tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68733996755350590202024-03-13T14:30:40.175-04:00The O'Shields FamilyLivin' and lovin' deeply each and everyday!Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.comBlogger487125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-79202699400633588902019-01-01T14:50:00.000-05:002019-01-01T14:50:41.522-05:00Happy 2019I love the excitement a new year brings. It's a clean page. A time to press restart and do a few things differently. One thing that I am committing to for this year is to spend less time on social media and use some of that time to blog more consistently. I enjoy the blogging community, the friendships I have developed over the years, and the fact that it enriches my life in ways that other forms of social media cant't do. I have found that the more time I spend on other forms of social media the more my heart and head are filled with feelings of envy, discontentment, etc. and that is not what I want or need in my life. <div>
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So, what better way to kick-off the new year than with a post of my goals for January. I saw these categories on a post on Instagram and thought it made a good framework to work within as it encompassed mind, body and spirit. </div>
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Do you make resolutions for the new year? If so, let me know what they are so we can help hold each other accountable. Here's to a month of new beginnings and staying committed. Let's do this!</div>
Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-49572476169764756192018-12-21T17:49:00.002-05:002018-12-21T18:00:41.563-05:00Wrapping up 2018<br />
Once again another year has come and gone. It's hard to believe we are in the last few weeks of 2018. It seems just like yesterday we were trying out best to stay awake to ring in the New Year! I was going to do a glance back at 2018, but honestly, that is so overwhelming. So... I will just post a few of our favorite memories from this month as we celebrate the holiday and begin to look forward to 2019.<br />
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This year Mackaylan is playing basketball for LMS. We are loving watching her play and push herself outside of her comfort zone. She is blessed with wonderful coaches who really are taking time to pour into her to make her the best she can be! She has started most games and was even chosen as a captain for one of the games so far. That was definitely a "Proud Mom" moment! I am looking forward to watching her play and develop the rest of the season.<br />
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A few weekends ago we ventured up into the mountains of North Carolina to pick out our Christmas tree for downstairs. This is a tradition that we all love and we were glad we got it in before the snow storm and my back surgery. <br />
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Speaking of snow... we had a great, big snow at the beginning of December. The kids loved playing in it, but Mickey wasn't so fond of all the tree work it required. Fortunately, we never lost power like lots of people in the area so we were able to make the most of a much-needed "pause" before the business of Christmas kicked in! We were out of school for 3 days with this one, but it was worth it. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">This past Sunday Lydia had her Christmas play at LFBC. She was a narrator and member of the choir. She did a great job and knocked her lines out of the park! </span></div>
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This week I am recovering from back surgery. I had to have a bulging disc removed in my lower back that landed me in the ER 2x in November. It's not ideal timing, but hopefully by the first of next week I will be feeling more like myself and able to enjoy the holidays with my sweet family. For now, I am enjoying my comfy blanket, Hallmark Christmas movies, and all the quality time with my family I can get! </div>
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Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-58637324374440933932016-12-18T16:24:00.002-05:002016-12-18T16:25:00.003-05:00Visit with Santa 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last night we were invited to a neighbor's house for a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. We had such an incredible time! Once Santa arrived, he and Mrs. Claus answered questions from the kids, made magic snow, read <u>Twas the Night Before Christmas</u>, and gave out gifts! Ace attended the gathering too, but was more interested in all of the toys in the house than anything Santa had to offer. Santa made Lydia blush when he busted her on all of her chasing and aggravating boys! He also told her if she couldn't decide on what she wanted for Christmas that she would end up getting a pack of boy's blue underwear! Needless to say, she quickly remembered what was on her list! Santa agreed that Mackaylan has been a good girl this year and took note of the fact that she wanted an iPod 6 this year. I can't believe that we are one week away from Christmas! Here's to a week of family, friends, and lots of fun!Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-53295348470311720842016-01-24T21:45:00.000-05:002016-01-24T21:45:09.886-05:00Snow Much Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have had a ball the past few days playing in the snow! It started snowing on Thursday night, turned to a sleet/wintry mix all day Friday, and then back to snow Friday night. In the northern part of the upstate we ended up with 7 inches. That's a lot for SC! </span><div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">I always consider a snow to be a success when Mickey doesn't have to go in to work, and he has been home with us for 3 days! And let me tell you... he has been the chief memory maker with the girls! He has spent many hours with them sledding, having snowball fights, and taking rides through town. I can't wait until next year when Bubsy is a little older and can join in the fun too! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Friday night, Mackaylan had one of her best friends and her sister over for a sleepover. They were staying with their grandparents who live in our neighborhood and they girls had spent a lot of time that afternoon playing together in the snow. They came over after dinner and we took them back home on Saturday after lunch so they could suit up and all do some more sledding together. They all had a blast!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ace and I came back home before the rest of the crew so I had time to bake some chocolate chip cookies. When the girls got home with Mickey, we made some snow cream to go with them. Lydia thought it was so cool that she was eating ice cream made of "real snow!"</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Church was cancelled this morning so Mickey headed over to his mom and dad's to get the "real sleds!" While we were waiting on him to return, the girls took turns sledding down the front steps of the porch on the disk. Once he returned, we all had fun sledding down the road. I love making memories with my family! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tomorrow we will enjoy another day at home because the backroads are still very icy and dangerous to travel on. A Monday at home with these 3 kiddos? I won't complain! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's to hoping we have a few more snow days in our future this winter! </span><span style="font-size: large;">They are just SNOW much fun!!! </span></div>
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Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-16966077678638423262016-01-01T08:35:00.000-05:002016-01-01T08:35:02.702-05:00Welcome, 2016!It's hard to believe another year has come and gone! 2015 was very good to us, but I am excited to see what all 2016 has in store. A few years ago I started identifying one word that I wanted to focus on for the coming year. It is a word that serves to keep me focused for the year. After much deliberation I feel like my word for 2016 should be....<br />
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CONSISTENT<br />
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I am very good about starting, but not as good about following through and finishing! ;) Here are a few areas that I plan to be more consistent in:<br />
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1. <b>Spiritual</b>: I have not been taking the time that I need to to read and study my Bible and spend time in prayer on a regular basis. For the coming year, I want to make sure that I am carving out time on a consistent basis (everyday) to do my daily devotion and pray. I'm not sure if this time will be first thing in the morning or after the kiddos are in bed at night, but this has got to be a priority! <br />
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2. <b>Physical</b>- I have really fallen off the wagon and it is time for that to change. It's amazing how much better i feel when I am more disciplined with my diet and exercise. I have tried WW on and off since Ace has been born, but this is the year to get this weight off! I have debated in my head trying the low-carb/low-sugar thing again, but I feel like WW is a "program" that I can live with long-term. <br />
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Also, I am going to be more consistent with my Plexus regimen. Despite what my hubby thinks, I can tell a difference when I am taking my products regularly and getting myself healthy from the inside out! I am currently using the Triplex (Slim, BioClense, and ProBio) along with the X-Factor multivitamin. While I am still nursing I can't take the Accelerator, but I'm looking forward to working that back in because I feel like it does make a big difference (for me anyway!)<br />
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3. <b>Professional</b>- This year I have been going through Reading Recovery training. This is a one-on-one reading intervention program offered to first grade students. I am loving the training and working with the students, but am looking forward to "graduating" in the spring. I really want to work hard on keeping my lessons to the 30-minute time frame and doing my lesson planning and paperwork at school. This will allow me to get in more classrooms during ELA instruction first thing in the morning and keep my time at home with the kiddos and hubby "sacred."<br />
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This year I started sending out a Hello, Monday! Memo with important dates to remember, websites to visit, and other teaching tips and ideas. However, I haven't sent them out as often as I would have liked. So, for the remainder of the year my goal is to send out 2 each month. I will create time in my weekly schedule to work on it so I am not still putting the finishing touches on it on Monday morning! ;)<br />
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I could write down a few more professional goals, but I think I might save those for a blog post on my professional blog, <a href="http://lanaslineoflearning.blogspot.com/">Lana's Line of Learning</a>. <br />
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4. <b>Personal</b>- On a personal level, my goal is to update the blog at least 1x a week. I also want to have Mickey add a line in the budget to get the blog books we haven't had printed printed out so we will have them for the girls to look through. I have said from the beginning that blogging is my way of scrapbooking and documenting our life together so I need to do a better job of not just documenting the big, fun things, but also different aspects of our daily life.<br />
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I also want to be consistent with tedious household chores so that the house and laundry stay in order. This means taking time each day to pick things up and put them back where they belong and to do a load of laundry at least every other day. These things sound simple, but as a working mother the last thing I want to do when I get home is clean and fold laundry! However, when my house is in order every other aspect of my life feels like it is in order too.<br />
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Well, I guess I could go on and on with all of my goals for the coming year, but I don't want to have so many that I am not successful with any of them. I think that is why I like the One Word idea. While all of the things above are pretty explicit they all relate back to being CONSISTENT in some shape or form. My next step is to take my word and the list and create some kind of word art to hang as a reminder throughout the year!<br />
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I love the start of a new year. It is full of new possibilities. New goals. New beginnings. <br />
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2016... Let's do this!<br />
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<br />Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-86720093769972742262015-12-31T08:48:00.003-05:002015-12-31T08:48:35.993-05:00Keeping it Real<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While you can tell from the previous post that we had a great Christmas. I must keep it real and also document that this Christmas has also been full of sickies and trips back and forth to the doctor.</div>
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Our break started off with a trip to the doctor on Friday night that ended with a RSV diagnosis with sweet, Baby Ace! Since it is a visas there is not much you can do, but we did end up getting a breathing machine and giving him breathing treatments to alleviate some of the symptoms and open up those airways. He wasn't the biggest fan of the treatments, but I figured out if I could time them with his morning nap and bedtime I would wait until he fell asleep and then hold the mask on his face. That worked like a charm!</div>
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On Christmas Eve, Lydia woke up with a low-grade fever. She had already been having a nasty cough (which we have battling on and off for about 2 months) so I called and made her appointment. After a "diagnosis" of allergies we were sent home and told to try Claritin and honey to soothe her sore throat! </div>
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Fast forward to the 26th.... 2 days later. Her fever had been getting higher everyday. When it peaked at over 103 on the 26th we called the nurse on call. After answering a few questions and hearing a bit of her history we were told to get her to the ER "right now" because she needed to be evaluated by a doctor. It was a wild few minutes as we worked to get everyone dressed and out the door! Thank goodness Grams and Aunt Betsi were at the house so they helped get Mac to my mom's (because we were to be celebrating Christmas with them that night) and Ace went to Grams' house to stay with them until we could get back. Mac was in tears for her sister, Lydia was in tears b/c she thought she wasn't going to get any presents at Granny's, and I was fighting back tears because just 2 days ago we were told it was allergies and I knew then something wasn't right!!!</div>
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After a big does of Tylenol, a dose of an antibiotic and a steroid, a breathing treatment and a chest x-ray, we left with a diagnosis of bronchitis, an ear infection, and the beginning stages of pneumonia in both lungs!!! Really, allergies?!? I'm just happy that we called the nurse, followed her advice, and we were seen in a timely manner. We were only there about 2 hours total and were able to get to Granny's just in time for gifts and dessert! </div>
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I took Lydia back yesterday for a follow-up and she is still wheezing pretty bad so her doctor wants to continue her on the steroid for a few more days and added in a dose of Singulair every night for the next few months until we are out of cold/flu season. We go back next week for another recheck!</div>
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While we were there, I went ahead and had him check Ace to make sure he sounded okay. He is still coughing pretty bad at night, but has just been fussier than normal. Well... we left with a diagnosis of a double ear infection for that little guy! CRAZY!</div>
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Let's just say, I am so thankful for doctors and modern medicine, but I am so sick of having to visit them. We are praying that this next round of steroids will knock this out of Lydia and she will be ready to start back to school 100%! And while Ace, isn't acting like he is in pain (or even running a fever), I want those ears to clear up so he can be back to full-speed too!</div>
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Here's to a healthy start of 2016!</div>
Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-57959328746310600642015-12-31T08:27:00.000-05:002015-12-31T08:27:02.934-05:00Christmas Recap 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's hard to believe that Christmas 2015 is in the books! We had a great holiday season with our family and friends. In order to get the blog as up-to-date as possible before 2016 this is going to be another picture post with highlights from our Christmas. Please excuse the picture overload! :)<br />
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I never got Christmas cards out this year, but I am debating doing New Year cards. If I do you better believe that this picture of my three greatest treasures will make the cut! :)<br />
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On the 23rd we always gather with my dad's sister (aka Jahpa) and her family. This is the 2nd year we have had this gathering at our house. Aunt Martha makes the lasagna (our tradition) and the other ladies bring all of the other fixings. "All" I have to do is get the house ready which shouldn't be a big deal, but with 3 small kiddos.... Either way, we always have a great time and it is the even that officially kicks off our Christmas!<br />
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Ace and Jahpa</div>
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Ace and Granny</div>
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Lydia loves all things Shopkins! </div>
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This year the adults did the Christmas Swap for our gifts. It was fun to switch it up!</div>
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Me and my mommy!</div>
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"G" and Ei</div>
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Nothing beats this precious smile! He is scooting all over the place. I'm not sure he will ever crawl, but he will get to where he needs to go I promise that! </div>
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These two sweet girls were such a big help in the kitchen! They both love helping out and I enjoy sharing these traditions with them! </div>
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On Christmas Eve we always get together with my inlaws for our traditional soup dinner and gifts. This year I made Taco Soup and Potato Soup. They were both delicious and so super easy!</div>
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My sister-in-law, Betsi, had back surgery at the beginning of break so this was her first official outing since being home. </div>
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Lydia loved unwrapping gifts! We had to have more than one conversation reminding her of the true meaning of Christmas and how fortunate she was to receive all that she did. I know that is hard for a 4-yr old to comprehend, but it made me feel better! ;) </div>
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Ace loved the bows and paper!</div>
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Mackaylan... Why does she look like she is about 13 in this pic? She is growing into such a wonderful young lady. She purchased all of her Christmas presents this year from her own money and put so much thought into each one. So special!</div>
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Pop O. Pop O. Bam. Ba-Lam!</div>
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Aunt Betsi</div>
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Grams puts so much thought into the purchasing, wrapping, and giving of gifts each year. Yes, she does go overboard, but from one whose love language is also "Gifts" I totally understand! I am so blessed with the BEST in-laws!</div>
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Mackaylan is into Simply Southern shirts right now! (Just in case you couldn't tell! LOL)</div>
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Christmas Day always begins with everyone opening their stockings on our bed. I'm not sure how that started, but it's a fun tradition!</div>
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Santa brought Lydia a Marker Maker! She didn't have many things on her list, but thanks to You Tube she did have the Marker Maker and the Chocolate Pen on it. Santa came through with both! </div>
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Santa brought Mackaylan the America Girl Flip-Top Desk and the Mary Ellen TV along with several other things!</div>
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One of Ace's big items was a Fisher-Price Race Track. He also got an activity table and a kiddie robot that sings and dances. </div>
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After we "did" Santa we went upstairs to the Family Room to open gifts from each other. Mickey started off by reading and discussing the Christmas Story with us. I'm so blessed to have a husband that is the spiritual leader of our household. </div>
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Christmas jammie shot!</div>
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We didn't really do presents with each other this year, but I couldn't resist these Chicago Bear sweatpants when I saw them! Go Bears! (The funny thing is they are "joggers" which are supposedly really in style, but maybe not for a 36 yr. old man. LOL He likes them though and said he will wear them to lounge around the house!) </div>
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Mac wanted Just Dance 2 Disney Edition and Daddy came through!</div>
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Mickey and Lydia working on making markers. It amazes me how she knows exactly what to do since watching all of her You Tube tutorials. </div>
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Mackaylan loves Lego Friends and she got a set from Santa and Lydia.</div>
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The afternoon consisted of going to The O'Shields for Christmas with the Rush family. We always have a great time eating, opening gifts, and being together. </div>
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Yep, you can tell by these smiles we had a great Christmas! </div>
Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-12616478935871424372015-12-20T19:53:00.002-05:002015-12-20T19:53:51.560-05:00It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
December has been so busy! I'm not sure why that surprises me, but it does. With all of the events, gatherings, and traditions, we have managed to have lots of fun!</div>
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WARNING: Picture Overload</div>
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Urtle, our Elf, returned in early December. He always brings "The 1st Gift of Christmas" so this year he brought Inside Out. We are lucky that Urtle is not one of those that gets into lots of shenanigans. He is pretty laid back and sometimes he gets SO comfortable in one spot he doesn't even make it back to the North Pole before morning! ;) </div>
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We always kick off the Christmas season with the Landrum Christmas Parade and this year was no exception. They switched up the time this year and it was completely dark the entire time so it was not the best for taking pictures. Ace was diagnosed with Croup earlier that day so it wasn't the "first" that we wanted, but he was still mesmerized by the lights nonetheless. </div>
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This year Mac is playing in 2 different basketball leagues. She is playing with Boys and Girls Club through the school and for LifeSprings, which is sponsored by a local church. She is definitely learning how to be more aggressive in the BnG Club League! I am looking forward to watching her grow as an athlete over the next few months and years. </div>
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Our church, The Well, has started having a GNO each month. In early December, we had a "Pajama Party!" It was so much fun. We had delicious food, fun games, and a great time of fellowship. I was asked to lead a game so we played a game I found on Pinterest where you stuff pantyhose with balloons to make reindeer antlers. I was worried that it was be a flop, but it was hilarious and everyone seemed to love participating! </div>
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Mickey, his dad, and sister, went to the Clemson vs. UNC ACC Championship Game one Saturday so I took the kids to see Santa and do a little shopping. Of course, before we left I had to get a shot of my 3 greatest gifts in front of the tree. </div>
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The girls go to LFBC on Sunday nights and are part of the Children's Choir. They had their performance the following Sunday night and they did a great job. Mackaylan had a speaking part and she rocked it. Acting is her thing for sure!!</div>
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We couldn't believe it, but Mackaylan won her class spelling bee and made it the school-wide bee. She and her BFF pulled #s 13 and 14 so they were able to sit beside each other the entire time. I think she was more excited about that than anything! She didn't win, but she gave it her all and made it through the 3rd round before getting out. I was very proud of her effort and fearlessness! :) </div>
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I tried to add a few new touches to our outside decor this year. A friend at work gave me a wreath she won at our back-to-school program so I used it for inspiration to make some lighted garland to go around the door. Ace was a great helper! </div>
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So many times I wonder how I lived without Amazon Prime. It is truly a lifesaver, especially at Christmas! All of Mickey's side of the family make Wishlists and it makes shopping so much easier!<br />
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For the past few years, we have ventured up into the mountains to cut down our own Christmas tree and this year was no exception. We put an artificial tree upstairs, but like to have a real tree downstairs. On the way, we stopped by my alma mater, Mars Hill University, visited the book store and took a quick ride through campus. From there we went on up to the Christmas Tree Far, found the perfect tree, brought it home, and got it all decorated for the holidays! </div>
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Mickey, Ace, and I went to our church's Ugly Christmas Sweater Party last week. We had a lot of fun with our Bucket Group friends and church family! We are so blessed to be apart of a church that values relationships and the importance of growing together in Christ!</div>
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I have a few more pics to post to get caught up before Christmas so stay tuned! </div>
Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-92110412383349594742015-10-23T11:21:00.002-04:002015-10-23T11:21:22.954-04:00Life LatelyI can't believe it has been a month since my last post and that we only have one week left in October! That is crazy!!! So, yet again, here's another catch up post:<br />
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You can't really tell by this picture, but at the beginning of October Ace cut his first tooth. Needless to say, this month has been full of sleepless nights and baby snuggles. As much as I wish he was sleeping all night, I really don't mind getting in some extra time with him that I miss out on during the day!<br />
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Lydia and Mackaylan are wonderful big sisters. They love to play with him and they each try their best to convince him that they are his "favorite big sister!" I guess only time will tell....<br />
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Mickey is such a great husband and daddy! October is always a crazy month at work and he has really helped out a lot by spending quality time with the girls, helping with the laundry, and even help cook supper. He hasn't complained once when we had take-out... again, and understands when I collapse in bed at night. No, you can't have him! He's all ours. </div>
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Ace turned 6 months and is definitely the happiest baby ever! He is still nursing like a champ and will eat fruit baby food, but doesn't care for the veggies at all. He was eating them pretty good, but over the past few weeks he has gone on strike against them all. Maybe he just wants to skip straight to table food. Who knows! He loves to sit up, but shows no interest in crawling yet. He doesn't like to be on his tummy at all (despite the smile in this pic) and can roll over both ways.<br />
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My diet this month has been nonexistent. I have fallen off the wagon and really need to get back on track. I love following the Weight Watchers plan, but am thinking I need to switch back to The Belly Fat Cure by Jorge Cruise b/c I am addicted to sugar and I think I need to have a little more discipline in my life in this area. I have followed this plan before and was very successful. It isn't a no sugar plan, but you are allowed limited sugar and carbs. Hmmm... Until then, I will eat all of these that I can find. I am loving all things pumpkin! </div>
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We are so proud of Aunt Betsi as she coached her volleyball team to the Region Championship! They enter the playoffs next week and we can't wait to see how far they go! Go Bruins!<br />
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We celebrated Mickey's birthday this month with a breakfast party and time with our family! He has taken up bicycling so all of his presents consisted of things he needed for this new hobby. We are so blessed to call him ours!<br />
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I finally completed a Pinterest project that I had been wanting to do. I finally got our pantry under control last weekend and I love the hanging shoe organizer used to hold spice packs, snacks for the girls, ziploc bags, etc. It saves a lot of shelf space and makes things very easy to find. I should have done this months ago!<br />
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Lydia has been coughing for most of the month so I took her back to the doctor on Monday with the attitude that I was not leaving until they did something about her cough. I was happy that we were able to see our doctor because he spent time listening to me and examining her. After a breathing treatment in the office, we walked away with a bronchitis diagnosis and 2 prescriptions to take. She still has a little cough, but I'm hoping it will be completely gone in the next day or two. <br />
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On Wednesday of this week both of the girls were selected as Terrific Kids for their classrooms. It was a special morning because it was Mackaylan's last TK ceremony and Lydia's first. I was so glad they were able to share in this together. We know they are Terrific Kids, but it's always nice when you know others think so too!<br />
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We are off of school today and we have lots of fun activities planned for this long weekend. Hopefully, it will not be Thanksgiving until I post again! Happy Friday, friends! :) Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-66087849891550505012015-09-24T19:13:00.004-04:002015-09-24T19:13:27.628-04:00Let the Fall Fun Begin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I'm so excited that it is officially FALL! I love everything about fall... cooler weather, sweatshirts, football, pumpkin spice everything, and the list could go on! One thing we enjoy doing as a family is hitting up different fall festivals in our area. A few weekends ago we went to the Green Creek Heritage Day Festival to watch Mickey in the parade with his biking buddies. We had never been to that particular festival before, but it was so much fun. The kids and I arrived a bit before the parade started so we were able to walk around and check out several of the vendors before it got too crowded. Once we clapped and cheered for Mickey in the parade, we continued shopping. We were able to get a jump start on our Christmas list by purchasing all of our teacher gifts, the girls picked out a handmade outfit for each of the American Girl dolls, and I bought some homemade candle melts. It was such a fun (and successful) day. I have a feeling it is only the beginning to our fall fun this year! </b></div>
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<b> Mickey and the kiddos after the bike parade. Mickey was the only one without an official biking jersey on. Thank goodness he has a birthday coming up soon!</b></div>
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<b>I think every fire department within a 20 mile radius was represented in the parade. While I'm sure the kids liked seeing the different fire trucks, the noise was horrendous. Mackaylan was such a sweet, big sister and covered Ace's ears the entire time.</b> </div>
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<b>Only in Green Creek would the highlight of the parade be a pack of llamas! </b></div>
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<b>Love these 3 more than words!</b> </div>
Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-76778185621729370172015-08-29T21:37:00.000-04:002015-08-29T21:37:55.209-04:00Our Week in Review- 8.24<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Last week started out a bit rocky because Lydia was sick. You can't tell it by this picture, but she was running a fever and complaining of a sore throat. She stayed home from school on Monday and spent the day with Grams and Pop O. I'm sure it will be the first of many "sickies" for her since she has started public school and daycare. If only this sweet smile could keep the germs away! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mondays are also our PD days after school. A big part of my job responsibilities is to design and implement staff development for my school. We had a fun afternoon discussing our new classes and learning different ways to use the app Telegami. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful work family! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am also taking a Reading Recovery class this school year through Clemson University. We meet every Tuesday night until 6:30. While it is stressful to have to arrange childcare for 3 kiddos during this time, I am learning a lot and the food has not disappointed me yet! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Wednesday we had a Coaches Meeting. At the end of the meeting we played around in a Google Hangout together. We all had a great time with the "additions" and we were reminded that we are all just a bunch of big kids! haha We are hoping in the future to be able to have some of our meetings virtually instead of having to always travel to the District Office. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Friday night we enjoyed a night in Greenville at the Greenville Drive baseball game for Sloan Family Night. While I can honestly say I didn't see one play of the game, we all had a fun time! The girls enjoyed the playground, meeting the mascot, and the misting machine. Ace, and his sweet self, just loved being outside and was all smiles the entire time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today has a been a relaxing day. This morning was spent doing laundry and working on school work. This afternoon the kiddos and I went to Target, and then tonight we met the Bakers on Lexington Rd. for a swim session and pizza. I am trying to work with Ace to be able to transition him to his crib, but he doesn't seem to like to sleep flat because he is used to his cradle and how snuggled in he feels. So... for his nap today I used two pillows to </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"wedge" him in while he was asleep. Evidently he liked it because he slept for over 3 hours. Will it work tonight? Only time will tell! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whew, it has been a busy week. I'm looking forward to tomorrow and enjoying a lazy day at home with the kiddos after church. I always like to use Sunday afternoons to get ready for the week ahead. I do not think tomorrow will be any different! :)</span></div>
Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-61849268883921208932015-08-26T21:34:00.000-04:002015-08-26T21:36:31.070-04:00Not-So-Wordless Wednesday- Back to School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The blog has been quiet lately because we are all back in school. Let me tell you, life with three kiddos is B-U-S-Y! The mornings are crazy between nursing, trying to get myself and the girls fed and ready, dropping everyone off at school/the sitter's house, and trying my best to make it work on time (7:30AM!) It's definitely a challenge! By the time I walk through the doors of the school I feel like I've already worked a full day. I'm sure we will begin to settle into a routine very soon, but for now all I can say is I'm trying the best I can. However, looking at these sweet kiddos and the smiles on their faces makes all of the hustle and bustle worth every minute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mackaylan started 5th grade this year. It's hard to believe, but this is her last year at the elementary school. Next year I will have a middle-schooler! YIKES! She loves everything about school. She is an avid reader and always gives her very best! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">This year Mackaylan is sharing her "senior" year at OPE with Lydia who is just beginning her elementary career as a K4 student. Lydia seems to be enjoying school so far, but the verdict is still out. She is definitely our little socialite, and has a mind of her own, so we are all thrilled that we are on day 7 of smiley faces! This year is a big adjustment for her as she is going from a home daycare situation with one other child to 1/2 day at public school and 1/2 day at daycare. So far so good! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Even though starting back to school is hectic, I love the new opportunities that August always brings. And the fact that these two get to share this year at the same school together sure makes this mama's heart happy! </span></div>
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Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-22897773440637326582015-07-19T08:00:00.000-04:002015-07-19T08:00:00.181-04:00Cow Appreciation Day 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Summer wouldn't be complete without our participation in Cow Appreciation Day! I think we figured out that this our 6th year participating. The location of the Chick-fil-a we go to may change and some of the people that go with us, but we always go with my sister and her boys. It's tradition and Bagwell's love traditions! :) </div>
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I luv my herd!</div>
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Mackaylan, Boyce (in his #cowswag), and Eli</div>
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Lydia scarfing down her food so she could get to the playground.</div>
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The cutest baby cow in the history of forever!</div>
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Lydia the "cow stalker!" She loves mascots!</div>
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Isn't this picture hilarious? It looks like I photoshopped my head onto my body? However, I love this picture of my little stud muffin!</div>
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Ace and Tia</div>
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Eli and Bob (cousin visiting from Kansas City)</div>
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The whole gang!</div>
<br />Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-40904603897869159952015-07-18T08:00:00.000-04:002015-07-18T08:00:00.467-04:00SPLASH!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This summer we have spent a lot of time at the pool! Mackaylan has been a fish for years and Lydia is slowly becoming one. </div>
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I would love to get Mackaylan on a swim team, but there isn't one close by. She loves to dive, create jumps, and swim laps. </div>
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This year Lydia's big accomplishment has been jumping in the pool and off the diving board. I am hoping that she will be swimming next summer, but the fact that she is jumping in and getting her face wet is a big deal! </div>
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Ace seems to like the water, but most of the time he just relaxes in his bouncy seat on the edge of the pool. He loves being outside so he is perfectly content watching everyone else play.... at least for this year! </div>
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Most of the time when we go swimming Mickey is at work so the we all love any chance we have on the weekends to go to the pool together! </div>
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<br />Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-44328310956825869842015-07-17T08:00:00.000-04:002015-07-17T08:00:01.123-04:00Strawberry Hill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last week we participated in Marvelous Monday with our church. We went to Strawberry Hill for a tour of the orchards, a picnic lunch, and homemade ice cream. We were able to pick blackberries and peaches. It was a hot morning, but we all had a great time!</div>
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<br />Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-82528080526780354752015-07-16T08:00:00.000-04:002015-07-16T08:00:01.745-04:004th of July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love the 4th of July holiday! It's always a fun day that we spend with our family and friends keeping traditions and making memories!</div>
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Our local library always sponsors a 4th of July Parade for the kids the Thursday before the holiday. This year it was raining, but we participated anyway. The parade started at the library, we walked down main street, and ended at the park. We had a police escort and a handful of spectators. All of the kids were dressed in their patriotic attire and rode their decorated bikes, scooters, strollers, etc. Once we got to the park the kids had a great time eating watermelon and playing together on the playground. </div>
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On the actual 4th, we always go to Grams and Pop O's house to swim and enjoy lunch with friends and family. This year Mackaylan helped me make a patriotic dessert and punch. She is really getting into cooking which is funny since her mom isn't much of a chef! However, we do have fun together in the kitchen, and she has been a big help since Ace was born.</div>
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After our afternoon by the pool, we went to my Aunt Martha's for dessert and fireworks! Every year the display gets larger and the crowd gets bigger. I would venture to say it's one of the best home fireworks shows around! </div>
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If I could sum up the 4th of July in four words they would be: family, friends, fun, fireworks! I hope these traditions continue forever! ;) </div>
Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-28369618031447414422015-07-14T21:50:00.001-04:002015-07-14T21:50:20.435-04:00Wordless Wednesday- 3 pics for 3 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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See this little guy right here? He has my heart! </div>
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I adore his smile, </div>
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cherish his laughs, </div>
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and most of all I love that he is my son! </div>
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Happy 3 (well, almost 4 by now!) months, Bubsy!</div>
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<br />Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-66646734051698018202015-07-06T15:13:00.000-04:002015-07-06T15:13:07.838-04:00Disney Day 3: Magic Kingdom<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On our final day of Disney we headed to The Magic Kingdom. We knew it was going to be a long, hot, fun day, and that it was! When we started planning this trip, I read a few blogs and searched Pinterest for tips and tricks, and honestly, I just became overwhelmed! I wanted us to make the most of every minute, but I also wanted us to enjoy ourselves and not feel like we were constantly on a clock. So, we decided to just enjoy the moment and do what we could in the time that we had. <br />
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From my reading, I knew that Fantasyland was the first to tackle and I also knew that it was best to arrive at the park early to beat some of the crowd. We did both of those things! We also set up a few Fast Passes to use during the day and that helped a lot! </div>
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When we entered the park, we noticed that there was only a 10 minute wait to see Tinkerbell so the girls and I hopped in line immediately. We didn't realize it was a private meet and greet. The girls LOVED it!! </div>
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After we left seeing Tinkerbell, we decided to hop in the other line in the building to meet Mickey Mouse. We were told that this was also a private meet and greet and the wait was only about 20 minutes long so I called Mickey and had him bring Ace to join us. I am so glad that I did because Mickey would have been disappointed if he would have missed this special treat... We were escorted into a room to have pictures with "the real, talking Mickey Mouse!" He greeted us, asked us about our trip so far, and told us a few characters to make sure we went to see. It was so cool. I think the look on Lydia's face sums it up!<br />
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After all of that excitement, the girls decided to scope out the map and plan their course of action. While we were waiting, we saw Mary Poppins come out for pictures and autographs so we hopped in her line. It was pretty neat because we were like the second or third family in line and before she met with the girls she decided they should take the line back out of the sun a bit, so she grabbed Lydia's hand and they led the way to the new location. </div>
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The rest of the day consisted of riding as many rides as we could. We all loved the Barnstormer, Dumbo, and It's A Small World. Mackaylan drove me around the racetrack and that was a hoot!! Let's just say that I am glad we have a few years before she gets behind the wheel of a car! LOL</div>
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By mid-morning, the girls were happy to be able to cool off at the Splash Pad (and this Mama was too!)</div>
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That afternoon when it was time to feed Ace, we made our way to the Baby Care Center, and the rest of the family went to find a cool place to take a rest. By the time we got back to them, Lydia and Mackaylan had taken a short nap! That wasn't planned, but definitely made for a more enjoyable afternoon! :) </div>
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We were also at a great location to purchase an ice cream and enjoy the afternoon parade! Lydia loved it and waved at every character that passed by!</div>
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Later that afternoon, we visited with Ariel (Mackaylan's favorite character), rode the train around the park, and enjoyed lots of other rides! </div>
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By the end of the day, we were all hot and exhausted, but we couldn't leave before the Light Parade. We opted to watch it near the front of the park so that we could beat the crowd and catch the first ferry back across to the entrance. That was a smart move on our part! :) </div>
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As you can see, we had a great time and made lots of memories, and, I believe, that's just what summertime is for! </div>
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Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-73634488466771208382015-06-27T21:58:00.001-04:002015-06-27T21:58:03.617-04:00Disney Day 2: Bonnet Creek Resort<div style="text-align: center;">
As I mentioned in an earlier post, this Disney trip was rather impromptu. We didn't deicide until early in May that we were actually going to go this summer. However, we were very fortunate to be able to find a VRBO at Bonnet Creek Resort which is one of the only resorts inside the gates of Disney that is not Disney owned. Let me tell you, it was fabulous! </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">It had multiple pools (many of them with watersides, lazy rivers, splash pads, etc.), </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">a beach volleyball court, </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">kid activities throughout the day, restaurants onsite, and wonderful accommodations. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">After our day at Epcot we decided to have a resort/rest day in order to prepare our bodies for the LONG day we knew we would have when we visited the Magic Kingdom. We had a great time playing in the various pools all. day. long. I think Ace might have been the only one of us who caught up on his rest, but we had a great day anyway! :) </span></div>
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Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-4261088086171560082015-06-26T07:50:00.004-04:002015-06-26T07:50:34.510-04:00Disney Day 1: Epcot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last Friday we loaded up the car and headed to Florida for a quick Disney getaway! We aren't ones for spending months planning, scheduling, or reserving, and we had loads of fun nonetheless! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We didn't get checked in to our resort until late Friday night so the kiddos didn't get their "Welcome Bags" until the woke up on Saturday morning. Each bag had goodies that I had purchased before the trip like Disney water bottles, t-shirts, light-up wands, stuffed animals, etc. I knew the items would be much cheaper from Amazon than if we waited to purchase them at the park. The girls loved their goodies, and Ace seemed very content with his Mickey Mouse stuffed animal and paci. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After breakfast, we headed to Epcot. We got there pretty early which meant we got a good parking space not far from the entrance and we were able to ride several of the big attractions with little to no wait.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the afternoon we headed over to the World Showcase to eat lunch and visit with as many characters as we could. This was Lydia's favorite part! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The heat was terrible, but we were able to cool off in various country's exhibits that were located indoors. This was a lifesaver for sure. We also had to seek shelter when it started thundering and lightening. It never rained on us until we were headed to the car, but the storm clouds did cool it down quite a bit so we were thankful for those!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were so happy that Grams and Pop O were able to make this trip with us. We love any chance we get to spend time as a family, and this trip was no exception! We all took turns riding the rides and sitting out with Ace when he couldn't ride or was asleep. Having an extra set of hands and eyes was definitely a blessing! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We left Epcot around 6PM, grabbed a bite to eat, and returned to our resort. You can tell by the looks on these faces that Day 1 was a success. There were smiles all around and memories were made that would last a lifetime! </span></div>
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<br />Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-75352567499493618842015-06-18T10:24:00.002-04:002015-06-18T10:24:37.835-04:00Summer Kick-Off at Great Wolf Lodge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the past 6 years (with the exception of one) my sister and I have started off our summer by taking the kiddos to GWL. It's a fun tradition that everyone loves... including the adults! This year we went right at the beginning of June so many of the schools in NC were still in session which meant we never really had to wait in line at all. Also, since it was so early in the summer they were still giving out their "spring wolf ears" for us to add to our collection!<br />
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Each morning we started our day with breakfast from Dunkin Donuts (onsite) and then hit up the waterpark. If you get down to the water right when they open you can usually ride everything you want to ride multiple times without a wait at all! The same holds true for later in the day as well. </div>
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Ace didn't really get in the water this year except to have his picture made, but we still had to put on his bathing suits each morning because he was just "so adorable" in them according to Lydia!</div>
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Since Mickey's main project is in NC near the watermark he was able to come up one evening and enjoy the water with us. We had to pay extra to get him a day pass, but it was totally worth it. The girls and I loved having him there, and he even convinced Mackaylan to ride the Howlin' Tornado!</div>
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Lydia loved the slides this year! She constantly wanted to ride "the green tube" and the "racing tubes!" Next year she will probably be tall enough to do them all so that will be fun. She is definitely our little thrill-seeker! :) </div>
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I am so very thankful for the past few years that my mom has joined this excursion to help me out with the little ones. This year she had it made with Ace, but next year there may not be very much sitting by the pool relaxing because he will be all into the fun!</div>
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There is plenty to do onsite that you really never have to leave once you get there. However, shopping is my hobby so you know we have to hit up the outlet mall nearby- ha! It is also tradition to ride the carousel in the Food Court so Lydia was not going to let that opportunity pass her by. </div>
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It was also good practice for Ace as we prepare for our upcoming trip to Disney! I'm not sure if he liked it our not. He just sat with this look on his face the entire time! LOL<br />
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Each night there is a story time around 8:00 and then the little ones can meet a character and have their picture made. This was right up Lydia's alley. Of course, Ace and I enjoyed it too!<br />
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When we go to Chick-fil-a or Chuck E Cheese Lydia is always the kid that will not leave the mascot alone. She will stalk them out and follow them around like crazy. Isn't it funny how some kids have such fear of these characters and others do not? I always find that intriguing. Anyway, with that being said, she absolutely LOVED meeting any character she could during our trip and having her picture made. <br />
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On the last day before we headed home, Eli and Mackaylan played a bit of MagicQuest, the girls and I enjoyed a few slides together, Mackaylan raced the boys and Tia on the racing mats (one of her faves!), and Lydia and Granny finally endured the line to get her face painted! <br />
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It was definitely a perfect start to #oshieldssummer2015!<br />
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<br />Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-37159807685966904342015-06-17T22:54:00.002-04:002015-06-17T22:54:36.776-04:00Girls in ActionMackaylan had a great year in GAs at LFBC. She has learned so much about the Bible, and I have watched her relationship with Christ grow right before my eyes. Nothing makes this mama happier than to see her little girl sitting up in her bed completing her devotional on her own. She has a journal where she records what she is learning through her <u>Jesus Calling for Kids</u> devotional, and age has even started memorizing scripture. She is a great influence of me, that's for sure!<br />
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Anyway, last Sunday the GAs shared with the congregation their learnings from this year. At the end of the service, each girl was presented their own quilt that she had helped design over the past few months by coloring the picture that matched her favorite story. <br />
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Mackaylan had told me several times that they were working on a quilt, but I had no clue that it was a <i>real</i> quilt. Each fabric square represents a story of the Bible that they had learned about. The teacher in me was thinking it was going to be a paper quilt sewn together with yarn. Boy, was I mistaken! <br />
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After the service the girls stood in designated areas so that church members could stop by and admire the quilt up close. This quilt is an awesome keepsake that Mackaylan can use to share with her daughter one day about the wonderful, love of Christ!</div>
Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-41451346233769053302015-05-30T12:15:00.003-04:002015-05-30T12:15:48.146-04:00A Week in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week has flown by! It's hard to believe that it is finally summer break. Well, Mackaylan is supposed to go to school on Monday for a 1/2 day, but since I am still on maternity leave we are taking advantage of the fact that I'm still home and she is not going! Yesterday we went to her Awards Day and she did a great job speaking in front of the student body and parents. She was on Student Council this year as a Homeroom Representative so she was responsible for explaining their service projects for the year and introducing their sponsor. She also received 3 academic awards: The Board of Trustees Academic Excellence Award, Duke TIP Award, and the Principal's Award for scoring Exemplary in all 4 areas of PASS last year. We were all very proud of her! </div>
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It's crazy to look at the difference from the first and last day of school. She has grown up so much!</div>
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Lydia also started her "summer break" this week. She has had a fun week at home helping me clean off the back porch, blowing bubbles, and playing basketball. What can I say? It's a hard life when you're 4!</div>
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Ace had his 2 month appointment on Wednesday. He is growing beautifully and eating and sleeping like a champ. He had his first round of vaccinations so he needed some extra cuddles and a long, afternoon nap. I didn't object at all! ;) </div>
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On Thursday we celebrated my dad's 68th birthday with my parents and Pop O. My sister and her family were supposed to come too, but my nephew has been sick so we had to just FaceTime then in during part of the celebration! There are no words to express how much I love this man! He is the walking definition of love, support, and encouragement! He always tells me, "Nobody loves you like your daddy" and he is so right! </div>
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Here are a few other pics that I just love from this week:<br />
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Happy 1st Weekend of Summer 2015! <br />
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<br />Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-11227524815542352002015-05-28T08:00:00.000-04:002015-05-28T08:00:04.831-04:00Two Months!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's hard to believe that Ace is 2 months old! He is such a sweet baby and really completes our family. Just a few years ago we were finally content and at peace with the idea that Mackaylan would be our one and only. However, God had other plans and we became pregnant with Lydia. Little did we know that He would blow our mind again when we found out we were expecting another baby last summer. Now that Baby Ace is here we are so thankful and continually reminded that we serve a God who can do "infinitely more than all we can ask or imagine!" (Ephesian 3:20)</div>
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This month we have begun to settle into a nice little routine (eat, wake, sleep.) He has been to my school a few times for various reasons and "assisted" me as I started to work on our staff development plan for next year, </div>
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spent lots of time playing with his biggest sissy, Mackaylan,<br />
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cheered on his cousin, Eli, at his baseball game,<br />
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went on lots of walks with mommy,<br />
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tried to enjoy tummy time,<br />
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and has learned to give out SMILES daily! </div>
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He is such a good baby and we can't imagine life without him! I'm looking forward to this summer and watching him grow and accomplish many more milestones. I expect in the next month or so he will begin to roll over and we will get to experience his first real laugh, and it won't be too long until he will master that head control and will be sitting up. Until then, I will take the sleepless episodes at night and the occassional fussy afternoons because I know that this season will be over in a blink of an eye. The girls are living proof! ;) </div>
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Here are a few more pics from the past month that I just love...</div>
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<br />Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873399675535059020.post-76881424239704989982015-05-27T08:00:00.000-04:002015-05-27T15:15:09.667-04:00Weight Watchers WednesdayNow that Ace is 2 months old, I know it is time to get serious about losing all of this baby weight. I decided to sign up for WW Online because I know that it is a plan that allows you to eat anything, but in moderation. I have been successful with the low carb/low sugar diet in the past, but it is not something that I can stick with longterm. I have kids. I have a family. We like to eat and celebrate. If I want this to truly be a way of life then I have to follow a plan that allows me to bake the cake and eat a slice too! <br />
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This past week was my first week on the WW plan and I lost a little over 5 pounds. Woo hoo! Needless to say, I was thrilled! I know that my loss will not be that big every week, but I will take it while I can. Since I am exclusively breastfeeding I am allowed extra points so there are many days that I don't use all of my points or am able to enjoy a bowl of cereal before bed because I have some points left over. It was important for me to find something that took into account the fact that I was breastfeeding because it really does make me hungrier than normal and I need food to nourish my body and my baby boy!<br />
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I am loving the accountability that I have found on Instagram and all of the food ideas as well. It is social media at it's best. Trust me! Right now I am posting this journey on my regular Instagram account, but most people have a different account for WW. For me, it is too difficult to have to worry about logging in and out several times a day. My Instagram account is a way to document my life and right now that includes WW. :)<br />
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One thing that I need to improve upon is my exercise. Ace and I have been walking a few mornings each week and I tried out a new Zumba class last Thursday, but I need to set a schedule and stick to it. I would love to try a new exercise DVD so if you have one that you love please leave me a comment and let me know. It is easy to walk when it is just Ace, but school is almost out for the summer and that means I will have all 3 kiddos at home most days so walking outdoors will be out of the question. <br />
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With this post each week, I would like to share some of my favorite recipes and progress from the week before. And hopefully, between my accountability on Instagram and here on the blog, by the time school starts back I will be able to fit back into (at least some) of my pre-pregnancy pants.<br />
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This week, one of our favorite treats were these fake ice cream sandwiches. All you do is take 2 chocolate graham crackers, spread with 2 Tbs of FF Cool Whip, wrap in Saran Wrap and freeze. They really do taste like an ice cream sandwich, and for only 5 points! SCORE. It's a nice little treat on a hot, summer day.<br />
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I also tried out a batch of cupcakes made with the Funfetti cake mix and Sprite zero. They were so moist and delicious. All you do is mix the dry cake mix with 12 oz. of diet soda, pour 1/4 c. of the batter into each cupcake liner, and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. I had intentions of topping them with Cool Whip, but they were so moist and delicious they didn't need any doctoring up! </div>
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After the Memorial Day holiday and our anniversary dinner, I need to make sure that the rest of the days this week are spot on. I am excited about this journey and look forward to seeing less and less of me each week! :)<br />
<br />Lana http://www.blogger.com/profile/03310796570831353526noreply@blogger.com1