It's the most wonderful time of the year . . .

Hopefully now you will be singing that all day! Ahhh Christmas. I love this time of year. Yes my husband would tell you that I get stressed beyond recognition in those days prior to our travels, but as soon as our car pulls out of the driveway I will relax again. And then Madison and I will watch Polar Express on our journey to Kennett just like we always do -- and I'm sure we will sing a few Christmas carols, probably just enough to drive daddy bonkers!

Personally, I love the magic of Christmas and the feeling of happiness that surrounds it. I love the songs, the decorations, the awesome lights and of course the reason for the season.

As we head into the last week before the big day I just want to remind myself (and maybe others) to not sweat the small stuff. Maybe it's not the perfect gift and maybe my house isn't clean but is that what Christmas is about?

Well, there is a feeling of excitement in the air at my house right now, because Madison has her "first Christmas" today with the in-laws. So I think I'll go sing some carols and drive my hubby bonkers :-)

Giving Thanks

Well, it's that time of year that we all gather around the table to give thanks. I have an amazing family and group of friends that I am so thankful for. I hope that you all know how much I love and appreciate you.

I think it's important to remember to be thankful for the smallest things in life (food, heat). I've heard stories locally of families needing blankets, etc. and it makes my heart ache. I found this little 'poem' and it's a perfect reminder to be Thankful for all that you have. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Things to Be Thankful For

Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have
enough to eat.

Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have
been surrounded by friends.

Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you're employed.

Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because
it means you have a home.

Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.

Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.

Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it
means you can walk.

Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it
means you can hear.

Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we
have freedom of speech.

Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it
means you're alive.

~ Taken from Ann Landers’ column—11/22/01

Houseboat Weekend

My in-law's had the wonderful idea of renting a houseboat for a long weekend on Table Rock lake. My husband has a large blended family - 7 kids (only one girl in that mix!) - 3 of the 7 have spouses - and so far there are 3 grand kids.

Anyway.... last weekend a total of 11 of us were able to make it to the Houseboat for an amazing weekend together. It was a great way to spend a weekend together out on the water - laughing, drinking, talking, drinking, fishing, drinking, eating....I think you get the picture. The water was still warm enough that some of the crew braved swimming and skiing. And of course everyone tried their luck at fishing. I think we had enough food to feed a small country!

A huge thank you to all of Madison's Uncles for their amazing patience and diligence (fishing!). She looks up to all of her uncles and of course drives them crazy sometimes, but they never let it show.

I'm already looking forward to our next trip together! When you put that many guys together it's always entertaining! Much love to all of you!

I'm including links below to my albums of the trip photos - check them out! (two different albums!)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=53883&l=a943e&id=670232022

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=53888&l=6d384&id=670232022

This crazy thing called love . . .

Love: a strong positive emotion of regard and affection.

You are probably wondering why in the world I am writing about 'love'. At church we are the middle of a series on Love. It's been great. We are on the 3rd week and of course as luck would have it I have to miss the final 2. Thank goodness for podcasts!! I am also attending a Women's class and the theme this past week was Love. So I have Love on the brain.....

I have been with my love for 13 years (married for 11). He was only 19 when we first started dating (gasp!). So I think to myself what is love to me? That is so hard to put into words and I don't even think I can. Sometimes I hear a song, a mushy love song, and I think...yep that's exactly what love is. Or I read a card, and I think... yep that's exactly what love is.

I truly feel that 'perfect' love, is what we've all heard a thousand times at every wedding. These words were at my wedding too: Love is patient, Love is kind, It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

These words are so simple to read, but sometimes so hard to follow. Wouldn't the world be a much happier place if everyone lived by these words?

They played an awesome song at church tonight by Brandon Heath, "Love Never Fails" (I've already downloaded it!) ... here are some of the lyrics:

Love will sustain
Love will provide
Love will not cease
At the end of time

Love will protect
Love always hopes
Love still believes
When you don’t

Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you

M-I-Z .... Z-O-U

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head .... Tigers Over Nevada, 69-17 .... and it was worth every single raindrop! I must say that the very stylish Mizzou ponchos that I purchased on Friday for $5 were an awesome investment. They really did keep us pretty dry.

Madison and I took Jesse's wife, Tina to the game on Saturday. (For those of you who don't know or need a reminder....after all his family is confusing....Jesse is Will's brother). Tina wasn't too sure about going and tried to give me some excuse about not knowing much about football, little did she know but I wasn't backing down! She had never experienced a college football game and I knew she would love it.

We started at a tailgate where my friend/client Andy was flippin' burgers. We walked into the stadium just in time to hear the National Anthem and see the Stealth Bomber do a fly-over. That's always cool to see...gives me chills every time!

I think Tina was impressed with the loyalty of the fans and all of the craziness surrounding the game. I was impressed that I still could remember all of the songs and cheers from my good ol days. (and yes, I do sing Old Missouri loud and proud, did you expect anything less). There's nothing like being in the middle of the crowd and jumping to your feet as a touchdown is made and hearing the cannon explode.

Or hearing the roar of the crowd as they chant MIZ ZOU in unison....it's just exciting!!

We shared smiles, giggles and love. Thanks Tina for going to the game with us. I hope you had as much fun as we did.

Ok, for some reason Madison decided to

take shelter under my poncho??? Plastic bag over kid's head...not good. I'm surprised I wasn't

arrested.

Reflection

I love country music. Those who know me well....know why. I am weepy, sappy - you know the type. So I must say -- and I'm so serious when I say this -- country music moves me. So as I do every year on September 11th....I reflect.

Alan Jackson has a song "Where were you", referencing 9/11/01. I remember that morning perfectly. It was one of the happiest mornings of our days together. I had a just taken a home pregnancy test and it was positive so I floated into work but then my world halted as news hit of what was happening and we all sat glued to the one tiny TV in our office. I remember not knowing what to do in the days that followed. I remember crying a lot. I remember sitting in a church pew with co-workers during our lunch hour for a nation wide moment of silence and prayer.

What I am reminded of now, is simply to not take life for granted. My brother-in-law bravely served almost 2 years in Iraq and is safely home. There are many people that haven't been so lucky. But on this day (and many others) I remind myself to be thankful for the people who so bravely protect us so we can have the freedom that we love. I remind myself that life is very fragile and to handle it with care. I remind myself to not things for granted and to appreciate all that I have.

Give your family and friends an extra hug today! And be sure and say "thanks" when you see someone serving our country.

"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"

by Alan Jackson

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

Out in the yard with your wife and children

Working on some stage in LA

Did you stand there in shock at the site of

That black smoke rising against that blue sky

Did you shout out in anger

In fear for your neighbor

Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children

Who lost their dear loved ones

And pray for the ones who don't know

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride

For the red white and blue

The heroes who died just doing what they do

Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer

And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you

The difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us

And the greatest is love

Discipline

I've been sick and I'm going to whine about it. I'm just now starting to feel better...I can actually sit up and drink coffee today, rejoice! I have been down and out since Monday (I know, poor baby). My familly has been great, the dog however, has been sitting on my head while I try to sleep on the couch during the day.


This morning I talked to a dear friend of mine that is battling the terrible two's at her house. Which brings me to the title of this post....Discipline. Wow, that's a tough one . . . and I'm not just talking about with our kids! What about Self-Discipline.


I think about all of the times I've committed to start something new: a diet, a workout, being organized, better communication ... and I've failed because I didn't have the Self Discipline to follow through. It's obvious that these are things that I am avoiding, which is why the self discipline is so hard. If these were life or death situations I would kick into gear. I am starting to think that maybe I need a naughty rug like I discussed with my friend this morning for her 2 year old. Maybe if I had to sit in time out on the naughty rug I would make more of an effort ... let's see one minute for every year of age .... 35 minutes on the naughty rug, yep that's a pretty good nap! Honey, we're buying a new rug!

beep beep

have you ever been sitting at a stop light and as the light turns green....you begin to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator and then immediately the person behind you is already honking at you? Yes, honk at me if I'm staring at the sky singing a song and not moving, but really ..... I can only move my feet so fast. Those people really annoy me.

Things are getting crazy around here…..

Well we are officially back into our school schedule. This is the first full week of school and I’m still praying we won’t have any early release heat days – keep your fingers crossed. Madison is absolutely exhausted every day and I don’t anticipate this to get any better. Last year she was worn out everyday and typically she took a little ‘cat nap’ on the way home everyday and that would be just enough to refresh her for the night. As for “extra stress” that I’ve added to my life: on Monday night’s we have Gymnastics; Tuesday night brings Tap at 5:15 and then Jazz at 6:15; Wednesday night Mommy is going to sneak in some ME time and take a bible study starting in a couple of weeks…the class is called “The Worn Out Woman". I think I have a lot to learn!!; Oh and my mother-in-law and Madison are taking Tennis Lessons on Monday’s before gymnastics, but luckily that doesn’t involve me running Madison anywhere AND it’s only going to last a month or so. I’m really hoping that Thursday night stays FREE, especially since that’s usually a good TV night! Ha. Looks like we need to schedule our family time and date nights because we are getting overbooked quick. (hint hint)

Well, the pool closes this weekend so we are bummed about that. I’m sure we will be lounging there most of the weekend. Call us if you want to go…we have guest passes left :-)

Simplicity

When did life become so complicated? So many decisions to make, so much responsibility.

Last night we met some of our good friends (yes I'm still calling you a good friend even after all of the relentless teasing of my blog) at the Hot Air Balloon festival. Our girls were cheering wildly for the balloons to glow..... "1, 2, 3... GLOW". And I was glad in that moment that we made ourselves put on our shoes, find a parking spot and go out there. Because in that moment those girls were simply enjoying life.....pure love for life, no complications, no worries. They had a balloon that they let go into the night sky, but before they let go I told them to make a wish. I heard murmurs of "I wish I can be a .... " My wish for them was that they both can enjoy the simplicity of life for many many more years . . .

Innocence

Innocence: freedom from sin, moral wrong, or guilt through lack of knowledge of evil aka children.

Tonight we had a date night. A family date night - the movies. Went to see Fly Me to The Moon in 3D. It was great. So much fun. To hear the giggles of all of the kids in the theater made my heart smile. Watching Madison reach out to touch the 3D images just made me think of the word innocence. Isn't it wonderful? And to think early in the day I was worrying about what I needed to do tonight (laundry, dishes, etc)....then I decided, forget it let's just do something fun and spur of the moment, something to celebrate our back to school week. Thanks to daddy for taking us!! He sure looked hot in his 3D glasses. :)

I've sure taken my share of crap from people today about starting a blog. I'm not sure why. Especially because the same people giving me crap are probably the same people that will very curiously be reading my blog.

Anyway....enjoy the innocence while it lasts, because I'm sure it will end way too soon (sadly enough).

Hello world, I'm here.

Well, I'm here. In the world of blog. Why? I'm not sure. A co-worker laughed at the idea and my husband even gave me a chuckle (I know what he was thinking, that I'm always wanting to try whatever is new or cool, ie facebook). Why is it funny that I would want to create a blog? And seriously why I am doing this? Will I even keep it current? Who knows. And let's just say now that I don't have good grammer and I can't spell....

I've been reading several different blogs lately. I think that is part of the reason I find myself here. A friend of a friend, recently lost his wife. I had been reading his blog on and off for over a year to follow updates on his wife's battle with cancer. And now, I find myself reading his blog and crying for him and his children as he deals with life without her. Heartbreaking. Another blog I read is an acquaintance that is dealing with her son's battle with cancer. Again, heartbreaking. But what both of these have taught me...... To treasure every moment. every single day.

So I come to this place, this blog world. In a hope to remind myself to not sweat the small stuff. To make the most of every day. I tend to be a person that gets caught up worrying about the small stuff...I get bent out of shape by the small stuff sometimes, I admit it. So maybe this will be my retreat. My therapy (jeez, we all need it).

Oh, and I have to mention the other blog that I have become addicted to....donna....we lived by each other as kids. Haven't seen each other in 20 years and just reunited on facebook. Now I read her blog and I feel like I know all about her and her family. It's awesome. She's a great writer too, so fun to read. So maybe I'll return the favor to her and other friends and share some of my life!!

Anyway, that's why I'm here...just to write. Maybe tell you what's happening in my life, share a story, maybe I'll complain about something who knows.

OH, the name of the blog....mrc4me..... well, Madison's intial's are MRC and my hubby is known at his school (he's a 3rd grade teacher) as Mr. C, so MRC 4 me. And no, we didn't plan her intials that way. We didn't realize it until afterwards!

Ok, have to get to bed early. tomorrow is day #2 of school, mommy can't be cranky...and belive me she will be. More on school later.