Happy Easter!

Hope your Easter was wonderful!! We had a great day to top off a great (but extremely busy and hectic!) week. We went to church and spent and beautiful lunch/afternoon with relatives (and even took pictures by their beautiful azaleas, along with managing a family shot) Rare!
I have been so busy sewing new curtains, remodeling both children's rooms and making holiday preparations, that I haven't been around much lately. Thankfully, my plate is much less "full" this week, and life is settling back into its' normal pattern. Hooray! Tommorrow we've even planned a FUN trip to the Audubon Zoo. The kids are super excited and we can't wait either!

Happy Easter and Much Love,

Jennifer

Signs of spring !

Spring is definitely in the air around here !!

From a little boy making a birdhouse (with a little help from daddy of course!)...

to fat bunnies sleeping on a bed of moss....

to glittery eggs AND robin's eggs adorning the dining room....



Oh, and for a little eye candy, click here to see what Katie has done to decorate for Easter.... just gorgeous!

Dahling, you look mahvelous!

One can only HOPE that practice will make perfect....

Who? Me???

Gracious Sallie at A Gracious Home kindly interviewed me for her blog, and posted it today.
Check it out !

Happy Wednesday and Much Love,
Jennifer

Wanted: Self back.

This is just one of those weeks where I feel SO overwhelmed, and just like I don't have it all together... Can anyone relate?
This is a difficult thing for me to admit. I am ALWAYS organized, on top of things, and I don't like to admit it when if I am not. So There. I admit it, confess it, claim it, OWN it. Thankfully, this doesn't happen very often, RARELY actually, but this week?? yikes.
Case in point....
Monday- Go to jewelry store and pick up bracelet. This was on the TOP of my list. I drove all around downtown and essentially danced around the jewelry store, and what did I come home without?? You guessed it. Bracelet.
Needed jump drive out of computer for something I was working on before I left house. Left self note to remember. Double checked everything except for... jump drive.
I felt like Cathy in the cartoon strip . AAAACCKKKK!
Tuesday- Decided to take nap with kids this afternoon. Oversleep and leave house late to take Andrew to tee ball practice. Get almost all the way to ballfield. Realize don't have baseball glove or batting helmet. Make preschooler cry. Beat my head against steering wheel.
Forget to take meat out of freezer for supper. Am faced with frozen block to try and cook at 4 p.m. AAACCCKKKKKK!
Also, forget to take drycleaning by. Sheesh.

Let's just say my to do list this week???? ... has become my to DON'T list.
For someone who has a little (lot!) of OCD, these past 2 days have been a struggle.
I think I'll pray for my memory to show up again in the morning!!

Apparently

Yes... apparently disciplinary action taken against her older brother made quite an impression upon the little miss today.
This is the scene I found upon walking by our little foyer (where the "naughty corner" is located!)




Ahem.

When questioned about what transgression her tiny charge committed, her reply (without a moment's hesitation, or even looking up from her play), was
"she Not OBEY SHE MAMA!!!!"

Indeed.

I Wish....

A while back, PandaMom thought it might be fun if I played along with the little "I Wish" game. I have finally had time to actually follow through! So, without further adieu.... my "I wish" list



-I wish my children weren't growing up so fast

-I wish I had paid attention and tried to learn tatting and how to make those beautiful handkerchiefs from my great aunt G. before she died

-I wish I had a laundry fairy

-I wish I didn't automatically assume "worst case scenario"

-I wish I didn't worry so much

-I wish I had more scripture memorized

-I wish (and hope and pray) my children would grow up to walk in the TRUTH and in the light

-I wish I didn't have post-pregnancy stretch marks

-I wish for my children to have as wonderful a childhood as I did

-I wish people weren't so mean

-I wish some of my closest friends lived closer

-I wish my eyelashes were as long as my daughter's

-I wish our nation would turn to God

-I wish to be more bold in sharing my faith

-I wish I could be disciplined enough to wake up at 5 a.m. everyday

-I wish I were more disciplined about going to bed before midnight!! (Might help with above!)

-I wish I could visit New England every fall

-I wish I could go on a mission trip this year - even something really small

-I wish I didn't struggle with contentment- not just materially, but with myself, circumstances, family, etc.

-I wish I had a vegetable garden

-I wish I didn't crave chocolate and have a sweet tooth!

-I wish I were more patient with those who don't share the same viewpoint as I do

-I wish I had more time to read

-I wish I could bottle up the smell of my littles after their baths and save it forever

-I wish I had a photographic memory

-I wish I didn't cry so easily

-I wish I understood how some men can leave their families

-I wish I had a deep, wrap-around front porch

-I wish people didn't automatically have misconceptions about Southerners, Mississippians, etc. when they really don't have a clue that most of us really are educated, well-read and actually wear shoes.... we just speak a little slower than everyone else.

-I wish my children will be as fascinated by history and geneaology as I am

-I wish I could live in a past era for just one week.

-I wish people would use the word "perhaps" more- (it's one of my favorites)

-I wish people would take more pride in their appearance

-I wish our dog wouldn't dig holes in our grass and flowerbeds

-I wish getting a tan wasn't bad for you

-I wish I hadn't spent so much time in tanning beds when I was younger

-I wish everyone could experience the joy of knowing Christ

-I wish people really prayed for each other more, instead of just saying they are going to

-I wish I could meet so many of you in person and give you a big hug



What do you wish?? If you do a "wish list" leave me a comment and let me know! I'd love to read



Happy Thursday and Much Love,

Jennifer

Fabulousness....

.... IS that even a word?? Even if it doesn't grace the pages of Webster, it is perfect in describing how our little weekend getaway went! After a quick drop off of the kiddos at Daddy and Mama's we were OFF! Several stops, a cappuccino and lots of road trip music later, we arrived in the Delta.

Here to be exact.

We checked into our fab-u-lous digs, got mugs of real hot chocolate (seriously, real melted chocolate); I dove deep into the amazing linens, while Andy went to "explore"- (Such a MAN thing, don't you think?) I stayed contented there until time to cross the street for our 1 hour massages. Bliss. BLISS, I tell you. After I lifted my wet noodle of a body off of the table and sat in the steam room, I forced myself to get dressed and met A. to go back across the street to prep for dinner.

Dinner=divine. Dining at a former speakeasy with curtained booths and a buzzer to summon the waitress was a different experience to say the least! After a feast on Mississippi farm raised catfish (with the special sauce) and steaks, it was time to summon the shuttle back to our quarters. While we were gone, a good fairy had turned down the beds, and even left chocolate on our pillows to ensure sweet dreams!

Can I just tell you how amazing (did I mention wonderful) it felt to sleep in until AFTER 9 O'clock in the morning. Sure, I did crack my eyes at 7, but it was short-lived. My adventures in dreamland lasted 2 more good long hours. Showers and a lazy pace of getting ready followed. Then came the Southern breakfast buffet by the fireplace. Eggs, cheese grits (my FAV) accompanied by all manners of pork, fruits, frittatas, cereal, muffins, and juices were there for the eating. O.my.WORD. (!!!!)

After all the exertion of morning (HA!) I decided I needed a little rest, and perched myself on the bed with a book and my mandatory second cup of coffee. Andy.... wellll he went to the gym (Just HAS to make a girl feel bad!)

Checking out was followed by perusing small shops, a loooonnngg stroll through a bookstore (with a fabulous selection of southern lit- a favorite of mine!), antiques, jewelry and a children's boutique, and then time to head back to reality.... ALREADY? By this time the afternoon was marching on toward evening, and I began to feel just a wee ( I said a wee) bit sorry for my parents, and began to miss my littles (a bit more than a wee), and we headed south.

More gas, more diet cokes, more road trip music, and a quick stop at my sister's house in the capital city, and we arrived back in home territory, though it was way after dark!

After kisses and numerous hugs and squeals, we discerned that Anna Kate was on hairstyle #452 for the day, (her current phase) and that Andrew had been "hunting bears" with Papa in the woods (numerous times)! All had roasted marshmallows, gotten new toys, and been thoroughly and absolutely spoiled. And to top it all off, Mama had a nice, hot, homecooked meal waiting.... perfect ending, don't you think?

I can't WAIT to go back... and I'm thinking SOON!

Bliss

My crystal ball tells me that a trip here
and here is in my future! I. can't. WAIT!!
Anyone ever been? Comments? My parents and siblings swear it is the best thing EVAH!
I'll definitely be sharing details and photographic evidence!

Happy Thursday and Much Love,

Jennifer

4 things

I was tagged for this by my sis-in-law (via email) and decided to join in on the fun!! If you decide to do it, let me know in the comments- I'd love to read!

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Nurse on cardiac floor
2. Nurse in neonatal ICU
3. Nurse in Cardiac ICU
4. Nurse Practitioner

(B) Four movies I would watch over and over (or have
watched over and over)
1. Steel Magnolias
2. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
3. Sweet Home Alabama
4. Gone with the Wind

C) Four places I have lived:
1. My hometown, MS
2. Jackson, MS
3. New Bedford, MA (while on travel nursing assignment)
4. Current town, MS

(D) Four TV Shows that I watch:
1. Jon and Kate plus 8
2. Dancing with the Stars
3. What not to Wear
4. Supernanny

E) Four places I have been:
1. Paris, France
2. Venice, Italy
3. Luzern, Switzerland
4. Munich, Germany

(F) People who e-mail me (regularly):
1. Sister
2. Friend M
3. Friend J
4. Friend C

(G) Four of my favorite foods:
1. Homemade biscuits
2. Chicken and Dumplins
3. Queso Dip
4. Plain Hershey’s bar

(H) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Beach
2. Getting a massage
3. Getting a pedicure!
4. Nowhere??- (sounds silly, but pretty happy where I am at the moment!! )


(J) Four things I am looking forward to in 2008:
1. Becoming more involved in our new church
2. Summer
3. Vacation
4. Continuing to be entertained by my little lambs!!

Happy Monday and much Love!
>

Sillies

Apparently (or unfortunately), this attire is entirely indicitive of the weather we've been having in the past couple of weeks....
From the 20s to the 70s and back again, one is not sure whether to dress for the sunshine or the snow!

I guess a bathing suit top (OVER the cover up) paired with the hat and mittens is just the trick. Great job my little 2 year old fashionista!

I laughed until I almost lost my breath over this one. The 4 year old has become increasingly territorial with his, ummm, "art" lately. I guess when you have a Tasmanian devil for a little sister, you become a little protective of your property. At any rate, I found this "sign" attached to his latest masterpiece tonight. Phonetically speaking, I guess you can tell where we are from. (The accent even comes out in the writing.) He really did a great job of "sounding out" the words to spell them, and subsequently marked his sign with his name. Guess we need to work a little on the punctuation! Cracks. me. UP!!!

Happy Sunday and much love,

Happenings.....

F i n a l l y, this (after much deliberation and gnashing of teeth over the overwhelming amount of choices available)...

has been the scene in our living room (and hallway). Buh-bye, carpet.... hello, beautiful wood. I have been sooo excited for this, and as of yesterday, the project is COMPLETED! Now I have an excuse to look for an area rug!!

These (!!!!!!!)

...were for Valentines Day, along with some other sweet happies....

The sweetest of all being this...





Heart=full.

Happy Friday and much love,

Favorite Randomness (Abbreviated!)

Favorite kid quote of the week- "I not bad, I just wyy-uld"



Favorite new obsession- These candles (Especially "High Maintenance"!!) Oh my WORD!! Do your senses and favor and get one please.



Favorite soundtrack of all time - Yeah, THAT would be This



Favorite color for decorating- yummy chocolate/espresso brown- especially since our bedroom and bathroom just got makeovers in shades of this color mixed with gold- ummm, ummm, UMMMM



Favorite nail polish (current)- "Have you seen my Limo?*"- by OPI* of course! I am loving the aubergine tones now...



Favorite new store- Plantation* Interiors- FabuLOUS!



Favorite feeling- 2 chubby little hands on either side of my face and a wet sloppy kiss planted firmly in the middle.



Favorite indulgence- Bath-so-hot-I'm-about-to-pass-smooth-out (and the obligatory bubbles, of course) with above mentioned candles and soundtrack--- bliss....!!



Favorite new restaurant- Bonefish*Grill- Yumm-eeee.


Okay, now...What about yours???


Happy Wednesday and

Much Love,

From our family to yours......

... The Merriest of Christmases and the happiest of holidays! We are (happily) busy gadding about visiting families, attending the festivities of the season and the celebrations of our Savior's birth.

May your holidays be merry and bright!

Happy Sunday and Much Love!

Jennifer

The Holiday princess....

The Holiday princess (or so her little shirt says) is a bit under the weather, and had to pay a visit to the pediatrician today. Her temperment in the doctor's office matches her hair- WILD. So much so that when she even catches a glimpse of Dr. M., she begins the shrieking..... and shrieking.... and.. well, you get the picture. Thanks to a "lolli", and the passage of a little time, she was right back to her sunny little self. She even took her breathing treatment without so much as a wimper. I HAD to get photographic evidence if only to convince Dr. M. next time we are in the office that she does have other volumes besides, uhhh, loud and LOUDER!!


This afternoon has been a hoot. I embarked upon the annual sugar-cookie-making-from scratch-with-two-little-ones-am-I-losing-my-mind extravaganza with great gusto. Andrew and Anna Kate began with great enthusiam (key word here is began) but soon abandoned me for other loftier pursuits- namely- playing "doctor". I looked over and found this scene in the dining room.



Narration was as follows:
Anna Kate: "Hush you mouf bubbie, no more scweeming" (mind you, Andrew was being quiet as the proverbial mouse)
Andrew: "Dr. Anna my tum-tum hurts"
AKate: "Okay, bubbie, it be awight- here is you edda-sin" (medicine) "Take it wike a fweet boy"
Akate: "Okay, get up- you done" "I SAID get up" "WIIIIGGHHHT NOW"
Ahhhhh- such compassion- let's just hope she's not YOUR doctor in 25 or so years.



Happy Tuesday and Much Love,

Elf Yourself !!

Click here to see what we had fun with this evening....
Seriously, this was hysterical. I thought our little Andrew would never stop laughing at it!
So, what are you waiting for??.... there's a little elf in all of us just dying to get out!


Happy Thursday and Much Love,
Jennifer

It's been a long, long time!

YIKES!! It's been quite a while, hasn't it??


No, I haven't dropped off of the face of the earth....



Things here have been, let's see... busy, wonderful, hectic, memorable, crazy, fun (I think that's all the adjectives I'll use for today) but, in short, we've just been living LIFE- and it has been grand.



I miss blogging, though. So, on this lazy (YAY!) Sunday afternoon, I thought I'd make a re-entrance. At any rate, Happy December! See you soon...



Much Love, Jennifer

A few photos of our "fall happenings"

Annual "Salute to the military" (October)




Thanksgiving at Gram's





Fall Ball !!

And so it begins...

... Football season that is! Even with a little bit of rain during the pre-game "cookout", which turned into a "cook-in", we thoroughly enjoyed the "big game" last night at the college. The kiddos were enamored with the cheerleaders, the football players, mascot, band- the whole atmosphere. Mommy, Daddy and the kid's grandparents were enamored with the cooler temperatures and the cooler breezes that seemed to blow our way. WELCOME Fall!!
Happy Friday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Prayers

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer....
If you are so inclined, please pray for 2 precious, precious friends of mine. They are both near and dear to my heart and are going through some of the hardest things I can imagine right now.
I received phone calls from both of them 2 days ago (these 2 ladies live in different towns and do not know each other) and BOTH of them are dealing with strikingly different circumstances right now. There are children involved, adultery, and more evil than I want to know about. My heart is in anguish for them. Please pray for strength, wisdom and courage for these families in the coming days.
Thanks y'all....

Project Completed!

Check out the new sandbox (minus the sand!!) that my talented hubby built for our kiddos! I spent about 30 minutes sewing together the awning last night (looks a little funny in the pics 'cause the wind is blowing!) and VIOLA! We're done! Now all that's left to do is move it to the backyard and get the sand. Hopefully by tomorrow, we will be blissfully whiling away the afternoon in our backyard beach!

Happy Wednesday and Much Love,