Uploading Pics!

Why does blogger take so long to upload pictures!! Ahhhh... driving me crazy. It'll have to be facebook and/or email.

I am back!!

Well.... I had to take a little hiatus from blogging, facebook, etc. The month of December proved to be quite a busy time! What have I been doing.. well I made about 10 dresses, a few jon jons, 20 t-shirts, monogrammed 20 duffle bags, about 30 towels, 10+ cosmetic bags... and the list goes on and on. All the while teaching 21 kids each day, hosting and attending Christmas parties, o.k.. you get the picture! However, on the 19th... the craziness ended and for the past 8 days I have enjoyed quality time with our families and little girl! We had a fantastic Christmas! We visited Mom last weekend and relaxed with Nana and Papa while celebrating Christmas with my family. Papa Randy prepared yummy food as usual while we opened gifts and watched the kids while being kids ourselves at times. On Sunday we went to church with Daddy and then spent the evening with the McClains.. Well not so much McClain any more as they all start their own families. Growing up we spent every Christmas Eve with them and since Jan passed away we have tried to continue the tradition by getting all of the kids together. Such a nice time! Always bringing me back to my childhood. You know those people in your life you may hardly see but when you get together it's like you were never apart! Well that is Janill, Brandi, Lindsay, and Brad for me.

Monday we headed home and had Christine and Trey over for a nice dinner. One of our new traditions. Then on Wednesday Landon's family arrived and stayed Christmas Eve. We had such a great time eating a nice dinner and seeing the happiness on Mema's face. It was her first Christmas without Granddaddy yet she commented on it being one the best one's she's ever had. That truly made me feel good and reminded me once again what a special little girl Laura Beth is! She is loved by so many amazing people. We are blessed!!! Landon's entire family was here to see Laura Beth wake up to her presents from Santa. Later that afternoon we headed to Wendy and Jason's for Christmas with Landon's extended family.

And for the past 2 days I have enjoyed numerous tea parties, coloring, playing with baby dolls, flashcards, etc. with Laura Beth. She says.. "mommy, sit down.. want to have a tea party.. want some coffee?" So much fun!!

So Merry Christmas to all!!! I hope your holiday was a special as mine!

Out Of The Mouth of Babes...

I feel like I never blog anymore. Just so little time now that I am working fulltime again. Not to mention.. I am filling lots of Thanksgiving/Christmas orders. We are doing some rearranging trying to move my sewing room downstairs to the basement and create Laura Beth a playroom. It's time to utilize that space! So busy... busy ... drowning in unorganization and fabric!

Tonight I decided to blog about all that Laura Beth is saying these days for those of you who don't get to see her often. Oh, what a joy she is! She is so full of personality and wonder these days. Motherhood just continues to get more and more rewarding. She's talking in sentences now. We actually carry on conversations. My current personal favorites are .. 1. She'll say "doctor not gonna hurt you" or "fur, fur not gonna hurt you" when she's not quite sure of someone. She is so social and has never met a stranger but recently freezes up for a moment when a young man is around.. especially my brother Christopher. 2. After I read her books at night and just before I am about to lay her down I will rock her for a minute. She always says "I go to yaya's house....no not today" because she adores Laura and Lloyd and when she asks to go I say no not today. 3. "Cismas lights Mommy!!!" every time we drive up to the house at night as our neighbors already have their lights up. 4. "cuz.. I tired" anytime I say "why Laura Beth."
5. She is always wanting to call someone on the phone and no matter who it is she will say "hi... ---" (their spouse). For ex. if she calls Nana she'll say "Hi Papa," and when we call Mimi, she says "hi Poppi." More recently she will tell Mimi.. "hold on Mimi, hush...hi Poppi."

So cute!! Maybe cuter to me as her Mom and maybe you have to hear her sweet voice to get the full effect. But, there's a glimpse into our world. Goodnight!

Happy Anniversary to Us!!

Landon and I celebrated our 5th anniversary this weekend. We met about 10 years ago and have been married for 5 now! I just have to say how truly blessed I am that God put such a wonderful man in my life. Landon is more than I could have ever hoped for. He's a great husband and father. He had reservations at Maggiano's (knowing Italian is my favorite food.. and ironically his least favorite so we hardly go out for Italian) downtown and his mother came to babysit. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner, wine and even dessert. Then when I woke up Sat. morning and he had set out my new digital camera complete with a case, memory card and all. And, his sweet letter made it a perfect anniversary. As I write he is sitting in our bed enjoying ice cream with our sweet Laura Beth. One of their favorite rituals. I love sitting in the living room listening to them talk and love on each other. It reminds me of my blessings! I don't know what I have done to deserve him but I know I will hang on tight and look forward to our lifetime together.

Happy Halloween!

We spent Halloween with the Fullers again this year. We had a blast taking the hayride around to all of the houses trick or treating. There were games, lots of candy, a haunted house and yummy food! Laura Beth had so much fun seeing her friends, exploring, eating candy, and of course socializing with new people. It was the perfect way to spend Halloween. I remembered back to a few years ago when I would have a small bowl of candy and heard our doorbell ringing and the infamous "trick or treat" as Landon greeted some kids at the door. Halloween was never a big deal for us.. just keep some candy around and that was the extent of it. This year was much different. This week I was making sure LB had everything for her costume, making treats, rushing home from work to try and get last minute afternoon nap in for Laura Beth (that didn't work by the way)... etc. What excitement and fun children bring to your life. My world is so enriched by her little presence!!

Oh, and this pic is just a reminder how fast time flies!!!

Callaway Gardens and The Wild Animal Safari

Landon, Laura Beth and I spent the weekend in Pine Mountain Georgia at Callaway Gardens. We went to their Autumn Fest with the McKneely Family. Laura Beth had a blast playing with Aubrey and mothering her (well some may call it bossing her around) :) She was able to explore the pumpkin patch, walk through a hay maze, feed the ducks, fish, and turtles, and see the butterfly garden. We had a great time! The highlight of the weekend was visiting the Wild Animal Safari today. We rode through the grounds in a zebra print van and fed buffalo, deer, zebras, potbelly pigs, giraffes, etc. We even saw Lions and a Rhino!! The animals would stick their heads and long tongues in our van. It was so funny! Laura Beth was laughing and yelling "mere lil buddy...here" as she tried to feed the animals. She was yelling out "hey zebra, hey deer." What a great experience for her. Enjoy these pics.

A Girl's Weekend!

Laura Beth and I spent the weekend alone as Landon was hunting. We went to Mrs. Janet's Friday night for Brent and Dana's shower. They are rebuilding after a devastating fire took their home. We were able to shower them with needed things for the new house. Laura Beth had a ball! She walked around socializing only as Laura Beth can do. She would walk up to people she's never met, cock her head to one side, smile, and say "hey!" So funny! If I told her someone's name she'd remember it and say "hi Paige.., etc." She just loves Lloyd (or yoyd.. as she calls him -- Laura's husband) and would stand at the window or back door and yell.. "yoyd, mone.." (translation.. Lloyd, come on). When we left, she went around saying bye and giving away kisses. Oh.. my social butterfly. She just makes me smile. I am amazed at how much she loves people. Before we were out of the driveway, she was out. Saturday, she spent the morning with Laura while I ran some errands and then we spent the rest of the day and night at home just playing and laughing together. I didn't get anything done around the house, for school, or The Whimsical Woods, but it was completely worth it. I enjoyed her so much! She's starting to talk with me and is my bestest friend. :) Here are a few pics from the weekend. And the last one is of her at LaNae's before picture day at school. It's the only one I have as she refused to take her school picture.

Fall Designs!

Here are a few fall designs. I have so many cute applique designs and ideas in my head but there's just never enough time. However, I did create 2 dress designs and a few tees. Enjoy!

A Day with Nana and Papa

LB visited Nana and Papa this weekend. She just adores them and loves spending time with them. They devote all of their attention to her when she's there. She played outside with Papa and visited the pumpkin patch today. She looks so grown in these pics mom sent me. I am greatful for such wonderful parents and feel so blessed that Laura Beth has grandparents that love her so dearly.

We had a busy weekend at home with good friends and family. Aunt Nat Nat (Natalie) and Matt came to spend time with Laura Beth. On Saturday night, Yaya and Yoyd (Laura and Lloyd) and Yiv (Olivia) came over to eat and watch the Georgia/Alabama game (UPSET!). Laura Beth was sooo excited to have so much company. She just grinned and loved on everyone. Especially Lloyd! She just adores him. The second two pictures are of Laura Beth dancing this morning. Natalie and I were sitting in the dining room and I was checking email and clicked to Jaime's blog. She has a Halloween background and music playing (Thriller... etc.) Laura Beth started dancing. It was so funny. Then she put on her sunglasses and continued to boogie. Unfortunately, she has the rhythm of her Mommy... but knows how to have fun regardless.

Here are three of Laura Beth's favorite boys at playgroup. :) Playgroup last week was a day of the boys. Laura Beth didn't mind being the only girl. She was just delighted to play with her "friends." On the way home I told her we were going home to play with Parker, Jack, and Maddox. She replied.. "friends!" Soo stinkin cute. When we are headed to playgroup I'll tell her "we are going to play with your friends" and name them. This time she made the association herself.

Here are a few pictures of Laura Beth and Poppy at Brannen's wedding shower. Congratulations Easons!! They are looking at the moon. Laura Beth was so excited she kept screaming "wook .. moooon..) :) So cute!

Latest Designs!

Where does the time go these days?

I haven't been writing near as much as I used to. Multiple reasons..1. working full time now. 2. always leaving my cord at school to download photos and feel like everyone likes to see pics. 3. new facebook member and somewhat addicted momentarily. :)

But for all of you dedicated blog followers the Woods are doing well!!! I can't complain in today's world about anything. We continue to be so blessed. Yes, life is a bit busier juggling another job (I say another because we woman hold so many hats!!) but you have to be grateful for a job when so many others are in need of one. Yes I am more tired at night but grateful to have a healthy toddler who keeps me on my toes , house to keep clean and a bed to lay my head at night. (and a wonderful husband lying next to me) And today was a tough day as I felt overwhemed by all of the public school demands and problems. But once again I remind myself how grateful I am that there are many people who truly do care about our children's education and are working towards solutions for improvement.

So for tonight I am just grateful for God's blessings!

Determination!!

These photos are a glimpse into our everyday lives with "Miss Determination!" I laugh aloud looking at them. Lately, Laura Beth is obsessed with trying to dress herself. She LOVES shoes and is constantly putting them on and taking them off (well trying to at least.. she's mastered one pair). She also tries to put on her shorts and has even been successful at that a few times. Many nights our ritual goes as follows: dinner, bath (usually given by Daddy), brush teeth, put on nighttime diaper and pj's, read books, and off to bed. Well lately, our routine has changed ... dinner, bath, LB has tries to brush her own teeth, naked baby refusing diaper and wanting to read her books by herself .. naked of course, finally a diaper and then she proceeds to try to put her shorts on. This can last for eternity if allowed. Usually about 10-15 minutes of me sitting in her room observing and laughing. Finally, we have to hold her down to put on pj's for reading and bedtime. She will not give up. A trait that will take her far in life but one that will exhaust Mommy and Daddy for years to come. Decided to post only 1 pic of her sheer determination as they were a bit graphic since the diaper was missing. :)

Home Alone!!

It's been a LONG time since this has happened but I am actually home all alone! Laura Beth is at Nana and Papa's for the weekend and Landon is hunting. It's Friday night 9:45 ... I can do whatever I want and guess where I am. In my p.j.'s lying in bed!!!! Yes, my first choice and I am proud of it! I'm just following my husbands wishes. (smile) He told me to try to rest for once. I must say I feel a little guilty leaving Laura Beth for the weekend now that I work. I truly miss reading to her and rocking her to sleep. (yes, I still rock her most nights and love every minute!) However, knowing how excited and happy she was to be going with Nana and Papa and the fact that I get to sleep in on Saturday and Sunday! make it all better. I met Mom halfway for dinner and she took LB home with her until Sunday. Their very excited so it's a weekend for all of us! Landon gets some time with his buddies to hunt. I get time alone. LB gets to be with her grandparents and they get to enjoy her. I think tomorrow I may get a pedicure, starbucks, and actually get some things around here organized, including finishing up some orders with The Whimsical Woods. And, then it's time for some girl time tomorrow night. We initially asked Mom to babysit so we could go to our newest Dinner Club (kidless.. :) Unfortunately, we had to cancel due to Natalie and Adam's ill grandmother. (Your in our prayers Swearingins!!) Since babysitters were already in place Lara and I decided we'll just head out for dinner and drinks by ourselves. :) So for now ... it's off to watching 20/20 and getting some sleep.

Happy Birthday Kaden!!

Here are few pictures from Kaden's birthday last month that I never posted. The slide was meant for the bigger kids but of course we couldn't get the babies off of it. :)

The Whimsical Woods

Well I guess it is time to share my new website! I haven't said much about it as it continues to be a work in progress. Feel free to check it out and let me know what you think. http://www.thewhimsicalwoods.com/ Here are some of my latest creations. There's just never enough time to do all I want to do. I have so many cute ideas for Fall/Winter that I am working on.