A Wintery weekend

The tree is down, the ornaments are packed up.

For the holidays I have always put

photos across the mantle so during the winter

I put up snow photos of the family, my siblings,

from childhood thru today doing winter activities.

Ahh the Memories!

It started to snow again,

so that was nice especially

since the rain washed away the Christmas snow.

Lil Orchid loves to try and catch the flakes,

if we could only get her to keep her eyes open.

Basketball cheer season started this week...this photo is an example

of the childrens X sm size uniform we ordered for her.

I'm not sure what we'll do, looks more like halloween LOL.

Snug as a bug in a rug...

This story comes from the fact that Lil Orchids Mom got a Snuggle Blanket for Christmas...

she loves to snuggle and sits on her Mom's lap, except she says she is trapped under the blanket. She asked if we could make two more arm holes in Mom's snuggle so she can move around too.

Needless to say that was one project I didn't want to tackle so we found a child size snuggle and now she is warm and Happy!

Happy New Year

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!