The Thrill of Victory

On Christmas night everyone came over and we had a Wii party - we had so much fun playing those games. Dad was happy to beat both Steven and Mark at bowling, and Madeline was happy to beat Mark at boxing. I think everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, so I was quite satisfied :-)

Christmas Fun at the Grandparent's House

We were blessed to be at Mom & Dad's house with Rebecca, Mark and Sophia on Christmas Day. There is something so comforting about spending that day together! Dad tricked a couple of us with our gifts - Madeline was THRILLED to get a basketball goal, and Steven enjoyed his IPod very much as well. Most of all we enjoyed a great meal joined by Bridget and Nicole and just had fun being together. Sweet Sophia has gotten so big - she was a ton of fun to play with this time. A great time was had by all, and I'm sure it's a memory we'll keep for a long time to come.

Santa Came!

Santa came to our house! Madeline loved her gifts, although she wasn't feeling well that morning. We did a simple good time enjoying each other's company... Plus we had a good laugh because we got snuggies :-) I don't care what any of you people say, I like my Snuggie :-)

Christmas Fun Number 1

We had our first group of family over for some Christmas Eve fun - and we certainly had a great time together laughing, eating and opening presents. Madeline had fun playing with the cousins, presents and all. She even gave one of her toys to Carlee... I was really proud of her for that :-) Here are some pictures of us all having a great time:

She's a Basketball Player

We've had fun this winter with Madeline's new sport - she's playing basketball now! We remain amazed that we have somehow brought a little budding athlete into the world.... Basketball is pretty fun, but it's hard to take a good picture! Another great aspect about basketball has been that Madeline's Grandparents have been coming to the games, and Melissa and Carlee came last week too. A great time was had by all!

What We're Thankful For

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on our blessings.... we all thought a little bit about it, and came up with a few things that we especially appreciate this year.

Steven is thankful for:

Madeline,
Janie and
Our Cozy House

Madeline is thankful for:

My parents
Our church
My great friends

Janie is thankful for:

The fact that I married my best friend
That God blessed us with a healthy, happy, spunky little person
Reminders to count my blessings
Sisters
Brother and Sisters in Law who I love like they are my own family
Our sweet parents

Small things:
guitars
Pet Shops
dinner each day
Madeline's school
cars we love
books
Christmas decorations
sunny days
hot tubs
stuffed animals
cameras
video tapes of our kiddo
Happy days
warm blankies

Thanksgiving Fun

We had a great Thanksgiving this year with Steven's side of the family. The kids had fun, the grown ups talked and laughed, and good food was had by all....

Fun Art Projects

Rebecca gave Madeline an awesome tub of craft stuff for her Birthday - and she's enjoyed the gift so much! She has used them quite a bit. Today's project was drawing a Christmas tree on our front door with window crayons - totally fun!

Veteran's Day

This Veteran's Day I am compelled to recognize the losses at Ft. Hood. It is incomprehensible what happened there, the losses suffered by the heroes there and the pain that their families must suffer. It gives me chills to think of those soldiers running TOWARD gun shots to help their fallen comrades. I pray for the souls of those lost today, and for peace for all of those who suffered losses.

To all of those who serve today, thank you, and for those who have served our country in the past by putting on a uniform we thank you too.

Trick or Treat

We have had a GREAT Halloween week-end... on Friday night we went out to eat with Mom & Dad and had a good meal and some great time together. Then we got to visit Mark on Saturday for a while (Madeline was very excited to see him - she loves her Uncles :-) Spending time with family is the best!


We were quite pleased with our pumpkin carving endeavors....



Daddy/Daughter fun handing out candy, and they walked down to the scary house in our neighborhood to trick or treat and have thrills and chills!



Good friends came by to trick or treat.



And yes, even I got in on the dress up action this year, although all I had to do was skip putting on my make up and doing my hair in the morning :-) (I can't believe that I put this pic on the blog!)

 

Johnny & Jeanine came by, we were happy to see them - it seems like it has been a really long time since Madeline got to see her Nana and Granddaddy!

Halloween Fun at School

Halloween Parties at school are so much fun! You get to do all kinds of crazy things... like get wrapped up like a mummy.


You get to actually dance around at school (usually you can't even run :-)


You also get to wrap up your best buds...


You hang out with your friends - everyone has huge dazzling smiles!


Your friend asks your Mom a million and one questions - all about your hamster...


One of your best buds dresses up like a dead bride... too funny!


You get to see your cousins in their cool costumes.


It was a GREAT day, and your Mom was there to see it all :-)