Keep the 'thanks' in Thanksgiving!

This morning Lonnie and I went to Starbucks before he headed to work. The store was embellished with all of the holiday goodies from decorations, to gifts, to new toys and games, and even the holiday drink specials and baked goodies. I have to admit that I get excited about Christmas and tend to be filled with the spirit as soon as I can purchase my first Eggnog latte, but it seems as if it is happening earlier and earlier. I even resisted temptation, as I'm afraid I may be burned out on the holiday lattes by the time Christmas actually rolls around!! Lonnie even asked our local barista why they already had 'decked the halls'. Nate agreed with Lonnie in that it was too early. I know it's the retailers trying to get a jump on things and get everyone in the buying mood. Lonnie, by the way, is the holiday decoration/festivities police. It is absolutely against the Lonnie law to do anything Christmas related until the day after Thanksgiving. I think he'd prefer that we even wait a week after Turkey day to start decorating. The girls bought a new Disney Christmas CD last week and he wouldn't allow it to be played in the car! I have to say, I used to think he was a grinch, but as time goes by, I tend to agree with him more and more... Let's keep the thanks in Thanksgiving and enjoy this time! With an extra week than we normally have between Thanksgiving and Christmas (we have 32 shopping days between the two this year), there will be lots of time to get ready.

The Great Pumpkin

Isn't she beautiful? We have so much fun with Miss Bailey. She has quite the personality. She is starting to turn over and wants to look up and see everything going on around her. Yesterday we all went over to mom and dad's, as Uncle Bob was in town. It was fun to just relax and hang out with each other. We are so blessed to have our family!

41 Boxes for Operation Christmas Child!!!

Emily wanted to do something different for her 11th birthday... she asked if she could ask her friends to bring something to donate to a charitable cause instead of gifts. We explored several options. Emily decided on Operation Christmas Child, an ministry that distributes shoes boxes filled with gifts to children in third world countries. The 18 girls filled 41 shoe boxes with toys, toiletry items and small clothing items. They had a ball filling the boxes, writing cards and praying for the children that will receive their boxes. What a blessing it was to see the girls focusing on giving to others. We live in a society where our kids are very priveleged. They have the latest video games, countless pairs of shoes, the trendiest clothes and the most up to date sports equipment. We take for granted just how blessed we are in this country. I think Emily was much happier delivering those boxes to church than she would have been opening her own gifts. Emily decided that this was indeed her 'First Annual' Operation Christmas Child birthday party! More pictures to come from the party...

That Glo!

On our way to soccer practice tonight, Gloria asked, "Mom, does Gloria Kate Ledbetter make sense?" I told her that the only way it would make sense is if she married Jake Ledbetter. She said "Well, I am!" I asked her if Jake knew... she said, "I already told him that he was going to ask me to marry him!"

The Bathroom Project

I'm finished! I began the 'Extreme Bathroom Makeover' exactly 10 days ago. No more plaid wall paper! Several trips to Home Depot and Lowe's later, it's complete. I had a few loose ends to tie up today - I called Lonnie at work and asked him where the drill bits and the chisel were... I think I scared him. He told me not to touch a thing, that he would be right home! While I was at soccer practice with Gloria, he hung the mirrors and installed the new doorknobs. The next project? Emily's room. Stay tuned!