Keeping Memories Close

Travis' Birthday

2012-02-13T21:46:00.008-06:00

Travis' birthday was Saturday. We celebrated with him taking the kids to a birthday party while I went to a baby shower in Georgia of a friend from college. Life happens. When I got home that evening, he did want to go eat at Mexico Lindo, and that was nice. I did get them to sing to him, which he said he didn't want but I knew he really did. Travis says that he hates attention, and for the most part, this is true. I can relate to that. Okay, that's a lie. Anyway, you can watch it here. He really did think it was awesome when it was said and done. Here's some pics.

That morning, I picked up a dozen donuts from Lamar's. Sinfully good.

The Birthday Boy

His dessert that they brought him

The servers were really nice to let the kids play with the hat for as long as I was willing to let them.

Rest, Whitney

2012-02-11T21:28:00.005-06:00

One of the brightest lights in music went out today--Whitney Houston. I am so sad to hear of another HUGE loss in the music world. Such a gift gone too soon. I hope the Lord comforts those who are left empty by her loss.

I watched her interview with Oprah after her attempted comeback, and I was so moved with this song. So beautiful. I find I don't know my own strength either. I am stronger than I think, and I wasn't built to break. Neither was she. And neither are you. So inspiring.

I could go on an on. But HERE is another favorite of mine, too. Thank you, Whitney, for sharing your one of a kind, God given, gift.

And of course...

Father-Daughter Dance

2012-02-06T20:47:00.012-06:00

This past Friday, Travis had a date with the other girl in his life, Miss Sage. Sage's school hosted their annual Father-Daughter dance, and she was so excited to go. Here's a few pics of the pretty couple before they left.

I curled her hair and put some lip gloss on her, and she was set for the night. Proud.

Such a pretty girl.

Why yes, it is terrifying to see her look so grown up.

Sage and her hot date

Jaggar had to get in on the fun. Why yes, I do let my child go out in the cool temperatures in nothing but a diaper. He's pretty obsessed with being naked these days. Don't ask me.

So sweet. I am SO glad that HE was her date. I can't even think about the many MANY years ahead when the face of her date will be that of someone else. Like 25 from now.

Rock Star

2012-02-05T15:08:00.003-06:00

I hate to brag, but I'm going to brag. :) I have run for 3 days straight now--each day pushing myself further and further. You saw my thoughts on the first day: "NO thank you," and when I woke up the next morning barely able to walk from soreness, you know what I did anyway? Ran again. Further. Then I went inside and played Michael Jackson for 20 more minutes. I am actually really liking it. It clears my head. It's a rare time of just me, God, Britney Spears, John Mayer, Beyonce' and Justin Timberlake, to name a few. I find when I want to quit, I go further. Life lesson, maybe? Today is Sunday, a day of rest, and I had all intentions of it being just that...but when the kids laid down for naps, I changed clothes and went for it. I went over 2 miles in my neighborhood. There are some serious hills in here, too. I don't know what, if anything, this will turn into, but I just have to warn everyone that I could be a possible 15 on a scale of 1-10. ;)

Shape

2012-02-03T22:55:00.005-06:00

Well, January was not our month for any type of fitness. I'd say December was a better month for me in that than January. BUT...today, Travis went for a RUN. He ran solid for over a mile, which I'd say is a great start. I laugh at Travis a lot in talking about fitness, but he was a serious athlete: soccer, wrestling (which required daily to the POUND weigh ins)...he's a black belt in karate. So he knows how to get in shape. Me? I can't really say I'm OUT of shape because I've never been in it. I haven't an ounce of tone other than some natural God given abs. Crazy but true. So...it occurred to me that I wonder what I could look like if I tried. I'll be out of my 20s this year....and I want to age well...AND I will not be outdone by Travis. So I took Chanel and ran through our neighborhood. Um....it was not an instant love. I know some are addicted to working out, but I don't think I'll have a problem in that aspect. I can't even say that I will keep it up, but who knows? Actually, I can pretty much say I won't do that regularly. If I do, I'll be pleasantly surprised. My issue will be if my legs get bigger. I don't care if it's muscle. I don't want anything getting bigger.

Chanel was excited. Initially. And so was I.

Travis thought he'd record me getting back. Funny. I totally run like a girl.

THIS was what Travis ate for lunch. He's an athlete. He is NOT a dietician. If we could merge our two strong points, we'd be perfection. OR...the perfect couple. ;) jk.
I'll keep running if I look like this by next week. When I went to the gym FIVE days a week, this was always my goal. Never happened, btw.

Our newest entertaining video diary. I realize I look like crap in the majority of these. Oh well.

Sweet Celine

2012-02-02T21:28:00.013-06:00

In my solitude this evening (Travis is shooting a basketball game in Birmingham), I found some comfort in my favorite singer, Celine. She is the epitome of what every singer and performer wants to be, but few are. I'd give anything to be like that: amazing, flawless voice EVERY time its used, tall, skinny as a rail, kind and giving to her fans...but I'd settle for a wind machine. That's as realistic as any expectation I could hope to have out of those. I love this song. It was actually what was played (her slow version, which is perfection...and I'd never seen this video till now. Idk why those half naked people are in there but whatev.) right before I walked down the aisle, and I have to say it was beautiful. Isn't she? Love this song.

THIS one is also really fun. I hope to see her show in Vegas one day. Travis, make that happen.

Celine plus my main man, MJ??? YES please! One of my favorites.

I'm getting lost in youtube, and THIS song...oh, I don't know what it is about it, but I fell in love with it the moment I heard it, which was in 7th grade on her "Let's Talk About Love" album. I still find myself singing it at random times when I'm alone. I think it's so pretty, and the melody just gets me as well as the lyrics. I've always related to them. Lovely.

Catching Up

2012-01-31T20:28:00.013-06:00

Hola. What a week it has been. Sickness. Sickness. Sickness. My every other night of 4 hours of sleep has continued. On Sunday when we got home from Classic, Travis told me that Sage had a headache. We were going to take her to church with us, and at the last minute, I decided to let her stay home. I'm SO glad I did that because I knew that headache meant one thing: fever. Instant. Just like with Jaggar. By that evening, it was 102.9. I called the dr's office on Monday and told the receptionist that Jaggar had just tested positive for strep a few days ago. I KNEW that she had strep. Instant, high fever. Refusing to eat or drink. Could they just call in some medicine for Sage? She told me probably not. They'd need to see her. She didn't have anything until late in the day. Did I want to see the nurse practitioner? Ha. Um (hell) no. I told her to give my message to them in the back and have them call me back. Dr Dela Cruz told me the last time that if I had a problem to tell them to just give my message to HER and not take whatever random thing they had to say. So that's what I did. And a few hours later they called to say that they'd called her in a Rx. Thank you, Jesus. Here's our stash. Did I mention that we have to mix Jaggar's medicine in gingerale because he acts like a rabid dog when trying to give it to him? Kicking, screaming, hitting, SPITTING. Yeah, it's been awesome. Thankfully, after two days of Sage missing school, they both seem to be on the upside of things. The whining level (ESPECIALLY Jaggar) has been through the roof, and that seems to have subsided, too.

Happy times. Before she got sick, she was able to use her gift card from Kaci and Amber to Claire's at the mall. She chose these fake nails.

So today, I've been pretty lazy. Sage came in my room at 3:43 this morning to say that her throat hurt. Since she didn't get a shot, the results from one dose of medicine weren't instant, so I expected that. Because of that, she stayed home again today, so we did NOTHING all day. Thankfully, Mom and Mema didn't seem to mind. But when Travis got home, he said that his family invited us to....Western Sizzlin.' Do I need to share my thoughts on this place? I hate it. But for the good of the group, I sacrificed myself and my body yet again. :) I'm generous like that. Photo attempt number 1.

And photo attempt 2. Congrats to Sage, who was ready in both.

This was my fork. Do I need to say anything else about it? I read something the other day like if you pretend that you don't struggle in any area of your life: financially, emotionally, mentally...a lot of other "ly's" then you leave people feeling like they aren't spiritual enough and ultimately defeated. I think it's clear that I struggle mentally;), so let me help someone out here and say that I totally blew it tonight. Our service wasn't great. Everyone noticed except FOR me, really. I don't expect much when I go to Western Sizzlin' anyway, but I personally never really lacked for anything. But 20% gratuity was added because of our party size. So...I went up to Travis at the register WHILE he was paying and said, "That is ridiculous. She didn't do anything. That's why we didn't get good service because she knew she already had her tip. It's a buffet..." just acting in a way that is not really what I'd like to consider my current character. And Travis came back and said that the girl at the register took it off--her tip. The waitress came in and apologized to Travis. They were just understaffed. I was not nice, to put it mildly. And I felt instant conviction. Travis was thrilled that I actually CARED that I acted like that. That's a big step for me, I guess. But I REALLY felt terrible to give someone a hard time that I know probably gets one pretty regularly in her job. Waitressing is no joke. I'm so sorry about that. I won't forget it. But you guys can get some better silverware. You have to admit that's funny.

Okay, so what else? We've really enjoyed having mom and mema here these past (almost) two weeks. We've had a home cooked meal every night, and it's been so nice. The food is G-O-O-D. And so convenient because I've been eating all of my many emotions lately and I've clearly had a lot of them, so this has been nice. Sage specifically requested peanut butter fudge, and she helped Mema to make it. Cute.

One last picture of them before they leave tomorrow. We've enjoyed it, ladies! (Little J has enjoyed it, too, though he was in bed here. He sat next to Mema earlier and said, "You're so cute.")

Also, today is the last day of January! Can you believe that? Have you wondered how Travis' resolution has gone? Well, wonder no more! Something tragic has happened to ME though. Maybe it was my smugness in having it all under control as far as eating right goes. I've gotten fatter, too. I was fine over Christmas, and I gain weight in January. How does that even happen? And Is Jaggar not the cutest thing ever???

Lunch With Sinners

2012-01-29T18:09:00.004-06:00

Today was a weird day. Jaggar is still not feeling well, so he was up at 4 am. Thankfully, I did not have to sing today, but I thought I should still go to church in spite of that. Call me crazy. I struggled with staying awake this morning. My mom said that my eyes were bloodshot, and they are. That would be because I've gotten 4 hours of sleep like every other night this week. So anyway, after dozing for a few on the couch, I got up and decided to get ready for church. Travis was going to stay home with Jaggar, who is covered from head to toe in a red, speckled rash from the strep virus. His face is also raw from wiping his nose nonstop. Good times here. I decided to let Sage stay home as well, so it was just me, Mom and Mema going to church. Mom said, "We should go to Classic for lunch." Nice idea. Only the 11:00 service doesn't let out in enough time to get there before they closed. So, being with sinners, we went to church for the music and then slipped out. How terrible is that? I told them that I hope their meal was worth going to hell for. I think it was.

Not pictured is my other dessert plate. Today is a day that bulimia would've been a good choice. I'm kidding. Kind of. I blame that on my lack of sleep and 20 lb weight gain this week. Thanks, sinners, for getting me to go. It was yummy and a lovely time to spend it with these ladies AND without children.

Sick Boy

2012-01-26T22:59:00.008-06:00

I've alternated nights of good sleep to not nearly enough this week. On Wednesday night, I left my house to go to church. Jaggar was screaming and crying, but Mom and Mema were here, so I figured he just wanted me to stay. We had just been playing in the yard, and he had been running around. So I was shocked when I got home and Jaggar was still awake and hot with a fever. 101.9 What?! Just totally unexpected. Mom said he never stopped crying, and when he wouldn't eat the popcorn she made (his fave) or play in the bathtub (he loves a bath), something was definitely wrong. I didn't really know what. Shortly after Travis laid him down, he was up crying and saying, "I want my mommy!" He was still so hot even with medicine...so I prepared myself for the night to come. I put him in my bed. Obviously, he was in pain. He never slept soundly. I watched the clock so that I could give him more medicine at the right time, which the heat his body left on my sheets was a reminder as well as his constant cries of pain. So sad. This morning, he acted better, but he was still hot. And as he watched a few movies, I looked at him.

He was like this. Still so sweet.

And trying to smile for a picture.

But his eyes weren't right. He was still running a fever. And he wouldn't eat. So I made the call to the doctor. They called me back and asked if I could be there in 30 minutes. We flew since it's a 30 minute drive, but we made it. He sat next to me the entire time...another sign things weren't right. He still hadn't asked for anything to eat, so it wasn't a HUGE surprise (I suppose) that he tested positive for strep.

She said that his throat looked horrible. She is very against shots unless it's absolutely necessary, but with the way his throat looked, she thought it was best along with an Rx. I couldn't believe how it got that bad so fast.

The shot was pretty traumatic. I know it stings, and we had to wait another 15 minutes to make sure that he didn't have a reaction. For the rest of the day until bedtime, he couldn't and wouldn't walk (the shot was in his leg). He cried in the bath. When he did try to walk from the couch to the chair, he limped because he said his leg hurt.

So our day was spent like this. Hopefully a good night's rest will do ALL of us some good and that that mess doesn't go to anyone else. TGIF, right?

Bad

2012-01-25T14:10:00.004-06:00

I guess this is better late than never. Sage and I love to play the Michael Jackson game. I can actually score all but the highest star, which is crazy because I still suck and look nothing like MJ...but that would require talent on my part. SAGE comes a lot closer than I do. It's a fun game to play and get a lot of exercise at the same time. Double bonus. God knows I need all of that.

Wrapping it Up

2012-01-25T08:20:00.016-06:00

Sage's party was a sweet celebration of who she is, and I'm so thankful for all the people that came to help us do just that--celebrate her.

Group shot of her friends, minus Grayson

Fire chief Jaggar making an appearance

There's Grayson

My man on the side, Nick. He says that he tells people that we're having an affair. Good to know. Seriously, I was getting lab work done at the GYNECOLOGIST'S office, and the girl goes, "Don't you know Nick Mundy? I've seen you on facebook." I told him it was so sweet that he thought so highly of me that even nurses know who I am. Seriously, though, Nick is a good guy. But don't tell him I said that.

Travis' dad is so good with kids, especially my wild boy.

Sage was having him do some kind of trick he'd taught her on Christmas Eve. SO cute.

Saying goodbye

Sweet hugs from Kaci

My princess

Sage and Lydia. Suzanne was so kind to invite Sage to go skating with Lydia after the party. She had a BLAST.

Our girl (Jaggar is always M.I.A. I gave up a long time ago trying to capture moments that don't really exist in reality. ;)

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

Present Time

2012-01-25T07:54:00.022-06:00

After cake, ice cream, and painting, it was time for every birthday child's favorite thing: presents. All the kids gathered around Sage while she took in her moment. I think it's so cute to see their expressions as she opens her gifts. They are so excited for her to open what they chose for her. Sweet.

Not pictured in this, but she got money from Travis' dad and step-mom.

She also got a gift card to Claire's from Kaci and Amber.

It's still kind of odd for me to see her sitting here reading her own cards, but she most definitely can. She is an EXCELLENT reader. FYI: They had reading and math assessments at school for winter to compare to when they had it in the fall. Sage has more than doubled her scores. She's above a 2nd grade level in math. Her oral reading fluency goal was a 36 for winter, and she scored a 92. Genius.

So cute

This was from Lydia, and it's a gym set for her American Girl dolls. It came with way more stuff than I could see in the box: cheerleading outfit, gym bag, water bottles, books, ipod....needless to say, Sage loves it.

This was from Cailin, and I loved the bag more than anything. Hello Kitty as a mermaid???! Jill remembered that Sage chose a hello kitty cake 2 years in a row and knew it said "Sage." And "Julie."

It's the American Girl pet, Coco, and Cailin wanted Sage to have one just like she did. Sweet.

This was from us, and if you haven't seen this movie, it's a must see. It's based on a true story, and it is touching and fun. We ALL loved it.

This could be something I live to regret, but Travis is more of the crafty one, so I think he and Sage will love doing this together: a pottery wheel. Maybe one night, he and I can use it with Unchained Melody playing in the background. Just a thought. ;)

LAST but not least...

Look at the girls' faces. "American Girl" logos do that.

It is the BATHTUB...or the hot tub, as Sage called it. She has wanted this for a while.

So thrilled.

She loves it with all of its pink bubbles, and it holds both of her dolls at the same time.

Happy, happy girl

Singing and Cake

2012-01-24T11:52:00.028-06:00

As the kids were finishing up their painting (with the exception of Sage), we put SEVEN candles on the cake. I really struggled...not emotionally (though I do have issues ;), but mentally remembering to put seven candles on there. I just have it in my brain that there should be six.

Getting ready!

Do you remember that face that Jaggar had at his birthday when we sang to him? Well, he's definitely over that. He thought that this was all for him.

She, on the other hand, still gets shy about it.

Blowing them all out

But there was one stubborn candle, so guess who chimed in to help?

And he got it, too. You can watch us sing to her here. Apologies for my terrible, loud singing. I'm always pretty loud just not always terrible.

Some were going over last minute painting details.

And Sage immediately got that crown off of the cake and onto her head.

Sweet friends

Servant serving (PS: not only was the walmart cake cute, but it was also really really good.)

Amber is so cute.

I think he had like 3 pieces of cake.

Travis' dad

Sneaking seconds or thirds

I looked back through these and thought it was so appropriate that Nick would be brown nosing my family. He's like that.

Eletha, Travis' mom, or Grandmother, as we call her

Mema

Meagan and Jaggar's expressions both look pretty disgusted.

Alex and Jill

And the birthday girl enjoying her cake...and painting, still.

Sage's 7th Birthday Party

2012-01-24T08:55:00.048-06:00

This year for her birthday, Sage decided that she wanted to do a pottery painting party at Precious Prints Pottery. This was the best idea because the weather was horrible on Saturday: pouring rain, thunder, lightning...until right before we walked out to leave...and the sun actually ended up coming out. Perfect. She was SO excited about her party. She had such a great time when she painted there before that she just knew that her friends would, too. She was right.

Let me backtrack here for just a sec and show that morning of her party. Remember, we had elves in town. Look what they'd been up to in the night. Sage didn't realize until later that it said, "U R Seven." I guess she just thought that they were there.

And Mickey was floating (literally)upside down by all the balloons.

This was right before we left. Those balloons were and still are up in the air.

Travis picked up her cake and some ice, and I thought that it turned out to be so cute. WHERE did I get this amazing cake??? Everyone wanted to know. Walmart. Nick was shocked. I'm not about paying $100 and up for cakes unless it's a wedding cake.

Sage picked this out herself, of course, and she thought that it was perfect. Agreed.

So proud. Rightfully so.

While we were getting everything ready, Jaggar insisted on having a cookie.

One of the things that I did was that I picked out a special plate for Sage, and they put her hand print on it. Tara, the owner, drew what will be a cupcake around it, and everyone at the party signed the plate. Amber and Kaci are signing here.

Sweet Cailin signing Sage's plate

Mema

As Sage's friends arrived, they were instructed to pick out whatever they wanted in this room to paint. This decision alone took some time with everyone.

She had Mickey Mouse, all of the Disney Princesses, ballerinas, dragons....and each child chose something very specific...and pretty much the complete opposite of what each parent thought they would choose. For example, Cailin chose a lizard. I told Jill that it would always remind her to keep her car insurance up to date.. the Geico Gecko. :)

Jaggar and Travis' dad. I thought that Jaggar would be uninterested in painting, but he had a tractor, and he really loved it.

Kylie brought Sage some candy.

Look at that face.

Grayon arrived. Adalyn was at home napping, so Emily stayed home with her. Nick, being father of the year, came alone.

Everyone had finally picked out what they wanted to paint.

Tara is explaining to the kids about pottery and how to paint it. She was great with them.

I gave Meagan the reigns to help Jaggar.

The birthday girl got to pick out her paint first.

Travis' dad helped Kylie the entire time, and it was so cute. And Sage's expression is like that in every picture. She IS having fun, but she is also very serious about her work.

Can you see what she chose? A huge horse with a girl on it with long, flowing hair. Very pretty.

I was SO pleased with how this turned out. The kids just loved it. It was calm and mellow, but they were also having so much fun. And my house didn't have to be cleaned and then RE-cleaned for it! Perfect.

Look at Mister.

Kylie painting her shoe

THERE'S Sage's. Travis ended up having to help her finish because she spends TIME on this, and she wants it to be just right.

Still working

Cute Amber

Sweet Cailin and her lizard

Grayson chose a cow. :)

Here is Kaci's. I thought that was so sweet.

So cute. She later told me that her party was amazing. I think everyone would agree.

Meagan and Amber

Travis had to take this of Alex's shirt

Me and Mom (hate this pic of me, but it will mean something in the long haul so I overlook vanity)

***I have so many pictures from this party that I'm dividing it up into sections. It's like another Christmas post!!

Sage's Birthday

2012-01-22T21:15:00.026-06:00

We survived Sage's birthday weekend! What a busy but fun time it was. I was absolutely exhausted today and slept for hours when we got home from church, but birthdays are big deals, right? Sage had a wonderful birthday. Her actual birthday was Friday, and when she woke up, her room was filled with balloons. How nice of us, right? Only we didn't do that!

Just look who dropped in for the weekend! That's right. Cara and Mickey came for Sage's birthday and left a note saying they could stay through the weekend. And they filled her room with balloons that are STILL in the air. Sage said their magic must have done that because she's never had balloons that lasted more than one day. To say that she was thrilled that her elves were here would be an understatement. She was more excited about their drop in than the fact that it was her birthday, I think.

And Rudolph came, too. This is how they were: in the middle of her floor covered in "snow" with "Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Squeakquel" underneath all of it.

We never have a lot of time on school mornings, but I had to have some pictures of my brand new 7 year old.

She got this out to show she is NOT six anymore. Her idea. She was pointing at it and shaking her head 'no,' though that isn't portrayed in still photography.

Travis had a shoot in Birmingham that day and wouldn't see Sage again until Saturday, so she unwrapped a few presents from us before she left for school. Jaggar was still asleep. Mom and Mema came into town for Sage's birthday, so he was worn out from the day we picked them up.

This was a dress that she had been asking for at Target for a few weeks.

A new outfit for her American Girl dolls

A new board game

She is a daddy's girl...sweet pic

I wasn't getting her cake until Saturday because her party was then, so I picked up some cupcakes...because you have to have SOMETHING on your actual birthday. (I'm probably going to have to join weight watchers after this weekend by the way.)

After her day at school (where she got to be the leader ALL day), Mom, Mema, Jaggar and I all took her out to dinner. She wanted Fuji, of course...but at the last minute, we decided to go to Yume.

It did make for a pretty picture on the outside. Can you believe we haven't been here since the summer? If you haven't been and you're local, go check it. It's REALLY good.

Although...the one thing she wanted most was salmon eggs (yes, she does love them...I love sushi and even that is too much for me. It tastes like I'm eating fish eggs...they pop in your mouth...ACK!) But they didn't have them. I just assumed (when will I EVER learn that doesn't work) that they'd have them. It turned out okay. I ordered her a Shirley Temple to make up for it.

We actually sat on the Hibachi side. I'm not normally a fan of this, but the birthday girl asked for it, so that's what we did. That was an actual water wall behind us. Between that and the chef flame throwing in front of us, Jaggar was very content, which is not the norm when we go out to eat. SO...I asked the waitress if they did happy birthdays. Did they?! Watch THIS. I thought that this was so fun...and I'm so sorry that my video is terrible. Travis hasn't even seen this yet because I'm pretty sure he'd give me down the road about the camera work.

And look what they gave her! That is all made out of fruit. They said he usually makes a pineapple dragon, but he'd just learned how to do this that day. Isn't it beautiful? And the fruit was amazing, too.

When we got home, it was time for some more presents. Mom and Mema just decided to give her what they got her then. Jaggar also gave his present to Sage: a papa smurf set...or as Jaggar calls him "Papaw Smurf."

From Mema: littlest pet shop set. WHY I have no pics of Mom and Mema with Sage on her birthday, I do not know...other than the fact that I apparently suck.

Mom found a lady months ago who makes clothes for American Girl dolls. My mother had to check it out first to make sure that they were up to par, and they really were. There is a leopard fur coat with a matching hat, and it's lined in satin. Sage thought this was awesome. She immediately put that, the pretty red dress, tights and glittery shoes on Julie.

Fun day for Miss Sage, for sure. She had a great birthday, and she was REALLY looking forward to her party the next day.

7

2012-01-19T22:04:00.034-06:00

7 years ago tomorrow, this was me at just a few minutes after 12:40 pm. Sage Alexandra Spence. 6 lbs, 14 oz. 20 inches long. Perfect. On January 19th, 2005, 3 days past my due date, extremely hormonal and basically a walking manifestation of evil, I formed an instant bond with Dr Collins, who induced me at what I thought would be a regular appointment that afternoon. As we watched American Idol tonight, memories of watching the same show flooded back to me in the hospital 7 years ago on THIS night, the 19th. I was being hooked up and pumped up with all kinds of drugs that made me half nuts (I immediately started laughing when they pushed the medicine into my IV), but I had to see who would win that night. Not that it mattered...because THIS would happen the next afternoon.

I held a literal piece of Heaven in my arms and my life would drastically change. Suddenly, the world was brighter. I felt my purpose come alive, and I knew that in my life, at the age of 22, I had just become the most important thing I could ever or would ever become: a mother. What pure joy. I started out today just looking for ONE particular picture of Sage. Yesterday I gave away a rocking horse that was her's from her first Christmas (I had a twinge of grief when I did but...I can't save everything), and I instantly had a mental image of a pic that I KNOW is here of her on that horse with 3 of her babies, her binky and a smile. I have yet to find it, but what I did find were a lot of other memories that I hadn't visited in a long time. What a joy Sage has been in our lives.

She was an instant beauty, and I always had headbands, bows and jewelry on her. I guess now, at the age of 7, when it takes us 45 minutes just to walk out the door after already being completely ready because Sage is getting that last accessory that she knows she needs, I have myself to thank. This was the day of her baby dedication, and I can still remember someone walking up to me, looking at her JUST like this in my arms, and asking if I'd had a boy or girl. No lie.

She was SUCH a fun baby, and I taught her how to get her praise on before she was 12 months old. We broke it down.

Daddy was the one to give her the candy even as a baby. She wasn't even a year old here.

THIS is Sage looking at Isacah. Nostalgia, you have hit me across the face.

When Sage was smaller, she LOVED her babies, and this was a day in the life. I hadn't seen these images in a LONG time, and it brought such a smile to me when I saw it today. And maybe some tears.

This was Valentine's Day, and she had just turned 2. And THAT doll...is baby. That's what she called it, and it was her favorite. It got to be so disgusting because she carried it EVERYWHERE and did everything to it that Holly asked me why I got toys from the Center of Hope. ;) But here, baby is looking so fresh and so clean, clean.

My goodness. Literally

My best girl

EEK! Before we got Mayer, Chanel was free to roam the house, so Sage was like Chanel's mother. Chanel had just gotten fixed here, and Travis had just brought her home from the vet. As soon as Travis carried her inside the house, she laid down in the floor to go to sleep. I'd explained to Sage that Chanel had had surgery and she had to be gentle. I walked out of the room and came back to this. Nurse Sage.

And this was just a regular day. All of her babies were always face down and covered up. Chanel was never an exception. Awwww.

The day we got Mayer...

Sage was 2. And he was 5 weeks old.

Look at our family. Sage was 4 months here, and this was our first night out alone since she'd been born. My mom was still living with us while I was finishing school. She took care of Sage for 7 1/2 months until I graduated. I know on this night we went to Fuji for dinner and wondered what Sage was doing. Then we went to walmart to get bottle liners...and ran into someone and talked about Sage..and hurried home to make sure we hadn't missed anything too amazing.

Such a delight.

heehee. This was her first Thanksgiving at my mom's house. Just a few minutes later after this picture was taken, she would bump her head on the chair that Travis was sitting in and get her first knot on her head.

This was her first day of preschool at Word Alive. She hated it. And dry heaved until they called me to get her early. Looking back...I wish I hadn't put her in so soon. Because after that, she never stopped going to some type of mom's day out or preschool until she started kindergarten. This is why Jaggar isn't in anything like that. I realize how precious time is and how little of it I really have. Is that to say he'll never go to preschool? No. Just not at 2...and possibly not at 3. :)

Always a fashionista

She loved to lay in the laundry basket and have Daddy push her around. Actually, she would still love that. :)

On the merry go round at Chuck E Cheese. I see Jaggar make that same face now.

This was the morning of her first day at Word Alive...I should have taken it as a sign when a child who has NEVER slept in had to be woken up out of a dead sleep that day.

I will never forget this one. I can SEE my love for her in this.

This is so scattered because I've been up and down so many lanes of memories today that I don't have one concise point...or maybe I do. Sage, you're the best thing that ever happened to me. I am honored each and every day that God would lend me His best to love, nurture and influence before you start making your own decisions. At just a few minutes shy of being 7 years old, you are able to make some now, and I have been overwhelmed at the humbleness, thoughtfulness, sincerity, generosity and overall love that you show in all that you do at all times. You are better than me. You are 7, and you are so big now. You're growing up so much. Thank you for being so patient with me as I'm growing with you. I am so proud of you, but more importantly, God is. I know that the pictures I am taking of you NOW...where you look so big and sassy will all too soon become like these same pictures of memories. So because of that, I hold them and YOU...close.

Sage's Interview

2012-01-18T22:04:00.004-06:00

Almost 3 years ago, I did an interview with Sage. It was just some random questions that I saw on a friend's blog, and I thought it would be fun to see Sage's perspective. Indeed, it was. I SHOULD have done that again sooner, but I wanted to ask the same questions again and see how her answers have changed. You can look at the first interview here when she was 4. Here are her answers now, just a few days shy of being 7. SEVEN.

. 1. What is something mom always says to you? "I love you."

2. What makes mom happy? "Giving her a big kiss."

3. What makes mom sad? "when I have to go to school and you miss me and I'm not gonna be there."

4. How does your mom make you laugh? "tickling me."

5. What was your mom like as a child? "I have no idea...well, she was like me."

6. How old is your mom? "29"

7. How tall is your mom? "About 30"

8. What is her favorite thing to do? "To play with me and Jaggar"

9. What does your mom do when you're not around? "Clean the house and take care of Jaggar." (Good to know I do more than going to bed now...though I do manage to fit that in during naptime)

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? "Singing for Jesus like at church how you sing on the stage."

11. What is your mom really good at? "Taking care of our family, protecting us, doing a lot of fun things."

12. What is your mom not very good at? "Climbing a roof."

13. What does your mom do for her job? "You don't have a job...well, you do. You take care of Jaggar."

14. What is your mom's favorite food? "chocolate"

15. What makes you proud of your mom? "Helping me learn how to do things like tying my shoe."

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? "Minnie Mouse"
17. What do you and your mom do together? "Play and read"

18. How are you and your mom the same? "Blue eyes and we wear the same kind of clothes"

19. How are you and your mom different? "Different hair color. Well, you do inside but outside your's is different than mine." (Referencing getting my hair colored--she's getting older and wiser clearly)

20. How do you know your mom loves you? "Because she has a big enough heart for me to fit in it."

21. What's your mom's favorite place to go? "Shopping with friends"

****I also added a few new questions that were more about HER.

What's your favorite thing to do when you're not in school? Have fun with my family and play and go to church

Favorite color? Pink and purple

What do you want to be when you grow up? Teacher

Who is your best friend? Jaggar and Kylie Cornett (girl in her class)

Where are you going to live when you grow up? Here with you

Who do you want to marry? I have no idea! I don't even have a boyfriend!

Do you want children? I don't know. (I can GUARANTEE you this is because she still remembers seeing the IV in my hand when I had Jaggar. She talked about it for months after and said she wasn't sure about having kids because "of that shot in your hand.")

If so, future daughter's name? (After) people I like...so I'd say, "Elizabeth."

Future son's name? "Jaggar" so he'd remind me of Jaggar.

Going Viral

2012-01-16T13:52:00.011-06:00

Last night on facebook, I saw this link posted by someone from church with the effect of, "Our Very Own Julie Spence!" That obviously got my attention. I try to keep my websites for paying customers only. JK. Seriously, it really did get my attention though. Apparently someone..I really don't know WHO posted the video from when I sang "Redeemer" at church many Easters ago to a site I'd never heard of called Godvine.com. From what very little I gather, this is similar to youtube for Christians. It obviously wasn't me who uploaded it because number one, I hate that video. That song is really too big for me, and I'm well aware of that. It was a request from our pastor, and I was going to die trying it. And a request at Word Alive goes something like, "Hey, you're singing Redeemer for Easter." It's not American Idol auditions terrible, but I can't say that I'm proud of it. I had the worst swollen throat, and I remember sipping throat coat tea in the back to try to save what voice I did have. I don't want to sing that song on a good day, much less a sick day. Anyway, it is what it is....but then I see this link yesterday, and it was just uploaded on Saturday, I believe. Oh, another reason you know I didn't do it is because it's Julie SPENCER. Nice. Regardless of my personal views of it, it's really nice if people do enjoy it. Here's the deal. I'M going to critique the mess out of it because it is ME, but thank you SO much to all of the kind people that like it...and me. Maybe my problem is that I equate them to one and the same. Not everyone likes me...THERE I said it. I need it to sink in. I was really surprised when I glanced at it today to see it had gone to THOUSANDS of views in less than 48 hours. Godvine viewers are serious, I guess. I then experienced several different things when I saw the comments and what was happening. Fighting. Over what, you ask? What I was WEARING. You can see the link and page here.

Here is what started the uproar.

Elsje Massyn posted on 2012-01-16 08:11:40 - Reply Directly

It irritates the living daylight out of me, when girls appear on stage and show their cleavage!! It is disrespectful and this type of dress has taken over the charismatic movement by storm. I am not a prune, I do however believe she could lift her top just one centimeter. Her song therefore could not bring the GLORY to God the way it should. Scripture says we should live in such a way that we do not offend others or cause others to stumble. There is so much un-cleanness happening in the church these days, the fear of the Lord is not in the church anymore.

Jesus, I'm so sorry I missed your GLORY by a centimeter.

Okay....First...I just think it is so awesome that someone thinks I Have CLEAVAGE!!! I laughed out loud when I saw that. I see 4 people liked her comment and 16 did not. I know I should be more focused on the fact this chick (of COURSE--it's always a 'lady,' isn't it?) was offended (not), but baby, I have NO cleavage. But you rest assured when I buy it in a few years, you'll see more of it. Really though? What cleavage? Seriously...what is that? I even watched it back some to see if I had something then that I wasn't aware of. Nope. I'd say one of, if not my BIGGEST peeves is when someone goes on a rant or says something is right or wrong based on their preference or their PERSONAL conviction and tries to make it that way for everyone AND then do it in the name of God. If your OPINION is that my shirt is too skanky, say that. Hey, I think her shirt is too low, but the song was good. Or bad. Don't bring Jesus into something that is YOUR personal opinion and turn it into a morally right or wrong thing. Makes me want to scream! THIS is why people want nothing to do with church! Second and what I think is most important here is that, Ellie Mae (which is her real name based on her fb comment), I might consider you a PRUDE...but a PRUNE is a fruit. Perhaps you need to eat some so that you can relieve yourself though because you're obviously full of something. If you're going to correct me, you BETTER use the right words. So then you can see the loads of comments by people (who appear to be more in their right minds) defending my wardrobe. People saying they'd be proud to have me as a daughter? Stop pointing fingers. I'd love to meet you since you're so holy...lol. Thanks, guys.I didn't have to defend myself (not that I ever would) because you all did it for me so wonderfully. Someone said they understood what she was saying because there's not modesty in the church but that there was nothing wrong with what I was wearing. Here's the deal though: I'm not modest in any way, shape, or form. I'm pretty extravagant actually. If she thinks THAT was bad, I think THIS and especially THIS could give her a heart attack. :) I've never claimed to be modest, but what I am is appropriate. I will never take over when someone else is in their moment. I'll be your biggest cheerleader. I'll pray for you on the spot. You can call me on a MONDAY MORNING and I am THERE for you. And honey, in spite of myself, I can PRAY. I am VERY conscious of what I look like every week in front of 1000s of people. You have no idea what that's like unless you DO it. I'd venture to say that people that tear up pastors and others TRYING to help YOU get in God's presence do nothing of the sort. I heard something yesterday that stuck with me and didn't realize I could apply it so soon. If you're going to correct or criticize me in LOVE, you better make damn sure that you've encouraged me WAY more than you're about to correct me. I'll do the same for you. Seriously though, I'm not mad about this at ALL. I did want to write about it though because...well, it's what I do, right? I've always dreamed of being known FOR my singing and worship--more than just in Oxford...and this just comes with the territory, right? Maybe...in some way, God is readying me for that. I'm just messing with ya, Ellie Mae. Jesus loves you. And I'm trying. ;) KIDDING.

A Piece of Word Alive

2012-01-15T18:24:00.006-06:00

If you know me of if you don't, I hope you know that Word Alive has a very special place in my heart. It's afforded me a lot of wonderful opportunities and experiences and really changed my life. And I have the special privilege (most) every week to see 1000s worship and come to know the Jesus that I love. I've met people there that are like family to me and that have impacted my life in wonderful ways. All of my best friends that I've met have been met at Word Alive. That alone says how special it is. Anyway, music--particularly worship--is what I do and love. Today was a lot of fun, and I was able to do a song that I love called "That My Soul Knows Very Well." This is an older song that I've always loved but have never sang at our church. But for some reason, everyone has thought on two different occasions now that I have been the one to lead it. Not the case, but I did do that today, and I think it was pretty special. Not me but the moment. Travis recorded it. We don't do that for show, but I like to look back and see another perspective. He WAS on the very front row to record, which mortified me beyond belief. After mouthing obscenities and threats from the stage (Jk...kind of..), he did go back a bit. I do not care that you cannot see my face. I could not sing with an iphone in my face. Anyway, he accidentally stopped it on my song so it's in two parts, but it's still okay.

This first one is a bit of the song that Heath leads called "Freedom," and it's a lot of fun. If I moved like this all the time, I'd be in better shape.

You know what I love most about this song? The fact that everyone in the congregation sings along so beautifully. Until I watched this back, I didn't really realize how much they REALLY sing, and that's so awesome.

My friend, Bill, sent me what he recorded off of the first service from Word Alive's streaming. Travis thought that service was better, so here's part of that. Thank you, Bill!

***Funny sidenote: When I first watched back what Travis recorded, I said, "Okay, I thought I was losing it some on that last part but it was okay." Travis said, "Yeah I could tell." Rule of males and females broken. If I think anything about me is wrong, you don't agree. You don't even acknowledge it at all. It's either NOOOO or Huh? What are you talking about? Anyway, I immediately was like, "What do you mean???" He said, "That you were getting emotional." I said, "Oh...is that what you thought?...Oh okay that's cool." He said, "If you ever feel like your voice is going to crack, always fake crying. Then everyone will be so touched." Hahaha. I had to give him props for that....and possibly keep that idea in my back pocket.

Mommy and Me

2012-01-15T14:11:00.007-06:00

Sage and Jaggar have had their dose of me these past few days, as Travis has been working a lot. He's had several games that made him leave early and get home after we were all in bed. Days like this can be long. Sage's stomach virus turned out to be mild. Thank you, Jesus, for hearing my prayer. Honestly, after I prayed for her, she never threw up again. She was wild by that afternoon, so I knew she was fine, and the rest of us have stayed nausea free. Prayer works! Travis got a last minute shoot for Saturday. I was so looking forward to having a break where we all had nothing to do, but oh well. So we've been doing a lot of this. Yes, it's a Christmas puzzle, but it was $1 at Target, and it was cute so Sage and I made it. It's been FOREVER since I built a puzzle that was over like 10 pieces so I actually found it to be a bit therapeutic. Sage turned out to be very good at them herself.

After Jaggar went to bed the night before she got sick, Sage and I played with her Hello Kitty Squinkies. It's amazing what I see in her when I turn off the tv, the phone, the ipods and ipad and just...PLAY and talk to her. There are such amazing things that kids have access to today starting at such a young age, and those things are great. But all of that means nothing if they don't have YOU--the parent. You matter. And I see that so much when I have quiet moments with just she and I where we aren't doing anything aside from being together. It's important. On another note, check out what Jaggar busts out occasionally here. Even though he is prompted by me here just for video purposes, know that he will randomly burst out singing that song at any given time. So fitting. If I had a dollar for every time someone heard me say his name and then start singing that song, I'd be as rich as Adam Levine.

Last night, cabin fever had set in, so I put pinterest to work for me. I declared it a movie and junk food night. We went to the store and got several things that I could make based on some recent pins that seemed easy enough. I made s'mores nachos. Okay, folks, this took about 20 seconds from start to finish, and Jaggar, in particular, thought it was the best day of his life. He eats just like me while Sage eats just like Travis. A few bites for her and she was done. Jaggar had so much chocolate under his nails that it looked like he had played in dirt. He'd eat nothing but chocolate if we'd let him. I can relate to that weakness. If I didn't eat sweets, I'd seriously probably drop 15 lbs. But since that wouldn't work for me, I consider it a gift to love sweets so much. :)

Sage was all about posing to look like she just took this out of the oven, while Jaggar only cared about eating it.

We decided to watch Charlie Brown's Valentine special since we love Charlie Brown, and that is the next upcoming deal for us...aside from a very special little girl's birthday THIS week.

Crazy

2012-01-13T21:02:00.003-06:00

I saw this video on facebook and couldn't help but laugh...and relate. I used to be embarrassed of our crazy, and that's mainly speaking of myself, but now I embrace it. :) This was such a great show that is FULL of classics just like this.

Sickness

2012-01-13T11:57:00.003-06:00

9 times out of 10, if a school aged child wakes up on a school day an hour before they usually have to be woken up, it's not a good sign. So was the case this morning. Call it mother's instinct, but the tiny bit of light creeping through the cracks of my bedroom door was an instant wake up for me. It took me a minute to realize if I was dreaming or not, but then I realized that Sage was up. And she wasn't just up, but she was throwing up. OH. NO. In my opinion and experience, throwing up is the absolute worst thing in the case of common viruses. I took all the Christmas decorations down with the flu. I took Jaggar to the doctor with an ear infection of my own. I've sang (unknowingly) with strep throat. But vomiting? Down for the count. I felt so sorry for Sage. When I told her that she was staying home, she was immediately upset that she was going to miss the pep rally that she'd get to go to for getting all S's in conduct. I can still vividly remember when my mom sent me to school (in first grade, as well) when my stomach was queasy. You know what happened? I threw up all over the reading group. Still traumatized by that, by the way, mom. And they probably are, too. Anyway, it's been a constant effort to keep Jaggar away. What's worse than a 1st grader throwing up is a 2 year old throwing up, who can't figure out what to do. Sage has been such a big girl and has made it to the bathroom every time on her own. I made her a pallet on my floor, and she's watched the Smurfs multiple times. I don't know what it is about that movie that both of my kids just love. It's been hours since the last time that she's thrown up. She's eaten and seems to be feeling well, but I'm not taking too many chances. Here's to believing this is the end.

Early this morning

Just a few minutes ago. He couldn't stand it anymore after being downstairs all morning. I thought it'd be fine as long as he laid on the opposite end.

Thanks, Target!

2012-01-12T12:10:00.005-06:00

Last year, I went to Target mid-January and stumbled upon them marking down clearance toys to 70% off. It took 2 trips and 3 carts, but I had birthday and Christmas gifts for every child I could possibly have to buy for for the entire year. Seriously. So THIS year, I was looking for them to do that again, and they did not disappoint. Turns out, they did it on the EXACT day that they did last year, which I was counting on. I had first pick to whatever I wanted. I already told Travis that I needed help, and we had already been scoping out what we wanted. They had been 30% for about 2 weeks, but I knew they would go to 70% off. Check us out. Travis said he felt like those people on Extreme Couponing on TLC. And we kind of were. The most I paid for anything was $30, but that's because the toy was originally $100. Can't beat that, guys. I got the only Smart Cycle they had, which I contemplated buying for Sage when she was smaller, for Jaggar. It was originally 80, and I got it for 24. Travis said that he's already excited about Christmas for this year. :)

Jaggar IS in there. Barely. He totally thought he hit the jackpot today though and that I was just being REALLY nice in buying him ALL of this stuff. I did give him some Thomas Christmas trains, but the rest was put away. He seriously cried for over an hour for a dinosaur train. He kept going into the bathroom and pointing to the attic and saying, "It's up there! Get it!"

Here is SOME of our stash while Travis was putting it in the attic. Even though we spent a LOT of money today, I saved SO much more. No joke, it's seriously over $1000 worth of stuff. I am a saavy shopper.

Weight a Minute

2012-01-08T14:54:00.004-06:00

Love my pun with words, right? I'm going to talk on something I'm passionate about, so move on if you don't want to hear it. I've already been talking about it and still am talking about it because WE (Travis and I) are still talking about it: JANUARY. I said it earlier. It's the time when everyone is going to suddenly become health and body conscious. I hate this time of year, and I don't really know why. It really doesn't affect me, but...I just hate fad diets. Why? Because I think they're destructive. And short lived. And they ultimately accomplish nothing. Travis. Oh, I love Travis. But he and I are like cats and dogs when it comes to eating. He thinks that the nutrition facts on food are lies. A little pack of fries or a tiny burger couldn't possibly have 900 calories and 45 fat grams. (Made up example) "It's just bread and meat and potatoes." Okay. Travis is still "getting ready to get on the track to fitness." He said that when the scale reached the highest it ever has in his life, he wanted to give it a few days/weeks to make sure it was right. lol. He's serious by the way. And so was the scale. Speaking of scales, yep, here are the stores' displays right on time. I guess scales are necessary for some people, but it's best if I avoid them. They make me a little crazy. I can just go by how my clothes fit, and that works for me. I can focus too much on a number and lose all perspective, which is probably why I hate these displays all in my face. I like perspective. I'm easier to live with that way.

Pinterest is bombarding me with pictures of Kim Kardashian as motivational tools to eat better. That's not MY motivation. She motivates me to eat less, but I'm just saying, it's everywhere. I see invites to try a new diet shake. It's like nails on a chalkboard to me. How about just eating and counting the calories? THAT is life. If you want to lose weight, lower your calories. You don't have to be insane about it. And don't blow them all in one meal at Longhorn. Look at what is IN some of that food. ONE blooming onion with dipping sauce from Outback is 2210 calories and 134 grams of fat. TWO THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED and TEN calories. And that's not even your meal. I know that is usually shared, but my god, you're probably still going to eat about 1000. I'm not being obsessive, but some people REALLY don't know why they can't lose weight. I have one lady at church that literally tells me almost every time that she sees me, "Honey, you don't even LOOK like you had a baby. You just get smaller and smaller. You can eat whatever." 2 things: My baby is 2 1/2. If I still looked like I had a baby, then I'm just fat. And I can't and don't eat whatever I want. It's just about choices. And really? Loving yourself. You're not a dog, so you shouldn't reward yourself with food. At the same time, I don't think you should deprive yourself. If you want a piece of chocolate cake, eat it. Just don't eat 5. And don't do it every day of the week after every meal. LIVE YOUR LIFE. And know that weight goes up and down. When it goes up a little, back off. You can tell if it does. If you're like me, you'll have someone point it out to you! PS: You mention my weight to me in any way, shape, or form other than by telling me how awesome I look, you're on my hit list so watch out. I'm just saying, if you want to make a difference in yourself, do it. But don't do these crazy pills or supplements that are SO expensive...and then you gain all the weight back because you started eating again. So whether the scale says 190, 110, or 126.4 (as seems to be the ideal at Target), be smart about it and be the best YOU ALL year, not just in January. And that sounds so cheesy, but it's true. Love yourself because I'm betting there's a lot of others around you that do, too.

Museum Day

2012-01-07T19:34:00.009-06:00

I am trying, REALLY trying, to get back in the spirit of blogging. Bear with me. I think Travis and I both need vitamins or a constant line of caffeine. It took me an hour to wake up after I'd initially been woken up this morning. But it was a beautiful day, so Sage asked if we could go to the museum. Fine by me. We hadn't been since October, and Meagan had called early to see what we were doing today. At the time, I was still trying to get out of my semi-conscious state, so Travis didn't really know what my plans were. He had a game at UAB tonight, so we left around 2 this afternoon. We had a fun time. Kylie had never been, and all of the kids were so excited. When we told Jaggar that we were going, he said, "AH! That is AMAZING." lol...I wonder where he came from some days.

My pictures pretty much suck. It didn't even occur to me to take any until we were almost through it. Because we left so late into the day, the kids nor I got a nap. No nap plus dim lighting made for a VERY sleepy me. I know, I know, tough life, as Nick always points out to me. Travis brought his Nikon, so maybe some day I'll look through his and post them. Doubtful but there's a chance.

Jaggar trying to touch the elephant.

Travis did crack me up when I was trying to take a picture of Jaggar, he said, "This kid is going to work for the CIA because no one will EVER see what his face actually looks like." He is a pro at turning his head during picture time.

But this one is prob going to be a model of some kind because she loves the camera, and that love is mutual.

But then a miracle occurred, and I actually got one of ALL three looking AND smiling. AND I got that with my iphone. Or MAYBE I'm just that good. Or maybe both. Probably. Cuties.

We see who the ONLY one is ready for this one. Always. Who cares about fish?

Mediocre Blogger

2012-01-05T18:03:00.006-06:00

Hi! Or should I say it with a flat, "Hi." Not gonna lie, zee blog has not been high on my list of priorities. I've experienced everything that I experience EVERY year (I looked back last year, so I can confirm) right after Christmas--post holiday blues, I guess. I gave so much during Christmastime mentally, physically, financially....and it comes and goes so fast, and frankly, I'm a bit burnt out. It's not supposed to be over! I still want Christmas music! We still want to watch Christmas movies! We were pretty much HOME for the entire Christmas break, flu free this year, thank God, and I can do that so easily--get away from EVERYTHING. I enjoy it. Mmmm, surrounded by the lights of the Christmas tree watching classic holiday shows. But then when the regular schedule ALL comes back along with OTHER events (birthdays, baby showerS), I find it really difficult to jump back in. Travis was asking me about an upcoming baby shower, and I was like, "I do not want to deal with this right now. I just need some time to breathe." I think I almost feel a bit vulnerable and like I need to toughen up some after being home with only the family for so long. Craziness. I've also just not felt like blogging. I don't really have anything revolutionary to say, and the things that are on my mind are just not blog material. All online opening up has just not been an interest of mine lately. I am well aware that I do NOT have 600+ friends, even though facebook tells me otherwise. I couldn't tell you who 3/4 of them are, and I find that weird. I've wanted to keep my personal thoughts personal. I feel a little bad about that because I realize that when I do open up, it actually makes a difference. People, who I had no clue even knew I had a blog, have commented on things that I've written. They were calling me and Travis, which was really cool. I know I personally love it when people "go there" in their writing. It's touching. It draws you in. But I just am not in that mindset right now. I'm sure that will change once I get back in the swing of things a little more.

So...what's going on. Um let's see...I've had not one but two ulcers in my mouth in one week. MISERY. #whyyesidohaveherpes. So Dr Travis swore if I swished some mouth wash that they would go away. The first one was already almost healed when he said this, but the second had come up and overrode that. The sore itself was so painful that I couldn't bear the thought of putting that strong stuff IN that wound. But the other is on the TOP, and...well food hurts. I'd like to eat. I'm funny that way. So to see if he was right, I did that this morning. Kind of like pouring bleach in an open wound. Hope that works.

Um...Jaggar has a cold. I would much rather be the one with it because he is miserable. And whiny. EXTREMELY. WHINY. My patience runs low with excessive whining. His eyes and nose are constantly running, and it (rightfully) drives him nuts. Poor baby. So I got this toy out that Chrissie gave him for Christmas that we hadn't even opened. This will most likely last through the weekend, at best. SANDBOX. My kitchen reminds me of the back door at the beach condo. Sand everywhere. But for today, I let him have fun with it.

That's been his expression most of the day for the past few days.

OH! Have you wondered how Mr Resolution himself has been faring so far on this....5th day of the new year? Well, here ya go. (I believe this was actually on the THIRD day of the new year...not that it matters.) Let's see if I can recall from that video....more "grilled foods." Yes, I can see that by this meal of fried chicken, fried chicken, and fried chicken with a side of fried chicken. On the fast track to fitness, I tell ya!

New Year's Eve Date

2012-01-05T17:58:00.006-06:00

Backtracking some. but this is how I spent New Year's Eve while Travis was at the wedding. No complaints.

This is a feature on the ipad, and it's called photobooth. This is the xray effect, and I thought that this was so wild how Sage's and my facial structure look exactly the same. She thought that I was actually her. I'm on the left. Weird, huh?

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T21:23:00.002-06:00

It's New Year's and you know what that means: resolutions! Do you have any? Well, Travis says that he does. You can check that out and laugh like I did. Here's the deal: I find weight loss resolutions to be a joke. Period. After stuffing your face through the holidays, suddenly you are going to flip the switch and starve in January..until? Exactly. That's not what Travis is saying, but he and I had that discussion earlier as I saw that all the beautiful tree displays are gone and are now replaced with slimfast and diet pills. I hate it. And so when HE said that he was going to lose weight, I couldn't help but laugh after our earlier discussion. Happy New Year!

Goodbye, 2011

2011-12-31T22:08:00.004-06:00

This is my LAST post for 2011. Kind of a weird thought. I'm not a huge New Year's party kind of girl. But when Sage and I were praying tonight, the fact that a chapter of our lives is closing had a magnitude about it to me, and I don't know why exactly. Maybe it's because some people like my Papa didn't make it to see 2012. Or people like Linda Noe didn't get there like they thought they would. Yet. It seems like the older I get, the more thoughtful (meaning sentimental...I'm not really that thoughtful) I get. I was supposed to go to a wedding tonight, but it was kind of hard to find a sitter on New Year's Eve. Travis went solo to that, so Sage and I played the Wii. I'm thankful for this year. Just like every year, I've had some awesome highs and some painful lows. I think the good far outweighs the bad. Pain is unfortunately part of life. I haven't really thought of resolutions. but when we were praying tonight, I prayed that God would help me to be patient. Patient with my kids. Patient with Travis. Patient with MYSELF. I'm my worst critic, and I think I'd just like to give myself a bit of a break. I'm really proud of the spiritual and emotional growth I've had this year, though I have very little, if anything, to do with it. I also believe for God's best for me and my family. And when things aren't going exactly as I'd planned (which is pretty ordinary, right?), I prayed that God would help my unbelief. Because in my heart, I know He knows what He's doing and that He does have good things in store for me, in spite of one bad day or moment. Today is all that we have. And each day falls into the other and we look back and it's a new year. I want it to count. And make memories. And measure it all in love. ;) This says it all, right? (soul sister breaks it down, doesn't she?)

A Special Visitor

2011-12-31T08:49:00.006-06:00

The day after Christmas, we were pleasantly surprised to have a visit from Mitch before he headed back to Knoxville. If you remember my post from what seems like forever ago, Mitch is doing his residency in Knoxville, TN for OB/GYN. Mitch Dizon, M.D. Coincidence? I think not. He has a few years left, so we're glad to see him when he is in town. I told him how great he looked and that his gastric bypass really is doing him some favors. ;) Seriously though, it was really great to see him, even though he had to see my house in the worst possible state it could possibly be in--the day after Christmas when Santa's bag had thrown up everywhere.

Uncle Mitch looking at Jaggar's Rudolph book

With Sage, who was much more talkative than the last time Mitch remembered. She's growing up.

Hugs goodbye. Till next time!

One Last Thing

2011-12-31T08:23:00.014-06:00

After Sage finished opening her presents, we decided to see what Santa left the dogs. I thought a better choice was to see IF he left the dogs anything because I was sure that they were on the naughty list. So off we headed to the playroom where their stockings were last hung.

Through the foyer...

Check it out!!

Sage was so into what the dogs got that she didn't even SEE what was left on the fireplace until I was like, "SAGE! LOOK!"

Santa's FOOTPRINTS were on our fireplace. AMAZING! Watch Sage as she tries to figure out what it is here.

Sparkling with Christmas green magic, too, I might add.

Also, the reindeer feed had been eaten up, too.

The dogs were happy to get their treats from Santa, too. What a wonderful Christmas we had. Can't wait to do it again next year!

Our Turn

2011-12-30T13:42:00.022-06:00

Every year after the kids finish all of their Santa gifts, Travis and I open our gifts to each other and from the kids. It's usually anti-climatic compared to what our kids get, but that's how it should be. However, that was not the case for me this year. I mentioned that I struggled shopping for adults this year. Maybe it's because I myself was pretty uninterested in anything gift wise for me. I usually have something bigger in mind that I know Travis would love, but I just couldn't come up with anything this year. He did mention several things he wanted when I asked, and I tried to get all of those that he said. But I just didn't feel like it was great. That's what HE wanted though, so when you get what you ask for, that's a good thing, and he was pleased.

Yes, he asked for a typical mixer type...thing. I don't even know what you call it. Hand mixer? Blender? Mom got him that Cuisinart one that has all the attachments, but he still asked for this one and was pleased with it. Maybe I didn't think I got him anything great because he usually asks for mostly culinary things, and I have ZERO interest in that.

We always give him a movie card, and it's usually his favorite thing. Travis' joy in life is to go to late movies.

He's smiling so big here because he bought these for himself after Thanksgiving, wrapped them, labeled them to himself and put them under the tree. :) And that's fine. I bought myself $100 perfume, called it a Christmas gift and started using it at Thanksgiving when I bought it. That's the difference between him and me.

I'm not sure what this is. It could be the watch he asked for, or it could be the "something fun" gift that Sage chose.

Sage chose a light up yo-yo for Travis when we were in Louisville. Travis laughed when he opened it because he said that a few days ago, Sage had said, "Daddy you're going to love what I got you...but it's nothing fun like a yo-yo or anything." lol

Then I started opening gifts, was totally taken off guard, and never got anymore of Travis' moments captured. I hate that but it's okay. You'll see why in a sec. Sage couldn't stand it anymore. I HAD to open her gift to me.

Look how pleased she is...it is a

Hello Kitty Toaster!

I have eyed this for a few years. Target puts out seasonal Hello Kitty items like this every year at Christmas. I have always loved Hello Kitty. Nick asked me if I thought I was a little old for that. But um...how many 5 year olds get toasters? Clearly, it was made for adults because Hello Kitty is TIMELESS.

And LOOK what it does to the toast. I kind of burned this one (shocking) because I didn't know how strong it would be. And yes, it is on my kitchen counter. :)

THIS was from Jaggar (who was busy playing with toys), and it couldn't have been any more appropriate. I've said how I LOVE heat. Jaggar has taken after me, and any time he sees the heater, he says, "I wanna feel good!" And that means either turn it on if it's not, or let him get in front of it. lol, isn't that adorable? So now I don't have to carry my other one upstairs and downstairs. I have one in each location. Perfect.

If it says Archer Farms, chances are high that I love it. Travis loves things to help him cook in the kitchen. I love things to eat out of the kitchen.

This was no surprise. Actually what was a surprise is that Travis had said, "I just don't know what to get you. You say NOTHING except an ipad. I thought of something you mentioned, but I don't know if you meant that, and I'm not having microwave part II. (long story but basically years ago, our microwave gave out a few weeks before Christmas, and he bought me a new one FOR Christmas. I didn't say anything in the moment, but it's a running joke now. That's like buying toothpaste or toilet paper as a gift because we ran out and then wrapping it up as a gift.)" I said, "Can you run that by me again? Because I'm scared to think what it was with me not remembering." He was right. I did want a new dvd player for my room because the one that was in there was junk. And I play a LOT of dvds in my room, especially for Jaggar when I'm trying to get ready. So this is wonderful, and it's a blu ray player too, which we didn't have. The surprise is that it's very unlike Travis to say what he is getting. He is VERY much about surprises...but that wasn't all, even though I thought it was.

He brought out this huge box....and well, you can WATCH here.

I was SO overwhelmed--obviously and surprised. Yes, it's an ipad, and that is GREAT, but it was the hard work and sacrifice HE made to get it. See, I prob don't have to say it because the pictures show, but we spend a LOT of money at Christmas. I was SO impressed he saved up in the midst of all of that and bought Meagan an ipad. I thought it was great, but I NEVER expected one for me. Ever. I had said that I wanted one, but it was really kind of a joke because I knew it was ridiculous for ME to ask for that in the midst of everything else that we get. But was it appreciated? OVERWHELMING YES. With the exception of ONE Walmart receipt for some of the food he cooked for Christmas Eve, I never saw one receipt for anything he bought. He saved up cash and bought TWO Ipad 2's, a blu ray player, lunch at Classic...just everything you saw. He said that that was his plan the entire time. It's what he wanted to do. I've got a good one, folks, I know.

I have to say that it is amazing. I love it SO much. What was so funny is that Sage goes, "Daddy, I thought you got her a ceiling fan." He said, "I just told you that so you wouldn't tell." See yo-yo incident above. ;) So, yes, we all had a wonderful Christmas.

Jaggar's Christmas Morning

2011-12-29T15:39:00.062-06:00

Can I just say how overwhelming it is to blog about Christmas? I want to remember EVERY moment, but there are SO many pictures. As I'm looking through Jaggar's day, I'm realizing that Travis must have been more awake at that time because these pictures seem to be more like TRAVIS taking the pictures. Anyway, when Jaggar started crying, I went to get him. He couldn't have cared less that it was Christmas. He wanted his milk and to be rocked for a few minutes. It's how he wakes up. If you try to rush that process, you will be sorry. So I was not going to. We rocked for a few minutes. Then I asked him if he wanted to see what Santa left him? No. Great...okay, well how about we do that anyway?

Hmmm...not so sure about this. And little Sage had already had her turn, so she was SO excited FOR Jaggar. We had to tell her more than once to let him do it because she was trying to open his gifts for him. He's able to do it himself now, and I've got issues with him hitting when he doesn't like something she does, so I was trying to prevent tears AND timeout on Christmas....what can you do?

He decided when he saw all of the loot that he was ready. Check him out as he first comes into the room here.

Here is HIS pile. A TAD overwhelming maybe???

There are SO many pictures. I have the videos in order. SO this is when he first got started. You can watch here. Oh, and let me say that he ONLY wanted to unwrap presents that had Rudolph or Frosty paper. I think you can hear him say something to that effect in this. The snowflake paper was not okay with him. Those were a last resort for him when the desire to unwrap overruled the desire for Frosty and Rudolph.

I realize I'm like overkill with the videos and pictures, but these are for me. SO, click here for more present unwrapping.

He got some kind of ramps with cars. Both kids got so much stuff that they don't even know what all they have yet.

His talking dinosaurs. These are so cute. They talk to each other and sing together.

He loves his Rudolph book, as you saw in the video above with "his shiny nose."

Cute

Okay, and HERE is one of his most favorite gifts right here. I'm so sorry for my terrible singing. You would never believe by these videos that I can actually sing somewhat.

He got all of his Rudolph friend stuffed animals. He has been sleeping with Rudolph and Clarice since we got our stuff down, and I expect that once he can actually process what all he has, he could add these, too.

Look at that sweet face.

Opening more Rudolph toys here.

Trying out his new snow monster chap stick, which I'm almost positive that he ate half of.

Love how he's looking at his toys.

I just realized this and thought it was hysterical. I mentioned we had JULIE, the American girl, SAGE, the fijit friend....and I see this. We also had TRAVIS the turtle. How hilarious is that? We should've gotten Jaggar some kind of Mick Jagger album or the EVER popular Maroon 5's MOVES LIKE JAGGER. I cannot tell you how many people ask me if I've heard that song when they hear me say his name.

Still in awe of her most precious gift

I just can't caption all of these, but I think they're pretty self explanatory.

Oh, he got a talking Yukon Cornelius. He LOVES Yukon.

He got a GUN! :) Just like Ralphie. He went from saying Santa was going to bring him SOAP (NO clue where that one came from, but he said it every time for a LONG time), to SNOW, to a Gun from watching A Christmas Story so much.

Let me just note that both kids enjoy this little Caillou farm, but it was pure assembly hell for me to put it together today. What happened to instructions??? Now it's like 2 pictures.

And here is Jaggar opening his gift from Sage. She was SO excited to give this to him and rightfully so. His reaction is awesome. He pretty much says, "OKAY" to everything, and I think it's so great that's what he says when he opens this. Watch it here.

Look at that face.

She said they were sharing it. :)

Jaggar gave Sage a new dance puzzle, which is 100 pieces that we may be able to build...one day.

If in any of those videos, you heard Sage asking to open more, it's because she knew she had another from us. Here it is.

Back in the summer, she fell in love with this Bible because it had jewels and sequins all over it. Of course, I fell in love with it, too. That's my child. ;)

Happy, sweet girl

Back to the fish tank for him

LOOK at all of that.

Look how he sets up his toys. All day long. In every area of the house. Super cute.

See what I mean? He had to have the Rudolph toys by the tree.

Back to the smurf game for this chick. How cute is she?

PART of the trash. It's also on the other side of the loveseat! Phew! THAT was a blog. I can ALMOST see the light. I've got a few more Christmas posts, so hang on!

****Make sure you click older posts to see Sage's turn if you didn't already. This post was so long that it filled up my entire page!

Sage's Christmas Morning

2011-12-29T11:38:00.037-06:00

The excitement in this house on Christmas Eve night was literally through the roof...well that coupled with some sadness over elves leaving, but excitement won. Jaggar is still small. He did sing, "Santa Claus is coming to town" all day, but did he REALLY know he was coming like Sage did? No. So he went to bed just fine. And because Sage hadn't had a nap all day, and we'd had company all day and into the night, I expected her to be out like a light. And for the most part, she was. I'm the kind of person that, especially if it's been a big day and I've been going ALL day, I need some time to chill out. That is when I generally blog, email, or facebook. So, I stayed up later than I should have really. It was 12:30 am, and the Anniston Police Department had posted on facebook that they heard sleigh bells and that Santa was in the area. Woot! All of a sudden, my door opens. I was totally expecting Travis because we'd just been talking downstairs. Nope. It was Sage. Dressed and ready to go. THREE hours after she went to bed. I said, "What are you doing? Do you think it's morning???" lol, she did! I said, 'Honey, he's not even been here yet. I haven't even been to bed, but he's on the WAY so you need to go to sleep." She said, "Well I'm just so excited that I can't sleep!!" She did get back in the bed. I did, too, at probably 1 something. I was excited, too!! I woke up at 5:45. Travis got in our (my) bed before Santa came, and a little after 6, Sage came bounding into our room saying, "It's here! Let's go! I gotta see if I got Julie!!!" I opted NOT to wake Jaggar because he's not the best morning person in the world...BUT next year, we prob will as he'll understand it more. SO...off we went. Warning: I've got a LOT of videos here.

The cookies, cake and milk were all gone.

HERE she is walking in for the first time. Overwhelmed, to say the least, at first, but it gets a lot better.

This is what she saw.

Everything on the red side was her's. And Julie's BED is in there. Huge hit.

Rather than just putting name tags on EVERY gift, Santa just put them in the floor in front of each color coded section. Smart one he is!

And so it begins! She just dove in.

That is an aquarium light that moves around like the fish are swimming, and it's awesome. She has slept with it on every night since Christmas.

HERE is a first clip of opening presents. Love her reactions. They really get better and better. Apologies for my nasty, raspy voice. My singing voice is lovely in the early morning.

She LOVES the smurfs. Jaggar actually told Santa at one time that he wanted a smurf.

A dolphin that matches her book. Jaggar calls it his shark.

American Girl outfit for her doll.

She LOVES angry birds. She's being angry here like the bird. :)

And she got a fijit friend named Sage. These things are really cute. It's an interactive toy, and they sing and dance. Here she is opening that.

Love her expressions. I had to laugh in this video. What she says when she opens her pajamas sounds like...ME. Travis said he was thinking, "Did she just say what I thought she said?" At the top of her list, clearly by watching this, was American Girl crutches and a leg cast. Watch here.

She definitely had an American Girl Christmas. It's really her favorite thing in the world, and the doll that she got last year for her birthday, she still plays with everyday like it's brand new.

I think that this is the scooter that she opens in this video. This is the video of that and her most wanted gift(s). She wanted Julie and the wheelchair more than anything. Watch here.

There's Julie. We've heard nothing but Julie, Julie, Julie for quite a while. It's really the only thing she really wanted. Mitch did point out that she got a fijit named Sage and a doll named Julie. What can I say? We are narcissists.

Happy girl

Taking out her wheelchair. She told Santa she wanted this, the leg cast and crutches, and Julie very consistently. Santa said that she must take special note of the less fortunate. She pushes Julie in this chair ALL day.

Then there was something else wrapped in different paper behind the tree.

Here she is opening it.

Definitely a wonderful family gift. As you can tell, I'm pretty excited about that, too. Again, apologies for my nasty voice.

And here she is opening all of the games that Santa brought for the wii.

Look at all of the STUFF.

SO excited about Smurf Dance party. You can see her playing this here. Super cute.

Sage was actually a gift herself to us in her wonderful reactions and gratefulness for each and every gift that she got. THAT makes me happy. This was her best year yet. Her excitement and absolute belief brought me back to my own childhood, and nothing can top that.

Christmas Blogging ADD

2011-12-28T21:58:00.016-06:00

My goal is to get ALL Christmas pictures and video up here before the new year. Otherwise, it throws off my archives, and this Christmas will be saved in 2012. That alone pushes me to finish. I have uploaded Sage's videos and all 200+ pictures, and now I just have to go through and edit and upload Jaggar's videos. I have definite memories of Christmas day that I am going to recount in detail (the videos are great), but I'm struggling to get it done. I took HOURS to finish taking ALL decorations down yesterday, and I feel like I can breathe a little easier with a little more room. That and I've been mastering the MJ game. I'm getting all but the highest star! YEEEAH. I swear I have to shower after playing that game. I am SERIOUS about it. I feel like I've been going to the GYM! EEK! Exercise! Anyway, when I uploaded Travis' pics, they wouldn't go on my laptop, so I had to go to the desktop, which I apparently haven't used in a LONG time because I found some pictures I barely recognized, and some made me long for times past.

Holy God! I seriously don't even see myself in that. Travis has always said that I'm the only person he's ever met that can look like a completely different person every few years. I remember this was the day that I had her color my hair as dark as I could manage to go. I liked it for a time, but the process to go back lighter was hellacious.
Oh my god! Baby girl! I LOVED that dress on her. I had a thing for this line from Gymboree. Back when she wore bows!! I cannot even fathom that she will be 7 next month! She had to be 2 here. I can still see her in her little pink Stride Rites. These are the days we had nowhere to be but home and I miss them.
This is back when there were fewer children between us and we went out--pretty regularly. I have some fun memories of these days.
One of the most fun nights ever--the John Mayer concert with Travis, me, Chrissie and Sean. It was clearly almost 1000 degrees, and we stayed out until almost 3 am. That is and will be the latest I've ever stayed up. It was PAINFUL going home, but it was oh so fun.
I don't remember much about this night other than the only people I still regularly hang out with that were there is Chrissie. Strange what time can do, but it's cool. And I had to get rid of that dress because it falls to the floor when I put it on now. Bummer.
Not AS far back...but it sure seems like it. Bubs' first Christmas. He wasn't bolting towards Santa here like he was this year.
GOSH! LOOK at us. I LIKED my dogs then! Poor Chanelie. She misses my love, I bet. I should work on that.

Sage's 2nd Easter. Look--she is holding a binky, as we called her pacifiers. She LOVED that thing, and threw a screaming fit when I took it on her 3rd birthday.

Sage and Harrison at the Atlanta aquarium right after she got her stitches out. Look how tiny they are.

And...omg...looking at this, it makes me thankful I've known this crew for as long as I have...and sad at the same time to see how fast it's all gone by. Time for my prozac. ;) Christmas recap is on the way. PROMISE. Thanks for bearing with my aching nostalgia.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-26T22:18:00.048-06:00

The day had finally arrived--the most exciting day of the year when you are a child (and when you're an adult): Christmas Eve! Sage had been awake shortly after 6 everyday since the elves arrived, and with it being Christmas Eve, she was still on target for that. I like traditions, and I always grew up KNOWING what I was doing on holidays. So for the past few years, we started to have the entire family at our house for dinner and gifts on Christmas Eve, and it has worked out nicely. Not even close to as nicely as it worked out THIS year, but I'll elaborate on that more in a bit.

Earlier in the day, Bubs was watching Christmas movies. He is growing so much. I know I'm partial, but I think he's the most beautiful boy I've ever seen. I mean, really! He is just a good looking kid!

And you know that's true for this one. Cara gave her a Christmas activity set where you put jewels on the included Christmas tree card. Sage decided she'd make fingernails out of the jewels, too. I had to laugh. She had those jewels stuck almost everywhere but the card. They were completely around her ankle and wrist as bracelets. My personal favorite was the one on her forehead because she said that she was an Indian.

While Travis was cooking, Sage and I made our reindeer feed that we sprinkle on the sidewalk every year.

I made him take a break to take a picture. We hardly EVER have pictures of the 2 of us together, and I think this one turned out nicely.

Broccoli casseroles. This is Mema's recipe. Travis always makes a few things that Mema always makes on Christmas and Thanksgiving so that it feels like "home" to me. He started this on the first Christmas that I didn't go to Kentucky for Christmas (which was really sad for me) when I was about to have Sage, and he has always continued it. "Awwwww, how sweet!" Yes, I know.

The cutest kids I know at the kid table

I obviously didn't take any other pictures while people were eating. Shame on me, I know. But after lunch/dinner, everyone was ready to open their presents.

This is where it got a little crazy. There were so many people and presents everywhere, and I'm handing presents out and trying to take pictures. I think I got some good ones though. Look at little J and how happy he is with his horses. This child LOVES small toys that he can set up and play with.

He got a drill that I just realized hasn't even been opened yet, so I couldn't tell you how he likes it!

Tim and Eletha had just gotten back from North Carolina to see Travis' sister at about 5 that morning, and the kids had sent their own presents. Sara went shopping at school and bought this picture for Meagan.

I gave Sage these Hello Kitty animals. We both love Hello Kitty.

And I have no idea what this is, but what Travis and I gave Jaggar was a shake and go Thomas the Train. I seriously think that thing would go all the way down the street. It's awesome.

Sage was THRILLED with this dress from Tim and Eletha. She had seen it in Target just a week before and wanted it. I finally told her today that it had to be washed before she put it on again.

Kylie's present from Travis' dad and Linda.

Sage in her dress. Doesn't she look cute?

I got Kylie the same hello kitty stuffed animals as Sage.

THERE'S Jaggar's Thomas.

Strawberry Shortcake set

Dora doll that you can hook to the computer and change her eye color, earrings, hair length. Toys are crazy cool these days.

And we also got her a leapfrog gaming system that you hook to the TV and jump on the floor pad to play.

Okay, then it was Meagan's turn. I guess this is a good place to elaborate on why Christmas was so special this year. If you read my letting go or freedom blogs, then you know that I changed my life. Or I made a step to. A friend asked me the day after how things were now, but he didn't know it was the day AFTER when I told him, so I had no "results" to share, other than the literal weight that was lifted from ME. But on Christmas Eve, I was actually able to literally SEE and FEEL the effects of my steps of obedience and...humbling myself, I guess. And everyone else could, too. I sometimes slightly worried that I'd revert back to how I was...closed up, not nice, holding a grudge....but the truth of the matter is, I never did. Travis' family used to not be able to do much right in my eyes. They weren't really doing anything wrong, but my anger turned everything into something. That's kind of how it works. Anyway, when Meagan arrived, I was the first one out the door to help her inside with her things. I hugged her and greeted her first. No one made me. I wanted to. I tell ya, I don't recognize me. The whole house was warm. There was ZERO tension. This was a house full of love. Meagan said in front of everyone when we were eating, "I'm so glad we're all here together." I teared up. How did this happen? How did one thing break down so much hate? How did we instantly get to THIS place of joy from YEARS of so much hate? But it did. This family....who usually came on Christmas Eve, did our thing at 1 or 2 and was gone by 4 or so....they ALL stayed until after 8pm. And they weren't cleaning or doing anything that was preventing them from leaving. They were just ENJOYING themselves. Sitting around. Playing with the kids. Talking to each other. Eating too much. ;) I was in awe and shock. Travis' dad (also named Travis, btw, or else I wouldn't keep typing that) told him, "This is a different house, isn't it?" He also told me that it was "an absolute pleasure and delight to be there." It was really unreal. It was the way families should be. It was fantastic. It was so funny. At 8:15, Travis said to me, "Okay, I'm going to have to make them leave cause I got a lot to do here." It WAS Christmas Eve. We were so tired, but I SURE wasn't going to dare ask them to go. I didn't want them to! I told Nick, who called me that night, "Yep, I finally let 'em see the real me and they couldn't get enough of it. I'm infectious, what can I say?"

Anyway, back to gifts. I started shopping really early this year, but I was kind of stuck on adults' gifts. I just struggled to get the right ideas, and I just didn't want to buy something just for the sake of a gift if it wasn't really what someone wanted. Travis had asked Meagan what she wanted about a week or 2 before (after weeks of me asking him to ask her). An ipad. That's WONDERFUL. For a mere half a grand plus tax, the perfect gift was her's. And I told Travis (because I feel like because of so much bitching on my part before that I have to explain myself sometimes now), "It's not that I'm being mean about it...but that is a lot of money, especially at the last minute. And they don't even have wi-fi." I, too, would have LOVED an ipad, but it just isn't practical this time of year with all that we buy. But I did tell Travis as it got closer, "Look, if you want to do that for her, go ahead. I don't mind. I won't get mad if you get it for her. I'm just playing with you anyway about me wanting one. I mean, I'd LIKE one...but I'm just saying, if you want to get one for her and you can, go for it. I want her to have a nice Christmas." And we kind of went back and forth about it, but he just couldn't make up his mind about it either because of the money and wi-fi thing. So when I took the kids to Birmingham, he wrapped all of the gifts and finished shopping for Meagan and Tim, who is all that we had left. I asked him what he got Meagan, but he wouldn't tell me. I kept asking and he kept ignoring me, but finally on Christmas Eve, he did. I said, "Um I kind of thought it was from me too, so why wouldn't you tell me?" He said that he just wanted me to get the effect of her surprise too...but he got her an ipad. I said, "You did?! Cool." I was honestly kind of shocked he did...and even more so...he paid his OWN cash for it that I knew nothing about. If you knew Travis, you would know that this is amazing. He had been shopping several times, and I never saw one receipt out of our account. He was SAVING. REALLY saving. THIS was a gift to me. I was really proud and honestly excited to see Meagan get this gift because she REALLY had no idea. Travis told her that it wasn't happening and made her make him a revised list. SO...all that background info aside, here she is opening a CD, which was something on that list.

And here she is opening her ipad...Watch here. :) Oh, and Jaggar decided he'd open about 3 of Travis' gifts that I was going to give him the next day during this...hence my reprimand. Anyway, Travis and I both agreed that it gave her some hope in some way. And joy...because apple brings joy lol.

Meanwhile, Jaggar decided he'd go in the kitchen and eat the open candy. :)

A bit later, Cressa (one of Travis' stepbrother's daughters) came over with her husband and new baby, Samuel. Jaggar wanted to hold him, and even though you can't see his whole face, I think you can still see his elated expression.

EEK! How cute is that???

20 hours later...;) People were getting ready to leave, so I got a few family shots. Eletha, Travis' mom, and Sage.

Kylie and Travis

Me and Meagan

Travis' dad and all his kids...great and great great..and all that jazz ;)

Sage wanted a picture with Meagan holding her.

Travis' dad and stepmom, Cressa and her husband, Matthew and his brother, Dylan, who I met for the first time that day. I couldn't keep up with them all, but I didn't care. And Matthew is really cool. He was in jail for years for robbing a gas station, and now he's like all cleaned up and loving Jesus. I liked talking to him.

And Jaggar going for a ride on Daddy's foot.

Christmas Eve Tradition

2011-12-26T21:16:00.021-06:00

Something that Sage and I have always done on Christmas Eve is to make Jesus a birthday cake. This year, since everyone stayed and stayed, I was running out of time so I needed to start even though we still had company. Travis suggested that I go ahead so that Kylie could help since she's probably not really been told the true meaning of Christmas the way that my kids have. It was so sweet. Sage told her the whole Christmas story, and it went something like, "Jesus came so you could be free. Free from death, fear, being alone..." I was proud, as usual.

Apparently, this table just screams for kids to sit on top of it. I gave up trying to make them stop.

Mixing it all up.

And then I called our number one boy in to help.

EVERYBODY mix

After it baked and cooled, Pawpaw Spence helped them to ice it. I was on the verge of collapsing. ;) Jk. They all think it's such a sweet tradition that we have, and I was more than happy to let someone else take the reins.

Our finished product

When everyone (finally) left, it was after 8, and it was time to bid fairwell to Cara, Mickey and Rudolph. Sage cried and cried. I felt pretty bad for her, but I was like, "Sage, no child goes to bed crying on Christmas Eve. Who knows? Those elves may drop in sometime before Christmas." So we left them out, Santa's cookies, cake and milk. Notice that Sage put her list (one for her and one for Jaggar) out on the table just to make sure that Santa didn't forget anything.

Then we did what else we always do on Christmas Eve. Travis reads the true Christmas story from Luke 2. This is so important. We love family, food, gifts....but we don't want to get caught up in all of that and not take time to remind ourselves WHY we do these things.

Then I read "Twas the Night Before Christmas." So fun to actually do that on the actual "night before Christmas."

And THEN it was time to sprinkle our reindeer feed on the sidewalk so they wouldn't pass us by!

And it was done. I can't tell you how exhausted Travis and I were at this point! But it didn't matter because SANTA was on the move towards us.

For Good Measure

2011-12-25T22:19:00.006-06:00

I've decided that if I play the Michael Jackson game every day that I could lose 10 lbs in a few weeks. PROBABLY not going to happen. I can't stop laughing while playing it. I thought I'd give everyone a lovely Christmas laugh at posting Travis' and my very laughable ATTEMPT at Thriller. It is hilarious. Watching Travis back makes me crack up. Reminds me of our wedding reception. lol Not that my own attempts are any better, but he told me he was just making half of it up. It's also extremely obvious that Sage has not had a nap in this to me. Her videoing skills are better this time, though she can't resist throwing her hands in front of it at one point. We DID let the kids play with all of their MANY new toys, even though my last few posts haven't proved it, but I couldn't resist sharing this youtube gold. My next goal is to actually get caught up on real blogging as soon as I get caught up on real sleep. I think I've slept 8 hours in 2 days, which is not enough for this girl. Adrenaline is officially on empty.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T17:23:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone has had a beautiful day surrounded with love and laughter. We have had a wonderful Christmas. It was Sage's best yet, but it will probably take me a week to sort through all of my pictures, video, and thoughts. I wish I could do it all NOW, but I know that's impossible. SO, I will leave you with these. Sage got a Wii (eventually Jaggar can enjoy it), and she also got the Michael Jackson experience. You are welcome for these. I realize how ambitious it is that our first game that we'd ever really attempt on the Wii would be to dance like the King of Pop. It shows. lol

And I didn't even have to nag Travis to try. Please keep in mind a 6 year old videoed this, so it's almost painful to try to watch. But you get the gist. Merry Christmas. Much more to come.

Entrapment

2011-12-24T08:49:00.012-06:00

I had to laugh going in and out of Sage's taped up room. I said that Sage was DETERMINED that we are leaving her room just as the elves left it. This makes going in and out of her room...interesting. Did you ever see the movie Entrapment? Remember this?

Jaggar, now in a much better mood, was determined that he was going in to get his gum that he earlier threw down in a rage, no matter what.

Wrapping it Up

2011-12-24T08:08:00.010-06:00

Last night was the elves' final night to stay with us. Santa will be picking them up all over tonight to take them back home to the North Pole, so last night was their final last night of fun. This is what the kids' bedroom doors looked like this morning.

This morning, I could see Sage's light on under my door, but I couldn't hear her and she wasn't coming in my room, which isn't the norm. So I opened my door and saw this. She is SO thrilled. She does not want it down because she wants everyone coming over later to see it.

Jaggar on the other hand? Well, he's still at this moment crying and screaming about it. I don't think THAT is the issue, but it didn't help his already foul mood. Merry Christmas! ;)

Travis is such a show off, even with an iphone camera.

Jaggar angrily hit as many as he could reach down.

While Sage is still as thrilled as can be with the whole thing. One out of two isn't bad.

Christmas with the Larkins

2011-12-24T07:22:00.020-06:00

Yesterday, the kids and I drove to Birmingham to do Christmas with Chrissie and fam. Nothing like cutting it close, right? We hadn't been there in a while, and ALL of the kids were SO excited. I had a few errands to run that morning before we left, and Sage called me at least 2x to see where I was. We had a really nice time celebrating Christmas with them.

Look at Iris. She probably wants me to stop rubbing her belly. My kids have NEVER been remotely close to chunky, much less have anything like all of THIS. And for some reason, it's just not as cute when my own stomach looks like this. I think she's just beautiful, and her sweet personality is equally so.

Sweet Jaggar loving the moving, singing Santa hat. HE had such a great time. He was beside himself with excitement because he LOVES Holland. I need to make more of an effort to make it so he can play with other kids more often than just at church.

Sage and Isacah are BFFs. They are still playing with their American Girl dolls and both have asked Santa for Julie. I think that I should get Julie. After all, she's got my name and long blonde hair. AND if you remember, I tried to convince them to get her in JANUARY. But noooo.

Iris "opening" her gift.

Jaggar got a little circus play sand box. We've yet to open it because we got home late and because it's SAND, but I know he'll have fun with it.

I love Isacah's sweet spirit. Any gift that I've EVER gotten her has gotten that kind of reaction, and that's not to say that my gifts are all that exciting. She's just that grateful and excited about life. I think that I could have wrapped up a pack of gum, and she would've been like that. She said ***GASP****, "I've always wanted a POLLY POCKET!!!"

Harrison is so big now and got an itunes card...

and was thrilled about it.

Funniest picture ever. Holland liked her gift. AFTER she realized that THIS wasn't Santa's. She said, "I wanted a BIKE!" She thought she was DONE. After realizing he wasn't even scheduled to arrive yet, she was very pleased with a strawberry shortcake pool party set.

Sage's gift, and I love how excited Isacah is over it. Isacah picked it out. She just KNEW Sage would love it because she has lalaloopsy dolls, and Isacah thought this would look great in her room to match.

Another one...

I didn't take a pic of this open, but it's a crystal Rudolph that plays Rudolph when you wind it up. Jaggar loved that, of course.

Sage also got an outfit that fits her American Girl doll that we put on immediately. Super cute.

Sage's chair opened up

Harrison as a present

Jaggar playing with Holland's strawberry shortcake set.

Look at those 2 cuties.

Sage with her chair in her room at home. We had a great time celebrating Christmas with our precious friends. Their friendship is a gift.

Elves Gone Wild

2011-12-24T06:53:00.008-06:00

The countdown to Cara and Mickey's departure is down to hours, and I'm desperate to catch up on my blog before I'm WAY in over my head with my most favorite day of the year's activities. Yesterday morning, Sage woke up to this. She took these pics, by the way.

Apparently, they decided to take a drive in the kids' car with the Snow Monster and Rudolph. And they weren't the best drivers.

The coat rack was knocked over, and coats and jackets were everywhere.

The pocket elf was the driver.

They had balloons tied to each side of the car.

And they had some gifts in there, too.

A gingerbread pen that smells so good and some light up Christmas bracelets.

A driver's seat shot.

Final Elf Days

2011-12-22T20:29:00.007-06:00

Cara, Mickey and Rudolph's days are numbered with us. I can't believe that they came here before December even began, and now it's already almost time for them to go. Sad. I know you all will miss them, and my blogs will probably drop down a lot when they go. I've personally had a lot of fun with them this year. Sometimes they are a pleasant distraction for me.

Here they were today in a cotton ball filled...pool? Bath? Who knows?

And here's Sage showing Jaggar (also known as TRYING to make him care. Some days he wants to see...like 2 out of the 20+ that they've been here...but most of the time, he just wants his milk).

Also, tonight before bed, I had a little interview with Sage about her hopes for Christmas. I've not mentioned it, but she does it here so I don't have to. But she has very consistently said this when asked about what she wants most for Christmas. Don't you remember dreaming about that ONE thing? She doesn't really care about much...She mentions that Julie doll a lot from American Girl. But what she always says first is that she wants to give. I can prove to you this selfless desire is not inherited. Watch her here.
Also, I love her attempts at being nonchalant about surprises that she KNOWS about for me. Trust me, she's gotten better through the years with her poker face, but I hope she always remains a terrible liar. :)

Scary Face

2011-12-22T13:09:00.003-06:00

I was finally able to get Jaggar's scary face on video. He wouldn't do it the past couple of times that I asked, but he was in true form today. You are welcome.

4 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-21T21:19:00.008-06:00

Aside from our Christmas party this evening, we had a pretty busy day running around trying to pick up some last minute gifts and pick up food items for Christmas Eve (reindeer feed, Jesus' birthday cake, etc). When Sage woke up, this is what the elves had done. Marshmallow snowmen. :)

Though not pictured, Jaggar loved this, too.

Sage took this herself, obviously.

Looking disgusting in this picture, I'm reminded about what happened at Walmart. It never starts to rain until I get in my car. Without an umbrella. Most of my stops didn't require getting out...except Walmart. So I had to park like halfway down. It was pouring. My hair is literally sticking to my head, and I'm not even halfway to the door. The kids are soaked, and I hear this lady saying, "Hey!" An SUV was pulled up beside me and a girl was handing me an umbrella out of her rolled down window. I had JUST said that I was going to buy a small one for my car not even 5 seconds before. And here's this girl handing her's to me out of her car. She said, "Just keep it. I have small kids too, and I keep about 4 in my car." SO, whoever you are, thank you. You were one of the brightest points in my day with your small, yet huge act of kindness.

I've yet to post a picture of our tree! Our tree that has been up since right after Halloween. Where is the time going? I need to get out of the fog I feel like I'm in and take more pictures! Sage actually took this picture, and I was like, "Oooh, good job. It's pretty and the room almost looks...clean!"

Worship Christmas Party.

2011-12-21T20:50:00.007-06:00

Tonight was the worship department's Christmas party. This was for anyone involved in any way, shape, or form with the music at church. I actually decided to go. I think sometimes we get in a separation of different teams, so Jen and I decided to step out. :) Travis and the kids came, too, and I was so surprised at how much fun I had and how much I laughed.

Although, I should NEVER be surprised at that with this girl.

WOO. Party! Okay, what makes this picture so hilarious is that this isn't just a crowd shot. Oh NO. This is an AUDIENCE shot to karaoke! HI-LAR-IOUS. I commend people "going for it." Not making fun. But some of the choices were hysterical. They were SERIOUS. Jennifer and I were DYING to find a song that would be FUNNY. We were going to do Single Ladies, but we couldn't do it without the choreography, which probably would've been over the top. I've never karaoked. I always associate it to people that can't sing but think that they can. Not always true. But most of the time...

Exhibit B: LUKE. He was up behind every singer....looking like that. Half the time he was bopping to a beat that wasn't what the person was singing. Jennifer and I thought it was so funny, but we think LUKE is funny. He also told half the people that it started at 6:30, when it was actually 6.

Then there's this. This may give you a feel. Yep, that's a Rihanna song going on. Oh Jen. Watching this back is seriously like watching the Christmas episodes of The Office.

Little J trying to sneak some more grapes. I'm pleased to say that the new recipe I tried today (from finding on pinterest at 4ish--I woke up at 2!!) was completely gone. Miracles abound!

Chipwrecked

2011-12-20T23:07:00.003-06:00

This afternoon, I decided to get out of my sluggish state (rain=pjs and naps) and take the kids to see the new Chipmunk movie, "Chipwrecked." It was SO cute, a VAST improvement over the last movie we saw, "Arthur Christmas." Jaggar was SO good (probably because the movie didn't suck this time), and he really barely moved. Of course, I had sprite, candy and popcorn for both kids, which always helps. This was actually after the movie, but I thought the cut outs were so cute.

This was during some previews, but he was already in it.

And this girl is an old pro at movies. There are a lot of cute kid movies out right now, so we will probably come back for more during our long Christmas break.

More Elfcapades

2011-12-20T14:54:00.009-06:00

Someone should pay me for writing this blog because the motivation I had to pull to do it had a price. I said before that if I skip a day posting that I never want to touch it again, and that's so true. Not to say I'm not enjoying life...I just don't always enjoy writing about it. :) OKAY. So, on Sunday, I thought the dogs were running across the deck, but what it was was Sage bounding out of her room because the ELVES brought a surprise--a gingerbread sleigh. She was SO excited to build it. That worked out nicely because Travis literally went to work after lunch on Sunday and didn't come home until Monday afternoon. Ouch. So, this gave us something to do on Sunday evening. Okay, so whoever puts these lovely pictures of the final product is a blatant liar. First of all, the reindeer wouldn't even sit upright like in the picture. And the icing? It's thick and sticky and not workable. It's just not even possible to make it look even a little bit like that picture.

But Sage and I managed to make it look BETTER, and she loved it. Jaggar screamed for about 40% of the time to eat the candy. I think it turned out pretty cute aside from the fact that it can't be as precise as the box.

She worked so hard. Sage is very crafty unlike her mother.

Happy faces

And what did the elves do this morning? ALL of them climbed to the chandelier and were hanging upside down from it. Sage started sprinkling her pocket elf, too. She was even up there. These pictures were taken by Sage. In an effort to not get out of bed, I gave her my phone and let her take pictures. I am pathetic, but I will get better....even if that means an IV of caffeine or speed every morning.

Oh, they didn't JUST climb to the chandelier. Cara and Mickey changed clothes. HE was wearing the dress.

And here's Cara wearing Mickey's clothes.

My Kind of Sunday

2011-12-18T13:48:00.024-06:00

What a wonderful, beautiful COLD day it is today! AND it's exactly one week until Christmas day. I dared not even leave my house yesterday because I knew that all places retail would bring out the worst in me in the craziness of last minute shoppers. I try to avoid those scenarios that do that to me if I can foresee them. Speaking of last minute shoppers, wanna another weekly dose of this girl? She LOVES pictures of herself. Mark my words on that one.

LOOK at us. Just LOOK at us matching AGAIN. Can you guess which one is me?? If you guessed the one with bracelets going halfway up the forearm, YOU are the winner.

Jennifer is a white Beyonce', no kidding.

After church, Travis asked me what I wanted to eat. Truth be told...I wanted something light. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, and I try not to throw down the day before I weigh for record if I can help it. But he said it was a bit of a Christmas celebration, just us and our opportunity to eat a really nice meal in honor of it. Well...if I had MY choice, I'd go to Classic. And that's exactly where he took us, and he said he would have regardless of if I'd suggested it or not. It was PACKED because everyone had the same idea that we had--celebrating Christmas. But we had the option of eating upstairs if we didn't have a reservation (we didn't), and we'd just have to come downstairs to get our food.

Eating upstairs turned out to be one of the best experiences we've had there in a long time. It was so peaceful. It's so pretty up there. The kids had room to move. It was SO packed downstairs that I don't know why anyone wouldn't prefer to eat up there. (Probably the same principle of why people will wait in their car for someone to unload their groceries and take their cart back to get their parking space when they could've parked BACK a few and been done shopping by the time that person gets out...not that I'm bitter about that) There were only like 3 or 4 other families at a time up there. And going up and down the 2 flights of steps each time made eating this okay. ;) Actually, I got BOTH of these in the beginning, so I wouldn't have to go back. I am ashamed to say I was almost out of breath by the time I got to the top of the stairs each time. It was soooo good.

When Jaggar tasted those grits (if you've been, you KNOW what I'm talking about), he said, "Mmmm, that's good!"

Sage loves drinking out of their pretty glasses.

Sweet

Did I mention how BEAUTIFULLY it was decorated for Christmas? I counted at least 5 trees. And the pianist was playing Christmas music. Awww...bliss. How funny is Jaggar's face?

Closer look. I've long ago given up on trying to get him to look at me when I take a picture. If I can just see some general part of his face, I'm good with that.

Then there was dessert. OMG...look at that chocolate cupcake. It was bigger than both of my fists, but I had to try it...and a chocolate chip scone...and whatever kind of caramel cake that was. I came back upstairs and Travis was like, "JULIE." Here's the before pic.

And I was done at this. I know it's wasteful, but I just couldn't eat it, but I had to try it. But Jaggar? He ate over HALF of that cupcake. I don't know how he didn't throw up. It's good to see my sugar coma food habits have been passed on to him because Sage didn't get them at all.

Playing by the chess set. Notice the look of being up to no good. There's a reason for that.

Sage took a pic of Travis and me.

And then the waitress offered to take one. A little blurry but Jaggar is looking.

This one is better minus the fact that Jaggar is not looking.

Beautiful, silvery tree that didn't show up how I wanted it to.

And yet ANOTHER tree

The front window. Wish I had these decorating skills, but I certainly appreciate the talents of those that do! Awesome time.

Fun Things About Friday

2011-12-17T14:48:00.012-06:00

Christmas Eve is ONE week from today. Are you ready???? I am NOT. I just can't seem to wrap it all up--and I mean that shopping wise and...um literally (I suck at wrapping and have yet to wrap anything). Travis has worked day and night this entire week, and let me just say that the single mom stuff is for the birds. We MISS him. BUT we're making the most of it because this time of year comes and goes way too fast, and we're determined to have fun. Here's some things I liked about yesterday.

Yep, that's right. I (still) LOVE the big 70s gaudy lights. It PAINS Travis to put them up, and he just cannot understand why, when I "seem to be put together in so many other ways," I go for this. I can't really answer that other than...as classy and elegant as people think white lights are, I think they are BORING. I have white lights in my lamps and every room of my house. Why do I want to see that at Christmas? I appreciate the fact that ANYONE decorates their exterior, white lights or not, but if you want my preference, I'm gonna need some color. My kids agree.

This has always been a fave of mine, and until the other day, I did not own it. I always watch it for 24 hours on TBS (to the point of Travis making me go to another room), but I decided it was time to add it to our collection. While it's not one that I play and let the kids watch alone (phrases like "smart ass" and "son of a bitch" just aren't ones I care for them to use), we do watch together, and I can (and do) sensor in the necessary scenes. In spite of that, I think it's a wonderful classic. JAGGAR, in particular, is in love with it. He sits and watches it with his mouth open lol. However, THE last thing that that child will ever get is a BB gun. He'd shoot MY eye out! ;)

THIS is one of the best free apps I've EVER put on my iphone. It's Toca Hair Salon Christmas Gift, and it provides a LOT of fun for the children...and me. This is one I did. You can style, cut, color, shave, blow dry, and accessorize Santa's hair or the Christmas Tree. DEFINITELY recommend. It's not one of those terrible free apps where you put it on your phone and then 99% of what you could do has to be bought in the full version. Get this!

This is what my night stand looks like EVERY single day. Every Christmas special character from the Peanuts Gang and Rudolph is strategically lined up by Jaggar himself daily. He works hard as you can see.

THIS makes Thanksgiving being apart from Travis more bearable. Arrived yesterday. Merry Christmas to ME. ;)

I just like him. We were watching A Christmas Story.

Friday was also Sage's last day of school before Christmas break (YAY) and her Christmas party. I was really sad because I wasn't going to get to go. Travis told me I could, and then his crew call for JSU was way earlier than he thought it'd be. So I told her I was going, and then had to tell her I wasn't. My babysitter situation wasn't working out, so I just had to pass...UNTIL Travis flew to get home on time and allowed me to be able to go. Sage was SO thrilled when I walked in the door of her classroom. She said that "she was delighted to see me." She was having a BLAST, as you can see. They wore their pajamas because it was "twas the day we were reading." They had ice cream sundaes and were high on sugar and excitement. She's not bold enough to do it, but you can BET that she was pretending to be their teacher by sitting in front of her classmates in this picture.Here she is with her teacher, Mrs. Henderson. Sage LOVES her, and I'm so thankful. Because of another nice teacher, she continues to love school and learning. What I love about her is that I've had a few issues (one this past week) with other students not being so nice to Sage, and Mrs. Henderson is ALL over it--immediately--when I tell her about it. It's so nice that I don't have to get arrested for taking care of another child that's not mine! :)

Magic Seeds

2011-12-17T07:31:00.009-06:00

Have you missed Elf Updates? I know you have! Well, I haven't posted in a few about them because they had a little event that I just wanted to be finished before I posted about it. On Thursday morning, we came downstairs to this note.

And they were in front of these pots...

filled with dirt and magic seeds. So Sage sprinkled the magic snow on them that night. The next morning, they were upstairs with the pots...

with a new note.

And sparkles covered the tops of each pot. It was working!

I'm pretty sure that Sage was up at 6 am today to see what grew. She was not disappointed. Check it out! Lollipop flowers! BOTH kids were thrilled.

Jaggar MAY have had a meltdown and dumped his entire pot of dirt and sparkles out on my carpet...resulting in another meltdown from me....Maybe. But we've all since recovered and regained peace, and regardless of that, it was pretty cool. We love Cara and Mickey.

Christmas Music

2011-12-15T12:58:00.002-06:00

We've been listening to Christmas music since XM Holly was back for another year. Truth be told, it's why I keep my XM radio. :) I wish they'd keep it all year because I would listen all year, I think.

Here's my favorite song.

I HATE that Travis refuses to sing in front of me because I REALLY need a guy to sing this with me. I try to do both parts, and it just won't work. Takers?

Here is Sage's favorite.

Here is one of Jaggar's favorites.

And we all love this. I still remember Sage not even being quite 2 and being OBSESSED with THIS. It is pretty great, but I thought it was funny that a baby loved it so much. (PS: This piece is actually called "Christmas Eve," even though it does have Carol of the bells in it...just if you wanted to buy it on itunes...and because I'm that analytical.)

Marshmallow Roast

2011-12-14T09:12:00.003-06:00

Sometimes, you just need some roasted marshmallows, and apparently, so do elves..and reindeer, who has appropriately been named, Rudolph, by the way.

His and Her's

2011-12-13T22:06:00.006-06:00

I'm about to set some people free with this one in some VITAL advice. See me sleep. Sleeping beauty, I know. (Don't leave your iphone on the nightstand, btw. When I saw this pic, I decided to do this post though.)

See Travis sleep.

Notice the location is NOT the same. When Travis and I first got married, we of course shared a bedroom like most married couples do. We endured sleeping in the same bed for oh....the first half of our marriage now that I look back. Ha...bear with me, I'm going somewhere. I wanted to do "the right thing" because in movies and tv shows, the husband and wife snuggle and read together before bed and turning off the lights. But you know what I like to do when I'm sleeping? Sleep. Travis is quite possibly the LOUDEST snorer on planet Earth. Ask anyone that's ever been around. Ask Chrissie about when he sleeps on her couch when he does 2 day tv shoots in Birmingham. Ask his friend, Steve, who does camera shoots with Travis and demands a separate room if they're traveling because he can't stand the snoring. Before Jaggar was born, his room was a guestroom. I would ALWAYS get up in the middle of the night and sleep in that bed. Guess what? I STILL could hear him snoring--all the way across the foyer between 2 shut bedroom doors. I would always go to bed first, and he'd come to bed after I was asleep...and wake me up as soon as he fell asleep.

During my pregnancy with Jaggar and getting up to use the bathroom every 30 seconds, sleeping together became unbearable. I would hit, kick, shove...WHATEVER I could do to make it stop. He would barely come out of his unconscious state only to be snoring again 30 seconds later. SO...he started sleeping on the couch. At first I was like, "Oh no...we are husband and wife. We must spend every waking and non-waking moment together." Then I realized something: I was SLEEPING. And so was he! Saved our marriage, folks. Now I get to sleep with like 5 pillows. We still love each other, of course, but when it's time to say Good Night, we go our separate ways. Don't sacrifice yourselves, ladies! EVERY now and then--like 2x a year maybe, I say, "Travis, sleep in the bed." Not sometimes, but EVERY time, I immediately regret that decision and make him leave not even halfway through the night. :)

My friend, Emily, JUST smartened up and did the SAME thing since her 3rd pregnancy is doing to her what all of them do. And now St Nick is on the couch, too. He says that he'll be back, but Travis and I know better. Travis even told him, "Hey, man., I LOVE the couch." And he does. And frankly, I love him there, too. ;)

Tuesday Morning

2011-12-13T13:25:00.008-06:00

I tell myself every night that TOMORROW I need to...(mentally list those things). Then the new day arrives, and I'm saying the same thing. Christmas is seriously almost here, and I have got to find my motivation to finish shopping! I find myself really wishing I lived close to Chrissie today because we could wrap presents together...or she could wrap both mine and her's and I could bake sugary, fattening things that both of us would immediately regret eating. But really, I just want to be with my friend. So yeah, I'm basically useless to humanity these days. Okay, not ALL of humanity. I think this guy thinks I'm pretty great. He has recently become VERY mommy attached, and I love it. You know, he turned on me for a while and became extremely "Team Daddy." I was fine with that, but the tides are turning back. If you've wondered, "Gosh, he seems to wear that Rudolph shirt all the time," that's because he wears that Rudolph shirt all the time. I don't even think we'll be able to retire it after Christmas. I do wash it every time he wears it, so yes, I've been doing a lot of laundry lately. He is loving Elf these days--the Will Ferrell movie. It IS really great. I thought it'd be too big for him, and it really is, but it still seems to hold his attention.

Snuggling with his elves while watching Elf. He took a good advantage of a good opportunity since Sage immediately takes them both when she gets home from school. They're so popular. I also love that the awesome tinted milk leaked out of his cup onto my sheets.

Beautiful boy...yep, that's pretty much what a typical weekday looks like for me. Try not to be too jealous of my stunning natural beauty. But look at that Jaggar's smile. Meltcha heart.

Topic change: don't you love it when you're IN the shower and you realize your spouse left that for soap in there? I swear the picture magnifies that, too. :)

Sage made this list at school last week, and I forgot to share it on here. She's got high hopes, doesn't she? I can assure you there's no way in "hail" that puppy is making an appearance here. That thing would be shipped right back to the North Pole asap.

Thank you!

2011-12-13T11:45:00.003-06:00

I've received so much positive feedback about my recent blogs that were extremely personal. If you called me, texted me, or talked to me in person to say that you were proud, or like one--that you, too, are planning to set some people free in your own lives, thank you! It makes the risk of "baring my soul" totally worth it if it helps someone else. We all want to look like we've got it all together, but let's face it, who does? I have to say that since I did that on Friday, that it's literally like a cancer has been removed from my life. I FEEL different. I truly believe that bitterness, hatred and just holding on to wounds can cause actual physical ailments in people's lives. I'm not saying ALL the time....but in some cases....It's amazing how much strength I was using to hold on to something that I didn't even realize until I released it. Am I set for life now? No. I STILL have things I have to let go of continually. I will say that I'm a very type A personality. I want to know the Ins and Outs of EVERYTHING. Before? Like when Travis would say I need to apologize, I'd say, "Well THEN what? What does that MEAN?" And I continued to stay in a prison that I was creating. You can do that. I did for a long time. And you can even be justified in your actions. I was very valid in having my guard up and being angry. You can find the right people to tell you how they'd do the exact same thing. And it's true. BUT...where does that get you? Well, I can answer that: nowhere. The ONLY person that had the right to completely annihilate and judge everyone because they were actually without blame did not. He took the blame. And suffered for it. And justified you while you were wrong. He still does it (not suffers, but justifies) on a daily basis. So...let's not just love in words but in deeds. I'm trying. :)

Got Milk?

2011-12-13T08:42:00.005-06:00

This morning, on our search for where the elves ended up, Sage went to the right, and I went to the left. She found the reindeer like this in the fridge water dispenser.

We opened the refrigerator door to this. But...what did they do???

When we poured the milk, we realized that they'd turned the milk pink! Sage just covered her mouth to keep her laughter from being too loud. She was sure that they put crayons in there to do that. :) Maybe so.