New Years Eve..Time & Tornados

What a way to end 2010...We said Good Bye to my son as he travels back to OH, enjoyed freakish midwest weather of 73 ,then survived the wrath of tornados and winds of 70 mph.

We were blessed that we received no damage but limbs down and still have our home and electricity. Our hearts go out to our neighbors and friends in the St.Louis area that lost everything.

I want to wish my TN brother a BIG 50th Birthday!! Wish we were there!!!

After Christmas Festivities...

I can never say it enough..

FAMILY is EVERYTHING

and they bring me such JOY!!

Had fun together,

Had fun visiting,

Had fun getting more gifts.

Thanks everyone !

Christmas Morn...

There is nothing more exciting than

waking up Christmas morn with a

4 year old. Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas at my brothers...

Drove to the next county,

to celebrate with my brother and family,

my two sisters & brother in law

and my mom & dad.

Ate well, and opened gifts.

Lil Orchid became Rupunzel with the wig

and a handmade dress from Great-Great.

Christmas Eve

What a busy day...
finishing the cookies,
topping the Christmas tree,
sprinkling the reindeer food outside,
and leaving a note & Christmas cookies
for Santa....

Twas the night before Christmas....

Party with the cousins

Celebrating Christmas with

Great Uncle Tom & Great Aunt Gena
and cousins Madelynn (7) and Meridith (3)

Emily, Jana & Tyler

Br-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r

Oh My Gosh...It is BITTER COLD!

Stepped outside for a few seconds,

then came indoor to get some

monograming done for Christmas.

Who's on the Nice List ?

Well, today was very full of festivities.

First we went to a little friend, Jaeda's

4th Birthday.

Then by early evening we arrived at our annual Christmas Party.

This is a special group of forever families.

The room was over flowing with Love & Laughter.

The children for a craft, decorated sugar cookies with icing, then they played and listened to christmas music.

Santa arrived and the thrill and excitement beamed from Lil Orchids face.
But what wowed her most was when he called her by name, then asked if Uncle Nathan had been a good boy. I think she is now convienced that when we say and she sings "Here comes Santa Claus" he really is watching you!

Hope everyone is enjoying the Season of Love!

I know I am !!

Penquins at the Zoo

After a visit to Shriners Hosp and getting a new brace for Lil Orchid
we decided for a little fun while still in St Louis, MO
the Zoo, yep the Zoo in December!

Sunday in Cinci

Packed my son's new futon and christmas tree in the van and then made him some Christmas decorations for his apartment. We upcycled a snowman and monkey with Cards Wear, then decorated a plain wreath my son had gotten me in a grab bag free for all. I think mine looks much better than those found in the store. Don'tcha think?

We cooked supper, Lil Orchid loved shake n bake chicken and then got to make snicker doodles with Uncle Nathan. M-m-m-m-m Later they colored and drew snow pictures,and Lil Orchid decided to write a Christmas List, she asked all of us what we wanted and added them to her list, she even asked her stuffed cat and cow.

REDSFEST...

Anyone reading our ETSY Store knows we left the State for the weekend. Drove in unexpected Snow, Ice and Wind. Was lucky enough to squeeze in a little vacation to visit my son in Ohio. You know we LOVE Baseball, and even though the STL Cards are our #1, we do appreciate other ballplayers. So we spent two days at the Redsfest (autographing & picture taking) What a great way to spend time together as a family, talking, laughing and standing in lines for hours LOL.

Visions of Baseballs bounce through her head...

A weekend of giving Thanks...

You may get tired of hearing me say this...

but, I Do Not get Tired of saying

how Lucky, how Blessed,

how Grateful I am.

My children & grandchild are my life -

My breath-my Heart & Soul !!

They are my passion- my inspiration

and when I look at them..I know God Loves Me!

We were lucky enough to be all together this weekend,

but anytime we are together it is Thanksgiving.

We cooked, we ate, we planned BF strategies,

We snuggled & we laughed. I Love My Family!

We all got to see Lil Orchids face and bright eyes,

that never blinked once

while she watched her first ever Movie

at the local Theatre"Tangled"

Calling family and friends was also a

great way to spend our day.

Wishing Everyone a Boutiful & Blessed

Holiday filled with everything that makes

YOU HAPPY !!!

getting ready for Turkey Day...

Decorations are going up...

Lil Orchid is making an abundance of Turkeys

with her little hand prints

What I am Thankful for....

do I really need to say!!