Twirls 'n Curls

S ome Christmas down the road, my towering pine  Will have matching ornaments, all in a line,  And red ribbons cascading down tinsel of gold; But that's some Christmas down the road. O n that same Christmas, my Nativity Scene won't come from Fisher Price,  And no one will ask, "How long till Christmas?" more than once or twice. No fingerprints in my fresh-baked fudge, no meltdowns from sugar overload - But that's for some Christmas down the road. T hat festive season yet to come will hold no reindeer ears  Blocking my view of the Christmas parade, no childish games that end in tears. No holiday parties with tokens or tickets, and no cheap "treasures" bestowed... But that will be Christmas down the road. T his year, I'm holding on to the mistletoe kisses,  My handmade crafts and those batter-smeared faces. I'll take smudges, bad jokes, and a mismatched tree If it means having Christmas again with ...

Dear Nattie, As my youngest, my heart is torn watching you grow up. I love it - and I hate it. I love that you're getting more independent and doing more of those things "the big girls do," And I hate that this means you don't need me as much as you used to.   I love that you're old enough to have your own style - But I hate that it often conflicts with mine (and that of mainstream society!) "Mo-om, I'm ready for school!" So after much thought, I've decided: if you will agree to stay little, just for an extra decade or two - here are some of the perks I can promise you: You will be able to eat all the chocolate you want and never gain weight (trust me, this is a big one!!) You'll never get too big to sleep with your candy cane Christmas blanket, which you've slept with every night since you stole it from Linsey's room as a baby. (she didn't mind!) Additionally, I promise t...

 Why I Love My Family: #1: They care about me, even when act like a monster. #2: My family loves me, just because I'm me. #3: And when I can't quite see what the next step should be...    ... someone is always there to lift me up.   #4: My family knows how to make me feel special,  and they're never afraid to show a little love.    #5: No matter what lies ahead,   I know my family will see me through... 'cuz that's what families do best!

We went on a field trip and then to the park today, and the pictures inspired this little poem: Sisters will cheer you on when you're on top of the world...  And they'll draw you out of your shell when you're afraid. Too tired to go on alone?  Sisters will give you a push when you need it the most. And when your world seems upside down, A sister will be right there beside you... And you can count her to carry you through! -- Blessed to watch these sisters develop friendships... And blessed with two sisters of my own  - love you both!

Lovin' being out of school, and out in the warm weather! Here's what summer looks like so far at our house... Pickin' flowers for my mama, Later nights, less bedtime drama, No more training wheels, I fear... Aren't you glad that s ummer's here? Sportin' shades to tame the sun, Brushin' up on summer fun, School is done, and smiles appear ... It's official! Summer's here!

Time seems to be just flying by - I can't believe my youngest turned 2 this past week! Here she is, in all of her glory: Though fiercely independent,   She's totally a clown. Naturally mischievous, with smiles all around. She's a techno-whiz  Who loves music too, Keep your distance while she's eating,  if you know what's good for you.  And though sometimes  her cuteness drives me batty, I wouldn't trade the world  for my precious little Nattie! Happy birthday, Natalie! We love you!

I walked right into it.  After surviving (and enjoying!) the busy Christmas season, I just didn't have the energy to throw Linsey a super-mega birthday party two weeks later, like we've done the past couple of years.  So I casually mentioned to her that maybe we could get a couple of her friends together to go to the movies and possibly sleep over. Well, a couple became three, then four, then six little kids in all...and I just had to write about our fun, in honor of "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie:"     If You Take Six Kids to the Movies If you take six kids to the movies, they'll probably want to order some popcorn (a BIG one!). If you divide the large popcorn evenly among six kids, you're going to need to get the free refill. If you refill the large popcorn and continue to let the kids eat to their heart's content, they're going to be thirsty. Really thirsty. If they get thirsty, you're either going to have to cough up a lot more money ...