Up In Curls...

My poor daughter was given such a non-girly mom. I have NO idea how to do all the cutesy things I am supposed to teach her to do. My real weakness is her hair.

This week Avery performed with her dance group at the Festival of Trees. She had two numbers even. We were supposed to make sure she had tight ringlets all over her head and that she had blue eye shadow, pink cheeks, pink lipgloss and even mascara. Can you imagine putting mascara on a two year old?

Anyway, I went to our local Sally's Beauty Supply and pleaded with the sales person to help me out. These curl creaters were what we decided on. What happens is that you put the hook through the curler, take the section of hair through the hook and pull it straight through the curler. Then the curler springs back to the ringlet shape and Viola!... instant curl. Just let it dry and you are in perfect ringlet heaven.

Well, it didn't really go quite that well until the third go. There is patience, planning, a little coordination and lots of gel involved, but all-in-all, I think she looked great!!

Philisophical Ramblings on Gratitude

I have had a tough week, and I can't even say why. I felt sorry for myself for really no reason. I have placed blame for my discontent on everyone but myself. I have really been difficult to endure. I have not been grateful for anything, and I have taken it out on anyone who would hear me. If I have offended you this week, I publicly apologize. I realize now how impossible I have been.

It is amazing the transformation to my soul when I decided to focus on things in my life I am certain makes it better. My mom quotes my grandfather a lot. He said, "Things are just how you think they are." My heart knows that is true, but this week, I guess I just wanted to be below all that.


You know, there is a hymn that says:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

It all comes down to how I see things. My life has always been and continues to be filled with extraordinary gifts. I am surrounded by joys I take for granted. I am completely content when I truly count my blessings. I don't think I have to will myself into being happy for what I have, I just need to keep perspective. Even if I was granted every thing I ever thought to wish for, I know I could find reasons to be unhappy.

The things that really matter aren't THINGS.

I have so much. I don't THINK I do... I KNOW I do. I know it is a blessing to have so much to be thankful for...it only took me a week or so to remember that.

Happy Thanksgiving Season to you all!!!

Grandma Denning Turns 90!!

Kendal loves Grandma Denning. He never runs low in hugs for her.


These are Grandmas eight living children. Cameron's mother is Lynne (third from the right in the back row, curly hair)


Grandma has quite a posterity, too. These are her great grandchildren, and these are only a few. There are more. Lots more and even more on the way!! (No, I am NOT pregnant.)


Grandma Denning has always been someone I could easily love. I don't remember the first thing she said to me when I started dating Cameron, but I have no problem remembering I felt loved and accepted from her and Grandpa Ed. They always had time to talk and help. It seems whenever something happens in our family, Grandma is there. All her sons and daughters have taken care of her since Grandpa passed away, and it seems wherever she goes, there are so many who know and love her.

Grandma can tell you every street she ever lived on and who her neighbors were at each address. She can sing all the cute little songs she used to sing to her children. At her birthday party, she sang them for us!! She has always been a fun and happy part of any family occasion. I am grateful for the generation she came from and all the things we can learn from her.

Happy Birthday, Grandma!! Lucky, Lucky, White Horse...1,2,3!!!

Boo, Boo, Ditty, Ditty, Wadum, Choo...

Happy Halloween!! These are my little goblins this year!!

As you read the captions under the pictures, I find it really entertaining to use a cheesy announcer MC voice. (Think the mirror in Shrek). And HEEERRE THEY ARE...



We first have Kendal sporting a horror classic...Dracula. A red and black silk caped number with all the trimmings. Spooky accents from head to toe, he is sure to be the bite of the Halloween Ball!! Just watch your necks...he looks thirsty.



Next we have our dreamy Sleeping Beauty! Every prince will fall in line for our Avery in this princess pink gown. Adorned with glitter and fiber optic lighting throughout the tuel skirting, she will be the Brier Rose of the Forest this Halloween. Here's to hoping all her dreams come true.



And who could resist this little Trick or Treat? Drew is all ears in this elephant ensemble. This soft lined costume comes complete with wrinkles and extra trunk space. This costume is an absolute tusk this Halloween season.

We had so much fun Trick or Treating and going to the street party!! We have so much candy we will never get through it. Does anyone have a good policy for how much kids should eat per day or whatever to get through it? My kids would eat it all day every day until it was gone. If anyone has advice for this anti-candy parent, let my know!!

Carve Me Somethin' Good!

"Oh, a carving we will go, a carving we will go"...I always love the stringy mess of pumpkin innerds when jack o' lantern season comes around. My kids gag when they have to take out the seeds (always a good time).

This year Grandma and Grandpa Bryan picked up the kids to go pick their own pumpkins. Kendal and Avery were so excited and they came back so proud of the choice of pumpkin they had made. Avery chose one that was big and round and perfectly orange all the way around. The stem was a perfectly curled pumpkin stem; a fine choice indeed. Kendal put a little thought into his. He looked for one with one flat side large enough to put the stencil on. He found quite the pumpkin for that. I just love how his mind thinks. Always a method to his madness, just like his dad.

As you can see, we had wonderfully lit carved pumpkins this year. I really like that the kids are a little older and can enjoy actually participating. Halloween will be so fun. I have great costumes for all. Stay tuned....