Seriously...

I can't get over my mess-ups...

I ordered a gift and am looking for it, turns out it's origin is China.

Went out Christmas shopping 2 days, and forgot my list BOTH DAYS.

Called Erin both "Jordan" and "Cameron" on the same day.

Messed up the reading schedule at school. Sent a replacement NOT on my day. Went out of town on my day.

Woke up with a sick headache this week and forgot to meet a friend with a gift she is working on for me.

Ran out of boxes for Christmas presents...on wrapping day. Then, LOST the only roll of scotch tape.

Just returned from Christmas shopping in NWA with my mom...without all the items I bought. I left half or more of my purchases in her back seat. Now they are in Mtn Home.

I'm hoping this is a temporary mental block.

College Visit

It POURED the whole day we were at UCA, but it didn't dampen Erin's spirit! She's pursuing an Honors College scholarship, it includes 2 essays, an interview, recommendations, and a resume. If she gets it she'll have a nice dorm to live in and money for tuition. We had a great day, mostly laughing in between running outside, and a walk around campus when we forgot where our parking place was. LOVE this girl. Glad she's going to be CLOSE.

Sixth Grade

Sheridan earned ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR THE DAY honors last week. She has over 200 AR (accelerated reader) points.

In 4th grade she had the most reading points of any girl in the grade and won a kindle. This year, she's filled in all her spare time with reading at school. On many days if she's reading a good book, she'll read until she finishes it, many times before dinner. She does this in between playing outside, playing games with the other kids, and helping me at home.

I found this picture of her on the school web site. she's a real cutie.

Normal

I got this letter in the mail before Thanksgiving and thought it was the traditional rate-my-experience at my recent hospital visit. I didn't open it until today. I'm thankful my mammogram was NORMAL. I had quite a bit of anxiety about it this time, knowing that every year anything can be discovered, and it could change my life. It may still happen, but this year, I'm NORMAL in at least one area. 

Quote of the Day

To set the scene: Richard is out of town, it's in between snack and dinner and I've turned Cameron down at least twice for food, and it's a Monday...

He comes up to me while I'm cooking in the kitchen (again) and says, "I like God first and then you."

This is monumental. And precious.

Giving Thanks in Heber

This picture captures what I'm thankful for...and these things:

1. Gramps making his famous food (mashed potatoes, ice cream, etc)

2. Cameron getting out of the car and yelling, "Cousins!" when he got to Heber.

3. All 21 of us in the beauty of Gramps and Mimi's house, singing worship songs after lunch while Ben and Ryan led us.

4. Having my 6 kids, plus Kate, with us the whole weekend, not because we made them, but because they wanted to be with us. 

Senior Pictures

November turned to winter in one week's time. Unfortunately, most of the leaves either blew off the trees or froze! We were hoping for beautiful senior pictures in the beautiful River Valley, and we were a bit heartbroken to miss the orange and red of the leaves. However, when we met our photographer, Erin was made comfortable very quickly and we can't WAIT to see the finished product. When someone has FUN taking pictures for 2 hours...there's got to be good things to come!

And from Instagram...