My Favorite Things

Since Oprah announced that her show is headed to pasture, I decided that I would take over her "Favorite Things" list. There will be a few exceptions though...I can't afford to give my viewing audience free stuff, there aren't many high-priced luxury items and there aren't enough products to fill an hour of your day. But, I can endorse these products because I use them everyday and am very thankful that I was either gifted them or discovered them. Here are a few---I'll update it every now and then until Christmas:




Bioelements Facial Wash, $28 and $20 respectively, online or in skin care boutiques

Leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed!



Target Wash Cloths, 12 for $2.99, available at Target stores only

Best wash cloth for cleaning your face!!



Conair Gel Grip Thermal Brush, $5.44, available at Target

Dries my hair in half the time of all other brushes. And, I don't need to flatiron my hair after using this brush as it gets it very straight and shiny. Plus, the gel handle is nice for a change.



hope in a jar by philosophy, $45, Sephora or www.philosophy.com

After washing with my favorite cleansers and wash cloths, nothing feels better than adding a touch of this magic cream with SPF protection!

That's all for now, more to follow later...

A Note From William

I am a young 8 year old boy. This picture is taken in Huntsville, Alabama. We were there for Thanksgiving with my cousins on my dad's side of the family (Katie & Haley).

Now Christmas has come--our Christmas Tree is up and decorated very well. We went to see Santa at the mall yesterday. We ( Anna & I) took our elves and Reindeer (Sam, Caroline & Hazel).

Have a great Christmas!

William

Anna's Birthday Message to Misty

Just one week away!!! Yippee!!

The Rockin' Party Bus

Last Wednesday, William's class won an afternoon on a party bus--complete with DJ, lighted dance floor and a disco ball--to name only a few things. They had a pizza picnic before hopping on board and busting their moves on the dance floor. It was so much fun to see the kids bouncing to their favorite tunes. I was surprised how almost all the kids knew the words to the current Top 20 songs! It was crazy seeing the kids sing to Lady GaGa, The Black Eyed Peas, Green Day and, of course, Taylor Swift. They are growing up so fast--too fast sometimes!

Hanging with Uncle Steve

Last week, the kids and I took a walk with my brother, Stephen, and his family. We met at one of the greenways and let the kids lead us through the beautiful fall foliage. There were lots of people out running, walking and enjoying the scenery. I think the kids favorite part was at the very end when they got to throw stones into the runoff from Percy Priest Dam. We had to call it a night once the sun set, but it was a perfect fall day!

The Saints Carnival

This is the second time that our family has been a part of the Saints Carnival at the school. The children are assigned a saint. They come to school dressed the part and give an oral presentation to the all the other students. Afterwards, the "saints" run a carnival for their audience: St. Therese' Rose Toss, Pin the Lamb on Jesus, St. Matthew's Coin Toss, St. Cecilia's Musical Walk, Fishers of Men, etc..

It is so precious to see the 2nd grade "saints" running the booths, passing out prizes and walking around in their costumes. I'm so lucky that I get to be there for all these special events!

The Ian Jones International Ski Team

Some of you are probably already aware of this...but, for those of you who aren't, Bill and I have been a part of The Ian Jones International Ski Team for almost 14 years!!

The founder of the team recently put together a video of some of our adventures. It was somehow uploaded to You Tube and has been "viral" ever since. Click on the link below to enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIYjn-6n0os

Happy Trails!

Downtown & The Hermitage

I've been lucky enough to drive on two of Anna's field trips recently. The first was a walking tour through downtown Nashville. We learned the history of Nashville while walking through some of the most amazing buildings. I was able to catch a quick picture of her sitting outside the Capital.

The next was a trip to The Hermitage--home of President Andrew Jackson. After touring the museum and before touring his residence, we ran into some unexpected visitors. They really seemed to enjoy our picnic lunch.

One of the biggest treats is getting to listen in on the conversation (dare I say...eavesdrop) between the girls on the drive to and from the different places. I learn so much from these little tidbits. The joys of motherhood!

School Dance

A couple weeks ago, we went to the school dance at the kid's school. We had a blast dancing to tunes from the 70's, 80's and 90's. Bill showed Anna a few moves he used to bust out when he was younger. Ahhh...to feel young again!!

Believe it or not, Anna and William weren't embarrassed by their parents shaking their groove things out on the dance floor. It will probably be a different story in a year or two though. Until then, let the music play!

Fall Sports

William has been playing soccer this fall. We've loved going out to the practices and games with him--fun to watch his enthusiasm and, when it's not raining, to enjoy the great weather! These are just a few shots I took on one Saturday a few weeks ago. He is growing up fast!

Come Along and Sing a Song...and Join the Jamboree! M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!!

We HAD to do it!! The kids had been begging Bill & me to take them back to Disney World. So, when Fall Break came around this year, we threw the kids on a plane and flew off to the Magical Kingdom.

Unfortunately, William came down with a horrible fever and sore throat. He did his best to make the most of his vacation, but he did need to take some afternoon breaks. Poor thing! Anna, Bill and I were very impressed with his perseverance!!

We were all a little surprised by the weather. It was cold! Luckily, we brought jackets and clothes that we could layer. I'm not kidding that we put just about as many layers on us as when we go snow skiing. But once we were all bundled up, we felt pretty good.

The kids definitely like the fast rides now. In fact, they wanted to spend as much time as they could on the Rockin' Roller Coaster, Test Track, Tower of Terror, and Thunder Mountain. Space Mountain was closed, but when it reopens I know it's going to be added to the list.

All in all, we had a fabulous time --and-- we're already looking forward to our next visit to the Magical Kingdom!