Other than seeing snippets of the Little Einsteins or My Friends Tigger & Pooh, I don't watch television. In the evenings, I am in the room while my husband watches sports, but I am usually lost in a book. When my husband travels, however, I look for something to watch, simply because I like having the noise when I am alone. Earlier this week, I discovered two shows: Jon and Kate Plus 8 and 17 and Counting.

I realize that I am late to the game with these two shows. Most of you have watched them for several seasons, I'm sure. It didn't take long to become addicted to the Gosselin and Duggar families. For three nights in a row, I curled up under my heated throw and observed their lives.

My Thoughts on Jon and Kate Plus 8:

Wow. Can you imagine having twins and then sextuplets? I can't even wrap my brain around that. I enjoy watching the chaos and the fun outings, and the sextuplets are adorable. The one aspect of this show I don't like is the dismissive and demeaning way that Kate talks to Jon. Perhaps I haven't watched the show enough to see their real relationship, but I was turned off by this (not enough to stop watching, of course).

My Thoughts on 17 and Counting:

I had heard of the Duggar family and their (now) 18 children, but I didn't realize they had a reality show. I am blown away by this family. Michelle, the mom, makes me want to be a better wife, mother, and person. She is so calm and gracious! I am also impressed with their children. They are so respectful and articulate. I am sure there are some who see this show and make fun of the backwoods southerners who have 18 kids, but I say look at the end result. Their kids are great! You can't argue with results. I plan to record this show. I think the new season starts next week.

What about you? Do you follow these shows or other reality shows? I am not planning to dive into lots of television watching, but I am interested to see what others enjoy. (Please don't tell me to watch 24. It is the one non-sports show my husband watches. I can't even be in the room when it airs because my heart rate won't slow down for three days.)

Labels: Fun

We had a fun snow day (without the snow). Unless it is really cold or we have a hard rain, school should be in session tomorrow!

Labels: Family and Friends, Fun, My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy

It's time for the What's on Your Nightstand carnival at 5 Minutes for Books. I always enjoy looking at the lists of the participants so I can find new titles to add to my own pile.

Here's my current stack.



My kids get along well for 10 hours straight each day. Of course, those ten hours are 8PM - 6AM. During the hours when they are awake, we often have problems. I just started reading Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends. I have seen this book mentioned on other blogs, so I decided to find out what words of wisdom the authors, who are two sisters and a brother, have to share with me.

A Secret Refuge by Lauraine Snelling is my current fiction title. This book is three Civil War novels in one. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, so I am enjoying this book. I am reading the second of the three stories now.

If you visit my blog on a regular basis, you know I heart Disney World. I read Disney Guide books just for fun. I am currently reading PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2009. I have never read this particular series of guide books, so I am excited to peruse this over the next few weeks.

Jennifer recently reviewed Mrs. Kimble at 5 Minutes for Books. After I finish the second novel in A Secret Refuge, I plan to read Mrs. Kimble. If you are interested in Jennifer's review, click HERE.

That's my pile for now. If you would like some ideas for your own book pile, head over to the carnival at 5 Minutes for Books today!

Labels: Books

Someone is having a little too much fun with her brother's new dart gun.

Don't let her smile fool you. She'll take you out with 20 darts in less than a minute.

Labels: My Best Girl

Birthday Fun

My Favorite Boy celebrated his birthday twice. On Thursday, he spent the evening with friends at Chuck-E-Cheese. Everyone had a wonderful time (with the exception of Dad who tolerated it because he loves his son so much). Grandma and Papa Don came up on Saturday for a family celebration. Instead of giving several gifts from different family members, we joined forces to give my Favorite Boy a Nintendo DS and a few games. He was surprised and excited.

Medical Update

I went to see a pulmonologist on Friday. I don't have a definitive explanation for my lung issues; but she is on the case, and I hope to have answers soon. Dr. W. is treating the pain in my lungs with steroids and asthma medications until she has some answers, so I hope to feel more comfortable while waiting. Thanks for all of your supportive comments. On Tuesday, it will have been 9 weeks since I first felt sick, so I am hoping this will be over soon!

Books

I posted two reviews at 5 Minutes for Books this week. Be sure to read about The Apothecary's Daughter and A Mercy. Check out the reviews by the other contributors while you are there. I have added several recently reviewed books to my TBR list.

I guess you now have an overview of the news from the Baseballs and Bows household. Thanks for reading!

Labels: Books, Hodgepodge, My Favorite Boy

My Favorite Boy is seven today. Seven. How is that possible? We will be celebrating his birthday at Chuck-E-Cheese tonight, so stay tuned for pictures of the festivities!

Happy Birthday to my Favorite Boy! I love you!

Labels: My Favorite Boy

I am a stay-at-home mom, but I am not very good at the "stay-at-home" part. I am the type of person who wants to be going and doing. My mom often tells that when I was a child, I always asked, "Where are we going today?" Once, when she responded, "Nowhere." I replied, "Couldn't we just go to the doctor's office and watch people get their allergy shots?" Anything was better than staying home.

When I met my husband in college, I was constantly on the go. I slept about 4 hours a night, and I was involved in many activities while also carrying a heavy course load. My husband was the complete opposite. Although he was on the baseball team, and that took up a lot of time, he was content to go to class, head to practice, study, and then go to bed. He actually slept 8 hours a night. I didn't know very many college students who did that.

I am not much different now. Almost everyday, we go somewhere. I usually exercise at the Y after dropping off my Favorite Boy at school. When we leave the Y, my Best Girl and I sometimes come home, but more often than not, we head to the library or run an errand. (My husband is not much different now either. He would be happy to stay home all the time. We are a good fit. He helps me stay home more. I force him to get out of the house.)

Because I have been sick for 8 weeks, my life has slowed dramatically. I have made an effort to stay home as much as possible. Last week, when we picked my Favorite Boy up from school, my Best Girl exclaimed, "Guess what! We didn't go ANYWHERE today. We dropped you off, and then we went home and stayed there all day!" Her comments made me laugh, but they also made me think.

Since I have been at home more, my Best Girl and I have read more books, played more games, colored more, etc... (I would like to say that being home has afforded me more cleaning time as well, but I shouldn't be vacuuming when I'm sick, right?) Although many of the activities away from home involve my Best Girl, I rarely take the time to just be with her.

I am not glad I have been sick, and I am certainly ready to be well. I am glad, however, that I have slowed down a bit. I don't think I have changed into someone who wants to be home all day every day, but I have learned a valuable lesson. I plan to have at least one day each week for staying home and simply being together. Perhaps then I will earn the "stay-at-home" part of my job description.

Labels: Life Lessons

It's time for Kids' Picks at 5 Minutes for Books. Both of my children have found books they really enjoy this month, so I am excited to share them.

My Best Girl loves the Olivia books. I don't know why we hadn't read these award-winning books, but when Alicia mentioned that a new television series based on the books would be starting soon, I knew we should enjoy the books before watching the show. My daughter thinks these stories are hilarious. I enjoy reading them to her because she can't contain her laughter. We have every Olivia book from the library at our house right now, and we have read them all many times. I highly recommend them!



My Favorite Boy is enjoying two series right now. The easier of the two is the Stink series. These are chapter books, but the print is large and there are illustrations. If you are familiar with the Judy Moody books, Stink is Judy's brother. My Favorite Boy thinks these books are quite funny, and he enjoys Stink's comic strips that are included with each chapter.

Another great series for boys is the Matt Christopher Sports Biographies series. These chapter books are more difficult; there are no illustrations and the text is smaller. They are recommended for ages 9-12. Each book is the biography of a famous athlete. While my Favorite Boy enjoys the football, basketball, and baseball players the best, there are also books about soccer players, race car drivers, and other sports stars. If you have a sports enthusiast in your house, give these books a try. (Matt Christopher also has fictional sports books, but we haven't read those yet.)

These are the books my children are reading. If you would like to find other popular books, visit 5 Minutes for Books today!

Labels: Children's Books

This post is full of random tidbits.

My Health

I am still sick. My next-door neighbor suggested that it is time to take me out back and shoot me. :) I go to a pulmonologist on Friday, and I am hoping she will be a bit more attentive and cooperative than my primary care physician. I did, however, get to see Naomi Judd when I went in for an appointment on Friday (she was getting lab work done as well). That was the only worthwhile thing that happened at the doctor's office.

My Kids' Health

I took my Best Girl to her doctor this morning for a strep test. The initial test was negative, but they are doing an overnight test as well. I want it to be strep and not a virus. My Favorite Boy's birthday and party are on Thursday. He is already on antibiotic for a sinus infection, so he would avoid the strep. If it's viral, he'll probably get sick around Wednesday or Thursday, just in time for the party. I really don't want that to happen!

Around Our House

I admit that I am a failure at arts and crafts. One of the reasons I am thankful for preschool is that they do all kinds of fun projects. Because my Best Girl enjoys artistic activities, I am determined to do a little better. This weekend, we made snowman paintings with Q-Tips. The kids really enjoyed it. Thanks to Jennifer for the idea. I am planning to use one of the ideas on Jennifer's blog each week. Here are pictures from our activity. My Favorite Boy made a snowstorm around his snowman (like one of Jennifer's kids did).



Have a wonderful Monday!

Labels: Books

I have been looking forward to the long weekend. Thanks to MLK Day, Dad and my Favorite Boy will be home on Monday. Last night, we got a call about 9:45 letting us know the weekend would be even longer. School is out today because of the frigid temperatures.

My Favorite Boy is excited to be home, but not so excited about tagging along to his sister's well check-up that was already scheduled for today. Additionally, I am going back to the doctor this afternoon, so we can't make any fun plans.

When it is this cold, however, we will enjoy some games indoors. I thought I would share two of the games we will be playing this weekend. Both were Christmas presents, and they have already gotten a lot of use.

Grandma gave my Favorite Boy The Scrambled States of America Game. It is based on the book by Laurie Keller. The game teaches geography and facts about the states, but the game is so fun that kids don't realize how much they are learning. Scrambled States is made by Gamewright. We have been impressed with every Gamewright product we have purchased.Santa brought my Best Girl Yahtzee Jr. Disney Princess Edition. It is a simplified version of Yahtzee with the Disney Princesses thrown in for fun. (I linked to amazon, but Walmart has it and a Mickey version for $8 each). My Best Girl enjoys shaking the dice around in the cup and pouring them out on the floor. The game teaches strategic thinking and probability, but my Best Girl doesn't pay much attention to that. She tends to make decisions based on which princess she thinks is the most beautiful that day. We'll need to work on her reasoning. :)

We'll be inside playing games this weekend. I hope you stay warm as well!

Labels: Family and Friends, Fun, Games

Finally...my last Disney post! On day 10, we returned to Hollywood Studios. I must have been tired of taking pictures by this point because I don't have many from this day. We started the morning by enjoying Toy Story Mania a few times. Then, I rode the Tower of Terror with my Favorite Boy while my Best Girl and her dad went to see Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Because I get motion sickness easily, I had always shied away from the Tower of Terror, but it is great! It is much smoother than I expected, and the theming of the ride is really neat.

After that, my Best Girl and I went to see Playhouse Disney Live on Stage while my Favorite Boy and Dad rode Star Tours a few times. After lunch at Toy Story Pizza Planet, we all enjoyed the Muppet Vision 3-D movie. I thought my Best Girl looked stylish in the 3-D glasses.

We spent the afternoon resting at the hotel, and then we returned to the park. We had planned to watch Fantasmic at 8, but the 8 o'clock show had been taken off the schedule. Both kids decided to ride more rather than seeing the 6:30 show. That was probably a wise decision because I'm sure my Best Girl would have been scared by it. (In Fantasmic, Mickey has a bad dream filled with every Disney villain imaginable. The show is wonderful with lasers and fireworks, but it is also loud and scary at times.) We all enjoyed Toy Story Mania, Muppet Vision, and the Great Movie Ride, and then Dad and my Favorite Boy rode Tower of Terror again while my Best Girl and I visited with Buzz and Woody.

At the end of the day, we left Hollywood Studios knowing that our wonderful trip was at its end. The next morning, we headed to the airport to return home. My favorite quote from the week came at this point in our trip. My Best Girl said, "Can't we just stay here until time to go to Heaven?"

Before ending my posts, I wanted to share a few of our favorite Photopass pictures. These are the pictures taken by the Disney photographers. My kids love the ones with the cartoons added in; I like that some of these include all four of us. That doesn't happen often!

Thanks for following along on our trip. We had such a wonderful time. We can't wait to go back!

Labels: Disney

I loved my fourth grade teacher. Mrs. Jones was caring, lively, and funny. One of the memories I have of fourth grade is Mrs. Jones reading Judy Blume's Fudge Books. She had voices for the different characters; in my mind, I can still hear her reading to us.

As a mom, I am thrilled when my kids like the same books I enjoyed as a child. Lately, my Favorite Boy has been reading the Fudge books. He has completed Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Superfudge; he is in the middle of Fudge-a-Mania. As I work in the kitchen, I can hear him laughing in his room as he reads. When he comes in and says, "Mom! Fudge swallowed a turtle!", I can picture myself in my fourth grade classroom, laughing at the same scenario.

To me, these books are a perfect example for Children's Classics. They are relevant and appealing almost 40 years after their initial publication. Perhaps in 30 years, my Favorite Boy will smile as his own child enjoys these books!

To read about other Children's Classics, be sure to visit 5 Minutes for Books today!

Labels: Children's Books

Day nine was our third and final day at the Magic Kingdom. We decided to let both kids choose what they wanted to do. I went with my Best Girl, and my husband went with my Favorite Boy. Although I have no pictures of the boys to show, I'm sure you won't be surprised to learn that they spent their time riding Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Haunted Mansion. In the meantime, my Best Girl and I had some female fun.

Our first stop was a visit with Ariel. We hadn't seen her yet, so this was a priority for my Best Girl. Because we were the first to arrive at Ariel's Grotto, my Best Girl got to sit and chat with her for about 5 minutes before any other kids arrived.

After visiting with Ariel, we enjoyed It's a Small World before heading to the Tea Cups. We were delighted when Alice and the Mad Hatter got in the tea cup next to us. After the ride, we stopped for a photo with them.

Next, it was time for the princess room to open, so we headed to Toontown. The three princesses were Aurora, Cinderella, and Belle. Because my Best Girl's jacket was decorated with the same three princesses, she had a fun time showing each of them her jacket (thanks for the jacket Amberly!).

After leaving the princess room, we had just enough time for a flight with Peter Pan before heading to Storytime with Belle (who obviously had a quick dress and hair change after we left the princess room). My Best Girl was chosen to participate in the story, but she declined because I couldn't go on stage with her. She did, however, get to show Belle her new princess wallet after storytime was finished. Belle was impressed with the wallet.

We all spent the afternoon resting at the hotel, and then my Favorite Boy and his dad went to see the Orlando Magic play the Houston Rockets. They had a great time. Again, I have no pictures of this because I wasn't with them. My Best Girl and I, however, ended the day in a perfect way. We returned to Magic Kingdom for a few rides and a funnel cake. Sitting next to the decorated castle with a plate of grease and powdered sugar was wonderful, and I enjoyed introducing my daughter to this delicacy. As you can see in this picture, she is a highly refined girl.

As my Best Girl and I exited the Magic Kingdom for the last time, I was a little sad. However, we had one more day of Disney to go! Coming up...our return to Hollywood Studios.

Keeping It Real

Are you surprised to learn that day nine was remarkably smooth? Amazingly, when the kids were separated and got to choose whatever they wanted to do, they were quite content. Although this made for an easier day, I still think togetherness leads to wonderful memories...and a few valuable life lessons. One Girls' Day/Boys' Day was fine, but I wouldn't have wanted to spend every day apart!

Labels: Disney

I do not have TB, and I do not have pertussis. While this is good news, the doctor still doesn't know what is causing my lung problems. Hopefully, the antibiotics will take care of everything, and it won't matter. If not, I have an appointment with a pulmonologist. I am really praying that the medicine will do the trick. I don't really want to visit any more doctors or have any more tests! I guess I will know more in a few days.

Given the fact that I have been tested for TB and pertussis, I'm sure it's obvious that I have been coughing, a lot. My Best Girl is concerned about me. She has been requesting prayers on my behalf in Bible class and at preschool. On the other hand, when I mentioned my illness to my Favorite Boy, he replied, "You've been coughing?"

I'll refrain from discussing the observational skills of the male species. :)

Labels: General, Small Talk

When the nurse told me I have pneumonia, I decided it would be okay to sit on the couch for a while today. I know you moms understand what I am saying. Even though I have felt badly for a while, it is difficult to ignore the many things that need to be done.

For today, I have overlooked the laundry, dishes, and general mess to rest and savor a few comforts. For Christmas, my hubby and kids gave me a new heated throw. It is warm and snuggly; I love it. From the couch, I can smell my new Creamy Nutmeg Wallflower from Bath and Body. My mom also gave me a Sandalwood Vanilla Wallflower; both scents make me happy to be at home. I am setting my drink on a coaster given to me by my friend Amberly as I read a book given to me by my sister-in-law. These are simple things, but they make me thankful for friends, family, and a brief chance to rest.

Labels: General

Thanks so much to all of you for your encouraging words about my illness. I still don't know the primary cause; I have been tested for pertussis and TB, but I won't have the results until Friday for the TB and Monday or Tuesday for the pertussis. However, I have now developed pneumonia. I started antibiotics tonight, so I hope to feel some better in the next day or two. Truthfully, I am praying that the antibiotics will clear everything up so I won't need to worry with any more tests at all!

I am also hoping to lie on the couch tomorrow and rest while my Best Girl is at preschool, but I just saw that we have a chance of snow tonight. Normally, I welcome lazy days with the kids at home; but, this time I wouldn't mind the snow passing us by. I have a feeling that 5 hours alone would be slightly more restful than a snow day!

Again, thanks so much for your encouragement. I'll post more when I know more!

Labels: General

Thanks so much to everyone for the kind comments on my whining post. I really am a positive person by nature, but I think everyone gets worn down sometimes! Your encouraging comments were greatly appreciated. No news yet on the cause of my illness, so I'll spend a bit pretending I am still at Disney World. :)

On day eight, we headed to Disney's Hollywood Studios. We were very excited to try out the new Toy Story Mania ride, and it did not disappoint. It is a fun, interactive ride for the whole family. Even the queue is fun! Being the planner that I am, we really don't wait in lines much, but we did slow down a bit to see the talking Mr. Potato Head. He carries on conversations with those waiting in line.

When we left Toy Story Mania, we ran into Green Army Man. Just looking at his face made me a bit claustrophobic. Then, my Best Girl and I watched Voyage of the Little Mermaid (a live show) while my Favorite boy and Dad headed to the Tower of Terror. This was one of my Favorite Boy's top rides. He loved it!

We rode Toy Story Mania again and spent some time meeting Woody, Lightning McQueen, Mater, Mike, and Sulley. Sulley is such a snuggly monster.

After lunch, we rode Toy Story Mania again and watched the live Beauty and the Beast show. Then, we headed back to the hotel for an afternoon rest and an evening in Downtown Disney. We got to talk with someone very special there!



Keeping It Real

Unfortunately, the encounter with Santa did not result in perfect behavior from our kids (aren't they supposed to behave when Santa is near?). As we shopped in Downtown Disney, my Best Girl's patience was wearing thin. She was being downright ugly a bit disagreeable. She decided to sit next to a rack in the store and pout. Thanks to an awesome Disney employee, her bad mood didn't last. Christopher noticed her attitude and invited her to play ball with him. How could she resist playing catch with a pink ball?

When you are on a vacation with young children, fussiness is bound to occur at some point. I sure did appreciate Christopher's willingness to play. He turned my Best Girl's frown upside down!

Only two more days of our trip to go. The end is in sight!

Labels: Disney

I have tried not to mention this (whine) too much on my blog, but I am sick. I started feeling sick the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, so I spent the entire Christmas season under the weather. With the help of steroids, I was able to move forward and handle most things, but I am ready to be well!

I called the doctor's office yesterday morning to let them know that I am not better. They sent me for blood work to check for pertussis (whooping cough - did you know adults need a booster shot for this?). I am no medical professional, but after reading about pertussis, I really think that's what I have. Unfortunately, the blood tests take SEVEN days to come back. Because of this, I have to go have a CT scan today to rule out a blood clot in my lung (pulmonary embolism). I really don't think that's the problem, but since PE could be life threatening, the doctor wants to rule it out.

One frustrating thing in all of this is that I asked about pertussis when I went to the doctor on December 17th. My kids' pediatrician asked me about my cough and how long I had been sick. When I told him, he suggested that I be tested for pertussis. I mentioned this to my doctor, and he dismissed it. I know doctors make mistakes, but if it turns out to be pertussis, I will have spent lots of money on doctor visits and expensive tests and many weeks sick rather than being treated for the root of the problem.

Anyway, my kids went back to school and MDO today, and my schedule is as follows:

10:00 Teeth cleaning
1:00 Consultation with an oral surgeon (these teeth appointments were scheduled a while back)
2:45 CT scan

I decided to pack in as much fun today as possible! I'll update with the results as soon as I know anything.

Labels: General

Yes, I am still writing about our November trip! I only have a few more days to go. On day seven of our Disney trip, we spent the late morning and afternoon in the World Showcase section of Epcot. In a matter of hours, we had our passport stamped in eleven countries. One of the most fun aspects of the World Showcase for younger kids is seeing the characters. Some of my favorite pictures were taken during these visits (this post includes a lot of pictures).

We started in Mexico. My Favorite Boy had the passport ready.

Then, it was off to Norway. I think my Best Girl makes a good Viking, don't you?

In China, we played with some Chinese toys and visited with Mushu.

We met Snow White in Germany, but we were most excited to see Dopey (we had seen Snow White previously). We were waiting for Dopey when he came out, and he grabbed the hands of my Favorite Boy and Best Girl to take them over to the picture spot. My Best girl started making faces, and I told her to stop. But, when Dopey began making funny faces and encouraged my Favorite Boy to as well, I snapped the picture. Dopey earned a sweet spot in our Disney memories!

We saw Belle and the Beast in France; Jasmine and Aladdin in Morocco; and Mary Poppins, Eeyore, Pooh, and Tigger in England.

After our speedy trip around the world, we headed to the Wilderness Lodge for dinner at the Whispering Canyon Cafe. The Wilderness Lodge is so beautiful, and the Christmas tree was magnificent.

The Whispering Canyon Cafe is known for its crazy antics. We asked for ketchup and ended up with 12 bottles. After a while, another family yelled for ketchup, and we had to carry all our bottles to them. My kids thought this was hilarious. They also enjoyed the stick pony race around the dining room.

After an enjoyable day, we returned to the hotel for some card games and bedtime. We were ready to turn in early!

Keeping It Real

The passport was a fun way to make World Showcase exciting for the kids. At each country, they could put stickers in the passport and have it stamped by the cast members. The cast members are from the respective countries (many are at Disney on work visas), so they are able to write greetings in their native languages.

To save money, we only bought one passport. Of course, any of you with more than one child knows what happened. We had to share. My Favorite Boy and Best Girl took turns carrying the passport into each country, but they weren't thrilled about it. There were an odd number of countries, so I was planning to take one of the turns. But, my Best Girl helped us out with that. After she acted ugly at the American station, she lost her turn. From then on, she improved her behavior, but the punishment helped solve the problem with the unequal amount of passport pages.

What torture it is to share with your brother or sister! I am sure, however, that surviving these experiences will help them in the future. The need to share never stops!

Labels: Disney

It's Saturday, January 3rd. My parents left this morning to return to Ohio, and my husband is taking my brother and his family to the airport for their flight to New Mexico. I am taking a break from undecking the halls to write about the final part of our Christmas week.

On the 30th, my brother and his family came to our house to open gifts and visit. My nephew and niece are 2 and 1, and they are adorable (my opinion is completely unbiased). My kids enjoyed being the big cousins for a change. My niece was a little reticent around the unfamiliar faces, but my Favorite Boy could get a smile from her; and as long as my nephew had a car in his hand, he was a happy boy.

We ate lunch and opened presents. Grammy was nice enough to let her grandkids help her. One of her gifts was a box of books. I admit that I immediately borrowed the newest Nicholas Sparks book to read before she left. My Favorite Boy received some new Xbox games, so he gave his uncle a video game tutorial.

It was a beautiful day, so Papa took the kids outside for some play time. My Best Girl loves her new scooter from Grammy and Papa; my nephew loved being driven around in the pink convertible.

On Friday evening, we took my Favorite Boy, Best Girl, and my nephew to see the lights at the Opryland Hotel. Taking pictures of them was kind of like herding cats, but they enjoyed the evening.

Christmas 2008 has come to a close. We had a wonderful time with family and friends. We now return to our regularly scheduled life!

Labels: Christmas, Family and Friends

Grammy, my Best Girl, and I decided to have some special girls' time today, so we left the boys at home in front of the television. We headed to the mall to take advantage of the Build-a-Bear gift card that Grammy gave my Best Girl for Christmas.

On our way to Build-a-Bear, we stopped at Bath and Body to check out the sale items (Wallflowers and refills are $5), and then we were stopped by a man selling curling irons at a kiosk. He asked my Best Girl if he could style her hair. She hopped right up in his seat so she could get beautiful. I let him know it was fine with me as long as he knew I wasn't planning to buy anything! She was very pleased with her fancy look.

After the glamour session was complete, we were off to Build-a-Bear. My Best Girl had never been there, so she was intrigued by the entire process. She chose a pink bear and named it Abby.

Her favorite part was the air bath and brushing station. She spent about 20 minutes working on Abby's fur.

We finished our outing with lunch in the food court. My Best Girl was excited to get a huge cone at McDonald's.


We enjoyed our special time, and it was a great way to start the New Year. I am sure the boys felt the same way about their time on the couch watching football!

Labels: Family and Friends, Fun, My Best Girl