Christmas Memories

I have so many wonderful Christmas memories so I thought I would list a few:

1. Making cookies and any other kind of tasty treat with my Nannie...she always encouraged me to taste as we went along:)
2. Looking at neighborhoods full of Christmas lights with my parents and grandparents too sometimes, while listening to Christmas music.
3. Appple cider brewing on the stove.
4. Waking up Christmas morning and opening the treats in my stocking while we waited for my grandparents to arrive for the Santa gift opening. ( They lived in the same town till I was in sixth grade so this was a very special treat for me.)
5. The big Bogart the Basset hound stuffed dog I got one Christmas.
6. My Mom (aka Santa's helper) shopping till she dropped looking for all of the things on my list. (Yes, I was spoiled.)
7. The Christmas my Dad drove a few hours from where we lived to wait in line before the store opened to get me just the right Cabbage Patch doll I had my eyes on. (Thanks again Dad.)
8. The singing Santa on Nannie and PaPaw's back door which sang when you pushed its red nose. ( Nannie and I loved it but I think it annoyed everyone else.)
9. The house covered in decorations and holiday magic.
10. Walking in the door and hearing Nannie whistling to the Christmas music on the radio or the old record player.
11. My Mom always wanting to make everything perfect...her divinity candy is the BEST!
12. The years of pictures with Santa as Mom and Dad looked on with smiles on their faces.
13. My Dad getting the presents down from the attic and me pretending not to hear in my bed.
14. Seeing just how early I could get away with waking my parents up on Christmas morning.
15. Christmas Eve with all my relatives, catching up on the many activities of the year.
16. The love of our family.
17. Christmas carols on the radio all day.
18. Making my list for Santa along with cookies and milk.

I am sure there are many more memories but those are definitely the tops from my childhood. Who knew (besides our parents) how much better Christmas would be when you have children to spoil? The looks on their faces Christmas morning are priceless. I am having so much fun this year with Kaylee since she is old enough to understand what is going on and wants to immerse herself in everything Christmas related. It is definitely more fun through the eyes of a child whether it is yours or someone else's. May you all have a very Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Tag

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate definitely!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa wraps every present. I just love unwrapping them. I have seen that I am in the minority on this one.
3. Colored lights on tree & house or white? Definitely white lights...is there any other color??

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, but I would if I had some!

5. When do you put your decorations up? If I am home the day after Thanksgiving...if not as soon as possible.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? For dinner, honey baked ham, dressing, green bean cassarole, etc...

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Waking up Christmas morning and opening the things in my stocking while waiting for my grandparents to arrive so I could open the good stuff from Santa.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Are you kidding? I still believe..those who do not believe do not get any gifts. Right?

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? I always got to open one present from my parents. I always picked based on size and shape.

10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? Usually the slice n bake sugar kind with canned frosting on top.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it!

12. Can you ice skate? I have never tried so I do not know. I have always thought it sounded fun though.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Probably my diamond tulip ring from Santa one year. I have always been addicted to jewelry.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Watching my children experience the magic of the season, being with family, and seeing people think of others for a while who normally would not.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? I would have to say pecan pie.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? All of them are great! I would have to say driving around and looking at Christmas lights while drinking milkshakes and listening to Christmas music, decorating cookies with Kaylee (Campbell in the future), and watching the sparkle in my girls eyes with ever holiday sparkle.

17. What tops your tree? An angel I searched for and finally found the perfect one.

18. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? Definitely giving, especially to my children or to other children who need so much.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? Winter Wonderland or White Christmas

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum!

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

We finally LOVE Santa!

Yeah!! Kaylee finally sat on Santa's lap and actually enjoyed it! She was a little hesitant when we were about three people away from him but I bribed her a little and things went great. She even talked to him for a little bit and gave him her list. He gave her a wink and told her to be good till Christmas and he would see what he could do. She made sure he saw Campbell's list too! It was so nice to not have crying or screaming. If only she had been looking at the camera but I will take it after three previous years of trying. It looks perfect to me. The highlight for Kaylee was Santa giving her a Chronicles of Narnia snow globe which her picture can be placed in later. (She adores snow globes. That is all she wanted Cary to bring her back from Seattle when he went a few months ago.)

Then there is Campbell who immediately pulled the poor Santa's real beard the minute I sat her in his lap. He just smiled and gently pryed her hands off of the beard. She just grinned from ear to ear like a pro. Too bad the smiling was not there this morning when we were getting the girls Christmas pictures taken and Campbell's 6 month pictures. You will see a somber faced girl in our Christmas cards. Oh well you cannot win them all I suppose. Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Letter to Santa

Well here is Kaylee's letter to Santa. Why do they always surprise us by adding something they had never talked about before? She may be a little surprised on Christmas morning when a few of these are missing or maybe she will have forgotten since her list changes all the time due to different commercials. Hope every one is enjoying their holiday season. We go for pictures tomorrow to put on our Christmas card. Wish me luck! We may try to squeeze in Santa too if I feel really brave. ( If you cannot see the list very well you can click on it to make it larger.)

Christmastime or Crazy time?

Well the past week has been a blur. There is so much to do with so little time. We are officially moving a week from Friday so not only do I have Christmas stuff to take care of, doctor's appointments to fit in, suitcases to pack, special keepsakes to pack, friends to see, and many other last minute things to do. Where has all the time gone? Who's idea was it to move during the holidays? We have never moved from one house to another and may never again! (My only saving grace is that the new employer is paying for movers to come and pack everything!)

It was nice on Saturday night to attend our class Christmas party after the crazy week. Little did we know all of our dear friends were going to surprise us with a sweet going away gift. (To all our class friends who read my blog the gift and love behind it meant more than words could ever say. We will look at it often and think of each of you. We love you all!) I do not think the reality of moving had hit me till that moment. I think I spent the whole time we were standing up trying not to break into what Oprah terms as "the ugly" cry. I am excited about the new opportunities for our family I just wish we could take all of our sweet friends with us. We have been fortunate enough over the past 6 1/2 years to develop some of the friendships many people spend their whole lives searching for. How many people can say they have a list of 20 people they could call at a moments notice and they would drop everything and come running? I dare say not many. I know in my heart the friendships will remain but just take a different path for a while. We will probably be back so often they will wonder if we really moved. (I am already planning on coming back for a very special baby shower and the ladies retreat.) Some of my best girlfriends have even changed their cellular plan to our plan so we can call each other anytime and all the time at no charge. I am just going to cram all the fun I can into the next two weeks.

I just realized I still have to get... pictures with Santa, a picture of the girls for our Christmas cards, and change of address cards printed. Off to get things done!!

Happy FOURTH Birthday Kaylee!!!

Two Months
One Year
Two Years Old
Three Years Old
Four Years Old

I am sitting here today wondering where the time has gone as I am sure most mothers do. My sweet baby girl, my first born is FOUR today!! It seems like just yesterday when we were in the hospital waiting to see if we were going to be blessed with a boy or girl. Much to my surprise it was a beautiful baby girl with a head full of hair. Kaylee Nicole Beard came into this world on November 27, 2001 at 6:11pm and has been a joy ever since. I cannot even remember life before her and I do not really want to. Cary and I prayed for so long for this precious little angel. She has taught us many things over the years about ourselves. We have learned to pray much more than we ever did before, to stop and enjoy each accomplishment she has, and to never take a day for granted. The way she lights up a room with her smile and the twinkle in her eyes is wonderful. The zest she has for life is amazing and the way she never misses anything. (Thanks for keeping us on our toes.) I never could have imagined my personality on a little girl, but I can now strong will and all. She has the biggest little heart for those around her and she loves everyone. (especially her sister)
We love you to the moon and back sweet girl! Daddy and I cannot wait to see what the next year will bring for you. We already know for us it will be more joy and blessings because you are our daughter. We are so proud of you each day and thankful you are ours.

Thankful, Thankful, Thankful!!!

I am going to try to list the things that I am most thankful for this holiday season...

*My precious husband who provides for our family, unconditionally loves me and our girls, loves the Lord, and strives to be better each day than the day before.
*The great role model Cary is for our girls. May they be lucky enough to find a husband as wonderful as their father one day.
*My sweet girls who are healthy and happy.
*My family who always showers us with love and prayers.
*My dear friendships which I know will stand the test of time.
*Kaylee randomly giving me a hug, saying she loves me, and that I am the best Mommy ever!
*Going into Campbell's room and finding her smiling at me in her bed.
*Having several friends to call on at any given moment and know they would be there in a flash.
*That our friends Chad and Amy are leaving for China today to get their baby girl, Mia.
*Being able to worship the Lord freely in a country that I love.
*Shopping the day after Thanksgiving sales with good friends.
*Time with family during the holidays.
*Health of my girls, husband, parents, family, and friends.
*Kaylee's sweet heart.
*The way Kaylee loves Campbell already and Campbell loves Kaylee.
*Praying with my husband and girls.
*Being able to stay home with my girls every day and watch them grow without missing a moment.
*Being retired at 31. (That one's is for you Honey:)
*Not having to pack a single box when we move.
*My cell phone.
*People Magazine
*My favorite television shows.(Days of Our Lives, Lost, CSI, Oprah, Dr.Phil,etc...)
*Starbucks and Super Target
*Ladies Bible class on Tuesdays
*A home, car, clothes, and food each day which we often take for granted.
*The ability to finally reason with my four year old most of the time.
*The tea room in downtown Plano.
*Finding money when you least expect it.
*That we are loved by so many family and friends.

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday!! May the Lord continue to bless each of you. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Thanksgiving Program

Well yesterday was the annual Thanksgiving Program at Sunshine School. Kaylee enjoyed singing all of the Turkey songs she had been practicing around the house for weeks. All of the children did really well. ( Including Campbell who managed to stay quiet the whole time.) We even laughed in all the places Kaylee had told us we were suppose to laugh. She wanted to make sure we knew just how to respond. It is always so much fun to see their little faces singing and laughing when they see a parent, sibling, grandparent, or friend that they know. This is definitely one of those moments we will remember and treasure forever!

Birthday Party

Well today was the big day for Kaylee! She finally got to have her four year birthday party. I do not know what it is about turning four but she has been so excited about it. The party was at a place called Encouragym which was just what she wanted. MY daughter would rather run, jump, and slide instead of playing dress-up so a Tea Party was out of the question. She also wanted to make sure boys could be at her party. (I do not think Cary is quite ready for her to be worried about that yet.) The main thing is she had a lot of fun and somehow Campbell even managed to get a little nap in. It was nice at the end of the day to have one more party behind us and several months before I have to plan another one.

Prayers for the Day...

I do not even know where to begin this week because it is only Tuesday and so much has happened....

I am going to start with my dear friend Amy who is caring, giving, sweet spirited, a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and friend. She is one of those people who would do anything for you in a pinch. Amy found out on Sunday that her Mom had been taken to the emergency room with pneumonia. Since that time she has had several complications which moved the doctors in the direction of placing her in a drug enduced coma. She continues to fight this battle today and is in great need of many prayers. So if you happen to be reading this please say a prayer for Carol and the rest of Amy's family. I found myself struggling today when visiting with Amy at the hospital because as a woman we want to fix things and make it better. Isn't that what we spend a lot of our day doing? (especially if you have small children at home) I just wanted to take her pain away. This thought made me reflect on the Ladies Bible Study lesson we talked about today. We are studying The Patriarchs of the Bible. One of the women brought up how hard it is to keep from trying to manipulate an outcome in a given situation and how when we do try this it may have the outcome we want for a little while but it does not stick unless it is God's will. This caused me to think of all the times I have prayed specifically for something and forgotten to follow the prayer with "let thy will be done". Is that me trying to manipulate an outcome? I believe that I probably do at times. Why is it so hard to pray "thy will be done"? I know God has my best interest at heart but I fear the outcome at times. I suppose that is just part of human nature, something for else for me to work on.

My other thought for the day is of a friend who is a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, mentor, and the list could continue for a while but I will stop here. My sweet friend did not get the outcome we were hoping and praying for with her first Xray and will undergo an MRI this evening to review the situation further. Please pray that she does not have to go through anymore surgery if it be God's will. She has such a kind heart and spirit.

Please lift both of my friends up in prayer tonight because they need to feel God's loving arms around them giving them peace and comfort.

I pray that all of my friends and family know how important they are to me and how much I love and value our relationships. May you each always know the place you have in my heart!

Sorry for the rambling at times but it has been a long day.

Where's your chair?

I have to pass along one of Kaylee's heartstring moments... When I went to Ladies Class the other day Kaylee was playing with friends in her class as usual. Just as they do each week she went outside to play and while they were playing Mrs. Rebecca came outside and there was not a chair for her to sit on. Kaylee said,"Mrs. Rebecca, where are you going to sit because there is no chair for you?" Rebecca says,"Well Kaylee I do not know, what do you think I should do?" Kaylee, "Well you could go sit on the blue bench." Rebecca,"But then I would have to sit all by myself away from the other teachers." Kaylee,"Well I could sit with you and talk to you so you would not be alone." Rebecca,"That is really sweet Kaylee but I think I will get a chair from inside so you can play with your friends." Kaylee, "Okay then." It made me feel so good when Rebecca told me about this to know she is getting the point about caring about others even when I am not around to remind her. I know that she is bigger than I realize. I pray that the Lord will continue to guide us on the path of teaching Kaylee (and Campbell) the right way to act and live according to his word. Thank you Lord for my precious girls and their sweet hearts.

Big Orange Pumpkin Farm

Well tonight was the Big night at the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm!! Kaylee had been looking forward to this all week.
She was most excited about her and Campbell wearing their matching overalls. She was sure to point that out to several of our friends.

I do not know what she enjoyed the most. From the time we walked up to the gate to the moment we left she experienced everything. The sheep and goats were the first activity because she wanted to feed the animals. Of course, her favorites were the baby sheep and goats as she called them. She wanted to make sure they got their fair share of the food. I was very impressed that she would let them lick the food out of her hand. I have to admit even I was a little leary but she loved it!

Next she found her friend Garrison and they were off to explore. They soon found the barrel train that was being pulled by the very nice man on the mini tractor.The smiles on their faces made the night. You would have thought it was Christmas morning. I think she enjoyed riding this a minimum of three times. The only reason she got off was to eat supper.

After a quick bite to eat they were off for a few pictures and a lot of playing followed by a hayride. What better way to end the day!



I had to get Campbell with her boyfriend Trenton and the two Big sisters.





Thank you Kristen for all of the hard work!! We had a wonderful evening.

Trick or Treat

Halloween was a lot of fun this year. Kaylee got to go trick-or-treating with her sweet friend Kylie. They were so cute as Aurora and Cinderella. It was funny to watch them go up to each door and see the reaction of the people to these two little girls. I think there were a lot of teenagers out in our neighborhood so two little girls were a welcomed treat. We made it a few streets before we circled back to the Rutledge's street for some bounce house fun. I think that made Kaylee's day complete, of course all of the candy she had to look at when she got home helped too. Kaylee has already asked me when Halloween is coming back. I am glad to say we have a year!

Aurora and Cinderella


Bounce House fun!!!


Cinderella & the Bunny (my two precious girls)


My sweet baby girl did not even mind her costume. She was a toasty warm bunny and seemed to love it!!

Fall Festival

The Sunshine School Festival was a big hit with the parents and the children on Thursday. Kaylee really enjoyed her Daddy being there with her too. They got to go bowling, go fishing, play roll the pumpkin, get tatoos ( temporary of course),and bounce in the bounce house. Here are a few pictures of her sweet class and their pumpkins. They were all so precious!







Campbell also had fun at the Fall Festival with her boyfriend Trenton.

Halloween in the Past

Well Traci inspired me to look at the picture of some of the girls and boys in our class from Halloween in 2003. My how things have changed in just two years!! Several of them have either a brother or sister now. They are also better at sitting still and smiling. One thing that has not changed is that they all still adore each other.(well most of the time) It is always fun to see how they have grown and thinking about how their personalities have developed. I always wonder what they will be like in a few more years. I cannot wait to see everyone on Sunday in their costumes!!

Fun, Food, & Shopping

Well not much going on around here since my last post. Cary took Kaylee to the Wylie football game on Friday night for a little daddy/daughter time. You would have thought that Kaylee was going to Disney World with the smile she had on her face. She could not wait to get in the car. All I heard about when they got home was about the boys running with the ball and the cheerleaders. They had a great time and it made her night when they got Skittles at the concession stand. Which they waited in line for 30 minutes for. What a Daddy won't do for his daughter.

My parents and grandfather came in town on Saturday to watch the girls while we had our special yearly night out with some of our dearest friends. The date consisted of a comedy act which was quite humorous. I do not know which was better the caveman jokes or watching Mark and Cary laugh hysterically. Then we went for a delicious dinner at III Forks. They have absolutely the best food hands down...too bad it is not affordable enough to eat there more than once a year. Oh well it gives me something to look forward to and I have not been disappointed yet.

My Mom, Kaylee, and I did have time to squeeze in some shopping at the Happy Hollydays bazaar. We are women after all! It is the best to find so many unique things under one roof. It is even better when Mom buys. Thanks again Mom! We did most of our shopping at my friend Chelsea's booth. She is so talented! The Lord did not bless me with the sewing gene but at least I am surrounded by several friends who did and can help me. Mom did manage to get a little Christmas shopping out of the way and Kaylee was a real champ. After the shopping we went to a little tea room in Wylie to eat lunch. Kaylee sat there like a little lady. When did she get so big? The funniest thing was when my mom was sharing her salad with Kaylee and she was actually eating the lettuce with lots of ranch dressing. Some of the lettuce leaves looked like leaves from a tree so Kaylee says, "Do leaves fall from the trees and turn into lettuce?" My Mom and I laughed to ourselves and I tried to explain where they come from but I think I only confused Kaylee.

All in all it was another busy but great weekend. Most of all I enjoyed watching my grandfather with the girls. So many special memories. I hope to be able to play with my great grandchildren one day.

Baby Blessing

Well Sunday was a very special day for our family. Campbell turned four months old and we attended Baby Blessing at our church. It is so wonderful to have so many friends (many of who were on the stage being blessed with us because they had new babies too) and church family there to pray with us for a bright future in the Lord for Campbell. Of course, Campbell spent the whole time looking at her friend Brooke who was standing right in front of us. There is such a wonderful level of comfort knowing that others are praying for your children. We are truly blessed!

Then on Monday Campbell had her 4 month doctor's visit. She is ahead of where Kaylee was at this age except in the area of hair. She weighed 15 pounds and was 25" long. She is wearing a lot of 6-9 month clothes already so that the length will work. I cannot believe how time has passed already! I could not resist posting this picture of her big opened mouth grin. It just makes me laugh each day. Hopefully it will make you smile too!

Another Tag...

First Memory:
I would say this one is a tie between going to the zoo and seeing 101 Dalmations at the movie theatre with my parents.

First Kiss:
I think I was in fourth grade and it was with Chad Phillips. WOW, that seems like forever ago!

First Concert:
ALABAMA in Waco, TX with my parents. I still remember the cool fireworks at the end of the show. I was in either fourth or fifth grade.

First Love:
When I was in high school I would have said Paul Newsom.( we dated for 3 1/2 years) But since I now know what love really is I would DEFINITELY have to say my husband, Cary.

First thing you think in the morning:
What day is this? Can I sleep 10 more minutes?

First book you remember loving:
Little House on the Prairie and The Boxcar Children

First Pet:
Heinrich the Weimaraner

First Question you will Ask in Heaven:
I will probably be speechless.

First thing you think of when you hear the word vacation:
time away with my husband, the beach, St. Thomas, reading a good book

First Best Friend:
Claire Smith-Copeland, we still keep in touch but not as often as I would like.

Last Time you Dressed up:
Sunday morning

Last thing you ate:
leftover chicken alfredo

Last CD you bought:
Kelly Clarkson-for Kaylee

Last time you cried:
Yesterday when I thought about how big my baby girls are getting each day and how blessed I am to have them.

Last time you told someone you loved them:
About an hour ago. Cary when I left to go to Sam's and Kaylee and Campbell when I put them down for a nap.

Last really fun thing you did:
Went to lunch and shopping with my friend Traci for a little girl time.

Last thing you watched on TV:
"Twitches" on the Disney channel with Kaylee and Cary

Last Halloween costume:
I have no idea...it has been too long ago.

Last Concert attended:
Wiggles

School Days

Well today is school picture day! Kaylee was already practicing her cheesy smile before she left this morning. I let her choose her outfit to wear last night and I have to say it just screams school to me. What is better than plaid and argile? Of course we had to discuss that whole question as to why we have to take school pictures, which is just part of my curious little girl. I got a little teary this morning thinking about how big she is already and all the time that has gone by. Kaylee must have noticed because she touched my cheek and said,"It's okay Mom, I am not in high school yet." I thought to myself no you are not but you will be before we know it. For now I am just going to enjoy each day and pray time slows down a little.

Also Kaylee got her flu shot this week. She cried part of the way to the doctor's office and when the nurse walked into the room. Which triggered Campbell to start crying too. What fun! I agreed to get my shot first so Kaylee could see that it was not that bad. She smiled and told me I did a great job! However, it did not help because the minute we pulled her pants down to show her thigh for the shot she started trying to pull them back up. This reminded me of just how strong my little girl is. After I got a good grip on her hands the nurse gave the shot and the crying stopped. ( from Kaylee anyway, Campbell was still losing it!) The nurse gave her a sucker and our trip was complete with a smile on Kaylee's face. As we were getting off the elevator she looked up at me and said, "I am sorry I cried Mom , it didn't hurt...that shot just FREAKED me out!" Where does she get this stuff?

My Sweet Big Girl!

My sweet Kaylee loves life to the fullest each and every day. We have the best conversations! I am just going to highlight a few from this past week. On Sunday night she fell and cut her knee pretty badly so we were doctoring it while singing Jesus Loves Me to mask the pain. After we were done I said "I am so sorry you hurt your knee." Kaylee says, "That is okay Mom Jesus will heal it!" We have so much to learn from our children.

Then on Friday night we were sitting on the floor hugging each other and I went to give her a kiss on the lips and she wiped it off with her hand and touched her heart. I asked her why she wiped my kiss away. She said,"Mom, I have to put it on my heart because that is where all the kisses go. Then I can make more for my whole family."

Now it is Saturday and Kaylee came in our bedroom to wake me up. Of course, I was already awake but trying to catch 10-15 more minutes of sleep. Cary told her not to wake me so in her quietest whisper she said, "Mom, Mom...I love you...I love you Mom." I did not want to ruin the sweet moment so I just smiled and enjoyed. (What is it about a childs whisper that is so sweet? Is it because we do not hear it very often except when at the library?) Later when she and Cary brought me breakfast in bed. (My husband makes the best french toast!) I got in trouble with Kaylee for not saying I loved her back earlier so I made up for it then.

Thank you Cary for the great breakfast and for trying to make time for us whenever you can with the October 15th tax deadline hanging over your head at work. We love and appreciate you more than you know.

Two more quick thoughts from Kaylee. She told me this morning that she told Santa she wanted a computer for Christmas. I asked how she told Santa since he is not at the mall yet. She just pointed to the ceiling. Evidently, according to Kaylee Santa lives in heaven with Jesus and watches over all the children and makes presents at the same time. What happened to the North Pole?
Next she gave me a quote I need to thank Mrs. Tiffany for "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit." I love it! and evidently so does she because I have heard it several times today. She explained that you get whatever sticker you are given and you do not complain about it. They do listen to you Mrs. Tiffany and they love you too!!

I hope you are all having a great weekend!!