Christmas Wish List

 My family has requested ideas for me for Christmas, and the easiest way to share ideas is in a blog post.  So forgive me and feel free to skip reading today.

I want to redecorate the area above our love seat.  Red Letter Words on Etsy has some great pieces.  I like this print with the words from Jeremiah on it.  Or this one, with my word on it (hope).  But I think this one is my favorite verse, but the colors don't work so well in my house.  They also have a holiday print that I would love to have in our home this time of year.

I love this fabric flower necklace from Justliv on Etsy.

This bracelet from AMIdesigns on Etsy is pretty.

This necklace combines my current obsessions, flower, owls and color! RachelleD has many pretty necklaces in her shop, so if the one I linked to is sold feel free to choose another. ;)

I would love to have the Vintage Silver Charm necklace from The Vintage Pearl (with an 'N' of course).

I wear solid color shirts all the time.  These Flower Cluster pins would make them more interesting.

I like the Big Pearl ring from Shining Stones.  I wear a size 6 or 6.5.  I like a lot of the items in that shop.

And I still want the Reading is For Awesome People shirt (size medium).

I need new workout clothes (maybe I'll actually start working out again!).  I hear rave reviews for The Girls Apparel.  I like the look and length of the Bermuda shorts (size small I think).  And the pants look comfy, although I'm pretty sure I would never work out in them. Just being honest.  And I like the scoop neck tank for a top (medium, raspberry with white insert).

In the kitchen, I am really needing some nice ceramic mixing bowls. My best mixing bowls are aluminum and not microwave friendly and I would like to have the option of using them in the microwave.  Sam's had some nice ones recently.  I would also like a full-size food processor, eventually, but that is not high on my list right now.

And you can't go wrong with gift cards.  I like Macy's, Old Navy, Ann Taylor Loft, Charming Charlie's, Barnes and Noble, and Target.

I linked to individual items rather than shops for all of the Etsy links, just to make things easier on the people using this list as a shopping reference.  Also, I have never been paid or compensated in any way to promote these vendors.

Running Dry

 I am at a crossroads with the blog, maybe.  I've been doing this for four years.  I'm not sure how much more I have to say.  At least that can be said here.  We shall see.  I do have family that reads here to kind of keep up with us, so I might just post more pictures and general "this is what we are doing lately" kinds of things.  I don't want to quit writing but I am feeling a bit uninspired.

Other things.

Exercise is still a fail.  BTS not sleeping through the night is kicking my tail I think.  I just feel tired.  Of course, if I would just exercise regularly I would get more energy and maybe that would help.  A vicious cycle, it is.  Oh, hello Yoda.

I have done some Christmas shopping!  In fact, getting close to being done with some.  I love shopping online.  I am making these cute little bowling sets as stocking gifts for my kids and nephews and a few others.  I've got all the materials, just need to get started making them. 

I have an obsession with Christmas music.  I own a lot. And I am branching out and getting some of the fun, secular songs so that my kids won't hate me later.  But we have plenty of holy songs to counter that.  How many versions of O, Holy Night can one girl own?  I'm too afraid to count and tell you.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving.  Our blessings are too many to count.  I hope you can say the same.

Quick Takes Friday

 1.  Super cute BTS has mastered the skill of putting his pacifier in his mouth all by himself.  Sometimes it is upside down though.  I think this is both awesome and a little sad, as it is just one more sign of him growing and not being tiny snuggle monster baby anymore.  Motherhood is full of these contradicting feelings.

2.  Remember how I said I was going to get serious about exercise, now that the baby is six months old?  Yeah, I guess I was lying. I have been to the gym precisely once this week, although I might go this morning.  I think I am going to have to commit to another half marathon to get serious about running.  I don't know why it is so much harder for me to be consistent this time around, but it is frustrating.

3.  The girls have realized the truth about Santa Claus.  They asked me this morning while we were brushing hair.  I told them the truth and they didn't seem too sad.  We told them to still pretend for the sake of their siblings.  And of course told them that St. Nicholas is real, he just doesn't drop down the chimney to deliver presents.  I guess this is a milestone in parenting.

4.  Thanks to Target, I'm trying out a new trend (for me) this winter.  I bought a puffer vest.  They used to never appeal to me, but they seem to be more fitted than in the past and I need options to stay warm, besides my UNT zip-up hoodie.  I'm not in college anymore and it is time I dressed like it.  So, for fifteen dollars I figured I could give this look a road-test. 

5.  I would really like to get some flat boots this winter, but I think I will have to pass that up.  We just don't have the money and I can't find any I like in a good price range for trying something new.  Still, I have a footwear dilemma.  I don't want to wear my pink converse tennis shoes with jeans and long-sleeved tees every day, but I obviously won't run around in heeled boots either.  Maybe I'll get some shoes for Christmas, if I can wait that long.  If money was no object, something like this or this or maybe this in gray would be fun to wear, I think.  Actually, that last pair is almost in a decent price range.  Hmm.

6.  BTS slept through the night last night!  Who knows if it will happen again, but one night was great.  He did wake up and cry around 2:00 a.m., but by the time I went to the bathroom he was asleep again.  I think he found his pacifier and soothed himself.  And that was the only time I woke up too, so I actually slept.  It sure would be nice if this was the start of a trend.

7.  We're co-hosting a big party this weekend.  Thankfully it is not at our house.  And also thankfully we will have beautiful weather for it.  Husband and BTS's godfather cooked up a plan to have an annual fall party to raise money for local food banks and to just get together with friends before the craziness of Christmas parties starts.  I'm making the desserts.  Which means I have no business blogging, but why let that stop me? 

Happy weekend!  Visit Conversion Diary for more quick takes.

Myths Debunked

 My kids still believe in Santa Claus.  This could be the year that all changes though.  We've been kind of vague about the big man anyway.  I would have gone the route of not messing with the idea at all, but Husband wanted the kids to have the experience of believing and such, and that was fine with me.  Still, we have certainly hinted around about our involvement in the giving of gifts. 

This year we are getting the girls their dream  present (thus far). We are getting them American Girl dolls.  I was resistant to the idea of spending so much on dolls, but since they have asked for them three years in a row I feel like it is worth it.  Besides, how many 9 year old girls are still asking for dolls? I'll encourage that kind of innocence for as long as possible.  They could be asking for iPods or phones instead.  Of course, maybe they aren't asking because they know they won't get them.  Whatever.  Anyway, the jig may be up regarding Santa.  All because of me.  They both walked in to my room while I was in the process of ordering the dolls online. I tried to close the window quickly, but both have commented on seeing me on the website.  Part of me wants to just tell them that the dolls are from us because that is a big present and I want them to appreciate it. But Husband says let them figure it out in their own time.  So I guess I will.  But I want them to know that they are getting such a special gift in part because of how well they have adjusted to the new baby.  Both have been very helpful with BTS or with doing little jobs for me when I am busy nursing or doing other chores.  Maybe I'll write a note from Santa.

The trickiness of believing in Santa is managing expectations.  CDS wants a DS for Christmas.  He's not getting one. We have nothing against them, per se, but it is not something we want our kids to have. Also, the budget doesn't allow for big ticket gifts for everyone in one year.  So I was trying to tell CDS that Santa considers the wishes of the parents when giving presents.  He doesn't give things the parents don't want the kids to have.  I also said Santa has a budget.  So TMS says that Santa makes the toys anyway.  I replied that he has to pay his elves.  Confusing much?  Additionally, I have no idea what to get him instead. 

We give each kid three gifts.  I like them to be thoughtful.  We don't go overboard at birthdays and Christmas to begin with, so I want it to be special.  I realize that we are just talking about things, and there are far greater challenges in this world, but we do Christmas and I want it to be memorable. 

What special gifts are you buying this year?  Do your kids believe in Santa?  What should I get my 7 yo son?

Holiday Giveaway Goodness

 The Nester is hosting a fabulous giveaway day to get ready for the holidays.  There are many great things being given away.  So, today's post is links to the things I am trying to win. So go look at them, but don't enter so my chances are better!

I've documented my love for The Vintage Pearl before.  I'm hoping to win a gift certificate so I can buy a Chunky Message Cuff bracelet.

I just discovered Pure and Lovely.  I want to get the striped letter blocks and spell 'HOPE' on my mantel, since it is my word.

Red Letter Words makes some fabulous decor, inspired by sacred Scripture.  Today they are giving away a fantastic Christmas piece.

Back 40 Life is giving away a custom family name sign.

These are the giveways I'm most interested in, but visit the Nester for more giveaways.  Wouldn't it be fun to win something fabulous for yourself or a friend to start off the holiday season?

BTS is Six Months Old!

 Our sweet, happy, deliciously cute baby boy is six months old!  It seems like he just got here, but apparently that is not the case.

Monthly photo with monkey:



He weighs in at 17 pounds, 3 ounces!  Holy moly that is big! Well, big for our family.  I think I have only had one other kid even approach the twenty pound mark at age one, and he is well on his way to that.  Maybe because he eats baby food three times a day and takes a bottle and nurses and still even eats during the night.  Keeping him fed is a full-time job.  But oh so worth it.

I wish I had the skill to capture his joy on camera.  He is truly one of the happiest babies I have ever been around.  He makes himself laugh and he loves to grab my face and chuckle and he just adores all the attention given to him by his siblings. 

Now some photos that I played with in Picnik:



Blue eyes I could lose myself in:



I think TMS is his biggest fan:



I also like him:



He already has two teeth and I think he might be working on more.  Everything goes in his mouth of course.  Especially his toes.



We'll keep him.



Awesome guitar onesie from Mint Julep Monograms.  I love her work and it is very affordable (she didn't ask me to say any of that, I just wanted to share because I like to let people know about things I love).

Thoughts from Zumba

 I have no business letting my mind wander during Zumba, seeing as how I am an ungraceful mess, but wander it does.  Whether or not those wanderings are fit to be shared is questionable, but since I still haven't taken pictures of BTS I am going with posting them anyway.

First, I love Zumba.  I love an exercise that doesn't feel like exercise at all, at least most of the time.  I love that I can somewhat set my pace and kick it up when needed.  My instructor is super nice and she never hardly ever laughs at me when I screw up (which happens far too often, but whatever).

Second, I am beginning to like the music.  To the point that I've wondered how much Husband would make fun of me if I had it on my iPod (the answer is a lot; a lot of  mockery would happen).  Some of the songs are actually in English and if I was cool and hip I would know the artists, but y'all read this blog and know the truth about me.  Still, enjoyable music makes the time go by that much faster.  Except for the first cool down song, by SugarLand, because that woman's voice is not pleasing to me.  Ahem.

Third, I think I might want to take a mother-daughter dance class!  Nothing fancy, just an introductory class for fun. My girls would be over the moon at the idea, since they love to dance. I am usually way too inhibited to do something like that, but I guess Zumba has given me some confidence.

Finally, I always want Mexican food when class is over.  No wonder I can't lose these last ten pounds.

Have you tried Zumba? Love it or hate it? 

One Right Choice

 BTS turned six months old on Friday (!).  I will post pictures of his cuteness tomorrow, when he has had his checkup and I can tell you how big he is too.  Because I know you're dying to know that.

Six months old is my self-appointed,  no more excuses cutoff date, regarding exercise and maybe eating better (I don't want to get too ambitious!).  I've been very hit-or-miss in going to the gym since I got back to exercising.  I'm supposed to run a 10K this weekend, but since  it has been a while since I ran at all I think I will end up doing the 5K instead.  The only thing I am even remotely consistent in doing is Zumba, which I love, so it is easy to go. 

Today I sucked it up and dragged myself to boot camp again.  I don't even have to get up early to go, but for some reason I really struggle with getting to the gym on Monday mornings these days.  But then I think about how fit I was before I had BTS and I want to get back to that.  I used to look forward to doing 200 squats and 100 push-ups, for crying out loud!  My weight has stayed relatively consistent, thankfully, but is about ten pounds higher than where I want to be.  I'll get there though.

So today I made the first right choice in dedicating myself to fitness.  I'll try not to go on and on about my fitness goals and so on, but do be prepared for the occasional post about how I'm doing. 

And if you need inspiration, go check out Elaine's awesome progress on Shrinking Jeans!

A Wish Fulfilled

 Back in August, I wrote a birthday wish list that included a wish to go to the World Series.  It was on my wishful thinking list of presents.  At the time, my Texas Rangers were in first place in their division, but there was still a lot of baseball to be played.  As a loyal fan for more than fifteen years, I knew a lot could go wrong for our team.  So I hoped we made the playoffs, but I really didn't even dream of making the World Series.

And then we beat the Tampa Bay Rays in the first round of the playoffs.  Husband and I went to the first home game of that series and the atmosphere was electric. Rangers fans were full of hope.  It was great.

And then we met the Yankees in the second round.  In our franchise history, we had lost to the Yankees in the playoffs three times, all in the first round.  The advertising campaign for this season was "It's Time." And, sure enough, it was time.  My Rangers finally put the Yankees behind them.

And so, yesterday, this is where I was:



At the beautiful Ballpark in Arlington, ready to watch my Rangers in the World Series!!!!!!

I was joined by Husband (of course) and his mom and my dad. 



I have to say a huge thank you to my FIL for giving up his ticket so my dad could go.

I said the atmosphere was electric in the first round.  It didn't hold a candle to a World Series environment.  There was sports crying all around.  Chants of "Let's Go Rangers" from the time the Giants lineup was announced.  Towels waving wildly.  A crowd on its feet every time we had two strikes on a batter.  A collective sigh of relief with every out and a stadium-sized ovation when a Ranger batter made it on base.  50,000+ people cheering for their team to keep fighting.  We were down 3 games to 1 and playing for one more chance to keep this series going.

Turns out it was not the Rangers time to win a title.  San Francisco just flat out-played my beloved Texas Rangers.  I was sad for a little bit last night, but not for long.

They gave us magic this season.  Players coming back from the depths of despair, players who have been the face of the franchise through some lean years, players who gave us something we've rarely had with stellar pitching and a whole bunch of men who were fun to watch and always giving their best.  This was a team I could be proud to support and encourage my children to get behind.

And most of all, they gave me a memory of a lifetime.  I got to take my dad to a World Series game.  I love baseball because my dad introduced me to the game and taught me the nuances of the game.  I spent hours watching games with him, sometimes talking, sometimes not.  Our family teases my dad because he would always call me when I was at a game, and then complain about the noise.  I know it was just him sharing the game with me.  We sent text messages throughout the playoffs, sharing the highs and lows.  On Saturday night, watching the game on TV at his house and seeing our Rangers win and guarantee there would be a Game 5 for us to attend, I couldn't contain my excitement.  We were going to see a World Series game! 

So, despite the loss, it was a great day.  A day to remember.  The magic of baseball at its finest.  Thank you, Texas Rangers, for giving me this.