Decorating For Christmas

This morning I slept till after 9:30.  I got up, heated a cup of coffee, and grabbed some leftover turkey-yum!  I sat down and read some chapters in the Bible.  Then, I read other stuff till Ryan got up.  I don't remember what time it was.  We had plans to put up the outside lights.  Ryan started putting together the deer before he ate breakfast.

BTW, these are all phone pics, so they are not that good.  

Can you tell that is a deer? Anyway, he brought up the icicle lights from downstairs and checked to make sure they were working.  I told him I needed to wash dishes before I went outside (I left them from last night).  I got them out of the sink and stacked them. Goodness, I couldn't believe how many there were.  I had washed yesterday as I cooked. Ugh!

Right when I started washing the dishes, he told me he wished he had hand warmers. It was freezing outside. I told him I could make him some. So, I stopped washing dishes and went to get the material to make them. I get distracted so easy!

After I cut them out, I had to hand sew them because my sewing machine is not working. It took quite a while, but I got it done.

Ryan wanted to go to the store and get some light hangers and extension cords, so I hurried to get ready (dishes still not done!).

We decided to go to the Dollar Store because Walmart was probably crazy busy. The Dollar Store had everything we needed. Yay! While we were out, we went to church and changed the sign. 

Ryan takes the letters down, I put up the new ones.

You can't see it well, but it says "Don't leave Christ out of your Christmas season". Ryan said, "why don't you just say Jesus is the reason for the season." I told him I see that everywhere, and I thought people may look right over it since they see it so much. But, if they had to read the whole saying to get the message, it may stick in their minds. 

As we were leaving church, I took the dust picker upper thingie and went over the rug at the door. I saw a few specks on it and wanted to make sure Ryan and I left it clean. I got so involved in cleaning the rug and hurrying out, that I forgot my purse. I realized it after I got home. I had my phone and my keys with me, so I didn't go back to get it. I will hopefully get it tomorrow.

Ryan and I started on the lights as soon as we got home. (dishes still not done!)  He climbed the ladder, put on the hooks, and lights. I connected the light strands together, put duck tape over the connections (we always do that so moisture can't get in them), and held them for him. 

It was so cold there were still patches of snow on the ground.

Ryan cleaned out the gutters as he went along. There were long pieces of ice in them. He said it was heavy.

Around 5PM, I came inside and washed the dishes.  It felt wonderful to get them all clean.  Ryan stayed outside decorating.

Mark took a picture on his phone when he came home from work. Remeber this is a phone picture, so it is poor quality. I was too lazy to go out in the cold to get a picture with my camera.

We are not finished. We still need to decorate the bushes and put lights in the windows. I will try to post a camera picture when we get all of it done.

For supper I just had leftovers from yesterday. It was so easy yet so very delicious. I thought some of it tasted better today than yesterday. It was so yummy! After we ate, Mark wanted me to watch a movie with him. We watched "Man of Steel" (Superman). It was so awesome amazingly great!! Ok, I'm kidding. That is what Mark would say about it. I would say that it was good, but the fight scenes were toooooo long. They were busting thru buildings, smashing cars, and shooting into outer space (yawn)...things guys love. I just wanted to know what was going to happen after the fight scene. Ha! I loved watching a movie with him though and that it was one he loved. And, I made it thru the whole thing without falling asleep. Praise the Lord. ;) I was really tired, so I could feel my eyes closing. I am sure Mark would have loved me falling asleep during his favorite movie of the year. Hahaha!

After the movie was over, I put away the leftover food and stacked the dishes in the sink (again). I know, I know, I am awful. I just feel too tired to worry about it tonight. After washing all of those right before supper, and only eating leftovers, there really isn't many. They should be fine to wait till tomorrow morning. 

I have a lot I hope to accomplish tomorrow (Lord willing). I want to put Christmas lights on the bushes, finish putting the ornaments on the tree, wash the whites, wash the dishes (of course), iron clothes, and prepare my Sunday School lesson. Oh, and I have to go get my purse.  I hope I can get it all accomplished.  

Thank God for a good day! I pray you all have a wonderful night and day tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving

Today has been one of the best Thanksgiving I have ever had.  I am so thankful for my blessings.  To be all together as a family with Andrew, Nikki, and the babies made it wonderful! Family, good food, and being thankful is my idea of a perfect Thanksgiving. This day had it all. The only thing I regret is I didn't take any pictures..can you believe it??? Grrrrrr

Haley and Mason came in with smiles and hugs.  Ahhh, it thrilled my heart to see them. Haley ran to me and gave me a hug. Mason reached for me. :) I got him and gave him a big hug and kisses.  He just smiled.  Oh, I love those babies so much! 

I was so organized this year. All I had to do when they got here was slice the ham, and we were ready to eat.  Haley and Mason didn't seem too hungry.  Nikki said it hadn't been long since they had eaten breakfast.  I fed Mason and Nikki fed Haley.  After they ate, they went to play, and then we ate.  It was so good for all of us to be together.   

Nikki and Andrew ran to the store, and when they came back, they went to take a nap while Ryan and I watched the babies.  I tried to get Mason to sleep, but there was too much for him to think about to settle down.  I love how he looks around the room and seems to study everything. I didn't have a sippy cup for him today, so I gave him his drink in a bottle I had.  While we were rocking, he drank his apple juice.  When he finished, he would take his finger and flip the top of the bottle nipple.  I would act like it would scare me, and he would laugh out loud.  It was so adorably precious!! 

 I thought maybe if I let him lay in Ryan's bed he would go to sleep.  He is used to going to sleep on his own.  He crawled and played and ended up bumping his mouth on the side.  It bled a little and he cried hard.  Bless his little heart. It was so sad!  I know it had to really hurt.  It makes me sad just to think about it.  I was never able to get him to sleep.  It just wasn't what he is used to.

Ryan had been watching Haley while I got Mason to sleep. He carried her downstairs and got extra tree lights for the tree. He told me later that she would find the ones that weren't working, and he would replace them.  How sweet for them to work together. They also watched videos on his tablet.  

When I realized I wasn't going to be able to get Mason to sleep, I brought him to Ryan and then tried to rock Haley to sleep.  At first she wanted to watch a video on her mom's phone, but the battery got low.  Then, I tried to load Kindle on my computer to read books to her (she loves that), and it wouldn't load.  So, I ended up not getting her to sleep either. She decided she was hungry, so I went to get her something to eat.  She hadn't eaten much earlier, so I was thrilled for her to eat.  She is such a sweetheart! I fed Mason more too.  Mason has a wonderful appetite and can eat anytime. :)  I just wish Haley was like that.

Today I noticed when Mason was playing that he loves to stack things.  He got a couple brass candlesticks (yes, they are more fun than toys) out of my end table.  He would stack them up, and he even stuck his play fork in the spot where the candle goes on the top one.  It made a high tower, and I think he loved it.  He also loves cars--anything with wheels.  He crawls around rolling them on the floor.  Oh, and we got to see him walk some.  We cheered for him and he smiled. He is such a doll!

Haley loves for someone to read books to her.  She got a book and sat in Andrew's lap while he read to her.  (why didn't I take a pic??) She also loves to work puzzles.  She likes putting things together. She and I worked on putting together a foam gingerbread house. We didn't finish because I had to change Masey's diaper and rock him to sleep.  It's ok tho'. We should be able to finish another time.  

They left a little after 4PM to go to Nikki's mom and dad's.  It was sad to see them go.  Mark said he wished they lived here (in town).  I do too.  I pray that God will work out something wonderful that they can move back. I love where they live, but I would rather have them here.

Haley had to touch the snow as she was leaving. :)  She got some on her finger and walked to the car.  She was going to take it with her. LOL  So cute!!!  She didn't cry as she left which was a great blessing to me.  Everything went great. Thank God!!!  

I came back inside from saying bye to them, and immediately cleaned up the toys.  Then I went to the kitchen and cleaned.  I got everything put in containers and into the fridge.  I put all of the dirty dishes in the sink. I still have to wash them, but I got the kitchen straightened again.  I have been so organized today which is very unusual for me.  I have worked this whole week preparing for this day.

Monday I cleaned.  Tuesday Ryan and I put up the Christmas tree--he puts it up, I decorate it.  It takes hours and hours.  I still am not finished putting on the ornaments.  Wednesday I spent the whole day cooking and washing dishes.  Ryan vacuumed and steam mopped.  He is such a blessing to me!!  

This morning I got up a little after 6.  The first thing I did was bow on my knees thanking God for his blessings and asking for a wonderful day.  We are so very blessed and most of it we take for granted.  

Last night I worked putting ornaments on the tree.  I don't know what happened, but my wrist at my hand started hurting really bad. I ignored it as best I could and continued doing what I had to do.  
When I went to bed last night, I could hardly bear the pain. I had to hold it in a certain position for it not to hurt. I worried how am I going to hold my babies, fix the food, etc..... I prayed God please heal it.  I believe in You and know You are able to heal me.  I finally got it in a position so I could go to sleep.  This morning I could hardly believe how much better it was.  I went about my day and it is now fine. Praise God!!  

This year I brined my turkey, and it turned out great. Nikki said she thought it was the best turkey she had ever eaten. Yay!!!!  I think so too.  It was so moist. I read on "Smockity Frocks" and "Pioneer Woman" how to do it.  Yesterday around 12PM, I put the turkey in a huge plastic ziplock bag and covered it with water.  Since it was a frozen turkey, they add salt to keep it tender (I think).  Soaking it in water draws out the salt.  

Last night I emptied the water and added new water.  I also added a little over a cup of salt and a cup of brown suger before I put the turkey back in it.  Early this morning, I poured off the brine and rinsed the turkey.  I then covered it in water again for twenty mintues to draw out some of the salt.  I heated the oven to 450* and put about an inch of water in the bottom of my turkey pan.  This is important because the steam from the water helps it stay moist. I had to add water during the cooking time to keep it steaming.  I put a half onion, half of an apple, and three garlic cloves in the cavity. After it had cooked an hour, I made a tent out of aluminum foil and put that over it.  I only cooked it another hour and twenty minutes. Then I took it out and covered it all really well to keep the heat in.

I also put a ham in the crock pot this morning and cooked it until they got here (around noon).  I made a sauce to go over it with brown sugar, dry mustard, regular mustard, garlic, and pineapple. I loved it!!  Yummy!!  I fixed creamed potatoes, turkey gravy, fresh cooked carrots, Mary's dressing, homemade bread (from a box), and cranberry sauce. Ryan made sure I had cranberry sauce. He said it isn't Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce.  For dessert I fixed crustless pumpkin cheesecake, butterscotch pumpkin cupcakes, and crustless chocolate pie.  It was a feast, and I have eaten way too much today. I am thrilled at how much Ryan has eaten tho'. This afternoon when I was feeding the babies, he said he was going to get another plate. You shoulda' seen it. He had a huge turkey leg and everything else. I love seeing him eat like that.

I cooked as much as I could yesterday and it made everything go smoothly today. I hardly sat down the whole day. I was worried because I ran out of butter and didn't have much oil.  I knew I needed to toast the bread and put butter in the potatoes.  This morning as soon as I put the turkey and ham on to cook, peeled the potatoes, and started cooking the carrots, I hurried to take my bath and wash my hair.  I had my make-up on and ready to walk out the door before 10AM.  I ran to the store and was able to get a lot of groceries.  When I pulled in the garage as I got home, I talked to Andrew on the phone. He said they were fixing to leave. I hurried upstairs, put away the groceries, and separated the meat into packages. I just kept working getting everything cooked and ready. I also washed dishes as I went along. It kept me organized.  Thank God everything turned out well.  That is a miracle for me!!  It took me praying and keeping myself focused.

I was so tired this evening. I layed on the couch and took a nap. Ryan wanted to go to the stores, but I was just too drained. I decided to blog while it was fresh on my mind.  He gave up and played video games.  Mark is in bed because he has to work tomorrow.

Today was a beautiful, sunny day.  It was cold enough to keep some of the snow around. I was so happy Haley was able to see it. Tuesday I went shopping to get the rest of the stuff I needed for Thanksgiving (or so I thought). It had rained so much the creeks were overflowing.  I don't enjoy driving in the rain and getting out in the rain.

Yesterday morning I woke to this.

Beautiful...and just the way I like it-on the grass and not the roads.

It was so nice to look out the kitchen window as I worked to see it snowing and how pretty it looked.

I am so thankful I live where I can enjoy this view. I am so thankful for my family. I am so thankful for our health and that we are not invalids--that we can get around and enjoy life. Thank God. I am so thankful to be able to enjoy being a grandmother. There is nothing like it. I am so thankful Mom is in heaven and I don't have to worry about her being happy. I am thankful God takes care of Dad and Nana & Papaw.  I am so thankful for Mark's job. I am so thankful for our vehicles for Mark to get to work and me to take Ryan to school and go see the babies. I am so thankful for my sisters/families. I am so thankful Kevin is my wonderful pastor and for my church.  I could go on and on.  I have been thru trials and God has been with me and brought me thru.  My life is not perfect, but I have so much to be thankful for.  And finally, the most important thing I am thankful for is my salvation and relationship with God.  I am so thankful for His presence and peace. I am so thankful that when I am worried/troubled, I can cry out to Him. I have someone to talk to that can work out everything for me. I am not alone.  Thank God!!!  

I want to encourage everyone to read Psalm 103. It is the perfect Thanksgiving chapter in the Bible. It reminds us of so many things to be thankful for. I hardly ever read that chapter without it bringing tears to my eyes.

And finally, since I didn't take pictures of my babies today, I will show you pics Nikki sent to me.  I love these smiling babies.  Nikki bought Mason and Haley a new coat, and she said Haley wore hers all the next day (at home).

Sweet Mason gave Haley a kiss. :)

My precious, precious babies!!!

Ok, I am off to get ready for bed. I think I will wait till tomorrow morning to wash the rest of the dishes. I am too tired to push myself. Lord willing, Ryan and I plan to put up our outside Christmas lights tomorrow.  I pray you all have a blessed night and day tomorrow.

Shopping With Jess and Saturday At Home

Yesterday I had to go to Hobby Lobby.  I was needing some wreaths to make a Sunday School project.  Every time I thought about going to Hobby Lobby, I thought of Jess.  She and I are so much alike, and I knew she would love going.  I called Mary to see if Jess had plans and would like to go.  Jess said she would go. Yay!

We had the best time.  I love talking to Jess.  She is the sweetest thing.  When we got to Hobby Lobby, we each went our separate ways.  I didn't want Jess to have to lag around with me trying to look for Sunday School stuff.  Jess liked that idea because she likes to take her time and look at whatever she chooses.  I do too.  I was able to take my time and look at everything.  It was so enjoyable.  I think we shopped over an hour. :)  

After that, I talked to her about going to Target, but changed my mind and went to Walmart.  I needed a few groceries, and I thought I could get it cheaper there.  We didn't have as much time there because I had to think about getting Ryan from school.  I still got everything I needed.  I hope Jess did too.  

When I took her back to her house, I went inside because Mary said she had some pictures of the kids to give me.  Oh my goodness! The pictures are so good.  I am going to have to find a way to post them because our scanner is not hooked up.  Ok, I just went and snagged a couple of them from Jess's facebook account.  Matt's picture was not on there.  

Here are the ones of Liz and Jess.

Aren't they so good?!!  Those girls are beautiful inside and out.  Liz took the one of Jess, and Jess took the one of Liz.  I will try to post the one of Matt tomorrow.  These pictures are so much better than the pictures we get from school.  

As I was about to leave, Mary, Jess, and I were standing there talking. Mary had Jess go get her wreath she made to hold Christmas cards.

I love it, and I plan to make one for my cards too.  She traced two plates on a piece of cardboard for the wreath (inside edge, outside edge).  She cut it out, painted it, and painted the clothespins.  Then she glued the clothespins to the cardboard wreath, added the bow, and viola, all done.  So easy I think I can handle it. (I hope)

Last night I was so sore from raking the leaves.  I don't know why it didn't bother me til then, but my upper arms, legs, and even the tops of my feet were sore.  I kept feeling like I was going to get a charlie horse, so I was stretching and rubbing my calf.  By the time I went to bed, it felt fine.  

This morning I woke really early.  I think it was around 6AM.  I layed for a while thinking I may go back to sleep.  I had just about decided to get up, when I started getting sleepy again.  I fell back to sleep and didn't wake til 10:50AM.  I was shocked it was so late.  I cannot remember when I have ever slept so late.  I felt good and rested.  Mark and Ryan slept late too.  I actually had to wake Ryan around 12PM.  I didn't want him to sleep the day away.  

We all sat and talked and relaxed for awhile.  It was so enjoyable.  Then Mark went to the bedroom to get on his computer, I got on mine, and Ryan started playing games on his XBox.  After goofing off too long, I got up and washed dishes.  I also put a load of towels in the wash (I made Ryan put them in the dryer).  I made Ryan some cookies and started working on my Sunday School lesson.  

I worked all late afternoon/evening on the Sunday School craft.

I have had this idea for a wreath in my mind for a few days.  I modge podged a fall napkin onto a poster, the I modge podged "Give Thanks" that I had printed on construction paper onto that.  I cut them out and attached them to the wreath, and I am planning to let the kids glue the leaves onto the wreath.  

This is a close-up of my example.

All this month I have been trying to teach my kids to give thanks! Even my little two year old Brysen can repeat over and over "In every thing give thanks."  

I copied a song from one of Haley's CD's called "Stop and Let Me Tell You What The Lord Has Done For Me" (Haley knows all the words).  I printed out copies of the song and made cards of verses in the Bible speaking of thanksgiving.  Oh, and I also modge podged a napkin onto a box to make a "Thankful Box" for one of my older students. I had already made another one.

After cleaning up my mess of craftmaking, I washed more dishes.  I also made another batch of cookies.  One run doesn't make many, and I wanted to be sure there would be enough for the weekend.  I fixed rice and pork-n-beans for Ryan and me for supper. Yum! Mark ate popcorn. I also ironed Ryan a shirt for tomorrow and Mark three shirts for next week. 

Mark and Ryan watched the ballgame, and I sat down at the last and watched with them. We lost. (boo!)  Not that I am a big football fan, but I love watching with them (and winning).  

Oh, I almost forgot to post...this evening Nikki was talking to me on the phone and Haley wanted to talk. During our conversatioin, I said, "I love you!"  She said, "I love you too."  I said, "I love you the most."  She said, "you're my best friend".  Ahhhh...she melts my heart!!  She tells Nikki all the time that she is her best friend, so I feel really special that she would say it to me. <3 

Nikki told me Mason has been taking a couple of steps today.  Then he would fall forward onto his hands, and then get back up.  We have wondered when he would decide he wanted to walk and now is the time!!!  :)  I love those babies so, so much!!!!

Well, Mark is already snoozing and Ryan and I should be headed to bed shortly.  I hope you all have a blessed night and day tomorrow. Remember to thank God for all your blessings.  I am planning to be very mindful of that this week as well.

Raking Leaves

Martha and Kevin live on a beautiful place that has several trees.  
The only downside to that is in the fall, the leaves have to be raked.  It takes several days to get them raked.  Martha worked yesterday raking and got a lot accomplished.  She had thought Nathan would be able to help, but he ended up with a temp from a virus. Jared's life is full of college, final exams, and work.  There was no way he was going to be able to help. Martha texted me last night asking me to pray for her since she was going to have to try to rake all the leaves herself.  I decided I was going to go help her whether she liked it or not.  She and Kevin have helped us so many times.

This morning I was up a little after 6:30.  I quickly washed my hair and took a bath.  Then I started Ryan's breakfast (bacon) and went to dry my hair.  I woke him and took my mirror and makeup to the living room so he could get ready in the bathroom.  I finished his breakfast and packed his lunch.  We had no trouble getting to school on time today.

Right after I dropped Ryan at school, I went by Sandra and Wayne's to pick up some bags of clothes she had for me to go thru.  As I was driving up the driveway, I saw a mama deer and two young deer. I stopped the car and tried to take pics on my cellphone.

The arrow on the right is the mama and the arrow on the left is where the young ones were.  The young ones were carefree and playful, but the mama deer saw me a watched me carefully.

I was mezmorized until I noticed Wayne was in the driveway needing to leave for work.  I had to hurry, but it had been an awesome sight to see.

I loaded all the bags of clothes (I think there were seven), and went in to say hello to Aunt Dorotha.  She is always cheerful and smiling.  I only stayed a minute because I was planning to go help Martha.  I went home, put the dog out, fed her, and went upstairs to eat my breakfast.  Martha called and I told her I was going to help her and to call me when she was going outside to work.  I ate apple and peanut butter for breakfast with plenty of peanut butter for energy. I know how hard it is to rake leaves, and I needed lots of energy. :)  

I got to Martha's around 10:30AM (I think).  This is how the leaves looked.

It was a daunting sight.  I worked all day until time to go pick up Ryan from school.  Martha wasn't able to come out at first because she had to fix deviled eggs for Kevin's Thanksgiving celebration at his work, so it was a while before she started.  We worked and worked and worked.  

You can see how deep the leaves are by how high they come on her.

I had to leave a little after 3PM to go pick up Ryan from school. Martha worked til 6PM.  We raked from the bird bath all the way down in the front yard, the driveway, big area at the garage, large deck, and the backyard.  Unbelievable.  Martha got so much done after I left.  I didn't take an after picture, but I will try to post one when I have a chance.  I was so tired and sore, I could hardly walk after I finished.  I tell ya, I am getting old. 

When I picked up Ryan and was leaving school, Mary sent me the sweetest text telling me she loved the signs I have been doing at church.  Ryan and I have been changing the church sign every week for a while. Her text reminded me that this was the day I needed to change the sign.  Ryan was also needing to copy a CD, so we stopped by the house to get what he needed. He takes care of the recording/copying of the church services.  I didn't even get out of the car while he ran upstairs.  He was back quickly and we went on to the church.  

Ryan and I have this routine when we change the sign.  He takes down the letters that are currently on the sign while I am inside pulling the letters for the new saying.  Then, he comes inside and puts away the old letters while I put up the new saying.  Since he had to copy a CD this time, I ended up having to take down some of the letters.  We still made good time, tho'.  Today's message is....

I have tried to post Thanksgiving sayings all month to remind us all to be thankful.  

We got home around 4:30PM, and I quickly put some bone-in chicken breast on to cook.  I really wasn't sure what I was going to fix for supper, so I got on the computer to get a recipe idea.  I got so sleepy that I told Ryan I was going to sleep for 15min.-I set my alarm.  I dozed off for just a few minutes and when I woke, I was so refreshed--still sore--but refreshed.  I ended up making a teriyaki sauce from scratch and mixing it with the chicken I deboned after cooking. It was so, so good!  I also fixed rice and peas.

I have just relaxed after supper.  I still have to wash a lot of dishes and iron a shirt for Mark for tomorrow.  I don't know if Martha and I will be able to work in the leaves tomorrow because it is supposed to rain.  She isn't planning to.  I need to do some shopping and work on my house and washing.  I am sure I will have plenty to keep me busy. :)  

I am so thankful that I still have the strength and health to get outside and work. It is so enjoyable, and I love it.  It feels wonderful to get so much accomplished.  I am thankful that God has watched over my family today (and each day) and we are safely home for the night.  I pray everyone has a great night and day tomorrow. 

Hangin With Haley

Each week I am working on getting my home organized.  I am so easily overwhelmed, and since I live in a small house, I have to think about how to organize everything.  I still have a "junk collecting" bedroom that I am trying to organize.  It seems that when I get some things moved out, more things get moved in.  Ugh!!  It is a work in progress.

I found some great deals on Thanksgiving decorations as I was grocery shopping last week.  I can't believe how cheap they were.  I love all the fall/Thanksgiving colors.

Nikki made the monogram picture for me.  I added the leaves to make it "fall".  I love it!  She is so good at crafting and redoing furniture.  She also made a house number sign for Martha.  They love it too.

Isn't it so cool?!  I had to black out one of the numbers because I didn't want to take a chance of someone seeing their house number. I try to be very care what I post on the internet.

Last week I also baked a whole pumpkin for the first time.  It smelled so good.

I scraped out the seeds and pureed the rest.

Fresh pumpkin tastes fabulous!!!!

Saturday I went to spend the day at Nikki's.  We had this plan that I was going to watch the babies while she grocery shopped and then fixed freezer meals.  Andrew drove her car to work and her card was in it.  She didn't want to have to drive all the way to his work to get it (one hour away).  I helped what I could with the house and decided to go ahead and leave.  Haley was coming home with me. 

Nikki packed her bag and she was eating a snack before we left when we realized Haley's car seat was in the car at Andrew's work. Nikki ended up having to go to his work anyway.  She went ahead and got her groceries while she had a chance.  I was thrilled with all she got.

Although she ran out of room, she was able to get loads more since she didn't have two toddlers in the buggy. :)

By the time she got back, unloaded the groceries, and Haley and I got on the road, it was around 8:30PM.  I really hate to be on the road at night, but it couldn't be helped.  Haley would fall asleep for a bit and then cough and wake.  She talked and talked to me.  Oh how much I love her talking to me!!  

When we got close to home, I called Ryan and told him to put a couple chicken strips and fries in the oven for Haley.  She ate all of it before going to bed. Yay!!  When she is at my house, I usually rock her to sleep.  I love holding the babies/snuggling in my arms and singing to them.  I will rock them until they don't want to be rocked any more.  

Haley went right to sleep, but she was awake a few times in the night coughing.  From around 3:30AM to 9:15AM, she slept wonderful.  She always wakes smiling and happy.  She was so happy to see her Papaw when she got up. She loves him to death.  
She didn't get to see him long tho', because I fed her some bacon, got her ready, and we left for church.  She loves going to church. We should all be like her. :)

She did well in Sunday School and Church.  After church we had our Thanksgiving meal and she ate wonderful.  She also spent time with Jared.

He is such a sweetheart to get down on the floor to play kid games with her.  He loves her so much!

Isn't he just adorable?!!  She loves him too!

We kept teasing her because she was giving Jared all my hugs. ;) She also kept hugging on Kevin.  

I think it was after 2PM when we got home, and I just knew she would take a nap with me.  I was about to fall asleep I was so tired.  I tried singing and just letting her lay down on the bed, but she wouldn't go to sleep.  Finally, I propped her on some pillows beside me, wrapped my arms around her to make sure she didn't get up, and let her watch videos while I dozed.  She would talk to me every once in a while and I would wake and doze again.  I vaguely remember typing "decorating cookies" in the youtube search box.  She LOVES to watch cookie decorating.  She has watched them with Nikki and now loves them.  It thrills me that she does.  

We didn't go to church for the evening service because I was afraid it would be too much for Haley since she didn't take a nap.  She had a cold, and I didn't want it to get worse.  Kevin and Martha picked Ryan up for church.  

Haley was asleep a little after 8:30 that night.  She did have spells of coughing during the night, but other than that, she slept well.  I woke her a little before 8 to get ready to take Ryan to school.  Ryan was feeling bad because of stomach issues, so I ended up not making him go to school.  I hated that I woke her when she could have slept longer.  

I had gotten up around 5:30AM and had already gotten so much accomplished.  I was able to wash my hair and take a bath.  I also washed dishes and made cookies.  After that, we had a relaxing day.  Haley and I colored, and she played with dolls and other toys when I had something to do. She played what she calls "video games" on Ryan's tablet.

She also watched cookie decorating videos. :D

I also gave her a bath and washed her hair.  It was an enjoyable, relaxing morning.  She ate wonderful all day.  Every two and a half to three hours I would offer her something to eat that was healthy and she ate well.  I was so thrilled.  Nikki was happy too because sometimes she can be a picky eater.

Sadly, around 3PM we got ready to take her home.  I made Ryan go with us, so I wouldn't be by myself.  Haley was so precious!  She wanted to stay but she didn't fuss about going home.  I gave her chicken in a bowl to snack on, and she ate it as she colored.  She loves to color.  After awhile, she fell asleep.

Ahhh....my little sleeping beauty.  So precious to me!!!  She slept the rest of the way home.  It was a beautiful day with little traffic.

It was enjoyable except for the fact that my heart was sad to leave Haley at home.  

I woke Haley when we got to their house.  Mason woke right after we got in.  Haley and I got to get him up.  Haley said, "hi Buddy!!"  He smiled so big and reached.  He was so happy to see her.  He is such a darling.  I love that little guy so much!!!  He has the sweetest personality and he is so snuggly.  I am so blessed with such wonderful grandbabies!!!  Thank God for them!!!

I stayed for a little bit, then Ryan and I ran to the store to pick up some stuff Nikki needed for supper.  We dropped it off but didn't go in again so the babies would not be upset with us just staying a second and then leaving.  

It got dark quickly, so I was glad Ryan was with me for the drive home.  I think we got home around 7:30PM--not too bad.  I felt drained.  I am certainly not as young and energetic as I used to be. I was glad to be able to rest.

Yesterday Nikki sent me the sweetest pic of Masey.

My sweet baby in the bath. :)

Tonight when I inserted my camera card to retrieve the pictures for this post, I found several pictures I took when I spent the night with them.  They really were meant for the last post, but here they are anyway.

Haley loves working puzzles.  She amazes me how she can put them together.

Mason got a phone call. ;)

After that he got very sleepy and tired.

I am so thankful for the time I get to spend with those babies.

During this Thanksgiving season I especially want to be mindful of my blessing, and I am so thankful for my family!!!  Although I wish Andrew's family lived closer, I am thankful they are not so far that I can't visit often. My family is my life (next to God).  I am also thankful for the health and strength to be able to go there and help out when I can.  God is so good to all of us!!  Thank you God for Your wonderful blessings!!