CrAzY??

That's right - I'm crazy!!! Crazy in love with these little sweeties!!!





Chandler is such a little man. So much fun!!!



We would try to get Rainey to say "gobble,gobble" and she would say "gobby,gobby". So sweet!!

Thanksgiving

We had a blessed Thanksgiving even though we were all scattered. Robert headed to see his mom on Wednesday and Steven went on Tuesday to see his family. Kylie had to work so I decided to stay here so she wouldn't be alone. We weren't sure whether or not Austin would be able to come home due to his work schedule but as it turned out he did come in on Wednesday evening. Since it was the in-laws year Britni and her family were going to be out there. The grandkids and their mom came in Wednesday afternoon with Kylie so I got to visit with them. I didn't set up my Christmas village last year since Rainey was just toddling but Chandler has always had so much fun with it that I decided to set it up this year. When they arrived Chandler was pretty excited because I always let him play in the "snow" with his cars.



Rainey was amazed.




She would bend down and look in the houses to see if anyone was there. Chandler headed to the toy closet to get his cars and then he and Rainey set to work rearranging the village. And rearrange - they did!!!



By the time they left on Saturday there was snow everywhere!!! I had wisemen in the library and baby Jesus on the ice skating pond. There were 18 wheelers backed up to the church. I had snow drifts completely covering street lights and blocking the entrance to the inn - no wonder there was "no room" there.









On Thanksgiving day it was just Kylie, Austin and I. Britni, Chuck and children came over later that night to watch the Aggies and spend the night. On Friday Kylie and I took family pics of Chuck, Britni, Chandler and Rainey for Christmas cards and such. We each took about 250 pics so hopefully there will be a couple of good ones. Thank goodness for digital cameras - just trash the bad ones. :) Here are a few of my favorites.









Kylie headed home on Friday evening. Steven was headed home from his parents and Kylie would have to go in to work again this evening. Britni and her family headed home Saturday afternoon to get ready for teaching a Sunday school class on Sunday and school on Monday. Austin headed out today (Sunday). It poured rain on him for about an hour and a half and there was tons of traffic so he decided to go to Britni's for a few hours and then spend the night with a friend. He will head out again in the morning.



It is always a great time when family is around. It is so quiet when they all leave and I have to adjust to that again. But in a few short weeks - hopefully they will all be back for Christmas.

Number 1

The # 1 thing that I am thankful for is my salvation. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Things I am thankful for . . .#2

The #2 thing I am thankful for is my husband of 29 1/2 years. He has been my confidant, shoulder to cry on, a good ear when I get on a roll and wonderful father to our 3 precious children and grandfather to our grandbabies!! He takes care of business and is a man of integrity. He was wondering if he would make the top ten. :) I love you, Honey!!

Number three

The #3 thing I am thankful for are my children, Britni, Kylie and Austin. God truly blessed us with each one of you.


You all have brought so much pure joy to my life. I am so very proud of each one of you!!!


I have loved each stage of your life - yes even the not so fun parts.


And I have loved every minute of being your mom!!!

Number 4

The #4 thing I am thankful for . . .grandchildren!!! Grandchildren are absolute angels sent straight from God!!! Time spent with them is never long enough!! The grandparents club is the best club I have ever joined.

#5

The #5 thing I am thankful for - my 2 sons-in-law. I am soooo thankful that God sent mates for my daughters who honor, cherish and protect them. But most of all - husbands who truly love my girls.

Britni and Chuck - married 7 years

Steven and Kylie - married a year and a half

Nonna's Christmas Giveaway.

My friend, Patti over at Nonna's news is having a Christmas Giveaway. She is giving away a wonderful Christmas In The Country cookbook from Gooseberry Patch!(value $16.95) This cookbook is no longer available until next year, so anyone would be lucky for a chance to win it. This wonderful cookbook is full of family recipes,merry gifts from the kitchen and sweet holiday memories to celebrate the simple joys of the season. On Sunday, November 29 Patti will announce the winner. What a fun way to start the season.

. . .and # 6

The #6 thing I am thankful for . . .Christian parents - Billie Jim and Ileta - who took me to church, helped guide me throughout my life and taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. They taught me to have good Christian morals and to rely on God. And I miss them terribly - especially during the holiday season. Mother loved this time of the year and the true meaning for the season and they both loved having their family around!!

Happy Birthday, Kylie!!

Happy Birthday to our sweet baby girl!! I hope you have an awesome day. God blessed us big time when he sent us YOU!! Can't wait to see you this weekend. We love you so much!!!

Number 7

The #7 thing I am thankful for . . .brothers and sisters. No - not the TV show!! :) I have 2 sisters, Ann and Barbara and 2 brothers, Steve and Jim. We have always been super close and truly enjoy being with each. Who else can you count on to wake you up at the crack of dawn on your 50th birthday banging on pots and pans??!! God blessed me with the best family. I also had/have wonderful aunts and uncles who have been great influences in my life. I thank God for having such a closeknit family.

Number 8

The #8 thing I am thankful for are my friends. God has put such wonderful people in my path who have turned out to be great friends. During the first several years that we were married, Robert was a coach and we have lived in several different places. In each town, God has put good Christian friends in our path and that has made each place really special.


A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift.
A friend is someone we treasure for our friendship is a gift.
A friend is someone who fills our lives with beauty, joy and grace.
And makes the whole world we live in a better and happier place.

Number 9

The #9 thing I am thankful for is my home. I am so blessed to have a cozy home. So many people don't even have a decent roof to sleep under each night.
I love our huge yard - especially when the kids are all home and tossing a football around or playing basketball.

I love our big covered back porch especially when my brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, children, grandchildren, other family and friends are sitting out their visiting. I love my porch swing - especially when there is a grandchild on each side of me swinging.

My porch overlooks the swimming pool and I love hearing the squeals of delight when the children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces are all splashing around in the pool.


I hope I never take for granted the things God has blessed me with in my life.

Top 10 things I am thankful for . . .#10

#10-I am thankful for my job. I am blessed with an awsome principal and some great co-workers. The best part is that I get to teach children everyday and hopefully make a difference!!

Family!!

We had a family reunion this weekend. It is always fun getting together. These are the last 2 brothers and there is 1 sister who didn't make it to the reunion.

The eldest . . .



. . . and the youngest.



The sweet . . .



. . . and the silly. :) Good pic to save for Dylan's senior slide show!!



There were lots of little ones and someone brought Legos. Chandler was so excited. They played with Legos for a while and then they played outside.






I can't imagine the knowledge coming from this group of cousins/brothers/etc.



And look at these little cuties!



Afterward we went to my brother and sister-in-law's house and visited a little longer. This is a pic of my 2 sisters and 1 brother. My other brother didn't come to the reunion.



Me and my girls!!



Until next year!