me exactly where I am supposed to be;
• my friends and neighbors who have been there for me EVERY TIME I have called on them;
• my house which provides stability for the children;
• the school and teachers that provide consistency for the children;
• my counselor who has challenged me at every turn and been there for me through the craziest of times;
• my DivorceCare class - the people who have supported me and the lessons that have validated my thoughts, feelings, actions;
• my attorney who has talked me down off the wall more than once and represented me with much integrity; 
• a beautiful ocean and huge sky that remind me of God's vastness; and, 
• my wandering mind that doesn't let me dwell on anything for too long :-)

I pray that you will enjoy today with your families; that you will pray for those that are hurting, suffering, and grieving around you; and, that you will find ways and time to strengthen your marriage! Happy Thanksgiving!

Crazy Time of Year

Man, I am tired ... it's been a good weekend but I must say that I am pretty much wiped out!  I have been working pretty hard on my new business, Adoorable Adoornments (www.adoorable-adoornments.com) and last week I hosted a drop-in at my house to get the ball rolling.  It was a terrible afternoon weather-wise so I was very thankful for those that braved the rain and came over.  I sold several items and am working hard to get them all out the door as soon as possible.  I did the pumpkins tonight and, based on how good I think they look (just to toot my own horn since no one is around to do it for me), I will definitely be adding a ornament to the collection of Burlap Beauties that can be personalized with initials, family name, etc.

My photography angle doesn't do them much justice but I think they turned out super cute and I look forward to delivering them tomorrow so they can get some use before Thanksgiving!

I heard about a local neighborhood hosting a Neighborhood Fair as a fundraiser for their swim team.  I signed up, got all of my stuff together, and headed over their Saturday morning around 11 a.m.  It was a slow day, to say the least.  I didn't sell anything :-(  but then I heard she only advertised on Craig's List... needless to say, it was a "learning experience" but definitely not an "earning experience!"

I had signed Bonner for a little princess show at the local SC Children's theatre.  Well, because I was committed to my table at the Craft Show, my mom took Bonner to the show.  I think they had a good time and Bonner got to see alot of her favorites!

 "Where are they, Gigi?"

Saturday night, my best friend from UGA, Michelle, came into town with her husband and their 2 children.  The children played very well together and passed out hard when bed time arrived!  It was a terrific trip because we were able to reminisce on good times, discuss the most recent times, and get excited about the future! 

This morning, I was a painting a burlap tickey and the children asked if they could paint, too.  They both jumped right in ...  I took this picture before Ian joined her because she was so intent on getting into "the painting"

 And, I just think these 2 pictures are so funny ... they were taken just after he stood up from painting!  Notice the right hand is totally clear!  Do you think he is going to be a lefty?  I still cannot tell!

Anyway, it's somewhat of a surreal week coming up.  The children have Grandparents Day at their school tomorrow morning and then they are going to do their Thanksgiving feast at lunch.  It'll be fun and I have taken the role as resident photographer so I'll be there to take pictures of the kids interacting with their grandparents, having fun, and being good :-)

However, the children and I will be apart for the Thanksgiving holiday and that just makes me so sad.  I definitely know that I need the rejuvination so I am actually looking forward to it; I just don't want to be hounded.  Well, I can barely keep my eyes open as I type this!  I'll finish up tomorrow!

My Little Artist

Well, I have had one of those days ... who am I kidding?  I have had one of those weeks, months, and year.  I am often overwhelmed by my current situation and today was one of those days.  I have a ton going on, my house is a disaster, I do not want to neglect my children at any point in the game - it was a long day to say the least (in fact, it's 3:15 a.m. and I am still going strong - barely)!  But it was a good day ... when I think about how exhausting it was, I am reminded by so many of the funny and witty things somebody said today and I get a huge smile across my face.  And when I checked on Bonner who was diligently drawing with a red marker tonight, the smile got even bigger ... I have no idea what a 3-year old should be drawing, but I do believe that she just might have some talent!

(It is now 4:00 a.m. and both of my children are awake - good thing I never sleep)!

And, of course, I cannot leave you without some of those funny and witty comments :-)  Have a great Hump Day!

Bonner Lingo
- Bonner was folding her blanket up the other day and I told her that was how you folded sheets and towels when you get them out of the dryer.  She looked up and quickly said, "I am learning how to be a mommy!"  Ian turned around and responded with "I growed up like a daddy?  Can I learn how to be a daddy?"
- "Isn't it a wonderful day, Fairy Godmother?"
- "I had a baby one time in my tummy at my castle!" (oh my)
- She was licking her hand and I asked her to stop to which she replied, "I was pretending to be a cat!"
- "You like being silly, Ian; and I like being beautiful!"

Ian-isms
- The wind kept blowing over his cup outside that had his little Woody doll in it.  The first time it happened, he looked at me and said, "I told the wind kindly "no blowing"!"  The second time it happened, he was a little frustrated and said, "Not again!"
- "Mommy, do you think there will be any football on tonight?" (a little guy after my own heart)

Busy Fall Under Way

Yet again, I have let time slip by since my last post!  However, we have been super busy celebrating the changing of the seasons around here.  Be prepared, this post is pretty long, but chock full of valuable information :-)

I don't know why I haven't mentioned this since it was before Halloween, but my new motto is definitely, "Better late than never!"  The children enjoyed Harvest Day at school with all of their friends - activities included face painting, wagon rides, a pumpkin hunt, a nature walk, and pumpkin carving.  It was a great time!

 Bonner & Sarah Grace ready for their ride

 Ian & Charlie buckled up & ready to go!

 All the wagons paying attention; most of the children are not!

 "Look, mom, I found my pumpkin!"

 "That says my name, mommy!"

 The nature walk turned into a stick fight on several occasions!

 "Who wants to touch the pumpkin guts?"

 "Not me, not me!"

While we were cleaning everything up, one of the parents had a great idea to play Duck, Duck, Goose with the children to keep them entertained.  I am pretty sure that this was Ian's first stab at the game because he and Thomas had no idea who was supposed to chase who so they pretty much just stood there staring at one another until a parent said, "Run, Ian, Run!"

 We also had a pretty good Halloween this year.  Bonner went out as Cinderella and Ian as Woody - no surprises there.  There was a neighborhood hot dog dinner at a neighbor's house so we started there.  Ian and Bonner were definitely not too sure of things as there were some pretty crazy costumes.  We didn't last long there so we decided to go ahead and do our little bit of trick-or-treating "before the big rush" of children started swarming the neighborhood.  

You might be asking yourself if that is a beach bucket as opposed to a Halloween bucket and the answer is "Most Definitely" - it is so much smaller and minimized the candy intake.  I do still have a little bit of control around the house!

 Our first stop was the Goforth's - I just love this picture ... not sure who was more excited - Ian to see them and say, "Trick or Treat!" or them to see us :-)  Best neighbors in the world!

 Next stop was the Anderson's on the other side ... they give out full size candy bars which I am sure Ian and Bonner will come to love in the years ahead :-)  For now, we settled on Skittle's and a ginormous package of Nerds.  Fortunately, for me, I do not care for either one of those so I haven't been nibbling on too much Halloween candy!  Again, we are so blessed with the best neighbors in the world!!

We went to one more house and then went out to eat.  I realized at noon on Halloween that I had totally forgot to buy candy so there was no need to stay home and be the candy grinch!

Last Friday night, the elementary school that is right next to our neighborhood hosted a carnival.  We were invited by a couple of neighbors and had a great time.  They had games just right for Ian and Bonner which was nice.  Bonner even enjoyed the Bounce House - Ian was not interested in it so she actually bounced with a few other children!  She is coming out of her shell day-by-day!

 Look at that stance for the bean bag toss!

 Ian playing PLINKO - my favorite game on the Price is Right!

 This is clearly a game of skill - pick up the duck and see what you won!  Of course, Bonner chose a pink duck :-)

 Ian enjoyed the baseball toss - but only because he spotted himself about 4 feet :-)

We went out to dinner with some neighbors after the carnival and I thought for sure that the children would come home and crash ... they took a really long nap Friday afternoon so that they would be prepared for the carnival so they had another idea when we got home - playing, playing, playing.  Well, at 11 p.m. I could no longer hold my eyes open so I told the children I was going to sleep and asked them if they could put themselves to bed :-)  Ha!  They immediately said that they could and off I went.  Well, at 12:30 a.m., I was awoken to the sounds of loud banging outside my door.  When I opened my door (just picture this since I was in the sleep funk and didn't grab the camera), Bonner had put her Cinderella dress on all by herself and Ian ... well, Ian was completely naked!  Who knows how long he had been like that, but when I finally heard the words "We want you to put us to bed, mommy!", I completely disregarded his birthday suit!

I had no idea what they did while I slept - when I asked them Saturday morning, they didn't give any specifics, just told me that they "played".  Well, after a quick inspection of their bedroom, I found these "towers" they had made for the Toy Story friends.  I just thought it was hysterical - so very much Ian...

Each friend has his very own "bed"!

 Bullseye, the faithful steed, holding rank on a tower all by himself!

 And, this picture just makes me laugh - it looks like Buzz has his hands behind his head and is just chillaxing :-)  So funny!

Well, there was certainly no rest for the weary since Saturday morning, Bonner had a princess party to go to.  Her best friend at school is Katie and it was Katie's sister's birthday party.  Look at these beautiful bows that Bonner got from the birthday party ... she brought home so many cool surprises and she even let me leave her there.

Sunday afternoon brought a cool birthday party at the nearby fire station.  It was so good and so educational; Ian and Bonner were not too sure of the place, but they finally settled in to listen and learn!

 Katie (far left) and Bonner up in the fire truck!

 the 7th dwarf, Grumpy!

 This was one of the firemen showing us all they have to wear!

 "Mommy, do you think I could have the first piece of cake?"

Needless to say, we stay busy and I stay tired :-)  But I absolutely love that I am able to spend time with the children right now.  They are so much fun!

I, too, have been working on a new venture - called aDOORable aDOORnments ... I am making door decorations out of burlap and selling them on-line.  Check out my website www.adoorable-adoornments.com to see what I have available so far!  And, of course, if you feel led to support the habits of a single mom, feel free to order something :-) HA!

Stay tuned for some Bonner-Lingo and Ian-isms - these 2 say some of the funniest things!  I'll get some posted very soon, I promise!