Stocking all hung by the chimney...

I was looking at our fireplace and the six stockings that represent my little family.  I got a tad sentimental. My babies are growing up and Christmas just isn't the same.  Kayla was on her mission for the last two and Andrew is only coming for a few days before Christmas this year.  

So I made a decision.   A very important decision.

These six stockings will be FOREVOR on my Christmas mantle.  When I'm 80 years old, I'll still be sitting in my rocking chair and looking at these stockings.  Wherever my kids may go , wherever they may spend their holidays, their stockings will ALWAYS be right where I am. 

They are still my babies.  Even if I don't wipe their bottoms any more.

Andrew turns 21!

YAY for Lexus!!  Yesterday was Andrew's birthday and I MISSED him!!  I was very happy when she sent me pictures.  Isn't he SO handsome???!!!  And to think that 21 years ago he was my little Christmas present.  Ok... now I'm missing that baby very, very much. 

Excuse me while I get a tissue.

I added in the baby pictures so ya'll could see what an adorable little thing he was....

I give up!

Asparagus (the kitten, also known as Gus) is driving me crazy!!  She won't stop climbing the Christmas tree.  She goes all the way to the top and bats at the ornaments until they fall.  Over and over and over again.

This started two weeks ago when we put up the tree... so I took her to the vet to get fixed and declawed.  You'da thunk it would have slowed her down.  NOPE.

So today I gave up.  We are going to have a misshapen, half-decorated Christmas tree. 

So there.

Kayla and Tyson

Aren't they cute.....

....and now for some reason she isn't quite

as excited to come home for Christmas.

11-year old entrepeneur

Shea recently finished reading all seven Harry Potter books and was feeling bored. She started making hairbows with plans to sell them and retire by 15 while supporting her parents. This was all her idea (except the supporting her parents part) and I have the trail of scraps and fabric to prove it.

Last night she made her first sale - to her piano teacher. She bought five for her "prize box".

Shea looked up online different types of bows.

This one requires fire, so I helped just a bit.

Being the good mom that I am.

Very pretty!!

(clip is on back)

This is how she is displaying them to show her friends at school



Christmas Parade

That's Braden with the blue shoes... nice backside shot :)

Braden & Hayden

Braden and Derek

cute pumpkin coach...

Thanksgiving in Arkansas

Doesn't everyone have a secret desire to have Thanksgiving in Arkansas?  We did.... we just didn't know it until about a week ago :)  Kayla and Andrew didn't come home for the holiday so we decided to take Shea and Braden and run away.  We were able to get a few nights at the Worldmark condos in Fairfield Bay, AR.

And off we went....

Love the visitor center.
and the bathroom at the visitor center.

Shea took a few photos out the car window.

Braden smashing Shea. 
It's all about the fun.

Mt Magazine State Park
our picnic was a bit drizzly and wet.

Shea doesn't like to hike.
so we call it exploring.

Leaf Bug.
Creepy.

The crazy thing is that Arkansas in November
is just like Ketchikan in July.
I LOVED IT!

Petit Jean State Park
amazingly beautiful

A little more exploring up a river bed

Shea decorated our Thanksgiving table

Shea brought home a Christmas tree for the animals.
of course.

Walk in the park

Saturday was gorgeous, so we took the dogs and three cute girls to the park.

Viper came along as well, but in a jar.  This was just a bit before his demise.  I guess the girls thought he needed a little enjoyment before his life ended.

I love the fall weather... Oklahoma has redeeming qualities!

Jack and Sasha

a contrast in dogs :) 

 Shea, Kaitlyn and Kelsi

Sasha not liking the bridge

Viper the rattlesnake

Shea and her friends found a baby rattlesnake...

IN OUR FRONT YARD!!!!!!

 captured in Shea's garbage can

little thing wasn't very happy about all the attention.

the girls named him Viper

My question....

WHERE ARE HIS PARENTS!!!?????

p.s.  Viper is no longer living.  Thanks to James. 
Best. Neighbor. Ever.

Too sexy for my sweater...

Even Satan the Chihuahua deserves to be warm. 

Yes... it has finally gotten cold here!! 

*happy dance*

 our neighbor gave us the sweater that was too small for their dog.

Sasha looks adorable.

well... as adorable as an evil chihuahua can look.

I can't figure out how to put the video right on the post... but click here for the I'm Too Sexy song.