Christmas #1 With BopBop & DamDam

We sure did have a very busy and fun Christmas holiday around here. Our celebrations, yes, plural, began on Friday night when Warren's parents came over to our house the Friday before Christmas. They spent the night with us and the girls couldn't have been more thrilled. And boy, did they have a truck full of presents for the girls. The girls had so much fun helping BopBop and DamDam unload everything from the truck. I had a ball watching them and finally being able to see some gifts under our tree. I didn't put any of our gifts to the girls under the tree until Sunday! The girls got some great things from their grans---lots of cute cute clothess. (I'll have to take pictures of them in everything for y'all to see--some DARLING stuff) They each got the cutest pair of shoes; they wore them to my dad's house the next afternoon and were a huge hit. Those cute shoes were a big topic of conversation!
And the twins each got a new Pooh bear, which they sleep with every night. They ask about him when getting ready for bed. They have had a small Pooh that they love, but the Poohs they got for Christmas are bigger. So now, we call them Big Pooh and Baby Pooh and that's how the babies ask for them! So sweet!
The clothes Reese got are too too cute. DamDam has excellent taste when it comes to buying for the girls. I cannot wait to see Reese in her cute new duds.
They even got some bunny slippers, too.
Reese and her cute shoes

Can you say chaos? I don't think we spent more than 10 minutes unwrapping everything. DamDam would hand a gift to somebody and the unwrapping began. There was paper everywhere. It was hard to keep up with them they were moving so fast.
The girls' Uncle Mitch, Aunt Katie and cousin Hunter gave them a sock puppet kit for Christmas. Reese is dying to make one; I just haven't decided to take it on just yet. Considering that I have NO creativity in me whatsoever, they might just be the saddest little sock puppets yet!
This is a plasma car. I've never heard of it or seen it until now. It's a really cool little ride on. Hopefully the girls will learn to share a little bit better. So far, the sharing of the car hasn't gone too well!
Getting some help from BopBop to reveal a new Tigger ball!
All aboard the plasma car!

It was a great night being with family. I wish they could have stayed the whole weekend, but BB & DD had plans at home Saturday night and the girls and I were headed to my dad's house to do Christmas there! Talk about being busy! Thanks BopBop and DamDam; we appreciate all you did and do for us!!!

Still to come.....Christmas at PawPaw's, Christmas at Home and Christmas at Mimi's

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We have had a really busy holiday. A great one, but we are exhausted! =) I'll be posting all about our holiday events in the coming days, but I just wanted to take a minute to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas. I hope your holiday was merry and bright and that you were able to take a little time and remember the true reason for this season. We did, if only for a short time.

Looking forward to a great 2008!!!!

Love The Manning Family

Really?!?!?

I just took a good hard look at the Christmas counter at the top of the page. Can it be that there are only six more days until Santa comes? YIKES!!! I am SO not ready! Our shopping is FAR from being completed. I keep thinking of things that I want to get for the girls but haven't done so yet. There doesn't seem to be a moment when they're not with me. I mean, I decided that I can get things for A&M while they're with me since they're still so young that they really don't 'get' it yet and won't remember what I bought for them anyway. Reese, on the other hand, is a totally different story. Nothing gets by her!

And, the gifts that I do have for them are still hidden away in our closet; NONE have been wrapped! NONE!!! This isn't a result of my not wanting to wrap them; I LOVE wrapping gifts and picking out ribbons and bows to go on them. This is a result of my hard headed children not being able to leave the tree alone. I posted earlier about how all of our ornaments are at the top of the tree because the twins keep thinking they're balls that can and should be thrown all over the house. I don't want to risk them opening any of our gifts before it's time. They opened one of Reese's presents last year, and they smashed the corner of another one (I think it was for my bro in law). I had every intention of wrapping it again, but my sister told me not to bother, that he'd understand. Thank goodness he did!

Since I haven't had time to finish shopping for gifts, I've obviously had no time to replensih my gift wrapping goodie box. I have a few boxes left over from last year and a few left over papers, but they're definitely not going to be enough! Ugh!!! Why are there only 24 hours in a day?!

All this hustle and bustle, plus the very unseasonal temperatures and all of the wonderfully pleasant people working at WalMart (and when I say pleasant, I hope you know that I'm being 100% sarcastic!), I'm just not in the Christmas spirit. Maybe that will get better this weekend when we're with some family!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY! I promise, the spirit will hit me and I'll be cheery once again! =)

Some Fun Christmas Facts about Me

I stole this from Laura's blog and thought it could be helpful in some stress reduction! Thanks Laura!

1. WRAPPING PAPER OR GIFT BAGS
Wrapping paper all the way!!!! Although we did give Reese's teacher and principal their gifts in bags this year (it was a lot easier on me and the checkbook!). Anyway, to me, there is something suspenseful about a box with wrapping paper, and I love ripping into the paper anyway! I love to unwrap, and I think I do it faster than just about anyone in my family, with the exception of Reese. She is quite a pro! Since I do unwrap pretty fast, both methods of wrapping are fine--I just appreciate the fact that someone's been thinking about me!

2. TREE--REAL OR ARTIFICIAL?
REAL all the way! Although this year I've been doing some serious thinking about going the artificial route for the new few years (especially if we can find a nice one at a good price during the after Christmas clearance). With an artificial one, we can put it up whenever we want and leave it up for as long as we want and we won't have to worry about it drying out or watering it. But, I love the smell of a real tree! And, I've always had a real one, so we'll see what next year brings!

3. WHEN DO YOU PUT UP YOUR TREE?
If we had a fake tree, it would probably go up the weekend after Thanksgiving--not the day after, that seems WAY too early to me. Of course, our neighbors beat the rush and had theirs up plus their outside decor up Thaksgiving Day! YIKES! I usually try to have our tree up December 1st!

4. WHEN DO YOU TAKE YOUR TREE DOWN?
I usually wait to take our tree down on New Year's Day. It's something of a tradition for me; my mom never took ours down until then, so I just kinda carry that on. She told me it was bad luck to take it down before then. Don't know if she heard this somewhere or not, but for some reason, it stuck with me!

5. LIKE EGG NOG?
NOPE. Warren likes it though and he bought some a few weeks ago. He was enjoying a glass and asked me if I wanted some. I told him I didn't like it, and he asked if I'd ever tried it. How would I know if I didn't like it if I hadn't tried it before? Well, I took a sip of his anyway, and I have a witness to prove that I tried it and in fact, I do not like it!

6. DO YOU HAVE A NATIVITY SCENE?
A few--the first Christmas we were married, Warren gave me this beautiful water globe that has a Nativity scene in the globe and the base of it has the wise me and shepherds going around the base. I love it. We also have an ornament that has a nativity scene in it as well. We added one this year, thanks to the crafting that Reese did as school. (will add pics of these later). I think that's it though.

7. FAVORITE GIFT RECEIVED AS A CHILD
I adored my grocery cart made by Playschool. I don't think they even make those anymore; at least I haven't been able to find one! I would put my doll in the baby seat and go shopping all over the house. My grandparents also gave me this wonderful baby doll that I had wanted for a while and I loved it, too. There's just really too many to list!

8. HARDEST PERSON TO BUY FOR
Warren--even though we've been married almost nine years, I never know what to get him!

9. EASIEST PERSON TO BUY FOR
My sister

10. WORST CHRISTMAS GIFT
I can't really think of any!

11. MAIL OR EMAIL CHRISTMAS CARDS
Definitely mail them. Before we had kids, we used to send out like 100 or so. Over the years we have definitely had to scale down our list. So, for anyone reading this, if you don't get a card from us this year, please know that we love you and had to cut back due to the fact that stamp costs went up again and it seems that card prices have, too!

12. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE
Well, I can't pick just one, so here goes--White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Christmas Vacation, Mickey's Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street (the older version), The Santa Clause (they should have left this one alone and not made the two sequels).

13. WHEN DO YOU START CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
I'd like to say as soon as possible, but I haven't even finished this year's. With three little ones, finding the time is really hard.

14. HAVE YOU EVER RECYCLED A CHRISTMAS GIFT?
NO!!!

15. FAVORITE FOOD TO EAT ON CHRISTMAS
Sugar cookies--course, I pretty much love eating these all through the year!

16. CLEAR OR COLORED TREE LIGHTS
Clear all the way!!!!

17. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG
Here again I can't pick just one--O Holy Night, Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy, Do You Hear What I Hear, White Christmas, Joy to the World, Away in a Manger, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Carol of the Bells, All I Want for Christmas Is You

18. TRAVEL DURING CHRISTMAS OR STAY HOME
We do some of both. We go to my dad's for a day or so but that's about it. Our holiday travel plans were downsized once we had Reese!

19. CAN YOU NAME SANTA'S REINDEER?
You bet--Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen and Rudolph

20. ANGEL OR STAR ON TOP OF TREE
Growing up, we had a star with pulsating flashing lights on top of our tree, and for some reason, as 'flashy' and loud as it was to the decor, I LOVED it. We had one the first couple of Christmases that we were married, but once the star 'died,' Warren helped me change my mind about getting another one. Now, we have the darling angel that Reese made at church a couple of years ago, and I have to say, I like that much better!

21. OPEN PRESENTS CHRISTMAS EVE OR CHRISTMAS MORNING
Definitely Christmas morning!

22. MOST ANNOYING THING ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR
When we all don't stop and take the time to remember what this time of year is all about. Not really being in the spirit of Christmas; the stress; the business of it all. Just taking this special time for granted.

Just a Couple More

And these may be the most important of the day! Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Reese putting our angel on top of the tree! MAJOR improvement from last year--when Warren lifted her up to put the angel on, she panicked!!! I mean big time! I've never seen someone get so upset by something. She talked about if for days after about how being so 'high' scared her.

Well, that wasn't the case this time. While we were picking out our tree, she kept telling me that she wanted to put the angel on. I hoped against hope that she was serious and that she wouldn't have another major meltdown. So, we got the tree decorated and then it was time for the angel. No tears were shed, and our angel now sits proudly at the top of our tree! I told Reese how brave she was for being up so high, and she constantly reminds me of how brave she was whenever we talk about her angel. What a doll!

ta da---our beautiful angel made by our beautiful angel!

So Excited about the Tree

Our Christmas Tree

I'm finally getting around to posting pictures of our Christmas tree. We went to Lowe's again this year and found a nice one, thanks to the aid of the best 'tree picker outer' in the world---REESE! We froze to death that night while trying to find the one we wanted. Warren would stand the ones we were interested in up for me to 'look over.' Reese pointed to one, and Warren held it up and it was really really nice, but we wanted to keep looking just in case we found another one we liked just as much. Warren and I had wanted to get one of the 8-9 foot trees, but all of those were really really skinny. I like a fuller tree; I know Frasier Firs aren't going to be as full as spruces or pines, but these were the skinniest trees I've ever seen! After looking through them, we decided to go back to Reese's tree, and that's the one we took home!

getting the tree in the stand--this is Warren's favorite part--the trees never go in straight and it takes forever to get it straight and then some 'rigging' has to be done to the stand so the screws actually touch the tree!

Anna helping Daddy with the screws of the tree stand

making sure they're tight so the tree won't fall over!

the 'nekkid' tree, ready for ornaments

three sweet girls--can you tell that Reese loves the tree?

lights only!

helping to decorate--excuse the fact that Maggie doesn't have any pants on!

Reese was concentrating very hard on the perfect spot for the ornaments

a candlelight shot of our finished tree. I think it's kinda pretty!

the finished product--and yes, the majority (or all) of our ornaments are at the top of the tree again this year! They girls did a great job of hanging the ornaments on the lower branches, but in the last two weeks, they can't seem to keep their hands off of them. They keep taking them off and throwing them (not the ones that can break, obviously) across the room. So, each time I have found one on the floor, it has found its way to the top of the tree!

Santa's Helper

Warren was such a good elf by vaccuuming up all the needles that had fallen off the tree during its trip into the house and into the tree stand. All three of the LOVE the shop vac; I don't get why they do, but they love it when we put the wand on them and try to 'vaccuum' them up!Daddy going after the girls with the shop vac!

Reese's School Christmas Program Part One

Yesterday was Reese's school Christmas program. It's always a nice time for the kids and their families. They work so hard in the weeks leading up to the program, helping their teachers makes the cookies and treats that are served. Reese was especially proud of the gingerbread man cookies she helped with. :)

This video is of her and the rest of her four year old classmates and the three year old class singing Jingle Bells together. Precious! And I have to say, what a difference a whole year makes. At last year's Christmas program, she stood like a statue on stage--she didn't sing, she didn't move--nothing! She did SO much better this year! My baby sure is growing up! She kept her head down and eyes on the floor during both songs, but at least she was on stage. When I asked her why she didn't look up, she told me that she didn't want all the people looking at her. So funny to me that she thought that if she wasn't looking at the audience that they couldn't see her! What a mind this sweet girl has.

I have several pictures to share so her grans can see them, but I don't have a lot of time this morning. It took forever to get the videos uploaded. Pictures to come next week!

Reese's School Christmas Program Part Two

Our big girl! Singing her heart out with her classmates!

SO INCREDIBLY THANKFUL

During my daily blog surfing today, I ran across Laura's and Heather's blogs, and they both posted very sweet birthday wishes to their grandmother. Reading about this fine lady got me to thinking about my own grandmother. As many of you who follow our blog, like the ten or twelve of you, know, my Grandmom passed away this summer. It was quite a shock to the whole family. She had suffered a mild stroke about four years earlier, and as she got older, her health declined as it is going to do as we age.

Anyway, while reading the sweet posts about this grandmother, I got to remembering my own today. And I am so incredibly blessed to have been and STILL be this amazing woman's granddaughter. I want to be like her, and I know I'm failing in this endeavor in every way possible. She was the MOST patient person on earth. Whenever she saw me getting upset or losing it a little, she'd remind me that I needed to be more patient. I hate to say that I think I have become so much worse in this department. Are there any classes to take on patience? I definitely need to sign up if there are! =)

me and GG on my wedding day almost NINE years ago (wow, nine years) April 24, 1999

Grandmom was an awesome cook. I miss so many things that she used to make for me. For starters, her sour cream pound cake ROCKED. I cannot tell you how much of the weight I'm carrying now is a result of that cake. It was sooooooooooooooooo creamy (I don't think that's the right term for a cake, but it was). Maybe buttery is the better word, but it practically melted in your mouth. DE-lish! Her strawberry pie with fresh strawberries was a big hit with me, too, although, I cannot remember the last time I had one. More than 10 years probably. Wow! Her homemade biscuits were awesome, too, and I do remember watching her and trying to learn how to make them. But just as many women cooks of her generations, she didn't measure ANYTHING. And yet, they always came out perfectly the same each and every time. I wanted so badly to make them for myself, and when I asked her how much flour she was using, she said, "I don't know." Ugh!!! I was so frustrated, more so in the fact that I knew I was never going to be able to reproduce them for myself! But her piece de resistance for me was her homemade peach cobbler. Out of all the things she ever made, this was one of my absolute favorites. There was just something about this dessert that made me so happy. She made me one a few years ago just because I had requested it, but it really wasn't the same. I know she wasn't able to get around the kitchen as well as she used to, but not wanting to disappoint me and wanting to make me happy, she made me one just the same. And even though it wasn't 'the same' it was still delicious!!!

Grandmom was a real Godly woman. In the last several years, her health prevented her from going to church, but she lived her life according to God's will and never faltered in her faith. After losing her oldest daugther at the age of six to a tragic car accident, to having to work hard and scraping by, to losing her husband to an odd sequence of events, she always knew that God had a purpose for it all. I wish I had just a fraction of that. I, as an incredibly imperfect human being, falter a lot in my faith; I questioned God's timing for taking her when He did. I mean, I didn't get to say goodbye to her. I know He wasn't thinking about me at the time; He was ready to have this sweet soul 'home' with Him. I will never forget some of the words the pastor spoke at her funeral. He was talking about how my grandmother led so many people to the Lord, not by pushing or forcing, just by being an example to others. (And isn't that what we're supposed to do?) He said that he knew when Grandmom arrived at the gates of Heaven that the Lord said to her, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." No truer words have ever been spoken!

I could go on and on and on and on about Grandmom. She was truly the best. Maybe another day I'll share some more about her. But today, I'm grateful to have had such a strong, courageous, beautiful, funny, classy lady in my life and to have been a party of her family, well, that's just icing on the cake! And, I'm grateful for Heather and Laura's posts for helping to remind me how much I miss my grandmother and how blessed I am!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today, my sweet niece, Lauren, celebrates her birthday! She is turning the big S-I-X years old today. It doesn't seem possible that six whole years have gone by already. I remember leaving school (I was teaching at the time) once I got finished giving my last exam, a few days after she was born. Warren and I drove to her house (a good four or five hours away--maybe more). I just loved holding her; I love holding babies period! She was so sweet and so little. So different from the big girl she is now! Happy Birthday, LaLa! We sent you a card yesterday so hopefully you'll get it today!!! Have a great day! We Love You!!!

Lauren at Christmas last year with her Cars DVD that we gave her.

grateful today to have such a sweet niece and her big sister and mommy in my life!

Behind AGAIN!

This weekend was pretty busy, therefore, I neglected the blog again! So, I'm going to try and catch up on my thankful moments and recap the weekend........

Friday was BUSY BUSY BUSY!! After getting Reese off to school, I met my stepmother at my dad's work and she and I and the twins spent most of the morning Christmas shopping. She and my dad told me that they wanted to get the girls things they wanted & needed, but they didn't know what. Since Cathy was in town with Daddy anyway, we went together and I picked out some things. I hope that made it easier on them. I'm hoping that we continue to do that. I had a good time as I always do when shopping, but since I had another adult being 'in charge' of Maggie while I had Anna, I was able to look around more than I ever get the chance to do. I really think the twins had fun, too, especially since they got some individual attention! After shopping, we picked Reese up from school and Daddy and Cathy treated us to lunch at McDonald's, where we ran into several of Reese's friends from school! It was a great day!

That night, we went to the Christmas festival at our church. There didn't seem to be as big of a crowd as there has been in years past. Two years ago, it was packed and the weather was cooler. I can't stand these 70 degree temps in DECEMBER! What is that all about?? I was a little diasppointed, but having a night out together as a family made it all the more special.

Friday, December 7th, was also PAYDAY!!!! A day that we are ALWAYS grateful for around here!!!

Saturday, Reese and I did our grocery shopping. Big fun! I walked into a fabulously clean kitchen and living room, thanks to my sweet hubby. I know it was not done on whim; we had a plans that night. But who cares why a house was cleaned, right? Just that it was done, and that maybe you didn't have to do it yourself?

Warren and I acutally had a date Saturday night!!! Can I get a woo hoo? =) Warren's work had a Christmas party, and we were able to go. My cousin, Sarah, agreed to babysit without hesitation. (She is a brave soul keeping all three of the girls and she is FANTASTIC with them. They LOVE her.) And, BopBop and DamDam helped out with Sarah's 'fee,' so we were able to have a wonderful night. My sweet hubby even told me that it was okay to go out and buy me a new 'dressy' dress for the occasion. Man, did I feel like a new person! I always worry about frivolous spending, and buying a new dress definitely wasn't in the budget for this payday. It was so sweet of Warren to tell me that it was okay to get it, especially if it was something that I could wear again (his words). Too funny!

We had a great time at the party. Good food and good times. The doctors arranged for a band, and we danced and danced. Not the whole time because some of the songs they played weren't my faves. But, we managed to dance a good bit. I had wanted to take the camera but decided against it. Just something else to keep up with! And let's face it, the way my mind works nowadays, I'm just focused on keeping up with the girls!!!

We got home around 10:45! A late night for us. We thought about staying longer, but it was getting to be past my bedtime! And I was ready to get back to my girls. It's funny to me how I always desperately need a break from the girls, but when I do get them, I always find myself thinking about them the whole time!!!

Sarah managed to get the twins in the bed. They hate going to bed, and usually there isn't a night when tears aren't shed or little fits thrown when they get put in their beds. Sarah did say that they did fight some, but I told her that it was routine and that it didn't really phase us much anymore! Reese was wide awake when we got home, but once she, Warren, and I got in our beds, it didn't take long before we were OUT!

December 8: Grateful for the night out with Warren and that our girls were taken care of by someone we have total faith in. And grateful to BopBop and DamDam for their help in making it so that we could go to the party!

me and Warren before heading out to the party. I was so upset that I couldn't get my hair done 'just right.' It wouldn't cooperate at all! UGH! I guess it was in shock that I was actually doing something with it! =)

Sunday, Warren took the girls into town for a couple of hours to do some Christmas shopping. I was in heaven in the house by myself. I ate me some lunch, looked over the paper a little, and watched The Notebook. I hadn't watched it in forever, and I had kinda forgotten how much I LOVE it!

December 9th: Grateful for the two hours or so of quiet in my house and the time to myself. I was also grateful for the time that Warren got to spend with the girls!

December 6

Oops! Missed another 'thankful' day. Not too sure why. Reese went to school, but other than that, it was a normal day.

So, yesterday, I was grateful that Reese felt well enough to go to school (and she was EXCITED about it). She made it through the entire day without another episode! YAY!!!

December 5

I just realized today that our blog has a birthday! (cheesy, yes, I know) But, two years ago today, I, or should I say the Manning family, joined the blogging world! Check out the link from our very first post. I cannot believe how big the girls have gotten, how much they've changed. Wow!

Thanks, Jenny, for getting me started and helping me so much with all the petty questions I had (and still have). You were always willing to help! Thanks so much! And, I have to thank your dad, too, because he was the one who told me that you had a family website in the first place. I remember that we were at Tabernacle having our Christmas family lunch, and he mentioned your site. The first thing I did once we got home (after lugging the babies out of the van in their carriers) was to log on and look up your site! So, thanks to you, too, Rudy!

I have to say, it has become a bit of an obesession, but as my little brother says, it's all good. After all, the first step is admitting you have a problem, right? =)

I have thoroughly enjoyed this new way of communicating. I can't tell you the number of people I've 'met' through this experience. It really has been such a blessing to this ol' stay at home mom. I feel like we're able to keep in touch more easily with family members who live far away, particularly Warren' Aunt Kay. She lives in California, and we rarely see her. I think the last time we saw her was when she came home to visit her mother and my twins' baby shower happened to be that weekend, so we got to see her! (we miss you, Aunt Kay) Before the blog, I used to send out these mass emails with pictures and stories of what we were all up to. The blog has made it much easier to let friends and family know what's going on; it reaches LOTS more people faster!

This whole blog thing may be a silly thing to be grateful for, but that's what I'm thankful for today (among a whole lot of others that would take too long to type out). And, just to not be grateful for something 'silly,' I am also thankful for Jenny. Not just because she got me started with all this; I'm thankful she's in my life (even though we don't see each other very much at all). She has always been special, but the older I get, the more special she's become. Have I ever mentioned that she was a bridesmaid in our wedding? Have to share a picture of that sometime! =) She is one spectacular mommy to those 'other twins' that I can't get enough of! Anyway, I love you Jen!

Starring the Manning Girls

I've seen this on other blogs and a lady that works with my mom sent me the link in an email, so I thought that the Manning girls needed to be elfed, too. Plus, my mom called and told me about it, so I'm thinking she wanted me to do it, too. So, enjoy. One thing I didn't like about it, it would only let you upload four pictures, so Warren didn't get to get elfed. I'm sure he'll be very upset about it! =)

Click on the link here!

Picture

I found the picture of my friend Merritt that I had wanted to post yesterday. I have been on a little desk purging kick this morning, trying to organize and get rid of some junk. It wasnt' as hard to find as I thought it would be.

Now, don't adjust your screens or anything, but this was taken two and a half years ago. (Not that I'm looking too much better these days.) Please excuse how I look. I was H-U-G-E, although, now looking at myself, I don't look all that big here. But I was; I guess the white shirt gave me a 'slimming' effect. I was extremely uncomfortable and beyond TIRED. The twins ended up arriving 24 days after the shower. Merritt (on the right) and Shelby, two of the best friends I've ever had, threw me a baby shower for the twins. Shelby lives in Atlanta and made the trek back 'home' with her precious daugther Kaylyn, whose age at the time I can't remember, to help Merritt with the shower. Merritt came 'home' with hubby Hank and their three precious boys. That was a day I'll always cherish and those friendships mean so much to me!

Again, Merritt, I hope your birthday was the BEST!

December 4

Today's grateful post is a no brainer for me. Reese made it through the night without a sick spell. She fell asleep yesterday around 5pm and slept really hard until about 8pm. She does this sometimes, and Warren and I always know that when it happens, she'll wake up at 8 and be rearing to go. The twins managed to finally wake her, and I moved her to her room. I turned on Scooby Doo and gave her something to drink and she was great until she knew the babies (can I call two year olds babies?) were asleep. She came in the living room to sit with me while her daddy and I watched Life and the Patriots/Ravens game We love the flashback button on our remote control! (dagnabit--the Pats won again).

Once our shows were over (I had to stay up and finish the game, albeit while Reese and I were in the bed), Reese fell asleep pretty quickly. I was surprised; I thought it'd take forever since she had such a good long late nap. Of course, she was up this morning at 7 ready to go. I've kept her home today from school. When I called to let them know she wouldn't be there, I was told that another child is out today with stomach bug and that the bug has been making the rounds. I'm wondering if I should keep her home all week. Probably won't, but just an idea.

Day 3: I am grateful that Reese seems to be on the mend and hopefully whatever it was that made her sick is OUT of my house! :) Thank you Lord for watching over my baby while she wasn't feeling well. There's nothing worse than watching your child be scared and sick and there's nothing you can do but ride it out!

**She has already started the morning in her usual way, so I'm thinking we're all better!

A Bow for Our Christmas Tree

Hey y'all!

I was just needing a little help. This year, I am wanting to put a huge bow at the top of our tree. Ok, not the top--Reese's angel she made a couple of years ago at church belongs at THE top, but you get the drift. Now, we don't have our tree yet (bummer). I was SO wanting to have it up Saturday, but the bank balance told me we needed diapers and milk a lot more, so I digress. I'm hoping Warren will want to go get one tonight. We were wanting to attend the Christmas parade here in town, but since Reese was sick this morning, I told him that I don't want to risk it. She hasn't thrown up since around 6am, so I'm taking this as a good sign and knocking on wood while I'm typing. She has even kept down a few crackers and some pasta, thank goodness. I just don't want to tempt fate, especially since throw up and I have a hate/hate relationship! Anyway, I'm hoping he'll feel really bad for the big girl and not wanting to disappoint her, maybe he'll suggest we get our tree tonight and help brighten her day.

Back to the point--I am about as creative as a slug. None whatsoever. I just don't have 'it, ' ya know? So, I was wondering if anyone out there had any ideas for me. I know my mother in law can make one, but I'm not sure when we'll be seeing her again, probably not until the weekend prior to Christmas, and I don't want to wait that long. I also don't really see me shelling out a lot of dough on it either. I mean, if someone can direct me to someone who would be willing to make it for free (no labor charge) I'll gladly supply ribbon, etc. As I'm typing, I wonder if florists would do it? Yeah, I know I'd have to pay them. Just a thought!

Thanks!!!!

December 3

Today, one of my bestest friends in the entire world celebrates a birthday. Merritt and I got to be 'best' friends around the time we were in the sixth grade. It seemed as if every weekend, I was at her house or she was at mine. We spent a lot of time together growing up. She was a constant in my life during high school when things weren't so constant. Her parents, her home, and her kind self gave me a place to run to when I needed to get away and an ear to listen to all my troubles. I don't think she knows how much she meant to me then or how much she still does to this day. Maybe she'll read this today and know how much I love her and miss her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MERRITT. I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. LOVE YOU!!

Day 3: I am grateful for this wonderfully special friend I have in this person! She is the best!

**I have a picture somewhere that I'd love to post, but it's in my stack of discs. And, we've been up since 5am here with what I'm praying is NOT the beginning of the stomach virus. Yep, you guessed it, Reese has thrown up four times since 5am. And, Warren's working and I am praying that the babies don't follow suit. I'm not feeling so hot myself. I just hope that I don't fall victim until Warren's able to come home. So, probably won't be too much blogging today!

Day 2: December 2

We had a pretty uneventful day here today. I learned last night that Santa was going to be at our WalMart today for a few hours, AND that the pictures taken would be FREE! Yes, free. Well, that's music to my ears considering we've been paying between $12 and $15 for one 5x7 picture. I had high hopes that the girls would want to go and sit in Santa's lap. Just as we were turning into the parking lot, Reese tells us she doesn't want to see Santa. Great, we just wasted gas (that's currently $3.05 per gallon) coming all the way into town for nothing.

We get back home and Warren and I are in desperate need of some quiet, while we're watching the last few minutes of the Colts game. The girls kept creeping back into the living room, but that all ended when they were warned that they would get into trouble if they all didn't lie down in Reese's bed and watch the movie we rented for them. We were hoping that once they got still they'd fall asleep. And sure enough, they did. Albeit not at the same time. I did go peek in the room to make sure all was well, and the absolute sweetest sight awaited me. All three of my precious girls were in the same bed together. Anna had fallen asleep on her left hand side, facing the window and away from her sisters. Reese was still awake, although with heavy eyes, and Maggie had snuggled up to Reese, laying her head on Reese's chest. I held back a tear or two.

Day 2: An easy one: I am truly blessed to have three precious girls in my life. I am very blessed to be their mama and I hope they know how much I love them! More than life itself!

Day 1: Kinda Behind

Well, I decided to take up Alyson's challenge of taking the month of December to blog at least one thing a day that we're thankful for. Once noting today's date, you'll evidently notice that I'm already a day behind! Imagine, me procrastinating. (I've always been a good procrastinator!).

So, I decided to do day one's blessing/thankful for thing here and will do today's 'real' one on another post!

Yesterday, the girls and I headed to Tupelo to meet my dad and stepmom for the Christmas parade there. Keep in mind that we're at least a good hour's ride from said location AND the parade started at 10am. Needless to say, we were up at 'em early.

The girls had a FANTASTIC time at the parade. Reese loved catching and picking up the candy that was thrown off of various floats. The twins loved waving at anyone and anything that walked by them. It was so great to see them having such a good time. Reese even got her groove on while one float was rockin' out to some Christmas tunes. She shook her little bootie with all her might! What was even funnier (yeah, I know that's not a real word), was watching her dance while she was watching her shadow dance, too. She's really noticing shadows these days. So fun!

But, what I have to say was even better than that was seeing how tickled my dad got while watching Reese and Anna and Maggie and the wonder and excitment in their eyes.

Day 1: I am grateful for the safe trip we had yesterday and for the time that my dad got to spend with me and my girls. My girls especially. They had a blast! Thanks Daddy!

A Manning Family Thanksgiving

***WARNING!!! There are a TON of pictures with this post. Sorry! I couldn't decide which ones were the 'best' to share, and while trying to pick the ones I wanted, I just decided to include all that I liked the best on here! I couldn't stop myself!***


The weekend before Thanksgiving, we headed over to Kosciukso to 'do' Thanksgiving with Warren's parents and sister (and her hubby and little boy) and brother (and his fiancee). It had been a really long time since we'd all been together. Katie, Warren's sister, and her little boy, Hunter, were with us at the beach this summer, but with our heading back home so quickly with news of my grandmother's passing, I just didn't feel like we were together much. It was such a weird week. And Bryant, Warren's brother, wasn't at the beach, and I couldn't tell you the last time we'd seen him. Months had gone by I'm sure. And, we won't all be together at Christmas time; it'll probably be next year's summer vacation before we are, so we all gathered together in Kosciusko for the day.

The Whole Gang: Reese, Me, Maggie, Hunter Baby, Warren, Katie, Bryant, Mitch, BopBop, Anna, and Katie

The Kids' Table! The 'Grown Ups' Table

Enjoying some good food and family time!

Nothing like trying to eat AND have your picture taken at the same time!

BopBop getting some good ol' Reesie lovin' (or he could be just aggravating her--it's a toss up!)

Reese and her Hunter Baby!
Sweet Nanner (aka Anna)

Mag Mags

Reese and Macy (these girls love that big ol' dog)

The highlight of the day was watching the girls play with Hunter Baby. I cannot tell you how crazy all three of my girls are about this little boy. He is absolutely darling!!! They all had a grand time playing in the backyard! Our girls were asleep within five minutes of being in the car on the way home. They were so tired, but had a ball that day.

An inside shot of Reese and her Hunter Baby

Proving there's more than one way to climb down the hill

WaWa and his buddy

Enjoying some apple

I love this one of Anna, Maggie, and Hunter. When we were climbing in the car, getting ready to ride home, I told Hunter to climb on in and go home with us. Without skipping a beat, he did as he was told! It took a good bit of pleading, and finally BopBop kinda pulling him out of the car, but he ended up staying with his mama. He kept saying no when he was told to get out and sat right where he was. I think he really wanted to come home with us! I felt so bad; I never would have said anything to him if I had known he would take me seriously. I'm sure he got over the disappointment quickly though! If they had said something to my girls about staying with them, they wouldn't hesitate about saying no and running to find me or Warren. I would have taken Hunter home with us in a heartbeat! He is such a sweet little boy. We are all pretty crazy about him!

Thanksgiving Recap

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday at the Manning house. We hope that all of you did as well, bearing in mind how many blessing we all have in this life. I sure did, and am trying to continue to do everyday!

We started our morning kinda early. I had a few more rooms to clean before Warren's parents arrived, and he got an early start on his sweet potatoes! (For me, they are the highlight of our holiday meals.) We then began watching the Macy's Parade on TV. I have fond memories of doing that when I was little. The girls loved seeing the giant balloons, especially the Dora and Scooby Doo ones.

We got a call from the grans and were worried that they weren't going to be able to make it. DamDam had a little cold and didn't want to get any of us sick, but we convinced them to not worry about it and come on. So glad they did; I would have had a very disappointed four year old on my hands!

We ate a terrific lunch and everyone (except me) took a good nap. Warren and BopBop got to work putting our new kitchen faucet on the sink. I had total coinfidence in BopBop, until he told us that every plumbing/water project he's worked on on a holiday has always ended up with a call to a professional plumber. We told him to go ahead since we have NO IDEA what we'd be doing! It's so much better than the one we had. Thanks BopBop!!

We ate a small dinner and watched a little bit of Christmas Vacation. Then BopBop and DamDam headed home. We got the girls in bed later and had a pretty good nights' sleep.

Warren had a four day weekend this year! He got Thanksgiving, the day after and the weekend, too! He hasn't had the day after Thanksgiving off in YEARS, and he usually works Thanksgiving Day. It was so wonderful having him HOME with us this year!

Now the countdown to Christmas has begun!!!!!

Great Ones.....

A couple more great shots from Thanksgiving. I LOVE how Mags got all comfy and snuggly on BopBop while watching TV. Can't get much better than that, can ya?

The grans enjoying a Manning Thanksgiving tradition....watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Warren says they always brought out this movie on Thanksgiving day and watched it after eating. We're continuing it in our house, too!

Ahhhhhhhh.........this IS the life!

Thanksgiving Pictures....LOTS

Me and my girls watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

The girls got so excited when the Dora balloon made her appearance at the parade. Reese wanted me to take her pictures with Dora. How sweet is that?

DamDam and the twins watching Daddy glaze the ham---it was so YUMMY!!!!
BopBop and Mags hanging out after lunch
Reese and her BopBop

Daddy and Mags chillin'

Anna 'growling' at someone. This is their new trick; the babies love to growl now a days!

Seems as if Mags was quite taken with BopBop. Most of the pics of her from that day, she's been with BopBop!
Anna lounging on her DamDam

So Thankful for family!