I got tagged! Here are 7 things that people may not know about me.

1. I made All State softball my senior year, but sat the bench in college.
2. I can recite every line of "The Sound of Music"
3. I hate going to the grocery store. I'd rather go to ANY other store.
4. I used to own leather pants...don't ask. They were popular a few years back.
5. I think that I've met an angel. For real...ask me and I'll tell you the story.
6. I start listening to Christmas music November 1st (maybe a little earlier this year)!
7. I detest camping.

This was harder than I thought. Now I tag Julie L.!

Flash Forward

So, my son's life is flashing before my eyes. He is 2 1/2 you know...about time he goes to Kindergarten, right? I see a glimpse into the future from time to time when Bill has to drive the bus on the after-school route. When he does, his last stop is at our home to pick up Luke. Then Luke gets to ride the bus across the street to the bus barn. This is the hi-lite of Luke's day, to say the least. Here are some pictures of my little school boy...sniff sniff.

OK, wow! I'm impressed that all TWO of you are waiting on baited-breath for my genius idea! I hope it's all you've been waiting for and more.
Each year, I try to be more and more organized with my Christmas shopping, and this year is no exception. Usually, I work from a list (like with most things) and then when a purchase has been made, I throw the sack in a corner in the basement and cross the name off my list. Trust me...this just causes a lot of confusion when it comes to wrapping time! Whose stuff is in which sack? Where's the receipt? Shoot! I forgot Grandma! Yada yada.
So this year, I ran to the grocery store and purchased (for 5 cents a piece) about 20 brown paper bags. Next, on each bag, I wrote the name of the person that I needed to buy for (see picture). Now, as I buy the gift, I place it in the bag, along with the receipt. Since I'm a visual person, I can see the names of the people that I need to buy for and when it comes to wrapping time, everything is right there in the bag. I'm loving it.
Now...are you truly impressed? Was it worth the wait? Oh, and by the way, this is not an endorsement for Super Saver, I'm a HyVee gal!

I Bet You Can't Wait

I am a genius...words cannot even express how impressed with myself that I am. And, of course, I am the most humble person I know. HA! No, really...I had a "brilliant" moment today. These moments do not come very often, so I have to really brag about it when they do. But, I will have to share it with you tomorrow because I haven't taken pictures of "it" yet and it's past my bed time. OK, so in all actuality, maybe I'm just really impressed with the idea and you all will think, "That is the most stupid thing ever!"
I will stop going on and on...until tomorrow....toodleloo.

What prayer can do

Bill and I have been working very hard at teaching Luke to pray. We've been teaching him a mix of prayers from the heart and recited prayers, but it's funny how sometimes our "free flowing" prayers tend to say the same things, making them more like recited prayers. Did you follow that? Gosh, I'm getting pretty intellectual for a blog!
For instance, I must say "Bless this food to our bodies" a little too much. Every time I don't say it, Luke reminds me, "Momma! Bless our bodies! You forgot that piece!" I think I need more variety to my prayers! Anyways, last night when we sat down to eat, Bill began to pray for the meal.

Luke interrupts, "I want to say the prayer!" Bill and I gave each other a quick glance. Great!

"OK, Luke. You can lead the prayer."
He squeezes his eyes shut and begins, "And now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Guide me through this starry night and wake me up when the sun shines bright. And BLESS OUR BODIES! AMEN!"

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

OK, I have a confession...I really want to play Christmas music. I mean...I REALLY want to play Christmas music. Most of you will probably think that it's crazy that I start my Holiday season November 1st anyway...but with the chance of snow in our future, and being super close to November 1st, I may just have to bust out the Christmas CD collection today.
To tell you the truth, I've already begun Christmas shopping. With being 7 months pregnant, I am just fearful of either being too tired by the time the shopping season comes around, or going into early labor. I feel a "push" to get it done (pun was completely intended). I LOVE Christmas shopping, don't you? I love walking through the meticulously decorated malls, with all of the sights and sounds of Christmas. I love the hustle and bustle. I understand that such hustle and bustle is not what the season is about. Believe you me, every year the true meaning of Christmas becomes more and more dear to my heart, but I absolutely love all of the other activity that comes with it. It is absolutely exhilarating to me. Maybe because at heart, I am a shopper. I love shopping for others. It's a challenge for me to find that one gift that will make the recipient "ooo" and "ahh". I love it.
Is anyone else as crazy as I am?
p.s. Shelby is supposed to get 3 inches of snow by tomorrow evening...not looking forward to that...yet.
p.s.s. Any ideas on what to get those fabulous grandparents that have absolutely everything? Please respond a.s.a.p. I have shopping to do!!!

God Made You Special

We took Luke to Veggie Tales Live on Sunday. He was mesmerized, to say the least. Of course, like all of those kids' shows, Mom and Dad got tired, but Luke followed every motion, every word. I thought that the plot may be a little over his head, but as we were walking to the car, Luke recited everything that happened during that hour and a half. Amazing. We were fans of good old Larry and Bob before, but now you can call us "Super Fans"!