Cole

He is just so stinkin' cute!


I love him! I love him! I love him!

Don

Mountain Man (Sort of...)

Daddy Juice

Mac & Cheese

WHY is it that I must eat this stuff? I make it with every intention of feeding it only to my children. But then, I find myself eating it off the scraper out of the pot. WHY? WHY? WHY?

Jennifer

I love this lady. She has no idea how much. I think it is funny that she brought me a thank you note today for being a good friend...that is how good a friend she is! Go figure.
She is a great listener, she will always give you an honest opinion, she is very humble, and she is incredibly patient and kind. I aspire to be as quietly confident as she is. On top of all that, she is oober smart!


Jennifer is so much fun!

Christmas Party Dress

The Dress

The Jacket

What do you all think about this? Is it too boring?
I had a hard time shopping for a party dress. What used to look good on me now looks too childish, but I am pretty nervous I have swung too far in the other direction.

Top 10 things for which I am thankful...

1. I am thankful for a healthy family. No major illnesses or challenges.
2. I am thankful for my husband's job that more than provides for our family.
3. I am thankful for my husband who is all I ever wanted, plus so much more.
4. I am thankful for wonderful in-laws.
5. I am thankful for a great Mother and Father.
6. I am thankful for my brother and his family.
7. I am thankful for my Maw Maw Zoo.
8. I am thankful for my close friends...you know who you are.
9. I am thankful that Heavenly Father listens and talks with me.
10. I am thankful for brave Soldiers who risk their lives so we may be free.

"Count your many blessings, name them one by one..."

Thanksgiving in Blue Ridge, GA

Our little family.

My brother, Page, and his two boys, Andrew(L) and Daniel(R).

Our Cabin.

Mom, Pappa and Aunt "Crazy" Staci.

After our 5.7 mile mountain hike.
Don and I carried Cole and Randi almost the entire way.
Note: Don't try to take anyone under 5 hiking for more than a mile.
We bought Alex a Game Boy that night because he was such a great sport!

The boys use the hot tub as a swimming pool...what the heck, right?!?

The fire pit.
We spend every night gathered around it swapping stories and watching the lights.


This was such a fun trip. Thanks again, Mom and Pappa!

Matching Christmas Pajamas

I had no idea I was so behind in purchasing matching family Christmas jammies. It's not even December!!! I had to just take what I could get and pay $250 for them at that. I know it sounds crazy, but what is a late buying Mommy to do?
Here is a picture of the jammies I purchased. Please, tell me you love them so that I can feel better about the ridiculous price!

If any of you have ideas on how to do a better job at this next year, I would LOVE to hear it!

ABC of My Style

A: What accessories do you wear everyday? earrings and a wedding ring

B: What is your beauty routine? shower, shave, shampoo, dry, brush, style, lotion

C: What was the last item of clothing (for yourself) that you purchased? Huhhh...I don't remember.

D: Do you use a dresser, closet, or both? Closet

E: What type of earrings are in your ears right now? none...a bluetooth for work

F: What type of figure do you have? I'm shaped kind of like a hot dog or a pencil....not much of a waist

G: Do you wear glasses? yes

H: What type of handbag do you carry? Coach...big enough for diapers, wipes, a wallet and snacks

I: What is your ideal style? Jeans, t-shirts, heals and big jewelery

J: What jewelry are you wearing right now? wedding ring (I'm in gym clothes.)

K: Do you wear knee-hi stockings? thigh-highs, yes. knee-his, no.

L: Do you *have* to wear matching lingerie? no

M: Do you wear makeup? yes

N: Do you wear nightgowns? yes

O: What outerwear do you put on when going out on a typical winters day? a coat and scarf

P: What is your favorite perfume? Clinque Happy

Q: Is your motto "quality over quantity" when it comes to clothing and accessories? QUALITY!!!

R: Do you wear rain boots? No

S: Do you wear socks or slippers when your feet get cold? Socks

T: Do you have a set of travel luggage? yep

U: What is your daily uniform? gym clothes or jeans and fitted tee

V: If you are married, did you wear a veil with your wedding dress? eloped...no veil

W: Do you wear a watch? yes

X: What item of clothing always makes you feel extremely beautiful? "a well fitted dress"...just like Natalie

Y: What is your favorite type of yarn? a soft kind

Z: Do you prefer zippers or buttons? buttons

Texas Ren Fest

Don and I went to the Texas Renaissance Festival Saturday. It is always so much fun. For the first time, though, we had reservations at the "King's Feast." The King's Feast is an interactive theater show and dinner. Super fun. I couldn't believe the amount of food they brought out!!! I will totally do it again. Of course, it doesn't hurt when you get pulled up on stage several times and receive extra special attention for belly dancers and pirates...don't ask.
IF you want to check out some pictures, here is their web site:

http://www.thekingsfeast.com/thekingsphotos.htm

My favorite shop in the whole fair was filled with stuff like this... Check out his web site...www.bristlepine.com

Just Plain Grumpy

I am just plain grumpy.
I am sick of being a single mom. I am sick of not knowing where we are going to live. I am sick of waiting on Don to get a new job. I am sick of hearing my kids fight. I am sick of being chubby. I am sick of bad reports from Alex's school. I am sick of not being able to go to church. I am sick of my Nanny not showing up. I am sick of saying "no, stop, that's not Ok, leave him/her alone." I am sick of being tired. I am sick of being sick of it all!
Something has got to give...

Real Simple Questions

1. What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?
Pie

2. Finish the sentence: "I love how blogging _____".
let's me keep up with my friends.

3. What is your most reliable Thanksgiving shortcut?
Go to a relatives house and bring a side dish or two.

4. What are your really good at?
cooking

5. The best decision I ever made was...
to choose to be happy.

6. Describe the most nontraditional Thanksgiving you have celebrated.
they have all been traditional...I should branch out more.

7. The big decision I'm currently wrestling with is...
How to tell Don not to quit till he has a new job.

OCD?

My husband has this thing about folding the towls. They are so perfect when he is done. I feel like I am in a hotel everytime I open the cabinet door! It's so nice.
When I fold...yea, well...whatever. I just cram them in.

His hand is in the way because he thought I was going to make fun of him. Poor thing, I think I gave him issues.

3rd Child

Let it never be said that I didn't take pictures of my 3rd kid!


Pig Tails


Hours of Entertainment


First Mini-Skirt


The Problem with Mini-Skirts


First trip to the Dentist

Brazos Bend Park

Halloween

I have been MIA because there is just only so much I can fit into my days! Crazy busy around here.
Anyway, here are a few pictures from our Halloween. It was a very fun time...I totally could have stayed out another few hours, but the kids were ready to go home. Party Poopers!