Snow Day!

Just like each of you, we are very busy this week. In order to be ready for Christmas there is still a little bit of shopping to be done, presents to be wrapped, goodies to be baked, parties to attend, and a house to be cleaned, yet here I sit.....blogging! I wanted to share a few photos of our snow day last weekend! We only got about 3 inches, but here in the south that is enough to close schools and cause panic! The snow started on Friday afternoon, but we didn't venture out to play until Saturday morning. We enjoyed our FFT (Family Fun Time) sledding, throwing snowballs, making snow angels, and just being together!

1 Dancing Princess

Last Monday was Parent Peek Night at Dance Dynamics. It was alot of fun. I am so pleased with her progress so far this year. Dancing is definitely her thing! Check out this 2 minute clip and you will see what I mean!

Christmas Tour '09

Welcome to our home! I can't believe I am just now finally getting around to joining The Nester's Tour of Homes, but better late than never, huh?! We are officially the 1071 st participant! I have enjoyed all of the sites that I have visited and always seem to walk away with more and more ideas to try. So, without further delay, let's get started......

Kitchen Counter

Oh, Christmas Tree! Oh, Christmas Tree!

The Ultimate Ornament Wreath

The Top of the China Cabinet

Centerpiece on Coffee Table

Ornament Centerpiece on the Kiddie Table (Thanks, Karmen!)

Centerpiece on Kitchen Table

Christmas Card Holder (aka permanent wall decor)

Top of Bookshelf in Living Room (I'm so lovin' these large iceskates!)

I hope you enjoyed your tour! I am still in the process of decorating other areas of our home and will try to post those pics before Christmas. As I am new to this whole decorating/crafting thing, I would love for you to take time and leave a comment. I welcome all feedback! Thanks for visiting and please stop by again soon!

How to Have a Mary Christmas!

I received this poem via email from a friend at work. I am unsure of the author, but wanted to pass it along anyway. I pray that over the next few days we will all take time to slow down and remember the REAL reason for the season- the birth of Jesus Christ!

T'was weeks before Christmas, and in Martha's house,
Everyone was stirring. . . even the mouse
The calendar was packed with places to be
Leaving no time to visit, or decorate the tree

The children were adding ideas to their list
And Martha felt pressure to grant every wish
So off in her car she dashed to the stores
To battle the crowds and traffic galore

Buy toys and ties, get ribbons and wrappings
Hit Whole Foods for cider and all of the trappings
To this store and that store, she hit every mall
Now charge away, charge away, charge away all!

Off to the parties and programs she flew
With Christmas approaching, there's so much to do!
With headaches and tummy aches and calories galore
Now everything's too tight that she bought at the store

So she fell on the bed and stared at the ceiling
She realized this is not what should happen this season
Why, what about my husband, my kids, or my parents?
Have I neglected my loved ones in the midst of this panic?

Now my sister, Mary, she knows what to do,
She always said Martha, "Christmas is not about you"
Only ONE thing is needed- and not all this fuss
Just listen to Jesus, He loves you so much.

When out of my wondering mind did appear
A scripture I learned at bible study this year
"Put God's kingdom first, that's what you do,
And everything else will be added to you"

So I decided to change and got down on my knees
I begged God's forgiveness, and asked how to please
"Serve others," He said, "as if serving Me,""
And love them, as you're loved, unconditionally.

"So I rushed from my bed and got scriptures to share
So my family could start Christmas right this year.
And I thanked God for Jesus and my cross that He carried
And I knew Martha's Christmas was soon to be "Mary"

Have a "Mary" Christmas!

Craftspiration

I don't know what has gotten into me! Today I found myself hit with "craftspiration!" That's 2 times in one week (but who's counting, right?!) Anyway, while at Kohls this morning I stumbled upon a pair of adorable ceramic iceskates that were 55% off! I had no idea what I was going to do with them at first, but for less than $5 I just couldn't resist! As I continued to shop, I couldn't get the iceskates off my mind. Hmm..how should I use them with my Christmas decor? I finally decided I was going to try my hand at another wreath. However, this time, it would be a "semi-homemade" wreath. So.....I started with items I already had, dismantled, rearranged, added a little ribbon, and voila! I now have the perfect wreath for my front porch. Check it out.......
Before:




After:


What'cha think? I think I'm in love!!!!!!!

Crafty Christmas

Well, I have finally gotten most of our Christmas decor up. The only major project left is our outside decorations and that is on the "to-do" for this weekend. However, tonight I finally had the time to make my very own ornament wreath that I have been admiring on many blogs this holiday season. This creation was definitely a family effort. Mackaylan assisted with stringing the ornaments on the wreath (only 2 were broken in the process) and Mickey came to the rescue when it was time to hang it on the wall. Once the wreath was finished, I decided to try out another trend I have been admiring from afar this holiday season and- FRAME IT! I am totally in love with this idea! You will definitely see more frames at the O'Shields' home in the very near future (hint, hint!)

Guess Who's Back?

Look who made his first appearance of the Christmas season at our house tonight:

It's Urtle, our little elf friend! This is his 2nd Christmas with the O'Shields family. Each night he travels back to the North Pole to report to Santa about Mackaylan's behavior for the day. The next morning we all have a fun time searching the house to see where Urtle decided to land after his trip "home!"

This year, Urtle brought a few practical gifts (a new toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and soap) with him for Mackaylan. He also brought a letter from Santa! Mackaylan was beside herself with excitement!

The arrival of Urtle really helps to kick off the Christmas season!

Random Thoughts....

I want to learn to sew. When will I have time, you ask? Your guess is as good as mine, but it is something that I would love to be able to do. My wonderful mother-in-law helped me make "seat sacks" for my students' chairs a few years ago, but that was the first and last time that I have used a sewing machine. After that experience, I was given my husband's grandmother's sewing machine, but it is old and very difficult to operate. To be quite honest, I can't even figure out how to thread it. I know...pathetic! So, on my Christmas list is a sewing machine. I'm not really sure the model/type/etc. so if you have any advice for this novice please pass it along. I just want to be able to make projects like these that I have stumbled upon over the past few days while surfing the web:

Scrunchy Gathered Scarf by Hope Studios (This picture is from the Hope Studios blog...go check it out! You will find lots of ideas!!)


Cute Hat! Need to add a feminine touch to a baseball cap? Then this is for you! (The picture is from Mandi Shandi's blog. Another one you will want to check out! She's such a crafty chic!)


Fabric Notebook Covers would make a great back-to-school gifts for teachers or birthday gifts for friends and family members. (This photo is from Skip to My Lou. Visit the site to download the pattern for making these adorable creations for less than $2.)

So, I have lots of ideas and projects running around in my head. Maybe if I am extra good Santa will have a sewing machine under the tree for me! I'll keep you posted. :)

Did you know?

I saw this over on Karmen’s Blog and thought I'd give it a go...you know since I'm on a blogging roll this week and all. Please note that I did change a few questions just b/c…

♥ What are your names? Michael (goes by Mickey) and Lana


♥How long have you been together? Married for 7 together for 14


♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? 3 years

♥ Who asked who out? Not really sure.


♥ How old are each of you? We are both 30.


♥ Did you go to the same school? Yep.


♥ Are you from the same home town? Yep.


♥ Who is the smartest? He is definitely the smartest! (He did graduate from Presbyterian College! Haha)


♥ Who majored in what? I received my degree in Elementary Education from Mars Hill College and he received a degree from Physics from PC and a degree in Civil Engineering from Clemson University. See, I told you he was smart!

♥ Who is the most sensitive? Ummm, me...

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple? El Sureno Mexican Restaurant


♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Quebec, Canada


♥ Who has the worst temper? We are both pretty even tempered.

♥ How many children do you want? We have one right now...maybe one or two more?


♥ Who does the cooking? I normally do, but lately we have eaten out way too much!


♥ Who is more social? We are both pretty social people. However, it always amazes me how good Mick is at carrying on a conversation with anybody!


♥ Who is the neat-freak? I like things clean, but he likes things organized!


♥ Who is the most stubborn? We both are to some extent


♥ Who wakes up earlier? I do…..


♥ Where was your first date? Our first official date was to Burger King and to see the movie A Walk in the Clouds. However, we always say our relationship really started at Kents!

♥ Who has the bigger family? We're kind of equal...


♥ Do you get flowers often? Nope...but that's ok with me. When I have gotten flowers they have been very unexpected and appreciated!


♥ How do you spend the holidays? Well, we try and instill our own family traditions while still visiting ALL of our family...


♥ Who is more jealous? I would have to say I am!


♥ Who eats more? Depends on what it is...


♥ What do you do for a living? Mickey is a project manager for a construction company. I am an instructional coach at the elementary school in our neighborhood. I am also currently going back to school to get my master’s in administration.


♥ Who does the laundry? I do, but I will say he will help out when I ask.


♥ Who drives when you are together? He does


♥ What is "your" song? When we were dating it was Keep It On the Down Low by Brian McKnight…long story!

Tasty Tuesday!

Mackaylan and I love to cook together. Now, if you know me at all, you know that I am more of the "Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade" type of cook. I like simple, yet tasty recipes. The other day we were in the kitchen together and whipped up the following dessert (recipe courtesy of my wonderful sis, Lori!):

Cookie Casserole

Ingredients:
milk
Cool Whip
Chocolate Chip "ring" cookies



Directions:

1. Soften the cookies by dipping them in a shallow bowl of milk.
Create a layer of cookies on the bottom of the bowl.


2. Spread a layer of Cool Whip over the cookies.


3. Repeat Step 1 and 2 until you reach the top of the bowl.
End with the Cool Whip.




4. Crush some of cookies to sprinkle on top of the "casserole."
Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

5. Smile! You have just made a simple, yet satisfying dessert!

It will be a huge hit for the entire family!

For more tasty recipes head on over to Tasty Tuesday, Tempy My Tummy Tuesdays and/or Tuesdays at the Table.

The Big 3-0!

On October 12th Mickey turned the big 3-0! We had a fun time celebrating with family and friends. For an impromptu birthday party on Friday, I had a buffet of some of Mick's favorite foods. Along with each dish, I added a little special note for the birthday boy himself:

Happy Birthday, Mickey! Thank you for being my best friend- someone with whom I can laugh, cry, share my dreams and express my fears! When I think of our love for each other, it blows my mind! :)

In my opinion, we rank right up there with Forrest Gump and Jenny, Josh Lewis and Reva, Johnny Castle and Baby, Jerry McGuire and Dorothy... and the list goes on. I guess what I am trying to say is " YOU COMPLETE ME!" And I LOVE YOU for it!

"Fall" in Love!

Mackaylan and I took advantage of a beautiful fall day by taking a walk at Brookwood Park's Walking Trail! We had a fun time looking at all the leaves beginning to change colors, playing at the exercise stations, taking pictures, and just being together!