Merry Christmas

CHRISTMAS DAY

Baby Jesus is now in the manger

Notice the pan and spoon in foreground? Daddy wakes the teens...

Kyle enjoys Cooper's new toys

Denny and my mom...carving 101

Redneck wishbone...if you have a 3-way wishbone, you might be a redneck

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CHRISTMAS EVE

Granddad reads the Legend of the Whitetail

Tyler gives Carrie some Christmas Eve LoVe

Carrie taking Cooper to see the Hodo house

Kyle, Tyler, Carrie, and Sarah checking out their booty

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As my niece so lovingly wrote in our Christmas card,

'For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.' Luke 2:11.

I just love this time of year, it all gives me a warm fuzzy. The lights and music, the way people extend a smile or warm greeting, even more so during the holiday. It can seem hectic at times, but I wouldn't trade it for anything! The look on the kids faces (and some of the grown-ups)when they open their gifts is truly priceless! Who can grumble at delicious meals and family gatherings? I love searching for those perfect, yet practical (some not so much) gifts. And guys, Denny will tell you that if you have a daughter that is old enough to drive, it's the bomb this time of year! Just give them the money and your list and you'll be enjoying the holiday in no time. Heck, they'll usually even wrap it for you!

My mom and uncles summed Christmas up perfectly by saying that they were thankful to have enjoyed another year together, in relatively good health. Who could ask for more? I know I am very thankful for family and friends. Be thankful for what you have, and pray for those who have less. Amen. And pass the potatoes!

Pictures to follow, one of us is having technical difficulties, not sure if it's me or the equipment~

will have all this and more from our annual New Year's weekend hunting trip!

Happy Birthday to me!

These are only a few of the marvelous goodies I received...

Yay for presents!

Yes, my daughter got me a Hooters shirt... camo at that!

(eat your heart out Valerie Burns!)

Bet you can't guess who got me this one =]

I told you those numbers were backwards

I must be the luckiest mom ever! My family had a birthday celebration for me, complete with cake and ice-cream. It was sooooo yummy and the presents were great! I think they might have gotten the candles a little mixed up though...


Thank you to my family, I love you all so much, thanks for making me feel special!!!!!

Mean Green

Now which one's the brake??????

Carrie and her dad take the maiden voyage

WOW~what a ride! Carrie finally has that Mustang she's been wanting. Patience is definitely a virtue...and I don't mean just car shopping. Tee-hee. We lucked into this beauty from a friend of ours, you've probably seen it around town. It's a sweet ride alright! We are so proud of our kids and feel so happy to be able to get them some reliable transportation. Now if we could only find Kyle the car of his dreams...never, never give up!

The Magic Elf

Chandler's gift to Cooper
He's a snacker!
Christmas party at school

(notice Hayes bargaining for Chili's coupons)

Chandler learns about Christmas around the world
Chandler's popcorn/movie party-Check out that hat!

Ok, by now I'm sure most of you have heard the many stories about the magic elves that have mysteriously appeared in our town just in time for the holiday season. They arrive and sometimes they are a mess, but all in all, what they do is all in the name of love and fun. Right before Christmas break, we found out that they can have a condition called Elf-excitis. This is what happens when they get so excited around the holidays, looking forward to parties and going back home with Santa, that they can sometimes lose their heads! Luckily there is an elf doctor that lives at the edge of town and can nurse them right back to health in almost an instant!
For those of you unaware of how this all works, the kids write a letter to Santa asking if they can adopt an elf, who is much deserving of a break during the holiday season. The elf comes to love and play with its' new adopted family. The elf returns to the North Pole with Santa on Christmas Eve, and returns the next year to the same family. Our elf's name is Chandler. He has a great sense of humor and loves animals, hippy chips, and root beer. Don't get me wrong, he still loves water and crackers, but prefers yummy snacks. He made quite a few snow trails wherever he went so he wouldn't get lost while he was here, and always included the animals that were around him in everything he did. We'll miss the little guy and look forward to spending time with him next year!

Its Great to be 8!

Yummy pizza!

A few of the party-goers

More cotton candy!

Geoffrey even had fun!

The smile says it all

Great helpers! Matt's dad and Denny

Where to begin? This is as good as place as any to begin in December with Cooper's birthday bash at Chuck E. Cheese's. What a party! Family, friends, arcade games, and a big o' mouse. Cooper had a great time as did everyone else. Chuckees is great since the remodel, geez, remember that huge play-thing with the ball pit and the seat on the wall that went in a circle? This place is much improved over the years! Thanks to all who came and shared Cooper's special day,everyone was so helpful~especially Denny, he was great at helping me keep up with tokens and the seating arrangements, way to man that table!