Other Christmas Celebrations

The kids all had their parties Friday before the early release for the holidays. I shuffled around to all 3 rooms during the hour, trying to be a part of each one. I love this shirt Vanson's teacher gave him.... she had one for each kid decorated with their favorite things, the meaning of their name and a scripture to go with it. So cute!!






Then, this weekend, we went to Austin for Christmas with Gram (Greg's mom). We enjoyed a few hours of play time at her home, then took her shopping for a gift. After that, we met up with one of Greg's brothers (Mike), his wife Alice, his sister Tracy and her girls for a pizza dinner before driving back. Fun filled day!

Christmas Program at the kids' school

This year, they did a play and Autumn got the lead role as Gramy who tells the story of Jesus' birth to the orphans (all the other kids) at her feet. Shannen also sang a solo in it. Mom and Mike drove in from Woodville and surprised the kids. It was a great night and we were so proud of them!!

Baylor Game!

Today we got a special treat- some friends of ours gave us tickets to the game (Thx W & K!!) We sat mid court front row!! Great game! Afterwards, we visited the real Bears on the beautiful Baylor campus! fun afternoon!!

My Birthday Treat!!!

Today I cashed in my gift from Greg. My friend Tracy went with me to the spa for a body massage and manicure!!

We left all relaxed and with pretty nails- what a treat! Thanks honey!!! Love you!!

My New Camera!!

For my birthday gift, I got a new digital camera. While I love my Canon Rebel, I wanted something easy to use and compact enough to have in my purse ALL the time and a rechargeable battery so I didn't have to carry heavy double A's around everywhere I went! I wanted it under $200 in a cool color.. this one came in about 6 and I got a cool bronzey brown color. I got a Canon Power Shot digital ELPH and I love it!!! its been so much fun already. We played with it as Tristan napped on my lap yesterday with all these cool effects below.





Here is our Christmas tree and the few gifts done in BW and green.




























This is me in my birthday gift from the kids taken with BW and red only- they insist i wear it everytime I go in the kitchen... so funny.

this one is with all color gone except the pinks... and then greens

This one was taken in sepia tone which I've always loved!! also wide angle which is great for large families.. not so great for me alone :) And the close up below under my 40th birthday post of the eye is on the macro feature for super close ups....Anyway, I just love the camera and wanted to share!! forgive the boredom....

New Family Photo

We shot a few family photos today. During one, our cat, OREO, wandered into the vacinity, so I picked him up to get him in. He is strictly an outdoor cat and does Not appreciate being held, as you can see.... he was freaking out!

Amanda turns 40

yes, as hard as it is to believe, the day has arrived.... although, as hard a time as my family is having believing it, I am almost convinced there has been a miscalculation somewhere and I may not be that old after all :)

I am excited to be here and am thankful for all the blessings I have in life!! I got this cute little santa apron from the kids, a new camera from everyone, tons of cards in the mail from family and friends (my favorite sings "Brick House" to me when I open it!), and $ to spend too!! See, blessed, indeed. I feel great and am looking forward to 40 more!

The Polar Express

Last night, in honor of my birthday, we took the kids for a ride on the Polar Express!! www.texasstaterailroad.com if you haven't heard of it. It was so much fun. It was an hour train ride, half getting to the North Pole and half coming back. The ride was complete with hot chocolate and crazy "waiters" in chef hats dancing around entertaining us as we read along to the story. We kept it a surprise until we were parking at the depot so the kids were so thrilled to find out!! It was lots of fun, but they are already asking about returning!!

Marshmallows, Friends, & hay...

Sat. after Thanksgiving, the kids all invited a friend over for smores and a hayride. The kids all had a ball as we tried to stay warm that night!!

Decorating the tree

This year, Greg was on vacation so we spent Friday decorating the house and tree. The kids did most of the tree work this year once we got the lights on.. that was nice! And it was nice to avoid Black Friday shopping like my friends :) We were at home stress free....