Christmas List

My man always waits until the last minute to go Christmas shopping. Not me. I like to buy in advance so I'm not stressed out by the time the big day rolls around. I almost always have a few that I need to pick up a few days before Christmas, though. It never fails. I'm not where I'd like to be on our list, but hopefully we'll get there. As usual, I thought I'd make it easier on J when he goes out shopping. Not that he's not good at choosing gifts for me- he is. BUT...I am diggin' these:

Do you shop well under pressure? I don't. Yesterday, I was feeling the stress of SEVEN DAYS and I wandered around aimlessly after the two gifts I went after were nowhere to be found. I was power walking through our tiny little mall like no one's business, but I wasn't getting anywhere. Sigh.

Tis the Season.

Thoughts on Baby #3 and Friday Link Love

Thank you all so much for the congrats and in case you haven't heard:

We are expecting! I tend to tell people when these things come about because I'm just so excited and because, well, I'm a writer. I need to write. I need to document. My feelings get all sorted out this way. While this was such a beautiful surprise for us, it's also a little scary. I wonder what the transition from two to three will be like! We'll be outnumbered after all. It was a surprise, but we do want a big family and so this is just perfect for us. We know these years will be precious and fleeting and perhaps a bit crazy, but we are thrilled to have this blessing and a new adventure as a family of five. I'm newly pregnant so of course I would appreciate your prayers for a healthy baby. I won't be going to the doc until after Christmas because the schedule was just too crazy, but I'll know more then. I wanted to share our news on social media because I knew if anything happened to this precious life I wouldn't grieve silently. I'd have to write about it. We are hoping and praying that this little one grows to a healthy, happy babe in about 8 months. Thank you for your support and love! Also:

It's time again for...

1. It's nearly Christmas and I still haven't done my annual (virtual) Christmas List! My husband really depends on that, but I just haven't had time. I thought I'd throw this in the ring, though. I want P90X3! Get ripped in 30 minutes? Surely I can do that ;) Anyway, here's my favorite Beachbody lady, fellow blogger, Alana!
2. Also in the spirit of Christmas, my favorite web designer posted a Joy To The World free printable! It's pretty. I'd print it if we had any colored ink left. Ink cartridge is on my list of "crap to get".
3. If you don't make any other cookie this holiday season, make this one! My mom makes the best thumbprint cookie EVER. Not an exaggeration. You will definitely want to hop in that kitchen ;)

Anyway, what else did I miss on the world wide web today? Send me the good things you've found!

December Goals

I made some blanket type goals for 2013- the kind those in the psychology world know to be Crappy Goals (ok, I made that up). I wanted to get fit. I wanted to read more. I wanted to write more. There were others, but as I typed out just what I wanted to accomplish this year, it was only half-heartedly that I did so. Goals should be measurable and specific, something all of these lacked. When I saw Laura write out her goals for this month alone, I started thinking- Why wait until New Years to get crackin' on the things I want in my life? Here's what I'm working on this month:

1. 10,000 words on novel- I have begun writing the next great fiction novel. Get excited, folks! Seriously, though...I want to reach at least 10,000 words making the total word count around 13,000 by the end of the month.
2. Drink 3 camelbaks of water daily (at least!)
3. Workout 4x (at least) per week
4. Bring Christmas Cheer to our neighbors (deliver cookies, write a sweet note, caroling) (bahaha on that last one). What an odd practice caroling is...so I'm totally kidding with that one. I can't carry a tune in a bucket.
5. Start and Finish homemade gift for my sweet Cray K. I look forward to showing you all this one!

What are your goals for the last month of 2013?

Camping Themed Party {with bonus Christmas Craft!}

I'm not much of a party person, but I wanted to acknowledge and celebrate my youngest on his very first birthday. I thought about simply buying a cake and calling it a day, but instead I did a little crafting and created a space and some snacks that were fit for a day of camping!

I started off the throwing-together-of-the-birthday-extravaganza at Goodwill. Love that place. I found the plaid there in the form of a fitted bed sheet. I proceeded to rip and cut it up until I had a table runner, ornaments, and specialized decor for the food and drinks. The sheet was half off, too. Score.
I also found the large plaid bow on the top of the tree and two plaid table napkins there for half its price as well.

The Menu:
Live Bait (Tackle box full of gummy worms)
Bird Food (Chex mix)
Tall Trees (Pirouline Cookie Sticks)
Bacon Ranch Turkey Sandwiches
Mud Cups (No bake cookies)
Meats, Cheeses, and Crackers
Hot Chocolate
and of course- water, wine, beer, and cake- because you can't celebrate birthdays without those.

My son shares his birthday with his YaYa. How special!

As I mentioned before, much of the decorating was done courtesy of Goodwill. The rest was derived from around the house and the great outdoors. I walked the length of the back yard in search of fresh greens, pine cones, and branches to fill the space. I found a lovely branch with pine needles still attached to hang over the table. The other branches I used to display photos of the boy in celebration! I tied scraps of the sheet fabric sporadically on them and added bobber ornaments that I made by using a hot glue gun to adhere an ornament hook to it.

That's not the craft I wanted to show you, though...

How To Make Country Christmas Filler Ornaments For Your Holiday Decor

You'll need:
*hot glue gun with hot glue sticks (duh)
*Styrofoam balls
*burlap ribbon
*plaid fabric (don't purchase fabric, y'all- seriously. Go to Goodwill and look for large sized Men's plaid shirts or maybe you'll get lucky like I did and find a whole sheet!)

Directions:
*Cut fabric in one inch wide strips that will wrap around the entirety of the ball
*Glue the beginning of the strip to the ball and the end of the strip over that
(Note: Don't make it much longer because you'll start to have ends showing all over the place. Not good, my friends.)
*Cover the ball completely
*Knot burlap at the top in a bow or tie like fashion and glue it down (don't burn yourself) (And if you do, don't start aggressively whistling Good King Wenceslas because you will soon question your sanity)
*Finally, loop a Christmas hook through the burlap and you've got mass Christmas decor for cheap!

Merry Almost Christmas (21 Days!)
and a very, very happy birthday to two of my favorite people. You both mean the world to me. Love ya!

Phooey

Every year at this time, an uneasiness sits heavy on my heart. Call it dread or call it paranoia, but I just know it as memories that won't go away. Thanksgiving is often bittersweet. Life goes on, though...the years passing quickly. Despite the worries that this time typically brings for me, I find it so easy to look around and count all the many blessings that have been showered upon us. For the first time in five years, I'll be home on Thanksgiving day! I can't believe the journey that has brought us back to Tennessee. I know it was orchestrated by the Almighty God; that's the only explanation. We are home and I'm so thankful for that. Even more, I'm thankful for my two delightful, healthy boys who are currently running circles around each other laughing and playing. This post is taking forever to write because I keep pausing to admire K's little curls on top of his head and the sweet smile Baby A gives out to everyone. They are mine? Yes, they really are. I'm so very blessed.

To celebrate this time of year and finally being home, I've already started decorating the house. Every year, I have to fight my husband on this. He would prefer I wait until after Thanksgiving, but because I like to deck (all) the halls it is often a process here. I've been decorating for days now and I'm not even close to being done. I get that from my mama.

To those of you who would say I'm hurrying through life, I'm not thankful, or I'm skipping Thanksgiving to that I say:

PHOOEY!

The excitement my kids express when the trees are all lit up is something I hope to never forget. I want to savor the 5,437x a day I hear K shout, "Christmas Tree!" which sounds a lot more like ChiscasTee. What's so wrong about counting your blessings around holiday decor on Thanksgiving Day? Nothing, I tell you. 

My house won't be complete until we get the real tree up in the den in December, but here's a peek at what I've been up to lately-

6 trees up and at least two more to go!

Do you go what my husband calls "Christmas Crazy" with decorating during the holidays?

One last update of 2012

Dear Friends,

How are you? I'm doing well. I trust you all had a Merry Christmas. I hope so. I've been MIA, but I'm back now. We've been drifters, moving from place to place over the holidays. Now, we've officially moved into my grandparents' house where we'll be staying over the next few months before we make the move to Jacksonville...and man, are we getting spoiled here! There's been lots of jumping on the bed and...oh, I kid, I kid. But we are really enjoying our time here and are incredibly thankful to my grandparents for helping us out (again).

Christmas was delightful.

Sweet little Cray K took an active part in opening his gifts this year which was a drastic change from last year. It was fun to watch him rip into paper and thoroughly enjoy the wrapping paper and box more than the toy itself. I don't know why we bought him anything really. He would have been good with tape, crinkly paper, and empty boxes.

He is also really doing well in his new role as Big Brother. There is some jealousy at times, but there are also many sweet moments like the one above. He often rocks Baby A or hands him his paci. It's too cute, folks. Of course, I'm a little biased.
Baby A has exceeded my expectations. When I was pregnant with him, I truly had no clue what I would do as a mother of two. K gave me such a hard time as a tiny babe that I knew nothing else. Baby A is quiet, cuddly, and sleepy- three things that Cray K definitely was not. I spent the first few weeks asking my mom what was wrong with Baby A. I had no idea a baby could be so quiet. I finally understand the expression "slept like a baby" because before I had no idea what people were talking about. These two polar opposites are my world! I've had some awful days- ones where I just knew I was in over my head with having two babies under two in my care, however my thoughtful friends reminded me that "God doesn't make mistakes" and He meant me to be a mother to both of them. I just repeat that to myself when they're both screaming at the same time! Honestly, that doesn't happen too much.
I feel as if I should spend the next 60 minutes knocking on wood, just in case.
I'm not going to do that, though...because I'm tired and both boys are asleep so I should be, too. Thanks for sticking with me during my quiet phase. I am excited to be able to write again. Please forgive me for taking forever to respond to comments on previous posts. I lost access to my email for awhile and it has been a big mess. I'm going to work on that tomorrow, too.

Happy New Year, my friends.

XOXO,

Recap

*dusting off the keyboard*

Hello. My name is Mrs. K and I'm the brains behind this little blog. I feel as if I should introduce myself since I've been gone for so long. It has been a busy last few weeks. Just to recap:

2 Weeks Ago:

Photo Credit

We welcomed sweet Baby A into the world. I can't imagine my life without this precious boy now. Our lives have become so much busier, but so much fuller, too. I love him so much.

Here we are at his first appointment:

3 Days Ago:

We left our home in Louisiana (and the Army) to drive to TN for Christmas. Captain J is done with his military career and is moving on to civilian life. We'll be here for a month or two and then we're moving again.

Here's our crazy family dog, Lucy, after swiping an ornament-

It's good to be home.

Cray K is good, too-

There he is with his dad on Friday, just before we hit the road to leave. I can't believe how big he is getting! All parents say that, don't they? Typical.

I just love my babies. Sorry I'm not sorry.

In regard to recent events in CT, I'm squeezing them both even tighter. I doubt I'll ever have any words to explain what I felt when I turned on the news that day. Days later, I can't even fathom the depths of evil this world has and my heart is breaking. Shattering.

What is happening to our families?
To our schools?

It's terrifying.

Perhaps I'll have more to say on the tragedy later, but right now...

The best response I can think of is to spend time with my own children- teaching them, loving them.

Thanks for checking in with us. We'll chat soon.

Love,

Holiday Favs

Lovely Monday mornin', isn't it? I've been enjoying the light rain this am and working on some projects which include organizing, sewing diapers, and working on my Scentsy business. I must be nesting! I can hardly believe I only have about eleven weeks left until we meet Baby A. There's so much to do!

Anyway, I know a lot of you over-achievers like to get a jump start on your holiday shopping so I wanted to share some of my favorites from the new Holiday Collection from Scentsy in hopes that you'll fall in love with these pieces, too and order a gazillion for all your friends and family. Any of these would be perfect for those Dirty Santa Swaps that people like to have. Personally, I don't like that game. I don't think I've ever stolen a gift from anyone. I'm so lame. I digress.

Here are my favorites:

Not quite ready to discuss Christmas yet? Start browsing the holiday collection for your Halloween and Fall Needs! There are lots of cute things for all you Halloween lovers out there.

I've got some personal specials going on right now, too. Email or private message me on fb or Twitter to hear about those!

a quick update

I have a few moments to spare as I'm sipping on coffee, the baby is down for his nap (hopefully) and I'm waiting on my husband to be done hunting so I thought I'd write a bit. After all, it really relaxes me. I could use a relaxation moment. A cracking, warm fire might be nice, too. Christmas was wonderful. Perfect, even.



Until around 7PM when I started to feel that nausea wave rolling over me like I hadn't felt since the first trimester of my pregnancy. I was worried.

As the night progressed, so did my illness. And it wasn't long before I was emptying my stomach of all of that yummy holiday food I had eaten that day. Hello, 24 hour virus. That's about how long it lasted. Now, I'm feeling much better and very thankful it was only short-term. I just hope I didn't pass it along to any of our friends and family. I'd hate to have a dozen people cursing my name as the New Year rolls in!

I got everything I wanted and more for Christmas. I'm one blessed little lady!

The Captain, the baby, and I will be headed back to Louisiana soon. Boy, am I NOT looking forward to that drive. I will be glad to get back to our little life together. There's just something about being in your own house that is comforting. It's a feeling that you're not imposing. When we visit home, I often feel like people are ready for us to be out of their hair by the end of it. This could just be in my head, though. Anyway, I have a lot to look forward to when we get back to Ft. Polk. First of all, we'll be starting Baby K on rice cereal when we get home! He's getting to be such a big boy. Also, it won't be long before the bible study group starts back up again...AND my bloggy pal, Jenn will be joining us in Cajun country come February!

What are you looking forward to in the new year?

never again...

Will I brag on my child sleeping well. NEVER not ever. And that's all I have to say about that.
Did you say that in your best Forrest Gump voice as you read? I did.
Our break is going well. It's difficult to travel with an infant that is so dependent upon his schedule. I haven't gotten to see my friends at all aside from a few minutes in the church parking lot at Baby K's dedication (thanks for coming Faye!). It makes me sad. My life is not my own any more, though. I share it with my sweet boy and I wouldn't have it any other way! If he needs his rock and play and a quiet place to nap, well then that's what we do. I love that kid more than words can express.
The next few days will be crazy hectic as it is for most people. I hope I can keep my mind focused on the reason I celebrate. God sent Jesus into the world for me. It still blows my mind thinking about the depth of his love for me! MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!
Over and out.
~Mrs. K

Cherish these

I'm sooo enjoying our break with family! It makes me want to get out of the Army, move home, and live a quiet small town life around the people I love! I don't know if that's an option in the near future with the job market the way it is now. Until then, I'll just cherish the moments I do get.

Like gathering around the Christmas tree with family...



and getting some quality time with good ole Luce-



(and watching Captain J try and fail to make a relationship with her happen. She hates him and it's quite funny!)

It's also awesome that YaYa can get Baby K from looking like this:



to looking like this:



He loves it here.

And I hope he will continue to as he grows older.

Captain J and I think of Tennessee as home and we wonder if our little Army brat will, too.

XOXO,

Mrs. K

(*all photos taken with Instagram. My user name is: KSJD22)

Ghosts of Christmas(es) Past

Two of my favorite Alaskan Bloggers that I had the pleasure of meeting posted about previous holidays with their families and so it made me want to, too!

And just so you know...I thought the title of this post was so clever until I went to link up to Shannon's original post and realized I really just copied her. Ha!

Anyway, here's the other blogger who wrote about it, too. If you're looking for more blogs to read, check them out.

Without further ado:

2008- Our first Christmas together was spent actually very far apart. Captain J was in Iraq and I was worried about him from Tennessee. This was a tough holiday season as I caught a glimpse of what was to come in my future with him. Military life is so much harder when holidays roll around. Still, I tried to make the best of it and sent him a gazillion packages so he would have something to open for two weeks straight! This was also the year that I may (or may not) have had one too many glasses of wine and told Captain J's dad and a family friend of my undying love for him through wet, soppy tears.

What? I'm no pillar of strength.

I had fun, too though.

I went to a Tacky Sweater Party

and the annual (not so traditional) Christmas caroling

2009- This was a lovely year for us. I was just so happy to have him home and I know he was elated to BE home. We celebrated Christmas as a newly engaged couple and were married shortly after the new year!

2010- This year was crazy hectic. In November, we made the long journey from Alaska to Georgia. Thanksgiving was spent on a boat floating around Alaska and Canada. We made it home by Christmas, though and were able to announce our news that a very special gift would be arriving in 8 months!

We had written on the flip side of our Christmas cards that year that it was also from Baby K, but it took them awhile to see it.

We were pleased as peaches to know we would soon be parents!

2011- This makes three years in a row that I've had my soldier home for Christmas. I can't tell you how happy and grateful I am to say that. I know he'll have to leave again, but I'm cherishing this first Christmas we have together as a family of three. Waking up to this sweet boy makes me the happiest woman in the world! I'm incredibly, incredibly blessed.

something(s) to smile about

I thought I'd do a little house cleaning around here on the ole blog. I'm dusting the cobwebs off the keyboard as we speak because it just didn't get used much yesterday. I was a busy little bee- cleaning, packing, organizing, and all the stuff that is required to move a four month old, a husband, and me away for two weeks. If you're reading this, it probably means I'm on my way home sweet home. A tender Tennessee Christmas is calling my name...

I hope you'll forgive me if my posts are sporadic, but I'll likely be soaking up my time with loved ones.

I do have some posts scheduled, though! So come on back and check me out when ya can.

Earlier this week, I posted over at my spiritual blog. I like writing my bible studies over there from time to time. Follow if you'd like! Anyway, the main reason I posted there was because I made a video of my sweet boy and a song that always speaks to me and it just wouldn't post here so go check it out if you wanna!

What else is exciting in my world?

BLOGGY PALS!

This little lady sent me a sweet package of things for Baby K. Thank you so much for your kindness, Becca! I really apprecitate it. I can't wait to see my boy in the clothes you sent and I'll definitely get some use out of that book.

I'm feeling so grateful and warm thinking about all my friends this holiday season. I've truly been blessed in that department! Some I "met" online and some I've known for years, but each connection gives this lil ole housewife something to smile about so thank you...Thank you!