Wordless Wednesday

Life Sized Teddy Bears

After a sad day at work, I was more than ready to come home and chill with my little family. Miles spent some time on the phone with his cousin, Ava.

He also played Sorry with our neighbor, Allie.  We are so thankful that Miles has one friend in our neighborhood. They had to figure out how to play together, but after a couple attempts they finally got it.

I made a quick trip to my friend, Stephanie's house to see some work that she's gotten done around her house. I also got to see the "Big Daddy Heavy Teddies" that she got for her nephews.  Wooza!

There are two of them!

That's all I have for tonight. The teddy bears were just too funny & couldn't wait until tomorrow.

Weekend Wrap Up

Darrin & I went Christmas shopping in Memphis on Friday night and all the presents we bought were for us!  We each had a little money to buy whatever we wanted.  We've never been big present people and surprises aren't necessary, so this was really fun. After several hours of shopping, we hit up Chickfila before driving home. Keepin' it classy.  Big thanks to Darrin's parents for spending the night at our house with Miles.  Side note...I'll never learn where to look in a selfie. Meanwhile, Darrin is spot on.

Saturday we had a church function from 1-5pm and then came home and crashed. This morning, we attended Sunday School for the first time.  It was really nice to meet people and not just walk in and out of church with zero interaction like we have been doing for months. Sunday School is where friendships happen. Miles was super pumped b/c he got to go on stage during kids church and play one of the games. He's been waiting for his turn!  This kid loves to check himself in every Sunday morning.

We had a very important party to attend this afternoon. Bane turned one!!  I love his face in this one...."CAKE!"

 

After the party, we dropped in on one of our favorite people, Ms. Debra!!! She was Miles' teacher at daycare for many years and they have a special bond.

It was her birthday, so we brought her some ice cream. She was so surprised and his heart was happy.

Unfortunately, the weekend was not all good.  I learned yesterday that one of my coworkers died suddenly from an apparent heart attack. Our work family is brokenhearted. He was a friend to all of us. Tomorrow is going to be a hard day at work.  I'm thankful to work with friends that plan to get to work early to start our day off with prayer before we open our doors. That is surely what will get us through the day.

A Lyme Update, I Missed My Calling, & Some Other Random Things

I had an appointment scheduled for next Tuesday with my Lyme doctor, Dr. Bernui.  But guess what?  I didn't need it!!  For the last five years, I've had an appointment, either in person or over the phone, every 1-3 months.  Since he doesn't accept insurance, the visits are 100% out of pocket. I just decided this time that we didn't have enough to discuss to make it worth the money. So, I called and rescheduled for March, which was his next opening.  I actually felt a little bold in my decision to go rogue, b/c we have been so diligent with my treatment plan for so many years. But then, I felt so thankful that I have made this much progress.  I still have symptoms, mainly headaches and muscle pain, but they are much less frequent.  Restored health is a gift that I do not take for granted.

Switching gears...I totally missed my calling. I got an email the other day saying that the sender found my resume on Career Builder and felt like I would be a great candidate for a "Gift Wrapping Manager".  I AGREE!  Where have you been all my life?  Those that know me know how much I love to wrap presents! I'm not quitting my day job any time soon... 

I introduced Miles to one of my childhood favs the other day.  He got a hot chocolate packet at the parade. Instead of warming it up, we added it to cold milk and ate it with a spoon.  It's like chocolate sugar. He approved.

Miles had to do a Christmas project for school. The instructions said to complete it as a family.

We had to decorate a Christmas tree with any kind of craft supplies or stickers.  The decorations had to be in a pattern that Miles will present to his class tomorrow.  Here's hoping he has his daddy's public speaking skills and not mine. 

It's been a long work & school day for the McClure's. Two are already in bed at 8:48pm and now it's my turn.  Speaking of sleep, I totally disagree with this quote. Good night!

The Dental Spa Let Down & Pa's Birthday

So....I had an appointment at the dental spa today. I was so excited all day waiting for my 1pm appointment. As I signed in at the front desk, I noticed a little sign that said "Sorry for the inconvenience, but comfort services are not available today."  It mentioned taking a "rain check" if you wanted to, but it seemed a little silly to cancel considering I was there for a dentist appointment, not a day at the spa.  Plus, I really didn't know what the sign meant anyway. It soon became clear that "comfort services" are code for all things "dental spa".  It gets worse from there. The hygienist was really nice, but she was so rough and slow. Bad combination. Then, she said she was going to perform a periocheck, or something like that, which meant she was going to shove a tool into my gums approximately 9,000 times to see if they bled.  The end result was that I need to floss more. I could have saved us all the trouble and said that from the start.  I haven't decided if I'm going to give the dental spa another try in 6 months.  If I do, a new hygienist is a must or the deal is off. 

Darrin's parents came down tonight to celebrate Pa's belated birthday.  We made Mexican chicken & rice, and Granny brought some apple pie.

We bought Pa some PJs for his birthday.  Slightly random, but they spoke to me on Black Friday.  Darrin also bought him an Under Armor shirt today, probably b/c he thought my gift was weird.

We taught Miles how to play Skipbo.  Strategy aside, he did a good job.

Granny won.  She's always a dark horse when playing cards.

You all know how I was obsessed with the show Married at First Sight?  The new season just started.  I'm off to hang out in my bedroom, with my crazy comfortable Sherpa throw, and watch the first two episodes.  Good night!

Weekend Wrap Up & Taco Soup

Our weekend kicked off with a date night.  My mom is in town, so she agreed to watch Miles while we went out to eat and to a movie.  Movies are not my thing unless it's a chick flick, but they are very much Darrin's thing. So, we went to see Creed for his sake. I have to say it was very good.  The theater on the other hand was sketchy and the popcorn was less than stellar. We will be going to the little local theater by our house from now on. It's closer, cheaper, and their popcorn is awesome.  I did make a fantastic decision to wear leggings and a poncho on our date, so I basically felt like I was wrapped up in a blanket at the movies. 

On Saturday, my mom, Miles, and I went to family day at Painting with a Twist. I had to give them a pep talk on the way there b/c they are both perfectionists.

The girl reminded us before we started that it was "fun" art, not "fine" art.  Miles did a really good job. To my surprise, he didn't get flustered when his painting was perfect.  

I was most surprised by his ability to stay focused for a solid hour and a half. Even I was getting a little antsy towards the end.

It was a fun experience.  I've been wanting to do it forever, so I'm glad to say that I have.  If any local friends want to go back with me, I'm in.

Saturday afternoon, Miles and I met up with Gaige and his mom, Leslie, to watch the Medina Christmas parade.  

It was your typical small town parade with lots of firetrucks and police cars.  We were at the very end of the parade and everyone was out of candy by the time they go to us.  Miles had more fun running up and down the grassy hill by where we were standing than he had actually watching the parade.  

To finish off our very busy Saturday, my mom and I went to the Christmas musical at our church.  The music was amazing and the whole production was very well done.  It was really more like a concert or show that you would pay money to see.

Darrin managed to get out of all the Saturday activities.  He watched an obscene amount of college football.  During volleyball season, he doesn't get to watch much, so I guess he was making up for lost time.

We drove two cars to church this morning so Miles & Marmee could go Christmas shopping afterwards while Darrin and I did a little grocery shopping.  My mom was attempting to start a tradition with Miles where he picked out some presents for us.  She gave him a little money to get started and then he saved a few dollars too.  She said he seemed a little more interested in shopping for himself.  Not surprising for a 6 year old.  Hopefully he will have a deeper understanding of the concept each year.

Miles is currently working on some Legos, while Dad (see behind Miles) & Marmee nap, and I get a few things done around the house. It's pretty much the perfect afternoon.

Now, the laundry is done, lunches are made, clothes are laid out, bills are paid, and dinner is in the crock pot.  Speaking of dinner, I have a new Taco Soup recipe to share.  I found it on the Hungry Runner Girl blog.  It's so easy & tasty.

Taco Soup

1 lb hamburger meat, browned

1 large onion, chopped (or frozen chopped onions if you're lazy like me)

28 oz. diced tomatoes

15 oz. tomato sauce

1 can of corn, undrained

1 can of kidney beans, drained & rinsed

1 Hidden Valley Ranch packet

1 packet of Taco seasoning (2 Tbsp if you make your own)

Combine ingredients in a crock pot. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 4-6 hours.  Serve with Fritos and sour cream.  

Super easy, especially if you cook your hamburger meat in the microwave like I do.  If you don't brown hamburger meat or sausage in the microwave, do yourself a huge favor and order a Pampered Chef Micro Cooker and a Mix & Chop now.  All you do is put the meat in the cooker, chop it a little with the Mix & Chop, and cook for 4-6 minutes.  Leaner meat will cook faster.  I always stop half way through, drain the grease, and chop the meat b/c it's easier than waiting until it thoroughly cooked.  It's the best way to cook meat for chili, spaghetti, lasagna, etc, and sausage for casseroles.  Please let me know if you try this!  It's life changing :)  Have a great week!!

My Work Christmas Party & Some Gift Ideas

Tonight was my office Christmas party.  I've only been working in this office for four months, but I have enjoyed the people so much. Darrin has only met a few of my co-workers, so I was glad to have the opportunity to introduce him to some others.  Two of the volleyball players, McKenna & Abby, volunteered to babysit Miles for a couple hours.

They decided to take him to the basketball game on campus. Unfortunately, he told them that it was the "worst night ever". We later figured out that the night didn't meet his expectations b/c he thought he would be able to run wild at the basketball game and instead he had to sit with them. Must work on his tact.

Meanwhile, we had a very good time at my Christmas party. It was a casual night just eating dinner and playing a few games. Turns out Darrin & I know zero Christmas songs. If there was a prize for the lowest score it totally would have been ours.  I sat by my new work friend & fellow coach's wife, Ginger. 

There was also a gift exchange at the party. I originally put my name in and then withdrew b/c I decided I didn't have time to obsess about the perfect gift, which is what I would have done. I thought I would share a few of the ideas that I tossed around in case any of you are struggling with Christmas gifts. 

A little desk organizer. I have one at work, one on my desk at home, and one in our sun room for Miles' crayons & markers. I think I've blogged about them on here before. I just love them. I'm thinking about giving one to Miles' teacher for Christmas stocked with fun school supplies. You can find them at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and places like that.

An over sized Sherpa throw. I read about this one on a blog and ordered it immediately. I love over sized throws.  This one is really warm, so if wouldn't be good for a hot natured person. On the other hand, it's ideal for people like me that use a space heater under their desk year round.

I bought this little Forever sign at a gift shop in Martin.  I loved it as soon as I saw it. I also love the little picture frame on the left with the gold roses around it. I've seen them at two different TJ Maxx stores recently. It was $3.99!  The other frame came from Target.  I like this little arrangement on my nightstand.

I also thought about taking a game. Here are three fun ones.  We bought Boxers & Briefs years ago. It is so much fun. Darrin says we wore it out, but I still like it.  Darrin's sister introduced us to Wits & Wagers last year.  It's entertaining for all different personality types & you can play individual or with teams/partners. Loaded Questions is a new game. We played it at Thanksgiving. Witty people excel at this one. My pawn never moved off start, but I still enjoyed everyone else's answers. 

This obviously would not be good for a gift exchange, but these slippers are my favorite. I have a tan pair and a black pair. My mom gave them to me last year. I like to wear them with socks. Weird, but comfortable.

 

Hope this helps with an upcoming gift exchange or that hard to buy for family member!