Friday, November 27, 2009

What a difference a year makes

We have had a fun and busy day today. It took a while for us to all get up and ready but once we finally did - we headed out to eat lunch in town.

After lunch - we headed over to visit two of my lifelong friends who were also home for Thanksgiving. We hardly ever end up home at the same time so it was fun to see them. Jamie and Micaela have 5 kids between them and two dogs so it was a busy and fun house to visit! This is sweet Jaiden and her new puppy Esther!

Crosby is 2 months younger than Harper. Last time she met him in July - she was all over him but this time she was playing hard to get. They never even looked at each other.
Jamie is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet.
Jamie, Micaela, Chris and I spent so much time together growing up. Our families were good friends and we went out to eat a lot, spent a lot of weekends together and traveled to a lot of concerts and other fun things. And now here we are - all grown up with our spouses and 2 out of 6 of our kids.
These are two of probably my most favorite girls in the world. They are both so beautiful inside and out and they are also hilarious! I could just spend hours and hours with them! I'm so glad we got to see each other today!
Later this afternoon - our family headed out to try and take family pictures. But Harper was in full meltdown mode so we didn't get many good ones. It has been nice to be home with all my family.
My brother and sweet sister-in-law
Our family
And this is last thanksgiving when I was huge with Harper in my stomach.......wondering all the time what she would be like! :-) What a difference a year makes! I had NO IDEA how much my life would change from one year to the next.
Tonight my mom made my favorite - poppyseed chicken and the best brownies and ice cream. I REALLY have to go on a diet. And here we all are - hanging out on our iPhones. We are a family of geeks. Except for my mom - who is shunning the iPhone. I think she should give in - don't you? We are all 6 on facebook, twitter, and blog. At least we are sure to communicate somehow.

We did not shop today. I have never shopped on Black Friday and I'm thinking I may never. I feel like they would be having to give away free stuff for me to get up early in the cold. Did you shop today?

55 comments:

Katie said...

What a beautiful family! :)

Yes, Target at 5am... pure chaos, but SO much fun! We never go on Black Friday for anything specific, but just love being out with the crowd. Try it sometime. You could get some great deals, an apple cider, and then be back in bed before the sun even comes up!

Ashley said...

So fun! Are you doing Show Us Your Life this week? :) I can't wait to read about Christmas traditions!

jsiewert said...

Love the pictures!

Emily said...

I have never gone before, but I went this year. My parents wanted a tv that Wal-Mart had and there were a few things I wanted to get my daughter for Christmas. I finished all of my shopping for my daughter and only spent $60! From now on I'm shopping on Black Friday for gifts!

Shelley said...

I have shopped on Black Friday ONCE. To me, it is overrated...unless there is that one item you want/need/have to have. Even then though, I would be more likely to just buy it on a regular day and pay the extra so I could get some sleep and not wait in lines forever! All those Black Friday shoppers though...it must work for them, just not for me!

What a beautiful location for the family pictures!

said...

Your recaps are the best Kelly!! I love to document special memories by taking lots of pictures - you seem to like to do the same : )

I don't dare try to brave black friday. Getting up while the moon is still out just doesn't make sense to me. I'll stay warm and under my covers thank-you-very-much!

Glad you've been enjoying your time with your family and friends!

While I was browsing online I came across something you may like. Check out this site where you can get a personalized plate with Harper's name on it for next years Turkey day {this link even has a picture of a plate with her name already on it!}: http://www.scriptandscribble.com/product_info.php?cPath=240_407&products_id=21105

- Jessica

Giggles said...

My hubby and I went shopping today but we didn't head out until after lunch. It wasn't too bad. I enjoy reading your blog.

Lee Ann said...

My mom and I have done Black Friday for the past couple of years. We usually pick out the couple of things we want, go get them and come home and go back to bed. Wal-Mart was nuts but so much fun and really good deals. Later this morning I saw a group of cute girls in Target wearing Black Friday tee shirts. You just have to get excited and go for it!

Ashley McWhorter said...

I am loving how Harper is sitting "hurkey" style, in the picture with Crosby. That is Cash's trade mark position. Even though he is walking everywhere, he still constantly sits like that when he sits down. I love it!!!

So glad you all had a blessed Thanksgiving!!! :)

Kristin said...

You have such a beautiful family! It is amazing what a difference a year has made! I've been blogging for just a little over a year and it all started after finding Angie's blog and your blog. It's been the best year ever, too!

I don't have an iphone and I'm thinking I really need one! :D That picture of you all around the table on your iphones is so funny!

Sarah Robbins said...

Mmm. Poppyseed chicken. We just had that a week ago. Yummy! I shopped, but it is like 70 degrees here in Arizona, so it is not such a hardship. Plus, the mall opened at midnight, so you could just stay up instead of having to wake up super early. :)

Rory said...

I was just thinking how different things were last year, I was pregnant and had a 2 yr old. I was miserable b/c I was 3 weeks from my due date and couldn't eat anything. This year I ate everything and was miserable again!

That pic of you 3 should definitely be your Christmas card pic!

Carrie said...

We did shop, but not until NOON. I wasn't that impressed with any major deals...but it was fun to be out and we made it to Sonic happy hour, so it was win-win. Happy Thanksgiving!

Charity said...

I have either been reading your blog for too long or am a borderline stalker, but I looked at your pics and thought WOW!! Kelly has jeans on! What is going on?! She NEVER wears jeans!! :) But you look so cute in them!! you are always so stylish!! <3

Nancy said...

No shopping for me...just enjoyed family time. :) I am sure I will hit some stores before the weekend is over.
Great pictures!! Enjoy your weekend!

C said...

Ah, but some places do have free after rebate items!:) My husband's parents come to our place for Thanksgiving every year, and we head out at 4 am to Fry's Electronics where there are TONS of things that are free after rebate. Then we head to Target for me to grab one or 2 great toy items:)
Last year, I had our 3 month old in the Moby wrap the whole time...lining up at 4:30 am, mind you:)
This year, she's 15 months old, and she was wide awake and happy the entire time. We took a LONG nap together this afternoon to make up for the lost sleep:)
We love doing this as a family every year -- as my husband said "When else would you get up at 3:30 am to hang out with your family?":)

Tara G. said...

I went to Wal Mart LATE in the afternoon to get almond bark so I could make peppermint bark this weekend. That's it. I stayed home and let people come to me to buy my stuff on Craig's List! ha!

Unknown said...

The family portraits are gorgeous! I went to Old Navy, the only place I ever go to during Black Friday. I was at the store at 3 a.m. got home at 6 a.m. and slept in with the rest of the family that I induced food coma with Thanksgiving dinner specifically for this reason, LOL! Just kidding.

I USED to be an anti-iPhone person until I got my pretty little hands on one. Now I'm addicted. Just have your mom try it, she probably won't every let go of it once she experiences all the great apps out there!

Cortney @ evanhaslanded.com said...

Love that last shot!! Hilarious! I didn't shop either and I don't think I ever will. I'm with you, unless they are giving away free things that I can't live without, I am never going to fight those crowds!

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

Haha, I love the picture of your entire family on the internet! Glad you had such a great Thanksgiving!

Karen said...

i think it's a little funny that last year's Thanksgiving picture that Dawson was in it, and this year he isn't. Oh, how our wonderful children bring such changes!!
happy thanksgiving kelly!!

Melissa Miller said...

I never have either and never will. I worked retail sales for way too long and used to be on the other end. Oh my poor feet... :)

Andy and Wendy Ingram said...

No, I have never shopped on Black Friday. My husband has gone early a few time, but this year he is working a 14 day stretch in the hospital, so no Black Friday for either one of us. I did have fun today going to the YMCA to work out. I took my three kids and we played basketball and swam. Much more fun than taking advantage of shopping today.

Harper is so cute and smiley! What a beauty. The pictures of your family are very good-how special! I recall those days when they were little, and getting pictures was often times stressful, when they were tired and in meltdown mode. It does get easier as they get older.

Kathy said...

NO shopping today for us. They'd have to pay ME to get up and brave the crowds. I'll gladly pay regular price to avoid that. Plus, Bama played football. Had to watch!! Roll Tide!

Tara said...

I 100% agree with your stand on shopping the day after Thanksgiving. However, my daughter is only 11 months old, so this year it wasn't necessary to hit the stores early...but in years to come it may be an activity that I will be participating in against my better judgement!

Gail said...

I don't usually go out on black Friday but this year was different. My son sleep over his cousins house and my hubby had to work so I decided to take my niece (who will be 13 next month)on her first black friday shopping trip. She was so excited and we had alot of fun. We decided it will be our new tradition...her and I. I asked her if she would even push me around in a wheelchair when I'm old and she said of course! So I guess from now on I will be shopping on Black Friday. Spending time with her was so worth the hassle of the traffic and crowds!!!

Maria said...

I agree to no shopping on Black Friday. My teenage daughter would love to head out at 3 a.m. but no-can-do for this mom.

Julie {Angry Julie Monday} said...

Awww great pictures!! It's crazy how much your life changes in a year.My son is 4.5 and I can't even remember Holidays before him, seriously, mommy brain. I think the pictures turned out great.

and I want THAT headband you are wearing. I have a new addiction to headbands and I love the one you are wearing.

Melanie said...

I am TOTALLY with you on the not getting up early to shop! LOL, but you are right, maybe if they were giving $$ away! Now the trend to open late-night on Thanksgiving...well, I could stay UP late to shop, just not get up early!
I love the photo of the 3 of you in front of the lake! Love to see Harper sporting her Matilda Jane, my favorite!
Blessings to you!

The Garners said...

Kelly, we were SO glad y'all came by today! I know it's hard to find time during brief visits home to do everything, but THANK YOU for taking the time to come and visit--it was great to see all of you guys!!! I wish we could have sat and talked/laughed all evening...and I would have eventually remembered to offer you guys some red velvet birthday cake! (sorry I forgot that!) It was really fun to get to see Harper "in person" again. Lane was asking me tonight if we really spent that much time together growing up--he said it seems like y'all had so many things to laugh about and remember! (HOW many Gaither concerts did we go to!?) I love all those memories...your family was SUCH a SPECIAL part of my childhood, and I'm thankful that we can still stay in touch even if we don't get to see each other very often. If only Mack David could have joined us today! :) Thanks again!

(If my pictures are blurry or something I might get you to email me yours!?)

P.S. Your family picture is great! And I love the one of everyone on their iphones!

KellyMellyBoBellyBananaFanna said...

no black friday for me! i'm afraid i'll be painting our new pad all day...

cute pictures -- especially the one with the puppy!

kelly
http://tearinguphouses.blogspot.com

Stephanie said...

Today was my first Black Friday to ever go out and shop - I have always said I wouldnt do it. I have to say after the money that I saved that I WILL do it again next year!

Jennifer said...

I love all the pictures! It looks like you have had a wonderful time at home. I know your parents have enjoyed having all of y'all there.

You look so cute in your blue jeans! I know you don't wear them that often. :)

Anna Newman said...

That picture of you guys with your iPhones at the table cracks me up because it is always my dad, brother, myself and my husband at the table all on separate laptops!!!!! And then my mom is in the kitchen on hers, LOL!!!!!

We did go shopping yesterday but only because it was the only day hubby was home to do it, was NOT very much fun. We will plan better next year.

Your headband is PRESH!!!

Rachel said...

Love all the family pictures! You guys are adorable! Harper is a week younger than my Claire... can you BELIEVE that they will be a year old soon? Craziness...

I did go out on Black Friday.. other than a husband who complained the whole step of the way and getting up in the middle of the night, it was fun! We went to Old Navy.. which opened at 3am! We saved $177! Whoo!

Susan said...

I love the picture of your whole family on your iPhones...looks like my husband and I! We love our iPhones.

I had never shopped on Black Friday before, but this year I took my girls with me and we had so much fun. We didn't go early (I can't get out of bed that early) but it was fun anyway. It's probably going to be a new tradition for me and my girls.

Karen At Home Blog said...

Hi Kelly, I was just telling my husband what a difference a year makes. Last year we were dealing with a miscarriage and this year I am 36 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby girl. God is Good!!!!
I did a little shopping yesterday on Black Friday, but during normal shopping hours! Luckily I only needed a few items for dinner with my family that night.

Karen

Anonymous said...

I was at Kohls at 3:40 and got what I wanted!! yeah, then went to Target and again, got what I wanted, so it was a successful Black Friday and we had a blast! I love it!

The Southern Newlywed said...

I LOVE your headband! Wear on earth did you get it?!

Cute pics too! Love the iPHONE one!

Maggie said...

I'd never done the black Friday thing either until this year. We were in line at Target at 4:45. I enlisted the help of my sister and mom. I was very organized! They each had lists and the page in the ad that they were responsible for. I got 5 scarves, 9 sets of kids pjs, and 3 DVD's for $97. It was well worth it for me. However I couldn't have done it without the help.

Linda said...

Kelly you are such a girlie girl~~~ and we can see that from your ruffles, and your sweet headband! You Are Just Adorable! (Just like Harper!)

Liked seeing the pictures of your friends. Glad you had some time to spend together.

Your brother and his wife are cuties too.

Also liked the family pictures even if Harper wasn't into it! (:>) The one of just the three of you was good though.

I laughed at the picture with all of you playing with your phones. That is what it is like around here when all of my kids and grandkids are here. My husband and I just don't get it,...but everyone else loves them. We are from the "old school"...maybe Judy is too! (:>)

Doesn't it seem impossible that your life has changed so much in just one year since Harper was born? She has grown up a lot just since I started following you a few months ago.

I hope to put the tree up today. It is a tall skinny one and shouldn't take too long,...but I don't like going up and down the stairs hauling everything up from the basement!

It is going to be another nice day here in Kansas. It was high 60's yesterday. Hope it will be nice in Arkansas.

Enjoy your Saturday!

Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

Sarah said...

Chris and Carrie are so cute together!! Have you started hinting about a little niece or nephew from they yet? ;) I love your family picture too;you all look so happy.

ardith said...

Only online... not early morning outings for me!

Beth Haley said...

I used to work retail and had to be at my store at 3 am to deal with masses of screaming running hitting people and never desired to be a part of that --- but this year I went over to Walmart at about 6:30 (the sales started at 5) and picked up a few items and saved about $120 and only spent $38. I'd never advise going for a high-profile item like anything electronic... there were people fistfighting over the Rock Band Bundles that were a fantastic deal but not worth hitting someone over. I think it can be fun, but check out the ads online and see what you think would be worth it before braving the stores. Also, my advice for Walmart folks is to use the back door. I checked out in Lawn & Garden where there was no line!

Mary said...

Those pictures are beautiful! It's funny how much harder to take a good picture now that there are little people involved :) Y'all did a great job! Love your gray shirt and of course the headband. You're like a jewelry inspiration around here--my friends and I always say, "Did you see Kelly's _____?" So cute!

Kate Craig said...

I'm in love with that wrinkly puppy!

Three Against One said...

That is such a great picture of all three of you with the lake in the background! It would make a wonderful Christmas Card!!

Jessica said...

I'm so glad that you guys had such a happy Thanksgiving! These pictures are gorgeous and all of the food that your mom made sounds so yummy!

Happy belated Turkey Day to you all!

Amanda M. said...

We were up by 4 and headed to Walmart! It was CRAZY busy, but my hubby and I do the BF shopping together every year and it's just fun to go out and see the big crowds and score some deals. :) Then we come home for a nice, long morning nap!
Harper looks darling as always!

Erin said...

I did go shopping and had great luck for the kiddos at the Disney Store. The last two years Black Friday shopping has been VERY worth it for me!

Glad you all had a great holiday!

Random question, your friend with the gold/grey tunic or dress with the black belt....do you know where she got it? :) Thanks!

Staci said...

Yes I did shop! I actually NEVER went to sleep Thursday night. The outlet malls near my house had a midnight madness sale. Me and my friend went and ended up shopping all night and into the next day. I was up for about 30 hours.

It was quite the experience.

R said...

nope...she should continue to shun the iphone! i'm the only one in my family without one, and i'm quite content. :0) mine's the only phone on our family that's not constantly having to be replaced! HA!

i don't do black friday, either...i get all my shopping done before TG so i don't have to mess with it in december. :0)

asplashofsunshine said...

I think your sweet family and your friends should start a magazine for GORGEOUS people. Whoaaa, all of you look so happy, beautiful, healthy, and most of all, LOVEABLE! Thanks for bringing a smile to my morning.

Cupcake Mama said...

Well, I couldn't find your email link on your blog so I hope you read this comment. I remember you posted once about stopping at Feltner's in Russellville (my hometown). I love me a
Whatta-burger BUT you should try CJ's next time you are in town. Handformed patties and handcut fries....delicious! Yummy shakes, but sadly, no fried pies. They were featured in a recent Southern Living article.

noahandlylasmommi said...

Love the family pictures :)

I went shopping... got up at 3:30 am and was out until 10:30am. I was exhausted!