Black Friday!

I am a stickler for traditions... I almost decided I wasn't going to participate in Black Friday this year but then the guilt of "tradition" set in. There wasn't anything imparticular on my list- I was just a long for the ride.

We started out early at 8 pm Thursday night at Walmart. Ads showed they were teiring their sales at 8 pm, 10 pm and 12 pm. Of course Weston's item, "Beats" overly priced headphones went on sale at 10 pm. There were on sale for $177, regularly $300.

I stood in line for 1 1/2 hours while they scrambled around the store for other deals. If you've never been to Walmart on Black Friday- let me warn you, it's not for the faint of heart.

For "special deals" they have middle of the aisles blocked with saran-wrapped bins. Of course "security" is garding them for dear life and you can barely squeeze bye let alone try to bush a buggy through such nonsense.

In eye sight of the electronics they were selling some kind of tablets- at the crack of 10 pm people were literally throwing boxes through the air. Since when have we as a society moved to such extremes for "making spirits bright"....

This gives packed in like sardines a whole new meaning!

We made it to Target around 10:40. Honestly it wasn't that bad. Yes, the line was wrapped through the grocery but we were in and out within an hour. I did buy something at Target. They had their 3 pot- crock pot set up on sale for $27. As much as my dad loves to make dips, especially at holidays I knew this was too good a deal to pass up. While Ashlyn stood in line, we walked to the Starbucks and refueled.

We left Target and met Keri, Kam and the girls at Concord Mills for the midnight opening. Craziness! We walked through but were out of there within an hour.

I saw some good deals at Old Navy but didn't want to wait in the line. (I came home and ordered the same things online at same price with NO shipping)

We left Concord Mills and went to the Carolina Mall. I was interested in some $19.99 boots at Belks...

I wish I'd taken a picture of the shoe area war zone! It was crazy! People had thrown boxes, lids and wrappers everywhere...

We made it home shortly before 3 am- keeping in sync with last year's arrival home time.

I am Thankful....

For the past month I've seen a lot of daily Facebook status updates of "I'm thankful for..." while I didn't keep up with daily updates I did want to take the time to reflect on my blog of things for which I am thankful...  Top 10 (in no particular order)!

1. A Year of Learning... I've learned some difficult life lessons this year and though painful at the
    time I wouldn't trade the lessons I've learned & the character they've built in me.
2. A year of Change... at the beginning of the year I just had a feeling that God was doing a "new work  in me" and that things would be changing. Two of the biggest changes would be switching school systems and job titles & of course the news that I would be a first time aunt to not one but two!
3.My dog Charlie- he brings much joy & happiness to my life just in being the loyal companion that he is.
4. My family- though we don't always see eye to eye- they are loyal and true, sticking by me through all of life's ups and downs.
5. My friends- I dare say I have some of the best! Grateful for the old and new!
6. My heritage- my heritage is rich thanks to great-grandparents and grandparents who knew the
    value of hard work, faith in the Lord & family.
7. Stumbling upon Karen Kingsbury books- she is a fantastic Christian fiction writer. I love how
   easy her stories are to read, making you feel as though you are a part of them. Along those
   lines eBooks have been an added bonus!
8. Technology- iphones, ipads, blogging.... what did I ever do without it? Makes it so easy to stay
    connected with my many out of town and state family and friends.
9. My church family- they sharpen me, challenge me and love fiercely.
10. God- his mercies are new every morning, his love in unconditional, he is forever faithful.

Maggie Ann

Last weekend I got together with the Landis BFF crew to watch the LSU/Alabama game. I left with, "I guess the next time I see you is when Baby McLaren arrives!"

Brandon and Mary decided they were not going to find out the gender of their first bundle. EVERYone, Mommy included, thought the baby was a boy. Friday night I dreamed SHE was a girl- and I was right!

I got a text from Mary while I was teaching Sunday school:

 

I waited as long as I could before rushing off to the hospital- when I saw Mary's fb post I knew it was time to head that way!

 

Playing the waiting game...

 

As Mary Beth said- it's like waiting on a pot to boil

The BFF aunts in our pink and blue- side note we were already dressed before we got the text to notify us of the impending arrival!

 

 

Playing the waiting game has worn the grandfathers out!

 

 

Is that daddy to be we spy coming through the doors!?!? *Note Melinda can't stand still

!

It's a girl!!! 

Happy first time grandparents! Mama Honey and Papa Horton

Uncle Dano!

Two PINK sleepers I had on hand... because I just KNEW she was a girl!

Mary is a MOMMY!

**EDIT**

I snagged these pics from our professional photographer in residence Mary Beth

I tried to put those sleepers in a pretty pink bag... yeah that didn't work out so well!

Melinda and I sharing a story or two... oh yes we tell the best stories and share theatrical responses!

 Aunt Jilly is smitten... just getting a little practice for an upcoming role!

PERFECT! That's what you are Maggie Ann!

Maggie Ann McLaren

11/11/2012

7:41 pm

6 lb 9 oz

20 inches

Just checking in!

Today Alison had an ultrasound of my nieces. One of the perks to having multiples is  getting more ultrasounds done. They are measuring 26 weeks and 3 days. Both babies weigh around 2 pounds.

Baby B showing off her Tarheel!

 

Baby B's profile!

They assured us that everything is fine with Baby A- she was just a little camera shy and would not let them get a good face shot!

 

I Voted...

This morning I left my house around 6:30 (opening time at polling places) and drove to my polling site. I was anxious to see what the crowd was like and if I would have to wait in line. I am happy to say I waited, inside in the heat (it was FREEZING outside) maybe 10 minutes behind 20 or so people. My ballot was #48 at my polling site.

I know this election will be monumental no matter how it turns out. While I did consult my knowledgeable buddy Erin who is currently working for Congressman Pittenger- my vote was ultimately up to me.  

This is how I decided who to vote for:
I voted for the most pro-life candidate, because God hates the shedding of innocent blood (Prov.6:17).
I voted for the most pro-Israel candidate, because God blesses those who bless Israel & curses those who don't (Gen.12:3).
I voted for the most pro-debt reduction candidate, because the borrower is servant to the lender (Prov.22:7).
I voted for the most pro-work candidate because God says if a man does not work, let him not eat. (2Thess.3:10)
I voted for the most pro-marriage candidate ,because God is for marriage as defined in (Genesis 2:24).
I voted for the candidate who most closely believes government's purpose is to reward the good & punish the evil (Romans 13).
I voted based as close as I can on God's Word (2Tim.3:16).
Knowing that whoever gets elected, God is the one who puts all men in authority (Dan.2:21).

Pastor Tom

 Last week Ashlyn called and informed me I had homework (aka "Ayden has an Art project and I'm creatively challenged"), to which I replied- I'll add you to the back of my "ToDo" list.

Ayden's assignment was to help his turkey go incognito to keep from getting discovered, chosen and eaten for Thanksgiving dinner. Directions were to be creative and cover the turkey as much as possible. When asked what he wanted to disguise his turkey as it was no surprise when Ayden matter of factly replied, "a preacher".

I got my creative juices flowing... neck tie, white collared shirt, black jacket, a bible...

 

Before

 During

 After

Twins are a Hoot Shower

Saturday was the long anticpated day of Alison's frst shower. Brittany, Elizabeth and I joined forces to pull off the event and I think it's safe to say it was a success!

 A delicious Shelby cake. She is known for her delicious cakes although she only makes them for special request now. It was only fitting that she make the shower cake as she is the same lady who made their wedding shower cake, rehersal cake and actual wedding cake.

 Mommy to be with the aunties to be!