Christmas lights!

Tonight we took a stroll down the riverwalk since it was such a BEAUTIFUL evening to look at the lights...70 degrees still at 7:45 p.m. The kids enjoyed all the lights and on the way home we went through downtown and I caught this picture on Franklin Street.

I survived!

It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I ended up moving the location due to unforeseen circumstances but it worked out...I think. I am VERY SURE I didn't have the lights set up correctly to high and I know the left light was just too far away. Anyhow they are better than Walmart's pics right?! Here is one of our boys that Bill took. Cole actually didn't cry. Can you believe that? P didn't want to sit on his lap, but wouldn't stand still so I put him up there anyway and this was the "look" I got. It was almost like he was frozen. LOL I am really bummed that the christmas tree lights didn't show up better. See it was those darn lights that I DON'T know how too use. All I know is Kerrie can have those lights back ASAP...I'll stick to natural light. Oh and I did get a mom wanting me to take pics next weekend of her daughter's christening. Not sure if I'll do that though.

Anway, I survived, pics are downloaded. I've picked out the keepers got rid of the yucky ones, and my tree is up and redecorated yet again. All is well here...nighty night!

It's finally here...

the day to take Santa photos. I'm not exactly sure WHY I volunteered to do this, but I didn't even think for a minute about whether I should or shouldn't do it when I got the email about needing a photographer for the party. So today is the day and I've been working diligently to make sure everything is PERFECT! Yes, I am a perfectionist. So here is a photo of some of the paperwork I've been working on. Bill also helped me out to make a sign in sheet with Excel...thanks honey. I am going for the professional look...did I accomplish that? I also going to FAKE confidence in my work BIG TIME tonight...hopefully! LOL Who knows maybe this will lead me to a "new" venture in my life. Oh and by the way I am volunteering for this and am in NO WAY getting paid for this...silly or what, huh? I got my Uppercase Living order yesterday and had to put 2 of the 3 up. This is a Welcome sign in copper on our front door...LOVE IT. We also put one above our bed, but our room is in no shape to take a picture of now, maybe tomorrow or next week. Check out their stuff at www.uppercaseliving.com and I might be having a party in January or February if you want to place an order. :)
A pic of the pile of "stuff" I have to take with me this afternoon. This pile DOES NOT include the tree, the 8 x10 area rug, or the photo lights that are already in the van. Oh yeah and my camera is missing from the bag because I was taking the pic and it's still right next to me. NOTE TO SELF: put the camera back in the bag ASAP. That would stink BIG TIME!
So be thinking of me this afternoon/evening and maybe say a little prayer for my patience. Thanks! A~

To my sister...

Happy 2oth Birthday Jennie!

We hope you enjoy your special day. We're thinking of you and LOVE you lots.

All our love,

Bill, Mandy, Parker, and Cole

Random photos

My roses...so beautiful! Loving there beauty as I pass in and out of the kitchen throughout the day. Our tree. This year we decided to put it here instead of in the front of the window. I can't handle how much light it blocks during the day...the winter is gloomy enough. So this works just as well. The presents all wrapped are just "faux" presents for the Moms Club Santa photos I'll be taking Saturday. We'll be using our tree, the presents, and our area rug. I'm praying that everything will look AWESOME and the pictures will go smoothly.
The "slightly baked" wreath on our front door. It was between the doors until I realized I was baking it in the sun and warm temps, so I moved it to the screen door.

Cupcakes!

We got around to making the cupcakes today instead of yesterday. P had a blast...loves to help. I took this pick after he licked the "green sugar" sprinkles off the top. He wasn't too sure about it but still ate it. Coley eating his cupcake.
Such a busy week. Lots of lists happening. I have 4 going right now. Ughh. It'll be so much better after Saturday is over. I'm kind of dreading the Santa pictures that I volunteered to take for Moms Club. It'll go smooth...I hope.

I have in my busyness taught myself how to knit this past weekend. It wasn't good at first as I was ALL THUMBS and I got frustrated very easily as what I was reading wasn't clicking. AT ALL. So then I got some bamboo needles and wool at Hobby Lobby Saturday. With a fresh mind and my new supplies I got it. I have to say that even my hubby gave it a try and I'm happy to say he got just as frustrated as I did in the beginning. He was really trying to show me up. lol My hubby is jack of all trades but sorry to say knitting isn't one of them. LOL Now decorating cakes...he's up there.

Speaking of my hubby, he was such a sweetie and brought home a dozen red roses for me today along with a card. I cried of course. My day was good and he made it GREAT. I love him.

Off to wrap some presents and mark things off of my to do list. :)

My little baker boy!

Unpacking the christmas decorations last week ,we came upon this apron and hat that I purchased at the after christmas sale last year. P couldn't wait to wear it and bake some cookies. So on Friday after a trip to the store we came home and made some chocolate chip cookes...yummy. Not only did P help make them but he actually was eating the cookie dough as well. That is BIG! Thank goodness these cookies were only for us, as his little fingers were in and out of the bowl many many times. He wouldn't try a cookie, but the baby steps he took are just as good. Today he woke up and first thing asked if we could make cupcakes. So we'll make another trip to the store and then make some cupcakes this afternoon. Saturday we went to a parade downtown to welcome Santa. It was the boys' first parade and I didn't get a really good pic of either of them. They both had a blast though with all the christmas lights. P loved the firetrucks and the motorcycles. Cole just really wanted to walk in the street and visit with everyone.

We have a VERY BUSY week ahead filled with LOTS of Moms Club activities. I can't wait til next Sunday...it will all be over.