Awesome time with family...and it didn't even make me wanna chew the inside of my jaw

To say that I thoroughly enjoyed my week off would be an understatement. On Monday, Kate and I headed to Chick-fil-A for lunch and to play on the playground there. I've found that if I do the Chick-fil-A playground time, I can squeeze in a completely unneeded Target run.

I love the dollar spot at Target. I wanna date it, get engaged, and marry it. I can find so many awesome things there that I never knew I needed (and essentially still don't actually 'need'). I can stroll down the first little aisle and "Bam"! The dollar spot has now turned into the twenty buck spot. But seriously, Christmas hand towels for a buck? Essential, wouldn't ya say? Little cardboard Christmas books with squeaky Santa's that don't quite squeak properly? Throw 'em in the buggy already!


We had a great day, but I really can't quite get past how awkward it is to sit in that little play area at Chick-fil-A and share a bench with someone you've never met, all the while just kind of smiling and laughing and asking how old every one's children are. What's really awkward is when it's just you and a random dad. Sometimes small talk is difficult, especially when I haven't had caffeine that day. This whole cutting back on caffeine thing, although totally worth it for my precious lil' baby, is really killin' me....and my personality! Dang, I never realized what a sleepy, somewhat quiet (ok maybe not quiet, but quieter) little person I was without my Diet Coke and other precious caffeinated nectars. I'll never forget that right after giving birth to Kate, the nurse came in and asked if she could get me some water, juice, or ice cubes and I just looked at her and said, "No thank you. But I'd love a big, fat Diet Coke in a Styrofoam cup with lots of ice, please."

After our little playdate, we came home and got everything ready to decorate our tree...but not before Kate and M to the Izz-A did a little fishing.

This is the earliest I've decorated for Christmas, but I figured I'd better get it done when I was off work or we'd be trying to throw it together the week before...and then I'd want to leave it up 'til February because I hate to put so much effort into something only to see it torn down shortly after.

This year we all helped decorate. Kate even hung a few of her paci's on the limbs for extra decoration. Cutest ornament I've ever seen.

Our favorite part

Our Thanksgiving was great. We spent the actual holiday with Matt's family, but also got to visit with family, who were down from South Carolina, the days following.

Kate and Kennedy love Grammy's farm

And because I was too lazy to move this picture after it was so randomly placed here, I left it. It's my mom and dad sharing a big hug with Kate and me....right after the Gators stuck it to the Seminoles. That's one reason we're smiling so big. Oh, and if my eyes look a little red in the pic, it's because I cried during on of the dadblame holiday commercials that aired during the game. Gotta love those hormones.

Now, where were we...

And of course my sisters and I headed out bright and early for Black Frizzy. It turned out to be a successful venture, but more than that, the time we shared together was what made the day so great. These gals make me smile and laugh 'til I get the hiccups.

In other news, M to the Izz-A is remodeling our laundry room. Well, I say remodeling, but really, I'm thinking that maybe I should leave off the re- and just say 'modeling'? Because technically the room was never finished from about three years ago. And for some reason, which I will be forever grateful for, he has decided to finish it. Maybe I'll post pics when it's finished. But a laundry room is pretty much a laundry room...not sure you'll be too interested in all that.

And before I go, I just wanna briefly share how completely in awe I am of my Lord and Savior. He's been talking and dealing with me on several things lately, and I've really seen Him at work in my life, and the life of my family. And on this Thanksgiving, I'm feeling particularly thankful for Him and what he's doing in my heart. It's not about me. It's about Him and others. Things I thought mattered, simply don't. I'm thankful that He's opening my eyes to what really matters in this life. It's not about me, Lord. It's all of about You. Thank you for turning my 'I already know everything heart' into a 'teachable heart'. But most importantly, thank you, Lord, for your grace and mercy.