South

So, I have a mini obsession with the South. I named all my children "southern names". I like southern style (dresses and big bows on little girls). I like southern cooking.  I just read "The Help" and loved it.
I still have it on my list to try to cook collard greens, okra, gumbo, black eyed peas, real fried chicken (the real deal, not the healthier baked kind), biscuits and gravy, and all that kind of good southern fare.
I guess a popular casserole in the South is the tater tot casserole. (OK, laugh all you want food-snobs!)

So, I tried it. The verdict? I didn't mind it. I didn't love it, but I thought it was alright. Unfortunately, I was the only one. The kids didn't like "the sauce". So after trying to wipe the tater tots and the sausage clean, I decided this was the last time I would make it. Oh well. It was fun to try and I can now say I know what tater tot casserole is! Now if only Minnie could come to my house and teach me a few classic Mississippi dishes...

Tub paints!

Last week, I made tub paints (with food coloring, dish soap, and cornstarch). The kids had a blast painting in the tub!

Big Boy Bed!

We took the crib down (sniff...) and moved Austin to a "big boy bed". It is so crazy to walk into the boys' room and see 2 beds and no crib! My baby is becoming officially "not-a-baby"! (Now if only we could get rid of the diapers....)
Last nap in the crib...

 First sleep in the big boy bed!

(We have since put up those safety bars on his bed after a few tumbles out and head knocks against his bedside table.)

He is loving his big boy bed. And Mama is loving that he actually has been staying in it for naps and bedtime! I was worried he would take advantage of this new freedom and get out of bed at night or naptime, but so far so good!

Snow!

Enjoying the first big snowstorm of the winter. (This was from a few weeks ago. Yes - still trying to get caught up!)

Then, it was back inside to build cool train tracks and fun lego towers.  The best part of having 3 kids so close in age - they all enjoy playing together and doing some of the same things!

Happy New Year!

We celebrated New Year's Eve at our good friends, the Harveys. (All of my kids will say that each of the Harvey children are their absolute BEST friends, eventhough their boys are at least 5 years older than my boys!) So cute!
They graciously hosted an amazing meal, a fun "ball decorating" activity, and a lot of fun. We all had a blast!

 Happy New Year 2012!

Christmas day part 2 & 3

We spent lunchtime in Glenview with The Scotts/Yagelskis.

The girl cousins

Then we went to my parents house for a Christmas dinner with our extended family. It was so wonderful to have so many family members together for Christmas! We are unbelievably blessed!

Special present from BB - the American Girl Doll bed she asked Santa for! (Santa gave the doll robe and fuzzy slippers instead.)

 BB loves Caroline!

 "I like big bows and I cannot lie..."

 BB and Papa and their grandchildren!

 Joan, Grandma, Jimmy, and Mom

 Merry Christmas!

Christmas Morning! (finally!)

Um yeah...it's January 17th and I haven't posted Christmas pictures yet! My old computer ran out of memory and I couldn't upload any additional pictures.  Now, I am finally able to catch up. I have a new computer (a VERY generous Christmas present) and a new desk. (Photos to come soon.)

And on to Christmas morning...

Waiting at the top of the stairs, like I used to do on Christmas morning when I was little...

 Austin LOVED the wooden parking garage

 Clayton was thrilled with his Light Brite

 Caroline was so happily surprised to get her favorite book, Dancing with Katya

 Austin loving his choo choos and train gates!

 And Clayton got what he asked Santa for...his own strand of Christmas lights

                                We had a quick Christmas breakfast (including Pioneer Woman's homemade cinnamon rolls) and then got ready to head to Glenview.

 Tornado? Robbery? No...just Christmas morning.  A very, very blessed Christmas morning.