*Sun*day

It was another lovely, crisp Fall day and we finally conquered the ginormous piles of leaves in our backyard! Yay! It feels so good to check that stinkin' job off of our list!

I ran to Target super early to grab the girls a few Christmas presents because

a) most of the stuff they wanted was on sale today!

b) I don't black friday shop and don' t generally like crowds so it seemed perfect

It was actually like baby-black-friday. When I got there at quarter till 8 there was a line outside and when I walked up everyone was grilling everybody about what they were there to buy--I guess there were some electronics things on sale? There were people literally running to the electronics department. Yikes. They seemed mostly calm and cool though. I knocked off 90% of Christmas which is super stinkin' exciting!

In other news, I stayed home this morning with Ezra-boy because he's been running a fever off and on all day 

(which started with out awesome 4:30 wake up call--it's been a long day!). 

Poor guy! =(

Here's the girls dressed in their matching outfits--because the best antidote for being sad about missing church is dressing the girls alike!

Well, off to pack for our Thanksgiving trip!

*3* Just 'Cause Part II

3 Favorite Places to Windows Shop

1. Mini Boden

2. Gymboree

3. Baby Gap

3 Favorite Places to Actually Shop

1. Rite Aid

2. Target.

3. Wegmans

3 Things I Can't Live Without

1. Canon DSLR

2. Computer w/Internet

3. Caffeinated Beverages in the morning

3 Things I Wish I Could Live Without

1. TV

2. Computer w/Internet

3. Cold Toes

3 Favorite Things To Bake

1. Bread

2. Cupcakes

3. Cookies

3 Favorite Books

1.The Bible

2. Pride and Prejudice

3.Anna Karenina

3 Favorite Magazines

1. US Weekly

2. Better Homes and Gardens

3. Entertainment Weekly

3 Favorite Christmas Albums

1. Kenny & Dolly Christmas (reminds me of my Grandmother)

2. Mariah Carey Christmas (vol 1) (reminds me of my Husband)

3. The Carpenter's Christmas (reminds me of my Parents)

3 Favorite Christmas Movies

1. Love Actually

2. It's A Wonderful Life

3. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Happy Saturday! 

Mini Boden = Love

Mini Boden is doing an excellent job of increasing my love for them!

(As if our love needed any extra inspiration!!)

They sent me $25 off my next order just because I ordered once in the past!

I happily accepted it. =)

They were running a *buy 2 items get the 3rd for $1 plus free shipping* sale so I combined that with my voucher to get all of these super cute clothes for Ezra for $20.

Total splurge.

Totally worth it.

Also, it counts as his Christmas present because he's too little to feel ripped off for just getting cute clothes. =)

Accentuate The Positive. Eliminate The Negative.

I'm ten shades of weird today so instead of writing the Whiney McWhinerson blog I felt like writing I've decided to be more productive and positive and write about the things that are true.

You're welcome. =)

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*My husband is amazing. Perfect for me. He *does* floors. Also dishes, laundry and dusting. And there's all the things he does with and for the children. Also, he's kind of a *rock* star with the music and the piano and that is all kinds of hottt. 

*My babies. They are beautiful. They all take naps. Everyday. And so do I. They are healthy and funny and happy and they love me and give the best kisses and hugs. 

*My parents have always supported me. They gave me wings and let me fly (even though it meant that I flew away) and they do what they can to encourage and bless me at every turn. 

*My in-laws are my parents away from home and I grow more thankful for them every day. They love us and help to meet our needs and encourage and laugh and support and love my babies so much. Also the babysitting--they are so good at helping us out with our precious children and I am super stinkin' thankful for that!!

*My bff. She has red hair and she speaks the truth. Her family is full of cuteness. Love them all!

*My loving, encouraging friends who seek out my company and invite me into their homes and meet me for coffee and love my babies and never leave me feeling like things are one-sided. They are priceless treasures to me. I would be absolutely lost without them. I'm so thankful that God has placed each one in my life. 

*My Jesus. My Savior. No one compares with You. You saved me even though I'm full of pride. You forgave my sins and are preparing me a place in Heaven. You love me even though I am no good at loving You. 

Ah...I feel better now. What are you thankful for? 

The Camera Caught The Illusive Smiling Maeve

Did Anyone...

...see how pretty Kate's hair was when they announced their engagement?

To. Die. For.

I guess they're pretty cute too. =)

The Day I Did Mom Stuff

My Maevey was lucky enough to have a Granny/Grandgirl day today so Ezra and I were on our own!

It always amazes me how much I get done with just one child around! 

It's not that my kids are bad at all (usually =) it's just that there's always so many little things to do when they're around that I don't get many big things done!

Well, today was another story!

During Ezra's nap I got down to what I like to call

*Laundry ZERO*

Laundry Zero = the point at which all laundry has been done, folded AND taken care of AND the hamper is empty. 

Laundry Zero is like a little piece of Heaven!!!

I also had time to go through the girls closet and reorganize and sort out clothes that don't fit or aren't seasonally appropriate--I've been dying to do this! 

What a good job to have done!

After errands and a visit to Mr. Wonderul, Ezra and I ate lunch during which I made a Turkey Pot Pie (with our leftover turkey from yesterday....turkey = love!).

This was the first time in the 20 years that I've been cooking that I made a successful pie crust!!! 

Go me!!!

(successful = delicious and mostly normal looking; it's not pretty but it was yummy!)

So, I had to commemorate with a picture..which I didn't take until I had already cut into it--but my first successful pie crust needed to be remembered!

After dinner Amelie and I raked a million leaves 

(only 3 million left to go!) and then I started working on her costume for the Thanksgiving party at school.

I didn't go by a pattern--I just bought some light fleece and "Indian" ribbon and decided to wing it.

I think the final project came out well and only took about 15 minutes:

Indian Amelie!

The neck is a little more "scoopy" than I had anticipated but since she's going to wear a shirt under it anyways it doesn't matter too much.

My Christmas cards arrived today and reminded me that we'll be celebrating Thanksmas = Christmas/Thanksgiving in NY very soon! Woot!

That's all for now!

Happy Wednesday!

Super Cute Super Random Baby GAP

25 years ago...

I still have vivid memories of my first day of school after getting my new glasses.

I was in 1st grade!

So excited and nervous!

Everything looked bright and sharp and different, but better.

Today I sent my own daughter to school with her new glasses!

She's nervous--poor lamb!

I think she looks gorgeous though; don't you?

Conundrum

How can something so lovely be so much work to remove from my lawn?

In other news....a friend recommended this most excellent deal to me and I had to pass it along!

Gilt is a website that offers daily deals on different items. If you sign up here you get a $20 credit automatically in your account! 

I've been dying to try Bento lunches and they have Bento boxes for $15! 

(Which is an excellent price!). 

Once you get your confirmation email you can click right on over and the $20 will be applied directly to your first purchase!

You can pay $8 for shipping (making the price of the bento $13 after discount) or you can input 10 different email addresses (of family and friends) and get shipping for free! 

I can't wait to try out my totally free, totally cool Bento box for Amelie's lunch! Yay!

Anyways, the babes are in the bed and I'm watching a new Netflix movie (obvi!!).

Good night!

*Sun*Day!

 It was another lovely day! This "Fall" weather has been amazing and mostly mild and very lovely! 

It's been warmer outside than inside our house!

 ********************************

We played outside this afternoon and it was perfect...as long as you don't count the fact that I spent the whole time raking! Our backyard isn't huge but it is lined with many large, old, trees with leaves the size of your face. 

Giant yellow leaves have been covering the yard for weeks but I made a nice dent in them and our yard is half green again! Yay! 

I filled 8 trash cans with leaves and will probably just do a little at a time. Oy.

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In other news, we went to Target yesterday and I spied a kids haircut set on clearance. It wasn't must more than the price of a haircut for Ezra so I figured even if it didn't work out it would be worth the investment.

My first real attempt at baby haircuts:

The hardest part was that poor Ezra just didn't like it! And even though the clippers were quieter since they were made for children, he still hated them. I cut the top by hand and buzzed the sides. Let's just say it was a team effort and we could have used more hands! It's a little shorter than I had planned on but at least this way we'll have longer between cuts!!

***********************************

I ordered Ezra's Christmas present today:

I hope he loves it since I don't plan on getting him anything else! =)

I love online Christmas shopping--so easy and NO scary people to deal with! Also, I had a bunch of gift cards for Amazon from Swagbucks and completing online surveys so it was almost free! Yippee!

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Last night my husband had a friend over and since they were watching a "boy" movie I had planned on watching *An Education* but was tempted by something light and fluffy I heard good things about.

So, I watched The Proposal.

Eh. Save your brain cells and don't bother. It just didn't do a thing for me! 

************************************

Last, but MOST certainly NOT least, my favorite redhead in the universe had a birthday today!

She hasn't caught up with me in years yet but I love her anyways. =)

Happy happy birthday dear friend!!!

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That's it for now! 

Just enjoying some peaceful time with Ezra while the girls and Mr. Wonderful are at Christmas concert practice for church!

*Love* At First Sight!

My favorite thing about the movie *Bright Star*?

This amazing, fabulous, wonderful, beautiful, breath-taking crochet-sweater-shurg:

It's absolute genius.....

{dreamy sigh....}

It turns out the lady who makes these intricate designs actually sells scarfs of this same pattern....for $400+ each (this is my best pounds to dollar conversion =). 

Yoowza.
I can't imagine what a whole sweater of those priceless little stitches would cost!!

Maybe I just ought to learn to crochet!! =)

This Fall weather has put me in the mood (more often than not) for comfort food. I made a trip to Wegmans (it's been too long!!) and bought my favorite artisan bread and made this yummy spinach dip from a friend's recipe:

2 tbsp grated Parm Cheese
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 of a 10oz box of frozen spinach, thawed and drained

1/4 c of whipping cream
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp garlic salt (I bought some garlic/sea salt grinder thingy from Wegmans. Let's just say it's pretty awesome).

Combine cream cheese and whipping cream in greased mini crock pot (or sauce pan). Cover and heat until cheese is melted (30-60 min for crock pot)

add remaining ingredients, cover and heat for additional 30 min

********************************************************************

Next time I make this I want to try it with chips....you know--just so I know which snacking option is the best. =)

In other news, it was a beautiful, perfect, Fall day! So warm and lovely! Let'e keep our fingers crossed that the weather stays this nice for the upcoming holiday!

Granny and Pop visited tonight so that Amelie and Pop could work on her new collection--Stamps! Amelie loves stamp collecting with Pop--it's their special bonding time. =)

That's it I suppose. I think I'm going to watch a movie tonight--my husband bought me *An Education* and I'm interested to see how it is! I'll let you know. =)

Friday. Finally.

Where did the week go?

So fast! 

So busy!

We had lots of lovely days with lots of lovely friends

and many quiet mornings with my Maeve while Ezra took his morning naps. 

We like to watch a movie and cuddle on the couch. It's wonderful! I don't know what I'd do without my Maeve--she's really something sweet and special!

A friend dropped off the first two books of *The Hunger Games* for me to read.

Devouring them. 

Just my kind of read--light and easy and well-paced.

Can't wait to see how the trilogy ends!

I joined Netflix (for the one month free tiral goodness) and have been addicted to watching weird movies on my computer--you can download them instantly--I've watched more movies this week than I have in the last few months!

Lost In Austen (cheesey tv drama. can't lie. loved it.)

Bright Star (sad, melodrama, dreamy, with a big heap of romantic longing. liked it. ) 

I started watching Jane Eyre (the old BBC tv version). Awful. Hated it. Gave up. 

Ordered Cougar Town Season 1. It's a little icky. 

Season 2 is much better.

Ezra's birthday gift from Granny and Pop and of the East came this week and I can't wait to go use it! Discovery Museum membership! We have some fantastic buddies to go with--I totally can not stinkin' wait!! 

Anyways....it's time to sit down and veg--my favorite--especially when my husband is here to veg next to me!

Happy Friday night!

What You Get When Your Daughter Tells Her Little *K* Class That You're Sick:

Get Well Pictures! =)

Shelly's Snippets

*I took Ezra for his *1* yr old pictures today to Sears. I don't know what the deal is but I have the *worst* luck there! I know many people who love getting their pictures done there (and get great ones!!) but I have never had a good experience.

 ******************************************************************************

--Strike 1: Amelie's 2nd birthday. Cute pose but charged me $15 for a sitting fee even though the offer I brought in specifically said it was free. I wasn't brave enough then to argue. Things have changed. =) HA!

--Strike 2: Amelie/Maeve Christmas picture. Made appt. Arrived on time/early. Waited for 1.5 hours in 100 degree waiting room just to have shots taken. Crying. Gnashing of teeth. 1 Cute picture.

--Strike 3: Ezra. Birthday. Ugly background, ugly props and I couldn't persuade them that I really just wanted a prop-free/white background shot. Unenthusiastic photographer. 2 cute shots. When I chose my pose at the end I was told that any centering/cropping of the picture counts as an enhancement and would cost extra. Apparently you need to pick a straight out of camera, crooked shot. So annoying. I used my squeaky-sick-girl voice to convince them to do it. Gah. I think my $4 for 40 pictures coupon annoyed them. =) 

Officially DONE with Sears. 

*******************************************************************************

*I just ate the last halloween kit kat. boo. i'm gonna miss those! =)

*Today I bought $70+ of fun lotion-y goodness from bath & body works and in combining coupons and sales only spent $20. woot. 

*Also, don't get me started on the clearance at Gymboree with the extra 20% off AND the 20% coupon on top of that. Woot. 

*Speaking of coupons and sales....I just used my Rite Aid Rebates to purchase this new sweater from Old Navy:

It's soooo warm and comfy! And all I had to do was spend $0 at Rite Aid to make $50 so I could buy myself new clothes. Muwahhahahaha. People, use the coupons. They *make* you money!

*It's beautiful outside but chilly inside. *shiver*

*Sometimes I wish "things" were the way they "used to be." Even though, things as they stand are pretty great...if not slightly better even, then the way they were. Still, cut out = crappy.

*How's that for vague? 

*Happy Tuesday!

Today was a lovely day

Spent with an even lovelier friend 

(and her little)

We coffee-d and lunch-ed and the babies play-ed beautifully

And then we took naps

And when I woke up my voice was gone

It is rather inconvenient to be voice-less

Rather

And then Amelie drew me this 
And I felt better

The end.

Remembering & Hope & Peace

Over the weekend a very dear friend of our family passed away....

This is *our* story.

Once upon a time when Shelly was young and green and moved to a far away land called, "New Jersey," she was at once thrilled at the prospect of a new life with her husband and despondent over missing her family and friends and the country life she so loved.

She was so happy to be united with the most *wonderful* man she had ever met but was so lonely. Shelly went to church with her husband and started to become acquainted with some really lovely people. One of those people, who went above and beyond and out of her way to welcome Shelly was June. 

Now, June wasn't exactly the type of person Shelly would have dreamed to be friends with--she was old enough to be her grandmother! June was feisty and outgoing and hilarious and was crowned with lovely silver curls (that once turned purple when she used a new shampoo but that is another story =).

June was the kind of friend who deeply cared and wanted to know *really* how you were. She took Shelly on day trips and shopping excursions and out to lunch. She frequently called *the wonderfuls* over for visits and made them interesting dinners and basically took them under her wings. Her home was always open to anyone at any time.

June was a great friend. She led a very interesting life and had met many hard times and had many happy times. She had many children and grandchildren and even great grandchildren but none of this slowed her down and her heart was never too full to let others in. She shared her joys and her heartache and encouraged and always was ready with a pun (and even the awful ones were always appreciated=). 

At at time in my life when I felt so unsure and helpless and was desperate to take my husband and flee the state she made me feel at home. And loved. 

When I had my daughter, Amelie, she treated her like her own grandchild! She always had little gifts for her and was even the first person to babysit her!

I feel such a debt of gratitude to June--for supporting me when I needed it and for being the kind of person I would like to grow to be. She will be missed--but Praise The Lord--we'll be spending eternity together and the time we knew each other here will pale in comparison!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 

¹³ And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died^[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.  

¹⁴ For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

 ¹⁵ We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.^[g]  

¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died^[h] will rise from their graves. 

¹⁷ Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.  

¹⁸ So encourage each other with these words.

Amelie Says....A.K.A. History Lesson

Amelie: "Daddy, what's the yellow bag on the porch?"

Mr. Wonderful: "That's a phone book."

A: "What's a phone book?"

Mr. W: "Back in the old days, before computers, people used these books to look up phone numbers."

A: "Daddy, what's a phone?"

Mr. W: "Like, a cell phone, but attached to the wall with a cord."

A: "Oh. Weird."

*3* Just 'Cause

3 Favorite TV Shows
1. Cougar Town; bad name, awesomely funny show
2. 30 Rock; Tina Fey is a genius and it almost makes me forgive her for being so liberal. =)
3. America's Test Kitchen; it's the bow tie.

3 Least Favorite Shows
1. Medical anything
2. Detective work anything
3. CW anything (excluding Top Model obvi)

3 Favorite Movies Of All Time
1. Pride and Prejudice
2. Stardust
3. Love Actually

3 Favorite Movies Seen This Year
1. The September Issue
2. Young Victoria
3. Twlight Eclipse tee hee!

3 Least Favorite Movies Seen This Year
1. Bounty Hunter
2. Rachel Getting Married
3. Valentine's Day

3 Favorite Thing About My Husband
1. His *Astounding*  (literally, not biased) Talent!!
2. His servant's heart
3. His everything else, including, but not limited, to his hotness

3 Favorite Holidays
1. Thanksgiving!
2. 4th of July
3. Christmas
 
3 Favorite Chores
1. Seasonal clothes switch-out for the kids
2. Throwing toys away
3. Organizing/sorting anything

3 Least Favorite Chores
1. Floors
2. Windows
3. Unloading the dishwasher

3 Favorite Things to Nom
1. Oreos and Milk
2. Anything Cheesecake Factory
3. Wegmans prepared garlic chicken and epi bread
 
3 Disgusting things my dear Grandmother used to eat frequently:
1. liver and onions*
2. cow's tongue**
3. lamb's tongue*** (fyi: she always had these in a jar in her fridge. *shiver*)
*barf
**gag
***dying inside

3 Favorite Childhood Activities
1. Reading
2. Baking
3. 4 Wheeler drives through the back woods

3 Favorite Current Activities
1. Napping
2. Doing anything with my family
3. Getting amazing deals with coupons

3 Things I am thankful for:
1. Eternal Security and the fact that I *know* where I am going thanks to Jesus and His work on the cross.
2. My little family
3. My friends