Snow Day

Yesterday, we were under a winter storm watch! I thought for sure we wouldn't go to school. I waited and waited for my phone call, but it never came. I woke up to torrential rain and still wondered if I might get the phone call...nope. I drove (swam) to school. The roads were flooded. I knew it was going to be a crazy day! Around 8:30 it started snowing...huge cotton ball size snowflakes. My students were all going crazy! I let them bundle up and play outside for about 5 - 10 minutes (it was COLD). The whole time I was so sad I did not get to spend this moment with Manze. You see, last year it snowed too...the day after her birthday on her birthday party day! We were running aroudn trying to get ready for her party and get there, we didn't get to play in the snow. I thought de-ja-vu...I'm missing another snow day with her! We ended up dismissing school at 11:30 (total craziness calling all the parents and getting the kids home in the sleet) and when I got to my car I had to get all the snow off before I could get in. I picked Manze up and we headed home. By that time it was sleeting bad and we could not play in the snow. Later Mrs. Beth (Manze's babysitter) e-mailed me these pictures. She took them outside and all the kids LOVED the snow and couldn't get enough of it. I hate I didn't get to play with Manze in it, but I'm glad she was able to get out in it! These pictures do not do it justice. When I got to my house it looked like a winter wonderland...too bad I didn't get a picture...I need to get on the ball!

Manze and Wes in awe of the snow

Manze, Claire, and Wes watching the snowflakes fall

What I've been up to....

I've been busy monogramming, appliqueing, and more! You can tell Christmas is right around the corner! I have literally come home from school, turned my machine on, and monogrammed until about midnight every night! I am so excited and having a blast! I appreciate all the orders I've gotten! Check out my website at: http://ballpointdesigns.blogspot.com/ to see more! Let me know if ever need a monogram, applique, or more! I have other items like sports bottles and linen hand towels too!

The Advent Calendar

When I was growing up, my dad always brought an Advent Calendar back from overseas to me. I loved celebrating Advent and opening the doors each day to get a piece of chocolate. If you dont know, Advent is a season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus...or the period immediately before Christmas. I decided to start this Christmas tradition with Manze this year. Her cousin Loo Loo (a.k.a. Alexa) gave Manze an Advent Calendar and we started it on December 1st! It was hard to explain to Manze that she could only open ONE door and eat only ONE piece of candy. Once she got over that fact, she had a blast! Here she is with her calendar!

opening the door

Here's my candy!!

YUMMY!!

Thanksgiving 2008

This Thanksgiving we went to the country (Shubuta to be exact) and I'm not kidding about the name! My dad's side of the family is from Laurel and Jackson and his dad grew up in Shubuta! Before we could travel to the country, my wonderful photographer (Melanie Thaw) took a family photo of everyone (me, Tommy, Manze, my parents, my sister, my niece, and my brother and sister-in-law) for my mom. We were ALL in town for once and that was the only time we could take it. Melanie is awesome! Not too many people would get out on Thanksgiving Day and do that! After the picture, we all headed to Shubuta for some family time and great food! Manze had a blast hanging out with all her cousins (especially Macon who is 18 months old). Macon's mom Michele and I are the same age. When we came for Thanksgiving one year, we sat at a small white table eating our lunch. The table is still there, so we had Manze and Macon sit at it so we could get pictures! It was so cute! Manze is in love with my brother and follows him everywhere...she does not let him out of her sight! The whole time she said, "Where is my Bucky...I want my Bucky...that is MY Bucky!" She loves her Uncle Bucky and Aunt Amy and we are so glad they were able to come for Thanksgiving!

Manze and her Uncle Bucky

Manze at the little table

Manze and Macon