Headed into the TEEN YEARS!

Yesterday, my baby turned into a teenager. How is that even possible?

You would think I'd have a picture heavy post for you today BUT I don't. Let's just say that yesterday was a rough day for me. I do have a few little things to tell you though soooo let's just get to it.

* I got up at 4:30 yesterday morning just so I could prepare this. I must say it was totally worth it. The look on her face was priceless when she opened her door!

* I had planned on being VERY productive but my tummy just wasn't allowing. I was so nauseated that I was moving at a VERY slow speed. Why was I sick to my tummy, I have NO IDEA!

* I wrapped presents for about 2 hours (still not done) and then I went & took a shower.

* I did clean up but have no outfit pic for you. Sorry, I am terrible at remembering to photo my outfits. Totally why I'm NOT a fashion blogger. Well that & I don't really have great fashion LOL.

* The kids & I ran to town. I had to get my drivers liscence renewed. Why are those pics always so terrible? On the upside I was informed by the clerk about a new exercise to help eliminate your double chin. Yep, I'm so walking around now with my lip stretched up to my nose. Isn't that quite the picture?

* The kids & I swung by the store to get things for Anika's birthday dinner. We had to have pop, chips and ice cream of course. Totally why I probably have a double chin.

* We came home & I put away the groceries. I was zonked friends, I mean zonked. I have so much to do and my energy level is NOT cooperating. I had to nap and bless my dear child's heart, she straightened up my house while I did so. Have I mentioned what a good girl I have?

* I ended up napping MUCH longer than expected. I actually slept until 4:00 which was ENITRELY too late. When I got up I fixed the kids a snack and then we all got ready for Anika's party. Hubby got home around 5:00, showered and got himself ready.

* Before we left, I gave Anika her present from us. It was a new opal ring. She LOVED it.

* We left here about 6:00, picked up some pizza's and then went up mom's to party. She actually had a good turnout. Those attending were her 2 Aunts, her 3 cousins, her Granny, My parents & us. We had pizza & chips, cake & icecream and lots of socializing!

* We then had presents time (lets face it, Anika's favorite part). She got all kinds of goodies & I DID attempt to photo her opening her gifts but after the first pic my camera said INSUFFICIENT BATTERY. Doesn't that just kill ya?

* Since I can't show you what all she got, I'll tell you! For her birthday she received:

Pkg. of Under Armour Colored Socks
Opal Ring
Northface Jacket
Makeup Case
2 Pairs of Leggings
Pair of Embellished Flats
Hunger Games Book
Hallmark Doll (Number 13) This is a tradition each year from her papa!
$50.00 in cold hard cash

Yes, the girl racked up!

* My 2 Aunts also gave her & bub their Christmas gifts since we won't be there on Christmas.

Anika received:
Aeropostale Boots
Leopard Print HUGE Alarm Clock

Axle received:
Sorting Blocks
Toy Cell Phone
Cars Pajamas

* My children are so fortunate & have so many people that love them! I have a wonderful family.

* About 9:00 the party was over so we loaded up the kids, packages and Granny G. We took Granny home and then we headed home.

* Hubby went on to bed & I followed him around 10:00. I really wanted to blog last night but I just wasn't able. I was still worn out. I don't think my head was on the pillow but for about 15 minutes & then I was out like a light

* This morning my TO DO LIST is a mile long! I've got to get ready for our Christmas Dinner this evening with my family & try to at least pack a few things. There is cooking, laundry, house cleaning, errands, packing and so forth that has to be done. Wish me luck friends!!!

* I'll be back tonight or tomorrow with another update before we leave for Orlando. OMG- I'm soooo excited.

Hope you all are getting your Christmas things in order! Have a great Thursday!

Angie

Slumber Party Madness

Howdy Blog Friends, I'm still alive. Yes, I survived Anika's Slumber Party last night. So you wanna see some pics? Here ya go!

I guess it's quite obvious the girls had a good time. I have tons more pics but didn't want to overload you all. They spent the night eating pizza & cupcakes, prank calling, playing balloon dare, having a newspaper fashion show, playing twister, playing ding dong ditch, creating Ke$ha's basement, playing outside at night and just laughing & giggling. I spent the night cleaning up their messes & running off the neighbor boys LOL. All in all it was a successful party! Anika, Em & Lexie crashed around 3:30 while the other 2 didn't go to sleep at all. I ended up crashing around 2:30. By 2:00 today everyone was gone home so I cleaned up my house and took a nap.

This evening the Hubby, Kids & I went to Walmart so I could finish my shopping. I had to pick up a few more things for Anika. Now all I like is stocking stuffers for the kids & I'm DONE!!!! We had dinner at Long John's and got home around 9:30. Hubby & Bub are already sleeping and Anika is getting ready to head that way.

Tomorrow is Anika's 13th Birthday. I CAN'T believe I'm a mom of a teenager. Where oh where does time go? I have a special surprise planned for her in the morning (thanks pinterest) and I'll be sharing that in tomorrows post. Our day tomorrow is going to consist of wrapping presents and packing clothes. Tomorrow evening we are having Anika a small family party! I'm so blessed beyond belief to have a wonderful child like her :)

Well folks, time for me to hit the hay. This week (what is left) is going to be CRAZY!!! All my wrapping has to be done tomorrow because we are having our Family Chirstmas Celebration on Thursday night. I have cooking to do Thursday day and LOTS of packing. We are leaving for Orlando Friday and I can't wait. Be looking for all kinds of fun posts from me over the next bit.

Hope you all are having a great week & are all getting prepared for the special weekend ahead.

Much Love,
Angie

Long Night Ahead

Today starts a new week & this one is going to be a busy week for us. I have a list a mile long that needs done & just don't know when I'll fit in time for it all. I guess I will, I'm just taking it one day at a time. I didn't get to blog last night because I was out & about all day. We left here around noon & headed out to the mall. It was the Hubby, Myself, Kids & My Parents. We went to Walmart & then to the Mall. I managed to buy only a FEW Christmas gifts & still have not gotten all my shopping done. Hopefully I will be able to finish up tomorrow evening. After a full day of shopping we went to Texas Roadhouse to eat. Hubby & I wanted to take my Mom & Dad out for Dad's birthday. Dinner was good & we got to embarass Dad by having them sing Happy Birthday to him. Anika loved it! Once dinner was over Mom & Dad went out to the hospital to see my grandpa while The Hubby, Kids & I went out to the park to look at the lights. I really didn't think Bub would be interested in them at all but much to my surpise he REALLY enjoyed them. He ohhhhed and ahhhed the whole time. He was so excited. We ended up getting home around 10:00 and normally would have posted but for some reason I have had a HUGE decrease in energy lately. I slept all the way home which is HIGHLY unusual for me & then I went to bed as soon as we got here. I swear I don't know what is up with my energy level lately but I have NONE!!!

Today has been a hectic day. I spent the morning cleaning house & then the kids & I went to town to get things for Anika's slumber party. This afternoon the girls arrived around 6:00. We have five spending the night so it's going to be a long night for this momma. So far we have had pizza & cupcakes, played twister, had a newspaper & duct tape fashion show & played balloon dare. Folks do I have some good pics to share with you tomorrow. Still on the agenda for tonight is making a gingerbread house & movies. This is only after they get back from their ding dong ditching which they are doing now. Yep, crazy stuff happening around here.

Well, that is it for my Monday update. Be looking for slumber party pictures tomorrow.

Goodnight friends,
Angie

Happy Birthday Daddy

Hey Y'all, how are ya doing tonight? Hope all is well with each & everyone of you. I wanted to start this post out tonight talking about one of the three most important men in my life, my Daddy (my son & hubby is the other two)! Today my Daddy turned 55 years young. Have I ever told you what an absolutely WONDERFUL Daddy I have? If I haven't, I sure should have. I couldn't have hand picked him & did any better. For real, he's just that amazing. Not only is he a wonderful dad but he's also a wonderful husband, son, grandfather, father in law & brother. My dad is a man of God, he's humble, he loves his family with his entire being, he's a hard worker & in my eyes, he's perfect. Yep, my Daddy is just perfect! With that said, Happy Birthday to the World's greatest Daddy.

As far as my day today, well it's been a pretty good one. I slept in AGAIN this morning & for the sake of having a little shame, I won't tell you how late I slept in. I will tell you this, I have GOT to start getting my butt out of bed earlier. I usually just sleep till Ax wakes up but lately he's been sleeping all day LOL. He isn't making a very good alarm clock.

Most of my day has been spent here at the house. I've got quite a bit accomplished & that is a plus. First thing this morning I wrapped Daddy's present for his birthday. The kids & I got him this Fishing Rod Holder.

My dad loves to fish & he has tons of rods. Since him & mom are somewhat homeless, buying gifts this year has been a challenge. I'm sure he will get LOTS of use out of this once his house is built though. We also got him two really sweet cards. One was from Hubby & I and the other from the kiddos. He seemed to really like his gift!

One of my biggest accomplishments today was cleaning out my van. Now friends don't judge but I'm going to show you just a peek into the trunk of my van. I apparently have no shame.

Yes, just pitiful isn't it? Quite frankly the rest of it didn't look any better either. I actually gathered 2 1/2 bags of clothes & 1 bag of garbage out of that sucker. I must say it took awhile but the result is a nice clean van. Hubby will be proud of me. Now if I can just keep it clean till we leave for vacay!

My house is looking pretty good today but the laundry is a different story. I still have SOOOO many dirty clothes. I do a load or two a day but really just need a full day to work on it. Oh well, I can't do it all.

This evening the kids & I got ready and went to my Mama's house for Dad's birthday dinner. Since mom is living in Mama's house since her passing, we decided to just do it there. We had Hot Dogs, Potato Salad & Chips for dinner as well as cookies & cupcakes for dessert. I bet you couldn't guess the cookies & cupcakes were my favorite part.

Have I told you how I should REALLy quit eating so many cookies and cupcakes? Yeah, thought so. How in the world do you pass up goodies like those though? I mean really, I am human folks!

Dinner was good & the company was even better. Two of my Aunts came to celebrate with us too. I think Dad enjoyed himself & that was all that mattered. I did get spiffed up and so did the kiddos. Here is what we wore:

Outfit Details
Pants- Thrifted
Brown Shirt- JC Penny
Cardigan- JC Penny
Shoes- Shoe Show
Necklace- Thrifted
Earrings- Received in a swap

Anika's Outfit
Black Jeans- Thrifted
Black Tank- Justice
Red Cardigan- Peebles
Shoes- Thrifted
Earrings- Borrowed from me
Headband- Family Dollar

Axle's Outfit
Jeans- Hand me Down from Cousin
Shirt- Hand me Down from Cousin
Shoes- Hibbets (Nike)







We are a pretty nice looking crew when we clean up. I REALLY loved my outfit today, every single piece of it. It's probably one of my favorite blogged outfits to date. As always, I thought my kids were just too cute. I might be a bit bias though.

After the celebration, Axle & I came home. Anika stayed the night with my momma tonight. Mom is doing okay through the day but really struggles staying allnight by herself. She has yet to do it. Bub is now snug in his bed. He's worn totally out. I did some more Florida preparation before I started this post. Here is what is finalized as of today.

Our Daytona Hotel- Tropical Winds
Oceanfront Efficiency

I am BEYOND excited to get there!!! I also ordered & received our
E-Tickets today for:

I can't believe it's just days away. That is crazy and I think we are going to have an insane amount of fun. I mean really, how could we not?

Besides that, our little family hasn't been into too much today. Hubby is working tonight & I'm going to spend the rest of my evening checking off items on my list. I still have a slumber party to plan for Monday night ya know.

Before I go, I want to share two pics with you. This first one was of Axle this morning. This is how he occupies himself while I'm cleaning. Isn't this the cutest? He loves that trike!

This 2nd pic is of my Mama Mary that passed last week. I know I don't talk about her much on this blog but frankly, I'm just not ready. It's still so fresh in my mind. I miss her every single passing day. She was so remarkably beautiful inside & out.

Well friends, enough rambling for tonight. If this post didn't make your head spin nothing will. I'd love to do some blog reading tonight but I've got lists to make & laundry to do. I might even try to sneak in a Christmas movie before bed. I'll be back tomorrow (hopefully) but if not it will be Monday. Tomorrow my parents, kids, hubby & I are spending a whole day out. We are going shopping, to the hospital to visit my pa, out to eat & then to look at the Christmas lights. If I'm not TOTALLY drained I'll post for you tomorrow night but if I am I'll catch up with you all on Monday. Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Many blessings,
Angie

Sleepy Head

TGIF- Yep, it's Friday & I love Friday's. This Friday is especially special because today was Anika's last day of school until January 3rd. That makes me VERY happy. So you wanna know a few Friday tidbits? Well, here you are!

* A trip to the bank this morning informed me that my drivers license expired in August. Seriously, how did I NOT know this? Looks like I will be adding renew my license to my To Do List before we leave on vacation!

* Today was payday for the hubby- money makes life much easier!

* I made Italian Chicken, Bow Tie Pasta & Salads for lunch today. Oh gracious, they were good.

* I have no outfit photo today BUT I did get dressed & looked fairly cute.

* The kids & I spent our entire afternoon shopping. I got several gifts checked off my list. I'm hoping to finish up this Sunday. Shew, I'm running out of time.

* We had Fazolli's for dinner. I love their spaghetti :)

* My couch is full of items that needs wrapped. Wonder when I'll get time to work that into my busy schedule?

* My MIL shocked me today- Long story but let's just say this REALLY must be the season for giving

* Anika is spending the night with mom again tonight. I miss her SOOOO bad when she is away.

* I'm tired...like completely & utterly tired...which is why this post is pretty lame & boring. I guess shopping wore me out. Tomorrow I'll do better, I promise.

* Now friends, I'm going to look over a few lists & then head to bed. I can't keep my poor eyelids open. Hope you all had a fantastic Friday.

Angie

Thursday Thoughts

Hello again friends, hope this finds all of you doing well. I decided tonight to use my go to prompt, it just makes me use my brain a little more! Are ya'll ready?

Today Has been a pretty descent day although I haven't did much! I'm going to show you what I wore but I warn you, it's not pretty. Some days are just all about comfortable, quick and easy. This was one of those days.

Outfit Details
Shirt- Borrowed from a friend
Jeans- Hydraulic (Thrifed)
















Yes, that is the best I could do today. Sorry about that. I'm having a FAT DAY & didn't want anything that was fitted so this blouse did the trick. I must say though, I don't care much for it. My poor hair was dirty so it got pulled back into a ponytail which is NOT a good look on me. You will be happy to know that I washed it tonight!!!

Outside my Window It is unseasonably warm. The weather in KY has been crazy lately. I comfortably wore short sleeves all day. That is just nuts!! Where is the snow? I want snow. I thought we were going to Florida for Christmas to escape the frigid KY temps but I may be totally wrong. Looks like it's not going to be a white Christmas here again this year.

I am Thinking About the crazy schedule I've got for the next week. Tomorrow is Anika's last day of school & I can't say I'm not glad. It's going to be nice having her home & having her help. In the next 7 days we have 2 birthday celebrations, a slumber party to host, shopping to do, lists to check off, Christmas with my family & we leave for Florida. Oh wow, that makes me tired just saying it.

I am Thankful That my grandpa's surgery went so well today. He pulled through it like a champ. For a man with 2 ninety percent blockages in his heart, he's one tough cookie. The amputation went well & he's recovering as I type this. He's in a LOT of pain & they are keeping him highly sedated because of his confusion. My grandpa has severe alzheimers so anything outside of the nursing home setting really throws him for a loop. Please continue to pray for his recovery. Also, please continue to pray for my Uncle. Although the surgery seemed to go really well yesterday, he isn't doing so well today. They had to put his cathater back in because he can't make any urine output. Hopefully it's nothing serious.

In the Kitchen I'm cooking entirely too much. I was noticing today just how much weight I've gained over the past year. I REALLY need to diet but don't even want to start such a thing until after the holidays. Maybe that will be my New Years resolution, we will see.

I am Creating Lists for my Lists!!! No, I'm not kidding. Today I broke my big list down into small lists. I now have several lists and hopefully I can start checking things off of them very soon. Time is running out.

I am Going To be out & about most of the day tomorrow. I'm actually looking forward to a day out of the house!

I am Wondering What in the world to get Anika for Christmas. I truly have no ideas for her this year. She's at such a tough age.

I am Hoping That the room I FINALLY decided on today in Orlando is nice. I've been weeks trying to decided & today I finally booked us a room. I wanted something with a laundry facility, outdoor pool and close to attractions BUT above all I wanted something cheap. SERIOUSLY, we aren't going to be spending much time at all in the room so I'd rather save our money for other things. I decided on a Motel 6. Below are the photos of the room!

I am Looking Forward To Our trip to Florida. Here is what we have planned!

Dec 23- Leave out/Travel to Savannah GA.
Dec 24- Sleep a few hours, tour Savannah a few hours, drive to Orlando hotel
Dec 25- Sea World :)
Dec 26- Gatorland & Free Time
Dec 27- Airboat Ride & Free Time
Dec 28- Universal Studios
Dec 29- Drive To Daytona- Beach Time
Dec 30- Free Day- Dinner Show of some sort
Dec 31- Free Day- See Fireworks
Jan 1- Travel 1/2 way Home
Jan 2- Travel rest of the way Home

Of course, that is subject to change BUT that is a base plan. I wanted to leave open free time to do things that we find while we are there! The internet is full of information BUT doesn't list everything awesome :)

I am Hearing The dryer running. My dryer will be working overtime in the next few days. I'm SOOOO behind on laundry & want to get it caught up before we leave for our trip.

Around the House Things look pretty good! My porch is looking so festive & ready for Christmas. I'm keeping up with chores although I'm not getting much extra done. Sometimes in life, keeping up just has to be enough.

I am Pondering So many different things right now. I'm trying to plan menus, decor, etc for so many upcoming events. Shew, my head is full of ideas!!!

One of my Favorite Things Today My mommy getting out and going midnight shopping with her sister's tonight. I know it will do her some good. She's trying so hard to be happy & I know it's so hard. I hope they have an absolute BLAST :)

Plans for Tomorrow Get hubby's check cashed, Pay Bills & Shopping!!

I am Feeling A bit shaky tonight and don't know why. Maybe it's too much caffine!

Additional Info I don't have any tonight. Isn't that just amazing? Friends, I hope you all had a good Thursday & have an even better Friday. I'll be back tomorrow.

Much Love,
Angie

Welcome to my Wednesday

Howdy Folks & Welcome to my Wednesday. Here is a little about my day today.

* I woke around 10:00 this morning. Bub has slept in the last two mornings and I'm so glad. I've just been exhausted physically & mentally so the extra rest sure has been nice. Since Anika is staying with mom during the nights, I've not been having to take her to school which allows my mornings to be free for extra sleep.

* I spent the entire 1st part of my day on the phone. Nope, not kidding. I bet this phone rang 10,000 times this morning. Between Mom & Dad calling for updates on my Uncle's surgery, Granny's sitter calling because Granny wasn't behaving & Me trying to get surgery info from my Uncle's wife, it was a busy phone morning.

* Hubby & Bub took advantage of the pretty weather today & spent the morning outside while I was on the phone. I swear my son loves it outside. He's going to go stir crazy this winter

* I made dinner around noon, we ate & then hubby headed off to work. Bless his heart, he was dreading it today for some reason.

* My Little Man took a nap so I took advantage and got myself cleaned up for the day. Here is what I wore:

Outfit Details
Jeans: Cato's
Shirt- Peebles
Cardigan- Thrifted
Necklace & Earrings- Borrowed from Sis
Shoes- Family Dollar













My thoughts on this outfit are pretty limited. I didn't realize how bright the cardigan was & how much of a different color it was from the shirt. The pants drove me INSANE today as they are too small. They will be going to the donate pile ASAP! I'm not sure about the cardigan yet. I might give it one more try as I don't hate it but I sure don't love it. Oh well, you can't win them all. BTW, don't mind my ugly tree. It looked really good at first but between the cat & the son, it's hopeless. Now every morning when everything is drug off into the floor, I just sling it back on LOL. Poor tree, hope it makes it till Christmas.


* Around 3:00 Bub & I headed off & picked up Anika at school. We came straight home from school and Anika did homework while I cleaned up the house, did laundry and cleaned my front porch. I received a tree from my grandma's funeral that my other grandma sent. I wanted to get it set up & on the porch. I have a wreath on my door from my grandpa's funeral & it was important to me to have something that was in her memory our there too.

I also put out two of these cute little red bird signs I found in a crate of stuff. They are on each side of my steps & I think they are just darling!

* At 6:00 this afternoon the kids & I headed out to watch Anika cheer at a basketball game. I love watching my daughter but I sure wasn't in the mood today. Not only was I not in the mood but Axle wasn't either. He cried the ENTIRE game. It was a long hour for sure.

* After the game I took Anika to McDonalds to get her some dinner & then ran her up to my momma's to spend the night. I miss her since she's been staying away. Luckily mom's sister's are staying with her tomorrow night so I'll have my girlie at home. That makes me happy :)

* Axle & I ended up hanging around there until about 10 pm and then we came home. Ax was tired so he went on to bed. I did some blog reading that I've so missed doing & then did some Florida research. We have decided to go forth with our Florida trip and will be leaving on the 23rd. I've made a few decisions (about time) and will be posting about them tomorrow. I'll aslo post our itenerary for you tomorrow so be looking for that!

* Just FYI- My Uncle Dave's surgery went well today. He was in surgery a total of 5 1/2 hours & the doctor removed a foot of his colon. He was able to reconstruct everything & says it will function as normal. He also said that it appeared the cancer was localized & that my Uncle would need no chemo or radiation. Thank God for this wonderful blessing.

* Well time to hit the hay for me. Hubby is home from work & showering so we can go cuddle. Please say a prayer for my Grandpa tonight. He has surgery at 10:30 in the morning to have has leg amputated. He's weak & frail so it will be a tough surgery on him.

Goodnight All
Till tomorrow,

Angie