From the mouth of babes...

Today in kindergarten we were talking about Thanksgiving and things that we are thankful for...my morning class discussion went as follows:
Me: "Boys and girls, we are going pass around the pig (stuffed animal) and each take a turn sharing one thing or person we are thankful for. We will start with you."
Student 1: "I am thankful for my Mama."
Student 2: " I am thankful for ALL of my toys."
Student 3: " I am thankful for my baby sister."
Student 4: " I am thankful for God and thankful that He loves me this much (as he spreads his arms wide).

Even in public school, I am blessed with precious moments like these. What a sweet reminder of grace and God's love.

Pink, lace and polka dots :)

This weekend I traveled home to visit my family and the Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse sale while Marty had a boys weekend. Time with family was great and encouraging. I am so blessed to have family that supports me and loves me so unconditionally. The Lilly sale was everything one would expect it to be... pink, lace, and polka dots everywhere...LOVE IT. It is at times like this that I am reminded that I am ALL girl. I used self-control, stayed under budget and came home with 2 wrap skirts, a bathing suit, and cute wooden hangers. It was a great girly trip with my Mom and it made me super excited about the Spring sale :) We even saw one of these at the sale...


As the holidays quickly approach, I am constantly reminded of things that I am thankful for everyday. The Lord has blessed us so richly; we have never been in want or need. We have been given all that we have needed, and yet daily we fail to recognize this gift. I am so quick to want, worry and plan, and so slow to praise God for the little/ big things. I am so thankful to have a washer and dyer in our condo, yet I complain when I have to do laundry and desire a big beautiful wash room. I am thankful that we have a balcony where we can look at the River and watch the sun go down, yet I desire a yard and a puppy. We live in a broken world that is never pleased and always yearns for the next thing/phase. I struggle to remember that God has promised to provide and care for us. Take time to slow down and think about the blessings in your own life this week. What are you thankful for today?

When it rains, it pours...literally

The November Nor'easter as the news calls it has hit Hampton Roads. I woke up to school being canceled and a second day off in a row...sweet! Downtown Norfolk is under water, and I have never been more thankful to live in a condo building. We are completely safe and sound up here on the third floor. Since Marty works downtown, he is out of work today too :) The high tide, around 5/6 this morning, was 7 feet above normal. The Elizabeth River has come up over the banks and flooded the streets of Norfolk. Where we are, the water covers just about 1/2 of our car tires, yet in Ghent and the Haugue areas water is up to car doors. Whew! We may try to venture out some time today, or we may just get some house work done and read all afternoon. Stay safe!
Here are some pictures from around our condo building.

Whew! After 35 or so parent-teacher conferences, completing report cards, PALS testing, committee meetings, planning and educating 40 5 year-olds I have been in need of a break. Thankfully Veteran's Day fell at a perfect time and provided a much needed break from the busyness. On my first day off of the school year I decided to start my Christmas shopping. I only got two presents done, yet that is a start. I always love picking out fun things for family and friends, and I have found new stores in Norfolk that I am taking advantage of this year for the first time :)

Marty and I have been asked to start thinking about what we would like for Christmas this year. It is difficult when you don't live near family to just drop hints, or go shopping together and point out things that you like or dislike. Since we have been asked by various members of the family, we thought we would create a blog post of some things that would be nice this Christmas.

- We love the monogrammed Tervis Tumbler sets. We end up only using our plastic cups around the house. These cups keep your drink cold or hot for hours. They also have a cute ice bucket to match.



- serving dishes

- Formal China, our pattern is Lenox Spring Vista. We are slowly adding to our collection.

- Marty always asks for the Band of Brothers DVD collection or any books on historical events

- Magazine subscriptions to...




- Cute Christmas ornaments as we are still trying to fill our tree :)



I hope this helps. I will post other ideas if we think of more. I found this cute ribbon wreath on Etsy recently. I may try to make one for our home for the holidays.

What a wonderful day off to start thinking about the holidays. I hope y'all had a wonderful Wednesday!!!