Merry Christmas

Here's a photo collage' of our Christmas. (Click on the pictures for a closer look.)

The first set of pictures (below) is Christmas morning at home. The boys had a great morning and were FULL of Christmas Joy. The livingroom is STILL hip deep in debris. Riley was right in the middle of all the fun, and was overjoyed to finally get his new toy - which has been out of reach, but tempting him from the branches of our tree.

The second set (below) is at Ma & Pop's house with the rest of the family. We're quite a scruffy looking bunch of hooligans...but we're harmless and loads of fun. =) We enjoyed a wonderful day together, and even got EVERYONE to pose for a family picture. Of course, there's a good picture and a goofy one. You decide which is which!

Not only was it a very Merry Christmas, it was and always will be remembered as a very Blessed Christmas. God is awesome!

You're Never Too Old to Talk to the Man...

Blake took the boys to see the Big Guy today. Even tho' they are both wise, we're never too old to talk to Santa & tell him their Christmas wishes....and have their picture taken. Actually, it all boils down to me. I insisted on the picture. I have ALL their pictures with Santa - every year since Ian's first Christmas in 1993) - in a little frame, sitting on the piano. It's always fun to look at all the pictures when we unpack our Christmas decorations & see how they've grown. Here's my personal favorite. Cole was about 17 months old & he was in full scream & panic mode. Ian was just happy to be there.

My, how things have changed!

I don't know how much longer I can make them sit down with Santa for a picture, but I'll never get tired of looking at all the little pictures on the piano.

Our Christmas Card

In an effort to trim costs - postage & cards - I'm posting our Christmas card for all my on-line friends & family here. Soooo ~

Here is our official family Christmas card picture. Despite many moans & groans from Ian, much silliness & goofy faces at all the wrong times from Cole, and just a little bit of wiggling from Riley - we actually managed to get a half-way decent picture of us all. (Actually, Riley was the most cooperative member of the family. He's the only one who listens & doesn't express an opinion. *G*)

It's been an interesting year - admittedly filled with some challenges and frustrations, but also filled with endless laughter...because we have to laugh at ourselves, countless blessings,and never-ending abundant love. God is awesome, and it's in Him we put our faith and hope. Merry Christmas to everyone. God Bless you!

My favorite things....

Christmas is a time of bringing out our 'favorite things'. Ornaments with special memories, the cute little things we make for the holidays, and special traditions. These are a few of my favorites things....
My goofy family as we attempt to take a pictures for our Christmas cards. Ian & Cole taking delight in an unexpected gift of hats. Blake with a twinkle in his eye. Riley mooching up for Mama-snuggles. Our little village - complete with a Quilt shop, and the boys' Bumble. My favorite Christmas wall quilt, the Floodlight Snowlady (Wahoo, I discovered how to paint!),the "Floozy" Snowlady, my wonky "Hot Chocolate & Snowmen Don't Mix" spray-insulation snowman (I sold a bunch of those!), the boys excitement about getting a tree, and our mantel decorated with angels & our stockings - so lovingly made. All these things (and many more) have a special place in my heart. I remember the joys (and sometimes frustrations) of making many of these things. And even tho' some of them are looking old & shabby, some are just plain goofy, they all bring back smiles every year at Christmas time.