Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Christmas Decorations...

Seems a little silly to post pictures of Christmas decorations, but honestly, I look back at these from year to year when I'm getting ready to decorate for the current year...helps me get a decorating game plan in mind before I pull it all of the attic and get started.  This year I was not into it and just wanted it done.  On Saturday everyone chipped in and helped, we did minimum decorating, and had everything back in the attic by 5 PM.  And another year of decorating can be marked off the list!!!


One of my favorite traditions is to display our Christmas cards from every year...but wow...this is our 16th Christmas together, and I'm running out of ideas of a way to display them.  This year the side of the fridge had to work.


I bought this tiered basket back in the summer, and I love it on my kitchen table.  Not to mention it's super easy to just throw pumpkins, a few balls, or whatever best fits the season just to add a little extra for the season/holiday.


I actually bought this tree for Dirty Santa with Matt's family last year and loved it so much that I got it for myself...


Just a little bit of Christmas on my desk...


Barbie bought me some soap as a little happy and it was perfect with the little sign I put in the half bath...



Matt's mom recently helped me re-do my mantle, and I almost didn't put up my Christmas canvas because I love my new mantle so much.  But...I just couldn't...love this canvas Matt's mom gave me several years ago too much to not display it at Christmas time...





We had to buy a tree this year because our lights on our old tree slowly but surely went out last Christmas.  I ordered this one online because it was much cheaper than anything I could find in the stores.  I was nervous to open the box, but it is exactly what I wanted!!!


I didn't use any deco mesh, ribbon, or garland, which I have always done in years past.  I think it looks fine without it and not to mention, I was just over all that and wanted to do something different.


Nanna buys Cooper a nutcracker every year.  Cooper thinks they are toys, and I disagree with him.  So...they live high up!!!


My mom has bought me these signs over the years, and I love having them different places throughout the house...this one is actually at the top of the stairs.


I told Anna Lauren she had to do her own tree...and seriously...is this the best she can do???  No fluffing, half the ornaments have fallen off, and it is not even where she can plug it in.  She could care less...she wasn't even going to put it in her room.  Taking everything in me to not go fix for her...I will before it's over.


Cooper was super excited about his tree and couldn't wait to put it up in his room.  Matt helped him so his looks a little better than Anna Lauren's.


After 14 years, our trees for the front porch quit working so we have new trees this year.  But...simple to say the least.

I'm the weird one...Christmas is not my favorite time of the year.  Sadly, I see it as so much work rather than the "most wonderful time of the year".  But like my mom always did, I try to make it fun for my kids.  


Saturday afternoon I realized I had spent the past three days at home, which was fabulous, but I was ready to get out for just a minute.  We had dinner out and ran into Hobby Lobby for something.  Cooper insisted they have their picture made...sister just agreed so that we could leave...she was a good sport!

Thanksgiving...

It was our year to spend Thanksgiving with my family.  But both Brad's family and Joey's family spent Thanksgiving in Starkville for the Egg Bowl...so...


Matt and I went for a little jog and then we had breakfast at Waffle House.  Not sure why everyone is not in the picture, but Nanna was with us.


After mom and I did some cooking, I wrapped some Christmas presents while we watched a Hallmark movie.


Matt and Anna Lauren couldn't stand it...they went out for a little while on Thursday night just for fun and to pick up a thing or two that we could have easily ordered online.  They just both love a good adventure...


On Friday, we hosted all my family for Thanksgiving.  It was such a treat to not have to travel this year and get to have everyone at our house!!!


It was a beautiful day so the kids spent most of the day outside...





Not sure what he was thinking, but Cooper thought he could beat Reid in checkers.  Yeah right...keep dreaming, little man!!!


They played cards...the little ones are finally big enough that they can play games with the big ones.  Makes for way less crying...


I made them stop for a picture as they ALL headed to Academy to look for Reid a kayak.  Pretty sure it was "overload" for Reid...



It was such a lovely day with my family...we enjoyed every single minute of having everyone at our house for the day!!!

Fall Baseball...

This was our first year to play fall baseball, and I'm SO glad we did!!!  Cooper had the best coaches, best group of dads willing to help the coaches, and the best teammates.  It was for sure a great experience for all of us...


I use to take my camera to every single game, but then I realized the pictures all look the same week after week and started just taking it to one or two games each season.  Therefore, this post has pictures from several different game days because again...I cannot seem to stay on top of my blogging (sigh).


Cooper is a pretty consistent hitter and 9 times out of time going to get just a good base hit...maybe a double from time to time.




His speed is one thing he for sure has going for him...so...even if he just hits in the infield, he can typically get to first base without getting out.







Matt has no desire to be the head coach, but he is always, always willing to help.  And of course, they find a spot on the field for him...this season he was first base coach.  


Sweet little Cooper has a little bit of "nervous" in him...you will often see him with his fingers in his mouth or rubbing a tag.  Hoping as he matures we can break the finger habit...


Not sure why but something about a little boy in a baseball uniform...and then with Cooper, there are the arm sleeves, gloves, etc.  Sometimes we think he likes the accessories more than the game...ha ha!


Pretty sure he was running in between 1st and 2nd trying to not get tagged out...


He played with the best little group of boys...


One game they were winning pretty big so he got to play catcher...




Picture with Mommy before his last fall baseball game...




Warming up his hands...it was freezing!!!


Not many things better than getting to watch your children do things they love...


Fall season champions...


You would be all smiles too if you were undefeated...




We always think he is #1!!!  And let's not forget Anna Lauren...she stayed in the dugout every single game and kept all the boys in the correct batting order.  


High fives all around for a great season...


We couldn't be more proud of this little baseball loving boy of ours!!!  And now...on to basketball!!!