Wednesday, December 21, 2016

What's Up Wednesday...on a Thursday.

My blogging has been a bit sporadic lately, so I am a day late on my What's Up Wednesday post, but here's a peak into what we've been up to lately....


What We're Eating This Week:
Basically I am in hungry bear mode.  I feel like I am about to go into hibernation for the Winter and I need to eat up in order to survive.  In other words I am really going to start watching what I eat in January again, so I am living it up the next few weeks.  We stocked up on a few of our seasonal favorites from Trader Joe's this week, and I also tried a new recipe, Slow-Cooker Bacon Corn Chowder, that was perfect for a cold, dreary December night.  


What I'm Reminiscing About:
Christmas always reminds me of how precious time is.  It seems like just yesterday this little girl cared more about Polly Pockets than trendy clothes from Altar'd State, and jewelry from Kendra Scott that cost more than Barbie's Dreamhouse.  


But, it makes me slow down and be in the moment with my family.   Savor the snuggles when there's wrapping to be done.

(Goodness, that little girl grew up!)

Eat a Christmas cookie that was made with love...and may have been sneezed on during the production process.


And, smile with pride when you see your child overcomes her fear of Santa.


In the words of The Oak Ridge Boys, "Thank God for kids!"

What We've Been Up To:

Tis the  season for performing...

In Christmas Parades....


And School Musicals...


And Choir Performances at church...


What I'm Dreading:
I really need to purge all the pictures on my phone and camera and organize them somehow.  If anyone has any tips on that, let me know.  I think they may be a goal for the New Year. 

What I'm Working On:
I started Couch to 5K the week of Thanksgiving and am really loving it.  I have always wanted to be a runner, and several people told me this was the best way to get there.  I am in no way ready to compete, but I have been amazed at the improvements I've seen in my endurance after just a few weeks.  

What I'm Excited About:
We are going on the North Pole Express this week!  The kids are super excited about riding on the train, and of course catching a glimpse of the North Pole!  I can't wait to see their faces.




What I'm Watching/Reading:
You may remember me asking for this Kate Spade book for my birthday.  Well, I got it (Thanks Dad!) and have been enjoying reading it before bed.


I have learned so much already about entertaining.  For example, did you know how you can easily figure out how to place your china on the table?  Take your hands and make a "d" or a "b".  Your left hand makes the "b" so that's where the bread plate goes.  Your right hand makes a "d" so that where your drink goes.  Genius, right?  Thanks, Kate Spade!

(I'm wish I could use my Christmas dishes all year long!)

What I'm Listening To:
Every time I hear Kenny & Dolly singing Christmas music, it takes me back to my childhood.  I just love their Christmas songs!  For most of my childhood I thought they were married.  I was so disappointed to find out they weren't.  But, I also thought Bobbi Brown (makeup) was Bobby Brown (Whitney Houston's husband).  So, obviously I have never been up on pop culture relationships.    

What I'm Wearing:
I don't normally post outfit pics, mainly because I can't get that selfie pose down, but I sent this to my friend, Shelly, the other day because we were unintentionally twinning in our stripes/plaid/military jacket/scarf/riding boots look.  If you don't follow Shelly, be sure to check her blog out.  She always has fun outfit posts that have helped me find new combos in my own closet.


What I'm Doing This Weekend:
Celebrating Jesus' Birthday!


"Look Mom, we're Mary & Jophus!"

What's My Favorite Memory From 2016?
Anytime my family is together is my favorite time.  Our family vacation was probably one of my favorite memories from the past year.  But, the nights when we're home watching a movie (or Shark Tank) together is perfect, too.  What makes my mom heart overflow with joy is when I see my children loving on each other.  Long after I am gone, I hope they still want to be together...and possibly make a few of my recipes and laugh about how crazy their dear ol' mom was.


That's what's up with us.  What's up with you?







13 comments:

  1. I love love these post!
    Ok...now I need that book! Every time I set my table I am always googling "How to set a table?" HA
    The kids are precious! and your son in the picture "the best way to spread Christmas cheer...." PRICELESS!
    Merry Christmas friend!

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    1. Thank you, Heather! You would love that book. It's full of all kind of fun tidbits, from dining to fashion.

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  2. Oh so sweet. I couldn't think of a better person than Shelly to twin with! I am totally envying your Christmas dishes too. I have wanted some forever, but have yet to find the perfect set. You guys are going to have SO much fun on that train this weekend.

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    1. Thanks, Beth! I had to send Shelly that picture when I saw what she was wearing on Instagram! She's my fashion idol. Ha!!
      I LOVE my Christmas dishes. I have had them for almost 18 years, but since I only use them a few times a year, they look brand new. I do have some "everyday" Christmas dishes, too, that I can put in the dishwasher.

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  3. I organize my pictures by month in folders on my computer. Sometimes I put sub-folders in too, if there are a lot from one event or something!

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    1. That's a great idea, Dara! I wish I could mail you my phone and computer and let you organize it foe me! I would even sacrifice going without both of them for a few weeks to get it done!!

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  4. That North Pole Express is going to be a BLAST! I want to find something like that near us and do that with our kids one year!

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    1. We went today, and my kids had a blast. Jentry was all smiles, but Jess was totally intrigued! I think he was just figuring everything out. It was so fun to watch his little mind work.

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  5. Ha! The Bobby Brown makeup totally cracked me up! I hope you get to make lots more Christmas memories with those great looking kids!!

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    1. Thank you, Laura! They are at such fun ages for Christmas. I just want to soak it all in!! Hope you have a fantastic Christmas with your sweet family, too!

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  6. Emily, I swear we are soul sisters. I thought Dolly and Kenny were married too and Bobbi Brown was Whitney's husband. I did not know that until COLLEGE! My roommate explained it to me. #smalltownproblems I guess wet'n'wild and Bonne Bell were not trendy when you go to a big city. The train ride sounds like so much fun. The book also looks like it would be a fun read full of lots of information. Have a Merry Christmas!

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  7. Look at us all cute! :) I love Jess' enthusiasm!! He is too cute singing his heart out. Having such a gap in age with my kids definitely made me slow down with my littles too. This time of year it is so much harder for me. AND my boss totally taught me the b and d trick several years ago and it has definitely been helpful...even if I look like a total redneck doing my b and d at a fancy dinner. Hope you guys had a very merry Christmas!

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  8. I have always wanted to be a running too! It looks fun but then I remember it kills my knees :( And I wish I could use my Christmas dishes all year too!!! I was sad when I packed up all my Christmas dishes this week.

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