Bookshelf Redo!

When we moved into our home, we put the bookshelf in the corner of our dining room by the big picture window. I've stored our board games on it since then because I wanted the kids to have easy access to the games. This worked well but I was feeling the absence of a true bookshelf. I was piling up books on the floor next to my bed and I had two suitcases full of books from our move. I decided that I needed to restructure how we stored our board games in order to make room for books. 

I did some research (ie, read blogs & looked on Google) and found some large mesh/plastic bags to accommodate the boards and pieces of some of the games. The pack of bags I ordered came in a pack of 10 so I made the decision to see which 10 games I could fit in these bags. Anything I couldn't fit, I'd decide what to keep and maybe what we could do without. (Spoiler alert: I ended up keeping everything for now but know which ones I'll donate). 

The bags were larger than I thought and easily fit the games we frequently play. Some things were too large like Hungry Hungry Hippos Unicorn edition and Bugs in the Kitchen. Michael is also keeping the Monopoly versions in his room but I think we'll eventually put them into bags when I buy my next set. 

We relocated the bookshelf to the living room right next to Aaron's desk and I had space left for my books! I was so pleased with the result! 

Here is my progress before bringing in the books. The clear bags on the bottom couple shelves are the game bags with blue painter's tape identifying the game inside. 

Here's the shelf after I put all the books on it from beside my bed and the two suitcases! 

We had to move one picture (see it to the bottom left of the photo above) and we'll hang it above Aaron's desk. 

It was certainly a stress relief to have somewhere to put my books and I'm so glad that the board game storage worked out how I hoped! 

Until Next Time, 

Much Love, Reba

AU Basketball Game

At the beginning of the month, my parents treated me & my younger brother to an Auburn basketball game! My parents have attended a few games early in the season, and they wanted to take us to the last non-conference game. Auburn is really good and the conference games are steadily sold out (and expensive!) so this would be a great game for us to go to before the SEC games started. 

It was so much fun! 

It was a late start (8:00 pm) and I was worried that I'd have trouble staying awake but I made it! On our way to the game, we stopped for dinner at Momma Goldberg's. I ordered a pastrami sandwich (which I've never had from there) and although it was good, I'd stick to the Momma's Love or chicken breast sandwich next time. 

We parked in the parking lot of a new dorm. Campus has changed so much that I don't really know where the dorm was in relation to other buildings (it was dark) but it was a super easy spot to get in and out of. Most students still hadn't returned from Christmas break so parking was ample. 

Getting into the arena was easy. It was so nice, bright, and clean in there! We found our seats easily and then saw where my older brother & his 2 sons were sitting. On the way to go visit them at their seats, we saw my mom's friend who was able to take a picture of our group! 

We returned to our seats before game time & thoroughly enjoyed the game and the fellowship! My mom was so kind and explained things about the sport and players as we watched. I truly enjoyed my experience and was so grateful for the opportunity to attend a game! I've kept up with Auburn highlights as they've begun their conference games. Hopefully next season, Aaron & I can take our kids to a non conference game. War Eagle!

Until Next Time,

Much Love, Reba

Noah turns 10!

Yesterday, Noah turned 10 years old! Time super flies when you're having fun!

Noah is sweet, charming, spunky, energetic, and eager to please. He is a great imaginative player. He is very adatable and can play with cars, military gear, computer games, inside, outside, it doesn't matter. He can find something to play with and entertain himself with it for long periods of time. He enjoys a good board game or card game. I love his joy of life and how much fun he has in everyday activities! 

He is my little guy and just barely wears size 10/12 clothes. Most of his things are still size 8. He's tall and enjoys a good soft shirt, comfy pants or jeans, and his police hoodie. 

He still loves police things, military items, gaming gear, etc. His imaginative play usually revolves around these things. 

He is a great younger brother and the age difference between him and Michael is perfect. They enjoy each other's company and are great companions but also can respect each other's need for time alone. 

Noah is becoming a great big brother to Avery. Their bond is growing & I can see the sprouts of a kind relationship forming. They will surely reap the benefits of their continued efforts at kindness. 

Noah prefers savory things over sweet. He's a grazer & would prefer to munch on Cheez it's, goldfish, taquitos, Tortilla chips and follow it up with orange juice any day of the week, any time of day. 

He chose cherry pie (homemade) for his birthday dessert and we also tried out Costco's apple pie for the occasion. He'll have a friend party in a couple weeks with school & church friends. So far he's enjoyed some gifts from grandparents, great grandparents, siblings, and parents. He was very gracious and a good host. He's a sweet boy and we're so blessed that God put him in our family!

We love you, Noah buddy!

Until Next Time, 

Much Love, Reba

Hello 2024!

Happy New Year! We didn't stay up to ring it in, but I'm happy for a fresh beginning and all the joys 2024 will hold. 

Fireworks started around 7pm in our area, and I was surprised we could hear them way out in the county. Our dogs were less than thrilled, and our escapee master, Stormy, escaped their outdoor pen (which she hasn't done in months!). I heard her at the front door as Aaron and I were watching Psych, so we had to figure out how to secure their pen to last through the night. In the cold darkness, Aaron made an adjustment to the pen gate, but Stormy promptly broke through it minutes after we got back inside. So they ended up in a large crate in the garage overnight to be away from the sounds of the fireworks & the threat of running away. Today we'll venture out and procure the material to create an actual gate to the pen instead of the temporary one we've had in place for a while. 

On Saturday, I got on a clearing/decluttering spree. I made some progress but would like to continue that today while I'm off. The kids' rooms will be the focus of much of the spree, as well as our board game storage situation. 

I don't think any of us are ready for full return to our normal routines. The kids go back to school later this week, but I'm pretty sure they'd be on board with homeschooling if I could find a way to make it work with my job. I'd appreciate prayers on that topic for sure. 

I hope you have a fantastic first day of the year! Enjoy the moments, the slow mundane ones and the super fast ones. They're all part of what makes up our lives. Praying blessings on you this new year! Happy 2024!

Until Next Time, 

Much Love, Reba