Christmas!

Christmas has come and gone again, but not without lots of fun memories made and a few new traditions adopted! We enjoyed our time spent with both our families! In the past we have spent Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas Day with Kelly's. We changed things up a bit this time. We celebrated with my side on the Saturday before Christmas and with Kelly's side on the Sunday before. That totally freed up Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to relax and enjoy ourselves in a much less time crunched way! After services Wednesday night, we came home and Kelly read the kids a story about the candy cane, we tried to recite "Twas the Night Before Christmas" from memory, and then the kids opened their Christmas PJ's. They already know what they are before opening, but they still get excited about them each year!

They happily and eagerly got ready for bed, they knew they had to be fast asleep for Santa to come! Santa came, and he did not disappoint- all the children were thrilled with their gifts! We all sat down for the traditional breakfast casserole and then spent most of the day playing, cleaning, assembling Legos, cleaning, trying out new board games, cleaning, eating almost all the contents of the stockings, and did I mention cleaning -where does it all come from!

Jared testing his new race track

Carson assembling Legos

Avery serving tea with her new set

John Parker & more Lego assembly

Watching the Polar Express

My parents, Stephen, Lesley and John Ashford came over for a delicious steak lunch! Kelly and I then took the kids to see Marley and Me. I am sorry to say that it was a terrible disappointment to me due to some of the content! We still had a fun time and will probably continue this tradition in the years to come! This is a Christmas that will always be remembered! It was a joy to have Jared here with us and share with our family during this wonderful holiday season!

John Ashford

Hunter & Jake sitting in the window wanting badly to join the fun inside!

'Tis the Season.....

"Tis the season to be jolly... fa la la la la ....!!!" Can you believe that Christmas is here once again?! The Mims' crew are all ready, eagerly anticipating and counting down the days! Our home has been a flurry of activity for the past couple of weeks! Last week we caroled at Cedars Nursing Home, which was a wonderful experience for both the kids and myself.

Notice Jared in both pictures looking up at John Parker and Carson trying to figure out the words to the songs! I have to say that when visiting and talking with the residents, he was so precious! He would go right up and hug them, hold their hands, and talk to them like he had known them his whole life!

We also did lots of baking and candy making! I am sure that I have already put on 5 extra pounds just sneaking a piece here and there! We made fudge, dipped pretzels, Reindeer food, peanut butter balls, pecan crispies, pralines (which were a flop, but still tasted yummy!), cheese balls and one of the cutest goodies were the Rudolph cookies!

Yesterday, we went to the Johnson's for an ornament swap. It was lots of fun!

Jared, Clay, Carson, John Parker & Matthew taking a moment to pose!

Everyone enjoyed visiting with friends and eating some great food!

The girls patiently waiting for their number to be called!

Checking out their ornaments!

Today Avery attended a cookie party at her friend Lilly Grace's house! The girls all enjoyed lunch, cookie decorating, and even made some super cute crafts!

Isn't this cake adorable?! Lilly Grace's Mimi made it!

Leigh was kind enough to take pictures for me during the party!

Here they are posing for a picture for their picture frame.

Having fun!

So cute!

Hard at work! Santa's little elves!

Thanks so much for hosting this fun party for the girls! And double thanks for allowing me to do my grocery shopping during the party! Avery had a great time and can't wait till next year!

Tomorrow we will be staying home to clean and get ready for my family's Christmas gathering here on Saturday evening. Hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season! Fa la la la la!!!!

Happy 36th to Me!

Tomorrow is my official birthday, but tonight I celebrated with my family. Kelly picked up Pizza Hut Pasta Bakes, bread sticks and a delicious cake from Creative Cakes for our dinner. My family all enjoyed the meal, and I enjoyed not having to cook it! Kelly and the kids gave me a Wii Fit, and it is the coolest thing ever! Technology is amazing. You start by creating your own profile by choosing a Mii, entering your height and age information, and do a few quick tests. There is a BMI check, this is done by entering your height then standing on the Wii Balance Board to let it read your weight. After you've checked your BMI, you'll do a basic balance test and find out your current Wii Fit Age. This balance test measures how well you can control your left and right balance. Based on the results, you'll be assigned a Wii Fit Age. Mine was not too good! At least I have a goal! LOL! It tracks your progress with daily workouts. As you spend time exercising, you can earn Fit Credits that unlock additional exercises. There are more than 40 activities and exercises, including strength training, aerobics, yoga and balance games. After embarrassing myself in front of everyone doing the step aerobics, we discovered that we had the balance board backwards!!! That explained why I was so lousy, but it was great fun for my audience! I wanted to call everyone to tell them that I wasn't so terribly uncoordinated after all! The boys love it as much as I do! We are going to add it to our schedule next semester as a 30 minute block of P.E. I am sure this will be their favorite subject! What a great night, at home with my family, enjoying all my many blessings! I am so thankful that God has given me 36 wonderful years here on his beautiful Earth, it is far more than I ever deserve or am worthy!

Mommy of Five

Okay, all you mommies of 5 or more out there - I always knew you had to be extra gifted, but I now have new found respect for your balancing act. How do you do it and remain sane? Whew, it's a tough job! I thought what's one or two more?! Kelly is loving it, he thinks this will fix my desire for more children! I don't think so...LOL! I am not complaining, really the week has gone really well, just busier and at times very chaotic! A few more mouths to feed, couple of more loads of laundry to wash, a dozen or so arguments to settle, several more boo-boos to kiss and tears to wipe, but the best part is lots more hugs and kisses to give and receive! Addi, my niece, is the sweetest thing, and she has been such a joy to have in our home. All the children have been so helpful with her! Saturday, I will again be just the mama of four!

Holiday Fun!

We officially finished our first semester of school today. I can't tell you who is happier the children or me!! We are going to spend the next few weeks enjoying our time off with lots of baking and hopefully some cute crafts. We have plans to make goodies for our Bible class teachers, shut-ins from our church and some of our neighbors. We will be making cookies, fudge, chocolate dipped pretzels, pralines (if I can find an easy no fail recipe-any suggestions?), peanut butter balls and muddy buddy mix! I love this part of the holiday, spending stress free time with my children in the kitchen! I must be honest in saying that this "stress free" time does come with some mental preparation! I just try to remember that it is only a huge,disastrous mess for a short time, but the memories made with my children are forever! Tomorrow, my niece is coming to stay a week with us while her parents go on a trip. I will have an entire week to experience mothering five! I will have a 2,4,5,7 & 9 year old. It is sure to be an interesting time! I may have to spend the next week recovering, but if I do, I will and it will be okay!!

Smoothing the Edges

Our first week with Jared has gone surprisingly well. The first part of the week was a little frustrating, only because the routine was interrupted a few times. On Tuesday, I had to wake him at 4:30 for a doctor's appointment in Memphis and he had a visit with his mother on Wednesday. This was the first time I experienced any sort of defiance from Jared. I waited until about 2 hours before his scheduled visit with his mom to tell him, I didn't want to get his hopes up and then something happen and the visit not take place. As soon as I told him, he blurted out "I don't want to go visit my mom!" I asked him why and all he would say is I don't want to go! I told him that his mama would be sad if he didn't go to see her, that it would be just a few hours, and that I would take him and pick him up if he wanted me to. Thankfully, he got showered, dressed and I took him to meet his case worker. After his visit, I expected him to be upset, but he happily bounced into the van! He was completely fine! My heart melted Wednesday night while out eating before Bible study, he asked that now since he was living with us could he call me mom and Kelly dad! Honestly, it took my breath away, and I really didn't know how to respond. I did tell him it would be okay, if that is what he wanted. I know he is so confused, bless his sweet heart. He told Carson one day that he was living here forever! I am so afraid to even think about if and when he has to leave! Parker and Carson have been extremely helpful in showing Jared the ropes. Parker is really enjoying his role as the oldest, I have seen some maturity out of him this week that I didn't know existed. He is growing up way too fast! The first few days Carson and Jared bonded the most, Carson played every single thing that Jared's heart desired. Unfortunately, that only lasted a short time, until Carson started teaching him how to take turns with certain toys and choice of activity. Carson is my very obsessive and literal child, he has been very consistent in reminding Jared to say please, thank-you, you're welcome, yes ma'am, talk quieter, etc..... Jared doesn't respond as well to him as he does Kelly and me. Avery and Jared have a ball. They play and play, giggling and laughing together, such a sweet sound to my ears! Thanksgiving, our families were able to meet Jared, again he just fit right it. He has no trouble adapting, which has been a wonderful blessing for us! Honestly, I don't know how I would have handled it if he didn't! This is our last week of school and then we will be off until the first week in January. The children are getting so excited about Christmas, I am sure it will be one etched in all of our hearts and minds forever.
On Thanksgiving, Kelly took the boys down to the railroad tracks behind his parents' house. They had a great time collecting rocks and exploring the woods.
Avery and Jared sliding and posing in front of the tree! So cute!

Happy Thanksgiving

On the eve of Thanksgiving, I am pondering what I am most thankful. The mental list is forever long, endless almost, but there are a few that stand out the most. I am thankful for God and all the ways he touches my life, I am thankful for a wonderful husband who loves me and cares for me unconditionally, I am thankful for my children and all the joys they have brought to me, I am thankful for my family and all the love they have shown me over the years, I am thankful for my friends who are such a huge support and encouragement to me, I am thankful for our health, I am thankful for the courage God has given me to take someones precious child into my home to care for, I am thankful that he is here with us, but most of all I am thankful for the opportunity to have an eternal home in Heaven one day - what an amazing blessing! I hope that you are all blessed with a wonderful Thanksgiving full of love, laughter, and, of course, turkey and all the yummy trimmings!

Maybe.....

This was our first full day with Jared, and things were pretty much uneventful! We had breakfast, did a few chores, and then started school. I must say that Parker, Carson and Avery did wonderfully, I am sure they were all trying to set a good example, I am just praying that it doesn't wear off after the new of having Jared here is gone! LOL! I found a little Kindergarten workbook and writing tablet for him. He breezed through all his work and practiced writing his name! Funny story, I won't post what his last name is, but he doesn't spell it correctly, he leaves out one letter. I tried to show him how to spell it at church last night on his notebook, but he said no that was wrong. My mom suggested that I try showing him his medicine bottle with the correct spelling. Nope, not a chance, he insists that he is right. Sooooooo.... we only practiced his first name, and he wrote it flawlessly! After school and lunch we all went to Tupelo to take Parker to piano and Jared to my salon to get his hair trimmed. The case worker came by for a visit tonight. It looks like he will be with us for at least three months and possibly more, all depending on how things progress with his mom. Tonight, I am tired! Today I have been more attentive to everything and everyone, maybe that is why Jared is here with us, maybe this is God's way of telling me to remember the important stuff, maybe this is an answer to my prayers in being a better mama, maybe......

Bringing Jared Home!

My heart is full! Today has been pretty amazing, in some ways like a dream. God is so good! As we rang the bell, and waited for someone to answer the door, my stomach was in complete knots. We were greeted by one of the volunteers, who Jared calls "Uncle Rob." He told us that Jared was packed, ready and very excited to be coming home with us today! We all waited in the front living room while someone went to get him. He came around the corner all smiles ready to go! After hugging the ladies and telling them good-bye he was out the door with Kelly following, carrying his small red suitcase and bag filled with his only possessions, a few clothes and his one favorite toy! When we arrived home, Parker, Carson and Avery carried him upstairs to his room. He was so excited! They showed him his bed and all the Power Rangers they had set up for him on the headboard. He was like a kid at Christmas. We unpacked his things and put them in their "home." After that, they played dress-up, Power Rangers, went out and walked the trail, played in the tree house, chased dogs... you name it and it was packed into about 2 full hours of non-stop entertainment. It was time to get ready for church. I showed Jared all the things he would need to shower and dress for church. Twenty minutes later, he was coming down the stairs dressed and all smiles! He did really well in worship services- I didn't know what to expect, but he drew in his new notebook and sat still for the most part. He did get antsy towards the end of service and leaned over a few times to ask if it was almost time to go home! He was worn out and sleepy. We ate dinner at my parent's house and then came home and got ready for bed. I am so thankful that today went as well as it did, really it couldn't have been any better. He seems to be very well adjusted, despite the circumstances of his situation. Jared is funny, sweet, precious, adorable, a little rough around the edges, but nothing that a little love and encouragement can't smooth out, and did I mention that his SMILE lights up the room!

...And Then There Were 4!

Tomorrow is the first day of a new life around here for us. Tomorrow, I will no longer be the mama of three, but four. Many of you know that Kelly and I were licensed as foster parents in early August, and we are excited that we will be taking in a precious, little 5 year old boy. His name is Jared, and his smile is infectious! Our whole family went to meet him and spend some time with him yesterday afternoon at his temporary placement. While talking to Jared's case worker, he and the children played outside on the playground. They were all running and playing together like that had been friends forever! We spent last night setting up another bed in the boys' room, getting clothes out and washed, and the boys gathered several toys together for him. We will be picking him up tomorrow afternoon. Please pray for our whole family as we transition into this new chapter of our lives. Pray that we will be a blessing to Jared, and he to us!

Making a List... Checking it Twice!

Only 34 days till Christmas!!!

Christmas Cards - Check
Christmas Blog Background - work in progress
Christmas Shopping - Check
Decorations - almost Check!
Wrapping Gifts - started
Baking goodies with kiddos -

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around our house!! Busy, busy time of the year, but so much fun!! I have enjoyed reading all Roan's Christmas tips that she has been posting. I am so glad that I got a jump start on Christmas, because we have all been under the weather for over a month now! Hopefully, that is soon to be behind us, so that we can enjoy the holidays healthy and happy!!! I will post pictures of my decorations when all done and the house cleaned! If you haven't made your list, better get started so you can start checking it twice!!!!!

Tagged!

Leisa, so sorry it took me so long to do this tag! Here goes!

Here is what I am suppose to do: go to page 56 of the book that is nearest to me, go to the 5th sentence and copy the next few sentences:

Sometimes we feel frightened by the darkness of depression, a marital challenge, or an impending move to another part of the country. Calling out and reaching out for our heavenly father is the best thing we can do. Even when we can't feel him, he is there. And he promises us that someday the darkness will be gone and we will live with him in brilliant light forever, because he is the light.

Psalm 18:28 Lord you have brought light to my life; my God you light up my darkness.

Kim, Emily and Dana you're tagged!!!

Company Going... Christmas Coming!

13 days since I last posted! I can't believe that it is the middle of November already! Life has been incredibly busy! We have all over the past month been visited by an unwelcome guest named "Mr. Stomach Bug!" He first visited Carson and stayed way too long and a few weeks later he paid Kelly a visit, then me, Avery and as of today he came knocking on Parker's door! This bug has most certainly worn out his welcome in our home and I hope tomorrow he is gone to stay!!!!! I have been Christmas shopping like a mad woman for the past few weeks and am proud to say that I am almost finished! Yea! I usually wait until Thanksgiving night to drag down all of our decorations, because Kelly says "I'm robbing the Pilgrims," if I do it any sooner. Well, this year I am sorry to say that the Pilgrims are getting robbed, because my decorations are coming down this week!!! One of my biggest obsessions is Christmas decorations and wrapping paper. I promised myself that I wasn't going to buy either this year, because we have plenty. Ohh..... but they really do seem to call my name. I can't even tell you how many rolls of wrapping paper I have had in my hand and put back over the past few weeks. Well, I fell off the bandwagon and bought just ONE roll of paper at TJ Maxx tonight, and at Sam's I just had to have this very cute, whimsical stocking! No more..... I promise!!!! Just a quick little update on my running.... there has been very LITTLE of it since the race I am sad to say! I ran two days the week after, and last week only one, but I was sick! Good excuse right?! This week I have run 2 days and plan on 2 more before Sunday. Yesterday, while running I was keeping my pace to I hate this... I hate this.... I hate this.... repeatedly. LOL! No, really, I may dread the run, but afterward I feel great for accomplishing the task!

Happy Fall Ya'll!

Fall has always been one of Kelly's favorite seasons, and is one that I have grown to love as well. The kids have had a blast the past few days carving pumpkins, making cupcakes,trick-or-treating and hayrides.Kelly and the kids working hard carving their pumpkins. Carson proudly showing off his creation!
We began our traditional trick-or-treating making stops at our close family and neighbors tonight. Everyone is always so glad to see the kids dressed in their costumes, and of course the kids love it! There was an unhappy sheriff in town, he did not appreciate being made to sit still for a photo! Calmed down now! John Ashford looked so cute in his costume!
We crossed paths with our cousins at one of our stops and took a group photo.
What a crew!!!! One of the kids favorite places to trick-or-treat is Stephen's! They love to go there because they never know what to expect! Most of the time the tables are turned and they are tricked! This year he was sitting on the porch, posing as a lifeless scarecrow with his head covered by his shirt. He left the candy bags on the table beside where he was sitting. As the kids reached for the treat bags, he jumped up and scared the kids, or at least tried to! They weren't scared a bit! He said he almost suffocated waiting for us to get there! So funny!!! For the past few years our dear friends, John and Leigh, have hosted a Halloween party at their home. It is always a great time to get together, enjoy a hot bowl of chili, hot dogs, and other goodies. Kelly, has some competition in the chili cookin' department, and I do believe that he feels threatened by Leigh's! After eating, we made a hot cup of coffee and walked the neighborhood with the children letting them do a little door to door trick or treating! It was so much fun! Thanks John and Leigh we all had a wonderful time!Saturday night the kids and I went to the McFarling Annual Wiener Roast/Hayride! Kelly's Aunt and Uncle always host this fun event at their farm. This is one of the few times a year that we get to see Kelly's cousins and their children! It is amazing how much they seem to grow between events! It is always so much fun and the kids love the hayride and smores!!! Kelly was in Birmingham and very disappointed that he missed it! Here are some pictures of the kids enjoying the hayride.

Race for the Cure-My First Race!

I did it!!!! Finished my first 5K in under 40, the official time was 35:46, I think!!! Whoo-Hooo! Mama, Me, Roan & Stacee before race Stacee, you make it look so easy!
Just past mile 1- I'm thinking what? 2 more!!!!
Go Roan, Go!!!
After race photo, with eyes closed I might add! Kelly took my picture crossing finish, but some ladies big brown ponytail covered my face!
Scott, Stacee, Roan and me - they're discussing their times, I am just trying to recover!!! They all did great! Roan finished 26 something and Stacee 28 something- they are both training for the St. Jude 1/2 marathon! Check out Roan's blog for her family's times. They amaze me-awesome!!!
Mama did the 1 Mile fun run with Parker and Carson!
I am so proud I accomplished my goal...I am shooting for 30 next race. I am thankful my sweet family was there to cheer me on!!!

Fall Getaway

Kelly had a conference this week in Jackson, and the kids and I tagged along. We left Wednesday afternoon and got back yesterday afternoon. It was very short, but much needed. I have been feeling cooped up with cabin fever lately. We went to Bible study at the church in Clinton Wednesday night. It was good to see friends there and also to see some of the ladies that I met last year at the women's retreat. Thursday, I took the kids to the MS Museum of Natural Science. It was a great museum, the kids really enjoyed it. They had some beautiful nature trails, but the weather was rainy and cool. We were able to walk for a while on one in between rains.
Afterwards, we went back to our hotel, The Edison Walthall, one of the oldest in downtown Jackson- not my favorite, but it was paid for, to rest and wait on Kelly to finish his class. We went to Target to do some Christmas shopping, but unfortunately did more shopping for ourselves! We enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Macaroni Grill, ate way too much, but it was soooo good! Friday morning we checked out and went to a different Target, I know... pretty silly for some, but not for me! I had to return some stuff and also wanted to see if they had some things the other didn't have in my size. Kelly finished at noon, so we picked him up and headed out. We stopped at Raising Canes, a chicken tender place and picked up lunch and went to the reservoir and had a picnic. The weather was beautiful! We also stopped and walked the BaldCyprus Swamp Trail on the Trace. It was very interesting and the kids loved it! That is the extent of our short, but fun trip!