It's beginning to look a lot like...

January 4th. Hmmmm. I had all intentions of catching up with my "Pruitt Preschool" posts (since we took Decemeber off), showing off our awesome Christmas crafts and activities, blogging our Christmas highlights, and having a Happy New Year! post all ready on Jan. 1. If only I could just think things and they would get done.

Lets take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Not a long trip, just a few weeks back trip. Join me, will you?

Lets talk Christmas cards for a minute.

Christmas cards. A great idea really. Plop a happy family in front of perfectly glowing Christmas tree and send those smiles all around the country for family and friends to enjoy all season long. Yes, a splendid idea. In theory.

Each year I tell myself that I'm going to have those darn pictures taken by October 31st, ordered and addressed by Thanksgiving, and mailed on December 1st. Well, we all know how my grand schemes work out. (Need I remind you that this post is about a month late???) Each year I get a little better, so this year I suppose I thought I was actually going to make those deadlines and wanted to give myself more of a challenge- I decided that I wanted to get all of said Christmas cards for free. Yes, we're on a budget and I'm staying home now with loads of free time on my hands (hahahahaha) so free Christmas cards, yes, that's what we need! (I'm beginning to see that I'm really not a smart person.) So free Christmas cards we got.

I began my search for coupon codes on November 1st. (Please note that I'm already late.) Thanks to Southern Savers I received my 1st batch of cards totally free. Like including shipping free. I was delighted. The envelopes were even lined with bright red polka dots. Oh how pretty they were. But it was a slow start with a whopping 5 cards. I needed a minimum of 35 cards. (I did scale the list down a lot this year.) I had a long way to go. But, every few days more codes popped up and I was on my way. The day before Thanksgiving, only my 1st 5 had arrived. (When you're getting things for free and wanting to pay the minimum for shipping, they take a long time, just FYI.) I had those addressed, stamped, and in the mailbox the Monday after Thanksgiving! Yay! Success for those 5 lucky people!

The rest slowly trickled in and I addressed and mailed, until I ran out of stamps. Ugh those darn stamps! I kept forgetting to buy them every time I went to the store. So my last batch made it out the Monday before Christmas. Like I said, each year gets better and better and we were at least lucky to get them out before Christmas this year instead of after New Years or even Valentine's day like in the past. Progress is a beautiful thing. And my final total was somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 (just for shipping) for 35 cards, a $20 savings from last year. Not too bad for my 1st year. (And, 1 of the companies even planted a tree with my order!)

So get to the card already... Ta da...

No happy family in front of the tree for the Pruitt's. No sir. We tell it like it is, and this my friends is how it is. I think it'll be a great reminder of this pouting/whining/happy year of the 2's.

Now lets talk traditions.

Jeff and I are still trying to figure out all of our traditions but this year we confirmed that we will not be introducing the "Santa gift". Is that a gasp I just heard? I know, it's border-line child abuse, but we feel like it the right decision for our family. We want the focus to be on Jesus and the gifts that we can give to Him so Santa will not be visiting Lucy (or any other kid in the world for that matter). We explained and she kind of understand that all of the things we do to help other people throughout the year are presents for Jesus. Of course, this is something that we will continue now that Christmas is over. The celebration just keeps going, isn't that fun?!

We attempted our 1st advent calendar this year. I stole an idea from Pinterest and made this...

That's numbers printed from here glued to pieces of scrapbook paper glued to clothes pins and clipped to christmas socks/stockings, most of which came from the $1 section of Target or my own personal collection. (Apparently I have a thing for themed socks because I had a lot.) A great friend found this book...

It is adorable! It has a small paragraph telling a portion of the Christmas story, a related activity, a Bible verse, and a prayer for each day before Christmas beginning on December 1st. Some of the activities were pretty simple so I added to them to incorporate some ministry projects and fun family activities to make them more meaningful and put them in the socks as Lucy's "experience advent calendar" instead of the typical "small toy or candy" one.

Cute, right? Well it would have been had we actually done it. We did do some of the activities and we read most of the stories but I just wasn't as disciplined with it as I would have liked to be.

Continuing our tradition from last year, Lucy received 1 gift from Jeff and I...

This was after she discovered the horn worked.

And this is how she really feels about her gift...

Booooorrrrrriiiiiinnnnnggggg! Just kidding. She loves it. Although, we have a really cute video of her walking into the living room to see it for the 1st time and I said, "Lucy, what did you get?" and she looks at me and says, "A new phone???" with the sweetest confused face ever. (I happened to be standing behind the car recording with my phone which happened to be dressed in my new cover.)

Cute, right?! Get your's here.

Now, don't you go feeling sorry for poor little Lucy who only got 1 gift. She got lots and lots and lots of gifts. And then she got some more. Her grandparents weren't about to let her go without!

New vanity with all the necessary accessories. She loves this thing and must stop here to freshen up at least 3 times before leaving to go somewhere.

Modeling a new scarf and outfit amongst many presents

This bag was literally full of pajamas, clothes, and toys. She just kept pulling and throwing. I thought she was going to fall in it.

She got so many new things, she had to get a new playroom to hold them all! Bet you can't guess what we're into this year?!

New dress up area. Please note that before Christmas she didn't have a single pair of dress up shoes (unless you count mine).

And just in case you're still not convinced...

Our car literally filled from floor to ceiling and we had to leave some things for the next trip.

As for Jeff and I, well, you remember that big yawn Lucy gave in her car? Perhaps she was remembering our gifts. I gave Jeff a bike (which he actually purchased about 3 months ago) and a pair of running shoes and he gave me half a dining room chair (which I also purchased about 3 months ago along with the other half) and a wallet. (Although it is a pretty snazzy wallet. No pics, but check it out here. You won't be sorry!

Jeff also received a jacket, highly protective phone cases (1 that doubles as a wallet), food gift cards, a gym bag, etc.

And, because I know you're itching to hear my list, I received a bread maker, new pots and pans, a Shark steam cleaner, some make up, and other odds and ends.

Can we say practical? But Jeff and I couldn't be happier. These were all things we've been wanting and possibly needing, but wouldn't buy for ourselves and we are so thrilled with our new goodies so thanks family for all of fun new gifts!

Speaking of gifts...

I decided to make as many gifts as possible this year. Not just because I'm trying to be frugal, but also because I always want to put a lot of thought into gifts so that they are meaningful and useful to the recipient and what could be more personal than a "made just for you" gift? So, here's my line up.

Covered Lampshade and hot/cold rice pack

Custom camera strap

Tile coasters (These never made it as a gift because I didn't let them dry long enough and they got stuck together.)

Fabric coasters (sorry it's at a funny angle)

Christmas is always such a fun time that goes by way too fast. I love having Jeff home a few extra days during the week and getting to see both of our families so many times in 1 month is always great. Although this Christmas had a sad ending, it was such a blessing to see Lucy begin to understand what it all means and why we're here- to worship our Creator. We are beyond blessed and I really hope were a blessing to our Savior this year.

I hope your Christmas was merry and I wish you a very happy new year!!!

With Good Reason

It's been over a month since my last post, but I promise this time it is with good reason. Shortly after my last post, Jeff and I found out that we were pregnant with our sweet baby #2! We were excited, of course, but I was scared and very anxious about the possibility of morning sickness as I was very sick with Lucy all day, every day for 10 straight weeks. My days were spent eating, fighting fatigue to keep up with housework, and starting some Christmas fun with our busy bee. Oh, and sleeping. I did a lot of extra sleeping. But no sickness, praise the Lord for that! Christmas came and went in one giant wrapping paper, 2-year-old excitement, princess extravaganza. It was crazy, it was loud, and it was fun watching Lucy finally grasp the concept of Christmas and verbalize that it's Jesus' birthday. What a blessing her little mind is!

I will spare you the details, but a few days ago I was experiencing some problems so I called the doctor and went in to see our precious baby's heartbeat. I was told everything looked normal and good but to call if there were any more problems. I woke up the next morning with some faint cramping and I knew we were about to face one of our biggest challenges as a family. We quickly packed a few things, called the doctor from the driveway, and started our longest trip ever to Columbia. As my cramping worsened on the way, all I could do was pray and ask God to please take care of our sweet little one. I prayed that he (I was sure from the beginning this precious child is a boy) would find my grandmother and Jeff's grandmother and his two cousins who were also lost shortly after conception. All I could do was pray and repeat Job 1:21 over and over- "And he said, 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will return. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.'"

The doctor's office was as busy as I've ever seen it and all I could think as I was looking at those pregnant bellies was, "that's supposed to be me". I was finally called back and could immediately see on the ultrasound machine that there was no longer a baby or a heartbeat. My fears were confirmed and I was sent next door to the hospital for surgery. I can't describe the sadness, fear, and loneliness as I put on that hospital gown.

As I woke up from surgery and remembered how much our lives had changed that morning, I just felt empty. A mother's worse fear is losing her child and although we had only known this one for 8 weeks and 3 days, he was still a part of our family and I just can't fathom what to do without him; I'm not sure how to proceed. I know that life will return to normal and by the grace of God we will get through this but right now I'm struggling to remember life before him- before the cravings and the sleeping and the excitement of the little miracle growing inside of me and most of all the memories yet to be made.

I am so thankful for all of the sweet friends who have called and texted over the past few days. I am grateful for all of the prayers. I do feel all of them and just ask that you would continue to pray for our hurting family especially as we try to explain this to Lucy. She was so excited about her baby sister (she was certain we were having a girl) and it was difficult enough to explain having a baby to our 2 year old, but now to explain this will be even more challenging, especially when we don't fully understand it ourselves.

I am grateful for the scripture that my Facebook friends have posted as their statuses the past couple of days. I am certain that the Lord gave you that scripture for me because each time I have checked for status updates, perfect words from our Father have spoken to my heart and reminded me of his love and goodness.

And to my sweet baby boy (I'm sorry if you are actually a girl. I would be thrilled either way but I can only picture you as a boy),

Please know that your mommy, daddy, and big sister love you so much and we can't wait to meet you one day. You will always be our baby #2,; our perfect child, because you are now whole and perfect in every way. Please give your Nana some love from all of us and introduce her to your Memaw because I think they would be great friends. Let them spoil you and love you enough for all of us. Have fun with your cousins and know that you are the only 3 Rohrlack/Pruitt children who will never experience the time-out chair.

I am certain that mommies learn just as much from their children as their children learn from them, and you sweet one, have taught me some things in the short time that we have spent together. You have given me hope that I can be pregnant without being sick, you have shown me that I can love another child as much as I love your sister because I just didn't think it was possible, and you have helped me find strength that I never knew I had.

We love you sweet boy and one day we will hold you forever.

30 Days of Thanks (16-22)

16: I am thankful for my mom. She's a beautiful woman, inside and out, always puts others before herself, and is a fabulous example of a Godly wife, mother, friend, sister, coworker, and grandmother. Happy Birthday Mom!

17: I am thankful that my mom's birthday party was at Chuck E. Cheese. I think that's the best party I've ever been to!

18: I am thankful for leftover fleece from our play group's ministry project and for all the Christmas gifts that will be made using it.

19: I am thankful for my sewing machine and for Lucy's new brown corduroy skirt that it produced.

20: I am thankful for the ability to experience a baptism service at Cedar Creek Church. Watching nearly 30 individuals, families, friends, and special needs children surrender their lives to the Lord is AMAZING! There is nothing more beautiful than watching families baptize each other.

21: I am thankful for the washing machine repair man who is coming to fix my machine tomorrow and for not having to dry each load for 3 hours anymore. I am also thankful for more free Christmas cards. (My goal is to get all my Christmas cards for free this year. I'm up to 35 at the moment.)

22: I am thankful for haircuts.

D is for Doctor (Pruitt Preschool)

When I told Lucy we were learning about doctors this week, she said, "Yay, yay, yay! Just like Pepaw!" Lucy's Pepaw is a doctor and I'm pretty sure she thinks he takes medicine, gives stickers, and plays with a stethoscope all day long. She was very excited to play with the band aides again from B week, and making donuts with her good friend Will didn't hurt either.

Our book of the week was My Friend the Doctor by Joanna Cole.

Our Bible verse was "A cheerful heart is good medicine." Proverbs 17:22

We started our week with our 1st family dinner at our new dining room table. I got this table for my birthday and it took a couple of weeks for delivery and assembly so it was ready just in time for D week and there were just too many d's to pass up.

Don't mind the unfinished, Halloween centerpiece; it actually did turn out cute but certainly not in this picture. And, apparently I like corn.

Next up, our 1st sensory bin. Sensory bins are just what they sound like, bins that stimulate the senses. This bin was filled with cotton balls, band aides, alcohol wipes, tongue depressors, medicine droppers, and other things out of our 1st aide kit and medicine cabinet. I also included a bottle of Tylenol so Lucy could shake it but I, of course, was their to supervise the whole time.

When she got bored with the bin, I pulled out some tweezers and a mini muffin tin so she could work on some fine motor skills by transferring cotton balls to the muffin tins using the tweezers. I had her transfer them left (the sensory bin) to right (the muffin tin) to help develop some early literacy skills.

Then we played doctor. I had 1 of Jeff's white, button-down shirts ready so Lucy could wear a "white coat" but she was not interested in that so Dr. Lucy went to work in her pj's.

Lucy created a " recovery room" for all of her patients.

We played with play-doh but we just called it "dough" for the week. She used different d cookie cutters to help reinforce our letter.

The highlight was making donut cookies with Will. This is a recipe from a cookbook that I have and they are perfect cookies for kids. They are small and just sweet enough to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Will and Lucy enjoyed these yummy donuts on their little date in the kitchen.

D week was very fun but I was not looking forward to E week (Eggs) at all!!! I think we made it pretty fun despite the stinky egg smell. Stay tuned...

30 Days of Thanks (11,12,13,14,15)

Has it been that long???

11: I'm thankful for our play group and for the many opportunities Lucy gets to share her toys.

12: I'm thankful for naps.

13: I am thankful for rest and leftovers!

14: While eating outside at "King Burger," Lucy said, "It's the perfect day!" I'm thankful for "perfect days" with my little princess.

15: I'm thankful for friends to talk to and chocolate chip cookies to help me relax after a long day.

30 Days of Thanks (7,8,9,10)

7: I am thankful for time to clean my house. I felt like I was always behind on housework when I was working, so I am thankful that I now have time to create a clean, healthy, and safe place for my family.

8: I am thankful for Publix. Not only for the hundreds of dollars they save us each year, but today especially for the cool cardboard gingerbread house they gave to Lucy just because we were in the right place at the right time.

9: I am thankful for our 2 fabulous home groups who we get to share our lives with and for my in laws for keeping Lucy safe and entertained so we can enjoy our time with friends and ministry partners.

10: I am thankful for my precious neice and for all of the smiles and good conversation she and I shared this morning.

30 Days of Thanks (6) and My Kid's Funny!

I am thankful for my church because it's the best, Sunday afternoon naps, coupons from the Sunday paper, and for the funny things my kid does.

I left Lucy downstairs watching Pound Puppies while I went up to get her clothes. I came down and she was on all 4's with our dogs leash clipped to her neck (the skin of her neck) and she was taking herself for a walk.

We ate lunch at Firehouse Subs today. Lucy was a little out-of-sorts due to the time change and some Benadryl to clear up a rash. She likes to take my toothpicks that hold my sandwich together and eat her food with them. (Yes, I'm the great mom who give her child sharp, pointy things to eat with. Anything to keep her occupied, right?!) So she's eating her food with my toothpick and a family comes up to the table across from us to sit down. While the mom straps her child in the highchair, her slightly large hieney was facing Lucy. So Lucy picks up her toothpick and aims it in the direction of the ladies hieney then stops and looks at me for approval. I, of course, grabbed her arm but was laughing to hard to actually tell her stop. Fortunately she stopped before actually poking the lady, but my dad and I got the mental picture in our head and that was all that was needed to make this a very humorous situation.

Happy Sunday!