Happy Memorial Day!

A lot of people have paid the ultimate price for the freedom of our country.

Thank you to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for us.

Thank you to all the families who have had to sacrifice time with a family member so that they could defend this nation.

I'm proud to be an American!!

God Bless the U.S.A!!

Our Christmas in Pictures

We gather with family every Christmas Eve...not sure if they really want their pictures on my blog, so I'll refrain...except for my dad. I'm going to post some of his silliness later.

After a yummy bbq dinner, it was time to move into the living room where Ella and Evan joined forces to recite the Christmas Story from Luke 2. It brings tears everytime. Then the little elves dished out the gifts. It was so great to have our family over...those were Ella's exact words that night.

Ella got a sweet new baby doll.

Evan waited so patiently for his turn - I think this was his Veggie Tales Pirate Ship.

One thing I got was a delicious Hershey bar...I think I get one every year...but this time it included a $10 bill. Here's the funny part. This came from my aunt who drew my name. Donald drew her name (guess who did the shopping?) and on her list she had 'Hershey bar and money'...so guess what? Donald (I) gave her a big Hershey bar with a $10 bill in it! Matching gifts! Isn't that crazy!?!?!

Here is my looney hubby getting all excited about his new earbuds and, um, a Halloween popcorn ball. See, we get crazy around here!

After everyone left, we dressed the kids in their pajamas for a sweet picture...

...and then we went driving around looking at Christmas lights. They liked it for about 2.3 minutes. Ella fell asleep. Evan said he was hungry and wanted to go home. Big surprise.

Here is our tree on Christmas morning.

This is what awaited Ella...

And here is what awaited Evan...

And...I also had something waiting. I was told that once I went in the bedroom that night I'd have to stay there...this is why.

The big reveal...

Aren't they lovely!!??


They were a complete surprise...thanks, honey!

After we sang 'Happy Birthday' to Jesus, we opened the rest of our gifts.

Ella was most excited about the walking horse she opened. It goes with her new Sleeping beauty doll and she was ecstatic!

Evan had the joy of opening our new Mario Kart game...what a face!!


Those are the highlights from our Christmas!! I hope yours was just as wonderful! :)

What Christmas Is All About

Luke 2
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Thank you, God, for sending your one and only son to bear the burden of my sins that I may have eternal life in heaven with you.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!

Wordless Wednesday - From the Archives

Give Thanks

(image by del_bug photobucket)

Sweet friends, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I have many, many things to be thankful for this year...my husband, my children, my family, my friends, my home, my job, and my health to name a few. I hope you will count your blessings this year and praise God for all that He has given you.

I'll be on a bloggy break until next week...although, I may be around commenting on your posts, I'm really behind! See you soon! Until next time...

Proud to be an American!

Happy Fourth of July!

Thank you to all the men and women who serve this great nation - words are not enough for the sacrifices you and your families make.

We hope you all have a great weekend.

And if you're celebrating with fireworks, don't shoot your eye out!

Late because I'm a loser, but Oh, you MUST see it!

I couldn't for the life of me get this video to load via Blogger on Father's Day...or today, for that matter.

It finally dawned on me to upload it to YouTube so I could share it with you.

It still took for---e---ver. (did I do something wrong?)

Sigh.

Oh well.

I happen to think this is one of the sweetest/funniest little greetings ever.

Without further ado...

Here are my sweeties...

These Daddies are Blessings to Me

My Dad. He is logical. Rational. Funny. Intelligent. And he tells it like it is. He was and is a great dad. I still ask him for advice. And I'm more likely to take it now than I used to be...amazing what a few years will do.

Even though he has successfully taught my kids that sticking their tongues out is a necessary childhood habit, I still call him the best Papa ever.

And if you think I'm crazy sometimes...let me show you that I come by it honestly.

Never a dull moment around this guy. Well...except in the middle of the day sitting around his house. He'll be dozing off in his recliner...even with a really loud grandson running around him. Ah, 'sawing logs'...he's known for it. Hope you get a great nap today, pa!

Dad, I love you! Happy Father's Day!!

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My Husband. My Mr. Wonderful. I knew years before we had children that he would make an awesome father. My instincts were spot on. God knew exactly what kind of guy I would need to help me raise children. He is stern when he needs to be, and a tender comfort when things aren't quite right. He keeps us all in check. He is so smart. I really think he knows at least a little about everything. Including his extensive 'brain almanac' of useless sports statistics...but that's ok. It's his thing.

And just so you don't mistakenly think that he is some super serious guy...we don't have to worry about getting good laughs around here.

Honey, you are awesome...I love you!
Happy Father's Day!!

We miss you...wish you were here!!

***signs are blurry, but their faces are great...attempted a video...it won't load...and hubs doesn't get sound in Estonia anyway...maybe another day!!***

It was Egg-stra Fun!

I figured out that I have known Yvette for 9 1/2 years...but we haven't seen each other in nearly 4 years. We've done a fair job of keeping in touch...sometimes life, and a 45 minute drive, has a way of converting personal friendships into email/blog friendships.

Friday night, Yvette sent me an invitation to bring the kids out to an annual Egg Hunt at a local church. I was a little hesitant...I've told you what happened at our last Egg hunt, but with Donald out of town, I'm all about getting out of the house to pass some time. Yvette assured me that this would be worth the drive.

It was so worth the drive!! They had several inflatables, horse rides, egg hunts and lunch. The kids had a blast and Yvette and I were able to speak face to face. It really was a wonderful day!






As you can see, no day would be complete without a little 'Grumpypants' time.

Be sure to hop on over to Yvette's post to see more pictures from our day together.

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Ella loves to take pictures. She asked if she could go take a picture of the Easter Bunny. She took a fantastic picture...then she and CJ (Yvette's daughter) had their own little photo shoot. It was very entertaining to watch...and the pictures weren't half bad.

Those girls really hit it off!




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Evidence of a good time:



Yvette and I have decided that we simply must not let four years pass before we see each other again...in true banker's terminology, Yvette declared that we should have at least Quarterly Meetings.

It's a date, my friend.

One more reason that I love Hobby Lobby...

They used this graphic in their email advertising today.

Happy Easter!

Rejoice!

picture by dibbera

As I strolled through Blah-mart yesterday, I noticed Ella singing...

"Jesus reigns, I will praise Him. Jesus reigns, I will praise Him. I'll join the thunder, and tell of the wonder, that Jesus reigns...O O O O, Jesus Reigns." Jana Alayra

I was a proud mama...and what a fitting song for our Christian celebration of Easter.

Last weekend, I participated in my first Easter musical at church. I am so thankful...now I have a few songs stuck in my head (on my heart) as well.

Here are the lyrics to one of my favorites:

Amazing Love

Graham Kendrick

My Lord, what love is this
That pays so dearly
That I, the guilty one,
May go free?

Amazing love, oh what sacrifice
The Son of God given for me
My debt He pays and my death He dies
That I might live, that I might live.

And so, they watched Him die
Despised, rejected
But oh, the blood He shed
Flowed for me!

Amazing love, oh what sacrifice
The Son of God given for me
My debt He pays and my death He dies
That I might live, that I might live.

And now, this love of Christ
Shall flow like rivers
Come wash your guilt away
Live again!

Amazing love, oh what sacrifice

The Son of God, given for me

My debt He pays and my death He dies

That I might live, that I might live.
That I Might Live!!

Jesus is the Reason for this Season!
Happy Easter!