It's November 30, and I'm Thankful For...

...the SHUTOUT!!!

ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's November 28, and I'm Thankful For...

...the time I am being able to spend in Ozark with my family.

I don't have a picture today because I am posting this early, and I haven't had a chance to take pictures with my family yet. Thing is, I already know that I am so thankful for this break and for the time I am able to spend with my family. I wish I could see them more, but I will settle for what I can get.

So you probably won't hear from me until Monday. Then I'll start my "Christmas Traditions". I'm really excited about this! Each day in December (give or take a day), I'm going to be posting one of our family's Christmas traditions. I hope it will get you thinking about your family traditions and possibly that it will encourage you to share some of yours. Your traditions could spark traditions in other families! What a blessing!!!

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving!!!

A Little Thanksgiving Surprise...

This is what I am thankful for today. Can you figure it out???
We are very excited! Can't wait to meet this new little blessing!!!
What about you? What are you thankful for today???

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's November 26, and I'm Thankful For...

my life!
I'm just plain thankful that I am able to get up each day. What a gift!!! God has blessed me with an amazing life...the gift of salvation, a wonderful family, fantastic friends, my health, food, shelter...who could ask for more?

What about you? What are you thankful for today?

Tune in tomorrow for a very special "What I'm Thankful For". :)

It's November 25, and I'm Thankful For...

...sweet little cousins!Aren't they SO cute?! We love these kiddos!!! Tristan is always thrilled when he can spend time with his cousin, MRK. Likewise, Channing and I love spending time with her too. She is a beautiful little ball of fun. :) Aren't they cute in their matching Christmas jammies???

And here they are with FH. These pics were taken at Channing's parents'. We celebrated Thanksgiving with them this past Sunday. It was great having dinner and time with all the fam. We are SO blessed!!!Here are the kids having fun on the jumping bean (a King term).Another jammies shot. Gotta love Pottery Barn jammies!!!And then just one of my sweet Ash...just because.

It's November 24, and I'm Thankful For...

...low gas prices!

A year ago, I must have said a hundred times, "We'll never see gas under $2 again. We probably won't ever see it dip below $3." Boy am I glad I was wrong! This year, our trip to Ozark for Thanksgiving won't cost us all our Christmas savings. How great is that?!

So today, I am thankful for low gas prices. How about you? Thankful for anything special today???

It's November 23, and I'm Thankful For...

...my cameras.
One of my cameras is slowly dying (which breaks my heart because it's not very old, but I guess that's what happens when it gets dropped in the sand), but it's still kicking...just rather slowly.

Have you ever stopped to think how great it is to have cameras, both still and video? Where would we be without them? How in the world would we remember everything? I don't know about you, but I am SO thankful for cameras, photographers, memories...

So that's what I'm thankful for today. How about you?

It's November 22, and I'm Thankful For...

...my garage!

I know this may seem trivial, but to me, it's not. I am SO thankful for my garage. During cold weather, it's so nice to be able to go straight out to my car, have it only semi-cold and not have to scrape ice off the windshields. This is a blessing, indeed.

So today, I am thankful for my garage. How about you? Anything you're thankful for today?

Oh! Stay tuned for my December posts. Each day of December, I am going to share one of our family's Christmas traditions. I'm super excited about it!

It's November 21, and I'm Thankful For...

...my wonderful husband.
I really do have the best husband out there. Sorry, ladies, just how I feel. Channing has got to be the most patient, forgiving, honest, and kind person out there. I'm not kidding. I mean, the man has put up with me for 10 years. And if you know me well, you know that's not an easy feat.

Some things I love about Channing:

• He's super patient. I can always count on that. No matter what has happened over the years, he has always handled it with grace and patience...my former high spending (I had to have a cool wardrobe, right?), my tantrums, the kids' tantrums, prayers, finances, my slow (VERY slow) quest to become a Proverbs 31 woman...you name it. He has been so consistently patient. I know the Lord must be so pleased!
• He's funny. He keeps me cracking up. Early in our marriage, any time I would get upset with him, he would make jokes and get in my face until I laughed. He still does stuff like that. He just has a sense of humor that I get and appreciate. I love how he rolls with my jokes around my family, how he gets overly touchy with his brother (just to freak him out), how he can find humor in the little things. I just love it!
• He's a great dad. When it comes to being a father, he is AMAZING. He loves his boys, and it is so evident. He is patient with them, makes sure to go out of his way to spend quality time with them, and he listens to all their jokes and watches all their showing off. "Daddy, watch this!" He's a great leader and example for them. I am so proud to have him as the father of my children. My boys and I are so fortunate!
• He loves the Lord. He never misses an opportunity to spend time with God. He puts his trust in God, when I often choose to stress out first. He studies the Word and makes leaps and bounds in growing in spirit and in truth daily. He is a shining example of Christ's love, and I know a very special reward awaits him in heaven.
• He is a servant. Channing goes out of his way to help others. Whether it be the boys or me, his parents, family, patients, strangers, Channing is kind and compassionate and has a heart to help others. He doesn't choose what is easiest or most convenient for him, rather, he looks at the other person's needs. What a rare quality these days!
• He is a good friend. When it comes to my life, he's the best. I know I can always count on him, I can always trust him, and I can always count on sound advice from him. With some friends, you have to be a certain way, say a certain thing, weigh every word, but not with Channing. I can be open and honest with him. I know that I'm not being judged by the things I say to him.
• He's a hard worker. Over the past five years, I have seen him do what it takes to make his business work. He is such a diligent worker, and providing for his family is a priority for him. I am so thankful for that.
• He's caring.
• He's fun.
• He's challenging.
• He takes his time (don't we all need to slow down sometimes?).
• He loves.
• He doesn't complain.
• He looks for the positive in most situations.
• He's a great doctor.

These are just a few of the things I love about my husband. I am SO incredibly thankful for him. I don't always understand how God could put us together, I mean...what was he thinking? Is Channing being punished or something? But I am so thankful! Because of my relationship with him, my relationship with the Lord is stronger, I am the mother to two of the most incredible little boys on the planet, and I know that I have a solid thing going. I don't ever have to worry that he'll leave me, no matter how difficult I may be.

So today, I am thankful for my Channing. How about you? Who/What are you thankful for today?

I Found This and Just Had to Post

I found this picture of Tristan today and just love it. I had to share! Oh how my boy has grown! Look at those baby cheeks and that white hair. I wish I could find that little boy and squeeze him!!!
And one of our family...pre-Asher. Where does the time go??? This breaks my heart! I just wish I could relive some days. Oh well, I am so thankful for the time I've got!

Thursday's Random Thoughts

Happy Thursday to you! I'm back for another weekly installment of my random thoughts...just strange and random things that have popped into my head this week. Some are more profound than others. This week, I'm kind of drawing a blank. I think I've been too busy to think! Here goes:This is our Christmas card from last year, designed by my super sweet friend, Leisha. She's one of those people I talk about in my first random thought. Love you, Leisha!!!

Ok, why are some people SO artistic and creative? I just don't get it. Why can't I have some of that? I mean, I walked into a store today and fell in complete love with this amazing display of photography artwork. I want that! I want to be able to do that with a camera and with my kids. Alas, art and creativity are lost on me. I guess it just gives me more appreciation for those that have it. You guys know who you are. You see something once and say, "Oh, I can do that." What?! How???

Am I the only person who sees recipes with five or more ingredients and says, "No way. I want something easier"? That's what I do these days. As soon as I see more than one unrecognizable spice, I turn away. No thanks, not for me. I just have time for easy, actually really really easy. Am I alone in this?

The Iron Bowl. I am SO ready for that game to come and go. Yes, I'm excited to watch it. Alabama should definitely win this year. However, those of us who watch SEC college football know that there is no such thing as a sure thing, especially when it comes to the Iron Bowl. I mean, I just want Bama to break that streak. Seriously, how embarrassing would it be to go 11-1 this year, and that one loss to be to AUBURN (not counting the SEC Championship). Stinky 'ole Auburn who has had a WAY less than stellar season? Oh, that would be pretty terrible. I rank that right up there with having to eat a spoonful of mayonnaise. YUCK!

Pedi Paws. How does that thing work? Every time I see the commercial, I think...Doesn't that hurt? It looks like it should hurt. Does it not? Do dogs actually enjoy it? And more importantly, can it be used on toenails...adult toenails...adult male toenails...of the human species???

Christmas! It's almost here!!! Yippee!!! I just love it! I love everything about it. I can't wait to put up our trees (still trying to decide if I need to do it while Tristan is in school~ I'm so bad!), the wreaths, the decorations! I love singing the songs, the baking, the driving around and looking at lights (with LOW gas prices! Praise the Lord! Last year, our driving around was kept to a minimum).

Adults who smoke all over their children disturb me. Every time I greet a sweet little baby (in the church nursery, in the classroom, at a store), and their clothes reek of smoke, I just want to grab those parents, wag my finger in their faces, and scold them like school children. It is NOT OK to smoke all over your kids, people! If you choose to kill yourself with your cancer sticks, that is your choice. Don't choose that for your kids. They deserve the best, and that is not giving them the best. PLEASE!

Speaking of smoking, my heart breaks for those who are hooked. I mean, from what I hear, it's a super tough habit to break. Sad thing is, I think most people start because they want to impress someone. I mean, honestly...how many people like the taste of cigarettes the first time or two they try it? I can say from personal experience (because I tried it several times over the years), I hated it EVERY time. It was awful! How does it become enjoyable? I know it's addicting, and it gets people, but it's just lost on me.

Do you ever get Facebook friend requests from people you remember from high school or middle school who were kind of scary? People that you were afraid to talk to then, and still seem to live scary lives? What do you do? I always "friend" them but usually feel kind of awkward. Not really sharing the love of Christ, huh? I should work on that.

Does anyone else out there stink at making breakfast? I ask because I do. I really really do. I am the absolute worst breakfast maker on the planet. I'm sure of it. I don't know why because I think I'm a pretty decent cook. For some reason, though, when it comes to making grits, pancakes, waffles (the real ones, not Eggo. I mean, I'm not that bad)...all those other real breakfast foods, I stink! I can make a mean bowl of cereal or instant oatmeal, but that's about it. I'm pretty sure my MIL thinks I'm a slacker. You see, she makes breakfast for my boys and me every time we're with them. And whenever we take friends to their lakehouse, she always tells me, "I've got breakfast stuff in the fridge...eggs, pancakes, grits...". I'm sure she's thinking, "You're hosting your friends. A good host cooks." And I would. I really really would, I just can't do it. We had some friends come stay with us at the lake this summer, and they had to cook the breakfast. I'm that bad. Last night for dinner, I made breakfast for dinner...pancakes and grits. I followed the directions on the boxes EXACTLY, yet my grits were WAY too thick and my pancakes were WAY too thin. What in the world?! Do I need some kind of degree to make breakfast? I give up. Back to cereal and breakfast bars for my family. I'm not sure if that fits in the whole Proverbs 31 woman, but it's all I can do. I can make a mean breakfast casserole. Maybe we can just eat those every day.

"Why don't people support our city's stores?" "They wouldn't all keep closing if people would support them." "I like those little shops." Yep, these are some of the phrases I frequently say as I pass by all the cute little boutiques in my town. Thing is, I rarely buy anything in them (or even shop in them~I feel guilty if I don't buy something) because my budget never has room. Yeah, that's kind of a problem. I need to stop accusing everyone else. I guess I think everyone else in town can do it and should. Hmmmm....maybe there are more people like me out there than I realize?

Christmas cards! It's almost time for Christmas cards! I absolutely love it! I love opening my mailbox each day and finding beautiful pictures of sweet kids, pets, and families. It's like getting Christmas presents every day! Come on cards, start flooding!!! If you don't send me your Christmas card, you really should. It makes my day. :)

Ok, that's all I've got. Any random thoughts to share? If so, don't be shy! Leave them in my comments section, or better yet, make your own list and link us back. Happy Thursday!

It's November 20, and I'm Thankful For...

...my little Asher.What can I say about my little Asher? He is such a joy! It's amazing how two kids can have such different personalities. He and Tristan are night and day, and I am so fortunate to be able to enjoy both!

Asher is pretty independent (unless we want to leave him in the church nursery). He likes to play baseball (he figured out much faster than Tristan did~the perks of having a big brother, I guess). He loves his daddy, but he's coming around to the mommy side these days. So there's still hope. I may end up with two momma's boys! He's funny and knows it too. Asher is quick to tell a joke and to laugh...and to make sure that we laugh too. He loves to be silly, do animal sounds (so far he knows his cat, dog, dinosaur, lion, duck, frog, and elephant), and to jump (although his feet rarely leave the ground). He loves to dance in his noodle (aka no clothes) and to chase and be chased. His current passion is puppies. If you want to find a spot in his heart, just bring your dog along!

Having Asher has brought me so much joy. He is a blessing...one that I thank God for every day. I can't tell you the feeling I have when I see my two boys laugh and play together. It truly is indescribable. I am blessed!

So today, I am thankful for my little tiny Ash be-dash. How about you? What/who are you thankful for today?

It's November 19, and I'm Thankful For...

...my sweet Tristan!Ok, so I haven't been sticking to my thankful posts each day (or any posts for that matter) because our mouse on our home computer died. Needless to say, I haven't had a chance to replace it yet, so the internet has just been skipped (probably a good thing).

Today, though, I had to share how thankful I am for my oldest and most cuddly son, Tristan. He is such an incredible blessing! Five and a half years ago, our lives (mine and Channing's) were turned upside down when we found out that we were expecting a baby...two years earlier than planned...and right as we were preparing to open our own business. Can I tell you, it was a total SHOCK? I had no idea how we would manage. Looking back, though, I see how God's hand was on us. Had it not been for the birth of Tristan, I don't think I could have possibly grasped God's love for me. Having Tristan brought my relationship with the Lord so much closer. I finally understood how and why He could love me so much, despite my many mistakes. I finally understood that maternal love I had heard so much about.

Tristan is such a special boy. His name means "bold", and I pray often that God will fill him with boldness as he serves Christ and leads others to Him. I pray that God's favor will be upon him at all times and that he will continue to have the sweet caring heart that characterizes him.

Tristan is my cuddly child. Oh there is no other cuddler like him! He and I were made for each other. While I love Asher with all my heart, he just doesn't enjoy a good cuddle like Tristan and I do. Whenever Channing is out of town, I always take advantage of my opportunity to snuggle with Tristan all night.

Tristan is a momma's boy and always has been. When it comes down to football choices, even, he always goes with my pick. What a sweet boy!!! I LOVE A MOMMA'S BOY! I mean, I married one, didn't I?

Here are some pictures from Tristan's Thanksgiving Feast at school today:
My happy little pilgrim and his feast. Oh how I love this kid!!!
My two big boys. How blessed I am!!!
So today, I am thankful for my sweet sweet Tristan. How about you? What/who are you thankful for today?

My Name is Annie, and I'm a Christmas Nazi

Ok, yes. I admit it. I am a self-described Christmas Nazi. When it comes to decorating for the holidays, I like things my way. As far as Channing goes, that's fine. He'd rather not have to help anyway. When it comes to Tristan, though, not so good. He is your typical four year old. He wants to help decorate the tree and decorate the house. Totally normal, right? Thing is, I don't want to share. Yes, I said it. I like to do it all myself.

It's not that I mind the help, it's just that I like things to look a certain way. I know, decorating the Christmas tree (trees at our house) is something that should be enjoyed by the whole family. I've seen the Christmas movies and the joy on the faces of the children. I saw the delight on Tristan's face when we pulled out our fake tree last year. I did let him decorate some of the tree last year. I just had a hard time passing the tree over and over and seeing tons of ornaments in the same spot on the bottom of the tree while the top looked bare. That was and is just SO hard for me. I had to fix it. I just had to.

I know it's a problem. At least I admit it. I am a Christmas Nazi. I'm trying to recover, but it's tough. Do you know that I have even contemplated putting up our fake tree while Tristan is sleeping...just so I can do it all by myself...the way I like it? Yep, I've got a problem. Am I alone in this? Are there any other Christmas Nazis out there? If so, tell me so I don't have to feel so awful. If not, if you're one of those parents who lets your kids take the full reigns...fill me in. How do you do it? Does it not bother you at all? I know, I know. The kids are more important. But still...I'm a recovering Christmasaholic. I need help!

Check out this tree...clearly decorated by kids. Sweet, but I just can't handle it.Every year, I fuss about having to put the lights on the tree. Channing used to try to help, but I would always take over. "You're not doing it right. Squint. Seeeeeeeeeeee...there need to be more lights over there. Oh, I'll just do it." Yeah, he doesn't really jump up to put the lights on the trees anymore. He knows what to expect: complaining from me because I have to do it. Thing is, he'd rather hear that than have me take it away from him.

Scary, right? Ok, that's my confession for the day. You got anything?

It's November 15, and I'm Thankful For...

...my sister, Tori!
I'm so proud of her! She competed in her first beauty pageant this week (it was actually a little school pageant~ a fundraiser for her yearbook), and she did really well. We prayed, not that she would win, but that she would perform well (aka: not trip on her dress and slide across the stage). Turns out she, and three other girls in her grade, was awarded class beauty. WAY TO GO, TORI!!!

Before she was born, the idea of having a sister 18 years younger was...well...embarrassing. I mean, I was a senior in high school! Once she was born, though, I realized what a blessing she is. She is a fantastic little sister, and I am more and more proud of her every day. Channing, the boys, and I love her very much.

So today, I am thankful for my sister. What are you thankful for today?

It's November 14, and I'm Thankful For...

...Fridays with my family.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Fridays! Our office is closed on Fridays, and most weeks, we use the day as a family day. There is no other day of the week where we can all spend time together and focus on family activities the whole day. It's just the greatest! I am so thankful that we are able to set our own office hours and close down so that we can spend time together. I'm thankful for fun Fridays where the boys get to choose what we do, where we go, and for the most part what we eat. They LOVE Fridays too!

Today, we spent some time playing at home, then we headed out for lunch (we've been cooped up all week with yucky colds. We still have the colds but are doing better today. PRAISE the LORD!). Tristan picked his favorite spot...Subway. After Subway, we headed over to HairForce so that my two big boys could get MUCH NEEDED haircuts. I think they lost 20 pounds of hair between the two of them!
Once the boys were groomed, we headed over to the park, to Sonic for slushies, then to some stores (my pick).

Once we were done with all that fun, we headed home for dinner and Tristan's current favorite show, "The Backyardigans". We were supposed to have dinner with friends (I had SO been looking forward to it), but we didn't want to give them our colds. So we just hung out together.

So today, I am thankful for Fridays. How about you? What are you thankful for???

Oh No He Didn't!

Oh but he did.

On the way home from work tonight, Tristan spotted a snowman decoration on one of our neighbor's lawns (clearly breaking neighborhood covenants). He was so excited, and at this point, I started singing "Frosty the Snowman." Instead of singing along, Tristan says, "Mommy, who's Frosty the Snowman?"

WHAT?! WHO IS FROSTY THE SNOWMAN?!?

I asked him if he was kidding, and he told me he wasn't. I mean, how can any kid not know who Frosty the Snowman is?
Momma's got work to do!

Thursday's Random Thoughts

Happy Thursday to you! I'm back for another weekly installment of my random thoughts...just strange and random things that have popped into my head this week. Some are more profound than others. This week, I've had a lot less random thoughts. I'm going on very little sleep and a congested head. :) So here goes:
How is it possible that Asher can have a cold for an entire week, and the rest of the family is totally fine. Then, the second week (of his FOREVER cold), we all get it? Now that Asher is getting better, the rest of us have been going downhill. COLD BE GONE!!!

Is it just me, or is it super strange seeing Indiana Jones with an earring? Ok yes, technically it's not Indiana Jones with the earring, it's Harrison Ford. It doesn't matter, though. Who doesn't think Indiana Jones when they see Harrison Ford? I know he's had the earring for like ever, but still. Every time I see it, I just think it looks so out of place. I mean, how old is he anyway? He's a handsome guy. In my opinion, if he lost the earring, he would be doing GREAT.

Ok, what is up with grocery stores? Why do they ALL have to have their own set up? I mean, can't a girl go to a grocery store to get some soup for her sick kids and know approximately where to find the Campbells? I mean, come on. What do these stores do? "Ok, guys...Winn Dixie puts their soup on aisle 4, so we're going to put ours on aisle 10. That will show those Winn Dixie shoppers!" I am primarily a Publix shopper but occasionally shop at Winn Dixie as well. I get those stores. I know where their stuff is located. The other day, though, I had to make a quick trip to Food World because it was closer, and the whole store is totally different than the other two. I say all the grocery stores get together and come up with a system. WE NEED A SYSTEM!

Is it strange that I sleep with the t.v. remote? Channing thinks so. He asks me why I don't put it on the nightstand. I don't know. I just have to sleep with it. And during the night if I roll over, I pick it up and it rolls over with me. Is that strange? Surely others do that too. Right?

I *heart* Mike Huckabee. The more I see him, the more I love him. He is so eloquent, intelligent, and quick on his feet. If he runs in 2012, he's got my vote...again. GO HUCKABEE!!!

Ok, did anyone else see the Victoria's Secret story??? It's CRAZY! Apparently some people have a class action suit filed against the company because they have broken out in rashes, hives, and some have had PERMANENT scarring from wearing their bras. That's some kind of miracle, right (channeling the miracle bra here)? The even STRANGER thing is that these bras tested positive for formaldehyde! YES! Formaldehyde! I mean, what was this company doing??? Testing their bras out on the dead?! "Oh yeah. That looks good. See how it gives her so much lift? It really brings life to her chest." Very strange. I think I'll avoid that store for a while.

The dawgs play the tigers this weekend. My Trojans play the LSU tigers, Bama plays Mississippi State. YEA for a fun football weekend!!!

Ok, that's all I've got. Any random thoughts to share? If so, don't be shy! Leave them in my comments section, or better yet, make your own list and link us back. Happy Thursday!

It's November 13, and I'm Thankful For...

the rain!!!

So, we don't actually have A LOT of rain going on here, but we do have some. I have missed it so much! Something about rain just makes me so happy. My ideal week (as long as I have no outdoor pictures planned) is seven days of rain. I LOVE it!

Today, I am thankful for the rain. What about you? What are you thankful for today?