It's sharing day.

It's my birthday today, but because I'm feeling generous I've decided to share something with you for my birthday. (You're welcome.)

We're due the beginning of June.

And no matter how shocked you think you are right now, I guarantee it can't top our shock (and we've known for a couple of months!).

You know, what I've been up to and all that...

Ever have those days when you wake up and you just know you're not going to get anything productive done so why bother?

I'm just going to call that... November.

{Thus the cobwebs on my blog.}

Natalie and Jack both had birthdays (Happy Birthday!) right before Thanksgiving so that was crazy and I'd love to share pics of their party with you all, but I haven't seen my camera for 3 months and counting (do you know where it is!?). So yeah, there's that.

Then a few days later I decided to be brave totally got roped into Black Friday shopping with Jeff's sisters and mom. We only agreed to go if we didn't have to get up before 6 am much to Jeanna's dismay, I'm sure. Turns out when you get to all the stores as the crazies are heading home for their mid-morning naps you can have a really decent time shopping! We all got great sales ($420 for a $1000 washing machine anyone?!) and seriously had a great time (especially since we were all coffee'd up). I hadn't ever gone before well since that one time when I was 9 and was forced by my friend's Mom into Fred Meyer at 4am to get socks on sale... NOTHANKYOU and I'm actually looking forward to going again next year. (Thanks, Jeanna, and sorry for ever doubting you.)

Other big news? It's SATSUMA SEASON! Please tell me you're as excited about this as I am. Seriously you guys, we have to have a "satsuma budget," especially since they come into season the same time the holidays do. It's rough, real rough, I tell ya.

So, I'll be back (it's okay, you can laugh) to tell you guys all about the creative crafts and projects I'm doing with my children to get into the holiday spirit (I can't even type that with a straight face) - but you know what I mean... (And I hope you do, because I'm not so sure that I do.)

Hugs and holiday joy all around... and stuff.

"Not Me" Monday

When Jeff was cleaning out the garage this weekend it wasn't me who took a peek out there, mentally taking stock of all of his stuff and wondering how much it would sell for on Ebay (and obviously not wondering that about any of my stuff...). Not me!

I didn't hide any of the presents that Jackson got for his birthday while he was sleeping last night because they drove me crazy (making noises and lighting up). I wouldn't do that... And it definitely wasn't one of the presents that I bought him  - because buying that kind would be a total rookie mistake.

When my sweet husband was making the bed this morning (I know, right!? He's pretty amazing.) I wasn't secretly upset about it because I absolutely wasn't planning on getting back in it after the kids were on the bus and he was off to work.

I promise that when I saw the gift cards to Toys R Us that Natalie and Jack got for their birthdays just sitting on the counter this morning, the thought of using them to buy their Christmas gifts never even crossed my mind.

Jack most definitely did not have a cupcake today before he even got dressed and I am certainly not eating one right now (7:49 am)... Nope, not me!

It was an early morning this morning. Jack turns three today and Natalie turns eight tomorrow so they excitedly woke up before usual. I didn't mind, really. It was fun hearing them sing "Happy Birthday" to each other in Natalie's room and anyway - I was (am) determined to have a good attitude today (see post below) and simply count my blessings and press on with my heart full of thankfulness no matter how early I had to get up...

After getting out of bed, I started on my "list." I knew that Jeff was tired (he had an extra busy, stressful, emotional week) so I thought I'd try to keep the kids quiet quieter than usual and just let him sleep in a while. I jumped right into the things I had to get done. I fed the kids and the dog. I made coffee and did the dishes. I helped the kids pick out clothes for today (because I'm anal and controlling we're leaving the house) and then helped them make their beds (because I'm anal and controlling we're having people over later today). I finished decorating the living room and dining room for the kids' birthday party tomorrow and started another load of laundry. While I am doing all of this my husband is sweetly getting some much needed rest. Or so I thought...

As I'm trying to have a good attitude and be a servant to others so that I can be more appreciative of all the blessings in my life - I get interrupted by a vibrating cell phone text message - from my husband. He is in our bedroom. He wants coffee. (Insert negative sarcastic comment about pressing my buttons and his luck in one fell swoop here.)

Thank you Lord, for another opportunity to be a servant this morning. I am thankful that I have such a hard working, and sweet husband who can take a loving kidney punch like no other. Amen.