It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!!!

Hang with me here! I know it isn't even Thanksgiving yet and you are seeing shades of red, green, and gold! But, we go to my parents for T Day, so it is nice to come home to a decorated house...all ready for the season!

Have YOU been naughty or nice???

Oh, My!

Oh my goodness! This is the best hot dog I have ever put in my mouth! My friend, Marvin, shared something he made. It is called "Pool Room Slaw" and it is the perfect addition to hot dogs! Marvin and his wife, Pearlie, are awesome, talented people! They are great decorators, herb growers, worshipers, encouragers, chefs, and hosts. Thanks for sharing with me, guys!!

My Lil' Indians!

One little, two little, three little Indians. Well, Indian #3 doesn't have an outfit yet! The big boys are off to their Thanksgiving feast at school. The morning was filled with pow wows and cool Indian fighting moves. They kinda looked like Ninja moves, but I am sure that it has nothing to do with the fact that we watched Kung Fu Panda the other night. It was soooo cold this morning that I made them wear their PJ bottoms underneath their pants. Eli responded with, "What is it? Indian PAJAMA day?" Well....you don't have to tell anyone you have PJ's on underneath! I remember a reoccurring "nightmare" I would have as a young girl. I kept dreaming that I was showing up at my Christian preschool with only my nightgown on. It was the cutest thing...white, long and sleeveless...with cute little pink flowers all over it. But, not exactly what you want to be sporting to school!

A Special Shout Out to My Brother!!

HAPPY 24th to my baby BROTHER!!! Kirby will always be "Booter Boy" because I remember the days he would dress up as superman and run through the house with red cape flying screaming "Boo---Ter---Boy!!!!.....to the rescue!" I love you lil' bro...don't have too much fun over in country music city.

I Am Seeing A Pattern Here...

I bought my new Christmas wrapping paper! Isn't it adorable?

It dawned on me that maybe I really like this vintage black and white scroll stuff accented with red. What do you think?

So...what are your favorite Christmas decorating ideas?

Food for thought

So, I was at Chick Fil A this morning...starving after Cade's field trip and needing to kill a few minutes before I picked up the Eli man. It was about 10:53 or so. Did you know that if you request a chick fil a chicken biscuit around this time...very close to 11 am, that sometimes it will be FREE?!!! This is the second time it has happened to me. I guess they do it because they stop serving breakfast at 11 and need to get rid of stuff! Man, chick fil a chicken biscuits are so good, especially with lemonade on the side.

And now, I am downing a humongo piece of my mother in law's homemade apple pie. I really like apple pie and I am pretty sure hers is the best I have ever tasted. She made it last weekend for some guests and brought ME the leftovers! It still tastes really good!

Speaking of cooking...what is that again? I can't remember the last time I cooked. It has been good for the grocery bill but a killer on the entertainment bill! We seem so busy...supporting different fundraisers held at different restaurants, squeezing in photography sessions, yada yada yada. I am ready for a good home cooked meal. But, it won't be tonight because dear love #1 won't be here to eat it!

What are you and your gang eating tonight? Don't make my mouth water!

Museum Field Trip!

I got to take Cade on his class's field trip to a museum. He really loved it...he soaks up getting to learn new things. I was so proud of him for listening attentively and being repsectful of the old artifacts and antiques. The first part of the trip was spent on learning about the Indians and the second part was devoted to learning about the Pioneer and Frontier days. Man, did they WORK back then! We have it so easy, we don't even have a clue!

The furs were a big hit! Especially the skunk one...you could put your hand inside of it like a puppet. Way too much fun for a bunch of 8 year olds!

While in the old cabin, one boy asked how on earth Santa was going to fit down the tiny chimney and fireplace!

An old loom.

The kids loved this part! It is an old fashioned potty! The boys were excited to know that the girls were the ones to have to do the dumping! (Figures.)

The "F" Crew!

Oh, the "F" Family! I just love big families and yours is no exception! Ummm...I think we got over 200 pics of this group. We just kept thinking of things to do! This first picture is my favorite. I am a sucker for a pouty face!

The "N" Boys!

Aren't these the cutest boys!? They were so well behaved and happy. I guess my fave pic is the one of baby hands. I just love the baby phase and miss it so much! Thanks, "N" family! May God bless you all abundantly.

9 months

I want a new beginning. A beginning that never ends.

I thought about you a ton today, Kiley. I remembered the time you and I went to go hear the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I felt so big taking you somewhere all by myself. It felt nice to sit amidst about 5000 other people and be a part of something bigger...worshiping the One that is so big.

I remembered the time that I was driving us kids back from the land and I hit a HUGE black snake. You never let me live it down that I backed that car into reverse and hit it again. (Umm, I think I repeated that process about 5 times.) What can I say, I hate snakes.

I remembered the time we all went and saw the new King Kong. Oh, my goodness! Could the movie be any more ridiculous or long? Every time I looked at you, I burst into laughter. I could never be around you if it meant I had to be quiet in a place that required it!

I remembered the days when you would pick me up for Bible Study and your music was blaring so loudly that I would have to scream so that you could hear me. I really think you may have been deaf!

I remembered your 5 or 6 year old birthday party at the skating rink. You had on the cutest twirly pink dress. You were surrounded by a thousand friends and you definitely knew you were the princess that day! I am pretty sure that my hair was permed so tight that I couldn't skate a straight line.

I remembered how when I wanted a taste of something in the kitchen, you would just grab up a huge pinchful with your thumb and fingers and shove it in my mouth.

I want a new beginning. A beginning that never ends.

The "K" Family!

I just love these guys! This second picture is my favorite! Guess why? They just found out they are having a baby! YEAH! Thanks for a fun time!