A Little Bit of the Random

It's been a while.

I've been busy. Like BUSY. Life has hit hard. Weekends aren't empty. Weekdays are full of homework and various sporting practices. And ye olde blog has taken the direct hit because of it. But here's a little smidge of what's been going on. In list form. Because that's how I roll.

1. We are officially a diaper-free house. Everyone is potty trained (and by everyone, I mean Camille). She potty trained totally - and I'm including nighttime, naps, etc - in 3 days. But that's Camille. She has to set her mind to something before she will see success in it. And once she does, it's done. So we have been telling the girls for over a year that we wouldn't get a puppy or go to Disney until everyone was potty trained. Guess we should be making some pretty significant plans, huh? As of right now, Disney plans are being discussed - but the dog is on hold - we think Tait has some pretty significant allergies. 1 for 2 ain't bad though. Right?

2. Spencer and I have become very budget conscious people - which is a good thing. We have never lived on a budget - we have always just lived sensibly (for the most part) and things have just kind of worked out. However, in January, our refrigerator's compressor went out, my license plate was up for renewal, and I had to have new brakes put on my car. That will take a budget, laugh at it, mock it, give it a wedgie and a swirly, and stuff it in a locker. Needless to say, February has been the month of "hmmm, let's see what I can make out of frozen chicken breasts AGAIN." Hello, March. Welcome. Please kick February in the backside on its way out.

3. My baby brother is getting married in 16 days. I am SO EXCITED. All of the girls are in the wedding and they couldn't be more thrilled. I have my dress and shoes - so I think I'm pretty much set. I get to go to a lingerie shower for Lindsay (Adam's fiancee - my future SIL) - sidenote: Lindsay is in Broadway's 2nd National Tour of WICKED. **AWESOME!!** But because she tours, she hasn't had any wedding showers! So her lingerie shower will be on Thursday before her wedding on Saturday. And considering she's marrying my brother, I'm pretty sure my gift will be flannel and have feet in it. Just being honest.

4. My girls absolutely crack me up every single day. Last night was a night I will remember for a LONG time. Mary Emma had been studying for several days for a huge science test and came home to tell us she had made a 100 on the it. (WOOO!!) Spencer and I were so proud and let her choose dinner. Of course, she chose Japanese Habachi (all of the JaPPan made me so happy! Shout out to Mary, Kim, & Fran). Dinner was great. The kids ate like champs. However, on the way home, Camille's stubborn, strong-willed side came out like a wild beast and she would not mind. WOULD NOT. So Spencer did the old school dad thing and told her that when we got home, she would get a spanking. Oh, the wailing and gnashing of teeth. We got home and got all of the kids out of the car and I told Camille to go sit on the stairs and wait for Daddy. She did. Reluctantly. But as Tait walked past her, she put her hand on Camille's shoulder and said, "Good luck, Mil" and then walked up stairs. Absolutely cracked us up. Needless to say, the spanking Camille was supposed to receive was a little less harsh considering the fact that Spencer was doubled over laughing.

5. I have starting working out with a personal trainer. And...get this...I LOVE IT. Her name is Beth, and I'm sure she will be the topic of many discussions on this blog in the future. I worked with her last Friday and she basically took dumbbells and beat me up with them. I sent her a text on Sunday that simply said "OUCH." She is sweet and mean (in a sweet way) and is a perfect match for me. I was REALLY nervous about working with a trainer - it was SO imperative that we were a good match - I'm easily intimidated and will give up easily when I am uncomfortable. I have prayed for a long time for she and I to match well and God placed his hands on every detail of the situation. Praise Him for His faithfulness. And pray for Beth as she gets to deal with me twice a week! Bless her heart.

Now headed to watch the Olympics. I'm a bit obsessed. I've even watched Curling and googled it to figure it out. Still haven't figured it out. Only 2 years till the Summer Olympics! (And I'm pretty sure my husband just rolled his eyes.)

Nite y'all!

Haiti.

I just can't imagine what they're going through.

I just can't wrap my mind around the devastation and the suffering and the sadness.

I just can't fathom the sheer panic that many of them feel as they look for their fathers, mothers, siblings, and children.

I just can't believe that I can't do anything.

But I can. And so can you.

Compassion International is helping. A lot. My family sponsors a child, Nevine, through Compassion. Nevine lives in Kenya, is 15 years old, and is safe today. The people of Haiti aren't safe. They aren't well. They need help.

Help Compassion help them. Will you consider a one time donation to Compassion to help the people there? Click this link to donate.

And let's be on our knees for these people. Jesus be near.

The Great Blizzard of 2010

2010 has arrived with a bang. Actually a very very cold bang. We are having record low temperatures down here in the South where we think that anything in the 50's is flat out Arctic.

So, of course, when we have temperatures in the SINGLE DIGITS, PEOPLE, and there's snow predicted, we tend to get all overdramatic and freak out and close schools and empty grocery stores and prepare our Last Will and Testaments and secure ourselves and our families in our warm houses and vow to not come out until the blizzard is over. You know, exactly like Ma Ingalls did it on the Prairie, minus the rogue Indians and the homemade dolls under the Christmas tree.

This week, we were told that we were expecting 2-3 inches of snow (which is equivalent to 6 feet of snow by Michigan standards) so school let out early yesterday and started late today. Most schools in the area closed completely for 2 days, but apparently our school is more concerned with academics (or the threat of having to make up said days on President's Day and MLK Day - don't MESS with a teacher and her holidays - and I can totally say that b/c I used to teach 3rd grade and would've given up my left leg in order to make sure that we got those holidays off).

So yesterday we hunkered down and prepared for the worst. Spencer is in Pasadena at the BCS Championship Game, so basically I'm a single mom who is braving the storm while protecting her little brood by making sure that hot chocolate, PB&J sandwiches, Dora the Explorer, and Polly Pockets are abundant.

And the snow came. And the wind howled. And I could barely keep the front door closed from the massive snow drifts that descended upon our home.

And now, I would like to show you the pictures I took as I braved the elements and ventured outside.

All for you, readers, all for you.

First, this is the top of the table that houses the Big Green Egg.

As you can see, the depth of the snow was frightening.

Next, this is how deep our accumulation was.

Never fear, I have put "snow shovel" on my list of things to get the next time I'm at Home Depot so that I won't ever put my family in such a dangerous position again.

The prediction for the weekend is that our wind chills will be in the negative numbers (a phenomenon that I can't even comprehend). After the CLEAR ACCURACY of the weather predictions over the last 24 hours, I'll be sure and let you know if we make it out alive.

One Proud Little Girl

Mary Emma has been studying for a while now to learn all 66 books of the Bible. Why? Because our church has a "club" called Route 66 for kids who can say them. And if you think my girl doesn't LOVE to be a part of a club, well then you are mistaken, my friend. So she has worked. And studied. And we have sung songs to help her learn. And she has pushed past her personal challenge called Hosea, Joel, and Amos. And she did it. Here is the video of her "induction ceremony." Enjoy!

Mary Emma in Route 66 from Robyn Davidson on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas!

From my family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!



But most importantly, I hope you remember the most important reason for this Holy season. We love the gifts, the family, the food, the stories, and the travel, but I pray that we remember most of all that it's all about a baby. A baby, who changed the course of the world, and certainly changed my life. Praise God for His Son!

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:1-14

Hold the Phone - A Miracle Has Occurred.

Tait and Camille are terrified of Santa. TERRIFIED. Especially Tait. She wants nothing to do with him. But yesterday, we were in Learning Express and Santa was there. Camille SAT IN HIS LAP. Tait stood beside him and even gave him a hug.



My babies are growing up.

Sniff.

Hey, Look! A Christmas Meme!

It's SEC Championship Day. Hubs is Atlanta at "The Game," I'm home with 3 kids, and it's 30 degrees outside. Brrr. So I'm gonna be the follower and jump on the Christmas Meme bandwagon.

Here goes.

1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate? Hands down, without debate, undoubtedly, hot chocolate. I think Eggnog is one of the grossest drinks ever. But then again, I don't like eggs. Or vanilla. So that makes sense.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa brings 3 presents to each child and they are unwrapped. But presents from Mommy & Daddy are wrapped. Now if only Santa would take the toys out of the packaging that has 1000 twist ties, unbreakable plastic, and that requires an engineering degree to get in to....

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White. But my mom uses colored lights and they definitely hold a special place in my heart. I hold no ill will toward any peeps who use colored lights, but I prefer white.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? I did for a couple of years - I had a mistletoe ball that hung. I loved it. But Mary Emma whacked it with a ball one day (that kid has great aim) and demolished it. O well.

5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? I don't really have a favorite - we don't have traditions when it comes to food at Christmas. Except my mother-in-law's cheese ball. It isn't the holidays without it. And, even though it's technically not a dish, my dad's Wassail is amazing.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? I have 2. 1) My parents used to hide our "big presents" and make us think we didn't get them. We would open all of our presents and have that moment where we were disappointed that we didn't get that ONE THING that we had wished for all year long. Then dad would send is to his closet to get his slippers or something like that and that gift would be there. And he would laugh and laugh. 2) My dad is a crappie fisherman. He fishes using cane poles. One year, my brother gave my dad some cane poles for Christmas. He was so excited that he went outside to "practice" by "fishing" out of our swimming pool. In his pajamas and slippers. In the winter. We loved it.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't really remember. I do remember being "too cool" to sit in his lap that year and had to pretend because my brother was still a believer. I have a feeling this might be our last year with Mary Emma being a believer. She's getting really skeptical.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? I always want to (I'm not the most patient person in the world) but Spencer doesn't like to let me. He enjoys watching me squirm. :)

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? We have two trees — both are decorated very traditionally. We don't have a color theme or anything like that. The downstairs tree has the traditional ornaments on it - a bunch of wedding gifts (we got married on Dec 20, so we got a LOT of "Just Married" ornaments). We also get an ornament whenever we go on vacation anywhere. Spencer has his ornaments from when he was a kid, and I have mine. The upstairs tree is the girls' tree. It has any ornament that was given to them or that they have made (which are my personal favorite).

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love, love, LOVE the snow. LOVE. Unfortunately, I live in Alabama where there is rarely snow. We did get some snow last night, but the ground was too warm for anything to stick. But it was SO PRETTY!

12. Can you ice skate? I actually can. And by "skate" I mean I can skate around the rink in a nice big circle. I can't spin and stuff. (I KNOW - shocker.) But again, I live in Alabama. Ice rinks are not exactly on every corner.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I don't really have a FAVORITE. Things were favorites according to what was going on in my life at the time. Things that stick out in my mind are 1) a model of the Space Shuttle when I was about 10 ( I wanted to be an astronaut my entire life), 2) my very own TV for my room when I was 13, 3) a diaper bag with Mary Emma's initials on it that Spencer gave me right after we found out that we were having a girl, 4) an ornament that looks exactly like my bridal bouquet, which was given to me by Spencer's grandmother

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Christmas is all about the "Who" and not about the "what." I love teaching my girls about the true meaning of Christmas. Camille's little mother's day out class is having a "Happy Birthday Party for Jesus" this year instead of having a Christmas Party. I CAN'T WAIT. It's gonna be precious.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Anything chocolate. My mom makes fruit cake cookies, which she loves and I think are gross, but the story behind them makes me glad that they're around during the holidays.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? I LOVE a Christmas Eve service. I love dressing my girls and nephews alike and taking pictures of them. I love riding around and looking at Christmas lights. I love making cookies and decorating them for Santa. I love staying up really late with Spencer and setting out all the Santa stuff. But I mostly love watching all the girls climb in Spencer's lap and him reading the Christmas story to them.

17. What tops your tree? An angel.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Both. I love giving gifts, but I'm not gonna lie and say I don't like receiving them, too.

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? I'm Switzerland when it comes to candy canes. Totally neutral.

20. Favorite Christmas Show? Miracle on 34th Street. Preferably the old one, but I like the new one, too.

21. Saddest Christmas Song? Is there a sad Christmas song? Um, Little Drummer Boy. Because it makes me want to beat my head against a wall. The injury sustained from that would make me sad.

22. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Silent Night, O Holy Night (especially the Point of Grace version), Travis Cottrell's "In The First Light," and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (complete with the little interjections between each line "...had a very shiny nose (like a light bulb!)"

I'd love to read yours, too. If you participate in this HIGHLY INTELLECTUAL meme, please let me know in the comments and I'll jump on over to your land of blogginess.

Have a great Saturday!