Friday, November 4, 2011

Friday Facts and Photos

This week has been another fun, crazy time at the Davidson house.

Friday after school we headed with Linds, Mom, Dad, and Gran to Cafe on the Square for dinner (one of my favorite spots), and then to Lindsay's church for their conference.  It was a fun night with family, and Linds, as always, likes to show Connor off at church.

"Not Your Kids' Grilled Cheese" and cranberry walnut salad

The cookies at the Cafe are nearly as big as Connor's head...and delicious, too!


sharing


Arriving home from church Friday night, we were greeted by our dear friends, the Jessops, who spent the weekend with us.  Jason and Bo enjoyed talk of sports and the "apartment days" (as always), CN and I talked and talked and talked (as always), and the kiddos played wonderfully (despite Connor smashing Leila's toe with the door...sorry!).  Connor cried when Leila left and has been asking to play with her ever since. 
early morning jam session





lunch at Manner's




Small group, as usual, was held on Sunday afternoon, but our hosts but a twist on the evening with some fun Halloween games and decorations for the kids, and a fun and funny "Newlywed"-style game for the adults.  We didn't get any of our book study done, but we have great food, fellowship, and lots of laughter.





bobbing for fish

look at that face...he thought folks knocking over Shrek was hilarious (see below)



a little game of Just Dance for Kids



I posted about our wonderful Halloween here, but here's a little peek at our costumes from Monday:

Tuesday is usually one of our craziest days.  Jason has Y-Club until 4:30, and if I have the opportunity, I like to go to kickboxing at 5:30, so he usually gets home, we eat quickly, and then he and Connor have some Daddy/son time while I have an hour of butt-kicking fun.  The only difference was that last Tuesday after kickboxing I headed over to the football field to watch the band's final performance of the season.  They were just awarded third place at the state competition, and I am extraordinarily proud of them, my past and current students, and especially my student-aide and senior color guard member, Sydney.  Music has always been a passion for me, and seeing these students on the field only ignited that further.  Their performance was moving, and I am thankful I was able to see the show.





senior band members

Sydney

Wednesday, for our family, was a long-awaited day.  Connor's birthday was in September, but as his gift, we bought tickets to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live in Knoxville at the Tennessee Theater.  Jason and I both left school early to pick up our boy, had dinner at the Downtown Grill, and then walked to the theater.  Connor could sense the excitement in the air, and there was much excitement to be had with all the kiddos running around.  When the characters finally came on stage, Connor yelled out, "Muno!" then proceeded to spend the rest of the show in silence, eyes wide.  Jason and I were worried he wasn't having a good time, but at the intermission he was begging for them to "come back."  We sang along to all the songs, had a "party in our tummies," and "got our sillies out," all while enjoying every moment of time with our precious boy.  Although there are other concerts I'd much prefer to attend, seeing the joy on Connor's face after viewing his favorite characters in person was priceless.  It was a great night with our little guy.

before the show



This is basically what he did the entire night.


with the overpriced light Daddy bought him







Connor loved when it "snowed."

heading home


Thursday night Jason's parents came for a visit, which of course amped up Connor's energy level.  He loves playing with them.

Random thoughts for the week:

- Connor has started asking questions like, "What's that?" and "What you doing?"  He is very inquisitive, always wants answers, and explanations, even for things as simple as what shampoo is or what I am doing when I am baking.

- He loves to turn on the oven light and watch what is baking inside, especially if it is a "treat."  I hope he'll love to cook as much as Jason and I do.  I can imagine us all cooking together before too long.  :)

- Our school held a Rachel's Challenge assembly on Thursday.  For those unfamiliar, Rachel Scott was the first student killed at Columbine.  I was a junior in high school when the tragedy at Columbine occurred, and I can still remember vividly all of the fear, anxiety, and sympathy I felt in the days following.  As a high school student at the time, the event hit very close to home.  The assembly, I believe, touched me just as much as it did our students, and I hope that it will inspire a culture of kindness.  I believe in general that we have great students with good hearts, but I know that most of us do not actively seek out those who are struggling.  I hope that this reminder will motivate us all to do what we can to change our little corner of the world.

- In relation, a fellow teacher at a recent meeting suggested reading Columbine by Dave Cullen (She currently reads it with her senior classes.).  I immediately downloaded the free sample and am now itching to buy it.  I'd love to know if anyone else has read it and what you thought.




Random photos for the week:

Connor made this trick-or-treat bag with Miss Steph

Connor and I enjoyed the sunrise as we left for school this morning.

Have a blessed weekend, friends!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

What We Wore

Our big night out to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live was Wednesday, so I thought I'd share this week's outfit post from that, since it was really the only night we all had photos from our outfits, Connor's Gabba gear was too cute not to share, and the deals I got on his and my clothes are a testament that shopping on a budget can be done.  :)

On Connor: Muno shirt, Yo Gabba Gabba brand (thrifted, $3); jeans, Children's Place (thrifted, $3); shoes, Toms (gift); overpriced light bought by Daddy at Yo Gabba Gabba Live ($10)


On Jason: jacket, Forever 21; long sleeved polo, Express; jeans, Express; shoes, Sperry (from local discount shoe store)



On Laura: cardigan, Forever 21 ($4.90); tank, Lauren Conrad for Kohl's ($12); jeggings, Target ($10); flats, Gap Outlet ($5); earrings, American Eagle ($5)

I love getting basic, everyday pieces for less at places like Forever 21.  I actually bought this cardigan in both this color and black, and they have been so useful, especially since sleeveless tops are not allowed as part of the dress code where I teach.  I love having something to throw over a shirt that is less restrictive than a blazer (although I love blazers at times), especially when it was only $5!

When Lauren Conrad's line at Kohl's came out, I thought it would most likely only be for tiny teens, but I have grown to really love some of the feminine, floaty pieces she has.  I had looked at this top when it was full price, but early one morning I got an email from Kohl's advertising an extra 15% any purchase, and sure enough, this top was on clearance.  It is a tad big, but I think a cheap alteration can fix that.  I also ordered that same day a pair of red jeans (which I had been looking for for months) from her collection as well, for a mere $15, and they fit perfectly! 

Where do you go to get your best deals?  Which stores do you think have the best clearance/sale racks?  I am always looking for new places to find good deals so I can enjoy clothes without being wasteful.

Linking up this week with: The Pleated Poppy, Mama Loves Papa, Momma Go Round, and La Vie Petite.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Happy Halloween from the Davidsons

Happy Halloween from Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear!

Halloween this year was a blast!  Now that Connor is old enough to understand the fun of dressing up, showing off in front of family and friends, and getting "treats," the joy of this holiday was in abundance.

We began our afternoon at Mimi and Pops' house.







Next up was a visit to Aunt Beth and Unc's house, where we had a quick playtime with the doggies and a new sippy.





Then off we went to our church's Hallelujah party!


At church we devoured chili and some divine desserts (and Connor tried to eat some crackers off the floor), played games, and jumped in a bouncy house (Connor's favorite part) with friends.  Connor even got to sit in a police car...hopefully the only time he'll ever be in one.  We are blessed with an outstanding church family who put on a great party for the kids.








Next up was a visit to Uncle Mike and Aunt Debbie's, where there were many goodies to be had.  Our last stop in "town" was to Grandma and Grandpa Egnew's house, where Connor received some yummy candy and a healthy apple (which he loved more than the candy, I think).  He showed off his Buzz Lightyear moves, and then we headed back toward home, stopping at Gran's along the way.  There he got even more goodies, and probably his favorite item of the night, a new train set.

at Grandma and Grandpa Egnew's

at Gran's
 We made our final stop at our starting point, Mimi and Pops' house.  Aunt "Ninny" (Linds) was finally home and could see Connor all dressed up.  We also borrowed Lindsay's laptop so we could Skype with Jason's parents. Connor was excited to see them, and despite some sound issues, he had a fun time showing off his costume and giving kisses to his grandparents in Louisville, one of the many reasons to be thankful for technology. We gathered up our gifts from Mimi (a new hat, sleeper, etc....) and headed home. We were all exhausted, so after an episode of Dino Dan, bedtime stories, songs, and a little bit of crying (We still aren't back on track with bedtime yet.), we were all off to sleep.




Halloween this year was the most fun I can remember, and I imagine it will only get better as Connor grows and becomes even more aware.  Thanks to everyone for the candy, fun, fellowship, and making this holiday so fun for our sweet boy!