Of early risers, complainers and breakfasts!

Lately, I have committed to getting up early in the morning to do my bible study. Why? Well, probably because if I don't.... well, then I just DON'T. Know what I mean? The cares, concerns, and activities of the day just sorta take over. AND I keep telling myself that I will do it... when the kids nap, after supper, before I go to bed. AND inevitably, What happens? Phone calls, projects to finish, supper to cook, babies that need tendin' to, cleaning to do. And life happens. So, with this new bible study I am doing, the ever wise Mrs. George admonishes us over and over to spend time in the word early. Our first time, early time, belongs to God. You know, even in the Psalms, David rose early in the morning to greet the Lord, in the gospels, Jesus spend early time with His Father.

Not that I've been super excited about this getting up early business, mind you, but I am committed to doing it. COMMITTED, I tell you. Even if it means I have to prop my eyelids open with toothpicks (wait, I think that happened this morning?!!!??) Even if I have to nap with the babes in the afternoon. Even if it takes time away from other endeavors. Because it is an eternal investment. Because even this small sacrifice on my part pleases our Heavenly Father. Because it is worth it.

I recently came upon this quote in our bible study book, and well, let me just say OUCH!!!

"To complain is an accusation against God. It questions God's wisdom and God's good judgement. God has always equated complaining with unbelief....Why? Because to complain is to doubt God. It is the same thing as suggesting that God really doesn't know what He is doing." Don Baker

After reading that let's just say that my complainer is on vacation.

In other news, we had a fabulous family breakfast this morning. Andy and I took the kiddos and met my grandparents at our local Cracker Barrel and let's just all say together.... Yumm-yyy. Perusing all of the Christmas and Fall items even brainwashed me into thinking it was a little cooler outside. That is until I acutally stepped back outside, and then *sigh* back to the reality of living in good ol' South Mississippi.

Off to do the million and one things we have planned for today... Oh and did I mention how unbelievably awesome, fantastic and GREAT it is to have my husband home.... didn't think so, so I'll tell you again.... It IS unbelievably awesome, fantastic and GREAT to have Andy home!!
Have a wonderful weekend with your beautiful families.

Happy Saturday and
Much Love!

New Digs

Sooooo..... whatcha think??
The amazing and talented Susie Pie over at Bluebird Blogs has created this beautiful new design for me, and I just LOVE it!
Thank you, thank you, thank you Susie- you are the Best!

Guess What??

Guess what these pictures mean??
YES, that's right!
Andy got here a couple of hours ago from his training course in WV!! Wahoo! As you can tell, he wasted no time gettin' down to business and playing with the kiddos- one of the things he does the best.
He'll be here with us for about 7 weeks before his upcoming deployment!! Can you tell I'm a little excited?!!!
Have a great night, y'all.


Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Bloggin 'bout bloggin

Nice neat categories. As an organizational neat freak.... love 'em.
And they work great for inanimate objects, don't they? And, sometimes, they even work great for people.

Don't you remember conversations from high school? "Oh yeah- he's a prep, or she hangs out with the wierdos, or he's a baseball player, or a band geek, or a cheerleader."... and on and on and on ad nauseum.

But, do they stop at high school? Ummmmm.... that would be a NO. Even now as a mom, I hear other moms put into "categories" all the time. "You know she (gasp) WORKS", or " Yeah, she's one of those nature moms" , or "She's just nev-ah home. She and those kids are constantly running the roads" or " She's just one of those perfect, crafty, cookie baking moms" or ______ you fill in the blank.

So what's my point, you may ask? Welllll, let's just bring it on home to the world of blogging.
There are all those wonderful blogs out there. So many I just love. And mostly ( I did say mostly ) they fit into nice, neat categories. There are the funny blogs, the crafty blogs, the serious, theological blogs, the strictly homemaking blogs, the encouraging, the thought-provoking, the homeschooling, the family blogs, the history blogs, the blogs strictly about the Christian walk of the blogger, the cooking blogs, the devotional type blogs, the "adventures of my kids" blogs, the "I'm super-mommy" blogs (wait a minute- scratch that- quit reading those a looong time ago- those people ain't real. They are lost in some sick world of pretend.)
All those, blogs, all those categories.... see what I mean? And let me just say, I think that it would be great to fit into one of those categories. BUT...

But me? ME??? umm, notsomuch. Andy and I were talking one day- you know about the whole bloggin' thing- and I had an epiphany. My blog just doesn't fit into any of these categories. Yes, I am a Christian, but I'm not so wise that I have pearls of wisdom to share every single day. Yes, I am a mommy and ADORE my 2 little ones, but no one wants to hear THAT constantly. And homeschooling? Well, not there yet (since mine are only 2 3/4 and 13 mos.) AND the jury is still out on whether we will homeschool or do private Christian school. Cooking? Love it. Sewing? Love reading about that, too. And I love, love, love reading all of your blogs that DO fit into these great categories (even though I know that there are those of you out there like me, that "fall between the cracks")! Please don't ever stop writing about what you know. That's what makes you so great. I think problems begin when we try to be something we are not and try to make ourselves fit into categories where we don't belong just to "fit in". We lose our real-ness and become something we are not- and then it's no fun to read anymore. I think as bloggers, we have all struggled with this at one time or another. You know.. "what should I write" or " Man, if I write that, so and so might take offense, or another will stop reading, or maybe it's not exciting enough." etc. etc. etc. And sometimes, I am just so absolutely amazed that anyone would even care to read anything I have written...

My conclusion? I will continue to write from my heart, and about whatever is on my mind. It may be beauty products, it may be kiddos, it may be my daily struggles, it may be a recipe, my walk with my Lord and Savior, our military, something funny, sewing adventures, a new insight I've just gained or maybe just a slice of our very Southern life.

You know, I think I do know what category my blog fits into. The schizophrenic one.... or perhaps the "multiple personality" category? Whatever you call it, you can rest assured that I will always be ME.

Finally, may I PLEASE say, y'all are an encouragement, and a blessing to me.
And you give me some darn good laughs. Thanks for letting me peek into your lives. I hope you will continue to enjoy ours with me.
I'm so happy that you're here.


Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Graphic courtesy Allposters.com

Four Things...

Okay, okay, so I've seen this "meme" all around the blogosphere, and have been meaning to do it, just because I think it's a really cute one. So here it is , my....




Four Things Meme...

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Nurse in Cardiac Intensive Care
2. Nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care
3. Nurse Practitioner
4. Wife and Mama!

Four movies I could watch over and over:
1. Steel Magnolias (Yes, I have watched this so many times that I have all the lines memorized... don't believe me?? "Mama, Mama, this nail polish is dryin' way too dah-uk, Practically pink, my foot, looks like a stuck pig bled all ov-ah my hah-unds"... need I go on?)
2. Sweet Home Alabama
3. Little Women
4. The American President

Four Places I have lived:
1. Jackson, MS
2. My hometown (about an hour from here)
3. New Bedford, MA (near Boston- on a travel nurse assignment)
4. Where we are now (and where my mama grew up!)

Four things I like to do:
1. READ!
2. Shop
3. Sew
4. Exercise

Four websites I visit daily:
1. All the blogs I love !
2. My bank account website
3. Yahoo... for email
4. Weather Channel

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Fried Okra
2. Chicken and Dumplins (especially my Granny's..... Oh. My. WORD!!!)
3. Homemade biscuits with real butter and homemade muscadine jelly.
4. Country Fried Steak with Sawmill Gravy

Four places I would like to be right now:
1. Somewhere cold... by a cozy fireplace
2. Hanging out with my hubby!
3. At our local children's museum with the kiddos (one of the top 50 in the nation... as much fun for ME as it is them!!)
4. At the movie theater with a HUGE bucket of popcorn... all to myself!

Four places I have been on vacation
1. San Francisco, CA / Los Angeles, CA
2. Walt Disney World- Orlando, FL
3. New York, NY
4. Smoky Mountains, TN

Happy Wednesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Good vs. Best

.... "The good often becomes the enemy of the best in life"

I have been thinking about that alot lately. What are the "good" things in my life that are the enemy of the "best" in my life?

Before I was married, I thought about this alot in the terms of those of the male persuasion. (What single girl doesn't?) And, you know, alot of those guys I dated during that time were the "good" in the above statement. And yes, I could have married one of them, settled down and had a nice quiet life. And missed out on the "best".... and one of God's greatest blessings. It is so easy to settle for the good, too, with our limited vision. Especially when we can't see, with our eyes, what the "best" is, and what the big picture looks like...

But it never really ends, does it? The choices we make everyday often become the enemy. Even though they are things that look good on the outside, and that, in and of themselves, are NOT *bad* things! Ministries at church, children's activities, sports, nights out with the girls, talking on the phone, BLOGGING (ouch), computer time - the list could go on and on. Is TOO MUCH TIME spent on these things (or others, you fill in the blank) taking you away from your responsibilites to your family-- your husband, your children? Are they preventing you from spending time in God's word? Have we become so busy in "doing" ministry that we are too tired and frazzled to minister to our families?

Lest you think that I have it all together in this department... let me just assure you, I do not. If you really want to know the truth about it.... this is something that I struggle with daily in my life, and an area that I have made a matter of prayer. I am praying about discipline. Praying about how to organize my life, my days, and yes, even my thoughts. Praying that all of these "good things" will not become the enemy of the "best thing" in my life. And hoping that maybe this can encourage others to let go of all those good things in their lives to grab hold of the best. I know it will be worth it.

Good better best
Never let it rest
Until your good is better
and your better best.

Happy Tuesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

From Andy's heart.

***The following is a post that my husband, Andy wrote on his blog yesterday. It stemmed from a conversation that we had recently, and I love what he has written. As many of you know, he is my brave soldier and pilot that will soon leave for Iraq. This is why he serves, in his words. May God Bless our men and women in uniform. Much Love, Jennifer

Have you ever wondered why people in the Military do what they do? (Used to you could just say Men in the Military, but nowadays there are women in the military as well, so I have to say people). Anyway, what is the motivation to join up? Is it Patriotism? Money? A better life? A sense of Duty? Following a family tradition? A good Retirement? Go to jail or go to War? To fight Terrorism? Education and Training?Why do we who wear the uniform do what we do?

I'm sure there are many reasons, the ones above are just a few that I speculated on as possible motivations for people joining the Armed Forces. Everyone has different reasons.Why do Men and Women choose to leave their families behind while they suit up for battle and travel to far away lands to fight wars? To miss Births of children, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Holidays, Friends. To leave their civilian jobs, as in the case of our Reserve/National Guard Forces.And in some cases, to make the ultimate sacrifice for their Country, by giving their lives.....

War has been a part of the world for thousands of years, dating back almost 5,000 years according to recorded history, when the Mesopotamian Wars of the Early Dynastic Period occurred around 2900 B.C. (date approximate) Since that time, War has been a Fact. Countries and Nations have been feuding over something ever since. There are many accounts in the Bible of War and Battles fought, and the men who left behind families to go and fight.

But now, getting back to our own U.S. Military....our Countrymen fought during the American Revolution to gain freedom from England; to establish this Great Nation as we know it. Men fought and died for something they believed in....Freedom, Democracy. Their deaths were not in vain, they died Honorably for their Country; they were our forefathers and ancestors. They had families, wives, children, mothers, fathers, cousins; who they left behind as they went to War.

Why did they do this? If they hadn't, would we all be speaking with an English accent? Who knows. But because they did go to War for their country, they helped start this Great Nation we live in today, the United States of America. The War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and countless other conflicts and battles that our Men and Women in uniform have been involved in throughout the years. Why did they do this? Think about it....Dwell on it....what do you think? Now I realize that not all volunteered for military service, we did at one time have the draft; but that ended in 1975. Since then, military service has been on a voluntary basis. Why? I realize that not everyone agrees with the reasons the U.S. goes to War. That's not what this is about. This is about the sacrifice that we who choose to wear the uniform make and why we do what we do. I believe that Service to one's country is an Honorable thing. Duty, Honor, Country. These are not just frivolous words, they actually mean something to me, and to those who serve. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage - These are the seven Army Values. Words and Actions to live by. Loyalty to one's Country, to the obligation that you take to defend your Country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Always doing your Duty, having Respect for not only yourself, but for others. Selfless service, sacrificing so that others may have; putting the welfare of your Nation and the welfare of others before your own. Having a sense of Honor, not just saying the words, but living out these values in your life. Integrity, always doing the right thing, even if no one is looking. Having the Personal Courage to face danger or adversity, whether physical or moral. All of these values pertain to not only the Military, but to daily life. Not just speaking them, but living them.

As I stated previously, I believe that it is Honorable to serve one's Country. I hold the greatest respect for my fellow brothers and sisters in uniform, whether they be in the Military serving their country, or in Law Enforcement/Fire-Rescue serving the citizens in their community. I commend all of you who make the sacrifice to do what you do. And to your families, for the sacrifice they make while you do your Duty, I commend them. May God Bless each and every one of you.
- Andy

Little Boys

Photo of my little Andrew playing in the backyard yesterday. He is the essence of this cute little poem...

Little Boys
Little boys come in all shapes and sizes,

Shy and adventurous, full of surprises,

With misshapen halos and mischievous grins,

Small dirty faces, and sweet, sticky chins.

They'll keep you so busy, and yet all the while

Nothing can brighten the world like their smile.

And no greater treasure has brought homes more joy

Than a curious, active, and lovable boy!

Author Unknown

Much Love,

Jennifer

Fall Dreamin

Autumn. Doesn't the word just conjure up images of football games, hot chocolate, crunching through leaves, bobbing for apples, wearing sweaters and pumpkins??

Well, folks, here in the oven of South Mississippi it is still summertime, still as humid as ever, and autumn seems as far away as, well, Christmas!
HOWEVER, during a trip to the Hallmark store today, I simply couldn't help myself and bought some new fall goodies. Even if the temperature IS 90++ outside, I can still pretend, can't I? Who knows? I may even break out the Christmas CDs next week ;-) !
Happy Monday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Mirror, Mirror...

...On the wall, what are your favorite beauty products of all?
You know, alot of times as women, our conversation eventually turns to... what else? Makeup/Hair/beauty products etc. After reading countless "girl" magazines (especially in my single days!!), a million and one beauty and hair tips, and after going through thousands of "beauty products" myself (confession time.... My name is Jennifer, and I am a beauty product addict), there are about 10 beauty products that I just couldn't make it without. I thought I'd share them with you, my dear readers, so that perhaps you may glean some wisdom from all the money I have spent finding out that these were actually keepers.
So, without further adieu, here they are, in no particular order:

Jenn's Beauty Hall of Fame
1.) Voluminous mascara by L'Oreal
2.) M.A.C. eyeshadows in colors: Mystery, Symmetry, Patina, Folie, Vapour (not all worn at the same time, obviously! )
3.) Bumble and Bumble hair serum in De-Frizz
4.) St. Ives Apricot Scrub, and Bath and Body Works "chocolate scrub"
5.) Crest Whitestrips
6.) Lip Smackers lip balm in watermelon
7.) Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
8.) Merle Norman Lip Pencil Plus (pencil+lipstick in one) in Coral Rust
9.) Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion Advanced Healing (use about 5,000 times a day!)
10.) OPI nail polish in Cajun Shrimp, Magnifico Mexico and I'm Really Not a Waitress

So, What are yours?? Tell me, tell me, tell me... I'm always on the lookout for a great new beauty product, and can't wait to "test" any new suggestions!!!
Happy Sunday and Much Love,
Jennifer

DONE!!

I am finally DONE with my first sewing project (remember the one I showed y'all "in progress" a while back?) And here is the finished product (singing Hallelujah chorus in my head). Now, I'm not quite sure if this is something I would've picked out in the store?? The teacher in our sewing class picked out the pattern we all had to use, but I take full responsibility for the fabric choice. And, yes, there are a few tiny little mistakes here and there. And, yes, it is a wee bit too big. But, by George, I AM gonna wear the silly thing, you know, since I DID make it and all. I may even fish for a compliment just so I can beam with pride and say "I DID THIS!". Maybe to church in the morning? .. black skirt, black heels, big shiny black jewelry?... Hmmm... I'll just have to let y'all know how it goes.
Happy Weekend and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Prayers Needed

Just wanted to ask everyone to pray for our blog friend Joy, over at Joy in the Journey. She recently found out that she is expecting her 4th blessing, and it seems as if she has been experiencing extreme sickness with a recent trip to the hospital for fluids. Let's lift her up in prayer!!
Happy Friday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

My 100th post...

Today is my 100th post! yay! So, in honor of that, I thought I'd do (What Else?) My 100 things... (also called "More than You'd Ever Want to know about Jennifer")
Here goes...

1. Jennifer is not my first name (middle name)
2. I'm not telling what it is!
3. But I will tell you I was named after a celebrity's child
4. That celebrity was Nancy Sinatra
5. I live about an hour away from the town where I grew up
6. I was married to my husband 9 months to the day after we met
7. We got engaged after dating only 2 months!
8. I have the uncanny ability to retain the words/tune to any song I hear.... for example I remember all of the words/songs to children's musicals we did in church as children!
9. I was saved at the age of 10 during a week of revival at my hometown church.
10. I have a vivid memory of that day.
11. My daddy once met Steven Segal in an elevator in Washington, D.C.
12. Daddy was on a business trip, they were staying in the same hotel, Dad said he was reallllllly nice!
13. I can call cattle like nobody's business all because...
14. .... My daddy raised Hereford cattle (as a hobby)
15. I AM a good 4 wheeler driver, BUT
16. I was in a leg splint and crutches for 2 weeks because of being in a wreck on one (HEY... I wasn't driving)
17. I have 2 younger siblings, 1 sister, 1 brother.
18. I know how to set a fence post
19. We always had a horse at home when I was a kid, therefore,
20. I know how to ride 'em
21. My Gran took us swimming in the creek every summer...
22. Which terrified my mom, Especially....
23. The summer when a snake was swimming about a foot away from my head !
24. It was the same creek my daddy was baptized in.
23. I am a Baptist, of the Southern Baptist variety.
24. Our dog (Buddy) is a dog that my husband had when we married.
25. He got him from his ex-girlfriend's grandparents
26. I KNEW I never liked that dog.
27. I wore braces for 3 years.
28. I have been on a cruise
29. I thought it was okay
30. Don't think I'd ever want to go on one again.
31. I was in the flag/rifle corps in high school...
32. Three words
33. White spandex uniforms.
34. And that's all I'm gonna say about that!!
35. I have been in a few pageants (2 as a child)
36. I think they are silly (but entertaining to watch)
37. I adore fried okra
38. I am the ONLY person in my entire family that will not eat greens (collards or mustard)
39. I think they are disguisting, and Daddy thinks I'm crazy.
40. I grew up in a small town
41. I can do a fine rebel yell (not "Hotty Toddy" fan- High School Mascot!)
42. I can play 2 instruments
43. The piano and the clarinet
44. I am a voracious reader
45. I used to stay up with a flashlight and read books at night after everyone else had gone to bed.
46. I am a neat freak
47. My sister is worse than I am about it (if possible)
47. We get it from my mama
48. My husband is Mr. Messy
49. I have been to Europe (Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and France)
50. My parents sent me when I was in college
51. I am forever grateful to them for that
52. I'd love to go back
53. I LOVE to try new recipes
54. I am crazy about children's classic heirloom clothing/smocking and sewing
55. I am currently smocking matching outfits for my children for fall.
56. I dress my kiddos alike alot!! (Especially dressy clothes)
57. My favorite children's store is Strasburg Children
58. My favorite clothing store for myself is Banana Republic
59. I do lots of my shopping online.
60. I have had 2 C-sections
61. My epidural failed both times
62. So... I had both of my children under general anesthesia
63. I was not excited about that
64. But was very thankful to our Lord for blessing us with 2 perfect babies.
65. I love to sing
66. I participate in our music ministry as a member of the praise team/ adult ensemble and as a soloist
67. I thought about majoring in music in college
68. Daddy and Mama were not amused by that
69. Therefore I am a nurse (always wanted to do that anyway)
70. I have sung our national anthem many places
71. It makes me tear up every time
72. I am a soprano
73. I never, ever, EVER leave the house without painted toenails.
74. Don't think my hubby has ever seen my toenails without polish.
75. His favorite color for them to be is RED or Opi's "Cajun Shrimp"
76. My shoe size is a 9
77. My favorite book as a young girl was "A Girl of the Limberlost"
78. Runner up was "Little Women"
79. I visited Louisa May Alcott's Home in Concord, MA and saw the desk where she wrote it.
80. I am about an 8th generation Mississippian
81. I broke my arm in the 2nd grade pretending to be a cheerleader.
82. My recess teacher didn't believe me and wouldn't let me go in.
83. Mama was furious when she was finally notified and my arm was swollen to twice its' size
84. I grew up having 2 precious great-grandmothers that I was close to.
85. I had the most beautiful wedding.. EVER... (Okay, okay, I know, I'm biased~ but it was mighty pretty!)
86. The reception was outside at my parents home. We had an enormous white tent set up by my parent's pool on a beautiful summer evening. Classic live piano music, gorgeous lighting. It was magical.
87. The car my husband and I were in from the church to the reception ran out of gas... a mile from the house.
88. My parent's neighbors were right behind us.
89. They still joke about it.
90. We went to Cozumel, Mexico on our honeymoon.
91. Andy wants to go back.... NOW!
92. Our church building was totally destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
93. But PRAISE GOD... the church is not the building.
94. I would love to have another child
95. We'll just see what the Lord has in store for us in that dept.!!
96. I drive a humongous gas guzzling SUV
97. My husband put his foot down about not getting a minivan. However, I really, really love my big ol' vehicle. The gas prices just don't like US.
98. My favorite scripture of all time is Prov. 3:5-6, close 2nd is Phil 4:13
99. Am currently doing the Bible study "A Woman After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George- highly recommend it!
100. Can't believe I made it to 100!!
Happy FRIDAY and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Thursday Thirteen

My Thirteen Favorite Places

1. On the couch with hubby on a cold night with fireplace burning and Christmas lights on.
2. Soaking up the sun on the beach in the dead heat of summer
3. Snuggled up in my very comfy bed
4. The Smoky Mountains in the fall.
5. Disneyworld.... any time of year
6. In a rocking chair on a porch at night listening to the crickets and cicadas. I'm not particular. Any ol' porch will do.
7. A football game in the fall
8. My parent's house on Christmas morning
9. Wrapped up in a bear hug by my tall, strong sweetie.
10. Lying on the floor, reading stories to the kiddos
11. Soaking in a bubble bath with candles and my London Symphony Orchestra CD
12. Sitting in a pedicure chair
13. An awesome worship service on Sunday mornings.

Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Daddy the hero

Sooo, our weekend jaunt up the road to Mama and Daddy's was great. Mostly. Well, it was great fun for me. And mama. But, poor Daddy. Poor, POOR Daddy. What I am about to write is not for the faint of heart (or weak of stomach). Consider yourself forewarned....
It all started out very uneventfully. Ordered pizza last night, got my porch sittin' and tea drinkin' in, caught up on all the latest news... you know, ordinary stuff. Then, dad's saga begins. We put the babes to bed in my parent's room, because mama and I were working on some pictures/decorating stuff in the other part of the house, and thought it would be too loud for them. Smart move. Or so we thought. We stayed up later and later, got sillier and sillier (yes, we did get a lot done, too, okay, well some done). We laughed until we couldn't catch our breath, and daddy finally got sick of us. So he went to bed. Yep, he crawled into his OWN bed where little Andrew was peacefully dozing to get away from us. Mama and I finally hit the sack sometime after 1:30 a.m., and decided to leave the fellas alone, so as not to wake little Andrew up, and we slept in the other part of the house. Well, my little man ain't the best bedfellow. He kicks, wiggles, lays on top of you, throws his arms over you, drools, talks in his sleep, tries to bulldoze you out of the bed.... you get the picture. So, needless to say, Daddy didn't sleep much. And then awakens (exhausted) to a bright eyed little boy sitting on top of his chest before 6 a.m. shouting "Papa, papa- let's go play WIGHT NOW!!". So Daddy appeases him, lets us sleep and makes play- dough sculptures, goes through about 6 rounds of wrestling matches, plays bubbles outside, cooks a big breakfast- etc. He gets baby sister up, takes care of her, and finally decides to roll us out the bed about 8:30. Bleary eyed, we stumble around, Mama searches for coffee and we begin the process of gettin' ready for church, etc. Daddy helps dress kids, cleans the kitchen, irons shirts, cooks more breakfast for us (I am still zombie-like, trying to wake up!). We went to worship service, and then out to eat and had a beautiful time. Afternoon comes, Gran is over and everyone naps. After naps, Mama and I make a fateful decision to go to make a Wal-Mart run and leave the babes with Daddy. Poor guy. He readily agrees (I told you he's a
great dad) and off we go. About 45 minutes later, we return, and as we walk in the door we see Daddy. Just standing there. Absolutely shellshocked, and with the strangest look on his face. Then there are the kids. In completely different outfits than I left them in. And with wet hair.
It seems as if Andrew got quite absorbed in a movie while we were gone. And forgot himself. As in went poo-poo in his big boy pants. As in it was all down his legs. As in it was smeared all over his chair, pants, knees, thighs.... you get the picture. As in he has been left with the man who has the absolute weakest stomach know to man when it comes to human excrement. THE WEAKEST!!!! This is the man who cannot stand at the door of a room where a "bad" diaper is being changed without gagging. And of course mom and I (the 2 nurses with stomachs of IRON) are gone. He promptly whisks Andrew off to the bathroom, strips him, throws him in the bathtub (literally gagging and vomiting all the while) and proceeds to clean him. He only forgot one thing. Sister. At this point she emerges around the corner. With poop smeared all over her. On her face, stuck in her hair, all over her little hands, up her arms, down her neck, and ahem, around her mouth !! It seems as if she found brother's mistake, and had a grand old time playing in it. I think (from what he tells us) Daddy just about lost it at that point (especially when sister laughed and stuck her little poopy hands in his face). After he cleaned the carpet, cleaned two poopy kids and washed 2 sets of poopy clothes and lost his lunch, all he could do was laugh. And dare mama and I to EVER make him go through that again. ( I promise we won't daddy!)
I think tonight he has collapsed in his bed for a GOOD night's sleep, and is giving thanks that he is done with diaper duty. For now. Poor Daddy.
Happy Monday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

We're about to be off to spend the remainder of the weekend with my parents. Hopefully, after the kids have gone to bed this evening, you'll find me on the front porch in one of the rockers with a BIG glass of sweet tea in my hand!! Have a fun weekend, y'all.
Happy Saturday and
Much Love, Jennifer

Ramblings

Some days, like yesterday, I get sooo tired. And I miss my husband. And I miss having help with the kiddos. And I get so tired just thinking about face the daunting task of many, many more days of this. But, then I get a good night's sleep (Mama was right, things always do seem a little better in the morning... and that hot bath last night didn't hurt, either !) And hearing "Ahhhhhh.. bababibibibi ba (blows raspberry), squeal, happy laugh, dadadidadado" over that baby monitor every morning is a precious blessing. And hearing my excited little boy exclaim "Oh mama- look I waked up" in the mornings always makes me smile. And I praise God for these 2 little blessings. And I don't feel so tired anymore, andI know for certain that I am not alone. Our heavenly Father is right by my side, the whole day through, guiding me, holding me, sustaining me. He has promised that he will never leave me. So I smile and enjoy the magic of my little ones- and I am reminded of a sweet little song that I first heard years ago by the Oak Ridge Boys- and was more recently re-recorded by Kenny Chesney.


"Thank God for Kids" written by Eddy Raven
If it weren't for kids have you ever thought,
There wouldn't be no Santa Claus,
Or look what the stork just brought
Thank God for kids.
We'd all live in a quiet house
Without Big Bird or a Mickey Mouse
And Kool-aid on the couch
Thank God for Kids

Thank God for kids there's magic for a while
A special kind of sunshine in a smile
Do you ever stop to think? or wonder why?
The dearest thing to Heaven is a child

Daddy how does this thing fly?
A hundred other where's and why's
You really don't know but we try
Thank God for Kids
When you look down in those trustin eyes
That look to you, you realize
Its love that you can't buy
Thank God for Kids

Thank God for there's magic for a while
A special kind of sunshine in a smile
Do you ever stop to think? or wonder why?
The dearest thing to Heaven is a child

When you get down on your knees tonight
To thank the Lord for his guiding light
And pray they turn out right
Thank God for Kids

Enjoy the magic of your little ones (or your big ones!) today.
Happy Friday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

A Long Day

It has been a fun, but looooong day!! Mama spent the night with us last night, and we had a day filled with shopping, eating out, more shopping, visiting relatives and a 2 1/2 year old's meltdown in the store toward the end of it all (note to self.... the fabrics section of any store is NOT a good place to be during naptime for 2 little ones). So y'all will have to excuse me.... a hot bubble bath and a good book are calling my name!
Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Wordless Wednesday

Well, maybe just one word... Lipstick.

Dressin' up...

Don't you sometimes just long for the days when women used to dress like this? *sigh* I do! This is a picture (well, a copy of one) that my mama gave me this past weekend. It is my great-grandmother (on the left), her daughter (in the middle), and her sister (on the right). They had just gotten out of church (right here in South Mississippi) and it was the 1940s. I just LOVE the hats and gloves! I knew all of these women, and all three were true "ladies" until the day they died. Just makes me kind of wistful, sometimes, for those days. That being said, I STILL dress up to go to the Lord's house, I have been know to wear a hat or two, I love handkerchiefs and I get along splendidly with a pair of high heels. So, I guess I don't have to be so wistful, after all! I can help "carry the torch" to keep femininity alive even in this generation of midriff tops, jeans at church (just a personal ick! for me), and women dressing in their husband's old sloppy clothes. So many thanks to the women in my family, who have always modeled what being a true lady through and through is all about. I admire and love you all.
Happy Tuesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Weekends and Life

This weekend was fabulous! It was funny how we just slipped right back into our normal weekend routine, without a hitch, even though we haven't "practiced" in several weekends. Saturday morning pancakes, Andy letting me sleep late, staying in our pajamas until 11, Andrew being Daddy's caboose.... all those wonderful ordinary things that make our lives OURS. We had a wonderful time at church and worship service yesterday, and all too soon, it was time to take Andy back to the airport. We all shed a few tears, prayed for safety, and came back home to a house that seemed alot emptier than it did just a few hours before. And here we are at the beginning of another week. And I have remind myself that each day is a gift from God, and I shouldn't "wish the days away" (as much as I want to) but enjoy them. So I am. And then I remembered the poignant words on a magnent that Mama had on the refrigerator when we were growing up... words that I read 1,000 (or more!) times. "Life is what happens when you're making other plans". And so it is.
Happy Monday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Graphic courtsey Allposters.com

Family Time!

We are soooo excited that my hubby came home last night for a visit for the weekend!!! (for those of you who don't know, he is in the middle of some training up in West Virginia) He has been gone for 3 weeks, and when we picked him up at the airport last night, we were a little anxious to see him, to say the least.... good training for the upcoming deployment, I suppose. He has to go back for another 3 weeks on Monday- but we are estatic about the weekend! The kids were super excited to see him, and little Andrew doesn't want to let him out of his sight! So have a great weekend, y'all.... and enjoy your families.... I know I sure will!

Happy Saturday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Welcome, Y'all !!

Yay! It's finally here, the "Bloggy Tour of Homes".... I've been all excited about this, because, you know, there's nothing a Southern girl loves better than an "open house"... and that's what this is, isn't it? An online open house? You know, we don't have all those fall and spring pilgrimages down here for nothing! So here goes... Welcome Y'all... to beautiful South Mississippi ... and to my front door and front porch... come on in !!









Okay, BooMama, you asked for it, here's where the "bloggy magic" happens in our home... our home office. One of my favorite places to be in the morning with my cup of coffee, or in the evening after my little ones have drifted off to dreamland!










Next stop on the tour is our "main living area", and probably where you can find us the most... this is the left half- the right half wouldn't fit... so I'll just tell y'all what's there on the right half !!- a big bookshelf, antique rolltop desk , my "staircase shelf" and our entertainment armoire.... We hang out in here alot!









And now we have.... the kitchen... again, this is just a little section of our kitchen, but it IS the part of it where I spend most of my time.... the oven, stovetop and sink! I also included with the kitchen a photo of our dining room. We spend lots of time in here, too! .... and my son was playing frisbee with the booster seat tray- hence its' position under the table... realized it after I snapped the photo. And BooMama DID say that she may have some toys on the floor in her photos- so I decided not to retake the photo- this IS supposed to be real-life, eh??




Next up is my favorite room- our bedroom. It is my haven, and I'm showing you a tiny slice of it! The antique tester bed has been in my hubby's family for a loooong time (It is circa 1860s) and the dresser is one I bought from an antique store when I was single, is circa 1840s and came from one of the "river road" plantations in South Louisiana. My very talented daddy helped to restore it to it's natural beauty. And, as an added bonus, they match so well, doncha think??... a marriage made in heaven... (kinda like us, sweetie!).... Okay, I'll drop the sappiness now!! The other items in our bedroom include a humongous chest of drawers (that my darling hubby labored for hours on to get the stain just so to match the other furniture, bedside table, and a smaller table with my antique teacup collection. And.... about a zillion more lamps (wellll not quite that many, but I do love me some lamps in a bedroom).

And, ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our bloggy tour of homes today- I didn't include the kid's bedrooms, bathrooms, foyer, outside living spaces etc... because frankly, I'm tired. And this would have turned into a monster post. And I'm sure ain't nobody THAT interested !!

Have a great one y'all! Thanks for stoppin' by!

Happy Friday and Much Love, Jennifer

And the winner is....

The peacoat will go to... Mrs. Clark
The striped dress will go to .... Kate (and of course you may borrow the idea, dear!!)
And the Asian/black dress will go to .... Lindsey (there were 2 of you that wanted this one, and I really DID the little squares of paper and drew a name... and Lindsey was it!)
If you ladies will contact me with your mailing address, I will get these things right in the mail to you! Thanks for taking these items off my hands- I'll have to do this again soon!
Contact me at ..... andynjenn13ATyahooDOTcom

Happy Thursday and Much Love, Jennifer

Thursday Thirteen!

13 Random "13" Facts about Us...

1. My birthday is on the 13th
2. My husband and I met on the 13th
4. My husband and I married on the 13th
5. Our son was born when we had been married 13 months
6. Our daughter was conceived when our son was 13 months old.
7. I quit my job to become a stay at home mom on the 13th (about 1 1/2 years ago)
8. I got my ears pierced on my 13th birthday
9. My husband and I were both 26 when we married (multiple of 13)... Now we've both just turned 30!!
10. Our youngest turned 13 months old this week
11. I am one of 13 great-grandchildren
12. My parents built a new house when I was 13.
13. I made it to #13 of 13 "13" things for Thursday Thirteen... try to say that fast 13 times! (I know they don't have to be "13" related things, but I thought it was fun !)
Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Taa- Daaaaaa !!

Well, not quite .... but getting there !! So many of you were so sweet in leaving me comments and being so encouraging when I got my sewing machine and started my classes, that I thought I would share what has been done so far on my project! It is a blouse (please tell me that you can at least tell that!!) and I have sewed front and back together, done the darts, set the sleeves in, sewed up the sleeve seams and sewed the side seams. It has been so much FUN! Next I have to set the collar, do the cuffs, buttons, buttonholes, and oh! the interfacing. I'll let y'all see the finished product later. So now, maybe I can begin to sew items together after they have been smocked/embroidered, etc.... Seems as if I have learned things backwards, doesn't it?? Fancy stuff first, then the basics.... O well, if ONLY I had been a better pupil when mama tried to teach me *sigh*... guess I was too busy being a teenager! Have a great one, girls!


Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Card Box

Anyone who knows me at all will tell you that I just love a good bargain more than anything, and boy, did I find one at the Hallmark store Monday!! They had these awesome cardboxes on clearance for $4.95!! Now, I am sure you could probably make your own, but at this price, who would want to?? It has dividers for each month AND occasion, and a nifty little draw for stamps, stickers, pens, etc. I love it, and have already started "filling it up". Another step taken in my journey for absolute organization! I think this will help me so MUCH..... and keep me from doing the "last minute birthday card scramble" (that I am sure many of you have participated in).... So, go visit your local, friendly neighborhood Hallmark-- and they just might have some, too! Happy Shopping!
Happy Wednesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Free Stuff! No gimmicks! Too big for me!!

Okay, so here's the deal. I cleaned out my closet today, and gathered stuff to go to Goodwill/Salvation Army. The thing is, these 3 items were just too *nice* to go into that pile. I pondered what to do with them, and then decided that I would offer them to you, my blog friends!! Absolutely free! I will even pay the shipping for you! The items are
1. A black Asian inspired dress that was given to me and I never wore because it is just way too big- it is beautiful, like new condition- and is lined. It is a size 12.
2. A navy/cream striped silk dress. It is long, but don't know if you can tell from the picture! It is sooo pretty, kind of loose fitting, but I really haven't worn this one either as it is too big for me. It is a size 10, and has just come from the dry cleaners!
3. A navy blue Jones New York double breasted pea coat, wool. It is a size 8, I believe, but has a very generous fit- I have worn it over sweaters, etc.- It has been worn quite a bit, but is still in great condition.

If any of you are interested in any of these items, leave me a comment and Thursday night I will draw for the "winners" (IF there is more than one person requesting a certain item).... if you are the only one requesting something- then you're in luck!
You can email me with any questions! (andynjenn13ATyahooDOTcom.)
Happy Tuesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Weekend Wrapup

Well... My little outing this past weekend was fabulous, and the visit from Andy's sis and family on Saturday/Sun. was so much fun- and Sunday was a whirlwind, too...
Sooooo the pageant Friday night was great! We went out to dinner before with some friends at one of my favorite haunts from my single days- and the food was just as yummy as I remembered. It was so NICE to be able to enjoy a whole meal without stopping 1,000,000,000 times to tend to messes, spilled juice etc. (not that I don't love these things, too- just a good break!!). When we arrived at the convention center where the pageant was held we had unbelievable seats thanks to my sister's very "connected" friend, G. I mean, we could practically see the glue on the fake eyelashes the girls were wearing! I listened with rapt attention to the talent portion (My favorite!) and wanted to cover my eyes during portions of the swimwear portion- and I kept thinking of the DADS that were watching their daughters prance around up there in nothing but scraps of material..... not ALL the suits were that bad, but there were a few that were nothing short of awful. The evening gown portion was fun- and I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing at some of the answers the girls gave during portions of the "onstage question" segment. I mean, come ON.... in sugary sweet voice " I just wish ev-ah body could git along in this big old cruel world" ( note the Southern accent emphasis - I talk like this, too... but it IS funny when you are onstage trying to charm a "Yankee" judge with your accent coupled with batting those fake lashes really fast!!!!!) Sister and I exchanged quite a few kicks and "elbows in the side" during the competition!!
On a more serious note, kudos to the outgoing Miss Mississippi for boldly proclaiming her Christianity and faith in God onstage during her farewell. She sang a beautiful song that I'm sure many of you have heard- "My Tribute/To God be the Glory". Very soul-stirring. Sister's friend and Sunday school classmate performed very well during the competition, and scored a postion in the "top five". Congrats to her!
The kiddos did wonderful with mom and dad. Andrew helped spray the garden, wrestled my dad and brother, played in the dirt, and was, in general, Papa's little buddy. Anna Kate was a little darling for her Marmee and found all sorts of new fun places to explore!
So, here I am. Back in the daily grind. I have traded in my fancy dress, high heels, coiffed hair and painted fingernails for my apron and bare feet. I am cleaning up those 1,000,000,000 messes and kissing boo-boos. And I am exactly where I was created to be. And I am loving every second of it.
Happy Tuesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

A Baby Meme

Anna Kate was tagged for a baby meme by Joy's Little Boy, Hudson

A BABY meme .....


3 Things That Scare Me
1. When people are too loud
2. When I am suddenly awoken from a nap
3. The Lawnmower


3 People That Make Me Laugh
1. Big Brother Andrew
2. Mommy and Daddy
3. ANYBODY can make little miss Anna Kate laugh if they are silly enough !

3 Things I Love
1. My soft baby doll
2. Pulling ALL the pictures and books down off Mommy’s bookshelf (OVER and OVER again)
3. Playing in Brother’s room

3 Things I Hate
1. Not getting fed fast enough
2. Veggies
3. Being strapped into my carseat

3 Things I Don’t Understand
1. Why I can’t eat all that cool stuff that I find on the floor
2. Why I can’t do everything big brother does
3. Why mama keeps trying to make me eat nasty veggies!

3 Things on my Floor
1. TOYS!
2. A blanket
3. A Peter Rabbit book

3 Things I’m Doing Right Now
1. Sleeping
2. Sucking my thumb
3. Holding my favorite babydoll

3 Things I Want to Do Before I Die
1. Learn how to run as fast as brother
2. Eat ice cream all day long!
3. Climb into the bathtub by myself

3 Things I Can Do
1. Squeal really, really, loudly !!!! ( I like to think I’m a baby dinosaur)
2. Baby signs for duck, light, more, baby and “night night”
3. Give the sweetest baby girl kisses ever

3 Ways to Describe My Personality
1. SWEET !!!
2. Determined
3. Curious

3 Things I Cannot Do
1. See my mommy leave without crying
2. Walk on my own yet (I’m taking a few steps here and there- just can’t let go totally yet!)
3. Sit still

3 Things I Think You Should Listen To
1. ME… when I am looking at a book… I make up all kinds of interesting babble-talk
2. The silly songs mommy sings to me during the day… they make me DANCE!
3. Andrew try to “scold” me “I telled you no, no, no sissy”

3 Things I Think You Should Never Listen To
1. Mama’s pesky alarm clock
2. Our crazy dog barking outside at night
3. The sound of the lawnmower- I do NOT like it

3 Absolute Favorite Foods
1. Lasagna
2. Peaches and cream oatmeal
3. Yogurt

3 Things I’d Like to Learn
1. How to get all big brother’s toys for my own!
2. How to get mama to quit putting shoes on me. I just don’t like wearing them! Doesn’t she understand that’s why I always take them off!!??
3. How to get Mama to hold me ALL of the time !!

3 Beverages I Drink Regularly
1. Milk
2. Apple Juice
3. Water

3 Shows I Watch
Just Baby Einstein now and then

Babies I Tag
Any baby whose mama is willing to do this!

Happy Monday and
Much Love, Jennifer

Busy, busy

I won't be around much until Monday.... So I hope all of you have a GREAT weekend!! My sister and I (and some friends) will be attending the Miss Mississippi pageant Friday night (my parents will have the babes), and YAY for the contestant from my alma mater for her promotion of abstinence education, and... YAY for my sister's friend who is another pageant contestant! Saturday, one of Andy's sisters will be here with her hubby and three adorable kids- and will be staying until Sunday. Little Andrew is beside himself with excitement because his "cousins" are coming to play with him! Sunday will be busy with church obligations, so I'll look forward to seeing you all next week!
Happy Friday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

FLY ARMY !!

My little lambs showing support for their daddy! Yay for Army Aviation! (Click to enlarge)
Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Through the Bible.... with my little buddy !

Well, I have decided to read straight through my bible, in a relatively short period of time, and to do the same thing with little Andrew. He has a "children's bible", and it is divided up into sections. When I do my bible reading in the morning, I make sure that I read the same "section" to him in his little bible at night.... and it is working out SO great! Before this, we had just been skipping around, reading different stories to him (he wanted "Jonah" or "Daniel and the big scary lions almost every night), but now, he is really getting into it and looking forward to what we are reading about the next night. We also review what we read the night before. And it also keeps me on my toes about reading several chapters a day, as his little bible goes much faster than mine!
In other ramblings, my sewing classes are going well- I learned to do a cap sleeve today, and am about to go and practice tonight- it is so much FUN! I miss Andy so much that it takes my breath away sometimes (silly, I know), and little miss took 2 steps today!
Am so thankful for the Lord's mercies that are new every morning.

Happy Wednesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

.... "One of them days"....

Yes, it has definitely been "one of them days", as the old-timers around here are wont to say. It all started at about 8:30 this morning. We took little Miss to the photographers to have her" one year old" pictures taken, and of course, she DID NOT want to cooperate. Now, don't misunderstand me, she was in a perfectly delightful mood, but would she be still??? Even for 2 seconds... noooooo. She had to investigate the backdrop, the camera, the photographers glasses, the crumb on the floor... and do absolutely anything but look at the camera. She repeatedly climbed off of the little chair she was sitting on, and crawled OFF of the backdrop. After finally managing to get a few decent shots, we headed outside to the little garden area to take some more. Then, the camera lens fogs up. Of course. While we are waiting to the cover and lens to un-fog (he didn't want to wipe them because of "streaking") little darling dumps a fistful of dirt all over herself and WHITE dress. And laughs. Meanwhile, photographer is ready for a shot, and we position her, and by this time, my hair is sticking to me, I have rivers of sweat pouring down my back (already 92 degrees, and who knows how much oppressive humidity) and am jumping up and down like some sort of maniac making animal sounds trying to get her to look at the camera. And everybody driving by is staring at me like I am a crazed lunatic (which I won't deny) and wondering why this woman is making monkey gestures and hanging from a tree branch. For the finale, little angel stuffs dress in her mouth and just stares at us. With a smile, of course. Ah, yes the adventures of taking photos with young'uns. I appreciate you some much more now, mama!! After packing up and leaving photographers, had to go to craft store, and mall. Craft store was uneventful. Mall was not. After Little Miss pulled a pile of shirts on top of her head, and big brother pulled shirts off the hanger on top of his ("we were just hiding from each other, mama", says big brother), and I made a couple of other little stops, we finally made it back to vehicle. A big sigh of relief until I discovered that ANDREW'S SHOES WERE GONE!! Yes, gone. I looked at him in disbelief, and he smiled the sweetest little angelic smile and said "Mommy, wook, I taked my shoes off". And mommy just wanted to melt into the pavement. So we backtracked. And found the shoes. And promptly came home. And I think I will stay here for a while, thankyouverymuch. Unless you count going over to my friend (and neighbor's) house for pizza with the girls tonight. THAT, my friends, is a necessity after today.
Happy Tuesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

3 Things.......

3 things.....
I got this over at Joy's blog, Joy in the Journey.

3 Things That Scare Me:
1. Something happening to my family
2. My husband going to Iraq
3. Snakes (I'm with ya on that one, Joy!!)

3 People/Things That Make Me Laugh:
1. My kids
2. My sister and my mom when we are all together
3. Chonda Pierce (Christian comedian)


3 Things I Love:
1. My Savior
2. My family
3. Rainy Saturday mornings

3 Things I Hate:
1. Snobs
2. Hurricanes
3. Handling any type of Financial Matters (Hugs to my hubby for doing this!)

3 Things I Don't Understand:
1. Why people pull out right in front of you in traffic, and then go 15 miles per hour??
2. Why some people belittle others to make themselves look better
3. How God could love someone like me so much

3 Things On My Desk:
1. Computer
2. Photos
3. Palm Pilot

3 Things I Want to Do Before I Die:
1. Watch my children grow up and accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior
2. See Paris again (this time with my husband)
3. Be surrounded with grandchildren

3 Things I Can Do:
1. Always make my kids laugh by being the silliest mama, ever!!
2. Sing
3. Play the piano

3 Ways to Describe My Personality:
1 .People person
2. Talker
3. Dramatic !!

3 Things I Can't Do
1. Play sports
2. Run 10 miles (working on)
3. Leave a bed unmade

3 Things I Think You Should Listen To:
1. Josh Groban
2. Southern Gospel
3. Classic George Strait

3 Absolute Favorite Foods:
1. Homemade biscuits with butter and muscadine jelly
2. Boiled shrimp with comeback sauce
3. Fried catfish and hushpuppies

3 Things I'd Like to Learn:
1. Another Language
2. Shadow Embroidery
3. Cake Decorating

3 Beverages I Like:
1. Sweet Tea
2. Diet Coke
3. Diet Barq's

3 Shows I Watched as a Kid:
1. The Dukes of Hazzard
2. Punky Brewster
3. Growing Pains

Happy Monday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Wearing her breakfast

This should have been a "Wordless Wednesday" post, but alas! it is Saturday. Little miss priss decided to rip her bib off, throw it on the floor, and SMEAR her breakfast (banana and cereal) everywhere (click for a closer look)- I had walked into my bedroom for 1 minute.... literally 1 minute (max) to get something, and I found THIS when I came back in. I just had to laugh... and grab the camera.
Happy Saturday to everyone! We're off to a fabulous indoor playground that we just discovered with my friend A. and her little one.
Much Love,
Jennifer

Bloggy Tour of Homes Y'all !!

One of my absolute FAV bloggers (and fellow native Mississippian) Boo Mama is hosting a Bloggy Tour of Homes on July 28th, and I'm definitely in for this one, click on the link for the details! If any of y'all haven't read her blog, get on over there! She is sooooo funny, and always a great pick me up! Can't wait to see everyone's home- hope y'all can participate.
Much Love, Jennifer

Vacation pics !

Here are a few pictures from our trip to North Carolina this past week. We had such a wonderful time, and it was great to see some of Andy's family! We attended a festival on Saturday that was taking place in the small N. Carolina town we visited, and it was a blast! We started the day out with a pancake breakfast at the local firehouse, shopped at the "General Store" downtown (you can see Andrew wearing his railroad hat, which he INSISTED on wearing backwards, *sigh*), watched clowns perform, saw the parade (note the John Deere tractors!), and attended a square dance that evening. Such a great time. And the weather. was. perfect. Little Miss Anna Kate required a little cardigan (as you can see from the photo of her with her daddy and her cousin, M. C.) as it was a little chilly that morning. A nice escape from the Mississippi (oven!) humidity we live in! Good company, good food, great memories!
Happy Friday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Calories, calories

While researching some different types of exercise recently, I came across something while surfing that I found very interesting.... Housework is considered exercise!!!!! Read below...

Housework is a form of exercise because you use the major muscles of the body (arms, trunk, and legs) and you can burn substantial amounts of calories. However, it is not as balanced as a formal exercise program wherein a fitness trainer makes sure that you tighten and stretch all your muscles properly. But housework can definitely be a practical way to stay fit while keeping your house clean.
Gardening 259 (APPROX. calories per hour)
Grocery shopping 194
Housecleaning 346
Ironing 122
Cleaning up after a party 245
Rearranging furniture 360
Stairclimbing 480
Washing dishes 122
Washing the car 245

I don't know about ya'll, but that really motivates me to clean house, wash the car and ... have more parties (just so I can clean up!). So, what are you waiting for... move away from that computer and get busy, girls! (I 'm talking to myself, too!) Too bad it doesn't say how many calories blogging burns per hour- but let's just pretend its 800. I know, I know, but a girl can dream, can't she??
Happy Friday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Meet the newest.......

Meet the newest member of our family. That's right- Just delivered, weighing in at about 20 or so lbs. is my brand spankin' new Singer 7466 sewing machine. I am one proud mama!

Much Love and
Happy Thursday!
Jennifer

Happy Anniversary

Happy 4th anniversary, sweetheart.... Can you believe it? Four years ago today, we stood in front of family, friends, and our Heavenly Father and said our vows.... and I mean them more today than I did then... and they mean more to me today than they did then. 2 kids, 2 houses, graduate school, *ahem* several pets, vacation adventures, bunches of hurricanes, a few tiny little arguments, and many kisses later, here we are. And I love and adore you more than ever. And I miss you more than anything....
Andy and Jennifer
July 13, 2002

Mi Vida Loca

Yes, Craziness is what my life consists of... Whew! This week has already been NUTS here .... Last weekend, I was in our church's "singing flag program"- a beautiful patriotic tribute- and was gone for 5 nights in a row... my sweet hubby did a wonderful job with my kiddos. Our little Andrew came to see the program on of the nights (it was 1 1/2 hours long) and did EXCELLENT (he is 2 1/2). He sat there like a little DOLL throughout- clapped, sang, laughed and was mesmerized by the lights, and was thrilled .... When it was my turn to sing, my hubby said he yelled out, MY MOMMY! ... left little doubt to everyone around to whom he belonged! And of Of course we left baby sister with relatives! And, of course, Tuesday was the big "4th" celebration with family, Yesterday was a party for our choir, today I had 5, 322 errands to do, a new baby to vist, and relatives to see, and tonight we are going out for our anniversary (not actually until next week). Andy is taking me to a wonderful restaurant on the 32nd floor of a hotel overlooking the beach... aptly named "32"... and tomorrow we are leaving to visit some of hubby's family in North Carolina... next week, (on the way home) we will visit Tupelo (birthplace of ELVIS! -- another of Andy's sisters lives there), and then on to stay with my sis in Jackson (our state capital)... and FINALLY home. The day after we get home, I'll be starting my new sewing classes, and my new gym membership!!!!!!! Okay, now I am exhausted from just typing it. But that is our life, ALWAYS crazy. AND... I said all of that to say.... I shall be absent from the blogosphere for about the next week. You know, life sometimes gets in the way of blogging! haha. I hope all of you have a great one, an I'm sure we'll have many adventures to share when we get back. I'll miss reading all of your great posts- but I'll catch up upon our return. We would covet your prayers as we travel. See all of you when we get back!
Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

How to...

My Grandmother wrote this on my "Pampered Bride" apron when we got married. I came across it again today.

How to Preserve a Husband
Be careful in your selection, do not choose too young. When once selected, give your entire thought to preparation for domestic use. Some insist on keeping them in a pickle, others are constantly getting them in hot water. This makes them sour, hard, and sometimes bitter. Even poor varations may be made sweet, tender and good by garnishing them with love and seasoning with kisses. Wrap them in a mantle of charity. Keep warm with a steady fire of domestic devotion and serve with peaches and cream. Thus prepared, they will keep for years.

Happy Wednesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Happy 4th !

Have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July... May we all eat burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, chips, baked beans and apple pie to our hearts content, hug lots of family members, let the kids play until they are good and exhausted, have NO SCHEDULES, and lie back and watch fireworks at the end of the day!
We are headed to my parents' home (about 30 miles away) with lots of other relatives to celebrate, and will probably be there until late tomorrow night!! I'm so excited- can't wait to eat some of Daddy's famous country ribs... Yummm-yyy.
Happy Birthday America!
Happy Monday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

YAY !!

Well, we (I) did it!! Little Mr. Andrew didn't turn out to be quite so much help.... *sigh* he broke one of the completed saucers when my back was turned because he was trying to make a "tower" out of the pots and saucers. But at least he had FUN, and it will be a good memory ! Because, ya know, in the big grand scheme of things, the broken saucer doesn't matter a fig... anyway ! I know ya'll are probably sick of hearing about this little project by now, but just HAD to share. They turned out cute, don't you think? I'm giving a couple of them away at a family get together this afternoon- I added the raffia bows to some of them, thought it was a nice touch.... !! Off to change and head out the door....
Happy Lord's Day
and Much Love,
Jennifer

Today's Project !

This is a photo of the little "patriotic" craft that Andrew and I will be attempting this afternoon (I'm sure mommy will be doing most of the work) ... but.... he will be painting the saucer, thankyouverymuch... a good little artist, he is... and sister's tiny hands will be far, far away from it! Hubby has to go to Home Depot this morning for some other things, and will be picking up the pots for us (yes I am making more than one). That dear, sweet man of mine can think of 1,000 excuses to go to a Home Improvement store..." I think we're out of ummmm.... extra nails and ummm.... more fence boards... that's it... fence boards, didn't you notice the one with the big split waaaaay out in the back ?"..... Whatever makes you happy, sweetheart- just glad I'm married to such a "manly man" who looooooves the home improvement warehouse... (Big smile on my face). How in the world do ya'll let me get off on such tangents!!! ANYWAY, ladies (and my 2 gentlemen readers... yes, I'm talking to you, brother, and you, cousin), here is the link for the project, they have lots of other fun "crafty" things to do with (or without!) your kiddos. I just picked this one for the upcoming holiday.
Happy, Happy, Happy Saturday! And... HAPPY JULY!!
Much Love,
Jennifer