CHRISTMAS DECORATING

I spent my entire weekend putting up Christmas decorations around the house and man was it hard work. Of course, I'm no where near finished, but it's a start.

I changed the exterior colors this year. I decided to do copper, ivory and a dark blue/green (to match our shutters).

Then there is my 'purple' tree. This tree has evolved over the past 7 or 8 years and I love it!!! Peacock feathers started out as my inspiration and I just went from there.

I've always done a themed tree for Jeff & I (purple being mine) and this year, I do believe his fishing tree is my favorite.

This year Anna Kate begged for a little tree in her playroom. Well we all know I couldn't say no. I just grabbed my collection of hand blown glass ornaments from the attic that my mom started for me when I got married and started decorating. It's so very simple, but I think it's so very cute ;c)

Are you wondering where that pink, prissy tree is? I saved the best for last!!!

Just in case you can't tell, Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. Now it's time to start wrapping gifts and putting them under the tree.

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Seussical

Anna Kate was introduced to the performing arts tonight. We went to see Seussical at the River Center for Performing Arts in Columbus. We had talked about it a few times with Anna Kate since we bought the tickets, but I wanted to leave some element of surprise for her, so I didn't go into detail about it. I don't know who was most excited...she or I?!!! (Remember, my childhood / teenage dream....Broadway?) We had awesome seats in the orchestra, where Anna Kate could see the stage perfectly. Although, when the lights went down, she climbed into my lap. It was a WONDERFUL musical!!! We all three enjoyed it immensely and said we would have to do it more often. In fact, Anna Kate wanted to stay for another 'show' and cried when we told her it was time to go. Poor baby, she just wanted to see her favorite character, Cat In the Hat, ride across the stage on his tricycle again. I have to admit, he was funny!

Here are a few pics from the night. Nothing spectacular, but a little look into our experience :c)

Anna Kate & I outside of the theatre. It was FREEZING!

An impatient little girl ;c)

Jeff really was excited, I promise. lol.

The theatre was beautiful. The entire area was impressive.

The view from our seats.

During the performance. These young actors had amazing voices!

The closing act. Again, a fabulous performance!

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The Name Game

I saw this on Kim's blog and thought I would tag whomever wants to do it. It's pretty comical.


The Name Game:

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME:(first pet & current car) Sugar Expedition

2. YOUR ROCK STAR TOUR'S NAME: ("The" + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”) The Photography Snow Tour

3. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Chocolate Chocolate Chip

4. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) K-Lee

5. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME:(fave color, fave pet) Purple Bell

6. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Renee' Covington

7. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Leeka

8. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The" + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The Pink Mountain Dew

9. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers or grandmothers) Ernest Juanita

10. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy) Happy M&M's

11. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Yvonne Levi

12. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) McLaughlin Montgomery

13. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Winter Hydrangea

14. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) : Pineapple Shirtie

15. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Biscuit Crepe Myrtle

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Auburn, Cousins, Sickness and 'Real Skin'...

*I have a lot to cram into this one post, so bear with me as I jump from one topic to another. *

Last weekend we were in Auburn (it’s so much fun, but man am I ready for football season to be over with) where Anna Kate enjoyed playing with her cousins Trey and Adam. They do play hard, but they play very nice ;c) They were excited to see each other and the boys did a great job wearing Anna Kate out - she slept great Saturday night.

Anna Kate and her crazy cousins :c)

On Friday night we had a little ‘ho-down’ in the RV park. It was supposed to be outside, but it was pouring down rain and cold, so it was quickly moved to the ‘shop’ (you’ll see what I mean in some of the pictures to follow.) Everyone brought a dish and we chowed down while the kids played and the live blue grass band provided background music (dad, you would have LOVED it!). It was so much fun!

Anna Kate is not thrilled having to share her daddy, but look at her sweet friend holding her little hand...awwww.

Anna Kate and her best AU bud. Jeff was making them giggle

It was a really great weekend and our Auburn Tigers rallied together and pulled out a win.

Anna Kate and another AU bud playing on the HUGE bouncy slide



Anna Kate has been sick this week. She went to school on Monday but I could tell she didn’t feel well. Poor baby. Tuesday was a holiday for both Anna Kate and I. We had a few projects to work on that morning and I had a photo shoot that afternoon. I drug her along with me and she just really was miserable. So yesterday was a day spent at the Dr’s office. She has an upper respiratory infection and moderate to severe eczema (not connected). She has some cough medicine and a new ointment for the eczema. She did go to school today, but she was puny :c( Her whole class is sick. There were more kids out sick than were at school. It’s getting to be that time of year. And………..of course, if AK is sick, so am I. I get everything she gets. My throat is scratchy and I have that clammy-feeling. Greaaaaat.

This weekend is another Auburn weekend – we play Georgia. It’s a BIG game and the fans typically pull out all the stops on. Tomorrow night is another ‘social’ on the plains (RV park). There will be several different live bands, lots of food and I hope LOTS of hot chocolate, ‘cause it’s going to be cold! Let’s just hope it doesn’t rain. Then the big game is Saturday morning (I HATE 11:30 kick-offs). I don’t expect to win, but I will most definitely do my part from row five!!!

Anna Kate has really been asking for a sibling. I suspect it’s because most of her friends have new baby brothers or sisters. She keeps asking for a baby with ‘real skin’ that she can help take care of. It just breaks my heart when I tell her mommy can’t have another baby. She just doesn’t understand :c( Jeff and I both try to play the ‘you-would-have-to-share-all-your-toys’ card, but she’s not buying it *sigh*. So if any of you out there have advice on how to best handle this, I would be your BFF!

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Theater Bound

I am so excited!!! We are taking Anna Kate to her first theater production on November 21st. I love plays and musicals. In fact, I dreamed of being on Broadway one day (obviously that didn't happen...). It's going to be so much fun and I know she will thoroughly enjoy it. She adores music and dance, so I'm hoping she will sit through the whole show.

Just wanted to share :c)

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