Christmas Eve jammies

When we were growing up we always got to open one present on Christmas eve. We always wanted it to be the "the big one" or the really cool toy we just knew we were going to get. But it was always a homemade nightgown or pajamas. We knew thats what it would be and loved it, but still tried for the toy. Now our kids have the same tradition but they dont ask to open the big box, they just say "when do we get to open our jammies?" (and no I dont make them, Grammy buys them) ;-)

It could be worse...

She could be wearing all black, into drugs and alcohol, be disrespectful toward her parents and teachers, get bad grades, etc,etc,etc. Nope, not her, she is just plain weird. ;-)
Just kidding. It was crazy day at school yesterday and today was eighties day. Boy did that bring back memories. She couldnt believe how much hairspray we used back then. Her outfit was adorable for that, but she didnt have it all yet for the pictures.

It doesnt seem possible...

Christmas trees already. We went to our usual place to pick out a tree. We had fun but it just wasnt the same without Dave. We were a little concerned at first about getting it into the house and in the stand. But we managed, it was alot easier than expected. Took 5 minutes tops. (ok maybe 10) :-)


Katelyn and I were really the only ones looking. Chance was too busy running through the trees and looking for cool forts.


Taylor stayed in the car the whole time. I asked her why she didnt want to get out and help. Her reply..."they're trees, they all look the same". Hmmm.


The trees do make a nice background for pictures. I was really pleased with how most of them came out.


The tree was almost too big. The very tip is bent over just a bit. You cant really tell with the star on the top. That's the star Taylor made in the 4th grade. We played the Chipmunks Christmas music, ate some pizza and decorated the tree together. Now all we need is some snow. (and our favorite guy...no, I dont mean Santa)

December already?!!!

Where has the time gone? November was a blur. Did we just skip it and go straight to December? There is so much to do and if it goes by as fast as last month I'm not sure I will be able to get it all done. :-)


Our church volunteers one day each year to help ring the bells for the Salvation Army. It truly is a blessing to participate in this. The girls helped this year and really enjoyed themselves.

Can you say "crazy"?

Wow, what a day! We had a great Thanksgiving but it was a little overwhelming. 39 people for dinner and at one point 41 people total. Here is the kids table, I think a couple are missing, Chance and Jesse were too busy playing. Notice the adults at the head of the table, apparently Stacie and Sandra havent graduated from the kids table yet. :-)


The adults had a little more rooom to spread out. There were two more table that didnt make it in the picture. It was good to see all the cousins again. It would be fun to get together again, but maybe next time it should be when we all can be outside.


Poor worn out cook.



Can you tell the Jonas Brothers were playing halftime of the football game? The girls were glued.


We all have so much to be thankful for and need to remember to be thankful everyday in everything.

Picture for showcase

I think my instructor was less than thrilled when I told him this was the pic I wanted to use to showcase. When I showed him he just said hmmm. But when I asked him if that was a a bad hmmm he started stumbling on his words and asked when I took the pic, what f-stop I used, and so on. I think he was trying to find something good to say about it so he commented on how the words were in focus and how I used the rule of thirds. Then he finally said it was good but I'm not sure who he was trying to convince, him or me. He doesnt have to convince me, I already like it. Everyone in the class really liked it also. One guy even told me about a coffee shop here that displays different peoples art each month and suggested I take this and some of my others there. I'm not sure about that one, I'll have to think about that.

Dave & Shawna

When going through all the pictures on my computer I realized I am missing something very important. Pics of just me and Dave.


We went out to take pics of the moon with the clouds but it didnt really turn out. (I havent quite got the hang of that yet) So we decided to take pics of us instead. We used the timer and did alot of running back and forth. (When I say we I mean me.) Anyway, we really had a good time. It was really cold and we were out there for atleast half an hour. But it was definately worth it. Then we moved to the backyard for a few more shots. It was cold enough he finally went and got his coat also.

This weeks photo assignment...

use the macro lens (one of my favorite), manual only, do not use auto. Hmmm...I was thinking I wouldnt have anything to show the class. My first experience with manual was a completely black picture. But the more I play the more I am figuring it out. These are a few of my favorite shots so far. I'm sure I will be taking alot more through out the week though.

7 MORE DAYS!!!!!

Yay!!! Only 7 more days til Dave comes home! We are so excited we can hardly contain ourselves! This is his last R&R until he is home for good. I hope anyway. He has been talking about maybe having to go back after his year is up, depending on how the economy is. But we'll cross that road when we come to it. Right now all we care about is the time we get to spend with him.

He left the base on the convoy today. It takes him to wherever it is that he goes to wait for his flight. He will be there for a few days, then on a plane for HOME! I am still waiting for him to call me and let me know he made it ok. I was feeling pretty anxious and worried about him earlier, but we prayed for him and us in church tonight and I am feeling more peaceful now. God is faithful, our comforter, our strength and our protector. Dave is in God's loving hands and we will see him soon!!!

My first photography class.

It was really mind boggling at first. It was so much information, it was really quite overwhelming. But suddenly it clicked (hehe) things started making sense...well a little bit anyway. There is still so much to learn and so much that is still so confusing. But then he said something I really liked. "Dont take photography seriously. You will miss the shot. Think outside the box...be silly...have fun"...THAT I CAN DO!!


Today we learned about F-stop, depth of focus and depth of field. Our assingment was to take 24-36 pictures in one location. We could move our body but not our feet. And use different focus. It was kind of fun.


I finally figured out what all that other stuff on the camera was that doesnt specify sports, portrait and all that other auto stuff where the camera does it for you. I could actually set my f-stop and shudder speed.


I really had a great time and am looking forward to next Saturday. I am a little nervous about showing others my pictures though.


I like how you can get the same picture with a different perspective. I am going to have a lot of fun with this. The kids are really going to get tired of seeing the camera in their faces. At the end of the workshop he is going to take some of our best work and showcase it at the Nampa Civic Center. Oboy...no pressure!

Busted!!!

This is the look of a boy who was caught holding hands with my daughter. Hmmm. I showed up at the school a little earlier than expected, obviously.


I wonder if Dave will read this before he calls me tonight or if this is how he will find out. I wonder what he will say or think. Neither one of us are ready for this.


Dad will be home in 16 days. You better find something better than that to hide behind. :-)

Brrrr...

The first snow fall of the year and me without my camera...hmph! It was really pretty...big fluffy snowflakes...a light dusting on the gound and trees. But as beautiful as it was I still want to know...what happened to fall? Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the smells, the colors, and it being cool enough to wear my hoodies (which I love) but still not too cold for flip flops. (yep, love them to) I hope it comes back soon.

YUMMM!!!

Look at what was waiting for me on the doorstep after Bible study. These are one of my all time favorite candies. I absolutely LOVE them!! My sweet hubby had them sent to me. Thanks babe.


If I'm not careful we will have one sweet dentist bill to go along with it.

First Homecoming dance

Well, Taylor is at her first Homecoming dance tonight. I dropped her off and seen lots of boys looking very handsome in nice clothes and suits, lots of girls looking very pretty in their dresses...but nothing or no one compared to this. Isnt she beautiful?






Its not very often that Taylor wears a dress and its probably a good thing. I would have to keep the shotgun loaded 24/7. It was fun helping her get ready for tonight. Its not very often that I get to do that anymore. She is just growing up too fast. Atleast she is not hounding me for a boyfriend...yet. I'm sure its right around the corner though.

O Boy...

and I really mean o boy. I'm not even really sure where to start. There is a boy at school that Kateyln likes. It seems this boy really likes Katelyn too. He is a really nice boy. If she were old enough to date (which she's not) he would be one that I would pick. If she could have a boyfriend (which she cant) he would be a good candidate. Or maybe he is just trying to earn alot of mom points. (which he has) But still he's a boy. Can boys this age really be this nice and polite? Is he just acting like this to get on my good side? Does he have an alterior motive? AAAAHHHH!!!!! I am not ready for this.


He is a Christian boy and is not shy about it. I heard him talking to a girl who was saying she was an athiest. He gave her the what for and did not back down to her. I was really proud of him. Alot of guys his age are really shy when it comes to talking about the Lord.


He really is adorable isnt he? I think he knows it to. Oh yeah, this boy does have a name. It's Nick. Nick and Katelyn sitting in a tree...HA!! Just kidding. ;-)

Hmmm...

not thrilled about the spandex. I was excited when I first saw the uniforms and they were wearing longer shorts. But when the girls asked the coaches if they could wear the spandex I thought,no way, they wont let them, they already put out money for the shorts they have, plus it is not appropriate for girls this age, and we all know some people just shouldnt be allowed to wear spandex, EVER! But what do I know? The coaches said sure you can wear the spandex, oh and by the way your parents have to buy them. Are you kidding me?! :-O

The team is still playing well together. They have lost 3 of their games. But they played well even when they lost. In fact the best game they played was one they lost. But they looked amazing! They were setting it up almost everytime. They were spiking the ball, lots of team work.

The season is almost over. Katelyn is not sure if she wants to play basketball or not. She doesnt like to run. :-( I am really hoping she will decide to play. I LOVE BASKETBALL!! I really enjoyed watching her play last year.

tsk, tsk, tsk, the other shorts looked so much better.

Our not a revival, revival.

We had another team come and visit our church last week for a "Harvest Roundup". This team came from Texas. What an amazing week we had. The Lord was really at work. A few people came out of the week with a new relationship with the Lord and the rest of us came out revived and refreshed.

These two men in this picture, Jerry Golden and Gail Graves, will always hold a very special place in my heart. When I was 7 Jerry came from Texas to our little town and did a revival. My mom, sister and I were all saved during that week. Gail was our Pastor at that time and he is the one who baptized us. I have seen these two off and on throughout the years but I always enjoy seeing them again.




There were several activities for everyone. The women had a conference Friday and Saturday. Brenda (the one wearing glasses) led the conference. Debra (she stayed with me) shared her testimony. She is an amazing person with a powerful testimony. There was not a dry eye when she was done.


The women also had a tea party with quiche, scones and lots of other goodies Saturday morning. It was so inviting Pastor couldnt stay away. ;-) I caught him sneeking some of the goodies.

Of course it is alway good to see Lon again and listen to him play and sing. He sang Watch the Lamb. Again not a dry eye when he was done. He said he missed coming to our church and was tempted to come back. He is looking forward to another ride on Daves motorcyle.