Happy Birthday Jesus!

This is our birthday cake Ava and I made (excuse the messy toaster oven). It tasted a lot better than it looks (I let Ava do her usual poking around before I thought to take a picture). The red velvet (as apparent from the crumbs showing through) and cream cheese icing were really good. The most fun was the toasted coconut for the hay in the middle. The writing gel didn't do as well as it usually does, hence the blobby stars of david on the sides.

Ava told us she loved aaalll her presents. We went a little overboard this year since we couldn't do much last year. Not that that's the point of the season, nor does she know the difference. But nevertheless, let's just say her birthday not being too far off, she won't be receiving as big a load. We stayed in our jammies all day, just the three of us. So it was nice and low-key. We normally like to leave the big gatherings to Thanksgiving, so Ava can stay home and not have to leave her playing. We will, however, go see mawmaw Jennings Saturday and then my momma's Monday. So Ava will be excited to open even more stuff. I really need to go through her toys again and make another donate bag.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Wordless Wednesday, Christmas Edition

The ending being the most important and true fact...

Ramblings For The Day

I'm sitting here trying to talk myself into braving the store for a few things I wanted to get for Christmas dinner, and one last gift. But, it's cold, windy and raining somewhat, so it wouldn't be hard to talk myself out of going, would actually be much easier. I'm also thinking about all the wrapping I have to do tomorrow night. Which reminds me I don't think a couple things I ordered on going to make it on time. On top of all that, trying to make up my mind about supper for tonight. So now I have a bit of a headache.

Ok, enough complaining. I did think of a cute way to do our Happy Birthday Jesus cake. I'll post pictures even if it looks strange. I'm doing red velvet for one thing, and I've actually never had that kind before. I've heard it's just like chocolate.
Kevin has to work Christmas eve and the night of Christmas day, so we'll be doing Christmas at home this year. We did family for Thanksgiving. But, I don't think he has to work New Year's eve, so he won't have to kiss Jeff (his coworker) at midnight haha.
Ok enough rambling, time to get it done. (I would say 'er instead of it but I can't stand that)

Bittersweet Day

They just announced that the skeletal remains found in Orlando are in fact those of little Caylee Anthony.
I don't particularly like to post about sad current events, but I have been following this case closely. Maybe because of her age, so close to Ava, or maybe just that the entire thing has been so tragically saddening. I say bittersweet because it is a relief to so many that the main question has been answered officially. And also the relief that she is in the best place she could be now, with her heavenly daddy.
Do I believe that the mother did it? I believe in innocent until proven guilty, but whether or not she did it, God will see to justice served ultimately.

Wordless Wednesday

Merry Christmas to all!
My Christmas card I made. And yes, I did model it after a certain expensive card site.

My First Black Friday

For some insane reason, for the first time, I decided to brave the stores on the biggest shopping day of the year. I did not make it up as early as I'd planned. Which was too bad, because they were already out of a few things I wanted to get. It was packed in the few places I went, but not quite as bad as I thought it would be. I didn't have much luck with most of my list. The things I couldn't find I'll have to search for online. Part of my list I had already planned on doing that anyway (especially ebay and amazon's private sellers). I just thought I might could get a good deal on some things by going early.

One thing I got on sale was our Christmas tree. We decided to get a new one because Kevin wanted one with multi-colored lights instead of the all clear we had (which was wearing out anyway). We thought Ava would enjoy it more too. I put it up last night, the earliest I've ever put up our tree. If it were up to Kevin, it would be left up all year. He just really enjoys looking at it, as he is a big kid. I forgot I was going to look for a new star yesterday. The one we have is so heavy, I have to strap it to the top branches. I'm just thankful I don't have fight with the section of lights that I had to on the old one for the past 2 years. We did get it in 2002 though.

Now I'm going to vacuum up my mess. I was just too worn out last night (I did three loads of laundry in between). That and the rest of my long to-do list.

Thanksgiving Has Come And Gone, How Sad

Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for, I wish I had time to list them all. I am really so thankful we are not in the same place we were this time last year. But, we're not looking back, and are hoping to improve even more on that next year.

We had a good day with the family, but to be honest, I really didn't enjoy as much as I'd like to have. Because Kevin had to work tonight (he works 7 on, 7 off, so no holidays off), the whole day was pretty rushed. I had to rush around to get everything ready to leave, then, of course, every one's in a hurry to get all the food ready, then we didn't get to stay all that long so Kevin could get back for work. I had to take dessert with us along with the left overs. I did try to take my time to enjoy eating the main meal, but we didn't have time to be there much later on when we all usually eat some more. Not that I even needed to be eating what I did the first time, but it's part of tradition. Even if a bad one.
The good thing, though, is everyone made it and we were all there for my mother in law. Ava didn't eat much of course, but she was busy having fun playing. The youngest there was 9, I think, but she didn't care. The food was all very good. Including one Irish potato casserole that I have to get the recipe for. I tried to look it up online, but couldn't find one with what seemed like the same ingredients. If anyone has a good one, please email me.
I am thankful for all God provides everyday of the year, but days like today are just a little extra gift. Even if they do wear you out, it's in a good way.