Thanksgiving at the Conns

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!  Here are some pics of our afternoon together.  Good food, good talk, good times. :D 







Alex and Aunt Reba had fun playing a couple games of Uno while Sam and Grandma cleaned up the kitchen together.  Here is a picture of Dad's new TV.  

Sushi yet again :p

I'm actually getting better at rolling these yummy little treats...but as I made them yesterday, Alex watched me and asked if she could try some.  I cut a roll in half and pretty soon, Sam was asking for a piece too.  Both of them shockingly said, "Mom, those are great!"  

They ended up eating half a roll before I told the little vultures to back off of my plate. :p  LOL 

Now I make two rolls at a time and we split them three ways. 

I was watching Oprah the other day and she had Dr Oz on, who usually talks about ways to extend your life, be healthier, live better and they were talking about how it's not just the drinking of wine that benefits your health, it's the activity of sharing your time with friends and family as you share in the wine.  It's the relationships around the healthy food choice, that are so very good for you.  After my experience with our girls and sushi....I know this to be true.  

It doesn't matter what you are eating today, share in the moment with friends or loved ones!  It will lift your spirits.   :)  Much love!

Pre-Teen Reading Ideas

Last week I had a moment to speak with each of Sammie's teachers during the parent/teacher conference time at her school.  Boy, Jr High is so different from elementary.  Instead of going to one room and meeting one teacher, I went to the gymnasium and met many!  It was fun, enlightening and made me as a mom wonder how I can better help my daughter excel.

 Her English teacher said that she could have gone from honors to high honors by simply earning 4 more points in reading.  That means one book more a marking period. 

We went to the school library and I realized right away what Sammie's problem was, she doesn't enjoy the subjects that most of the other children do right now.  

I presented this knowledge to Adam and asked what he thought I could do to encourage her and this was his suggestion, "Let her read the classics."  

She currently has 3 new classics on her dresser: 1) A Christmas Carol, The Chimes & The Cricket On The Hearth by: Charles Dickens

                                                                                      2) The Prince and the Pauper by: Mark Twain

                                                                                      3) Treasure Island  by Robert Louis Stevenson

She and I are very excited about starting them together.   :)

Try Something New!

Sushi! :D

This past summer, I went to a Women of Faith Conference with others from our church.  On this get-a-way, Emily & Noreen introduced me to sushi.  

I can honestly say, I've been in love with the stuff since. :p

For the last three days I have had sushi for lunch here at our house.  Everyday I think, "Today I'll have something different." Only to find myself rinsing the rice in prep for another sushi roll. 

The next time you are out with your friends or family and they encourage you to try something new, go for it!  You never know when you will discover something great!

Have a blessed day ya'll.  Much love. :) 

A Weekend On Our Own

This weekend was positively the best on record! :)  Mom and Dad Conn took our girls for a sleep over Saturday through Sunday afternoon.

These rare glimpses of memories relived, future dreams talked about and endless uninterrupted moments are the best gift a parent can give to their grown children. 

To know how much fun are girls are having...they aren't missing us at all...we may freely enjoy our time together.  Thank you Mom and Dad Conn for our special weekend time.  It was greatly appreciated!  (Our girls had such fun!) 

Chocolate Chip/ Walnut Cookies for my honey

When Adam and I were having lunch together the other day, he told me, "If we are talking cookies, there are none better than your chocolate chip/ walnut ones."

I replied, "Really?  You like those the best?"

"Yup!" he smiled at me. 

So, tonight I made my man a batch of his favorites.  :D  Can't wait to surprise him when he gets home. 

(Our girls had a couple when they came in from play. I got two thumbs up!)

Callie, too cute for words.

When I walked into my bedroom tonight, this is what I saw. :D  Callie is my baby.  My really big, spoiled child.  :p  LOL  I'm sorry, but she's so cute, I had to take a couple pics and share. Yes, that's her belly in the air. 

Conservative Thoughts

We knew the seriousness of this election, for our country & children, with so many justices being replaced and our economy in such a condition.  We were praying and so hoping for McCain/Palin.

We watched (Adam listened in the other company truck) to Obama becoming President Elect and we did what we told each other was what all Americans should do: Get behind Obama.  We agreed that no matter who won, they were now our leader and would receive our backing, our prayers and our support.  

I would just like to encourage anyone, who really wanted a different outcome (as we did) that those feelings of disappointment were ok last night, but today is a new day.  A New Hope.  Our prayers are with the soon-to-be new leaders of our country.  May you lead our one nation UNDER GOD that we all may be blessed.  

America truly is the greatest country on earth!  Be Blessed ya'll! :)

The Morning After Halloween

Is there anything better than Saturday morning cartoons and all that candy???  :D

Getting ready at home

Here are some pics of our girls right after I glittered their eyes and added sparkle stones up each side.  (This is my very favorite part of motherhood...the "dress up your little barbie dolls" part! :p  LOL)  Our girls loved their costumes and make up so much.  Alex flitted about and sang, "I'm Tinker Bell, I'm Tinker Bell"...everywhere...until I made her sit down to calm down.  It was a great night.

We ended up going around three neighborhoods after the mall...we trick or treated for 2 and 1/2 hours...we were exhausted. 

We came home and showered, went through the candy to make sure all was safe to eat.  Daddy came home and we all watched Young Frankenstein and snacked on the treats.  (All but me.  I didn't eat, but rather dozed off and woke up to enjoy moments of the movie...dozed off, woke up laughed...dozed off until Adam woke me to go to bed.)  It was a great night.  Good memories, great family moments.  

Halloween Night

Halloween Night came and we arrived early.  So, I treated the girls to a biggie fry and some rootbeer.  :D  

Grandma and Grandpa joined us at the mall, where we got to get lots of candy...and visit as we walked. :D 

At Sears we met up with Kristin from church. :)  It was  a lot of fun and I wanted to give a great big hug to Grandma and Grandpa who always meet us there.  I really enjoyed the company. 

Alex's Halloween Party at school

I got a call from Alex a half and hour early, Mom, it's starting early!  I grabbed all her stuff and headed to school.

The class was in full swing for their candy party.  I dressed her just as quick as we could and she was back as Tinker Bell!  :D  She had the best time and it was such fun to see all her friends and all their costumes.  Then came the parade.  Fun, fun.