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.