It’s almost Christmas and Sunday night at church several members shared their favorite holiday memories. We had a great dinner, wonderful fellowship and, as always, terrific music. All the Christmas stories were touching and I started thinking back on my own memorable holidays. It’s hard for me not to get teary eyed when I look back over the years, especially when you realize how much has changed.

My greatest joy is watching my kids run in to see all their Santa gifts. Two years ago, my son wanted a go cart. I was so hesitant to buy one, fearing a horrible wreck or something. My husband finally convinced me, considering I have the most mature and responsible son around.(wink, wink) We obviously couldn’t fit this thing in the house, so we set up everyone’s gifts near the tree and back door/porch. We put the go cart on the back porch, but closed the curtains so he didn’t see it. Instead he finds a few smaller toys, books and a helmet. The poor kid, he’s such a good sport! Sarah and Olivia had these huge toys and Deacon is riding all over the living room in his new fire truck and Matthew just smiles and looks through his small presents, trying to act excited.

We let this go on for a few minutes, then my husband says, “Hey Matthew, what is that on the porch?” He seems confused, but opens the curtain to see the go cart he wanted waiting outside for him. He was so shocked and excited he didn’t even bother grabbing shoes or a coat before he ran outside to try it! I still remember that smile on his face that stretched from ear to ear. He spent the rest of the day giving rides to his siblings and cousin, and being chased by the dog! Read the rest of this entry »

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Monday was family picture day. Well, just the kids, I wasn’t really up for the entire group shot. I had these grand visions as to how these would turn out. I could just see these little, angelic faces, perfectly posed, adorably dressed, in this beautiful, serene backdrop. The only thing I can’t figure out right this second is, when will I learn?

Our appointment was at 6:30 p.m. so my husband could attend after work. I made sure they were all bathed, nicely attired, hair fixed, the whole nine yards. Of course, before we left the house, Deacon had found a glass of red juice and poured it down the front of him. He ended up in outfit “B.” The rest looked somewhat presentable, so we headed to the studio.

We had to wait a few minutes while they finished with the last customer, which can only mean one thing to my kids: time to go nuts. They were running around, fighting over who sat in what chair, screaming, and being enormous pains in the butt. Finally, we go back for the pictures.

Any other day, Deacon is the biggest camera ham in the world. He will flash this million dollar smile and flirt for you, but today, he decided not to participate. The photographer tried sitting them all together on the floor. Deacon screamed “No!” and “Stop it!” at her. Olivia made these horrid, pained, expressions and kept showing her underwear to everyone. Matthew tried holding Deacon on his lap, but instead Deke turned around and tackled him to the ground. Realize, Deacon is 2 and all of 35 pounds. Matthew is 8, almost as tall as me (and I’m 5′10) and about 120 pounds. He’s gigantic, but Deacon took him down.

The photographer was very nice about the whole thing, and tried everything she could. We put them on a bench, but Deke wouldn’t allow anyone to sit with him. In the end, we may have 1 decent picture that was snapped in between the bloodshed, but I’m not sure. We tried a few without Deacon, and Sarah had some on her own. I will probably post the final results when I get them.

In summary, I think I’ve decided to stick with my own snapshots until they are old enough to reason with. Otherwise, someone may not survive another studio session.

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Turkey day knocked me out. In all seriousness, I still haven’t recovered and Christmas is just around the corner! Ah well, c’est la vie! Let me just fill you in on our holiday.

My hubby and I (mostly him, believe it or not) cooked some amazing dishes to contribute to the Thanksgiving soirée. My macaroni and cheese recipe is now known throughout the land, and who would have thought that “asparagus casserole” would have been such a hit? Keep in mind the directions for this creation are as follows:

1. asparagus (fresh or canned)
2. Velvetta
3. boiled eggs, sliced
4. a little cornstarch to thicken
5. repeat layers and bake until brown on top

It sounds like an artery clogger to me but everyone went nuts over it! I won’t claim the recipe either, it’s my mother in law’s, but my husband is convinced it must be served for all major holidays.

Anyways, the meal was great and the compliments never stopped. We took a total of 6, excellent dishes. The time with family was wonderful and, thanks to “Chinet”, clean up was simple! The real fun started when my Mom shanghaied me for an auction.

No, we weren’t having one, we were going to one. I have never been to an auction in my life, nor was I prepared for it. This thing was held in a garage decorated with all types of redneck memorabilia. We actually sat there making a list of all the wonders while the toothless woman and man with the mullet sang gospel music. (No, I’m not making fun!) It seems these folks (of which I’m one) love them some John Wayne, Marylin Monroe, tractors, guns, the Civil War, and Dale Earnhardt. My Mom and I couldn’t look at each other and keep a straight face.

Then the actual bidding began. We had not a clue as to how this worked. They did have prize drawings every 30 minutes, so we were in. The flier said “A chance to win $200″, so we made the decision should any of us win the $200, we call it a night and hit the road. Well, my friends, fate is a cruel and ironic thing. My Mom won the first drawing. She jumps up yelling “This is the best day of my life!” She then runs to the front, hugs the auctioneer and realizes the $200 was divided into 8, separate drawings. My Mom actually collected $25. Still, it was enough to get her hooked. She starting bidding on everything from socks to “YMC Apes”. It was hilarious.

The next drawing rolls around. There are 2 items up for grabs: a new gas grill or an inflatable, Christmas lawn decoration. They call the number: it’s me! I hear an angry voice behind us say, “You gotta be kidding me!” Of course, you know which of these prizes I won, right? Yep, the blow up Santa and chimney for the yard. I’m still psyched about it, but decide it’s time to collect our treasures and go before the locals accuse of rigging the drawings and mount us on the wall like the many relatives of Bambi I see there. I grab my Santa, socks and apes and hit the road!

All in all, we had a great holiday. I may expand on the evils of “Black Friday” shopping tomorrow, but for now I’m hitting the bed! We have family pictures tomorrow at 2 and I need to sleep off these black bags.

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My husband found this interesting ad about how soon was too soon for your baby to have soda. I thought it was rather humorous considering how hard we try to keep our kids off things like this now. The ad claims having soda early in life helps children have a better chance of “fitting in during those awkward pre-teen years”. I’m just wondering, did people seriously believe this? Maybe this is why 50% or so of our population is obese!

I’ll be honest with you, I am addicted to caffeine and sodas. I have tried to break the habit numerous times. I’m really good at starting a diet, getting completely into it, being healthy, then slipping and not going back. I need to lose a few pounds. I mean, I have 4 kids: it’s hard to gain 30-40 pounds, lose 20, have another baby 2 years later (repeat 2X) and not have a little extra weight! It is especially hard to exercise these days with an 8, 6, 4, and 2 year-old around!

My New Year’s resolution is to be healthier. I usually think these things are stupid because no one actually keeps them, but I hope I can. My kids need me healthier and I want them to grow up eating well. Not that I don’t try to do that now, I make great efforts not to give my kids junk and tons of sugar. They play outside every day. I don’t let them sit and play video games or watch TV in excess. I guess they have a good start, maybe cutting out all junk food won’t be too much of a shock and they won’t revolt. At least, I hope they won’t. They do out-number me, even if they are smaller.

Anyways, do you have resolutions already? Are you as bad as me about keeping them?

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Posted in Holidays, Simply Katie, Weirdness | 4 Comments » | 28 views

So the holidays are upon us once again. I have already started prepping myself for the parties, presents and decorations to come. I found the coolest “retro” decorations at Target the other day. Now the kids have shiny wreaths and trees for their rooms and are so excited! I also found the rosemary “trees” I have been hunting since last year and potted them beside the front door. I even have tiny ornaments and lights for them!

Needless to say, I’m in the Christmas spirit. I made the kids an appointment for Christmas pictures, started gift planning and am sorting through recipes for our holiday entertaining. (I know, I’m obsessed, right?) Everything was looking good until I hit a wall. What to get the kids from Santa?

The wrapped gifts from Mommy and Daddy are easy; I just watch what they are into at the store. Sarah found a faux fur vest, Matthew loves Hot Wheels, Olivia has become a huge Barbie fan. The problem is, Santa usually leaves one big present and one small one. (Plus stockings and misc. other) This year, my kids are either giving me enormous things they want (i.e. go carts, Escalades, outdoor play equipment, etc.) or tons of little “junky”  things.

I don’t know how much I like my 8 year old cruising around in something with a motor. A go cart sounds fun, but I’m still concerned with safety, even with seat belts, a roll cage and helmet. Sarah saw this “Butterscotch” pony that she adores. It was on sale for $225! You would think for that kind of money it would get up and walk you around the yard, but no. It “eats” a play carrot, blinks it’s eyes, shakes it’s head, and makes “realistic walking sounds”. Walking sounds? Are you kidding?! I tried to explain this to my daughter but she let me know “Butterscotch” would make a perfect addition to the playhouse they want Santa to put in their room. I guess he can graze in the adjoining pasture area or something.

As of right now, I have no clue as to what Santa will bring. I’m hoping they will give me some other ideas very soon or they may be disappointed when they don’t receive ponies and cars! What happened to the good old days when you received a doll and some candy and were totally thrilled? Yeah, I don’t remember that either, but maybe someone does. Any ideas as to what I can get the kids?

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It is beautiful where I live. Actually, the South in general is beautiful. I love seeing the mountains, the green grass, all the trees, going to the coast, the smell of the ocean, all of it. It renews me, centers me, and makes me feel whole again. I am truly grateful to live in the South. That being said, there is one aspect in particular that really gets me jolly and that is the smell of fall.

I noticed it the other day: I was walking across my yard, noticing the beautifully manicured lawn and the slightly cooler temperatures, and I caught that familiar scent. I can’t quite explain it and I don’t know that I’ve ever experienced it anywhere else, but the aroma of fall is like no other. It is a crisp, pleasant smell that makes you feel excited that the holidays are close at hand. First Halloween with all the kids dressed up in their funny little costumes then Thanksgiving with all our family getting together and gorging ourselves. Finally, my personal favorite, Christmas arrives.

Last Christmas was a little depressing due to several losses and assorted problems in our families. This year, I have vowed to make our Christmas season a memorable one. I want to bake cookies and sweets, make ornaments, go insane decorating and entertaining, and have an all-around great time! I have decided, no matter what may come, this will be a great year! I am excited about the holidays for the first time in years and want everyone around me to feel the same. Beware; December will probably be an unbearable month around here!

I guess this post asks the question: What is your favorite thing about Fall and Winter? What do you for the holidays? I’ll keep everyone posted on my crazy plans, including my retro-themed Christmas tree!!!!

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