Blog Love

Hello, again, internet! Please excuse my absence. I've been busy with my sisters......enjoying their company and comforting them in the chaos which presents itself when we have visitors. It's not easy being a guest in the Starnes house.

No, ma'am, it's not.

One of my new favorite reads, While We're Waiting, bestowed upon me this fruitful award and I'm honored! Love, love, love her blog....a venture away from my Mommy Blogging genre. She's a good one, girls. Check her out. Her site caught my attention because of the tag line under her title. Totally agree.

The rules for this one are fun and easy: List 10 things that make you happy.

Here we go!


Cooking - providing a warm meal for my family or friends genuinely puts a smile on my face. I think it's one of my favorite ways to show love.


Southern Louisiana - love this part of the country. There is no place like it. I miss my family who lives there, the food, the culture and the fun. Such a fantastic place to live.


Lima beans - yep, I love them. Buttery, starchy, one-of-a-kind goodness.


Four Seasons - living with 4 seasons is a privilege. I enjoy them all and look forward to the changes each one brings. Not just the fall leaves or the winter snow. I love the spring growth and summer beauty, too.


Travel and Relocation - both include an open mind and the possibility of adventure. I love living in a new part of the country. Raised in Texas, studied in Louisiana, spent 3 years in the mountains and now we're The Midwest. Where will we be next?


Being Catholic - my spirituality is not something I discuss much on the blog. But, my Catholic faith is a big part of my life. Seeing my children do the sign of the cross or receive a sacrament warms my heart.


Red Bull - don't judge. I'm raising 3 kids here and if you know one thing about any of them, you know they're exhausting.


Circle E Candles - one of my favorite gifts to give and receive!


"Uncensored" Blogs - those who tell it like it is. I've been encouraged by a few people to write one like this. Maybe one day. Maybe I'm already doing it. Hmmm...


My husband - another part of my life I've chosen to keep private for the most part. But, I love this man without limits. I'm so happy to spend each day with him, including his 35th birthday today and our 10 year anniversary in the new year. Love you, babe.

And, I pass this on to 10 blogs that make me happy:

Coco - One of my dearest friends, whom I met online. Oh, the irony.

Fitz - New mommy and old school friend.

Froggity - Louisiana girl on the go.

Sassafrass Jane - Fiercely funny and honest.

Brown Eyed Girls - Arizona girl, mommy of 2, busy bee.

Allyson and Dave - Super cute couple. Always happy.

The Luis Family - My new Canadian friend!

Follow The Leaders - Sweet family in Nebraska.

Shannon Albert - Don't call her a Mommy Blogger. Everyone's favorite commenter.

Sweetnicks - Fantastic photography and food. What else is there?

Pass it on, loves.

Recap on our Christmas visit with Ceason and Caroline coming soon. Lots to share!

My Life, According To Caroline

I must agree.

Off to a movie and to see the Plaza lights. Have a great day!

Christmas Eve And Day, Wrapped Up In One Post For Your Consideration

This is the part of blogland that always worries me. Does anyone really want to see our holiday pictures and read about this stuff? We're rarely a boring group, but even the most exciting families can seem mundane this time of year. Don't we all do pretty much the same routine?

Church - check.
Reindeer food - check.
Cookies for Santa - check.

You get where I'm going with this? You won't hurt my feelings if you just pass on this post. Come back tomorrow. Surely one of our kids will have done something idiotic by then.

I can offer you one little nugget of humor, though. Jack drank holy water at mass yesterday.

Yeah.

I turned around to see him drinking from the little bowl (?????), grabbed his little 3 year old self and made a quick scan of the room to see if anyone saw him. A lady walks by, hysterically laughing. I smiled and offered, "Oh, great. So glad someone witnessed that." Her response, "Don't worry, honey. He's holy inside and out now." Awesome.


The children were really well behaved otherwise. We sat in the cry room, as always, and enjoyed the service with other parents of young children. Only once was I totally embarrassed (once in an evening is good, people). Jack was frustrated because he could not "see baby Jeezus" and so he proclaimed that it was "not baby Jeezus urtday. It's Jack's urtday!!!!!"
Not too painful.

I love Christmas Eve mass. Absolutely love it. Few things warm my heart like leaving the service singing Joy to the World.

And, we left to find snow falling and people cheering for our white Christmas.

Headed to our warm home and the kids were allowed one present to open......this year, from Uncle Chris.

Who doesn't want the Ultimate Guide to Snakes and Reptiles?

Reindeer food.

And, a stop to see the snow falling like crazy!

Blake read Twas the Night Before Christmas.....the same copy read every year.....given to us on our first Christmas by Pa.



He started the Cajun version and delighted us with his fantastic creole accent, only to be interrupted by crazy children.

Checked Santa's progress on Norad Santa.

And, quickly ran out to sprinkle the reindeer food on the lawn.

Magic.

Lainey indulged in Santa's milk. And, we rushed to bed. I brought Lainey into the boys' room for our prayers and soon enough, we heard the reindeer land on the roof and jingle bells ringing. Must be Santa. Off to sleep.

Fast forward to Christmas morning......

Presents galore. Lainey didn't hesitate opening her gifts. And, any others in her reach.

Carter got lots of KU gear. He knew part of his gift list already because a certain little brother told him. "Carter getting a jayhawk hat." Punk.

And, he got a signed cd from the Phineas and Ferb guys. (aka Bowling for Soup) My sweet friend, Melissa, from high school married the lead singer and hooked me up!

Trains, trains, trains.

Blake and I stayed true to our $20 gift limit. My ever creative husband made this super cool coat rack for me. I'll show it off more once it's hung and in use. I love it. Love him.

Here's Lainey with my gift......a piece I created to commemorate our 10th Christmas together.

He could sit and watch his train for days. Makes me happy to see.

Snow, lovely snow. I believe we had about 8 inches at this point, but it was much higher in some areas due to the "blizzard" wind.

The plows were out in full force.



After nap time, we bundled the kids up and hit the sledding hill.

We sunk into the snow. It was deep!

Love Jack's face in this one.



Our side of the hill doesn't look snow covered, but it served well for sledding.



Sweet baby.......love her in her chocolate snow suit.

And, she LOVED sledding. "Daddy, go again?".....before the sled even stopped.

Snow angels.



Jack was scared and refused to go......so about 1/2 way up the hill, Blake grabbed him and took off. He giggled and went several more times after.

Double trouble. Look at their happy faces.





Mama's turn.



And, finally a glimpse of the fun. Staying true to my efforts in video making!


Hope you all had a fantastic, fun filled holiday. Caroline and Ceason arrive tomorrow for our 3rd round of visitors. We can't wait!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.