Goodbye, Lucy

Growing up, I can't remember a time when our family didn't have a pet. Cats, dogs, birds, and fish...I loved them all! As a parent, I wanted my kids to experience that same love that comes with having a pet. A  little over ten years ago, we welcomed Lucy into our home. She was three yeas old at the time and quickly became part of the family. She was sweet and cuddly, but also fiercely protective of our family (all 4 pounds of her)! If someone was not feeling well, she was by their side, a faithful family member. 

On Christmas evening, our Lucy passed away. She lived a good long life, but we were not ready  for her to leave us just yet. Although our hearts are broken, we have so many happy memories of our time with her and for that, we a grateful.  Rest in peace our sweet angel!

Snickerdoodles

It's cookie baking time again! I actually enjoy baking all the time, but I tend to do it more this time of year. Who doesn't love homemade cookies? I know my family sure does and Snickerdoodles are my hubby's favorite!

{Ingredients}

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 3/4 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

~sugar and cinnamon to roll the cookies in (I don't really measure this. I just pour some sugar in a bowl and mix in the cinnamon until it looks good.)

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cream together the butter, shortening, and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla. In another bowl combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until combined. Scoop rounded teaspoons of dough and roll them into a ball. Roll the balls of dough in the cinnamon and sugar mixture and place them a few inches apart on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Enjoy!

Ruby is Back!

Stella has been patiently awaiting the arrival of her Scout Elf Ruby. After receiving a note from Ruby's friend Jingles last week letting her know that she was going to be little late because she was helping Santa train the new elves, she finally arrived this morning. Stella was so happy to see her and she can't wait to see what kind of shenanigans Ruby has planned. Stay tuned...

When Fall Meets Winter

Oh my, winter has come early! There is nothing more magical than the first snow of the season. Although, it came a bit sooner than expected, I love it just the same.

 Of course, not everybody feels the same as I do. The hubby is NOT a fan of snow at all! Ha!

Halloween 2018

Happy Halloween, friends! I hope your night was as treat filled and fun as ours was. Trick or treat night on a school night always seems super rushed and the morning after "candy hangover" is no joke! But, it's all a good time and we love Halloween! Our theme this year was kind of spooky and sweet! 

The Sweet

Stella dressed up as her idol...Jojo Siwa! 

 She loves anything pink, sparkly, and with big bows. Jojo is her spirit animal!

We even squeezed in a little pumpkin carving between dinner and trick or treating. Fun times!

The Spooky

Aaron and Madelyn decided to stay home and hand out candy with a few friends. They went with lots of blood and gore. Gross! Aaron's face had huge bloody gash and in the end, he looked like he had been charred. Taking all that off was so much fun! 

Hopefully they didn't cause any nightmares!

No pictures of Felicia this year. Although she didn't really dress up, she did go around town collecting treats with her friends, so she did still have a good time!

Halloween 2018 is now in the books! Is it too soon to put my Christmas tree up?

Happy Birthday, Madelyn Grace

Thirteen years ago we were blessed with this beauty! She's always been the entertainer of the family and keeps us laughing every day. She's also very strong willed, sassy, and sometimes stubborn! This girl is wise beyond her years and I can't imagine our lives without her.

Happy Birthday, Mady!

The First Day Back

I know, I know...I haven't been here in a long time. What can I say? We wrapped up last school year, took our annual Myrtle Beach vacation, and enjoyed the lazy days of summer. Nothing too exciting, just good old family time. It was refreshing to not have a schedule to follow and just go with the flow for a few months. But, today I am back!

Also, today is the first day back to school for my girls!

Felicia is in ninth grade (her first day of high School), Madelyn is in seventh grade, and Stella is in second grade. I cannot believe how quickly they are growing up! As always on the first day, they were up and ready to go super early. I'm sure that won't be the norm! But, I am looking forward to a great school year, filled with lots new things.

I can't wait to hear all about their first day back!

Too Cool For School

I'm calling this week, a false start. The kids went back to school on Wednesday after a two hour delay due to the frigid temps. It was actually nice to ease back in with a delay because the first day back is usually a struggle. Thursday started the same way and on Friday school was cancelled due to the extreme cold. I'm so thankful that I didn't have to go out for more than a few minutes to take the dog out. Brrr! 

I was so determined to get all my Christmas decorations put away and start organizing closets this week, but the delays, cancellations, and a nasty cold have thrown me off a bit. So, Christmas will be hanging around until next week.

Until then, we plan to stay inside where it's toasty warm! Stella got a few new games for Christmas to keep us busy. She also got a latch hook kit which has totally taken me back to my childhood.

I love getting crafty with my girls! Speaking of craftiness, check out this adorable snowman family that Stella made at school.

They are so stinkin cute! 

Well, on to the weekend! I hope you all have a great one!

 Stay warm!

A New Year, a Fresh Start

Another year has come and gone and as always, I like to look back and see what I can do to live my best life. Being more organized, living a healthier lifestyle, and paying off debt are all things that I would like to work on. Of course, anytime is a good time to make improvements in your life, but the beginning of a new year seems like a good place to start. 

Whatever your goals for this year may be, I wish you all the best! 

Happy New Year!