Thinking of Warmer, Brighter Days....

This is what I am imagining.....join me, if you like!

To Do List

A lot of times (ok, all the time), I am a contradiction of myself....I am equally sinful and obedient to God, extroverted and introverted, spontaneous and structured, and creative and OCD. This can drive a girl crazy at times!

I recently have tried to balance my love of fun, and my love of keeping a spotless house. This can be a very daunting task. Most days, my love of fun wins out. I find myself with the best of intentions to clean house or make that dish for dinner that is a little more complicated. But, then, it never fails, I find myself loading up the girls in the car, and heading out and about. It could be a number of things that distract me....a fun playdate, lunch with a friend, a mall outing with my mom. Then, my not-so-tidy house drives me crazy when the day is done! What's a slightly more fun-oriented girl to do?

I have made a list, and I am hoping this helps. So, all of you disciplined mommies out there, let me know what you think, and if I need to tweak it a bit:

Monday - one or two loads of laundry (and iron)
Tuesday - wash sheets and run errands
Wednesday - Clean Bathrooms
Thursday - one or two loads of laundry (and iron)
Friday - Vacuum and Dust

Little Side Note: My Magpie has already mastered the art of keeping her area neat and tidy. The last few mornings (without me ever asking her to do this), before she even comes into our bedroom, she has opened the blinds and made her bed. And, this is the finished product.....

Impressive, right?

Just What We Needed...

When I was in High School, I had a very fun and sweet group of friends. Even then, I realized that our friendships were very special and rare!

(Some 15 years after our first girls' vacation)

Last night, we went to my parents' lake house, to spend some quality time chatting, eating too much, and praying for ourselves and our children. Our time together was so fun, refreshing, and powerful! Who would have thought that as time passed, these friendships would only get stronger and our bond only tighter?! (If you had asked High School Ashley, I would have said it wasn't possible.) I thank God for these precious friendships and sweet, sweet ladies!

Jammer Sing-O-Rammer

*Pause the playlist!*

Even with ear infections, nasty colds, and a voice that sounds as raspy as a lifetime smoker, the Jammer Sing-O-Rammer must go on!!!! 

Princess Spotting

A few weeks ago, Matt, Kerri Grace, and I went out with some small group friends for dinner (Maggie was at Puggles with her Mimi and Papa).  As we were leaving and chatting at the door, Kerri Grace kept saying, "Rella, hold me. Rella, hold me.  Rella, hold me."  I couldn't figure out why she was making a reference to Cinderella until I turned and saw a young girl dressed up in a glorious gown.  She was eating with her daddy which I thought was so sweet.  I, of course, had to go tell the middle-school-aged girl that my little one thought that she was so beautiful that she confused her with Cinderella.  She smiled, and her dad said that they had just gone to a cotillion together at a nearby country club....so sweet.  

I thought that was a funny little story and the end of that.........not so much!

Kerri Grace has this conversation with me almost every night as I rock her: "Rella. eat. daddy. Rella, hold me. eat. daddy."  She really is just smitten with her new little Cinderella.

So, this is the beginning (much sooner than Maggie) with KG's Disney Princess obsession......

Do you think it is too early to talk about her beauty and identity in Christ?

Nothing Cuter

Than curls and a squatted baby tush!!!

We've Come So Far!

Do you remember this house...

with this front door....

And this den...

and this screened-in porch?

Here are some current pictures and a few projects we have in the works now that we have paid off all of our renovation expenses...PTL!

The Gaymons' front door....

The Gaymons' den...

The Gaymons' sunroom/playroom...

We really have been so blessed!

The first of our projects is that we are having a sprinkler system put in before we start trying to landscape our yard....yay!

  And, I am trying to save up to do a few finishing touches on a few rooms. (I am pushing the rooms that need a lot of decorating down the priority list for now.)  I plan on finding a small antique side table for my den. 

Now I need to pick your brains a bit....do you think that the collage needs more?  Maybe some casual mirrors mingled in or larger ones on the left and right?  Or will that be too busy?  Honesty please. =)

Luck of the Irish

Just found out that the "Luck of the Irish" phrase actually has to do with the fact that the Irish never seemed to have an easy or lucky lives.  So, really we do not want the "Luck of the Irish."  Little fact for the day.

Today, we celebrated St. Patrick's Day at our friends, Belle, Lucy, and Everett's, house!  We had a great time making green crafts and eating green food.

So, as the kiddos are sleeping peacefully after a super fun morning, and I am sitting drinking my green Mtn Dew, I feel especially thankful and lucky to have sweet, creative friends that are willing to host a group of kiddos in their home.  Thank you for having us, Elizabeth!  We all had a great time!

Who and what do you feel lucky to have on this St. Patrick's Day? 

A Tale of Two Sisters (told in pictures)!

Side Note:  I do realize my girls have been wearing the same outfits recently, but they are one of the few that work for both the chilly mornings and the warm afternoons.  You moms out there know how it feels to be washing the exact some couple of outfits every other day.....ugh.  Well, the upside of it is that my girls look especially adorable in them. =)

Special Weekend

We took a little road trip this past weekend to go see our nephew & cousin, Gavin, dedicated.  It was a sweet service and a sweet time with family.  Here are a couple of shots from our weekend....

Friday Night Fun!

My small group gals are getting together for dinner tonight!  I am so excited to spend some good qt with them!

Matt is taking out the girls on a double-date!  Our friend TR (whose wife, Ivy, is eating dinner with the girls) is meeting them at Chic-fil-a to greet his sweet little date!  He is going to come back to our house and help with bedtime....how sweet is that?  The guys should have a fun night, too....Yay for fun dinners on a Friday night!

*Special thanks to TR for being so wonderful to our girls!  They absolutely love you, TR!*

Excited to be heading out on the town!

Wordless Wednesday........Lashes!!!!!

Who is the Best Papa?

Our Papa

Who is the best Papa, who could he be?

He is so gentle and kind,

to his patients, family, and to ME!

Who is the best Papa, who could he be?

He is very silly and funny,

and plays dress-up or drinks pretend tea.

Who is the best Papa, who could he be?

Always smiling when he rides his bike over,

Ready to spend time with our family.

Who is the best Papa, who could he be?

He is oh-so-handsome,

And gave his good looks to our mommy!

Who is the best Papa, who could he be?

A Christian first and foremost,

Jesus lives in him which is easy to see.

Who is the best Papa, who could he be?

He is our Papa, the birthday boy,

The best Papa there ever could be!!!!

We Love You, Papa, 

Maggie and Kerri Grace

Papa, Mimi, Maggie, and Kerri Grace ready to party!

Kerri Grace and Maggie working on Papa's birthday cake.

Papa with all of his family! 

Happy Birthday, Papa!!