Fashion Model in the Making

Audrey got a bunch of clothes and accessories from Santa this year. She put this outfit together and when I went to take a picture of her she busted this out . . .

I took this other one of her inside and then decided that we should head outside for a full photo shoot.

This one is probably my favorite!

The Stockings are hung from the chimney with care . . .

I can't believe that tomorrow is the night before Christmas! This year it has been so hard for me to get into the Christmas Spirit. I am finally excited and it is almost over! I just let it all get to me, the hustle and bustle, the money, the stress. I will not do this to myself again! My parents arrived this evening around dinner time and my brother and sister get in any minute! I am so excited to have them here for Christmas (even if it did mean a little extra cleaning and preparation). It is important for family to be together for the Holidays. I just have to say that with all of the complaining that I have been doing over stress and sicknesses and everything else these past few weeks I wouldn't trade any of it! I am so blessed. I can't wait to enjoy my day tomorrow cooking and wrapping gifts. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!

Christmas Traditions

The Red Caboos Christmas tree farm was great fun again this year. Our tree is a little bare due to the droubt but this tradition is a keeper! After a month of "cold" weather here in Houston I am convinced that I can't move! This Holiday season is flying by! I just want to freeze time. Next year I need to be more prepared so that I can enjoy things more. I always try to do too much at the last minute - call it a family trait:) I am so full of gratitude for the many wonderful things in my life. I just love my babies and they are growing up so fast. I can't believe that Claire will be a year old in a couple of months. James and I are celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary today. I can honestly say that it just keeps getting better! There are always ups and downs in life but this year has been a really great year! I didn't do Christmas cards this year so I just want all of you (family and friends) to know how much we love and appreciate you! Our lives wouldn't be the same without you. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday Season!









Happy Anniversary!! I love this guy! He makes me laugh every day. I truly don't know what I would do without him! I managed to make a pretty smart decision at the ripe old age of 19! (phew!)

I will take no prisoners!

The flu bug has made it full circle around our little household! We have all had the stomach flu. It has been an unfortunate series of events. My washer decided to give out on me right around the time that the throw up started spewing. Ahhh! When will it end! Hope you Holiday is going a little better than ours!

Finally, someone got it right!

http//www.azcentral.com/news/articles/stephanie-nielson-intro-120609.html

I have been so disappointed with the coverage of Stephanie Nielson (Nie Nie). It seems like every time I saw something on her I was disappointed. I think that they finally got it right. Check it out! I am looking forward to next weeks addition!

Things I love

-I love sitting by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate and a blanket around my shoulders. When I lived at my parents house I used to stick my feet up on the edge of the fire place to keep them warm.

-I love the smell of a my newborn babies. I love to press my cheek against theirs. There is nothing better than that!

-I love the sound of a river.

-I love the way the air feels and smells in the mountains.

-I love the sight and smell of a campfire.

-I love choral music at Christmastime.

-I love a hot bubble bath at the end of a long day.

-I love climbing into bed!!

-I love the sound of an acoustic guitar, it is nostalgic for me.

-I love photographs. I love the way that they can capture life in a way that words cannot.

-I love a starlit night; the kind that you get when you are away from the city.

-I love a quiet, clean room, where you can almost feel the silence. Heaven!

-I love breakfasts at my Grandma McGee's.

-I love Sunday dinner at Mom's. (Sunday's in general at Mom's are a real treat)

-I love the feeling I get after going for a good run (when I am in shape).

-I love an empty dance studio.

-I love family Christmas parties.

What do you love?

Thanksgiving

My big seven and a half year old riding the four wheeler. (Don't worry, she was only in first gear).
Sadly, this was the best photo I could get of the big event. Blame it on kids.




















We had a great time at James' Mom's ranch for Thanksgiving! Good food, four wheeling, playing games with the kids, campfire, s'mores, etc.
There is one thing that I have to say I am Thankful for this year and that is my best friend and husband. We are going on nine years of marriage and I can honestly say that I love him (and like him) more today than I ever have. I am so grateful to have him by my side in this life. He makes everything more fun. He has lightened me up in a lot of ways but has also required me to get more serious about the things that are important. I don't know what I would do without him!!! He really is the best.

I know that My Redeemer Lives

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever living Head.

He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.


He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend,
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death:
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to His Name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh sweet the joy this sentence gives,
I know that my Redeemer lives!

Wisdom

God gives us no commandment that we cannot "complicate." (accomplish)

During our morning scripture study Rachel had an appropriately misplaced word! I love it when my children do that!

Halloween Pics

Birthday Recap

Some people might be satisfied to post a couple of pictures. Not me. I want you to feel like you were really there!!

Me and Brittany goofing off with the haunted football toss!
Rachel and Daddy

James joking around. (I liked this one)

An actual picture of our whole family! We are not all looking at the camera but we are all in the shot! Amazing!

Ecstatic! I couldn't get him to let go of his lunch box and backpack the whole party. He climbed around all of the playgroud equipment and went down the slide with it on.
His backpack was busting at the seems. He stuffed all of his new toys into it and hung on for dear life.

A rare photo of me and my other half!!

Some of the party goers. The rest were playing at the playground.

Audrey, the little flirt, and her Texas cowboy!!

Love this one.

Stuffing faces.

The little one.

Me and my little man.

Such an Adam face. Goof ball.