Black Friday Success

Todd jokingly said, "Well, our Black Friday was a success, don't ya think?"According to our standards, yes, it was. Camden slept in until 7:15 am, then crawled in our bed and we all snoozed until 9 am. The day was considered a success for Todd just based on that alone! We put up all three Christmas trees and that was my Black Friday goal-so success for me! And Camden was just happy it was an "at home" day and he got to help put up (play with) all the decorations. So, I am certain the day was a success for him. No shopping was involved for the Medleys-in fact, this girl stayed in her sweats and glasses all day and secretly LOVED it!

Thanksgiving 2014

Mom hosted Thanksgiving this year for both families. As usual, the food was yummy and the company was fun. I love how relaxed our day was and how we just focused on family. We were able to take food to Papa Richard and Grandma MaryAnn who were feeling a little under the weather. Then, we changed to comfy clothes and headed back up to Mom's to eat with Dad's brothers and sisters.  I am so thankful for a relaxing day with the people I love most. 

My Greatest Thanks...

This Thanksgiving, my heart is filled with thanks for Camden's birthmom, Brittani, who gave me the opportunity to be a mommy. Her selfless act was a gift I can never repay and that truly humbles me. Here is my Facebook post from today:

"I will be forever thankful to our birth mom for the opportunity to be this little sweetie's momma. Where did the time go?"

Who doesn't play hockey in the kitchen?

It was just a fun game of hockey in our 10x10 kitchen...until the puck goes under the dryer...Never a dull moment I tell ya! (Please excuse the mess-our house is very lived in.)

Camden's First Movie

Daddy went hunting on Saturday, Lincoln came over to keep Camden busy. It was freezing cold outside and playing outside was definitely not an option. Aunt Bef suggested a movie. We took the boys to see Despicable Me 2 at the cheap show. This was a great idea! No lines, less crowded and much cheaper. Lincoln is a pro at the movies, but since this was Camden's first one-he was quite talkative and restless. Getting popcorn half-way through helped keep him quiet. It was a cute movie and the boys had a great time as usual.

Technology

At times, technology is my greatest annoyance and I wish we were back in simpler times. But on days like today, I am glad for the smile technology was able to bring to my face. I got this picture in a text from Todd and it said, "Guess what I just found in my back pocket?" I laughed out loud and it made my day!

Better than a Card

So, when you forget a card for your wife's birthday-you get to make a list. Yep, that's right-a list of 36 reasons why you love me. And to be honest, I love the list he made way more than a card that someone else wrote. I will always remember this birthday-not because he forgot to get me a card, but because he made me this list:

36 Reason Why I Love You

1. You are a Christian woman. 
2. You are a great mom.
3. You are an awesome wife. 
4. You are well-spoken and educated. 
5. You are pretty. 
6. You are a giver. 
7. You are good at your job. 
8. You work hard to keep our house orderly. 
9. You like to be at home with our family. 
10. You don't let me make rash decisions.
11. You are a good cook.
12. You loved my Mom and Dad,
13. You have supported my in my career.
14. You follow me to places you don't necessarily care about and then act interested. 
15. You take care of me when I'm sick.
16. You are hot when you wear a dress or skirt. 
17. Your butt looks good in jeans. 
18. You look just as good in jeans as you do in a dress. 
19. You make sure we pay our bills and have enough money.
20. You have morals and manners.
21. You love God.
22. You are happy reading a book. 
23. You play with Camden, even things you don't know.
24. You are a bargain shopper. 
25. You give other people great advice. 
26. You are nice and accommodating to the rest of my family. 
27. You can be silly and don't care what people think.
28. You are a good listener. 
29. You have a good sense of humor. 
30. You are not selfish, unless it's with food-but that is funny.
31. You are artistic and crafty. 
32. You are humble. 
33. You kiss good. 
34. You protect me and Camden-you are a good ma-ma bear.
35. You don't think you are as pretty as I say-you are modest.
36. You tell me you love me and I believe it as much as the first time you said it.

His last reason made me think back to when we were dating and so I got out the scrapbook from that year and found this picture. Look at these young things! :) 

I also got a handmade card from my boys and I love Camden's picture of my long hair. I look like a Rapunzel. :)

The Sickies

This has been the scene in our house lately. Sick little boy, sick big boy and momma tried to keep the germs at bay! Bring on the Clorox!

Twitter

My dear husband gave me the most grief for quite some time about Facebook. He hated how people posted every single thing they had done or were currently doing. And while I agree with him about that, I enjoy seeing everyone's picture and keeping updated on their lives. Well, he can't give me too much trouble anymore because he is midwestvolsfan on Twitter these days. He claims it is so much different than Facebook, but I think social media is just that no matter what the name. But we will just let him think that Twitter is better. :) 

Simple Birthday

Sometimes, the simplest things make me the happiest:

cinnamon rolls for my birthday breakfast and my boys singing Happy Birthday to wake me up

 a 70 degree day in November

a sweet message from a student

I had a very enjoyable, yet simple 36th birthday yesterday! 

Wedding Fun

Beth Ann was my date for Amanda and Ryne's ranch wedding last night. It's hard to believe we have been friends for over half our lives. We always have fun when we are together and last night was no exception. As she put it, friends til the end. I love her! 

My church

A certain little boy was thrilled to have Papa and Gramma come to "his church" this morning.  

Comfort Zone

I am learning slowly to play like the boys. Camden prefers his dad and often, I hear: "Mommy, you can't play because you are fragile." HA! (Well, I do squeal when they try to wrestle with me.) But I am trying to step outside my comfort zone because I know these moments will be gone before I know it.

The Rainbow Jacket

Camden has two toddler Bibles that we sometimes read at night before bed. Tonight, he asked for the Rainbow Jacket story. It took us a minute, but we realized he was asking for Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors. "Rainbow jacket"-I love it! What a smart kiddo!

Sick Day

Star Student

This little cutie patootie was Star Student last week. Here's what he shared with the class:

I like:

playing football and wrestling with Daddy

Star Wars Legos

going for walks with Mommy

Playing with my friends Lincoln and Xavier

Hobbies:

going to Daddy's games

playing outside

riding my bike

spending the night with Aunt Mickie and Uncle Adrian

About me:

I am 4 1/2 years old. 

I have light brown hair with brown eyes.

My family:

Daddy is Todd

Mommy is Andrea

Nick, Emmy, Aunt Bef, Papa and Gramma

I spy

Just Little Man and Mommy playing a game of I Spy while waiting to get our flu shots.